TE AROHA NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 11

TE AROHA NOTES.

INTERESTING JOTTINGS. A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. There are not many executives of Agricultural Associations in the Dominion who possesses a greater amount of grit than those connected with the Thames Valley Show which held its annual fixture on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. By gale they lost their buildings, which were just about free of debt. This was a loss to the district of about £IOOO. An appeal by the executive for funds to rebuild the industrial hall met with a ready response, for practically all the money required was subscribed. To Mr F. M. Strange, the president, a great deal of credit is due. His earnest appeal for funds met with immediate response. To the secretary, Mr A. Bush, a like amount of credit was due, for he at all times urged the manyshow enthusiasts to assist in a practical manner. At the show Mr Bush set an example to many secretaries for the manner in which he carried out his multifarious duties. The Waikato Times was specially complimented on being the first newspaper to publish a complete list of awards at the show. Mr C. E. Macmlllan, M.P., was to have officially opened the show, but he was called to Wellington on Parliamentary duties. Mr Macmillan has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of the association. Mr Samuel's El Arish missed securing honours for the Champion Hunter contest by a narrow margin. Mr Samuel did not take his defeat to heart. He was the donor of a valuable cup and therefore it was his pleasure on this occasion to sec Mr Bn Myer's horse succeed to the ownership of the cup. Hot Swimming Bath. Recently the tepid swimming bath was opened, and ever since it has been largely patronised. The erection of the building, it may be stated, at a cost of about £ISOO, was the last act of the Reform Government. On one day this week 98 children used the bath and mixed bathing is freeiy indulged in by young and old. Containing" much chemical matter and being tepid, the bath is very health-giving, and naturally is the most popular bath in the Domain. The Domain. Just now the Domain is a mass of bloom. Some years ago the head gardener, Mr H. Dalton, erected a pergola, over which be planted wisteria and climbing roses. The pergola extended right across one end of a bowling green. It now presents a wonderful sight; the pungas with which the pergola is constructed are groaning under the weight of flowers. The picture is a charming one, and reflects great credit on the artistic work of Mr Dalton. His successor, Mr Powell, has also displayed much ability and his aesthetic taste is very pronounced. The lawns are well cared for, and the flower plots are beautiful. Roses predominate, while the once popular scarlet geranium is as attractive as some of its more modern rivals. The Domain never before presented such a blaze of colour and is admired by the numerous visitors. Fire Brigade Sports. The Te Aroha Fire Brigade is very active in arranging for its annual sports gathering on New Year's Day. A liberal programme has been arranged and no doubt will be as attractive as in previous years. Passing of a Pioneer. The funeral of the late Mrs James Orr- was a lengthy cortege. The late Mrs Orr had lived at the Gordon, 10 miles from Te Aroha, for over 40 years, and was held in the highest respect by all with whom she came in contact. She experienced all the vicissitudes of pioneering life, and always carried out her duties with a devotion to her family that is characteristic of the early pioneers. Haymaking. Already farmers in the Upper Thames Valley district are busy haymaking, and the crops appear heavy ones. Judging by the number of unused stacks from last year it is evident that there was no shortage of green feed during the past winter. Farmers have enjoyed a well-deserved measure of prosperity. The quality of the herds of to-day speaks volumes for the business-like way in which farmers have tackled the subject of herd-testing. Pavilion Addition. Recently the Tourist Department added a kitchenette to the lower pavilion in the Domain, used by croquet players and bowlers. Cooking arrangements are also provided. The building has proved very useful, and is much used by lady croquet players in particular.