PAPATOETOE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 452, 29 July 1919, Page 2

PAPATOETOE.

OVERHEAD BRIDGE. Excellent progress has been made with the construction of the Papatoetoe overhead bridge during the past six weeks. The foundations, trestles, and steel skeleton of the arch, etc., are all in order. The main spin is ■">B feet, and those over the road crossings 25 feet, and it is considered that although there are only six men employed the work will be completed in a month's time A new concrete bridge is being built lower down, at the road crossing, one side of the supports being up, but the other is delayed because the concreting materials have not come to hand owing to the restrictions in haulage over the railways.

BOY SCOUTS. The Papatoetoe Boy Scouts, le by Mr. P. C. Calkin, are a very valuable squad, they having assisted in no less than 43 patriotic affairs during the war, and this with practically no financial assistance. Each boy pays Is a week, or £2 12s. a year for tuition, which is very low as compared with what is paid for musical and other tuition, but nevertheless represents a considerable sum to each lad. What is wanted is some form of entertainment, or public subscription to the funds, for there can be no question that the discipline and code of honour instilled into the Sc.mts must assist materially in improving the manhood of the nation.

A PIONEER. Strolling round Papatoetoe the Times man meets interesting personalities, among whom is Mr. Geo. Thomas, a veteran 80 years of age. Mr. Thomas came to New Zealand in 1 S.V.), having the small sum of £1 in his pocket, but by his own energy, thrift, and good management he has reached independence. He can boast of over twelve of a family, all of whom aro marriod ; also forty grandchildren. Mr. Thomas is still hala and hearty, and possesses a good set of natural teeth, never having had need for any false ones.