PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1497, 20 July 1912, Page 10

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

IFrom Our Sncdal CorrcsDondonts.l 0

OTAKI. A shooting competition (miniaturo riflo range) ami o. euchre tournament wcro held in connection with tho Otiiki State Fchool on Wednesday night. Kric Williams won tho shooting tournament, while Mrs. G. Noble, Messrs. V. JI. Bright, ami C. 11. Williams (booby) won. tho cuchro lii'izos. On Wednesday evening a number of JDcnl readouts attended nt the ftvnatorium, ami treated tho patients to a musical programme. A movement is on foot to hold an. "Arbor Day" in August, when the local (lomainis to be planted with suitable hedge plants. It is considered Hint the attendance of local enthusiasts will bo largo, while athletic bodies promiso to be well represented. A concert will also bo hold to raiso funds for the improvement of tho ground.

On. Wednesday last tho local hockey girls bent Mnnaknu, nfter a tame game by a goal to nil.

FEATHERSTON, An. inquest was held here on Thursday before Mr. J. T. JI. Hornsby, District Coroner, in connection with the death by drowning of Andrew Brodersai, aged 45. Tho evidence showed tluit deceased, while on horseback, nttempted to cross Abbott's Creek, which was swollen, through floods, on Tuesday afternoon, in order to bring homo some cows from tho other side. The body was found on-Wednesday afternoon, about a mile and a half below tho placo where he is supposed to have been drowned. A verdict of "found drowned" was returned. Baker stated at the inquiry that tho willing assistance which had been rendered to him by the neighbouring residents, in tho search for the body, was worthy of tho highest praise, mid those remarks were endorsed by the Coroner. A ninn named James Fletcher, employed os a ploughman on Jlr. C. Elgar's property at Kahutara, was drowned on Sunday. While crossing over a creek on. a footbridge, ho was washed off. Tho body hns not yet been recovered, and it is believed that it hns been carried down the RunInahunga River, into the Wairarapa Lake. Deceased was a married man with no family.A largo portion of the land in tho Lower Valley, on the banks of the Ruamahunga River,' has been under water during the past two days, although tho Hood is reported to lie subsiding at timo of writing. No serious losses of stock have been recorded, ee settlers generally took precautions to prevent this, occurring. Old residents in tho locality mentioned aro of opinion that the present Hoods are more severe than have been experienced for about thirty years. It is reported that a ybung man has been drowned in tho neighbourhood of Jfartinborough, but no particulars aro obtainable.

•FEILDINQ. A. rather shocking case was exposed at Iho Couvl yesterday morning, when, an old man named "Bill" Boundr was brought before Messrs. J. G. Cobbo and W. Penny, J.l'.'s. Sergeant Bowderi stated that ho had received information from Waituna regarding the wanderings of Hie old man, and had sent out a constable. Constable IMogavc evidence that he had found the man-in a filWiy and disgusting state. Witness went on to describe the details. The man had been sleeping in places "not fit for a pip:." In answer to the Beucli, Boundy stated that he had no trculo, no work, and no friends. Ho was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. I

SHANNON. Over 100 guests attended the. euchre party and dance given by tlie combined Bowling nnd Lawn Tennis Clubs on Wednesday night in tho Braids' Hall. There were, a number of visitors from Wellington, I'almerston North, and Levin. Miss 0. Lauvig and Mr. J. Mitchell secured first prizes, and Miss C. Richards and Mr., Xγ,, ..Clayton. won the.. "last". .prizes in the euchre tournament. Supper, was served after the tournament and dancing was indulged in till about 3 a.m. Messrs. T. Lind and W. Law were largely responsible for tho success oS tlio function.