PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1057, 21 February 1911, Page 3

PALMERSTON DAY BY DAY.

• RAIN QUENCHES BUSH FIRES. (By Teleerapb-BDeclal Correspondent.) ~ ,■■•-;! Palmcrston, February 20.. ' A 'fire," apparently started by a picnic party, was observed yesterday afternoon at 'liritcn, on the properly of Mr. T. Kjlsby. It caused a considerable amount of-damage,'.'and, although between 20 1 and 30 settlers t'lrned out and attempted-I to stay the conflagration, their efforts proved futile, as a strong wind was blowing. A bush firo nt Tokomaru also did great damage, destroying quantities of bush which had been saved for shelter. Fortun.'itely rain fell for somo hours thero this morning, and helped materially to stay tho progress of tho flames. At Palmcrston this afternoon tho wind, which has been blowing for weeks from the east; changed round to the northwest, and shortly afterwards heavy rain began to fall. Tho downjiour promises to continue, in which event it will naturally do a great amount of good. The Waihi Band, which has been competing at the band contest here, visited the hospital and rendered a number of selections which were greatly appreciated. The band left for homo by tho Auckland express this afternoon. Tho Palmcrston Bowling Club will hold its usual tournament at Easter. Tho fixture will include events for rinks and pairs. A man named Charles Wilson was arrested to-day on a charge of breaking and entering at Longburn, and stealing certain goods. On tho application of tho Eolico n week's remand was granted, bail eing allowed accused in- .6100 and two sureties of £50 each. Frederick Allen Richards was brought up on remand on a chargo of stealing ten sheep, valued at £5, tho property of Messrs. Barber Bros., of Himitangi. A number .of witnesses gave evidence, and accused, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial, bail being allowed, accused in .£IOO and two sureties of .£SO each. Miss \V. F. Durwaril and Mr. R. M'Nab havo been nominated for tho vacancy on tho High School Board of Governors, caused by the resignation of Archdeacon Harper, who is now a resident of AVcllington. Tho poll closes on Wednesday next, but the voting papers will not bo opened till a week later, so as to enablo voting papers from parents living at a distanco to como to hand. Tho Supremo Court concluded its sitting hero on Friday evening. Tho calendar was only n light one, and thero were no cases of interest.