PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1434, 8 May 1912, Page 3

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondents.] 4 OTAKI, Mesdames H. Bright and F. A. Bills, who have been on an extended tour in the South Island, have returned, after a pleasant trip. Mr. .Alnrtin, of Wellington, has been appointed porter on the stall' of the Otaki railway service, in place of Mr. Williams, lcsigned. The monthly meeting of the Otaki Road Board was held on Monday, Warden llornell presiding. Mr. 31. Ayre was rc-ap-pointed clerk, Wardens D'Atli and Jiildretti a finance comniittee, and Wardens Best and D'At/i to sign cheques. It was decided to give attention to roads at Waikawa, anil .Slasiakau, and to make an endeavour to push on the erection of a subway, which the Ifailway Di parhuent has had in hand for about six months. It is staled that the final search party to look for Mr. S. .1. Beaitie will leave here in tile course of a ilav or so. VVAIKANAE. 3lr. and Mrs. L. Freeman, well known as proprietors of -Maliara House, Waikanae, have disposed of that business, and left Waikanae on Tuesday for Wellington. (.In Monday evening a large gathering o! residents from Waikanae and district attended in the schoolhuiise, to express their regret at the- loss of their two fellow townsfolk, and, at. the same time, in present to theni a token of Hie appreciation and esteem in which they were held. The memento too!; the form of a silver tea service, and, in making the pre.-eutaiion, .Mr. George Watson referred to the help given by Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. in the social life of the district, jle especially referred to the work performed by .Alls. Freeman as an active member of the Waikanae Dramatic Club, ami to Mr. Freeman's association with the Waikanae Racing Club, Athletic Club, School Committee, and in church matters. .Mr. J. A. Austin also contributed a reference touching the manner in which, the guests of the evening were esteemed. Mrs. Freeman was also presented with a beautiful bouquet of llowers by 31iss Gladys Matthews. Mr. Freeman, in responding, said that both Mrs. Freeman and hiuisclf had enjoyed their stay at AVaikauao, and their denamire was saddened by the fact that thev were losing the company of in an v friends. The evening was then given up to harmony and dancing, the former including musical items by: Mesdames L. Freeman, E. and IT. Lynch, and Miss Gladvs Matthews. Miss Cliatwin and Miss'Emina Brown presided at the piano, whilo Mr. G. Brown was M.C.

FEILDING, A proposal is afoot to l'orm a minstrel troupe in.i'eililing. As coon as the preliminary legal requirements have been disposed of, tiio Borough Council will proceed wit!) Hie sewerage extensions in the lower portions of the borough. Tho council has authority to borrmv the JMOOO necessary for the worlt,' and the State Guarantee Advances OHice has nrovisionally approved of the loan. At' the meeting of tho Manawatu Omutv Council yesterday !he chairman Olr. Wilson) stated that their clerk (Mr, A. K. Drew) had been with them now for a number of Years, and had carried ont his duties in an ellieient manner. It was onlv fitting, therefore, that they should increase his salary by an additional JllO per annum. This was agreed to. "shannon. Sirs, and Jliss Laurvig have returned hero from a holiday trip. Mr. j-ootc, of the white pmo mill at Makerua recently received a severe fall from his motor bicycle, being knocked over by a horso and trap. Dr. Adams was summoned from i'oxton, and found on examination that a rib was broken, the fracture causing other injury of a serious nature, 1 The Druids are slinking headway at Tokomarii. Since the opening of the lodge there 28 new members have been initiated. On l'riday night the combined athletic clubs of Shannon held their first "social" and dance. Mr. E. J, King officiated as M.C. Messrs. Proascr and Hooker contributed songs. On the rifle range on Saturday Rifleman Shearman, firing from scratch, won a handsome trophy, presented by Hr. J. llallain, tho distances being 800 and 900 yards. The scores wereßifleman Shearman, fi'2; K. AV. Sutton (fer.), GO; 13. Law. (S), t>o; 13. F. Spencer ((i), 50; IT. Sutton (10), 51. Mr. llallam has presented another trophy, to be fired for at distances of 800 and 1000 yards. The competition takes place on Saturday. Mr. Ford, who has been in partnership with Mr. ,T. Murray for some time past, intends leaving Shannon for Australia at an early date. FEATHERSTON. At a meeting of the Loyal Unify Lodge, held on Holiday night, the following oliicers wore nominated for tho ensuing term:—l'.G. Brn. V. K. Mcrlet as N.G.; iiro. U. AV. Waters (treasurer) as V.G. lira. AV. J'. Kent Johnston was re-elected as E.S. Thp treasurer reported n credit balanco of J:sfi :!s. 9d. Hcceipls for the evening vrera JMi 9s. 3d.