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Greymouth Evening Star, 6 February 1939, Page 6

Over 750 visitors signed the visitors’ book at the Jack’s Mill School, Kotuku, last year, indicating the interest taken by the public in the work of the headmaster and pupils in converting a stony school ground into one of the finest gardens on the West Coast. The number of visitors to the school shows no diminution and many of them give practical assistance in the work of beautifying the grounds. Under the guidance of the two teachers at the school, the pupils, who number just over 40, are now engaged in the erection of a small, complete bungalow, and are doing all the work themselves, even to the building of the chimney and tapestry brick fireplace. The soft furnishings, including rugs and mats, are also being made by the pupils. A Christchurch firm has recently donated an electric stove, to enable the girls to do practical work in cooking. A complete book-keeping and filing system has been instituted in connection with the building of the house, giving the children further practical training. . ■

Plans for the construction of a motor-lifeboat to be used in cases of emergency in the Hauraki Gulf, have been drawn by the Auckland division of New Zealand Coastguard. The coastguard is under the command of Captain J. P. Eastmure. who announced on Saturday that a campaign would be started to raise the money for a. launch, which is expected to be more (han £l5OO. The New Zealand Coastguard is a voluntary organisation, which has been m operation in Auckland since last August. At present, there are about 30 members, who are receiving a thorough training on naval lines to assist at any time of need. The design of the lifeboat, which will be powered by a Diesel engine, is sturdy, with ample accommodation. It will be 40ft in length. and will have a designed speed of 17 knots. On top of a high wheclh’cuse, a searchlight will be carried. and the construction of the boat will make it adaptable for minesweeping or any other work required by the Admiralty in time of war. Hopes are held by Captain Eastmure that the launch will be in service by next Summer.