PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1130, 18 May 1911, Page 8

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondents.) 0 OTAKI. On Tuesday a Chinese nnraed Sue Kit was charged at the Police Court with striking M. P. Naughton a blow with a shovel, and also with hitting William Wallace ou the head with a stone. It was stated during the course of evidence that the owner of the land which Sue Kit had possession of was desirous of getting rid of him as a tenant, as ho was considered dangerous. Sue Kit was approached with a view to effecting an exchange, of land, but becamo angry and rushed at Naughton, who closed with him. Wallace assisted to take away the shovel, but the Chinese, on getting free, threw a largo stone which struck Wallace on the back of the head. A rush was then made for tlie Chinese and he was eventually secured and tied up, pending the arrival of the constable. On Tuesday, when Constable Satherley went to bring him from the cell the accused refused to get up from the floor, and had to be almost carried out. In Court he refused to answer any questions, ignoring his interpreter. The Bench decided that, in regard to the. assault on Wallace, accused was guilty and fined him £2 and costs 235. Gd. Frank Cootes was charged with assault and robbery of a man named James Plaisted, and was remanded till Monday, bail in two sureties of .£IOO each being allowed. A meeting of the Horowhonua Hockey Association was held on Tuesday night, when it was decided to play two rounds for the senior championship (men's), and to, commence the ladies' fixtures next week. The following were elected a management committee: Messrs. Brown, Stevens, Windley, and Nicolson (officers ex officio), and "Miss Hurley, Messrs. Howe, Wilson, Cockrell, Kilmister, Hoivell, and I'reemaa (secretary).

REIKORANGI. The final competition for the Elder Cup look place on Saturday last. The weather was perfect, and a largo number of ladies with their friends were present, the ladies providing afternoon tea. Much interest was taken in the shooting, on account of the fact that: loth Riflemen E. Stubbing* and G. A. Monk wero level. The winner is very popular in the. district, and received a number of hearty congratulations, the first to congratulate him being Uifleman G. A. Monk and Miss L. Monk. Following is the li?,t of thass who have had their names inscribed on the cup:— K. Stubbing (1 times), G. A. Honk (1), G. Howe (2), J. Monk (1), and F. Monk (1). Next Saturday the Ladies' Bracelet will be iired for, and this event will bring the season to a close. The following are the details of last Saturday's competition for the Eider Cup, tlio ranges b'eing 200 yds., oOOyils.,- and (500 yds.:~F. Monk, 33-31-31-98; K. Stubbing '31—31—31-9G; .f. Stubbing, SI —31 -••0-M; .1. Monk, 32-33-27-92; G. Howe, SO—Si—"6—a:i: G. A.. Monk, 30—20—30—59; \ Clifton, 31—31-21—S9; Capt.A.. Monk, 30 _27—30—87; W. Bennett, 30-25-26-81; G. Colpman, 29-28-22-79. Tlio grand totals wero as follow:-B. Stubbing?. 83S; G. A. Monk, 831; G. Howe, SU; F. Monk, SO9; J. Monk. 777; A. Clifton, 743; H. Bear, 729; \V. Bennett. 722; Capt. A. Monk, 719; G. Colpman, Gl. r ,.

HASTINGS. TUo Hastings Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, Mr. E. H. Williams being in tho chair. In view 01 the attitude of the Auckland Chamber in regard to the East Coast railway.a special committee was ret up to act in conjunction with a committee from tho ftapjer Chamber in watching the matter. Ihe Danncvirke Chamber forwarded a copy of the following resolution carried by that Chamber: "That other Chambers throughout the Dominion be asked to use their influence to obtain an amendment or the law, so that, in tho event of bankruptcy, (he creditors may bo allowed to appoint whom they choose as assignee, and that such assignee should have the same powers as are now enjoyed by hie Oibci.il Assignee, and. W subject to the sanio restriction and official control. Ihe secretary was instructed to reply that thn Chamber cannot fee its way to support the resolution. The Post nntl lelegraph Department, Wellington, wrote regretting that tho particulars asked for on the telephone l-.iire.tn debit notes by the Chamber could not be supplied. The. Hon. I V Millar.- Minister of Railways, wrote stating that the matter of tho inconvenience caused at holiday time by passengers being unable to travel short distances on the express train, and the matter oi an extra express being run in holiday seasons, were being inquired into. It was resolved to write to the local stationmaster asking that better facilities be provided for issuing tickets ou days when traffic is heavy. Mr. Frank , Steel, a well-known Christchurch butcher, who has taken a large quantity of beef cattle during the present' season, is again in the district seeking fresh supplies.

WOODVIUE. Great preparations are being made foi the bazaar, which is to be held next week in aid of tho Technical bchonl funds. The committee have received good support in the shape of donations from townsfolk. Uiv;n fine weather them should bo a good attendance. A special meeting of. the Borough Council will be held this evening to consider tho estimates for the year, and tho striking of a rate. Anniversary services in connection witli the Methodist Church were very well attended, and the report showed that the nuances were the highest attained for some considerable time. AI. the "social" on Tuesday- evening, the Rev. Mr. Hosking, of Dannevirke, was present, and gave a capital address. The Rev. Mr. Spcer and ilr. Stevenson also addressed tho meeting. Mr. Rutherford, of Mnstertoa, delivered iv lecture here on the advisability of forming a local egu circle, similar to (hat existing in his own district. Tho outcome of the meeting was that it was decided to form one.

SHANNON. The first competitive debate of (ho Literary and Debating Society attracted between 70 and SO members to the Druids' Hall on Tuesday evening. The Kev. .!. K. M'Kenzio presided, and Mr. Byron Brown acted as judge. The subject of debate was:—"That agitators have been a blessing to humanity." Each competitor wiis_ allowed a. maitimiiin time o! JS minutes in which to express his views. Mcs-.rs. Gardener, Saundcrs, and Logan, opposed tlic motion, which was Mipporte<l by Hessrs. Ti-ainer, Judil, Clayton, Biirclay, Ilensman, and Selby. On a voto being taken the motion was carried by a preponderating majority, ilr. I3rown. who contributed a reeitaiion before the debate took place, placed the speakers in the following order, only one* or two points separating the leaders:—Messrs. Selby. Saundors, Trainer, Clayton, Gardener, Barclay, Judd, Ilcnsman.'and Logan.