RANGIOTU.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 14, 12 December 1929, Page 4

RANGIOTU.

TENNIS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) RANGIOTU, Dec. 11. Unsettled weather conditions during the past week curtailed the activities of tho local Tennis Club, consequently tho first inter-club match against Glen Oroua last Saturday had to be postponed. However, the recent rains have had a most beneficial effect on the courts, and to-day and yesterday being the first break in the tong spell of wet weather members of the flunnelled community were out in full force. Next Saturday the locals are journeying to Itongotea to play . their first match of the season and an enjoyable and an interesting contest is anticipated. SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. Of three pupils presented for examination, proficiency certificated were secured by Kathleen Strawbridge, Kathleen Bond and a competency certificate by Ada Gmtblett. The examination lof pupils in the lower standards is taking place to-day and it is expected that an excellent average will result. The following pupils from the district attending the day classes at the Technical School were successful in gaining passes in their respective classes and subjects during the recent examinations:— Norah Croad, Phylis llickerby, Dorothy Alexander, Nancy Bond and Monro Whiteman. THE PUMPING STATION. Tho pumping plant recently installed by the Sluggish River Drainage Board on the upper reaches of tho Mangawhata Main Drain has experienced some trouble of late. The frosh in tho Oroua River has added to the difficulties, consequently backing up the water in the drain to the dam. With these unforeseen and exceptional circumstances arising, particularly at this period, the work of deepening the drain has been considerably retarded and held up for several days. A unique feature of tho first stoppage to the pumping plant was that it was caused by eels. It occurred whilat the preliminary trials to the pump were being made when a great migration of eels towards the Oroua River took place. Unfortunately, quite a number of the slimy and slippery tribe short circuited through tho pumping plant which at a normal capacity draws and pumps 130,000 gallons per. hour. The result, after a 'short period, was a complete blockage caused by chopped and mangled eels of all sizes. Other minor troubles arose then, closely followed by unfavourable weather conditions. In the meantime every effort is being made to get the plant into working order. GENERAL NOTES. The daily output of cheese at the local factory (Reliance) is somewhat below last year’s average for the oorrosponding period, viz., 1928, 30 cheeses; 1929, 26 cheeses. With tho peak of tho season reached, there does not qeem to be any hope of being up to last year’s output, in spite of tho fact that a flood occurred during the previous year at a m'ost inopportune time just at the flush of the season. However, there is one consolation, the farmers iof the district, particularly those in the low-lying anß flooded area, are noted for their optimism, and seemingly their spirits are never dampened though their farms may be so occasionally. A most pleasant and successful kitchen tea party was held in the local hall last week and wedding bells will soon be shortly ringing in Rangiotu. Mr P. Fawcett, of Rangitane, has decided to join the noble and ancient band of “Benedicts.”

Miss King, postmistress of tho local office, has returned from her annual holidays spent in tho Auckland district. Mr H. Whiteman (Tiny) of the Reliance Dairy Company and a prominent Rugby player of tho locality, is leaving the district very shortly to take up his permanent residonco at Mangatainoka.