TE ARAROA-HICKS BAY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16042, 1 February 1923, Page 10

TE ARAROA-HICKS BAY.

The outbreak of typhoid at To Araroa seems to be well in hand, there being no fresh cases. Mr. Swain, health inspector, and Mr. Metcalfe, chairman of the Matakaoa County Council, spared no effort to prevent the outbreak spreading. Opinions differ as, to the origin of the outbreak of typhoid in the township. Some accuse the water-supply, which is tankage, while others think the locality, which has been occupied for generations, is saturated witli typhoid microbes. Whatever is tho cause, a thorough investigation should be carried out by the Department of Health. At the meeting of the Matakaoa County Council on January 27th, Cr. Kohere inquired of the chairman why, since no medical man was in charge of the typhoid cases, Dr. Wi Repa had notbeen asked. The reply was that Dr. Wi Repa could not lie engaged, as Dr. Davis, of Waipiro Bay, was the Hospital Board's doctor, whom the nurses consult by telephone, and it was therefore contrary to medical etiquette to call in Dr. Wi Repa. Mrs. Henry McClutchie, better known as Ema Mateterangi, died at her residence at Te Araroa on January 22nd. The deceased lady was about 70 years of age, and was a familiar figure in the district.

In the midst of much sickness. To Araroa celebrated three weddings on January 27th, two at the Registrar’s office and one in the local church. It was a new experience for Te Araroa to find the floor of its post-office covered with the traditional rice. It cam© about because the postmaster was for the time being acting-Registrar of Marriages.. After a short stay in To Araroa, Mr. and Mrs. Clements, the popular host and hostess of Te Araroa hotel, are leaving us soon. Arrangements are being made to give them a suitable send-off. Mrs. Clements particularly showed keen and practical interest in the welfare of returned soldiers.

At the meeting of the Matakaoa County Council on January 27th, two tenders were received for the formation of what is known as McGuire’s road, a portion of the Hicks Bay-Cap© Runaway road. The distance is 63 chains, and the Government’s grant for the work is £6OO. Jensen’s tender was £7BO, and Smither’s £774 2s 6d. The Council considered the tenders too high, and is calling for fiesli tenders. It. is some considerable time since the plans of the additional wharf for Hicks Bay have been sent to the Marine Department for approval. Up to now nothing lias been heard of the precious plans. One of the conditions imposed oil the Hicks Bay Harbor Board by the Gisborne Sbeepfarmers’ Company for reopening the works at Hicks Bay during tho present season was the extension of the present wharf to a total length of 140 feet. While the agreement between the Board and the Company was under discussion at the Board’s last meeting, Mr. Kohcrc asked what would bo the position if the works closed down for want of support by tho sbeepfarmers. Mr. McClutchie pooh-poohed the idea of tile works ever closing down. Since the Hicks Bay works commenced operations in the .middle of December, there are about between 12,000 and 14, 1 000 freight carcases in storage. The I’ort Chalmers is expected this week to lift this meat. Owing to the fact thal many .sbeepfarmers have been selling their sheep on the hoof to outside buyers, I fear the Hicks Bay works will not be able to operate to the extent the directors would like to seo.—Own Correspondent.