GENERAL NEWS ITEMS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 80, Issue 7182, 29 March 1950, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS ITEMS

“ All Strangers Excluded ” At the commenement of the March meeting of the Kawhia County Council there were present: Crs E. E. Smith (chairman), W. D. Neal, F. J. Stokes, and S. D. Dillon. As soon as he had called the meeting to order, the chairman moved that “ all strangers be excluded from this meeting.” Cr Dillon seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Courier reporter thereupon withdrew. Maori Poakis

The Maoris have lately held their annual poakis at the various settlements, and'at each there has been a iarge attendance. This was especially so at the Wlaipapa Pa, and to a lesser extent at Maketu, special buses bringing visitors from as far north as Tuakau and all parts of the Waikato and northern King Country.

Successful Bring and Buy A successful Bring and Buy to raise funds for the Oparau School was held in the local hall, whefi there was a large offering of produce and cakes. These were disposed of by auction, the hammer being splendidly wielded by Mr E. R. Jordan, with the result that a total clearance was effected, causing the school funds to be augmented by a goodly sum. Thereafter community singing was indulged in, with M|r J. Richards contributing- a song. Mrs S. G. Wright presided at the piano. Mr C. F. Barnett, on behalf of the School Committee, thanked all for their assistance, saying that the response to the appeal had been good. From Bechuanaland

The British Protectorate of Bechuanaland is very much in the news lately. A chief, Seretse Khama, has married an English girl, which marriage is resented by his people, and in consequence he is being detained in England until the matter can be adjusted. One has to live among these people, and speak their tongue, to understand their customs and views on such matters, and a letter has just been received from Major F. A. Marr, 1.5.0., E.D., Resident Commissioner at Granzi, Bechuanaland, to a resident of Kawhia., with a wealth of interesting matter on the country he lives in and administers. In his district lives a wealthy rancher, MJr Arthur Burton Smith, who settled there after the Boer War. Ho, as one may imagine, has cut his wisdom teeth. There is also Sub-Inspector Maynard, of the Bechuanaland Protectorate Police, who hails from Dunedin, and his father was a parson in that city. Major Man- has been to Kawhia, and was impressed with the potentialities of the harbour and district. He hopes to be able to visit here again in the near future.