HIKUTAIA EN FETE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 192, 15 August 1922, Page 5

HIKUTAIA EN FETE.

A DOUBLE EVENT. Yesterday the Thames Valley town-s-hip of Hikutaia held high day and holiday, the reason being the opening of new post office and new school. The town was prettily decorated with flags and tree ferns, while the weather, which had been 'bad all night, changed about 10 o'clock, and perfect weather prevailed for the double event. Messrs. H. Poland and Rhodes, memberß for Ohinemuri and Thames, took a leading part. At the post office Mr. R. ;H. Boyd, Chief Postmaster, Thames district, gave some interesting details of the postal history of Hikutaia. lie said: "The first post office was opened about 36 years ago, under Mr. Wm. Hagan, storekeeper, nearly opposite the present site. Mr. Hagan was followed by Mr. J. L. Stevens. Mr. Collard, Mr. Wm. Williams and Mr. Dan Courtenay The new office is in charge of Mr. Browii. Hikutaia as far back as the 'eighties had a three-weekly mail service by river boat. About two years ago direct communication by telephone was established with Paeroa." The new school is up to date in every particular, and built in accordance with the latest educational design. Mr. Arthur Robinson chaired the gathering at the opening of the sebool. Afterwards the numerous visitors wenentertained in the new school by the ladies of the district.