THE PAST YEAR

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1693, 6 January 1936, Page 4

THE PAST YEAR

1935 REVIEWED Events of Interest There were outstanding items < of interest-during the past year in the Matamata district, apart from those of natibnal concern, and the community can record a year of plodding service. Matamata’s Centenary ; One of the most interesting features of the past year was that it marked the centenary of the coming of the first white man to Matamata. In April, 1935, the Rev. A. N. Brown arrived under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society “to expound the Gospel to Waharoa and his NgatihaUa, whose • bloody ». deeds had made recent history.” In the same year a Roman Catholic missionary also visited the district, coming by way of the Kaimai from Tauranga. Little interest was' taken locally in this date by either the church or the civic authorities, which is perhaps to be regretted. Ministers Depart

Another event in church life was the departure from Matamata of two very popular ministers in the persons of Rev. J. W. Burley (Anglican) and Rev. A. C. Hampton (Presbyterian). The former had been approximately five years in-the district and the latter twelve years. Their departure was greatly regretted by wide circles,. Rev. A. C. Hampton,; especially; having wonderful farewell gatherings. The First Mayor

On the political side several important . changes took place. The first Borough-. Council was elected, for Matamata and the first Mayor returned unopposed. In the county the number of ridings was increased from nine to 11, thus allowing for two new councillors representing Waharoa and Hinuera.

The first large-scale tour of all the roads in the county, covering three .days, was also undertaken by the council. ■ 5 ... A Record Show ? The Matamata A. and P. Association hel,d a record show which was described by a judge of iong experience as the best one-day show in the Auckland Province which he had ever attended.. The MatUmata. Racj ing Club-also had-a most successful meeting, and returned an £827 increase in totalisator figures when most other clubs showed decreases. ' Patriotic Pageant

The twenty-fifth year of the reign of King George was celebrated in a manner befitting the district, a patriotic pageant at Bedford Park attracting 2000 people. The R.S.A. rose to increased strength and accomplished splendid work locally and nationally. Its resolutions on Peace and War and on Anzac Day were adopted by Dominion conference.

Orphans’ Club Formed

In the social life of the district the most notable features were the formation of a strong Orphans’ Club and also a Young Farmers' Club. Both of these institutions nave met a popular demand and are now very soundly established.

New Golf Club

In the world of sport the Matamata Golf Club was formed by the merging of the Rocky Downs club and the old Matamata club. A new course was secured at Okauia. First AH Black

In the Rugby field Matamata gained its first All Black in the person of Dave Solomon, of the Wardville club. W. H. Carlson, of the Matamata club, went well into the trials.

A Dominion Title

In tennis Matamata also shone, Miss Nessie Beverley bringing lustre by winning the Auckland singles title (defeating Miss Marjory Macfarlane, eight times holder), and also the New Zealand doubles title in conjunction with Miss Dulcie Nicholls.

Taken as the whole the past year, so far as the Matamata district is concerned, must be regarded as very satisfactory, for, although there was a slight improvement in prices, conditions were far from promising for most of the year, yet steady progress was made.