HOT SPRINGS LOCALITY

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 April 1920, Page 3

HOT SPRINGS LOCALITY

IiKUWINU POPULARITY (From a Correspondent) The Easter holidays are now over and done with, but a good number of visitors still remain at the various boarding-houses, taking the baths, playing games, or having a quiet rest from the bustle and hurry of every-day life. The Easter season must have seen a record number of visitors to the springs, and the boarding-houses have every reason for congratulation on the large crowds of holiday-makers they catered for, and the manner in which they satisfied and pleased everyone. The accommodation at the Springs is deservedly praised by all who are fortunate enough to stay out there, and the proprietors and staffs of the various houses go out of their way to see to the comfort of their guests. The Easter rush fully taxed all the houses, and there is a prospect of at least one more boardinghouse going up in the near future. Building in the Springs vicinity is gradually increasing. Mr. H. Aitkenhead's fine modern residence is now complete, and with electric light plant installed looks most up-to-date. Facing the main road also, Mrs. Goad's new residence is rapidly nearing completion, and will be a nice addition to the row of wellbuilt dwellings. Yet another dwelling is contemplated beyond Parakai House, where Mr. H. Aitkenhead has completed the sale of an acre section to Mr. T. Baster, of Auckland. Mr. Baster intends to erect an up-to-date residence on the property at an early date. A building not quite in keeping with the rest of the structures is the Parakai Hall. The hall is comparatively new, but to bring it into aristocratic line with the rest of the community, a general renovation in the direction of painting, clearing up round about, and lining inside (if possible) wants to take place. The hall was used twice during Easter for dances, and the committee should see to it that more socials are held there this winter than has been the case of late years. Referring to the dances, two very enjoyable functions, promoted by visitors, were held in the hall on Easter Saturday and Monday nights. The hall was crowded on both occasions, and those who attended spent a very pleasant time. Supper wag provided, and volunteer pianists were responsible for the dance music. After paying expenses, the proceeds (£4 17s 8d) were handed to Mr. H. Aitkenhend, who was authorised to purchase a seat for the Domain grounds. By the way, a similar amount raised by visitors at a dance on Labour Might was donated towards a seat for the Domain, but so far that seat has not eventuated. It would be a good idea to pet them both placed in the grounds by the next holiday—King's Birthday, I suppose. The Domain grounds were looking very well during Easter, and crowds i of people—both visitors and local— ! took advantage of the beautiful weai ther to stroll through the grounds j or indulge in tennis, bowling or croi quet. A record number of tennis I tickets were sold—about 400, I am ' told —and on Good Friday especially j a number of players were waiting at I various times for courts. The courts | are in fairly good order, thanks tc j the plentiful rains experienced. The wire-netting is a bit loose, and requires pegging down. The bowling | greens were also well patronised i and some very keen games were j played. The greens are playing fair!ly well, but arc not, of course j " Devonports " or '' Rocky Nooks." i Credit must be extended to th< | taxi and bus services from Helens ; ville to the Springs, The drivers o: the various cars ?U"e politeness per j sonified, nnd nothing is too mucl I trouble to them. The benzine prob 1 lem was apparently solved durinj ; the holidays, as a very large numbe \ of motor-cars and motor-cycles wen lin evidence. Given a good metalle< | road from Auckland to Helensville j there is no limit to the number o cars that would visit up here durinj | holidays and week-ends. i The announcement that the Wai ; temata Council is to build a whar : at the Springs Creek —near the en< ; of the road pas~t Hinemoa House—i i of much interest to the Spring • vicinity, and will greatly add to th : enjoyment of visitors in one wai ; viz., the institution of launch trip : down the river to Shelly Beach an i points of interest on the Kaipar; '' A good chance awaits an enterpri; : ing man to run an up-to-date pie? : sure launch in the near future.