ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 564, 3 May 1913, Page 5

ARIA.

Own Correspondent,

On Friday evening of last week a very enjoyable dance was held in the Aria Hall, got up by the Territorials of the district. About 40 were present, and Mr F. Mayne acted as an efficient M.C. Dancing wis kept up until the early hours of the morning. Light refreshments were provided. During an interval the Rev. Mr Armstrong rendered a comic recitation in real good style, necessitating a repetition. The weather of late has been open and beautful, rather too much so, for tanks and springs are getting low. A good twenty-four hours' downpour would be heartily weclomed, providing frosts did not follow. The roads are in perfect condition, and a great contrast to what they were twelve months ago. The Totoro and Potaka roads are now being metalled in a substantial way and will prove a great boon to the settlers, especially those taking cream to the factory, and those requiring timber from Cameron and Jensen's sawmill, which is now one and a half miles from the factory on the Totoro road. THE SEASONS' DAIRYING.

The dairy season has been a good one and the output about double that of the previous year, resulting in the necessity of additions to the factory. An excellent article is provided by the manager, Mr McDonald, which is in great demand. As one drives through the district good strikes of turnips and grass are to be seen on bush burns, and also excellent crops of turnips are to he seen on several cultivated sections. As time goes on the growing of winter fodder will receive still greater attention, resulting in the carrying of increased flocks of sheep and herds of cows.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING. On Monday evening last the annual meeting of householders in the Aria school district, which also includes the Kaeaea school, was held. There was a fair which certainly might have Ut on batter. The balancesheet for the past year showed a credit of £2 2b Gd. It was reported that the opening of the side schools, now being built, would affect seriously the attendance of the Aria school, which lately had been well filled. A speaker exhorted to take all they could out of the school. Often a good education was tha only legacy a great many people could hand down to their children, and it was never a burden to carry. The system in vogue gave great possibilities, especially when the school was in charge of so zealous s teacher as was at present in charge. Nor should it be forgotten that good attendance and interest shown, was no loss to the teacher, for it gave him encouragement. When bad weather set in many would be prevented from attending regularly, but during the whole of this year bo far there had been no excuse.

Nine nominations were received, and a ballot resulted in Messrs Collins, Dollimore, Finnigan, Nelson, Petrie, C. J. Riddle and A. Smith being elected as a committee. Mr Nelson was again chosen chairman and Mr Petrie secretary. It was resolved by the new committee that Mr Williamson supply the winter wood for the school.

The master expressed a wish for the purpose of beautifying the school grounds and teaching some little elementary agriculture; that a part of the ground be fenced off and trees planted and plots made. The committee welcomed the suggestion; and material for the fence was given, and authority to purchase tools. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting. It is with regret we chronicle the death of Ratima Pekamu, a much respected Maori resident of Aria. He did not belong to rangatira rank, vet was looked up to for guidance and advice by all the natives on account of his ability and education. He possessed a shrewd, keen intellect, which was always at the disposal of his friends. His kindness of heart made him many friends among the white population, who regret his early death.