HIKURANGI.

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1914, Page 2

HIKURANGI.

(Special Correspondent.)

Quite a gloom was cast over the

township when it became known that an explosion had occurred in the Huntly mine. The whole of the unfortunate men entombed are well known to the miners of this district, and a considerable number have relatives here. Further news is anxiously...awaited, although it is feared no hope can be held out for those' whose bodies are not yet recovered.

It is understood there will be at least ten candidates in the field for the Town Board election of five commissioners, which takes place on Wednesday next. While new blood is always welcome in board matters, it, is nevertheless desirable that the old beard should be given the opportunity to carry out that work which it has undertaken.

The newly formed bowling gre'en if. getting its green coat on, but like the ro:-;t of the country is sadly in need ci' spring rain. The erection of a pavilion is shortly to be gone on with. Everything points to the club having a successful first season.

- The patriotic ball given by the Oddfellows' Lodge was a great success, and will result in a fair amount being handed over to the local committee. Contributions to the Patriotic Fund arc rolling in slowly, and when the total is made out Hikurangi- will be found well up the list of contributors.

A meeting was held a few nights ago in the local hall for the purpose of forming a minstrel and dramatic society. A fair number were present, and a society was duly formed. A working committee was set up with Mr E. W. Tattley as chairman and Mr Hugh Reed as secretary. It is intended to commence practices straight away, arrangements having been made for a suitable place to rehearse in. "The plans are almost ready and tenders will be called shortly." This is the reply the chairman of the Town Board (Mr Gager) has received from the Minister of Public Works with reference to a suitable post office building for Hikurangi. This matter has been hanging fire , for a considerable time, and it is satisfactory to receive even the above information. We have hopes of at least seeing the work started before the general election. Mr Jeffries arrived back in Hikurangi on Saturday, after an absence of two weeks, ; having been called away suddenly on account of the.illness of Mrs Jeffries, who I am pleased to learn is now making a speedy recovery. The working bee in connection with the forthcoming Fire Brigade

bazaar, is making satisfactory progress. To provide further material i'oi - th<- bee a plain and fancy ball is to be held early next month.

A st;'rt was made on Monday with;"S the house connections to the new water service, it being anticipated that the work will be completed witUi.a about a fortnight. This will be perhaps the most welcome news the residents have heard for some time. Complaints of scarcity of water are already heard from several quarters.