CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18184, 22 September 1924, Page 4

CHATHAM ISLAND NOTES.

(FitOH OUR OVi'IT COnnESPOSDEST.) WAITANGI, September 33. The s.s. Kama arrived somewhat unexpectedly yesterday morning, after what must be almost a record trip. Leaving Wellington oil Friday last at 2 p.m. she anchored in Waitangi after a 4-i-hour trip. The Bama has been the proverbial bad-weatlier boat, but it seems as if her rival, the s.s. Tees, after her recent experiences, has taken over lier evil reputation. TliO Hospital will shortly be an accomplished fact. A strong committee has been formed, with - Dr. E. P. Ellison, S.M., as chairman, and u canvass of the wholo island has been undertaken to raise tho necessary money (£-100) to secure the site. This has been guaranteed to the Hospital Hoard by tho Islanders. The site selected by the resident Medical Officer is an excellent one overlooking Waitangi Bay, 'and with a good water supply and natural drainage. It is also close to tho Medical Officer's residence, and situated near where tho roads from practically every part of the Island converge. A recent public meeting finally decided upon certain matters in connexion with the Count;- Council, which will soon be in operation. Four ridings have been decided upon for the main island, Pitt Island and the other outlying islands constituting a fifth. Two members are to be elected for each riding. Nothing now remains to be done but to njalco up the ratepayers' roll, elect the members of the council and collect the rates, probably the most difficult hurdle of all. The scries of football matches for the season has now been concluded. Waitangi, by defeating Owonga in the last two matches, have again placed themselves at the top. At Owcnga Waitangi won by- I t to nil against a more or less scratch team owing to injuries to several members of the opposing side, and at the concluding match at Te ' Ore Waitangi won the hardest and perhaps the best match of the season by points (an unconverted try) to o.' A seven-a-side tournament next month between teams from Waitangi. Kaingaroa and Owcnga will close the season. After the last match the Waitangi Club held their annual dance. Things are not done by halves. Dancing commenced at S p.m. and continued till 7.-13 the next morning, while in the near-by club-room a ping-pong tournament occupied many non-dancers till the small hours. Two concerts have been held recently, one by the local Church concert, party to raise funds for a bazaar, .and one given by the pupils of Te Ore School for tiie school funds. A feature of the school concert was the excellent part singing of the scholars, and also the staging of "Pyramus and Thisbe," from "A Midsummer Might's Dream." The schoolmaster and mistress are to bo congratulated on the excellent results of their training. The present is the "swan-egg season." Hundreds of eggs in this unprotected swan are gathered every week. One can imagine what this means in a practically egglcss island. Swan eggs just now arc the staple food of the people. The birds abound in thousands and a considerable thinning out will do far more good ;lian harm.