MANGAHAO HYDRO NOTES.

Shannon News, 22 December 1922, Page 3

MANGAHAO HYDRO NOTES.

PROGRESS OF WORK. CHRISTMAS TREE IN CAMP. Good progress has been made ,a! both tunnels during the past month. Messrs. Deveraux and party, who have the contract for the No. 2 tunnel (since the disaster) were success-

ful in establishing a record. Messrs. Nash and party in the No. 1 also had a good month, and have now knocked off for the holidays. This party has about five weeks’ work after Christmas to complete their contract. Messrs. Bloomfield and party finished their portion from, the river end a few days ago. Marked activity is noticed on the site of the dam, and it is anticipated that- all will be in readiness lor concreting early in the New Year. The large, crushing plant was given a trial spin a few days ago, and the mixing plant is nearing com-

pletion. A large quantity of metal and large stones are on hand, but only a fraction of what will be required for this work.

Messrs. McKenzie and Bennett, from Wellington head office, paid a visit of inspection to the works last week.

The holidays are getting nearer, and already quite a. number have gone away. The whole works will close down from December 21 to January 8, and the majority of the community are looking forward to enjoying a change tout, of this wet- and cloudy part of the Dominion.

The School “break-up” was celebrated with a Christmas tree and spread, in which every child in this and the Top Camp participated. The afternoon was anything but pleasant, but the and children turned out en masse. The arrival of “Father

Christmas” was announced by the shrieking .of our own and the Mill whistles, and over sixty children accorded him a royal welcome to the Y.M.C.A. Recreation Hut, which had

been specially decorated for the occasion. Every child received a sensible toy of excellent value in addition to balloons and, trumpets, etc.,

from the Christmas tree. Both mothers and children were treated to a fine spread, and a fine flashlight photo of the group around “Father Christmas,” with the tree in the background, was secured. A fine picture entertainers concluded the evening.,

The grand Bachelors’ Ball was consumated on Friday evening, and was a trerpendous success in every wav. The Y.M.C.A. Recreation Hut looked resplendant with hunting, greenery and coloured lights, and the floor was specially prepared for the light .fantastic. A very large gathering assembled find heartily participated in the social gathering until nearly 3

a.m. Our local orchestra, comprised of Mrs White (piano). Mr . Fearn (flute), and Mr Kelly (drum and symphony) provided a musical programme of a very high order, and Mr H. Masters proved himself a capable and efficient M.C During the evening Mr E. L. Wain (Y.M.G.A. secretary) gave a neat speech, jn which be thanked all and sundry for their assistance during the year to make + he various social gatherings the success they had been, and wished everyone

a happy Christmas and bright New Year. A sumptuous supper was served.. and fmit, sweets and soft drinks were dispensed during the evening in a generous manner. The local school examinations have been very gratifying to both teacher and parenls. The following have oassed successfully and -will take their places in the, standards enumerated next year: Vincent Brown, VI.; Irvine Lawrence, IV.; Doris Brown. TIL; Edith H.jorth, 11.; Dorothy Hjorth. IT.; Donald Wain, II.; James Vallett. T.; Charles Vallett, I. The primers have also done well. ' The school cornmissioners. (Messrs. Wain and Hjorth) are intending to arrange for a school picnic in the New Year. Our local postmaster (Mr W. Perry) has received notice of his transfer to

the Mnrtinborough office. Work ceased at the Hydro on Thursday mid-day, and the majority of the workers are now. enjoying the holidays in the various cities. Work will be resumed on January 8. -i Engineer Lindup and family are spending the season at Whangarei. Overseer Hjorth and family are at Helensville, Engineer and Mrs Harrell have gone to Wellington, Overseer M. Murray journeyed to Otira, and Mr and Mrs Wain (Y.M.C.A.) have gone to Wellington for the festive season.