PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1375, 28 February 1912, Page 9

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) 4 FEILDING. Rabbits are decreasing in number in this distrist (reports the inspector) and are now outnumbered by hares. The latter aro not so destructive a!> rabbits. It is tho opinion of an observant traveller in this district that the rabbits will never get a grip on tho laud as they did in tho South Island, as people are now sufficiently educated to keep . them in check, for one thing, and, again, the ground is not suitable for burro>ving. Mr. D. Twigjr, of Twigg Bros'. Estate, has purchased Mr. F. Blundell's farm at Stanway.

SHANNON. The township is shrouded in smoke from the ranges, where burning off is taking place. A cricket match between the employees of Whitaunui, Ltd., and the A. and L. Seifert Flaxdressing Company's men took place hero on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the latter by 3 runs. Miranui scored 11 in the first innings and 17 in tho second, while Whitaunui scored 40 and 15 respectively. Doidge (13) had lop score for Miranui, and J. liutterworth scored 23 for Whitaunui. At a public meeting on Monday, the following were elected to the Library Committee :—Messrs. T. Lind, J. Mitchell, W. Clayton, C. H. Gardiner, and R. K. Solby. Mr. Lind was appointed chairman, and Mr. Gardiner secretary. Arrangements were made for opening tho reading rcern and library at an early date.

OTAKI. Mrs. Taninta, a well-known Native, died hero yesterday after a long period of indifferent health. Sho leaves a family of six—three sons and three daughters. . Messrs. W. 11. Field, R. C. Dunn, and D. 11. Mills-leave here on Sunday for a trip across tho range*. They anticipate meeting a party from Greytown on the summit of ono of tho small mountains. While Mr. C. Bell was driving cattle yesterday, one of the boasts left the mob and careered down u by-lane, and the horse, suddenly determining to follow, unseated its rider and threw him heavily against a tree. Mr. Bell was much bruised and shaken.

With reference lo the fire at the Cerebos Salt Works at Greatham, County Durham, we learn that on the day following tho outbreak, large temporary works were secured, where the company is recommencing full onerations. Tho manufacture of the salt itself was not seriously interfered with by the fire. _ Large newworks now nearing completion on the company's salt estate at Greatham wcro fortunately ,=ave"d. Owing to a failure of tho public water supply during the fire, tho Corebos Co.'s own fire brigade switched on to their brine reservoirs, and about 1000 tons of brine were pumped upon the burning buildings, the firo r.ot being extinguished for sovcral days. A social evening will be held by the Welch Societv of Wellington in Godber s Rooms,-Cuba Street, on Friday, at i.40 p.m., to colebrato St. David's Day. lickets may be obtained from the committee, or Mr. Howard Jones, hon. sec, 55 \\ilhs Street.