AKAKA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1847, 31 July 1907, Page 25

AKAKA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) On July Bth, the long-lookcd-for High School was formally opened by Mr Frank Page (Chairman of the Lower Takalca School Committee.) 1 The number of pupils who presented themselves on that morning numbered sixteen, and were addressed by Mr F. Page, Messrs G. G. Langridge, H. Page (members of the Committee) and Mr T. J. Baigent, member of tho Education Board, all of whom urged the children to do their best and strive to make the school one of the best in New Zealand. They also spoke of the conferred by the higher branches of education, and the- chances of the children gaining some lucrative positions in later years, for which they would be more fitted by a course of study in such .a school as the one just opened. Miss Ainsworth, B.A. is in charge, and is a most capable teacher in all of the higher subjects. Since the opening day til© numbers on the roll have gene up, at the present there are some twenty-three attending, but owing to the prevailing epidemic of influenza, two or three have been laid up for a few days. There are several more intending pupils who have yet to put in an appearance. If the parents of children who have passed the sixth standard would only study the good that might accrue from the benefits of higher education, there is no doubt that a large number of children would soon be attending the High School. On July 24, the Tabaka Lodge of Druids intend holding a grand social and ball. The committee entrusted with tho getting up of the night’s enjoyment are working hard to make the thing.a success. The catering is in good hands, so the supper part is certain tjfl ba tip-top, and the floor of the hall is being looked after, so the dancers will not b>e able to complain; those who do not dance will bo well looked after, for there are bo be card tables and other pastimes for them. This lodge is steadily forging ahead; nearly, every lodge night some new members aro made.

I am very sorry to have to record the death of Mr James Pochard,, which occurred at Nelson an the 12th July. The deceased gentleman was born at Clifton, Takaka, 35 years ago, and had spent the most of hts life in this district. Ho was the third eon of Mr Joseph Pachard (one of the very earliest settlers here, who is still living). He had not been well for some time past, but his friends did not think that hifl condition was so serious until a few days before his death. He leaves a widow and a son and a daughter to mourn their loss. These have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The funeral service was conducted by Mr Webber, of the Presbyterian Church, assisted by the Rev H. Pepper, Anglican Church; and Bro. J. F. Rosa read the Oddfellow’s Burial Service. On Saturday, July 13th, a rifle match was fired between teams from tho Takaka Mounted Rifles and the Aorere Defence Rifle Club. The conditions were seven shots at 200, 300 and 500 yda. The match was won by the Takaka Mounted Rifles, the scores being, Mounted Rifles, 773; Aorero Defence Club, 699. After the match the usual cheers were given by both teams, and the hope was expressed that another meeting would take place shortly. The Golden Bay Rep. Footballers are to play a match in Nelson on Saturda to play a match in Nelson on Saturday July 20th, against the Reps. of that city, when it is 'hoped they will give ja good account of themselves, even if they do not score a win. . Dr Adams, our local medico, has gone on a holiday, leaving Dr Washbourn in his stead for. a few days. There is a rumour going round that two or three new business premises are to be built in the township very soon. If so, that will show that Takaka w still going ahead although slowly.