MATAMATA TOWN

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14832, 21 December 1921, Page 4

MATAMATA TOWN

A WONDERFUL ADVANCEMENT J AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS CENTRE A young, prosperous and important town Is that of Matamata, situated / on the Rotorua line some 30 miles south-east of Prankton Junction. To give a detailed description of the wonderful growth of this town woqld lake up more space than can be spared at this time of year, but a short account of the dally happenings will, no doubt, interest those who are dubious as to what part of the Dominion they should best select to make a success in life. During the past three or four years buildings have sprung up in all directions, the residential areas extending a considerable distance from *tbe town. The business premises, of which there are many, include drapers, housefumishers, auction marts, refreshment rooms, grocery stores, fancy goods stores, etc. Although there are a large number of shops, there still remains openings for many more in order to meet the requirements of the many dairy farmers who have recently taken up land in this district. Referring to the last valuation (Nov. Ist, 1920), it is shown that the ' total capital value was £450,325; rateable value £408,200; total unimproved value £256,750, and rateable unimproved value £228,330. Between January Ist and September 30th of this year 31 building permits have been issued, the value of these more recent buildings being £15,960. The present rate is lid, comprised of Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, metal loan rale, and electric light. Further rates will shortly be struck in respect to water and sewerage, The town was lit up by electricity about four weeks ago. Large sale yards, running parallel to the railway line, exist here, sales being conducted therein by the large auctioneering companies. Owing to the increased business th \ companies have found it necessary to purchase land for the erection of more up-to-date yards. These will be erected when the prices of building materials drop. Ip the meantime, however, the’Health Department and Town Board have allowed the auctioneering companies to use the present yards provide 1 certain snMl improvements are made. ■ within two rhinulcc walk of the railway station is a large glaxo factory, employing 78 hands, under the management of Mr Barnes. There are today 96 farmers supplying the factory. 15,400 gallons of milk being received per diem. Water Supply and Sewerage. , - Matamata is bent upon rivalling and outstepping her rival MorrinsviUe, and when the latte- decided upon a water supply scheme Matamata went one v better, and by an almost unanimous vote decided to instal not only a water supply scheme, but also an up-to-date sewerage/ scheme. The source of the water supply is the Te Ariki stream, near which are the Wairere Falls. These falls can be se'en from the train in the wooded hills ten miles to the north 'of Matamata. There is a very large supply of water in this stream a supply which varies but little in winter and summer. A casual glance gives one but little idea of 'the roughness of those same bufeh hills, and even a visit to the headworks now gives no idea of the task the .engineers were confronted with when the work was commenced about twelve months ago. To get engineering supplies up those steep hills through the dense bush seemed impossible, but with care a graded track was formed which enabled the supplies to be packed up on horseback in, small quantities. The engineers selected the site for the headworks with great ingenuity, so much so that it was found possible to dispense with a dam. A jutting wedge of rock forms a natural dam and in this rock the v intake chamber was made. The intake itself is protected by two screens, one made of lin steel bars fixed in the walls of the chamber and the other of very fine mesh over the bell-mouthed intake pipe. A'tunnel through the rock connects the intake with the main. It has been a herculean task to lay the pipes from the headworks down through tli 3 bush When the hush was cleared along the route the formation was found to consist of very hard, huge boulders practically touching each other, and one by one these had to be blasted away. Once the main leaves the bush an 1 conic; out on to the plains it makes almost a direct route to Matamata. Where it crosses the Waihou River a hardwood trestle bridge has been built to carry the mains. ' Five smaller bridges, have also been con-' slructcd over the streams. V’ The supply pipe is of 7in. diameter for a distance of five miles, and. of Sin >■ diameter for the remaining five miles. The larger pipe was installed part \ way so as to allow the water being supplied to the neighbouring township of W'aharoa, a very wise provision on the part of the Matamata Town Board. The reticulation of the town consists of 6in and 4in cast iron pipes ia the more populated streets and galvanised wrought iron pipes elsewhere. Provision has been made for fire hydrants, stop valves and scour valves. The above work is now nearing completion, the reticulation being finished and the supply main has be,en laid from the headworks for a distance of four miles. It is anticipated that the supply will be available in the town early in February. The natural adjunct of a water supply is a sewerage system, and we consider the Matamata Town Board has been well advised in raising a loan for this also. The ratepayers will get more than full value for their money in increased health and comfort. Although all the pipes have been purchased for the scheme and are stacked along the sewer routes through the town, an actual start has not yet been made with the work. The scheme is a gravitational one, a considerable feat in such a flat district as Matamata, the outlet being 2i miles to the cast end of the town in the Mangawhero stream. Trouble over property right-of-way is at present holding the work up. The plans have been adopted by the Town Board and approved by the Public Health Department. Before discharging into the stream ttie sewage will be treated by a special process rendered necessary by fact that a large percentage of it will consist of milk waste from the glaxo factory which an ordinary septic tank will not Irt at. The estimated cost for the water supply schertic is £33,000, and that of the sewerage scheme £30,000. The engineers in charge of both of these works are the well-known Auckland engineers, Messrs Lockie Gannon and Worley, who are also in charge of the MorrinsviUe water supply scheme. Boy Scouts. The Matamata troop was started in July, 1920, under the able direction of the scoutmaster, Rev. W. E. Connolly. The hoys, all of whom lake groat interest in their work, meet every Friday evening in the Farmers’ Union Hall. The ‘Patrol Banner” is competed for every' six months. This banner is at present held by the “Lion Patrol” under Patrol Leader Jack Kennedy. A brass band was formed three months ago, the citizens, by their characteristic energy, raising £l4 6 for this purpose within a fortnight. The Bandmaster, Mr Cleland, is deserving of great praise for the good progress shown , by the boys. The instruments to-day number 15, with more to follow in the ' very near future. Arrangements have been made for the boys to go into camp for a fortnight after the Christmas celebrations. The troop, numbering 35, is flourishing, and has accomplished good work. Mr T. Fyfe, assistant scout master, is doing excellent work in respect to the movement. SPORTING LIFE. Golf Club. The membership of this club numbers over 100. Although only formed last year the finances of the club are very sound. The links which are in first-class condition cost approximately £75 per annum for their upkeep. The membership fee; total £175, leaving a balance of £IOO for improvements. The holes at present lumber nine, the area of the grounds enabling the number to be increased to IS. It is proposed to increase the number,of holes to 12 for next year’s play. \ ■■ Hockey Clubs. Hockey was played in Matamata for the first time this year. At first the prospects were not too bright, only five attending the first meeting. Grounds were unprocurable, but Mr Vospcr came to the assistance and placed a ground at the club’s disposal for an indefinite period. The club formed, the ladies played nine matches during the season, three of which were won, three lost, and three drawn. The men’s team played nine matches also, three of which were won, four lost, and 2 drawn. A seven-a-side tournament was held at the close of the season. There'were”43 members on the roll at the close of the season, there being a credit balance of £37, which is to he spent erecting dressing sheds on the playing fields. Mr Vospcr lias ploughed and levelled the grounds amh.sown in grass. One ground is to be set aside expressly, for matches. Boxing Club. A junior boxing club was started this year with 15 members. Mr Sheehan, who lias had considerable experience in the art of self-defence, willingly gave his services as instructor. His work was hampered owing to several of L the boys leaving the district, but those that have remained have shown great improvement. At the close of the season the members presented Mr Sheehan with a leather suit case os a mark ov appreciation, Association Football Club. No account of Matamata sport wooia bo complete without reference to the Matamata Associatho Football Club, which was inaugurated at the beginning of last football season. Quite a number of supporters of “Soccar,*'

who have been enthusiasts of (h i national game in the Old Country, now resident in this district, felt the want of this class of game, with Ihe result lhai the local club was formed. hack of time for proper training was a handicap, but with an increased membership this coming year the dub will be in a stronger position to annex winning honours and gain a belter position in the league. The club are supporters of the « south Auckland Association. “Soccer” professionally played is one of the most spectacular games, and it is to a high standard that the local club is endeavouring to qualify. Geographically situated as it is, Matamala is severely handicapped for travelling facilities in its games with oilier centres, but there is a keen spirit prevailing amongst the members to foster the game of their desire, and overcome this difficult:'. ’ Bowling Club. Although only in the second of its existence, the Malamata Howling Club is numorioaCy one of ihe strongest clubs in the South Auckland Howling Association, its membership having risen from 2 last year to 55 this season, and will, in all probability, be much larger before Ihe close of Ihe year. The operations of the club during the past season contributed to Hie growing popularity and the good government of the game. The dub supplies a big want in the “sporting life” of .Matamala, especially to those who find bowling a suitable pastime. The erection of a new pavilion and the inauguration of a ladies’ croquet club (the latter in conjunction with the bowling club) have materially assisted to the enjoyment (ft the players and visitors to the greens. Any visitor to the town is made heartily welcome at the club grounds in Smith Street, Western Estate, and any patron of the "trundling” gam» will appreciate his association on the “M.M." Green with its members. Tennis Club. , As an experiment the club laid down two courts in concrete at a cost of £2OO. These having proved a great success, it is the intention of the club members to lay down two more for next season. Mr Stockdalc, who is a very keen tennis player, undertook the work, assisted by his partner, Mr McCarthy. Only one inter-club match lias, at present, been played, that against Morrinsvillc, resulting in a win for Morrinsvillc, the score resulting, 9 sets to 7. Matches have been arranged with Cambridge and To Aroha. and it is hoped that arrangements will be made for the club members to visit Tauranga, Rotorua, and Pularuru, Dr. Laurenson will represent the club at the forthcoming N.Z. Championship tournament to be held in Christchurch during Christmas week, and Messrs Edwards and Gregory will play in the Rotorua tournament, also to be played during Christmas week. Motor Service. Royal Mail cars meet the Auckland expresses, conveying passengers to and from Tauranga, a beautiful drive of three hours over the Kaimai Ranges.

T. R. DAVIES & CO. COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS One of the many flourishing businesses in the town is that which is carried on by Messrs T. R. Davies and Go., Furniture Manufacturers, Tower Jjoad. The finished articles displayed in ' commodious premises make it a very easy task for a customer io make a selection. The Arm has its own factory (which is to bo seen from the railway station) fitted with the most up-to-date machinery for cabinet-making. A competent and reliable staff is kept constantly employed. AH customers dealing with this firm are assured of good seasoned timber, together with excellent workmanship at very reasonable prices. Another advantage of dealing direct with the manufacturer, is that the customer, if he or she so desires, can have furniture made up to any desired design, and to suit any particular lastc. When visiting the shop some very choice bed and dining-room suites in oak and rirnu, stained and unstained, were to be seen, while the stork of carpets, linoleums, rugs and mats was as varied as one could find in a large city store. There was also a veiy extensive range of crockery, amongst Which was to be seen the productions of some of Hie noted English potteries. Adorning the walls were pictures to suit every'taste, the prices for these being most-reasonable. Passing into Hie rear portion of Hie building our representative found Mr Davies in Hie act of framing many beautiful pictures, whiv.li lie had late- ' ' ly secured from Wellington. Doing Ins own framing, as he docs, is the apparent reason why Ihe prices of Ihe ‘‘pictures' complete” arc so comparatively low. Mr Davies’ shelves contain many articles most suitable for either Christmas or New Year Gifts. Amongst many to be seen were ornaments in every design and shape, picture frames, both large and small, glassware, china-ware, etc. Residents and visitors would be well advised to consult Mr Davies, who will be pleased to give any information and advice to those who arc about to furnish their homes. In conclusion we would mention that T. R. Davies and Go., arc also “Directors of Funerals.”

i.ils, nnci hats in all designs, neatly displayed on pretty stands, is ever a sure halt Tor the ladies, whclhetThey be in need of garments or not.

Entering into the shop one is surprised to see the amount of dress materials from -which the buyer can make a selection, this vast collection of the best materials being the result of eleven years’ experience, Die length of time Miss Cummings has been in' business. Besides the General Drapery, which is always being added if!, in order to meet with the fashions if today, a boot and shoe department is to he found in which various styles to suit every ta.sie may be purchased at most reasonable prices.

Although Mr Cummings keeps consi anlly in touch with the large city merchants, he, at-the same lime, does a small amount of direct importing, lliis accounting, no doubt, why certain goods are seen only at this place of business.

G. L. MAHON. - THE MATAMATA GRAIN AND PRODUCE STORE. AN ENTERPRISING CONCERN. Established something less Hian a year ago, this business is steadily being built up on a sure foundation. With characteristic enterprise, Mr G. L. Mahon, thc proprietor, is supplying a felt want among the farmers and landowners in and around Matamala. Twenty-five years’ experience of thc needs of farmers in both the North and South Island has provided Mr Mahon with the knowledge necessary to cater for many discriminating tastes. The store claims no pretentiousness as lo size, but Its salient features arc service and satisfaction. While chaff, . oals, bran, pollard, wheat, maize, mixed fowl food’ and other farm grown feeds are obtainable, the firm also supplies manure evenly balanced in analysis, 1 guaranteed, and always in excellent drilling condition. Special attention is "/given to the supply of grass, clover ana turnip seed, the aim being lo supply seeds of first quality and at a reasonable price. Farmers who arc in need of a drill, harrow, mower, plough, rake, roller, windmill or any oilier agricultural implement will he well advised lo consult Mr Mahon, regarding ihc best makes and prices. Thc improvement of thc herd is the dairy farmer’s chief aim, and Ihc man who can raise the average yield is the man who can make a success of liis venture. Bearing this in mind, Mr Mahon is aiding in this success by supplying various slock medicines and funds, including Danish Uow-Lic, Fatecine, Oxygas, Teal Ointment, Vaccadync, Electra Fluid, and Rock Salt. Full supplies of household coal, benzine;, kerosene, ’motor spirit, machinery and motor oils arc always in stock. Amongst other agencies held by Mr Mahon is that for the Cane Milking Machine, a machine which has gained in popularity, due to Hie fact that its makers arc determined to maintain its high standard of manufacture and efficiency. The aim to supply -‘everything for Hie farm and the gird ;n" is a big one, but that it is being successfully carried out can he amply demonstrated by a visit to the Matamita Grain and Produce Store,. The store is situated in Station Road, opposite the Railway Station, and close to Hie Glaxo Factory.

The Showrooms, which are commodious, are always full, and customers may be certain of always receiving courtesy from those employed there. One feature of Hie business, and which is most notably carried out, is everyone is welcome to enter and inspect, and no one is requested Io purchase unless they should so desire to do. H. E. FOLLETT. MATAMATA BAEEBY AND TEA BOOMS. A business which has grown with the town is that of the Matamala Bakery. Knowing that the town was in need of a high-class lea and refreshment room, the owner of this business has just recently had his premises thoroughly overhauled and opace has been made whereby sixty visitors may be sealed ensemble in his spacious rooms. The rooms have been painted, new tables and chairs installed, and with, the trellis work and palms, makes an ideal rendezvous for light refreshments, all of which arc of the \ery best, and made on the premises. Another feature of I his business is tiic Marble Bar, which Hie owner lias recently had installed; from this coot drinks of all flavours can be obtained. Ice creams arc .also supplied. The owner, Mr Follett. who lias been in (he Bakery trade for Hie past sixteen vears. lias been in business in Matamala about 12 months. During this short period he lias, through, his business methods, established a very large connection in and around the district, t Mr Follett specialises in machinemade bread, which he delivers twice fair day. Delivery is made by motor, Hms ensuring Hie customer of an early delivery. On' visiting the bakehouse it was noticed that the most up-to-date plant was installed. Another conspicuous and most important feature noticed was Hie cleanliness of everything used In connection with bread-making, this being most essential in the interests of public health. All newcomers to !ho district would be wo 11 advised to place their orders with tills firm. . MATAMATA AUCTION MART, This enterprising firm is being conducled on good, sound lines, and the auctioneer, Mr V. E. Lark, is leaving no stone unturned to, bring this medium of exchange between the grower and Hie consumer to the highest standard. The old premises proving inadequate to cope with the large amount of business, now premises have been acquired in the newly-erected building opposite D. L. McXVallacc’s Store. The building facing Tui and Tainui Streets is to ho found easily, visitors being able, io see the mart on leaving the Bail way Station. Mr Lark carries a large stock of new and second-hand furniture, every day bringing in goods of various descriptions. Hie mart, on no two days, carrying the same selection. In addition to handling furniture, there is always a .full list of farming implements for sale. Live stock is also to be frequently seen, thc auctioneer making a special feature of poultry, for which there is always a keen demand, more especially at this time of the year. Anyone who has anything to dispose of, no matter how large or small, should send it along to’ thc Matamala Auction Mart. The premises lately vacated are being- retained for use as a produce store. Mr Lark invites inspection to both his premises, whore one can see for oneself Hie large variety of goods which are sonl into Hie rooms for sale either privately nr by auction. In the produce store will be found wheal, chaff, maize,, oats, potatoes, onions, etc., all of which arc for immediate disposal. A rest room lias been set apart for tin' use of ladies attending the sates. The use of this convenience in no way commits the user lo make purchases. This room has been provided in thc j interests of Hie buying public, thc I proprietor hoping that by civility, comI fort, and atlenion. Hie mart will become the place of business into which all will be pleased to enter lo receive Hie satisfaction for which they seek. Mr Lurk also carries on a coal and carrying business, this branch of the business being under his personal supervision.

J. E. CUMMINGS "THE VALUE HOUSE.' "Follow the crowd,” and you will arrive inside the premises known ns the "Value House," nan under the direction of Mr and Miss Cummin?*. . The double-frontage premises situated immediately opposite the Town Hall, Hie windows always dressed in a most artistic manner with the latest mater-