OKATO GENERAL NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1932, Page 2

OKATO GENERAL NEWS

SWIMMING CLUB ACTIVITIES. (Prom Our Own Correspondent.) That the high standard of work has been maintained, the first year enthusiasm not being relaxed, was exemplified by the beautiful needlework and handwork displayed by the Junior Guild of St. Paul’s, Okato, at a pleasant garden party held at the residence of Mr. Frank Brown last week. Afternoon tea was served under the pungaj on the lawn. There was a good attendance, and the afternoon being beautifully fine, the function proved most enjoyable. A meeting of the Okato Swimming Club was held in the hall on Monday. Mr. J. L. Power, president, who supervised the new work, reported that owing to shortage of-funds the programme had been curtailed. Much useful work of a permanent nature, however, was done. At the top of the baths the filling was completed and the new culvert constructed across the road, the stream having been diverted through the bush. Mr. Andy Humphrey erected a flood gate, and pipes were laid from the stream to the baths. The contractor completed the removal of and the concreting around the dressing shed. The southern bank of the baths was levelled, and the ground farther back was sloped, which should be a great improvement for spectators. As the outlet had become silted the stream bed was cleaned some distance into the bush. During the weekend a working bee whitewashed the sides of the baths, effecting a wonderful improvement in the appearance. After a lengthy discussion it was resolved not to build the ladies’ dressing shed until finances improved. Repairing of the washout under the old shed site was considered a matter of urgency. The ladies’ shed would be the next job. There is an impressive profusion of bloom on the native trees at present. Cabbage trees, hinau, kowhai and others are a mass of white, while the less showy, but more brightly scented flowers, add a delightful fragrancy to the bush.

The Okato-Tarurutangi cricket match attracted a good number of spectators to the domain in the week-end. The visitors were entertained at afternoon tea, while all were treated to a few stunts by an aero club machine which appeared from New Plymouth. Okato’s first innings realised only 41* Tariiril-:

tangi replying with 89 ,of which Street and Stan. Giddy contributed 33 and 36 respectively. Okato’s second innings proved a little better, 53 being gained. R. Andrews (17) was top scorer. Some cricketing gear has been purchased by Mr. Batt for the school children, and they are displaying keen interest in the game. Arrangements have been made for them to practice on the cricket club’s pitch.