HORSHAM DOWNS.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 5

HORSHAM DOWNS.

, A, Paddy's Market. Under ideal conditions many wellwishers, settlers, and visitors assembled at the local haU determined to enjoy themselves, and at the same time spend some money to try anil reduce the debt on the hall. Notwithstanding the fact that neighbouring districts were holding similar functions and some farmers had actually started haymaking, a splendid crowd rolled up and spent the day and evening at the hall. Owing to pressing business the Hon. J. A. Young, M.P., wired an apology, saying he regretted being unable, to open the function, and Mr Parlane. manager of the N.Z.C.D. Company, Ltd., very kindly came. This gentleman, who has just returned from a world trip, proved to be a host in himself. His observations abroad found interest for all. Before introducing Mr Parlane, the chairman, Mr Geo. H. Boyd, on behalf of the district and hall management, desired to thank all for the great amount of work done by the ladies, the many gifts from business people, and the assistance of the local men folk. Never before had such an army of free workers assembled to try and please each other. The secretary, Mr C. Haultain, did his work splendidly.

The tea rooms did excellent business, being ably managed by Mesdames D. Bruce, H. Dowdy, J. Priest, J. Osborne and Misses Haultain, assisted by many young ladies as waitresses: ice creams, soft drinks, Mrs P. Roberts; jumble stall, Mrs MoCorquindale and Miss Hamilton; cake stall. Mrs J. Upson; lolly stall, Mrs and Misses (3), Hutton, and Mrs Branch; needlework, Mrs G. 11. Boyd and Mrs J. Hall; Christmas trees, Mr and Mrs W. Burns; shooting gallery. Misses S. Boyd and E. Priest, assisted by Mr D. Bruce, jun., and A. Henderson ; pegging your claim, Mr A. Henderson; guessing competitions, Mrs Wintese, assisted by Mrs Mathews, Miss Coker, Mrs Lovegrove, Mrs Harris; hoop-la, Mrs Geo. Silcock; clock golf. Mr Ross; Bruce Darin.

The evening's entertainment consisted of a promenade concert. Many musical items were given by local and visiting friends. All the goods were disposed of at reasonable prices,

which will mean a good sum of money towards the hall. Supper was handed round. District Improvements. From time to time it affords me much pleasure to note the steady growth of this district. Year after year the butterfat production has risen, and will still rise as the remaining unimproved land is brought in and the partly improved land comes into production every year. At present one notices no fewer than three new homes being erected. In two cases this means small holdings. The younger folk settling on portions of the old homesteads. For many years this scribe has been an advocate of doing something with the old Rotuna Lake bed, and it is pleasing to note that at last all the land is to be transferred to the various holders. It is to be hoped these people will lose no time and get proper drainage put in during this summer, to enable the receding edges of the lake to become of some use. Apain, we find keen interest is beingTakeri in having a proper highway from Horsham Downs to Puketaha ■ind Gordonton. For many years this work has been partly finished, and now that the settlers propose to help and the County intend to do j something the work should be finish- I cd during the next 12 months or so.