PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1699, 15 March 1913, Page 8

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondents.) OTAKI. Attention has, been drawn to the fact that a large bridge, on the main county road, is.unfit for traffic, showing signs of decay, Tho structure, which is situate between Paraparaumu and Waikanae, has already been the cause of a mishap, the planking having given way, and allowing a horse to go partly through. The Horowhenua County Council's attention has been drawn to the matter, and it is believed the engineer will report as to the whole condition of the bridge. Another structure that is causing unnecessary troublo is one near Manakau, the approach, which is on a sharp bend, being almost obscured. The county engineer is endeavouring to arrange a meeting with the Railway Department with a view of having the bridge widened and the approach, improved.

A complaint has been sent to the Hutt County Council relative to interference of street lamps at Paekakariki,- several parts having been stolen. Tho matter will doubtless receivo the attention it. deserves, and tho culprits made to pay for their misdoings.

Orchard-robbing is rife in this district, and a caso in which, several youths, aro concerned is likely to bo ventilated in the S.M. Court at an early date. \

A portion of tho framework in connection with tho new public ball for Messrs. Bright Bros, is now in position. It Is expectcd that tlie hall will be completed; 6ome time in June. . 4

The annual flower show at Otaki in connection with tho Horowhenua Horticultural and Industrial Society was spoiled by rain, which had not only destroyed blooms, but interfered appreciably with tho attendance. Tho all-round display, however, was gi>od, cnt blooms and the decorative class being attractive features. The fruit and vegetable classes were also good. The Boys' Training Farm had a fine large exhibit, which the cynosure of all eves. Members of the local bodies—Road Board and Town Board—met in conference yesterday for the purpose of arranging an adjustment of aocounts prior to tho former being merged into the County Council. An< amicable settlement was arrived at, and tho action of the representatives will be confirmed at a future meeting. MOHAKA. If. rain does not come soon matters' about here will become serious (writes our Moliaka correspondent). Already feed is getting scarce. Many settlers have to cart water a long , distance. Such a drought has not been knoftn hero for many years. Bush fires have also done considerable damage. Mr. Hall, assistant engineer, is severing his connection with the Wairoa County Council for pastures new; It is only lately' that Mr. Hall had his salary increased by the council. Tho Hon. Mr. Herries, M.P., who passed through \ this district lately. with Mr. Campbell, has created a favourable impression amongst tho people hero, who speak in high terms of the new Minister. FEATHERSTON. Tho Fe&therston Amateur . Swimming Club held its first annual carnival in the Coronation Bath oil Thursday, when the attendance was fairly large. Sixteen events were competed for. The club championship (75 yards) was won by C. J. Canyon, D. Goddard being second. Time, lmin. 11 3-ssec. Tho plunge divo for men was won by Tully (41 feet), H. Stewart being next with a divo of 38 feet. A social was held in the Town Hall in the evening. The match between tho Feathersion and Carterton. Clubs for the Booth Bowling Cup, played on Thursday • afternoon on the locnl green, resulted in a tie, and,in tho play-off the former club gained tho victory by 3. The match was plhyed with three teams a side, and the scores in the aggregate on the twenty-first head were 53' all. The three rinks then played ■•mother head, and the result of the first rink to finish was in favour by 2, the next rink was Peatherston, (2), thus making it even again, and leaving it for the third rink to decide the issue. This was forthcoming in a few minutes, and was 3 in favour of Peatherston, tho totnl scores then being Peatherston SB, Carterton 57. Although th»r<> has been a .number of games between all tho Wairarapa clubs for the Booth Cup this season, this is the first time that the invincible Cartertanians have been put down, and at (lie conclusion of the tramo Mr. Downard, on behalf of the visitors, complimented the victors on their achievement. CARTERTON. The death occurred at the South Wairarnpa Hospital on Wednesday afternoon of Mrs. Ellen Elizabeth CJandar, wife of Mr. Walter Gandar, at one. time in business in Carterton as a stationer. Deceased had not been enjoying the best of health for some months past, and on Monday had a rather bad turn, which eventually carried her olf. Tho late Mrs. Gandar, who was 5S years of nge, was a daughter of the late Mr. J. I'. Pudney, Middlesex, England.

• Mr. B. Booth, of Middlo Run, was ap-, pointed captain of the Carterton Golf Club at the annual mectinc 011 Wcdnesdny evening, and Mr. H. Hart ■vice-cap-tain. Miss Eva Booth was appointed Indies' captain, and Mrs. W. H. Booth (Middle ltun) vice-captain. Lieutenant M'Cristall, who has been stationed at Carterton for some little time past, has been appointed adjutant io the flth Regiment, i-'econd Battalion, with headquarters at. Masterton. He takes his departure almost immediately for Mastertnn. Tlis place, at Carterton will be taken by ffergeniit-Mnjor Tf-ontlcdcfc. The Carterton Brass Band has boon engaged to supply the mu*ic at th» Tatihmnikau raooa on Easter Saturday and Monday,