PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 808, 4 May 1910, Page 6

PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

IBy Teleera-ph.—Special OorreaDondent-i Palmerston North, May 3. The Defence Minister has approved of the proposal of the Campbell Street School Committee to erect a miniature rifle range, and has promised to subsidise the fund pound for pound. Plans are to be prepared immediately.

At a meeting of the Borough Council this afternoon, the Mayor presiding, it was decided to entertain the Governor on the evening of Friday, May 13, at a public banquet, and a committee was set up to carry out the function.

A resolution by the council regarding the long and faithful service of the late Town Clerk and borough treasurer' (Mr. Robert North Keeling) and an expression of its sincere sorrow, at his death" was passed at the last meeting, the council standing and carrying the resolution in silenoe. In speaking to tho motion the Mayor said that Mr. Keeling was one of the early pioneers, having taken up his abode here in 1872 and had practically hewn a home out of the forest. He was Palmerston's first town clerk, and had held the position with honour to himself and profit to the town for thirty-one years. He had proved a most favourable servant, and, both in his public and private life, held the respect and esteem of the whole of the community.

. The nurses at the Palmerston Hospital took Mr. Walter Eutherfuxd, the late secretary by surprise on Saturday last, when ho was winding up his official duties at the hospital. The staff assembled and presented- him .with a silver tobacco box, inscribed "Walter Eutherfuxd, from the Nursing Staff, Palmerston North Hospital, 1910." The presentation was made by Miss M'Laggan, the matron, who referred Ito the many kindnesses which Mr. Eutherfurd had conferred on the staff. She added that thej could not allow him to sever his connection with the institution without giving him some , token of their esteem. Mr. Rutlierfurd, in returning thanks, paid a tribute to the work of the staff, and referred to the largo number of nurses who had been trained in the institution, and had made names for themselves elsewhere.

Long-service medals are shortly to be presented to Sereeant Needham and Vol. R. Archer, of the Palmerston Eifles. Lieut-Colonel Hughes has intimated that 'he will be present when, the presentations are made. He has also intimated that, he will be in attendance at the church parade, which is to he held on May 22. '

Last night the ladies' first-aid classes in oonneotion with St. John Ambulance Association' opened their session for the year, in the Church Street Baptist Schoolroom. Nurse Gill gave instruction in th« use of handkerchiefs in the case of accident, and Dr. Putnam gave a very instructive lecture on first aid.

Another of onr old residents has passed away in the person of Mr. H: Gardes, at the age of 71 years. Deceased, who has been an invalid for newly a score of years, came to this district in 1879. Mr. Gardes came ont to Victoria in the days of tho "gold fever," aid subsequently came to New Zealand and worked on .the Otago goldfields. Deceased was reco»nised as one of tho best "■whips" on the coast, and for years drove the coach through the Otira Gorge. After conducting business in Palmerston for some time, he went into the fruit industry, and while thus engaged ho was struck down with an illneiss that long < kept him confined to his house. Ho leaver a widow and two sons.

Mr. A. D. Thomson, S.M., in fining several cyclists for riding without lights, stated that, in future, he would double the fines, as he was determined to put a stop to the practico. . The tender of Mrs. J. Rawlins, of tho AVhite Houso, Palmerston, has been accepted by the Hanawatu A. and P. Association for the catering at the National Dairy Show. Captain J. Mounsey presided over the annual meeting of tho Palmerston Rifles this week, when there was a large attendance. Tho balance-sheet, which was read and adopted, showed tho finances of tlie corps to bo in a flourishing state. The chairman stated that he had been workin" hard in the direction of securing a new drill hall, but, so far, without success and ho was afraid that they would have to wait a while longer yet Captain Ifounsev explained that for the present die conditions governing the corps would bo the samo as had obtained in the past. If the men went into camp in tho evening and worked during the day, they would be allowed 2s. 6d. per day for rations, but if they went into camp for a week, they would be paid according to scale rates. Two new members were elected, and committees for the year were set up, Corporal Bell being appointed sec- ; retary and Mr. W. Randall handicapper for shooting contests. 'It was decided to give a purse of one guinea to the member obtaining the greatest number of recruite during tho year.