HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 810, 6 May 1910, Page 3

HUTT AND PETONE NEWS.

(From Our Special OorreasondeaU ■' $ . THE BTUTT BIVBE BOAED. ~ The nsual meeting of the Hutt River Board was held last evening, there being present:' Messrs! Eobt. Stevens (chairman), Sladden, Pinny, Peterkin, and Orton Stevona. A letter was received from the Hutt Eatepayors' Association asking for the use of the board's room for Friday, June 7.—Granted on payment of 2s. 6d. for use of gas. ■A tender for carting was rolet to Messrs. Gosse. In moving tho adoption of the engineer's annual report, ilr. Orton Stevenis congratulated the engineer and the staff on tho satisfactory stato of affairs disclosed. The engineer was authorised to call tenders for tho timber necessary for the construction of aji extra 10-boom groyne.

Mr. Pinny . moved .—"That, in the opinion of this board, and the district genc-rally, the timo has arrived when the functions of this board should bo vested in tho Borough Council." In speaking to his motion, Mr. Pinny said that he had pledged himself to the ratepayers to bring it forward. Too many local bodies brought about unnecessary ' conflict, and amalgamation would also tend towards economy.

Mr. Peterkin seconded the motion, remarking that the boards were "the laughing stock of the Dominion." Jlr. Orton Stevens moved an apiendmont:—"That this board have nothing to do whatever with tlie Borough Council." Mr. Sladden seconded. The amendment was carried.

The overseer reported that the cutting nf noxious weeds was well advanced on tho embankment, and would bo completed in a month. Tho river had been very low this month, summer level having bren maintained during the last fortnight. 'J'hn protective works throughout the district were in good order.

RIVER BOARD INCIDENT. The chairimin of (he Unit Uivcr Board (Mr. ItnM. Stovpiis), in speaking In the motion of Mr, Pinny, rn aoialßamntion tloa Borouch. Counsil at UiQ bOAida

mooting last evening, stated that as the proceduro implied by tho motion was absolutely illegal it was nonsense to pass it. And if it were not illegal, the iforough Council had quite enough , -to do to monage their own affairs. Tho speaker further remarked that Mr. Pinny had been "niado a tool of," whereupon members dissented, and tho chairman was promptly requested to withdraw the remark. Mr. E. Stevons proceeded to oxplain that he did not wish to reflect ou Mr. Pinny. At this stage Mr. Peterkin said to tho chairman: "If you don't withdraw, I will," and immediately left the room. Mr. Stevens then withdrew his remarks, awl subsequently apologised, to Mr. Pinny. '■ LODGE MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of Court Epuni, A.0.F., Petone, was. held last evening, C.R. Bro. W. S. Smith presiding. Thero was a large attendance of members, and a great deal of routine business wns transacted. Bro. Proebstil was appointed to next juvenile meeting. Sick pay to the amount of .£l6 15s. was passed for payment. Three new members were initiated, and one proposed. C.E. Bro. Smith was appointed to represent the court on tho Ambulance Committee. ■ PERSONAL. '■ Mr. Orton Stevens: leaves to-day for Rotorua, whew he intends to spend a holiday. MINSTRELS. ■ There was a crowded house at the Petone Wednesday Hockey Club's minstrel entertainment last evening. Tho performers were all local ladies and gentlemen. The proceeds will be devoted to the club funds.