MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16096, 20 September 1924, Page 6

MATAMATA.

Orphans' Club. One of the best evenings since the inception of the above club was held on Tuesday. It was really "Visitors' Jfight," and they were present from far and near. Apologies for absence were received from Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge and Pukekohe Orphans' Club, and from the Paeroa Xjcntlemen's Club. Fully 60 brethren 'and friends were in attendance, and they thoroughly enjoyed the long: and varied programme. Ths chair was occupied by Bro. Gordon Grant, and after supper he officially welcomed the visitors. In doing so Bro. Grant outlined the aims of Orphandam, emphasising the , fact that the "Big Brother" clubs had set a very high standard for Matamata to fellow. It would undoubtedly be the earnest endeavour of the Matamata Club to' follow in their footsteps, and thus be the means of promoting art, inciting" talent, making friends, and showing benevolence generally. Bro. C. Andrews, past-president of the Te Aroha Orphans, thanked the hosts for their warm welcome, and stated that one of the chief aims of Orpbandom was always to keep merry and bright, as illustrated by one of the vocalists in the song "Smile." Bro. Andrew, president of iMorrins. ville Club, endorsed the previous speaker's remarks and expressed his pleasure at being present. He considered that every club should have a banner, and suggested that possibly something 1 might" eventuate in this direction' as far as Matamata was concerned, after the "ladies' night" to be held in a fortnight. Following was the programme:— National Alnthem, sung by all; Bro. Wilson (Morrinsvilie), recitation; Bro. Watson (Morrinsvilie). stories; Bro. Davies (Matamata), song; Bro. Cassrells (Matamata), stories; Bro. Jenkins (Morrinsvilie), song; Bro. McGaskill (Te Aroha), sons; Bro. Flatt (Te Aroha), violin solo: Bro. Young (Te Aroha), song; Bro. Chadwick (Te' Aroha), musical monologue: Bro. Bchlin (Morrinsvilie), song: Bro. Hitchman (Morrinsvilie). song: Bro. Robertson ' (Morrinsvilie). song: Bro. Gar. rick (Morrinsvilie), song. Every item was encored, some of them twice. Bro. Bobertson in the early part of the programme responded twice, and was called back three tin.es after his second appearance. His interpretation of various comic soags was distinctly above, the average and his efforts were much appreciated. . . The meeting concluded with cheers for the visitors, which were heartily reciprocated.

Taihoa Benedicts' Ball. A moat enjoyable plain and fancy dross ball was held at the Taihoa Hall on Wednesday night. It was organised by Mr W. ,S. Wilson, who is to be congratulated on its success. The ■music was first-class, being supplied by an orchestra from Matama'ta composed of Messrs B. Blennorhassett (violin), M. Bates (cornet), 11. Shepherd (saxophone), and Miss MalliFan (accompanist). Extras were given by Miss M. Bobinson. The prize for best fancy dress in the ladies' section was won by Mrs West, in a striding costume representing the Hinuera Dairy Co. In the gentlemen's section Mr McPhail, as "Uncle Ram," was the winner. Mr Bobinson gave a vocal item entitled "The Old-fashioned Town," and as an encore "Coming Home." Burins the evening a presentation of a beautiful dinner set was made to Mr and Mrs Gould, who have just returned from a friP *« Australia. In making the presentation Mr W. P. Wilson referred lo the good work for the district performed by the recipients and wished them every success and prospcritv. Mr Gould suitably replied, thanking the doners for their kindly thought. . Mr Beeby carried out the duties or M.fi in his usually efficient manner. About 40 counles were present, a srroat number of them coming from Mala, mata. although the night was wet and storrnv. Oilier local districts were also well represented. The supper provided by the ladies was well up to the usual" hixn standard or Taihoa gatherings. These .innces are extremely popular. Wet or fine. Taihoa can always be sure of extensive patronage.

General Notes. Taking everything into consideration Matamata has just cause to be congratulated on the result of the Town Board election. The fact that four mTnbhrs out of seven of the old board have been re-elected proves that the administration of the old board has satisfied the majority of electors. It. is now felt that the addition of three new members will strengthen the board's hands, as some of them have had considerable local body experience, and all of them are well known to have the interests of the ratepayers at hoart. Some of the problems confronting the hoard will require a keen business outlook, and it is quite certain that IJjcy will be viewed from every angle. jjv regard \o money which has already -been' 'spent fiu the town, Mr W. Gordon" gave some'very Interns tin e flgunes at the ratepayers' mectiflP. , B,eferrin? to the town water supply, he stated that the total cost &a 4 bLuSD £36,000. This ex_

ceeded the estimate by £5500, but Westerns', Brown's and Dawson's estate were not included, and they have since been reticulated. In regard to the sewerage scheme, the estimated cost of the complete reticulation was £34,000, and the partial scheme £15,000. About £7OOO had been spent, and a further loan will be required shortly. The proposed roading scheme would cost £18,500. An effort had been made to borrow this money, but so far it had not been obtained. It was estimated that the expenditure for the year 1925-26 would be £SOOO and the receipts £5376. For 1926-27 the estimate was £5611 expenditure and £5637 receipts. The rates in Matamata per head of population for the year ending now and 1925-26 were 80s. The above are big figures for a small town, but it is very rightly argued that making the place attractive will bring people to reside and engage in business.- If this is so the money will be well spent, and high rates at the present time will be balanced by a correspondingly lower rate when the population increases. The water scheme will eventually pay its way handsomely, and already many farm, ers have good cause to thank the Matamata Town Board. Good water for stock and cleaning dairy utensils is absolutely necessary for the. dairy industry. Recently the mains were extended to the Hinucra road, and farmers on both sides of the railway have taken advantage of it. Another matter which will come before the board is the necessity for new'municipal buildings, including a larger town hall. The present hall has served the need of the public for some years, but it is quite apparent that it is now inadequate. If a new building can be erected that, will pay interest on It's cost it would assist the progress of the town. A vexed question is that of the saleyards. , Some people consider that it would be a bad move to have them taken further out of the town, and another section will do their best to have them removed. If proper concreted yards with ample water supply were provided there seems 'to be no reason why they should not stay where they are for a good many years. llowe*ver, these are some of the problems that confront the board, and it is safe to say that a seat on it will not.be a bed of roses. Mistakes have been made in the past, and will also be made in the future, but the opinion generally is that the affairs of the town are now in good hands, and when the time comes for it to be turned into a borough the mayor and councillors wlil have something worth looking after. ' ' ". '

Valedictory. A pleasant social evening was held at the Methodist Church on. Thursday for the purpose of wishiug bon voyage to Mr and Mrs F. E. Kersey. Mr J. S. Vosper presided over a good attendance, and an excellent programme was rendered. The vocal items were well received, especially those given by Mrs Kersey and Mrs K. Buchanan, both of whom received a double encore. The Rev. Percy Cooke was also {n good form, and was heartily applauded. Miss ' Salter (Auckland) contributed a recitation, and Mr Frajik Salter a humorous both of which.were much enjoyed. At the conclusion of the concert Mr .1. F. Vosper referred in glowing terms to the great assistance Mrs Kersey had been, both to the CJhurch and the choir during her residence in Matamata. He also stated that those present would say "Au Revoir" but not "Good-bye." On behalf of the choir and congregation", he had much pleasure in presenting Mrs Kersey with a travelling rug. Mr Kersey suitably responded on behalf of his wife, and a vote of thanks to those who had assisted in the evening brought the proceedings to a close.