HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9097, 17 March 1908, Page 5

HALCOMBE.

From Our Own Correspondent,

I was pleased to learn that Mrs Williams, together with Mrs Murphy’s little girl, both of whom sustained broken legs'as the result of the trap accident, are progressing as favourably as can be expected. Mr Murphy arrived from the back blocks on Friday to find his little daughter crippled and his wife badly bruised and naturally questioned the wisdom of wornem driving, and trusting themselves and little ones behind-strange horses. Being present at the opening of Feilding’s splendid Technical School, I was again reminded that it is my duty to do my little best to fill its class rooms with students, who should realise that knowledge is power and that its possession affords the possessor continuous pleasure as well as profit. Not only is this the case but such knowledge obtained byour youth must result in the general welfare of our Dominion. Most heartily do I wish success to the institution, and that I could infuse into our hoys and girls some of the yearning that possesses an old man to know more, to get more light npon a vast variety of subjects, so that the outlook and the area of life’s few remaining pleasures may be extended up to and beyond the boundary of the present border land.

Our Primitive Methodists held another of their successful Harvest Festival gatherings on the 9th inst., over which Mr R. Linton (Halcombo grand old man) presided. Having delivered an address of welcome and encouragement, he introduced the following interesting programme : Duet, Miss E. Clover and Rev. Myers; address, Rev. Walker; song. Miss O. Morrison; address, Rev. Myers.

A Dutch auction followed. The church was tastefully decorated with the fruits and flowers from field and garden. I was delighted to see two sets of wickets in use in the Recreation Ground on Saturday. The first was employed by the Stanway and Halconibe school boys, the former winning the match by an innings. Messrs Kew and Robson acted as umpires. The latter gentleman kindly provided tea for the players, while the former showed his practical interest and enthusiasm iu the game by assisting to prepare the pitch, a heart-breaking job in the present condition of the ground. The other set of wickets was occupied by our senior players. All the teams gave indications of possessing material from which good cricketers are made by good coaching and plenty of practice. The acting director of technical teaching, Mr -T. Grant notifies that Miss Gilbertson, who was so successful with her dressmaking classes last year will continue instruction here on Friday the .SCth inst. Also that Miss Drew will shortly visit Halcombe with a view to forming art classes. That the continuance of such advanced instruction in Halcombe depends upon the support ac 7 corded the various classes must be* patent to all and for the future of our young people and the credit of Haicombe I sincerely hope this hint will not be lost upon our youth or public. When in Feilding I found that a movement was on foot to form a sort of old men’s mutual assurance company, the objects of which would be to secure members against mental rust and deadly blues by meeting sociably at stated intervals to discuss old times and new ideas and to study how to get the best possible out of the years that in ordinary course are left to us. Needless to say the scheme appeals to me directly and will receive what support I can give it for I can see great'possibilities for good in such proopsed gatherings. What I think is needed to properly develop the idea is that the promoters meet and prepare an outline plan and specification of what they deem most desirable and submit same to general meeting of old men, who by vote could add or take from the proposetions submitted and elect a committee to draft a constitution upon a basis indicated by resolutions. This constitution or set of rules should then be discussed by members of the association ;and with or without amendments adopted. The question of qualifications for membership, fees, etc., will have to be discussed, but it has been suggested with reference to the first that length of residence in Orona, Rangitikei, or Manawatn, should be considered together with the minimum age and with reference to the amount of subscription it should be fixed at a sum sufficient for working expenses and within the reach of ;all, and each should join with the determination not only to lighten his own burdens but to do his.utmost to make others happy, and thus assist to develop the greater plan, the of man. The Haicombe invalid appeals to me for supply of old linen for dressing bed sores. If any sympathiser has any rags to spaie, he will be very grateful for them.