HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 475, 6 April 1909, Page 6

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(?HOH ODB SPECIAL BEPOIITISB.) .

LOWER HUTT TOWN HALL. The following notice of motion, has been handed in by Councillor TV. H. Russell, and will come before the Lower Hutt Borough Council at its next meeting, on April 14: — "That a, strict inquiry bj; a special committee be held into the circumstances under which the lease of the new offices. Council Chamber, and library—now held by the council from Mr. J. T. Hawthorn— was placed before- the council for signature without having been first submitted to the council's solicitor for perusal." SUNDAY TRADING AT TAITA. At tho sitting of the Lower Hutt Magistrate's Court yesterday, Thomas M'Grath was charged with that, on Sunday, March 28, he, being a person other than the licensee of Taita Hotel, unlawfully supplied liquor to W. A. Caldwell. Mr. J. J. M'Grath appeared for tho defendant, who pleaded guilty. Inspector Ellison stated that defendant was the son of the former licensee of tho Taita Hotel, and on Sunday, February 28, he was living on the promises, but the house had changed hands three days previously. Although tho license was signed over to tho present licensee, Mr. Branigan, he had not taken possession. Mr. M'Grath had not left the premises, although ho was not taking an active part in tho management. On Sunday, February 28, he (Inspector Ellison) had sent two constables to the hotel on account of representations made to him. They were both supplied with liquor by tho accused, who appeared to be in charge of the premises. Ho would exonerate Mr. Branigan, who, he believed, had nothing whatever to do with the ca-se. His only neglect was that ho did not assure himself on the matter of taking possession, and ho was liable for any breach of the law. Mr. M'Grath stated that there had been an oversight. Neither the present licensee nor anybody else, except tho Licensing Bench, wore aware on this date that the license had been transferred. An unfortunate error had occurred either in tho solicitor's oflico or with tho Department, and it was duo to no fault of Mr. Branigan. The Magistrate (Dr. M'Arthur) said that it would have been better to have handed over the hotel on tho Monday, but the licenso had been transferred on tho 25th, and the result was that the licensee was not on the premises on the date of the information. It appeared that the former licensee was having a "jubilee" on the last Sabbath of his occupation. Here was a case of Sunday trading, and trading, technically, by one who did not hold the licenso at all. Ho would bo failing in his duty if ho did not convict and iniiict tho maximum penalty. Defendant would therefore be fined £10. Inspector Ellison then asked leavo to withdraw the chargo against Branigan, being satisfied that ho had Lid nothing to do with the unlawful trading which had occurred.

His Worship, in giving the consent of the Court, said that it was perfectly clear that Braiiigan had had nothing whatever to do with it. . A YEAR'S BUILDING. Tho past year (twelve months ending March 31) has been a prosperous one for tho builders, so far as Lower Hutt is concerned. More buildings have been erected than (luring either of tho two previous.years, and the value of the 1908-9 buildings exceeds by £5923 that of all structures passed by the council in 1907-8. ; Tho figures as supplied by the Petone Borough Council show that the year has been rather behind previous periods, and the mouths of December, 190S, and March,- 1909, have, been particularly slack for tho builders. During 1007-S 132 permits were granted, as against SS applications in the twelve months just ended. Tho revenue has dropped £8 las., and the value of tho buildings erected is less this year by close on £8000. In Lower Iliitt during the year ended .March 31, SG new buildings wero erected, apart from the -1C additions to present dwellings and business premises which the council authorised. Tho total value of the buildings was £39,70-1, and tho revenue derived from tho permits was £121 15s. The figures of tho previous year (1907-8) wore: —Number of buildings and additions, 112; total value, £33,781; revenue, £96 10s. Sixty-five i new buildings of all classes have been erected in Potono for the year ended March 31, and these, with 23 additions and alterations carried out, aro valued at £35,47 G. Fees collected by tho council amounted to £99 15s. TJio year 1907-8 showed tho following figures :—Number of buildings, 87; additions, 45; total value, £30,009; revenue-, £105. HUTT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. Tho monthly sitting of Lower Hutt Magistrate's Court was hold yesterday morning', before Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., and Messrs. T. A. I'cterkin, John Cudby, and J. Wilkins, J.P.'s. For allowing horses to wander, fines .of 55., with 7s. Court costs (in default 24 hours' imprisonment) wero inflicted on Charles Nelson, Ivoonard Clough, Peter Jonsen, Thomas Patterson, John Skitrup, and Henry Miller. Two convictions wero recorded against Joseph D. Postive, Douglas S. Powell, and David Cairns, junior, who were lined 55., and 7s. costs (or 24 hours) in each case. In two instances tho fines wero 10s., offenders being Alwer Wexted mid Charles Skimier.

Without Lights.—For driving a trap after dark without carrying lamps, John Cairns was lined Ss. (7s. costs), in default 24 hours' in gaol, and (Jharles Wright, whoso offenco was cycling in the main street without a light, was similarly dealt with. Drunkenness.—John Mathcson, charged with drunkenness, failed to put in an appearance, and the Court ordered a iho of 10s., or imprisonment for 24 hours. Wight Porter's Holiday.—Walter Gander was charged with having failed to allow au employee, Charles IS. li.van, his weekly halfholiday. The Court imposed a lino of 205., with Us. costs, in default 24 hours' imprisonment. Undefended Cases.—Judgment was given by default for the plaintiffs in the following cases:—Anstis and Simpson v. William Lawton and Alfred Westbury, for £9 Bs. 6cL, and £1 6s. 6d. costs; P. L. Harnott v. W. E. Timmings, for £25, and £1 13s. costs; Thomas Hurt v. Duncan Richards, for £35, and £2 -Is. costs; Thomas Hurt v. Horace Edwards, for £150, and £3 13s. costs; Gov eminent Advances to Settlors Department v. James R. Maboy, for £2 55., and ss. costs; Potor Hansen v. Frederick Blacklidgo, for £1 los. 10d., and 7s. costs; David J. Aldorsley v. W. Lawson Aitkea, for £4 12s. 9d., and ss. costs; George Chong v. Bert Curtis, for £2 10s., and ss. costs; George M'llvrido v. W. Berry, for £1 4s. 6d., and Bs. costs; Goo. M'llvrido v. John Lusty, for £3 Us. 6d., and os. costs; Gco. M'llvTido v. George Greeks, for £3 55., and ss. costs; Georgo M'llvride v. Jacob ■ Geange, for £2 6s. Cd., and ss. costs; Hutt .Valley Hardware Co. v. H. J. Jones, for £3 6s. 9d., and 7s. costs. Judgment summonses.—Orders wore issued that tho amounts mentioned should bo paid on or boforo April 19:—Elizabeth A. Jenkins v. H. E. T. Ivoy, claim £6 9s. sd. (in default 7 days imprisonment); Lower Hutt Borough Council v. William Goorgo Somorvilk claim £5 9s. 10d. (default 7 days); Lower Hutt Borough Council v. John George Lusty, cLiini £8 7s. (default 7 days); Thomas Burt v. Wil Ham Hounsloiv, claim £8 6s. (default 7 days) : E. Foist and Co. v. William Hoiuisknr. claim £2 4s. lid. (default 3 days); Lower Hutt Borough Council v. 11. J. Kells, claim £3 18s. 4d. (default 3 days). In defending an action brought against him by E. Feist and Co. for £10 135., A. E. Dear stated that ho was a bncklayor, and had worked only about half timo during tho past two years. Work was scarce, and he had a wife and three children to support. The Court granted an adjournment for throb months. FOOTBALL. Close on fifty members of Petono Football Club took part in a practice match on tho Recreation Ground on Saturday. At Lower Hutt, footballers connected with tho various local clubs banded together foi an afternoon's training on Mr. Young's paddock. Tho gamo is described as a strenuous ono.

' A trial match, for the purpose of selecting a team of Petone Association Football Club to play at Masterton, was held on Maidnicnt's ground on Saturday afternoon. Tho following haro boon chosen for the Mastcrtoa match on Eastor Monday :—lngham, Wright. Balls, Jackson, E. Hartley, Fitzgerald, 'laplin, Woolley, Moore, Joyce, and Hawkins. Another association match at Maidmciit's was that between teams of St. Augnstino's (Anglican) and St. David's (Presbyterian) \oung Men's Clubs. The lads of St. Augustino's obtained victory by one goal to nil. Tko Rev. J. D. Russell acted as referee. THE CHURCHES. At a memorial service in SL David's Presbyterian Church, Petono, on Sunday morning, the Rot. A. Thomson preached on the subject of "A Mother's Grave," making reference to tho death of Mrs. Webb, a member of the cougrcgatiqn. Tho Rev. 11. Wilson, who leaves shortly for Auckland, preachod farewell sermons in the Hutt and Petone Wosleyan churches on Sunday. LOAN EXPENDITURE INQUIRY. A letter having been received from four ratepayers asking that an inquiry bo held into tho expenditure of tho loan moneys, the Mayor of Lower Hutt (Mr. T. A. Poterkiu) has called a special meeting of the council for to-morrow evening, to discuss tho matter > "One who does part of tho paying" writei as follows:— "In your issue of April 3, it was stated that a public meeting of Lower Hutt ratepayers is to' bo called for tho purpose of considering the advisability of instituting an inquiry into tho loan expenditure which has taken place.. It was further stated that members of the council are inclined to favour such an investigation, but desire to 'havo some voice in the appointment of tho committee.' Ou tho assumption of tho tho foregoing is correct, I suggest to tho members of tho council that by desiring to "have a voice in the appointment of ithe committee' they, in a way, condemn themselves. The investigation, to bo satisfactory, must be an independent one, conducted by a committee elected solely by tho ratepayers, and tho borough council, as a body, should have no voice in the matter, at least as far as the election of a commissioner goes."

HTJTT PARK COMMITTEE. A mooting of the Hutt Park Committeo was held iu tlie Mayor's Room, Petone, last cvoniiig, 'Did was attended by Mr. W. H. Russell (chairman)) Messrs. M. Hodgins, J. Colquhoun, J. Xi. M'Ewan, and H. Baldwin. The chairman reported that tho caretaker would be able to m'siko provision for three, possibly four, hockey grounds on the park, without interfering with tho golf links. The committee decided to grant the newlyformed Petone Hockey Club tho use of two grounds, feo £2 2s. each, for the soasou, on tho understanding that one would have to bo given up if another club asked for its use. It was agreed also that St. David's Y.M.B.C. bo allotted another hockey ground, for a similar amount. Lower Hutt Borough Council sent in a claim for rates, amounting to £41 19s. sd.— Received. Tho chairman intimated that a credit balance of £19 17s. Bd. would still remain, which was very satisfactory. PETONE JUNIOR CLUB. Forty members of tho Pctono Junior Club attended the annual meeting last evening, over which Mr. W. G. Frasor presided.i Tho annual report stated that 42 new members had been elected during the year. The athletic club had continued its successful career, and had held one open meeting. During the year improvements had been effected in tho club's premises, and tho social side had not been overlooked. The balance-sheet showed a credit for tho year of £5 Is. Office-bearers for tho year were elected as follow-.—President, Mr. W. G. Frasor (roclccted); vice-chairmen, Messrs. A. Ross, 0. Upton, and 11. Palmer; lion, secretary, Mr. .F. M'Gee; lion, treasurer, Mr. 1:1. V. Caverhill ; hon auditor, Mr. .1. M. Thomson; committee, Messrs W. Taylor, H. Thompson, A. Verity, It. Greenwood, J. Sherlock, and 11. Pointon. In presenting, the retiring won surer. Mr. H. H. A. Renal, with a silver cako dish and a case of silver forks, tho chairman remarked that Mr. lienai had been a most valuable member, and had carried out tho duties of his ollico in a thorough manner. Mr. Renai was about to ho married, and was leaving the district, and members would extend to him their best wishes. A vote of thanks was accorded tho retiring secretary (Mr. J. Thomson) and other officers. JOTTINGS. The picnic of Pclono Navals, which was arranged for Saturday afternoon, had to !>o postponed on account of the weather. It was found that the wind was too heavy to permit of a comfortablo trip to Lowry Bay in the cutters. Pctono Brass Band played to a large assemblage on tho .Recreation Ground on Sunday afternoon. Tho programme comprised: March, "Canada"; motor, "Hear us, oh Saviour I"; cornat solo, 'Dro.ims of Paradiso 1 ': selection, "Stephen Adams's Songs , euphonium solo, "Bois Epais"; aud march, "Kalgoorlie."