PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1731, 23 April 1913, Page 5

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correepondente.)

HASTINGS. A movement is on foot_ to form an Amateur Operatic Society in Hastings. The liarbour qnestion is at present obtaining a good deal of consideration in Hastings, as well as in Napier.' Residents of the former town aro almost unanimous in their opposition to further expenditure on the breakwater, but they are by no means unanimous iu regard to supporting the proposal to make a first-class harbour at tlio Spit. On Friday night a public meeting was held, at which the claims of the Kidnappers as a site for a Hawke's Bay harbour were.set forth and endorsed by' thoso present.' Generally shaking, however, it is considered that tho time has long sinco gone by when this most suitable of all harbour sites can be accepted by the commercial interests of the district.

CARTERTON. The annual meeting of tho Wairarapa Rugby Referees' Association was held at Carterton on Saturday evening. Officers were elected as under: President, Mr. A. K. Booth; vice-president, Mr. \V. Watson; secretary, Mr. E. MflCenzie. The same officers.wei'e also elected an Appointment Committee to act with representatives from tho Rugby Union. Three new\ members wero elected on tho list of 'active referees. Mr. E. M'Kenzio reported on business done at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Referees' Association, held in Wellington "recently, after which a discussion on various rulings took place. It ,was. resolved to hold next meeting of the association, as soon as the new rule book comes to hand. The secretary was instructed to draw the attention of the Rugby Union to tho ruling of the N.Z.R.A., which provides that all games must be played in two equal spells, otherwise tho game shall bo replayed.

OTAKi. Nino hundred odd -children left this district on Saturday for the purpose of visiting tho battleship. Tho day was fino, and the children in good heart. Tho arrangements proved satisfactory, the childroil gaining admission to the vessel almost immediately on arrival. After the inspection, special cars conveyed the children to Ngwtown Park, where a pleasant hour was spent. Mr. George Noble, the well-known reprcsvntative hockey player, took possession of tho Central Hotel on Monday. Mr. W." MlCegg, late proprietor, _ hopes to build and settle in Otaki.

At tho annual meeting of ike parishioners of the Paraparaumu Anglican Church, tho following were elected officers:—Vicar's churchwarden, Mr. Austin; people's churchwarden, Mr. I/. Ifowell; vestrymen—Paraparaumu: Messrs. M'Lcau and Walkley; Waikanae: Messrs. T. and U. Brown, J. Freeman; Paekakariki: Messrs. • Johnson, Smith, and Haltom; Rikinangi: Messrs. Bennett, S. Connor, and R. Greig. Butter has been raised to Is. 3d. per lb. alt the local stores.

Mrs. Tilley, ,of Paekakariki, has been spending a holiday in Otaki. Her daughter, Mrs. Smith; is on a visit to Rotorua. The Rev. Joshua Jones, of the Hutt, and the Eevi Cecil Smith, of Otaki, aro exchanging pulpits for a fortnight.

FEILDING. Tho municipal campaign is in full fsiving. Last evening Councillor Onglcy, who is a candidate for tho Mayoralty, set his policy beforo tho: burgesses, and itc-night tho present- Mayor (Mr. Goodbchere), who' is seeking' re-election, will give •?.!> address. ' The following priceu wero paid to suppliers' for butter-fat for' the month of March:—Cheltenham, Hid.; Bunnythorpe, Hid.; .Levin, lid;; Itongotca, lid.; Ikwko's Bay, lid.; Dairy Union, lid.; Mastei'ton, IOJd. Mr. G. J.\Harford- has consented to bo nominated again as representative -of the I'eihling Borough on the Palraerston Hospital Board. On Friday evening the people of Halcombo and district are to-hold a social gathering to say "au reyoir" to Mr. and Mrs. Owen M'Elroy, who aro to leave at the end of the month 011 a trip to the Old Country.