RONGOTEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9137, 9 February 1910, Page 5

RONGOTEA.

(Fbom Ode Own Correspondent.)

• "The local School Committee met at the Schoolroom on Monday evening last, there being present—Rev. W. H. Wilson (chairman), Rev. Carlisle, Messrs J. Broadbelt, W. Jones, R. Button, and F G. Seddon (secretary). Considerable business was got through and sundry accounts passed for payment, The matter of Mies Cartwright's transfer to Halcombe and the appointment of Miss Frain were discussed and referred back to the Board for explanation. Miss Burbush having gone to the Wellington Training College, it was decided to make application for another pupil teacher to take her place. A special meeting will be held on Monday next to arrange for the opening of tho tennis court and Pr &SS?oH& fire at Mr Broadbelt's butter box factory yesterday morning was first brought into town by the milk carts coming to the dairy # factory with their supplies, and by the time one could get out there nothing was to be seen but a heap of smouldering ruins. It appears that the lamp in connection with the oil engine, used in running the plant, exploded, and before anything could be douG the whole place was one mass ot flaiip and nothing could "be done toi save the valuable plant. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Broadbelt in his loss, which is very heavy, the insurance not being worth consideration. At first it was reported that the local dairy companies would be inconvenienced througn supplies of boxes being cut off, but I am informed that Mr Broadbelt is making arrangements so that the fire will in no way interfere with his carrying out his various contracts. The work of rebuilding will be pushed on without delay, and hoped to have everything in running order again shortly. The amount of damage done it is at present impossible to estimate, pending a more thorough examination of the machinery. I am informed that Mrs Stendahl, who is still in the hospital at Palmcrston North, is making very satisfactory progress. Special services will be held at St. Simon's and St. Jude's Church io-day at 11 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., it being Ash Wednesday, opening of Lent.