ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3450, 26 November 1932, Page 2

ARIA.

(Own Correspondent.) It is now well known in this district that Mr. R. H. Walker, headmaster of the Aria school, finishes his work here at Christmas. He has been appointed headmaster of a large native school at Te Whaiti in the Urewera Country, where Mrs. Walker will act as first assistant. We congratulate him on his welldeserved promotion. Whilst at Aria he has made big improvements, the children being now some of the smartest turned out one can see in the country, whilst the school

grounds, we are sure, are absolutely unbeatable. Mr. Walker's work here was not confined to six hours school work, but lasted all day and part of the night. Nothing was too much trouble with him if it was going to benefit his school or the district. We have had differences of opinion with him, more especially over the cost to the taxpayer of his new playing area, yet everyone must give him credit for his constant effort to improve the school and its scholars. His splendid work amongst the Maoris is appreciated by them very much and we are sure the Maoris at Te Whaiti are fortunate in obtaining the services of one who is whole-heartedly out to improve their condition generally. It is a good thing, too, that Mrs. Walker's outstanding ability as a teacher will once more be available, for not only is she an inspired teacher but is greatly loved by all children she has to teach. We wish them every success and happiness in their new venture, recognising that Aria's loss is Te Whaiti's gain. Mr. John Buntain is back from Hamilton Hospital but is not looking the hale and hearty Scot of former times. We trust that with rest he will once more fill up as big a part of the local skyline as he did before his illness. Mr. Charles Beers, who for the last 12 months has been with Mr. Reeve-Smith, has now rejoined Miss Donna Voorhees' touring company acting "East Lynne." His many friends will wish him every success in his adventui'e. Mr. A. W. Robinson has left the Aria Dairy Company to resume commercial work in Auckland. He was farewelled on Monday evening by a number of his friends. This renort seems to be nothing but a chronicle of departures. To balance, them, however, there has been the usual number of births in the district. In fact, the population is increasing quite satisfactorily, although we could do with very many more settlers on the empty lands about here.