THAMES NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 258, 31 October 1932, Page 2

THAMES NEWS.

IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS. INCREASED FARM PRODUCTION. (From Our Own Correspondent) THAMES, Sunday. A marked improvement in business in Thames during the past week has been reported, a rush of orders from all parts of the district having been received. This activity is attributable to the good season experienced by the dairy farmers in the neighbouring districts of Hauraki Plains and the Thames Valley. With the milk cheques increasing each month as production improves the business community of Thames is receiving a fair share of the benefit, and with the Christmas season approaching business men are looking to the future much more cheerfully than, for some years past. The prospects of the dairying industry on the Hauraki Plains and Thames Valley are particularly bright, owing to the prolific growth of grass during the last few weeks. Even increased stocking has failed to keep pace with the prolific growth, and it is doubtful if any other part of the Dominion can show such luxuriant pastures. All the factories are working to capacity to cope with the flush of production, the increase being estimated at about 20 per cent. The abnormal condition of the pastures is attributable to the mild and exceptionally dry weather experienced during the winter, followed by recent warm spring rain. Masonic Gathering. Members of the higher branch of Freemasonry, the Royal Arch Chaptei, assembled in large numbers at the Masonic Hall for the installation of the officers of the Royal Arch Chapter of Hauraki. Cordial receptions were extended to Companion C. J. Schnauer, Provincial Grand Superintendent for New Zealand, and his deputy, Companion l'\ Wiseman, and Companion C. H. Jenkins, of the Grand Chapter of England. The installation of Companion F. J. Causley as first principal was undertaken by the Provincial Grand Superintendent, and of Companion A. Lewin as second principal by Companion F. E. McCullough, who gave an address to the principal officers. The installation in the Mark piasters' Lodge was ably undertaken by Companion Wiseman, while the officers and members were addressed by Companions Jenkins and Schnauer. Theatre Manager Farewelled. Mr. R. Meikle, who has been manager of the King's Theatre for the last nine months, leaves on Monday to take over the management of the new theatre at Wanganui. Yesterday Mr. Meikle was the recipient of several presentations, and his valuable services to the community were eulogised. He will be succeeded by Mr. T. Meelian, of the Tivoli Theatre, Auckland. Labour Day Sports.

Heavy rain on Saturday marred tlie success of the Labour Day sports, which had been postponed from Monday last owing to bad weather conditions. A procession of decorated vehicles, headed by the Hauraki Regimental Band, marched from Graham stown along »the main street to the High School grounds. The greater portion of the afternoon was occupied with the school events for the Burns Shield. Central School won the shield with 70 points; South School gained 67te, Convent 12%, Puriri 4, and North 2. Keen interest was taken in the cycle events, which resulted as follows: —One mile handicap: C. Ware 1, S. West 2, M. Harris 3. Two mile handicap: C. Ware 1, D. Galloway 2, S. West 3. Three mile handicap: M. Harris 1, S. West 2. Other events were:—looyds High School championship: G. Allan 1, M. McMillan- 2. Hop, step and jump: M. McMillan 1, A. McMillan 2. Bandsmen's race: H. G. Brownlee 1, F. Rowe 2. Baby show: Baby Brown 1, Babies Wenzlick and McLachnn tied for second place. The Mayor, Mr. S. Ensor, presented the prizes, and thanked the public for its support, the proceeds of which will go to the relief of unemployment.