HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 476, 7 April 1909, Page 8

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(FBOM ODE SPECIAL KETORTEE.) —: « -- FABEWELL TO REV. R. WILSON. A farewell social to the Rev. R. Wilson, of Potono Wesleyan Methodist Church, was held in St. Augustine's Hall, last evening. Tho Rev. AV. J. Williams (AVellington South) presided, and there were also on the platform the Revs. B. F. Rothwell (Lower Hutt), Garlick (Lower Hutt, F. AV. .Isitt, A. Thomson (St. David's, Petone), the Mayor of Petone (Mr. J. AV. M'Ewan), and Mr. J. Piper (representing the citizens); ' ' • ' Appreciative reference was made to tho good work done by Mr. Wilson during the three years of his stay in Petone, and the speakers wished him, his wife, and family every success in the north. The Rev. Mr. Rothwell presented tho departing minister with a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by the congregation and other friends. . Musical items were contributed by Mrs. Hay ward and Miss. Miller, Mr. Chamberlain, and the Petone Orchestral Society. The Rev. and, Mrs. ,AVilson leave to-morrow evening for-Dahhevirke,' and proceed to Auckland in a fortnight's time. SWIMMING BATHS. Instruction was given by the Petono Borough Council some months ago that a report should be prepared in the Engineer's Department on the proposal to establish municipal swimming baths. The engineer (Mr. AV. si. Cook) is now submitting a scheme, which will be placed before the council at an early date.' . ■ ■

In his report, the engineer refers to what he describes as a suitable site—at the south end of the recreation ground. Entrance could be made from Britannia and Buick Streets, and the baths, besides being in a central position, would be quite close to the beach if it were desired to use sea water. In recommending tepid baths, the engineer goes into, the cost of boiler-house, etc. The baths could be 100 ft. by 33ft., varying in depth from 3ft. to 10ft., and supplied with tho latest diving appliances. 1{ is suggested that the building of municipal baths would suffice for tho needs of the whole town, and that the council might be able to obtain subsidies from the Education Department and from local athletic clubs. ■ JOTfINGS. "The months of December and March last were especially poor in the Petono building trade. In tho latter month not a single application was mado to the borough engineer for permission to erect buildings, and only four additions were effected to old structures. Tho value of these improvements was only £66, whereas tho estimated worth of buildings erected in the same month last year was over £2000, A few enthusiastic runners in St. David's Young Men's Bible Class, Petone. have formed themselves into a harrier club. Their first trail was followed on Monday evening from Petone across the pipe bridges, round Bollovue Gardens, and homo along the Hutt Road. Trophy winners for the past season of Petone Junior Club (athletic branch) arc as follow: —U. Young, 75yds.; W. Ryan, 150 yds.; M. Naukiville, 440 yds.; G. Miller, long jump: Joe Ryan, 100 yds.; M. Naukivillo, 380 yds.; C. Young, 50yds.; "W. J. Smith, 220 yds.; B. Price, 300 yds.; W. J. Smith, high jump; J. Thomson, 75yds.; J. U. leaser, 120 yds.; T. Mould, 440 yds.; F. Elbo, hop, step, and jump; L. Drummond, road- race; M. Ryan, 100 yds.; M. Nankiville, one mile walk; J. Thomson, 100 yds (open meeting); B. Howe, 2nd in 100 yds. (open meeting). J. Thomson was highest in the club aggregate.

The purchase of new plant for next season is being arranged for by Petone Rowing Club, and, at the last committee meeting, it was resolved to issue debentures to enable this to bo done. Members have already taken up over sixty debentures. Poneke Lodge of Druids, Petone, goes into mourning for a fortnight, out of respect to the memory of the late Brother Samuel Wilson, who lost his lifo in the fall of a roof at the Gear Company's works on March 23. At the Palmerston North bowling tourney, to be held during Easter, Potono Club will bo represented by. Messrs. Wylie,' Lowin, Jones, Bull, Smith, Palmer, Brown, and Dr. Koss. * The volunteer lire brigade at L'ower Hutt has received a cheque for three guineas from Messrs. Knight Brothers, on whoso premises a lire occurred recently, and was capably dealt with. A counter-petition is being circulated among the grocers of Petone, who are opposed to tho closing hours set out in the request submitted for signature a fortnight ago, which were; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m. to C p.m.; Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.