PALMERSTON NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1252, 7 October 1911, Page 10

PALMERSTON NEWS.

THE COMPETITIONS. (Fiom Our Special Correspondents.) Palmerston, October 6. Tho annual elocutionary competitions, under the auspices of the I'almerston Technical School, were commenced at the Opera House last night before a large audience. Mr. A. Stevenson, master of the W'oodvillo School, was judge, and the following are the results of the contests fo far:—ln tho impromptu debate, Messrs. Christesen and J. \V. M'Connon were placed first. In Shakespearean dialogue. "Bassaino Choosing tho Casket," Miss Tole and Mr. Eric Lyon wero first, and Miss Brown and Mi , . Byron Biouu second. The humorous recitation for men was won by Mr. Eric Lyon, Mr. V. Piraiil being second. Tho Shakespearean recitation for ladies was won by Miss Ethel Watson, Miss Mumford being second, and the men's Shakespearean recitation by Mr. Byron Brown, with Mr. Eric Lyon second. Miss Watson won tho litdir-s' test piece, Miss FJnx being second. In tho men's test, Mr. Eric Lyon was again successful, Mr. Byron Brown l)cing second. Tlio sight-reading was won by Miss Flux, and Mr. E. Lyon was second. Scotch humorous recitation, Mr. W. Olliver fiist, Miss M. A. Jamieson second. The girls' test piece- was won by Elsie Robertson, and that for boys by Eric Bierre.

A largely-attended meeting , of Palmorston residents, interested in the Foxton beach as a seaside resort, was held yesterday afternoon, when matters in connection with tho sanitary state of affairs were fully discussed. "The feeling of tho meeting was that a town board should bo formed, but it was finally decided, before taking further action, to consult the Foxton Harbour Board, and, with this object, Messrs. P. Koberts, J. Bett, P. E. Daniell, I). I{. B. Holbcn, and .1. Mounsey were appointed a deputation to wait on tho board.

Tho monthly meeting ■of tho College Street School Committee was held last evening. The headmaster reported that there were 522 names on tho roll, with an average attendance of 4G9. It was resolved to apply to tho Education Board for 24 extra desks, and to point out that the children were being taught fire drill, but the fire superintendent was dissatisfied with the exits. It was also resolved to point out to the board tho overcrowded state of tho iufant room. At tho annual meeting of tho Palmerston Master Butchers' Association last evening the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. J. I. Folks; vice-president, Mr. C. I' , . Carter; treasurer, Mr. H. Ashworth socxetary, Mr. W. M'Keuzie; committee, Messrs.. C. .W. Bitson, F. Smith, and H. Coupcr. In discussing the prospects of fat stock, it was mentioned that beef cattle were very scarce, and there seemed to be some opinion that the shortage would continue for some time.

A narrow escape" from a serious accident happened as the Now Plymouth express was leaving Palmerstou for tlie north just before noon to-day. A Palmerstou resident, not noticing the train drove over Hie crossing at the Post Office right.in front of the engine. Fortunately the engine-driver saw the danger, and, by promptly applying the brakes, brought the train to a standstill, and the vehicle nnd occupants escaped unhurt. Tlio train had uot got up speed at the. tinie, but, had it been coming* in at tho usual pace instead of going out, a very serious accident must have occurred.

Mr. L. J[. Isitt, M.1 , ., is to give a temperance lecture hero in Fullors' Theatre on Sunday night nest.