IMPROVING CORNERS

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1935, Page 6

IMPROVING CORNERS

WORK ON THE MAIN OHURA ROAD. CHANGES IN POHOKURA DISTRICT. Travellers using the main Ohura road will notice substantial improvements being made by the Public Works Department between Pohokura and the western approach to the Whangamomona saddle. At Pohokura, a new bridge is being constructed to stand on strong concrete supports in a line with the direction of the road.

At this point, the present road crosses the railway in a right angle turn, and then runs over the old bridge to make an acute double curve before proceeding along its normal course. The erection of the new bridge, coupled with a little filling at both ends, will eliminate three dangerous bends, and, moreover, will give motorists a clear and unobstructed view of the railway crossing. The bridge is already well on its way to completion. About two miles beyond Pohokura, the road makes another level crossing of the railway known as Pitcaithley’s crossing. It is not dangerous for east-bound traffic but a ridge which runs almost to the right of way constitutes a distinct element of danger for west-bound traffic. A camr- has beer, established at this point and the road is being deviated for a distance of several chains in a direction roughly parallel with the railway to meet the road again right at the foot of the saddle. A good deal of filling is demanded midwhy in the deviation, but the work is well in hand, and,, when open to the travelling public, will not only eliminate two road curves but will remove the danger of an obscured level crossing. It is expected that the Moki Road tunnel will be pierced in rather less than two months’ time, but it is likely that some alteration may be made to the long deviation that is proceeding simultaneously with the piercing of the tunnel in order to give wheeled traffic an easier approach to the tunnel on the Ohura side of the saddle. The original line of this deviation was found to be subject to slips from the steep hillside along which it is being constructed and it is likely that the first proposals will be modified with a view to making the approach safer for road users. >

OHURA HIGH SCHOOL.

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting of the Ohura District High School committee was held on Wednesday. There were present Messrs- C. Friel (chairman), McClenaghen. (honorary secretary), Potter, Williams and Higgins. The headmaster (Mr. N. H. Tunnicliff) reported that in the primary department six pupils were admitted and •there were two departures. The present roll was 164 and the average attendance for the month was 155.2. Good progress was made with the new building, which would probably be ready for occupation immediately after the May holidays. Blinds were ordered for the main building and new steps would be erected at the eastern entrance. The incinerator was moved to a more suitable position and seme structural improvements were effected. The standard 3 and 4 room was to be moved nearer the south-western corner, leaving space for a small basketball court for the juniors. Three new footballs were purchased, one for seniors, one for the small boys ' and one for matches. There was one new basketball on hand but another would soon be needed for the juniors.

The school doctor’s report commented favourably upon the appearance of the school and commended the committee for having carried out the suggestions made last year and for its efforts to secure some form of dental service for the district.

The headmaster was authorised to purchase handwork supplies and additions .for the first-aid outfit. The chairman and secretary were authorised to procure a couch for the teachers’ room. It was decided to write the town board expressing appreciation of its efforts to improve the approaches to the main gates and to thank Messrs. E. Stuart and G. Robinson for conveying the children from the sporfsground. Mr. Stuart was thanked for cutting the firewood free of charge. Another vote of thanks-was passed to Mr. J. Flanagan for his fostering of the boys and girls’ agriculture clubs. Messrs. W. K. Williams and J. McClenaghen were appointed a visiting committee. Arrangements for the official opening of the new building were deferred for consideration at the next meeting. LITTLE INFECTIOUS DISEASE. STRATFORD A HEALTHY TOWN. The healthy nature of Stratford as a residential area is illustrated by the return bn infectious diseases supplied to the Stratford Borough Council last night by the inspector, Mr. A. E. Sayers, who reviewed the year ended March 31. The percentage of notifiable disease was only .00216, the population being 3700. There were six cases of scarlet fever, one of diphtheria and one of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The number -of cases has steadily declined over the past seven years, the following figures being for the 12 months up to March 31 in the year mentioned: 1929 43 cases, 1930 38 cases, 1931 22 cases, 1932 27 cases, 1933 13 cases, 1934 4 cases, 1935 8 cases. ELTHAM TALKIES. MANHATTAN MELODRAMA. Clarke Gable gives probably the most compelling performance of his career in “Manhattan Melodrama,” "which will be shown at Eltham to-night and tomorrow night. With Myrna Loy and William Powell prominently cast the film begins with a prologue re-enacting the fire and panic aboard the excursion steamer General Slocum, in New York harbour in 1904 when hundreds were killed. Two young boys lose their parents and grow to manhood in a slum. Gable plays the young man who lias grown up, high-spirited, reckless, an underworld gambler, but very likeable and, to the women, fascinating. Powell rises to be a brilliant barrister. Gable has a woman friend, played by Myrna Loy, who leaves him for Powell. Although the three still remain comrades, Powell fast climbs the ladder of fame and becomes State Attorney with another short step to Governor. Gable shoots a blackmailer who might have pre- ; vented Powell's election, and lands himself in a position from which only Powell and his wife can save him, '