Te Awamutu township was in a somewhat excited state over the proposal to do away with the present bowling and tennis sites and have new grounds made on Victoria Park.
There was some opposition to the removal of the grounds from the present site and meetings were held to discuss the matter. As a result, the Puniu Domain Board decided to convert their property between Bank Street and Frontier Road into a sports ground, including a summer and winter green, croquet lawn, four tennis courts, and a running track. This met with the approval not only of bowlers and tennis players, but also the whole community. The grounds would prove a most valuable asset to the town.
At Kihikihi the blaze from a chimney fire was noticed all around the township. Three young men who happened to be in the vicinity hurried to the scene, and two of them immediately climbed on to the roof and with buckets of water and wet bags managed to extinguish the fire. While doing so the top and some of the chimney fell away and it was only by the strength of them both placing their hands against the hot masonry that it was prevented from falling on them.
Their hands were partly burned and the woodwork at the side of the house was charred, but the building was saved. Fire also removed one of the oldest landmarks on the Ōhaupō Road – a cottage which in the early days was occupied by a shepherd. No one was living there at the time, and the origin of the fire was a mystery. The building had just about outlived its usefulness.
A memorial service for His late Majesty King Edward VII, which was held at Pirongia, was attended by all the inhabitants of the district. The Rev Lamond read the funeral service and hymns were sung. An eloquent sermon on the life and good works of King Edward in the cause of peace, which had earned him the high and well deserved title of ‘Peacemaker’, was most attentively listened to and deeply appreciated by the mourners. His late Majesty’s favourite hymn ‘Abide with Me’ was sung at the close of the service.
At Harapepe a very successful Sunday school picnic was held in Mr Strong’s paddock. Among those present were visitors from Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Paterangi, Te Rore, and Whatawhata. Miss Hodgson, the Sunday school teacher, was praised for her courtesy and tact which was strikingly illustrated when the various events for the young were held, Miss Hodgson seeing that every child was provided with a prize. One of the most amusing events of the day was the baby’s race, which attracted a very promising field of eight. After partaking of tea everybody wended their way homewards well pleased with a most enjoyable day.
Te Awamutu Tennis Courts
