JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1090, 31 March 1911, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

«, (By Tclesraph.—Special Correspondent.) Wanganui, March 30. The proposal for a new traffic bridge and tramway extension to Wanganui East will not bo carried through without strong opposition from a section of the ratepayers in that suburb. A largely-attended meeting was held a couple, of evenings ago, when resolutions were carried expressing tho opinion that the proposals aro quite premature, tifat more, definite information should be supplied concerning them, and that tlio Mayor of Wanganui East be asked to call a public meeting at an early date to discuss the proposals. At this meeting tho opposition will voice their views, but if the Mayor refuses •to'call it they will invite the public to a meeting of their own. In any case there is prospect of a fairly lively discussion, though on present appearances a majority of the ratepayers seem to be in accordance with tho council's proposals. The matter of the renewal of leases of Native lands at Kai Iwi and Pukumaru was before the Aotea Maori Land Board at its meeting just concluded, but it was decided to do nothing in the matter till all tho leases terminate, which will not be for two or three years yet. Lessee.; will thus 1)© able only to get temporary tenancies by way of renewal, as all these lands are now within the board's jurisdiction. The board has stated that its policy will bo resolutely against aggregation, and that it will give every facility for the subdivision of tho hig areas, in which a great deal of land is now leased. It, is more than likely that a great part of the land, which is eminently suited for dairying, will bo taken up by Native owners themselves. Under ill's new territorial scheme, Staff Sergt.-Major Peacock, who has been stationed in Wanganui for several years, has been transferred to Auckland. All ranks of tho local garrison have lenrnt of the transfer with great rogret,as Sorgt.Mnjor Peacock has proved himself a most zealous and efficient officer, anil has done an immense amount of excellent work, particularly in elevating the morale of all ranks. A largely attended meeting of workers was held last evening, when nominations were received for the Labour ticket at the approaching municipal and Harbour Board elections. These will bo balloted for at another meeting, to bo held in a few days, and those selected .will form tho parly's ticket. Soundings taken on tho bar this week show that there is a working denth of 20 feet in all place*, but one, where there is a narrow ledge giving 18 feet, and sloping away sharply on cither side. The material of (his ledge is said to be amenable to scour, and it is expected that the attion of tho moles will canso it to bo swept away very shortly, giving at least n depth of. 20 feet ncroso tho whole width of the channel " 1