LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2306, 4 March 1930, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Fred. Lye, M.P., has been advised by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. E. A. Ransom, that he will be prepared to open the new Tahuna river bridge on March 8, and this date has now been definitely fixed by the Piako County Council. Some time ago a Cambridge Domain Beautifying Society was formed, but of late its activities have been suspended, and it is felt that the society should disband. A meeting of all subscribers is called for Friday afternoon next, to decide what shall be done with the small amount of money in hand, and also as to whether the society shall be dissolved or not.

In view of the Cambridge A. and P. Show this week, it is interesting to know that the first prize foal exhibited at a Cambridge Show, in 1903, is still in the district. This foal was by St. Crispin—Martha, and proved a capital hack. It was owned by Mr R. D. Fisher, and though it has now outlived its usefulness, is still running on Mr Fisher’s farm, Pukenmu. V

On Saturday afternoon last about 4.30 while engaged in assisting in the painting of the Ohaupo school, a young man named Ernest Haytcr, of Auckland, fell off the roof of the school and sustained a fracture of the right arm; also abrasions to his face. He was taken to the Waikato Hospital. The injured man was among the workmen recently engaged in painting the local schools.

A heavy thunderstorm passed over the district on Saturday afternoon. As is common with such storms, it varied in severity over comparatively small distances. In Cambridge, the rainfall was extremely heavy for about two hours, the rain gauge showing no less than .52in. for that short space of time, while at Roto-o-rangi only .OSin. was registered. Some parts of the district had scarcely any rain, while in others there was a deluge. Advice has been received by Mr C. H. Clinkard, M.P., from the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, that owing to the representations of the churches that the opening of the sports grounds in tho Rotorua gardens all day on Sundays was not desirable, it had been decided to open the ground for play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. only. The bowling green was opened for the first time for Sunday play on Sunday last. .Several rinks were occupied. Three tennis courts were also occupied for the time they were available. At the Auckland Metropolitan Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s summer show, which concluded at Epsom on Saturday, the local horse, El Arish, Major A. M. Samuel’s, was successful in several events, winning tho Dominion Hunter Class, the Lady’s Hunter, Light-weight Hunter, Lady’s Champion Hunter, second in best wire jump, and second in the North Island Champion Hunter. In the lady’s classes El Arish was ridden by Miss K. Fisher. H. E. Porritt's entry, another local horse, also secured places.

The local school’s swimming sports will be held on Friday next, at 1 p.m. Admission is by silver coin. Mr 0. White, patentee and manufacturer of the “Victory” milking machines, advertises that he will have his 1930 model of this well-known machine on exhibition at the Cambridge Show to-morrow and Thursday. The arrangements have now been completed by the Auckland Power Board for the ceremony to be held on Thursday to mark the official changeover to electric power from Arapuni, and the opening of the board’s new building in Queen Street. The premises of the Firestone Tyre Company in Hood Street, Hamilton, were entered in the early hours yesterday morning and £1 in cash and a cheque for £6 were taken. A most determined entry was made, the front door padlock being sawn off and taken away and a lock picked. The premises were broken into last year, when about the same amount of money was stolen. On Saturday the Victoria Square was commissioned by the Sunday School children of Frankton First Church for their annual picnic. There were about 150 children and adults present, and the day was spent in the usual way, races and games being indulged in. Most of the visitors came by train, while several caivlonds were also present.

The Solomon Islands are a fine field for the entomologist. Last night, Rev. 11. Voyce, a missionary from Bougainville, Solomon in the course of an address, displayed a magnificent collection of butterflies collected at Bougainville. . These comprised a great many varieties,‘all very wonderful, aud many of entrancing beauty, of the mostdazzling colours. Some were very large and resembled small birds. Several of these butterflies were very highly prized, and found in no other part of the world.

Besides being a politician our district member, Mr Fred. Lye, is a keeu lover of flowers, and apparently knows something about flower culture, for at the Morrinsville Horticultural Society’s annual show last week, be practically scooped the pool in certain sections. Mr Lye entered in six classes and secured 5 firsts and champion prize. In the cut flowers section he was very successful with dahlias, securing the championship with a lovely Sheila Ward. Mr Lye also got first for six varieties dahlias; first and second for cactus dahlias; first, paeony dahlias; first roses (three colours), and in addition the points prize for cut flowers and three special prizos. Mr Lye informs us that the show was the most successful yet held by the neighbouring society, there being the record of 1400 entries.