DISTRICT NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16096, 20 September 1924, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUTARURU.

The Chamber of Commerce. This month's meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce was held in . the Oddfellows' room, Yandle's buildings, Putaruru, on Monday evening. There were present Messrs F. C. Barnett (president). J. M. Spear, C. G. Alcorn, J. 11. Morris, J. BanBrown, A. Begbie, Coslett, junr., G. E. Martin and A. 11. Dukeson, junr., secretary.

In reply to the Chamber's- support J for the Matamata and To Aroha pro- : posals for a night train from Frankton to Auckland at night on arrival at Frankton of the evening trains from Rotorua and Thames, the Minister for Railways, the Hon. J. G. Coates. wrote that the suggestion was impracticable as such a night train would arrive in Auckland about 1 p.m., when no trams were running and all hotels and boardinghouses were closed. Under the circumstances, it was considered that few passengers would take advantage of the night train, which would therefore most likely be a financial failure. "I am in receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, and beg to inform you that the matter of police buildings will not be lost sight of when the Public Works Estimates are under consideration," wrote the Hon C. J. Parr, Minister for Justice. "The question of affording more police protection will be considered apart from that of building new quarters." The letter was "received," members intimating that they thought this very satisfactory. A letter from Mr F. F. Hockly, M.P. for the district, was also received stating that in accordance with the Chamber's request he would support the representations for the immediate erection of a police station at Putaruru and had placed a question on the Order Paper in the House of Representatives on the matter. In acknowledging the receipt of the Chamber's letter congratulating them on their afforestation enterprises in the Putaruru district, the directors of Smith, Wylie, and Co., Ltd., through Mr D. S. Wylie, managing director, wrote. "We have the utmost confidence in the future for Putaruru, particularly as regards timber industry, as leading authorities on afforestation have informed us that in no part of New Zealand, and probably the world, will trees make the growth they do in your district."

The matter of forming a direct road from Putaruru to Mangatapu (Selywn) with a view to its ultimate extension to Arahiwi, connecting with the road to Mamaku and Holorua, was brought forward by Mr Spear, who stated that he understood a grant was being placed on this session's estimates for this road. It was resolved to ask the Selwyn Timber Company to advise the Chamber in writing of their proposals to augment the grant, with a view to the active support of the Chamber. It was resolved to request the telegraph authorities to take into consideration the advisability of stationing a resident telegraph linesman at Putaruru, it being pointed out that the work here was increasing but the nearest linesman was at Matamat?, involving a great deal of lost time travelling to and fro. The conveying of the mails between the Putaruru Post Office and the railway station b> handcart was mentioned, it being stated that the mails had now assumed toe great a weight for this method, which was undulytoilsome for the Post Office staff and slow. It was decided to suggest to the Chief Postmaster, Hamilton, that tenders be invited for the carrying of these mails by express cart or motor. It was decided to write to the Thames Valley Power Board asking that electricity troubleman be stationed at Putaruru.

A member reported that rubbish was being dumped on the side of the road at the cemetery hill, making an unsightly entrance to the town. The secretary was instructed lo refer the matter to the county engineer, with a request that the practice be prohibited. It was also decided to ask the engineer to widen the road corner against Yandle's buildings as it w.as becoming dangerous owing to the increasing traffic. Extended Telephone Service.

/The granting of the extended telephone service for Putarui'u was conveyed to Monday's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in a letter from the acting secretary of the Postal Department, who stated that in response to the Chamber's letter pointing out that the subscribers to the Putaruru exchange now numbered over 100, entitling them to a service from G a.m. to midnight Mondays to Saturdays inclusive and two hours on Sundays and holidays, arrangements were being made for these hours to be observed. It is understood that the local Post Office has also been advised that the extended service is to be granted. This will necessitate an extra exchange clerk, on whose arrival the extension will become operative. The hours to be observed on Sundays will be 'J a.m. to 1(1 a.m. and 5 p.m. to G p.m. and on holidays 0 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The extension of ihe service beyond 9 p.m. will enable subscribers lo take advantage of the reduced rates for bureau calls after that hour at night.

Cricket. The annual meeting of the Putaruru Cricket Club was held on Friday evening of last week. There was an attendance of eight members, over whom Dr. East presided. The statement of receipts and expenditure, as presented by the secretary, Mr J. Sheehy, showed that the income amounted to some £2O and Ihe expenses to 2d more. The club having had to purchase all the essential gear last season, this was considered satisfactory.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: — Patron, Mr A. G. Lcggatt; president, Mr J. Martin; vice-president, -Messrs A. 11. Dukcson, senr., T. F. Sncll and i;. E. Martin; secretary, Mr C. D. Brown; general committee, Dr. East, Messrs A. Faulkner, .1. Smith, J. Kimber, K. Day, J. Sheeny, E. P. Dees; de.iecat.es to Association, Dr. East and Mr 11. Martin; club captain, Dr. East; selection committee, the president, the club captain, and the secretary; auditor, Mr A. H. Dukeson, junr. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the outgoing officers, particularly Mr Sheehy.

It was agreed that the subscription be the same as last year, and that not less than seven days' notice be given to call a general meeting of the club. It was resolved that the club captain or any five memebrs of the club have power to call a meeting. Red and black were adopted as the club colours.

The question of grounds was discussed and was referred to Dr. East and .Messrs Drown and <i. .Martin for inspection and report. It was intimated that the formation of a cricket association for the l'utaruru district was being taken in hand by various chilis and a meeting of the delegates would probably he held this Saturday foe this purpose. In addition to last season's clubs, there would probably be a club at Arapuni and one at Lichfield also this season.