RONGOTEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 194, 18 July 1939, Page 10

RONGOTEA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONUOTKA, July 17. At the first annual meeting of the Jtongotea School Old J’upils', I’arcnls’ and Householders’ Association Air W. A. Hurst presided over a large attendance. Coriespondenee included a letter from Air A. N. Alorcom offering a donation of £lO on condition that nine other persons did likewise. 'flic letter was received and a reply is to lie sent to Mr Alorcom thanking him for his generosity. A subscript ion li.-t is to he issued. Air \V.* J. Amies (treasurer) presented the financial statement showing (hal, with cash in hand and stuns promised, there was about £2OO toward the cost of erecting swimming baths The following officers were elected: Chairman, Air \V. A. Hurst (re-elected); vice-chairman, Mr H. X. Rowe; secretary, Air L. 11. Van-all; treasurer. Mr \V. J. Amies; auditor. Air IT. V. Cnvcrhill; coinniittcc, Alosdames T. Fraser anti C. A. Wellborn. Messrs It. Simonson, 0. A. Wellborn, and If. Bickers. The following were empowered to act, on llio bank account: Messrs W. A. Ifuvsl, W. Amoy, and Tf, X. Rowe. Mr and Airs W. A. Churehill were elected honorary members of the association, in recognition of their untiring efforts, ft was decided that the baths he named “The Rongofoa. Centennial Memorial Baths, erected to the, memory of the early settlers.” The secretary was instructed to write to the Alanawatu County Council soliciting a donation to the fund. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair. 'J In; annual report stated inter alia: At a meeting convened by Air F. ft. Saxton on June 9. 1933, it was decided to form an association to raise funds for the improvement of the school and grounds, to assist with auv public, function connected with the school, and to have in view the suitable commemoration of the diamond jubilee of the school, which will be probably the first function of tin's kind in the district. As the, diamond jubilee was some distance in the future it was felt that some mote immediate task should lie undertaken, and a movement to establish swimming baths (which was proposed by the headmaster, Mr W. A. Churchill) met with unanimous support, and provided a rallying point for Rongotea's progressive residents. As a result of various activities the amount of £174 18s 9d has already been collected, and this will bo further augmented when the results of the bazaar are completely finalised. After extending thanks to all who helped, including Air and Airs Churehill. whose organising abilities were in demand throughout the year, the report concludes: The financial year closed with a membership of 29, which must he considered safiefactoijy in view of the fact that this is the first year. It is hoped that the ensuing year will see a considerable increase. It

would not he fitting to complete the report. without expressing appreciation of the services of the secretary (Mr L. 11. Yarrall), who stepped into the breach when it seemed almost impossible to secure a secretary, and who lias done all in his power lo further the interests and aims of the association.

Old-lime modems of ltongotca will regret lo learn of the death of Mr Charles Arnold (of To Awanmtii) in the Hamilton Hospital. He was at one time in tlio employ of Messrs Rowe Bros., following which he became a stock buyer for a Wellington firm, thus becoming very well-known. Of a sunny disposition he made many friends; Mr Arnold married Miss Ellen West, member of a family well-known locally, who with four children is left to mourn the passing of Mr Arnold.