COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14928, 28 February 1912, Page 11

COUNTRY NEWS.

TE AROHA. fat TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Te. ARonx, Tuesday. Tot monthly meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce was held last night. There was a very largo attendance, and tho president. (Mr. W. Norrell) was in the chair. Tho chairman reported upon the result of the visit of members to tho Waircro Falls, and explained that it had now been ascertained that the land embracing the fall?, 160 acres or so, had been declared a scenic reserve in 1908. It was resolved to ask tho Tourist Department to have the track to tho falls made good, and to apply to tno Piako County Council to got tho "road made up to the foot of the track. Tho chairman said ho had been informed that unless more uso were, made of the cold swimming bath in tho Domain tho authorities would probably close it. Several members expressed tho hope that auch a contingency would bo avoided, and it was resolved to communicate with the School Committee, with a view to getting somo of the teachers to attend with the pupils at some stated time at tho bath, as it was considered important that all children should bo taught to swim. On the motion of Mr. Merry, it was agreed to eend a letter to tho Tourist Department expressing the Council's gratification at tho great improvement effected in tho condition of the bow ling greens. Mr. Merry also reintroduced the subject of a cottage hospital for Te Aroha, and instanced several cases to show the urgent need for euch an institution. Mr. Motley strongly supported him, and it was resolved to take steps to bring the matter once more under the notice of tho Waikato Hospital Board, the Chamber in the meantime to obtain tho views of the friendly societies and local medical men. The following new members were nominated : — Messrs. J. B. Thomas, T. Gavin, Wagstaff and Mohring (country members), and D. Roland. It was decided to ask the Tourist Department to add two new rinks to 'ihe new bowling green. A vote of appreciation was accorded th© local postmaster (Mr. Hollywood) for the promptness displayed in arranging for the extension of tho telephone hours. Accounts amounting to over £11 were passed for payment. At a largely-attended meeting of the Rod and Gun Club last night, Mr. F. W. Wild in the chair, tho arrangements for tho shooting carnival on Good Friday were completed. The events will include an open handicap of £5, and a number of eweepstakes will also bo fired for. Numerous handsome trophies have been donated. The match between H. McSweeney and H. Wallace (£2 10a a-side and a trophy) will be decided on the same day. The formal opening of the Waihou Polo Club will take place on Saturday next, and promises to be an exceptionally interesting event. Mr. Farquhar, the enthusiastic honorary secretary, has all the arrangements well in hand.

HTJNTLY. {from orn OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Huntlt, Tuesday. A meeting of householders was held in the district school on Monday night, Mr. J.. Duncan presiding over a large and representative attendance. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called to ascertain the feeling and opinion of the residents on the question of a school site, the present one, on account of its proximity to the railway, the roads, and the mine, being most unsuitable. The inspector had reported favourably on a site on the western bank of the river in close proximity to the end of the new bridge now in course of erection, while the chairman (Mr. G. J. Garland) and the architect (Mr. J. Farrell) had visited three sites on the eastern side, two of which might serve the purpose, even if the third were impossible. Mr. J. Butler moved : " That a site on the town side be secured; that the school, -when moved there, be enlarged; and that another school be erected on the west side of the Waikato River of sufficient size to accommodate the present and future population residing there," An amendment, to the effect that a committee of five householders, together with the School Committee, visit the various sites offered, as well as others that were suitable, and report to a meeting of householders to be held within 14 days, was proposed by Mr. T. Black. The amendment was carried by a large majority, and a committee, consisting of the following householders, was appointed: Messrs. C. Allen, J. Butler, J. Elliot, J. Fletcher, and Jolly. PUKEKAWA. [FBOM Ol'B OWN CO-RESPONDENT.] A meeting of the Pukekawa branch of the Fanners' Union was held recently, Mr. G. Morrison in the chair. It was decided to instruct the secretary to communicate with Messrs. A. Buckland and Sons and the New Zealand loan and Mercantile Co., with a view to getting an accommodation paddock here. It was decided to hold sports next month. Remits for the conference were hell over until next meeting. A meeting of ratepayers was held in the schoolroom on Monday. Mr. V. Dunlop occupied the chair. It was decided to form a ratepayers' association here, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Chairman, Mr. Hawke ; secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. Morrison; committee, Messrs. T. Murray, V. Dunlop and W. Morgan. Owing to the unfavourable weather harvesting has not yet been completed in this district.