The first Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce looked a lot different from the 2025 version.
A great discussion regarding publishing a tourist book about Te Awamutu was one of many decisions before the Chamber of Commerce.
Other items included a letter from Mr Stewart, postmaster, concerned about the night mail service. The Postal Department had approved a posting box for late letters being situated in the mail contractors’ stables at Te Awamutu, to be cleared at the last moment by the coach driver before meeting the Main Trunk night expresses. This meant the general letter writing public had the opportunity of their outgoing mail catching both night trains up till midnight, Sundays included.
Providing swimming baths for the school children was also considered. The suggestion was made that the stream should be cleared for a distance and a dressing shed built, ideally by the school committee and general public.
A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced throughout Waikato accompanied by a noise like rushing wind. The direction appeared to be east to west, and the duration about a minute. Telephone bells and hotel bells were set a-ringing, and a good deal of alarm was caused in many households. At Ōhaupō it was felt as rather a violent tremor of the earth continuing for about 15 seconds. Dishes rattled on the shelves, and houses creaked through the vibration. Harapepe trembled for fully 30 seconds and at Te Awamutu buildings were violently shaken and crockery was thrown from the shelves.
At Cambridge it rang some of the bells of St. Andrew’s church, stopped several clocks and upset things on shelves in several houses. It frightened a good many of the inhabitants and caused them to quit their establishments in double quick time.
The Te Awamutu Philharmonic Society visited Kihikihi and staged the charming Japanese operetta, ‘Princess Chrysanthemum.’ The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. The Town Hall was packed to its utmost limits and delight at the beauty of the scenery and costumes were universal. Miss Vera Rickit gave a charming rendering of the title role, Princess Chrysanthemum, and there were several duets, catchy tunes, solos, humorous songs, and a chorus.
Mr Price Owen, the Society’s scenic artist, played the part of Saucer Eyes, the Wizard Cat. His grotesque makeup and unearthly caterwauling added considerably to the effectiveness of the scene in the Cave of Inky Night. The Sprites of the Night had all the appearance of a band of mischievous elves, their dance grotesque and song being very effective. Four little fairies formed a dainty wee band of attendants on Fairy Moonbeam and sang a very pretty chorus. The umbrella dance charmed the audience, who received it with hearty applause.
The Philharmonic society’s finished style and excellent harmony showed that considerable pains must have been taken in attaining such a state of efficiency. Rarely if ever had Kihikihi experienced such a treat in the musical line.
The chamber is discussing tourism – and Kihikihi gets a musical fit for a princess. Meghan Hawkes takes us back to 1912 to review the news in Waipā.
