HEATHCOTE VALLEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10231, 14 August 1911, Page 2

HEATHCOTE VALLEY.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —I would like you to see out little suburb now. Twenty years ago Heathcote Valley was rarely visited. It consisted of two churches, a publn school and one hotel, a few residences and a considerable area of farming land. But the residents had faith, ana in 1901 the Government bought a largo block of land on the left of the railway line and Hillside, and it at once began to move. Pa wall o Settlement to-day is one of the most successful of Government settlements. . Two years later the Government was asked to connect Heathcote with the Telephone _ Exchange, and new houses were daily ill command. About thig time Mr Buxton's farm was sold, and. to-day aboub twenty houses have arisen in its place. As the houses were built we found the accommodation of our church was too small, and to-day we have a fine largd schoolroom capable of seating 260 people. It was opened by the Bishop in May last, and it was taxed to the full by parishioners and friends, and we are looking forward to a new church and vicarage following. Our young men started a rifle club, and succeeded last year in winning the challenge shield, and, with the help of the residents, various concerts and a bazaar, they have succeeded in erecting a large hall, seating about 200, which was duly opened by Mr Weir on Wednesday evening. Owing to a real live committee, our public school is becoming a real beauty spot. After persistent efforts a large infant room (m brick) is being added to the old school, and will be fitted with the latest furniture. With the assistance of the residents a piano has been bought for the sole use oi scholars. The grounds have been well laid out, and a pair of large iron gates, with an arch supporting a lamp, is to be erected as a Coronation memorial. To-day Heathcote is one of the prettiest suburbs in or around Christchurch. I will not take any more space now, but will be glad later <xn to give you some further news.—l am, etc., OLb-ITMER.