MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17169, 3 August 1927, Page 10

MATAMATA.

Junior High School. At the last meeting of the Primary School Committee, Mr J. F. Wells, headmaster of the two schools, presented a gratifying report on the system of half-yearly promotions. The term examination revealed Unit, satisfactory progress is being made by the scholars generally. There have been many cases of rapid individual promolion, resulting in the half-yearly promotion of children concerned. One of last year’s Standard lit. boys came second in the term examination for Form 1 A, at Hie Junior High School; in the purely secondary subjects of French, algebra and geometry he came first. This boy has just turned ten, but it is obvious that he would have been wasting his time in Standard Ilf., at the primary school. Coming from iiinuera primary school a girl aged 12 holds the first place in the class. In connection with the above if may be slated that the Matamata Junior High School is life only one of ils kind in the Dominion. The system. I hough not favourably looked upon by those higher in 'authority, lias completely justified its existence. The one weak point is the transport, but this is proceeding very much more smoothly this year. There is a probability liial an effort will Lie made to work 1 lie scheme in with the mail carrying and newspaper contracts. If this conics iflioul, the whole business would be on a firmer basis. Orchestral Society. Matamata possesses an Orchestral Society of .shout 10 members. . The formation of Ihe Society is largely due to the efforts of the conductor, Mr Stan. Holland, who lias spared no pains to keep his musicians in practice. A concert will bo held shortly, when artists and musicians from oilier centres will also lake part. Country Motes. A marked improvement in weather conditions .has taken place this week. Indications point to an early spring, and it is safe to say that in very few seasons .has there boon so much grass about, as at present. Though (he. weather conditibns have something to do with it, the increased, use of fertilisers must also be considered.

Over ten thousand tons of manure came to the Matamata railway station last year. Taking the cost on the paddock at £G per ton (a conservative estimate when long cartage is necessary) this represents an expenditure of £GO,OQO. A fair idea of what farmers have to produce can he gained when interest on mortgages is added to tin's sum. These facts show the wealth there is in the land and dairying industry, and the huge circulation of money even in a small district like Matamata. ’

An optimistic tone prevails, and it appears as if the tide had turned in the farmers’ favour.