MOKAI.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 41, 31 July 1924, Page 3

MOKAI.

SPORTS. Neither the football team nor the hockey team has had a chance lately to distinguish itself, but there is a likelihood of one or two matches for each team at an early date, and players have taken full advantage of the recent bright weather to practice assiduously. MUSICAL. A few of the local people are endeavouring to form a Glee Club, and are practising for an entertainment which is expected to be given at no distant date. Such a club makes for the betterment of the social life of a district, and it is to be hoped that the effort will meet with the success it deserves. SCHOLASTIC. Mr. J. W. Hardy, inspector of schools, visited the Mokai school on June 17, and reported on the school buildings as follows: “ At the present time there are 83 pupils attending this school, and I think something: should be done to give them at least some measure of comfort during the winter months. “ The infant teacher, Miss Chalmers, informed me that the roof leaks very badly when it rains . “’The porch attached to the school is far too small for so large a number to hang their hats and coats, and the small window of this apartment has no glass in it to prevent the rain streaming in on the children’s coats and hats. There is no hand-basin for the pupils when they require to use

<1 The girls’ convenience should have something to break the view from the surrounding houses. As it stands it is quite exposed. “ I understand the board pays 17s 6d per week for this building, and I think something could be done to improve matters.” With reference to the porch mentioned in Mr. Hardy’s report, it is 3yds long by Iyd wide, and has to serve for 43 children, and it has no floor. The building used as a school is not at all adapted for the purpose. It is native property, and the rental is £1 per week, not 17s 6d. The native owners refuse to expend any money in improving the buildings. There is no playground in connection with the school. Mr. Hardy’s report will be considered by the School Committee at an early date, and probably the committee will again ask that an up-to-date school building be erected. ACCIDENTS. Three accidents have occurred recently. Mr. W. Kellow, the popular guard of the T.T.T. Co.’s train, had his hand crushed while performing shunting operations. The district nurse attended to the sufferer, but it was necessary for Mr. Kellow to go to Rotorua, where it was found that some small bones had been broken. It will probably be some time before Mr. Kellow can resume work. Mr. Wilfred Gillibrand had his foot crushed by a falling piece of sawn timber, and Mr. W. Arnold severely injured his hand. Both these sufferers are being well looked after by the district nurse.

On Saturday, July 19, the representatives of the local Rugby subunion met Rotorua representatives at Taupo. After a hard-fought game Rotorua were victorious by 10 points to 6.

The Mokai ladies’ hockey team travelled by bus to Tokaanu last Saturday and played a cup game against the Tongariro team, who proved a little too good, winning a hard game by 2 goals to 0. The home team provided entertainments in the evening for members of the visiting team, who returned to Mokai the following day.

Hard frosts at night followed by fine warm days have been the rule lately. Consequently not much time has been lost by outdoor workers.