OKAUIA.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 75, 28 March 1918, Page 3

OKAUIA.

FARMERS’ UNION MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Okauia branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Monday, when there were present Messrs Whyte, Jones, Barton, Ansting, Short, Hopkins, Sutherland, Fogerty, and Williamson. Two new members, Messrs Bell and Curtis, were elected members, A letter from Mr A. Harris M.P. for Waitemata, replying to a request for information with regard to the guano deposits on Nauru Island was read, and the following remit for the annual conference was prepared: viz. That it is desirable that the New Zealand Government should urge the Imperial Government to permanently secure control of Nauru Island on account of the valuable deposits of guano it possesses. . It was decided to ask Mr MoAlpine to support this remit. A- letter from the chief postmaster was read, stating that, at the tender offered, a rural delivery could not be inaugurated, unless the settlers were prepared to pay £2O towards the expenses. It was resolved to leave the settlement of this matter with Mr Sutherland. Mr Whyte > presented an account of the Morrinsville meet ing, and after it had been read he stated that the Sub-Provincial District Executive had pledged its support to the petition re Mr Larsen. SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. The Sunday school picnic was held on Tuesday at Mr 0. Garland’s Crystal springs. Favored with glorious weather practically the whole population assembled and spent a delightful day in watching or participating in the sports and games, which were held in the adjoining paddock. Much interest and enjoyment were evoked by the races in which every child was awarded a prize ; and not the least amusing was the married men’s race. The Sunday school prizes were presented by Rev. Jackson, of Matamata ; and Mr Richards, of Matamata, in a speoch complimented Mrs Sutherland, the Sunday School Superintendent, and her helpers, for whom hearty cheers were given. A feature of very great interest was provided in the swimming races for boys and for girls in Mr Garland’s large swimming bath, the prizes being presented by Mr Garland, to whom a hearty vote of thanks was offered for the use of his baths and grounds.