WAIHI.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 13, 28 September 1907, Page 9

WAIHI.

Waihi! To the Maori, the word Waihi means fishing water, but to the pakeha of the Dominion it signifies the town possessing one of the foremost mines of the world, the town of erratic weather, for strong winds blow pretty constantly from all parts of the compass, and, thirdly, a town which has attained great notoriety for the varied kinds of excitement it affords. Why the latter should

predominate so largely in the formation of history is, perhaps, a little difficult to determine, but the answer solving the problem why Waihi is distinct from other towns of the colony in this respect may be traceable to the very heavy percentage of young and middle aged people who form the community, and the almost complete absence of those who have borne the heat and burden of the day,

and are now resting from, and enjoying the fruits of, their labours elsewhere. Yes! Waihi is undoutedly the home of the worker, and within the be-undaries of the borough are to be found some of the finest specimens of young manhood as are to be found in any part of the King’s dominions. The population of Waihi numbers now close on 7000, all of whom are entirely dependent, directly or indirectly, upon the mining operations conducted.

Municipally the affairs are under the control of the Waihi Borough Council, which was formed several years ago, owing to the persistent agitation that Waihi, although producing the greater portion of the Ohinemuri County’s revenue, was not receiving its fair share of roads, paths, etc. The new council, with an herculean task before it, set about immediately ir. the effort to make the place more habitable, and it has done wonders in this direction. Owing to so many acre residence sites having been granted by the Warden’s Court, before the actual importance of Waihi had disclosed itself, the residential part of the

town naturally became very much scattered. and the result has been the construction of miles of roads and streets that should never have existed. The borough, therefore, has had an immense tax placed upon its financial resources, and the reduction of any part of its goldduty would certainly prove disastrous just now when so much still requires to be done. The council, however, has unquestionably done remarkably v. •11. and during its very short existence has brought in a water supply for domestic and lire purposes at a cost of about £2l, 000, erected municipal gas works at a cost of about £lO.OOO, ami abattoirs at a cost of about £2OOO, so that it will be seen our city fathers believe in keeping the birthright of the people intact as far as possible. Moreover, the council has also grassed, and laid out with trees, etc., a fine recreation ground, which embraces a bowling green, of which visiting bowlers speak in the highest praise; in fact, it is regarded as one of the best greens in the province, thus removing for ever the idea that ‘‘grass will not grow in Waihi.” The council has now under consideration the erection of swimming baths, and everything possible is being

done tor the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The ratable value of the Waihi borough is estimated, approxi mately, at about £.33,000, whilst the revenue from gold duty, etc., is estimated at about. £lO.OOO per annum. Commercially, the town will hold its own with any town of similar size in the Dominion, and when the distance from the main producing e< litres is con sidered. together with heavy freights, etc., it is marvellous that goods can be purchased at such cheap rates as prevail; indeed, goods are sold, in some instances, at a lower rate than those which obtains at Paeroa the neighbour ing port for the Upper Thames district. Ihe main street. which comprises the principal places of business, has now ls-en designated Scddon street, in inory of the late Premier, and possesses some handsome -hops, in the most of which wares and goods are invitinglv and temptingly arrayed. The fronts now all comprise plate glass window j. and. generally speaking, the shops are up to date. ,

The education of the young is well looked after, and there are now three schools, viz.: the W'aihi District High School, Hast School, and St. Joseph's School, tiie number of children attending being over 1200. In addition, the W'aihi School of Alines is doing valuable work in imparting education of a mining and scientific nature, the students generally being young men who are anxious to improve their positions in the life they have chosen, and it may be of interest to know that some of the students who have graduated from the Waihi School of Mines have obtained most lucrative positions in various parts of the world, news being recently received that an exstudent is now obtaining a salary of about £ 1200 a year in Africa. An effort is now being /made to have a technical school erected, and it is confidently anticipated that the (movement will be crowned with success. The sick, and those who are unfortun-

ate enough to meet with accidents, are well eared for, and one of the best equipped hospitals of the Dominion is located in the western suburb of Waihi, ami the grounds and general appearance of the place present a very pleasing aspect. The climatic conditions of Waihi are of course very varied, but the steady growth of the numerous shelter trees is doing much to break the force of the prevailing wind—west—and there are now some beautiful flower and interesting vegetable gardens about the place. Shanties have given place to up to date dwellings, and. generally speaking, Waihi has developed into a thriving township, ami on Saturday night, when almost everyone makes it a point of going out to see and be seen, Seddon-street, where the crowd promenade, is a sight worth seeing. Of course the progress of the town is entirely dependent upon the progress of mining, and if that important industry took a retrograde step, Waihi would gradually dwindle down to a deserted village. The now sensational “creep” or surface subsidence in the Waihi mine, which occurred last week, gave some idea of the alarm that would ensue if

anything went wrong with the mining; and business people who have invested their all in Waihi were in a terrible funk for several hours on Tuesday morn-

ing, until reassuring information was received that the output of the mine would not be interfered with. Seriousness was succeeded by smiles and laughter, and

the township has been in good humour ever since. Mining, therefore, plays a most important part in the life of the people,

the Waihi Company alone employing fully 1500. The mine, known in the older days as the Martha, has steadily developed, until its status has been raised to

about fourth best in the world, and, as the output is steadily increased, it is probable that before very long its position will be still further improved, and

it will take its place among the first two for bullion production. (To be concluded next week.)

.1. Wolffe, who last week reached within two miles of the French shore in his attempt to swim the English Channel. He is looked upon in England as the most likely man to accomplish this great feat which has baffled swimmer after swimmer. A few weeks ago he got within about a mile of his goal, and then had to give up.

BACK HOW (Left to Right): David (Mr G. Clay). Thomas (Mr F. Wilson). Faulkland (Mr L. Mark). Fag (Mr A. Rowe), Bob Acres (Mr H. McCliine). FRONT ROW (Standing): Captain Absolute (Mr 11. Binsted). Sir Lucius O’Trigger (Mr C. Crispe). Sir Anthony Absolute (Mr E. Robinson). FRONT ROW (Sitting): Lucy (Miss Violet Millar). Lydia (Miss Ruby McElwain). Mrs Mulaprop (Miss Kathleen Cussen, Julia (Miss Dorothy Seddou).