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Thames Star, Volume IIII, Issue 1717, 4 July 1874, Page 2

We are requested to state that, the next meeting of the Northern Pioneer Lodge «f Good Templars will take place a - St. George's. Hall and not at the Masonic ITall. <

At the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland (Freemasons) a motion was adopted assimilating the representation in the Colonial Grand Lodges to that of the Grand Lodga of Scotland, by adoption of the proxy system.

■ We are informed that the promoters of the Temperance movement have concluded the purchase of a freehold centrally situated in Pollen-street, and that the building of a Temperance Hall on the site will shortly be commenced. We believe the building will be the joint properly of the Rechabites and Good Templars.

We understand that the Chairman of the Waidtshi Highway Board has received authority from the Government to proceed with the No. 1 contract, Waiotahi Road, the work to be carried out under the supervision ; of the District Engineer., Mr. Gallagher is the contractor, the.amount being £800. The contract was signed this morning, and work began. -

litr the 'window of Mr. Jefferson's shop, Pollen-street, is an illuminated nddress to Mr John Borthwick from the employees of the Old Whau Goldmining Company. The address is in very flattering terms, the writing by Mr. Slater is superb as a specimen of modern illumination, and the frame which encloses it is a"pretty bit of kauri: the tout ensenitle euoh as a mine manager might be proud of.

Otjb Naval Brigade seem determined to keep up a lively course ,of. existence, being about to furnish their hall with complete gymnastic .apparatus. They have also purchased foils, and many other'articles! suitable for a gymnasium; last but not least, a captain's gig ia ordered. Th!s boat is to be 40 feet long, and no doubt, will figure conspicuously in the forthcoming spring and summer regattas which are expected.

It was interesting to notice (he large iron pipes as they were lifted out of the Pumping Association's shaft after, being down for two years and a half, and subject to the action of the mine water. So far as could be seen the water had hod but little effect on them so far us oxidising is concerned. On rubbing them with a. cold chisel thero was no ecale found on them. Mr. Errington pronounced the pipes to be perfectly sound, -and but: very little'the worse for wear. This must be encouraging to the Association, as it shows that the pipes will remain uninjured for a long time by the water pumped up th^em. Bachkideb's Pantsscope was exhibited last night, but ta an exceeedingly small number of spectators j notwithstanding which; however, the programme was strictly adhered to. Mr, Yerten gave one of his pretty little songs, " Teach me, Mary, how to woo the," and appeared in what are appropriately denominated " negro foolishmerit?." The gymnastic doM created great amusement as usual. This afternoon a performance was given for the accommodation of those unable to attend in the evening, when a number of children attended and showed evident signs of delight. Some prizes wero also distributed.

Taxtbanga appears to be a place of some attractions just now. Already two former residents of the Thames haTe settled in the district; Mr. M. Brearley has lately sold his business to cast in his lot with the Tauranga settlers, and now we learn that another is about to depart for this new sphere of labor. The latter is Mr. Khodes, bootmaker; who after a visit to Tauranga, has definitely decided upon leaving the Thames for!the Bay of Plenty district, being satisfied that it ©ffers,a fine field for enterprise. We do not begrudge Tauranga these accessions to the population; we regret tht»t the Thames does not offer sufficient inducement for old residents to remain here.

Feom the report of the meeting of the Board of/Education, held on Thursday, we learn that the opening of tke Eureka school, with Mrs. Mb Manus as teachtr, has been approved, on the understanding that the school -was to be used for young children only. . It was decided to inform the Committee of tho Waiotahi District that the Board considered the Shellback a town School, and that Mr. Maberly would ke paid accordingly. The question having been raised as to the right of visitors 16 the schools interfering with the school management or teachers, it was resolved to call the attention of school committees and others to clause 35 of the Education Ac 1-, in Accordance with which schools are open at all times during Bchool houra to parents or guardians of children attending, to any member of the school committee, the Board, or the Inspector.