MIDHIRST.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 10292, 26 April 1895, Page 2

MIDHIRST.

[from our own correspondent.] April 24. — A smoke concert was held at the Egraont Hotel recently as a conipli- j meiit to Mr D'Arcy Hamilton, who has ceased to be a resident of Midhirst. Mr Hamilton has resided here for four year 3, and took an active part in all public movements. He was for a time a member of the Maaganui Road Board ; also of the School Cominitteo. Of the latter body ho waa a most efficient member, and contributed largely to the succes3 of the numerous concerts and readings, which, during the last three years, have been organised for tha benefit of the school fund. He has written an excellent drama called " Hinemoa," and placed it successfully on the stage here. As a man of very considerable medical and surgical attainments, . he was often of great service to his follow-citiz?ns, and he grudged neither pains nor time whon called at any hour to assist in lowering \ the aggregate of human agony. Ho contributed largely to the founding of the Hinemoa Masonic Lodge in Midbirafc, and was highly esteemed in the Masonic fraternity. He is at present arranging to settle in the Auckland district at Kawnia, and it is quite certain that he will be a valuable acquisition to the community. A farmers' meeting on the same evening somewhat interfered with tho smoko concert, but there was a good attendance. Colonel Payne, of Stratford, presided. The viands were excellent, the songs varied and heartily sung, and numerous speeches eulogistic of the guest of the evening were well given and received. Altogether the evening was spent in a very enjoyable manner. The annual meeting of householders was held in the Midhirst School on April 22nd. As Midhirst advances so doQ3 the school, and also the interest taken in school matters. The school has been favored for . several years with a very active committoe, who labor successfully in their sphere to keep JVlidhirst up to the requirements of tho day. The chairman for some considerable time, Mr James Rodgera, is the personification of energy, and is ably supported by his fellow members. There was a good attendance, including some ladies, and 41 voters exercised the school franchise. Mr Rodgers was appointed chairman of tho meeting, and read the report of the retiring Committee, which stated that various minor improvements had been made in the furnishing of the school. A sum of £7 JOs had been subscribed, and expended in prizes. Tho annual picnic was held on Mr Clark's property. Numerous concerts were given during tho year, adding considerably to the school funds. Iv conjunction with the Waipnku School, an (.excursion -was made to the breakwater by •special train, over 500 children and adults availing themselves of the opportunity. Tho balance sheet showed a surplus of £6 14s 6d, in addition to which the treasurer's book also showed a balance of £1 14s 2d making a total credit of £8 3s Bd, compared with an orerdraft of £6 3s Id when the Committee took office. Tho school staff remained unchanged during tho year until Ist April, when the assistant mistress, Miss Morton, loft to take charge of tho Stanley Road School. She has been succeeded by Miss Reed, a former pupil teacher in Midhirat. The Chairman informed tho meeting ihat seven resident householders had bseu duly nominated, but that it was o|k»i to those present to nominate others in addition. Four additions were then raadu to tho list of nominees. There being thus eleven candidates, a poll became necessary, and arrangements wore accordingly made in accordance with tho Education Act. Mr Scott was appointed poll clerk, and Messrs Honnor and Worm scrutineers. On the declaration of the poll, it appeared that the seven successful candidates were— Messrs Rodgers, 86 votes: J. E. Jones, 33; M. H. Clark, 32; P, Andersen, 32; S. Serjeant, 28; H. Robertson, 22; S. Pepperill, 19. Tho first five wori m.tim.bere of ita }a,Bt Committee, »nij

Mr Robertson has also had experience as a member of the School Committee. The newly-elected Comniitteo then mot, and Mr Rodgera was re-elected chairman and secretary ; Mr Serjeant treasurer, aud to sign cheques in conjuncj tion with tho chairman. Messrs Robertson and Pepperill were appointed a visiti ing committee for tho ensuing month, and directed to report on the wants of the school premises at a special meeting to be held on Saturday next. It -was resolved to call for tenders for firewood and school cleaning, to close at tho same meeting.