PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 463, 23 March 1909, Page 7

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

(tnoit Otm SPECIAL COItItESrONDENIS.) PALMERSTON. At a well-attended meeting last night it was decided to form a Palmerston Gun Club. It was decided to shoot at clay discs only, a proposal that sparrow matches bo also fired being lost. 'Die following officers were clcctcd :—President, Mr. 0. M'Doliald ; vice-presidents, Messrs. D. Thompson, T. Stockwcll, R. Lloyd, and J. Mortcnsen; committee, Messrs. Johansen, Maust'ord, \V. Smith, Keeling! R. V. Lloyd, F. Stockwcll, and Keagle; secretary, Mr. W. Turner; treasurer, Mr. AV. IL Hankins. A proposal to affiliate with the New Zealand Gun Club was approved. MASTERTON. The recent horticultural show held here proved a financial success, and warrants the committee taking steps to hold a winter bulb show. In a district as largo as the Masterton district, there ought to bo sufficient entries and competition. Indeed, exhibitors would probably be attracted from all parts of the Wairarapa, Hiitt district, and Wellington, if substantial prizes are offered. Much interest is being taken hero in the subdivision of the Carnngton Estate, an area of between 5000 and 6000 acres, about seven miles south of Masterton. There are 2S sections suitable for dairy and sheep farms. Although tho prices are Considered somewhat high, the convenience of tho estate to tho railway and markets is regarded as a compensating factor. The demand for land for small farms is so keen in the Wairarapa that tho Land Board will probably be compelled to acquire other estates near Masterton for closer settlement purposes. Tho final match for the Saturday Cricket Association (Wairarapa) was concluded on the Park oval on Saturday, between Carlton I and Masterton I, and resulted in a win for the latter by six wickets. The Harvest Festival services held at St. Matthew's Church on Sunday wero largely attended. Tho services were conducted by tho Rov. V. H. Kitcat, of Eketahuna. The Wairarapa Cricket Association's senior competition has heen brought to a conclusion, Masterton winning the championship. The batting averages were headed by R. Moss, of the Carlton Club, with an average of 34.7, T. Maunsell, Cart-erton Club, being second with 28.20, and Redmond (Masterton) third with 28.2. In bowling, Redmond is first, and R.. Moss second. HASTINGS. The Hastings Fire Brigade appear to havo a complaint against the Borough Council. Some time ago tho brigade passed a resolution calling the council's attention to the fact that tho custom of shutting down tho sewer trap at .the Heretaunga crossing at about 5 o'clock every evening had been abandoned, thus placing the brigade at a disadvantage in case of a firo in the centre of the town. This resolution was duly forwarded to tho council, but, judging from tho experience of a fire here on Sunday morning, no steps huve been taken by the municipal authorities to shut down this trap in the evening, and so ensute a good supply of water for the steam fire engine. On the occasion of the bedroom firo in the Grand Hotel, fortunately the services of tho brigade, though welcomed, were not required, but, if they had been seriously needed, and if tho building had been of wood, the entire structure would probably havo been devoured. The brigade and polices wero on tho ground in reasonable time, and tho 'steamer was placed to pump from the manhole in Hero taunga Street, when it was found that there was only the current supply of water to draw upon. Tho brigade had then to shift their position to tho municipal ianks, but, by this time, it ivas found that their services were not required. I'EILDING. Mr. A. H. Atkinson has been appointed to act, with Mr. H. Tolley, as local delegate to tho Conference of Chambers of Commerce, to be held in Wellington. Mr. E. J. Waclsroll, manager of the Formers' Motor Company, is now recovering from an operation which ho underwent recently. In consequence of the Waikato Bacon Company sending a buyer to this district, other companies operating here havo raised the price offored for baconer3. In order to cops with the rabbit pest, tho Itiwitea County Council is ofFering poisoned 1 grain free to all who desire it. The whole district is freshened up as a result of the recent rains. GUEYTOWN. Mr. Stewart is acting as relieving officer at the Post Office at Greytown during Mr. Roberts's absence on leave. Tho congregation of St. Luke's Church held a harvest thanksgiving on Sunday, when the ltev. A. T. B. i'ago officiated. Tho church was nicely decorated with flowers, vegetables, and fruit. The Greytown Borough Council met yesterday to strike tho rates for the ensuingyear. WOODVILLE. The Rev. F. Isitt, of Wellington, conducted the Harvest Festival services of the Methodist Church on Sunday, and a large (congregation attended both 'services.,. The officers of this church are making ail additional effort this year to raise funds on account of the renovations to the parsonago and church. Mr. M. Fcnnell left for Now Plymouth on Saturday to take up the position of assistantbailiff of the S.M. Court. The delivery of tho mails has now been altered from 2 to 3 p.m.. This is to suit tho arrival of the Auckland mail, and make the one delivery do. Mr. Galbraith, of this district, who is in a private hospital at Auckland, underwent an operation last week. His friends will be pleased to loam that he is making satisfactory progress. OTAKI. It was with a general feeling of regret that the news of tho death of Mr. John M'Cullough, of Levin, was received here yesterday. Deceased was for some ten years a resident of Otaki, and was highly respected by all with whom he came into contact. Tho following will represent the Otaki Lawn Tennis Club against Paraparaumu at Otaki on Saturday Smith, Peim, Nicolson, Bright, D'Ath, Brown, Mesdames Swabey, Nicolson, Wilson, Bright, Misses Ferguson, and O'Rourke. ' Typhoid fever is reported to have broken out in Otaki. The recent rains have dono a considerable amount of good, but another two days' rainfall would be welcomed. The following havo been elected officers of the Kia Toa Football Club Patron, Mr. W. M. Simcox; presidents, Messjs. Hameaj Cootes, Woods, and Barrow; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. St. George, Eutlnvaite, De Lacli, Hema to Ao, Ling, Pcnn, Simcox,' O'Rourke, Johansen, Wilson, Kingi, and Bright; delegates to union, Messrs. Barrow and M'Kegg; club captain, Sir. Uma Taipua; secretary, Mr. Tahiwi; treasurer, Mr. Gray; selection committee, Mr. Barrow, captain, and secretary; management committee Messrs. Barrow, E. Woods, Oook, Taipua, and Bright.