COLAC BAY NOTES

Western Star, 6 October 1939, Page 5

COLAC BAY NOTES

Building operations are very active in and around Colac Bay at present. The Native Department has already erected several dwelling's at Wakapatu for the Maoris and the builders are now busy with several houses for the native farmers here. These places will be very much appreciated by the occupants as the dwellings in which they have been residing have hardly been habitable and far from sanitary. Mr Sam Clode, who has been on the j exhibition building at Wellington for j about .two years has again taken iip j his residence here and is at present en- j

gaged in erecting for himself a comfortable little cottage next to Mr Harry Driver's dwelling on th'e main road. Carpenters are also busy converting Mr Jas. Pont's old homestead into a modern bungalow. The little shop recently occupied by the late Mrs McNaughton is being dismantled for removal.

Mr Don Neilson, of Round Hill, left for camp during the week. He should make an ideal soldier as he" is determined, strong and active. A fitting farewell will be given him on his final leave.

The County road leading to the hall has at last been gravelled. This will b? much appreciated by the public aim the children who attend school in the hall. With more pupils than the schocl ; can comfortably hold it is unfortunate- .• ly necessary for the,, lower classes to b* » taught* in this building. The local ' school committee has made repeated > applications to the Education Board for > another room to be added to the school, but so far their efforts have been nil. In desperation the committee wrote direct to Wellington on the" matter and the authorities there replied stating that they were waiting for further information from the Southland Education Board and a further application to the Board brought ,the advice ; that they were waiting for further in- < formation from Wellington, and so it ; goes on. ' v i

The committee is also endeavourin'jr to get-the Board to erect a new fen*- 1 'in front of the school grounds as th > present close-boarded one is falling down and a new one is urgently inquired. The committee is haviir: about the same success with it as th'.'y are with the new room for the school.

y —' 'ufc is with regret that we have to report the death of Mr Bert Pont which took place in Central Otago during the week. The deceased, who is a brother of l\lr James Pont, of Colac Bay, resided here for many years as a young man and was a very popular and respected youth.

Mr John Wixon has sold his farm to Mr Christie, supervisor of the Native Development Scheme, the latter taking possession during the week.

Tennis enthusiasts have taken full advantage of the recent, fine weather and the coach has had a very-busy time instructing beginners. So far very satisfactory progress has been, made as several promising players have been discovered.

Mr Wm. McNaughton; who has been on the school staff at Colac Bay for some time, ifas been transferred t(j Granity and commenced His new duties last week.