OMOKOROA NOTES

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LII, Issue 8392, 14 September 1923, Page 4

OMOKOROA NOTES

(From our correspondent,) On August 22, Mrßiyd Chief Postnicster, accompanied by Mr Lakeman, telegraph engineer from Thames, met the settlers with regard to the removal of the local post office to a site about one mile distant and the granting of a money order and telephone exchange. A full and frank discussion ensued and eventually Miss Anderson agreed to reconsider her resignation if a new office were built near the school. At a subsequent meeting the settlers decided to erect a new post office, and Messrs Kirk and McClinchie were appointed a committee to have the building erected at once. Mr Sharplin, on behtlf of the Whakamarama Timber Company, offered to donate timber to the value of £5 while all present agreed to subscribe £1 each and to canvass the district for the balance. On the sth inst. at the invitation of the Farmers’ Union, Mr King, Ccuuty Chairman, met about thirty settlers in the school to explain a loan proposal for further improving ffie main mad from the Wairoa to the Aongatete rivers. Mr Steele was voted to the chair and Mr Page (engineer) and Mr Bellingham (County Clerk) were also present. Mr King outlined the Highways Act and said that the present offer of a Government subsidy of 30s in £1 was a good deal better than what we might expect in the future. Mr Page detailed the works to be put through and Mr Bellingham dealt with the position of the rates, the increase being very small, viz., approximately, £3 per £IOOO on the unimprov ed value. Upon a show of hands it was decided by a majority of two to one to support the loan and Messrs Sharplin and McClinchie were appointed to act with the Riding members and engineer in allocating certain portions ot the work to he done, A very hearty vote ot thanks was extended to the visitors for their attendance and the information given and likewise to the Chairman The party telephone lines are now in course of erection and those already connected up are appreciating the long-desired convenience. 1 understand that another party line is being formed at Aongatete, which will help to remove the stigma of being behind the times. The dairying season is now in full swing and promises to be a good one.