LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 368, 11 December 1930, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The side roads of Putaruru have been ''signposted, giving the weight classification thereof.

Rev: A. C. Hampton, of Matamata, was the preacher at the Putaruru Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening. There was a large congregation. Mr. J. Howie was ordained as an elder of the church.

Mr. Hitchcock, of the Matamata branch of the bank of Australasia, has received notice of his transfer to Temuka. He will be replaced by Mr. Abernethy, who is now in Matamata.

•A regrettably-small audience attended the Putaruru Dramatic Club’s second performance of the comedy “ Not My Wife.” The proceeds were in aid of the Tennis Club’s funds. The play was enthusiastically received by those present.

Messrs. W. W. ,Livingstone and C. Green, of the Matamata Acclimatisation Society, cleared out a shag rookery on the Waihou river near Mr. Ring’s property, between Hinuera and Okoroire, last week. These two sportsmen accounted for over 30 shags, including young birds on the nest about to fly. The Putaruru Anglican Choir visited Tirau on Sunday evening and led the Anglican service. There was a large congregation. The service was conducted by Rev. E. H. Atkey, assisted by Mr. S. J. Parker. The choir sang the anthem “ The Strain Upraise of Joy and Praise.” Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald entertained the visitors to supper. Visitors to the Putaruru school are struck by the enlarged copy of the school badge that is exhibited in the main corridor. The motto of the school is “ Offer Your Best,” and above it are drawings of an owl (“ Putaruru ” meaning the home of the owl), an arrow (signifying high endeavour) and a Maltese cross (the cross of St. John, whose followers banded to serve). Forecasting a higher rate on overdrafts, Mr. F. W. Seifert, chairman of the Morrinsville Rural Credit Association, remarked at the annual meeting that most farmers would have money to pay to the bank next March, and he supposed it would not be at the rate of 6s per cent as in the past. The association’s charge of 6a per cent was very low considering the practice of other lending institutions. The Putaruru Dramatic Club scored a distinct success last week in Matamata, when members made their second appearance in the town, this time with the comedy “ Not My Wife.” Owing to the number of counter attractions held recently the attendance was not as big- as was expected, but the Putaruru and Matamata Anglican Churches will benefit as the result of the visit. The comedy was produced by Mr. Jim Rolfe, who has had great experience with the late Bland Holt, and who took the leading part. The supports were good, and those who attended experienced a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The intention of this company is to shortly produce the well-known and evergreen comedy “ Charlie’s Aunt.” “ As false and fickle as ’tis fair.” — Heber. Winter is certainly now past, but the weather is ever a fickle jade, changing with startling suddenness. You will find that coughs and colds are still prevalent, and that the soothing and relieving properties of that fine old specific, Baxter’s Lung Preserver, are still in great demand. “Baxter’s” also acts as a wonderful tonic. Now obtainable at all chemists and stores, with a new screw cap which preserves the contents. The large family size bottle at 4s 6d is the most economical. ' Smaller sizes 2s 6d and Is 6d.

The Putaruru Chamber of Commerce decided at its December meeting to donate £2 10s towards the cemetery improvement fund. At a meeting of the Putaruru Library Committee held on Friday evening, it was decided to purchase approximately £S worth ot new books. Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P., passed through Putaruru on Monday on his return to Rotorua. Mr. Clinkard’s health has shown a steady improvement. The following pupils of the Putaruru District High School have bee:* granted free places: Ita Lopdell, Jean Lopdell, Muriel Nixon, Carlie Scott, Nellie Snedden, Winifred Baldwin. The question of a landing- ground for aeroplanes was again before the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce at the December meeting. After a desultory discussion it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of Messrs. L. C. M. Wilson and J. M. Spear. The decision to defer the matter of securing a continuous telephone service for Putaruru was arrived at at the December meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce. It was also decided to hand the district petitions to the local branch of the Farmers’ Union for their assistance. In connection with the question of the, half holiday to be observed in Putaruru in Christmas week, the ■Shops and Offices Act provides that where there are two whole holidays in the one week a half holiday need not be observed. Only one late shopping night, however, can be observed. At the December meeting of the Putaruru District High School Committee the headmaster (Mr. R. G. Hutton) was asked to accept and convey to the teachers seasonal greetings and the committee’s thanks for their co-operation during the year.

< The Putaruru District High School Committee was informed at the December meeting that owing - to the financial stringency the Education Department could not see its way clear to purchase more land for the school as requested by the committee.

At the Putaruru Police Court on Tuesday, before Messrs. T. F. Snell and H. J. W. Scott, J.’s P., Donald McLean pleaded guilty to charges of using obscene language and drunkenness. On the first charge he was convicted and fined £o, in default three months’ imprisonment. On the second charge lie was convicted and discharged.

Constable Connor, of Matamata, has ajibeautiful specimen of the Himalayan poppy growing in his garden. This rare plant was brought back Dy one of the recent expeditions to India and has a mos+ ovnuisite blue flower. So far as is known cmnstaDle Connor’s specimen is the only one in the district and it is thriving in a remarkable manner.

The Minister of Railways (Hon. W. A. VeitcK) has advised the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce that his department is prepared to allow the Government trucks to run over the Taupo Totara Timber Company’s line as far as Lichfield. The chairman (Mr. J. M. Spear) said the information was extremely gratifying. It was decided to send a copy of the letter to the Matamata county engineer (Mr. M. E. Fitzgerald).

A brief discussion on the matter of the Christmas holidays to be observed in Putaruru by business people took place at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce held on Monday evening. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. R. E. Taylor, that a deputation consisting of the mover and Mr. C. C. Neal wait on the Town Board at its December meeting relative to the matter. It was generally thought that the half-holiday in Christmas week should be observed on the Monday.

A sale of work will be held in the Presbyterian Hall to-morrow, Friday, 12th, in aid of the hall debt extinction fund. There will be plain and fancy produce, sweet and jumble stalls, a bran tub and a Christmas stocking. Afternoon tea and ice cream will be obtainable. Sale begins at 11 a.m. Official opening- at 2 p.m.*