WAKEFIELD.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11553, 14 February 1906, Page 2

WAKEFIELD.

(From, Ouv Own Cqrrespon^ent. ) A much-needed yaumw»~ --• t 4 just boeu in--*- — . -• ~> rodent ■ htiS L t; — ' , . .^ue in the way of altera..oils and additions to the Wakefield Railway Station. For years, past the Railway and Post Office business has been done over one small slide, much to the inconvenience of the Stationmaster. This drawback has no\v be^ri removed, and we havfe a railway station and Post Office fl*ed up similar to that at Riohmond. A new room 10ft by 12ft has been added to the south end of th» Station, where all the Post and Telegraph business is now conducted. The Department are having sixteen private boxes put in, and I understand more than half of these have already been taken up. The Post Office lobby, formerly used by < the public, has been incorporated into the former office, thereby making it much larger and more convenient, which, no doubt, Mr J. M. Wilson, Stationmaster, thoroughly appreciaes. An up-to-date ticket window has been added to the Railway end of the office. The public find these improvements a great convenience. A much-needed convenience, and one which has been agitated for for some time, viz., a crane, is to be erected in the railway yard next week. Those handling heavy and bulky goods will be very thanful for this improvemment. A large gate has been erected in front of Mr McPherson's business premises. As Mr McPherson does a large business with the railway, this new entrance will be a great saving of time to him. A substantial grant has been given by the Education Department for a technical school to be erected at Wakefield. Those anxious to attend such a school will be delighted to learn that at last, and in the near future, the classes will be commenced, and in a suitable building. Mr Tanner, of WaKefield, has built a large marquee for Mr Harris. It is 20ft by 30ft and Bft high to the eaves. Mr Harris will use it for the first time at Miss Gorrie's wedding on Wednesday, he being the caterer. Many picnic parties come to Wakefield, and it will be available for them, and also for the' wedding parties he caters for. Mr Harris is a man who believes in progress. Mr E. McPherson has lately had a handsome and commodious house erected for himself. Mr G.Robertson has bought the old home, which is also quite a new building. The two houses stand side by side and improve the appearance of our township. The Rev. O. E. Hewlett and Mrs Hewlett have just returned from Auckland, where they spent their month's holiday. They look all the better for their trip, and received a hearty welcome to Wakefield by their parishioners. Several old girls and boys, and a lot of new ones, go down by train daily to College. They commenced the new quarter last Monday We are pleased to see Mr and Mrs Irvine (our old organist) again. They have left Denniston and go to Auckland in a few weeks, where they intend making their new home. Mr E. Edridge of Wai-iti has been appointed choirmaster to St. John's Church and is stirring up the choir. He insists upon thorough work being done. Our'new pupil teacher Miss Jessop has settled down to work. The attendance at school so far is very good. Hop-picking will probably commence in earnest . in two week's time. . Blackberries are beginning to ripen so that the blackberry picnics from town will soon be giving our valleys a lively appearance. Wakefield 12th Feb. 1906.