PATUMAHOE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 239, 5 January 1917, Page 1

PATUMAHOE

The Muuku Presbyterians are forfunate in having such a capable organist and choirmaster as Mr H D Somerville. who for over 20 years was conductor and organist of one of the largest churches in Auckland. Such a man is a decided asset to any community and it was not surprising that ho was asked to repeat the special musical service given by his choir,, consisting of 60 voices, at Mauku on December 17th, which was accordingly rendered on Sunday the 31st December, when there was a large and appreciative congregation.

Christmas weather was unseasonable for haymaking many of the crops having to be shaken out again and as the result of the heavy rains being only fit for manure. Despite this, farmers are generally enjoying great prosperity. The country around is looking well. There is.an abundance of feed for fattening stock, for which there is an ever increasing demand. The Patumahoe school, as the result of a visit by the members for the district of tffe Education Board, viz., Messrs J. Boddie and W. Auld, is at last to receive attention. The committee are advised that a long withheld balance of a grant for clearing the school ground of pine trees and for grassing has been paid to the Committee's Account at the Bank and that the Board's architect will carry out a visit of inspection to the school at an early date. It is anticipated that the plans specifications for the additions, which the committee have for some time sub-; mitted, will be passed at an early date.

Patumahoe residents have been enlivened during the holidays by motors and of various means of locomotion passing through en route to the many beaches in the vicinity. The White Cliffs, which is only a few. miles from Patumahoe, has been the favourite resort.

After the harvest, camping out parties from Patumahoe, Puni, and the surrounding districts commence their annual seaside visits and there is little doubt that the beaches .will be well patronised. Every endeavour is being made to expedite the erection of Patumahoe railway station and it is interesting to note that 400 tons of Agricultural lime has already been booked by Messrs P. Henry & Son, thejocaj agents for Wilson Cement Co., for delivery in March, by which time it is confidently expected the line will be taken over by the Railway Department. In the meantime representations have been made to the Public Works Department for arrangements for the running of trucks on the ballast train for the conveyance of manures, agricultural re quiremonts and produce.