TOKOROA.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 201, 18 November 1920, Page 2

TOKOROA.

The much discussed visit of the Railway Commission has at last eventuated, and if tire words of one of the more prominent members of the visiting party are a safe guide, the efforts of the people here created an impression which is likely to considerably influence the decision of the Commission. In no place yet visited, they stated, had the information which they sought been put. before them in a more concise and satisfactory manner. If, however, any of the members previously entertained doubts regarding the present and future possibilities of this district, (hose doubts were completely eradicated after they had been around in the cars, and had seen the land for themselves. They appeared genuinely astonished at tho progress which has been made during the last few years, which proves that we have already sufficient evidence to “ pass the death sentence ” on even that old germ “prejudice,” which has for so long sapped the energies of an otherwise sound district.

After expressing their appreciation of the very attractive little “lunch” (o which they were entertained here, and the success of which, it may be stated, was due largely to the efforts of the ladies, the party left Tokoroa in the frame of mind that augurs well for the cause in view. In the evening of the same day, November sth, the benedicts returned the compliments of the various other factors of the community who have endeavoured of late to provide social entertainment for the'place. A very enjoyable evening resulted, dancing being the. main feature; and we arc pleased to note that several visitors from neighbouring districts were present, which is always a welcome sight in a new district. In regard to the rather sensational and unfortunate occurrence which took place here on the night of the 3rd, though everyone noticed several particularly brilliant flashes of lightning, no one except the unfortunate witnesses experienced the shock which the -morning was to reveal. About 10 p.m., when the storm was at its height, a flash of forked lightning struck Mr. Sloper’s residence. One fork, entering tho chimney, shattered it completely, while the other struck the end of the building, devastating everything which intercepted its path. As is peculiar to lightning, upon its entry it travelled throughout the house, taking pieces off everything with which it came into contact. Of the seven inmates, fortunately, except for a severe shock, no one was hurt. To those familiar with scenes in devastated France, the house has the appearance of being shell-shattered, and, according to one witness, the sensation experienced at the time was similar to that of a shell bursting, while the fact that no one was hurt seems to point to the proverbial “ not to he ” that was also experienced “ over there ” at limes.