January 1908

New Zealand's population stood at nine hundred thousand.
Tourists in Cambridge were loud in their praises of our picturesque little town. The chief suggestion made was that attention should be given to the principal footpaths.
A pleasant feature of the fifth annual Oddfellow's Sports was the absence of any mishaps to competing cyclists, as was so noticeable the case at previous gatherings.

WANTED
- Middle-aged Competent Housekeeper for a widower. For address apply Independent Office.
- For Rotorua, two Wagoners. Tip-top wages and permanent billets for suitable men. Apply Thos Wells, Cambridge.
- At Once. A Ploughman. Apply J Gillies, Gorton.
TENDER
- Wanted for building a small two-roomed [bachelor] cottage for the NZ Dairy Association Ltd, at the Creamery site at Maungatautari. John Mitchell, Architect, Auckland.

Farmers in the Cambridge district are rejoicing at the present fine weather, as it is expediating harvesting operations. It is expected if the fine weather continues that harvesting will be finished next week.
The Returns for 1907 of the Cambridge Magistrates' Courts - 92 criminal cases (from drunkenness to assault, to failing to maintain children, to horse stealing). 6 cases were sent for trial in the Supreme Court in Auckland, and there were 108 civil cases involving £1,329.

'Fires in the swamps in the surrounding districts have enveloped the town in smoke during the past few days.'
'A heap of rubbish burning at the rear of Mr E B Hill's shop in Victoria Street was the cause of the fire-bell ringing out at 9 o'clock last night. The Fire Brigade were promptly on the scene but their services were not required.'
Mr Ernest Davis of Auckland was so impressed with the beauty of the town he presented a garden seat for the Domain. In his humble opinion Cambridge was 'the prettiest inland town in the colony.'
The Mayor thought something should be done to advertise Cambridge more and a committee was formed to look into accommodation and a swimming pool.
The hatless craze had extended to Cambridge, for even in the hot weather, a number of persons were parading our dusty streets in a bare-headed fashion.
The Hon. Geo Fowlds Minister for Public Health, visited Te Waikato (TB) Sanatorium at Maungakawa with a party of Medical and Ministerial representatives. They inspected the shelters in the Mason, Ward and Plunket 'colonies' and were impressed with the surroundings.

At a local bowling meeting a member caused much laughter by suggesting that visiting bowlers (for the fourth annual tournament) should be given a good dinner and as much liquor as they can drink, when they arrive here.
Members of the Chamber of Commerce were concerned at the unreasonable delays in getting telephone messages through to Auckland. The connection had to be made through Hamilton and Mr Tudehope had given up using the telephone and resorted back to the telegraph system.
A dust storm, on a small scale swept the streets almost blinding people in its wake. Watering the streets was suggested at the Borough Council meeting. A start was made on tarring the footpaths in Victoria and Duke Streets.
The Seventh Day Adventists (who had been in New Zealand about 20 years) purchased a 170 acre farm at Pukekura at the beginning of 1907. They built a large three-storey training school large enough to board about 50 students. Subjects covered were agriculture, horticulture, fruit growing, dairying, carpentering, tinsmithing, cooking, sewing and domestic economy. More would be added.
Workmen on the new Post Office displayed a red flag with 'Dry Job' on one end of the building and a brown bottle at the other.

Jas Dean, headmaster at Cambridge West School asked for six months' leave to make a visit Home on account of his health. Miss Doris M Pilcher of the Cambridge High School was successful in the matriculation exam. R Peace & Son won the tender to re-roof the Cambridge West school with £61 10s. Miss Annie L Gavey was appointed assistant to the Secondary Department of the Cambridge District High School.
At the Waipa County Council meeting it was resolved to offer the water trough near the old Cambridge bridge to the Pukekura Road Board, provided it was erected at the foot of Tucker's Hill.
The Swimming Pool was again discussed at the Borough Council meeting. They considered allowing boats on the Lake (which brought forth "hear hear" from Crs O'Toole and Richards.) Cr Dickinson waxed quite enthusiastic over a water chute in the Domain - great attraction and a source of revenue.
The Public Library members' subscription amount to £75 4s for the year and 227 new books had been added. The Government's subsidy was £16 13s and the sale of newspapers and old books totalled £3 8s 6d. They had £76 in their building fund.

 

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