DISTRICT NEWS.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 219, 10 June 1913, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KQBAKQNUI. (Own Correspondent.) A meeting of settlers was held in the Korakonui school room on Saturday, May 17th. The secretary read correspondence from the Auckland Education Board announcing the resignation of Mrs Git veil and the appointment of Mr Gorden Smith as teacher of the Korakonui school. The Board also asked that the settlers increase the size of the present school by 10ft. to provide adequate accommodation for the large increased attendance ; offering to raise the rent paid by them to the settlers to £ls per annum, an increase of £5. The question of the erection of a standard school has been the subject of

voluminous correspondence, the settlers having built the present building only after fifteen month’s ineffectual striving to obtain a school. The building erected was far in excess of the requirements at the time. The settlers, bearing in mind the ungenerous treatment of the board in the past, and fearing to jeopardize their chances of obtaining a standard school by complying with the board’s wishes, unanimously refused to enlarge the present building. The number of children at present on the roll is 32, and there are 6 children who will attend when the present unhealthy overcrowded state of the school is remedied. The meeting passed a motion to the effect that the secretary be given power to deal in the matter without calling further meetings.

After the school business had been disposed of, the question of forming • a branch of the Farmers’ Union was discussed. All present agreed on the benefit to be derived from an association, with a union acting in the farmers’ interest. Mr Beckerleg was asked to communicate with Mr Hudson, secretary of the Kio Kio branch, asking him to address a meeting to be called at a date convenient to himself. This resulted in a meeting being held in the schoolroom on Saturday, May 31st. The meeting was well-attended, Mr Sturgess being voted to the chair. In a short speech he mentioned the object of the meeting, and introduced Mr Hudson, of Kio Kio branch. Mr Hudson, in an eloquent and interesting manner, explained the aims and objects of the Union, and the good worl/the institution had already donfe, quoting many instances of ybeinffis derived by branches in other parts. At the close of his address, the chairman urged the necessity for immediate action. Mr W. R. La wry, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Hudson for his able address, expressed the opinion that the Union was of great importance tothose present as farmers.

All present gave in their names as members, and the necessary steps were taken to put the branch on a working footing. Messrs Sturgess and B. Beckerleg were elected chairman and secretary respectively for the ensuing year. The subscription was fixed at 10s.

As it was thought likely that the Wharepuhanga settlers would join, it was decided to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight, when the remaining officers and executive committee will be appointed. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. Before the meeting dispersed, Mr Pratt mentioned the fact that the Wharepuhanga settlers lvad formed a working bee to metal the bad pieces on the road, and suggested that those present should act in a like manner, a suggestion which found a ready response.

I regret to report that Mr Ouinn, one of our settlers who recently received an injury to one of his eyes, has been compelled to go to the Hamilton hospital for treatment, and will have to remain there for some time, as the injury has proved to be more serious .than was at first anticipated.