DISTRICT NEWS.

Northern Advocate, 15 December 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Own Correspondent.)

HIKURANGI.

PATRIOTIC EFFORTS

*•' At present the members of the Hikurangi branch of the Patriotic League are devoting their energies to the collection of money for the Belgian Fund. House-to-house canvassing is in progress, and from reports a good response is being met with. On Tuesday a party of mining directors on their way to tho Puhipuhi mines, was stopped by three ladies—.viesdames A. N. Wallace, H. H. Hawkins and Phillipps—and relieved of a guinea of their superfluous cash. The same three ladies attended the cattle salo held in Hikurangi yesterday. On entering the yards they noticed a pig belonging to Mr E. Ellis and at once tletermiend to secure it. Mr Ellis, on being approached, protested that he owned only half of the animal and couldn't see how he was to give his half away. But the ladies, not to be outdone, assailed Mr Hawkins and per. suaded him to purchase the other half. The auctioneer, Mr Chapman, kindly consented to auction the pig. Com. petition was keen, and in less than half-an-hour "Mr Porker" was Instrumental in securing for the starving Belgians a sum of £30 17s 6d. Mr A. N. Wallace, on behalf of the ladies, thanked the auctioneer for his kindness.

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.' The monthly meeting of the school committee was held last Monday night. Present: Messrs' Mcßeth (chairman), A. N. Wallace (secretary), Meyer, Cooney, Nelson and Rutherford. The secretary reported that the chairman and a member of the Education Board had paid a visit to Hikurangi a week ago and had inspected the proposed site for the new school. A letter was received from the secretary of the Board of Education pertaining to matters of hygiene and sanitation. The committee decided to have the school buildings thoroughly cleaned and fumigated during the Christmas vacation. The opening hour of school during February was fixed at 9 a.m. A detailed report was received from the headmaster. Among other matters it contained a recommendation that the proposed school concert be held next February. The committee adopted the recommendation. The report also drew attention to the urgent need of new drinking mugs. ft was decided to purchase a new set of aluminium mugs at once. The proficiency examination (the report stated) was over, the result being that nine candidates gained proficiency and three competency, while one failed. The returns for the mouth showed a roll number of 208, with an average of 174. It was mentioned during the meeting that there were several-children of school age in the ■ district not attending school. It was resolved that the headmaster's attention be drawn to this fact. A deputation consisting of Messrs Rutherford and Nelson was appointed to wait on the Town Board with a. request to have the water and sanitary rates reduced. The committee oourlu'lcd llu: meeting; by passing a votfi of appreciation to the teachers of tho. school.