The Changing Rural Scene The last 25 years has seen a dramatic fall off in the district activities in Hoe-o-Tainui. The factors affecting this are symptomatic of what is happening in many other small rural districts throughout New Zealand. The reality of farm amalgamations and smaller families has seen fewer people both adult and children living in the district. Farm work contracts are now of a much shorter nature with people more transient than past years. Another factor is the impact of T.V. and hi-fi systems in our homes resulting in people no longer having to go out to be entertained. These factors have had a direct impact on the following organisations all going into recess: Women’s Division Federated Farmers (WDFF) Tennis Club Table-tennis Club Indoor Bowls Scouts Brownies Social Club Garden Circle Gymnastics. The last vital link holding the community interest is the school. How much longer the school can survive depends entirely upon roll numbers and the present indication is that the school is struggling to hold enough children to retain a second teacher. Once the roll drops to a sole-charge situation the school’s future looks bleak. The other question relates to the future of the district hall. It is a well-maintained facility with virtually no end users. No doubt these questions will be answered with the passing of time, but the past pupils and residents have been well served by the activities and facilities provided within the district. |