COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15482, 13 December 1913, Page 11

COUNTRY NEWS.

[rnoM OUK OWN correspondents.] HAMILTON. ANNUAL MEETING OF BAPTISTS. Tun annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Church on Wednesday evening was presided over by the Rev. W. Perry. The annual reports were adopted. The membership showed an increase for the year ending September 30 of eight, 16 members being received, four by baptism and 12 by letter of transfer, while the removals were ono by death and seven by transfer. The election of officers resulted as follows: — Deacons, Messrs. A. J. Smith, K. Woodward', J. Mills. T. Newman, A. W. North, and (J. W. Peters; elders, Messrs. W. Green, G. Arnold, and H. W. Purdie; deaconesses, Musdames Henderson, Green, Mills, and Wernham ; collector for Baptist Union fund, Miss W. Smith; collector for missionary society, Mr. A. W. North; reporter to New Zealand Baptist, Mr. W. Green ; organist. Mrs. Henderson ; choirmaster, Mr. F. H. Smith. The sum of £31 16s had been contributed to the Missionary Society during the. year. On account of extraordinary expenses, there was a debt of over £70 on the church account, hut this amount had been raised within a month, thus placing the finances in a, satisfactory position. -Members expressed appreciation of the services rendered by the Rev. W. Perry, with the hope that ho would be long spared to minister in Hamilton. A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce waited on the Mayor and members of tlto Borough Council on Thursday in reference to the cutting down of the southern end of Victoria Street- The Mayor said that the plan approved by the Borough Council provided for cutting down tho hill 2ft, the other proposals being considered too much in the way of luxuries, considering other necessary works required, and the probable claims for compensation by adjoining landowners. Members of the deputation stated the owners j were favourable to a cutting down of 4ft without compensation, and pointed out that the street was one of tho main thoroughfares in the town, and should havo every consideration. It was finally decided to refer the matter to the council for further consideration. The annual prize-giving and breakingup ceremony in connection with the Hamilton High School was held yesterday. In the absence of Mr. Geo. Edgecumbe, chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. J. S. Bond presided, and, after welcoming the visitors, congratulated the parents, pupils, principal, and staff on the completion of a successful year. Since opening in July, 1911, tho attendance had increased 100 per cent., and was now 144. The great need now was for boarding accommodation, and it was hoped that this would be forthcoming at an early date. The Department of Education looked upon the school as a model of its kind, and tho desire of the Minister and permanent bead of the Department was to develop it in its threefold character as a high school, a technical college, and a school of agriculture. Tho erction of residential quarters to accommodate pupils from a distance would greatly extend the usefulness of the institution, and with the efficient teaching staff it was safe to predict a great future for the school. The principal in his annual report, after referring to the inceased attendance, pointed out that the scholars came- from an area extending to To Aroha, Rotorua, and Taumarunui. Of the roll number 114 held junior free places, 22 senior free places, and eight were paying pupils, The great necessity was accommodation for the outside pupils, and the hope was expressed that, with the extension of the grounds provided by the recent acquisition of land from the Domain Board, the necessary provision would be made as soon as possible. The Mayor, Mr. A. E. Manning, expressed his gratification at tho excellent work achieved at the school, and congratulated the principal and his staff on the results attained. He presented the prizes to the successful scholars as follows:— proficiency: Form 6, L. Tomkins 1, H. Carter 2; form 5, D. Gow; form 4, A. Maeky. English and French: Form 5, R. Harman 1, M. Beach 2; form 4, C. Smith!, A. Reid 2; form 3, A. H. Laver 1, M. Morrison 2; form 3, B. B. Berstein 1, B. Civil 2. Mathematics and science: Form 5, R. Harman 1, M. Beach 2; form 4, C. Smith 1, A. Reid 2; form 3, A. H. Turbott 1, E. McMiken 2; form 3, B. A. Meadway 1, M. Auld 2. Latin: Senior, R. Sommers; middle, W. Jess 1, A. Forsyth 2. Commerco: Senior, G- Anstiss; junior, J. Booth 1, A. Browning 2. Agriculture: Senior, J. McMiken; junior, M. Gow. Domestic science: M. Tompkins. The trophies won at the school sports were presented, the senior cup donated by Mr. C. L. Macdiarmid going to Roy Hinton, and the junior, donated by Mr. J. Varney, to Ernest Westlake. A handsome photograph of the school football team was presented to tho school by Mr. Thos. Hinton, of Eureka. A demonstration of physical drill, to which considerable attention is given in the curriculum, was given by tho pupils, after which those present wero entertained at morning tea. A very pleasant social was given by the choir of the Baptist Church on Thurday night. An anthem was rendered by the choir, and items by individual members were greatly appreciated. A meeting of the General Committee in aid of the funds of the Beautifying Society was held on Thursday. In accordance with the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the date of the proposed gathering was fixed for Easter Monday, and the Claudelands racecourse decided on as the location. To provide preliminary funds, the cxecutivo was requested to arrange for an advance of £100 by means of a joint and several guarantee. The proposal to hold an art union in connection with the carnival met with some opposition, but had the approval of the majority.

PAEROA.

BAD WEATHER FOR SCHOOL PICNIC The annual picnic in connection with the Paeroa school was held on the racecourse yesterday. Tho weather was not by any means favourable, showers falling at intervals all day, but as all arrange" ments for the function had been made it was decided to go on with the picnic.

ROTORUA.

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT. The boy scout movement has grown considerably of late, and there is now in existence in Rotorua a corps of some 75 boys. Captain Prictor, who is in charge, has devoted a considerable amount of time and trouble in organising, and has been ably assisted by Scoutmaster T. ('. Haw. kins. The boys go into camp on Saturday for a week's training. The residents have also taken the movement up, and at a meeting held recently, at which the resident officer (Mr. M. Hill) presided, the following were elected as a district com-mittee-Messrs W. Hill, D. Steele, D. Gardner, W. E. Bennett, C. M. Inn.es P B. Giles, H. T. Mitchell, H. P. Twigdeii, Yen. Archdeacon Tisdall and Rev. F. A. Bennett, with Captain Prictor and Mr. T. C. Hawkins (scoutmasters) members exofficio. Mr. Twigden was elected secretary. On Wednesday ncx*, while the boys are in camp, an "At Home" will be held at Ngapuna in order to givo those who have been invited some idea of the lines on which a boy scout camp iB carried out. Alterations have recently been effected at the Rotorua railway station, and now tickets are issued from a window opening on the platform. This is a decided improvement, as hitherto the tickets were issued only from a'window in the passage of the station building. The quarterly meeting of the Rotorua Fire Board was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. D. Gardner presiding. After the superintendent's report was received, the matter of obtaining an adequate system of night patrol was referred to the Finance Committee to fcakfe action as they may think fit. Accounts amounting to £15 2s were passed for payment.. The Finance

Committee also reported that at the present lime they did not. consider the lime opportune to advise the board to purchase a motor-reel. Mr. (J. E. Kusabs had been interviewed in regard to supplying a motor-car for the use of the brigade and had undertaken to fall in with the committee's wishes. -Mr. Palmer proposed that the report as submitted be adopted and that Mr. Kusabs's offer be accepted. Mr. W. Hill seconded the motion which was carried.

WAIHI.

CATHOLIC MEN'S CLUB. The weekly meeting of the Waihi Catholic Men's Club was held on Thursday evening, among those present being the Right Rev. Morisignor Brodie, who was heartily welcomed by the president, Mr. P. Lynch. An oratorical competition was held, and was won by Mr. J. J. Callahan, with Mr. T. Ryan second. Monsignor Brodie, as judge, complimented the competitors on the high standard of the speeches. TE AROHA. CHEQUES FOR DAIRY FARMERS. The Te Aroha Dairy Company has paid out for November and October the following amounts:—Waihou, £887 Is 2d November, £824 3s 6d October; To Aroha, £1310 lis 6d, £1140 9s 4d; Eastport Road, £899 3s, £865 4s 4d; Mangaiti, £650 4s lOd, £611 0s 4d; Avlesburv, £348 lis 4d, £304 3s 7d; Hauraki, £70'l8s 6d, £37 6s 3d; Tnrangaomoana, £718 8s Bd, £571 5s sd; Taihoa, £813, £676 2s 7d; Okauia, £416 16s 10d, £339 19s Id; Tirau, £583 19s, £493 15s Id; cream, £1832 0s 2d, £1395 15s Id. . Totals, £8530 15s, £7259 14s 7d. The gross totals show an increase of payments for the month of November over the preceding month of £1271 0s sd; The butter-fat returns show an increase of 12,2791b over last year.

LEAMINGTON.

TOWN. BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the above Town Board was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. C. Jarrett presiding.. Mr. C. Shaw wrote stating that suraphs mado by the board for getting rid of surplus water, were left uncovered and were dangerous to children, who, in wandering about, might tumble into them and be injured, He complained particularly of one in Mr. Looker's paddock. The chairman said the suniphs were all on private property, and although not covered up they were fenced round, and no one had the right to trespass and run the risk of being injured. The Works Committee undertook to view the place complained of and to report upon the matter. It was resolved that unless the contractor for gravelling Cook Street commences work forthwith, the next lowest tender be asked to undertake the work. It was decided to lease four acres of the gravel reserve to T. R. Ching at £4 per annum for a term of five years. The Domain Board then sat. The superintendent of the Methodist Church was granted the use of the domain grounds on Boxing Day, in which to hold the annual picnic. Mr. Morse reported that there was only a small drop of water in the well on the domain reserve, and that it could not be deepened or it would cave in. It was decided to ask Mr. George Bayley, water diviner, to locate a spot where water can be found when he comes to Leamington at Christmas, and then to put a bore down.