WHAKAMARA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1956, 15 June 1888, Page 2

WHAKAMARA.

(FEOM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Winter has eet in with a vengeance — one day pouring rain or blowing a buster ; the next morning finds a hard -frost and ice a quarter of an inch thick; indeed, last week I saw a person breaking the ice in his washing basin before performing his ablutions. The country looks bleak and gloomy, and the roads are badly cut np in many places, making travelling difficult. In tlie Pokomoko Gorge, several landslips have occurred, caused by the late rains, and it would not be amiss if those who are responsible were to look after, and put this very dangerous track in order before the weather gets any worse, that is if they have any regard for the safety and welfare of the residents in Pokomoko. By the way, speaking ot Pokomoko, I may mention that a new house has lately been erected. It is said it will be inhabited, conjointly by an old "die hard" and a " fighting tiger." I may say, for the information of your readers, that " die hards" is a name borne by the 57th I Regiment, and "fighting tigers" by the 14th Regiment. A meeting of the building committee 1 in connection with the new hall, and also of the school committee was held in Victoria Hall was held on the 9th instant. At the former Mr. J. Scotfc presided. Before the commencement of the business it was proposed by Mr. W. R. Foreman, duly seconded that the representatives of the press be admitted. Mr. Illston hoped that if the press were admitted " they should draw it mild." Chairman — Oh ! Certainly. A voice from one end of the hall — Some of the reports are disgusting. Mr. Illston — We do not want all our little piccadills's made public. (Laughter). Mr. Allen thought it would be well to end this abortive discussion, gave a quotation from Burns. (Great laughter). Finally it was agreed to admit the representatives of the press, who, however, did not cry " peccavi." The business of the building committee was then proceeded with. Mr. W. R. Foreman proposed, and Mr. Buckrell seconded, That Victoria Hall should be fenced in, Piercy's (Wanganui) fence to be used in front, ditch and bank on sides, and three barb wires in rear. Carried neni con. Mr. Allen (Pokomoko) volun* teered to supply the posts required for the fence, which offer was accepted with avidity. The chairman was also empowered to have erected some necessary out buildings. After passing some accounts and signing some cheques (the pleasantest part of the business) the meeting adjourned.

The school committee held a meeting immediately afterwards, W. E. Foreman (chairman) presiding, there were also present Messrs Buckrell (Sec. and Tres.) Bremer, Ills ton, and Allen. The secretary having read the minutes which were duly confirmed and signed. A voluminous correspondence between the secretary of the Education Board and the chairman of the School Committee was read, the outcome of which was that the board had grauted an aided school for Whakamara. It was decided to open ihe school — which will be held in Victoria Hall— on the 18th inst. or rb soon after that date as possible. Proposed by Mr. Allen and seconded by Mr. Illeton that three should form a quorum. Carried. Proposed by Mr. BuckreH seconded by Mr. Allen that Mr. Bremer be requested to fetch the school furniture given by the board from Hawera. Mr. Bremer signified his willingness to do so. Some other discussions having taken place regarding firewood, making a well, &c, which were all satisfactorily and amicably arranged, the meeting broke up.