KUMARA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 10 August 1925, Page 2

KUMARA NOTES

(Our own Prospecting operations are in progress at Cape Terrace, on behalf of an American syndicate. The Tereinakau River, which is cutting away th e toe of the hilt on the Zig Zig Road, and causing the road to creep, is a source of annoyance to traffic and of much worry to sawmillers, and the Borough Council. It seems unreasonable that Borough funds should have to be spent in keeping a national road in repair. Prior to hi s departure for Christchurch, Mr. Jim McDiarmid, who tor many years has been Letter-carrier and messenger here, was met by a representative number of citizens and presented with a well-filled wallet Mr. Spiers (Mayor), who made the presentation, expressed the Regret ol t*ie townspeople at the loss of such an obliging official, and, wdiile regretting his departure, he felt that promotion was overdue, and well merited. Mr. James Rocliford said he had

clone business vAth (the local Post Office for over 27 years, and Kumara had been very fortunate in having most capable and obliging officials in the Post Office. AH seemed most anxious to please the public, which was probably due to the friendly spirit which was manifest in the. town. Mr. McDiarmid had all the qualities essential to a confidential official, and he had no doubt that the all round knowledge gained in Kumara would be the means of assisting him in his new locale, and would pave the wav for speedy promotion. Several other speakers expressed the thanks of the citizens for courtesy shown and wished Mr. McDiarmid exery success. Mr MdDiamiid, in returning thanks to Kumara folks for their generosity, said that he was glad to know that his efforts to be obliging had met. with the approval of the citizens. Messrs Roberts Bros, who have undertaken th e job of picking up the 40 acre tailrace, are at. present seriously handicapped through meeting with bad air. An effort is to be, made to improve the working conditions. The Kumara Football team notched their first win on. the local ground against Arahura on Saturday. The day was wet and stormy, which must have made matters most uncomfortable for both teams. Mr. Thos. Jamieson, of Church St., is at present in a poor slate of health.

A number of sports are expected to leave for Christchurch to attend the National Meeting this morning. The horse drawn vehicle is gradually being replaced by file motor. Th« Publio Works Department are placing a lorry on the road for carting gravel. Its headquarters will be at Kumara. At a recent meeting of the Borough Council, the Mayor referred to the dangerous state of the Zig Zig Road. The river continues to cut into the toe of the hill causing an incessant creep. Previously, in this column, 1 have suggested blasting through the 'blue reef immediately in line with the Teremakau bridge, and bringing the road a through the old claim up by the Church of England. A road where suggested would not cost anything near what the upkeep of the present creep is likely to cost. Sawmills are now starting across the river, and the transport of timber on the old road will be always difficult and dangerous. The work is of national importance, and I commend the proposal to the authorities for consideration. It is said that the hill in question is private property, and, to all appearances, is of little value to the owner, and there would, I believe, be no opposition from the owner were he asked to allow the road to be made. The council has decided to bring the difficulty before the Minister and Mr. O'Brien, M.P., and the new proposal would do no harm if mentioned. BALL.

The Anniversary Ba-’l held in the Memorial Hall onFridLy evening Irtst will by general consent be acknowledged as the most successful ball which ha s been held locally for many years. Visitors were present from various parts of the Coast, and many were loud in their praises of the excellent arrangements made for the cointort and'enjoyment of visitors. The music by Lawn’s Orchestra wa s perfect. Dancers were most eager to trip the light fantastic, while the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the function also. Extras were played by Miss Doris Lalor and Mr. Cyril Rennish. Mr. Bob Spiers had charge of th e floor, while the varied programme met with the approval of all. Mr. A. B. Spiers (Mayor) thanked all for their attendance, and fftirticularly the Ladies Committee, who worked hard to tnak e the ball the success it was. Since last annoual ball the Committee had made some improvmenfs, particularly the fi'fie supper room ry.hich is most I comfortable and cosy and has seating accommodation for at- least 40 couples. Mr. Spiers stated that as funds became available further improvements would be effected as Kumara people were justly proud of their fine hall. Dancing was continued till 3 a.m., when by general consent the Memorial Hall Ball 1925 was voted most enjoyable. On Saturday afternoon the children were again treated to the usual gala after the ball and an enjoyable time spent. SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the Kumara School Committee was held on Monday ,’lrJ., August. Present:— R. J. Burrell (Chairman), D. McLean. T. Walker Jo. Reedy. H. Hamer (Secretary). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondency was approved of. The Chairman Mvortflfi o> e £ visjtii#

miftee .that hot cocoa was being provided for those pupils who desire it every luncheon hour, and that good progress was being made with the erection of tlie new school. The Headmaster reported the average attendance for the last four weeks 87.8 out of a roll numbering 98 pupils. The weather had militated aganst the attendance during the past fortnight and that the school would close for a fortnight’s vacation on August 14th. The Inspector's report on the inspection of the school on June 22nd was received. Members congratulated the headmaster on th e report which was highly satisfactory. Re the Inspector’s suggestion to establish a: Library to mark the occasion of the official opening of the new school. This was held over pending a conference between the visiting committee and the headmaster. Messrs Walker and Reedv were appointed visitors for August. The Secretary reported the sale of some dry firewood but further sslepi M been stopped until after the; •fl . V