DISTRICT NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1785, 25 June 1913, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

JOTTINGS FROM ALL SOURCES PALMERSTOIi) NORTH. Mr. G. Ilirsch, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, lias received a letter front the Minister lor Railways, in answer to the letter sent by tliu chamber, Conveying tho resolution passed urging tho desirability of widening the platform at the northern end of tno- i'aimerston 'station.' Tho -Minister writes, stating that instructions have been given tor. the platform and verandah at the northern ,end to be widened by ten feet, and that the work will be put in hand early, so that it may be completed for tho sumniei traffic. -

An exhibitor at tho Winter, Show, says the "Daily News," had a unique and disappointing experience with an exhibit of onions, ilis exhibits were easily tho best in tho all variety class, but wero not true to name, and were in consequence thrown out. It appears that the mistake originated through, the vendors supplying the wrong seen. Mr. It. Canty, of the staff of Messrs. Holben and Kirk, who has been a resident of Palnierston for thirty years, is leaving to take up a position with a Hastings firm. At the Palinerston goods-shed on Saturday a clerk noticed a Uargo, centipede emerging from a case of bananas. Tho insect was about six or seven inches long and of a red colour, and was secured and lorwarded to the Department of Agriculture of Wellington to be identified and classified.

■ NAPIER. It is more than likely that Napier will not have its trams until well into August at least. The work at tho powerhouse, it is stated, cannot be completed before tho end of July, and the earerection'Will bo delayed'owing to .the fact that tho truck is not completed to the ear barn, Tho track work will shortly bo hung up for some time, it is said lor a period of two months, owing to the non-arrival of the right number or neut design of points for the crossings, etc. It is stated that the only branch of the work which can possibly be completed to time (July 8) is the overhead work, The question of what steps are to bo undertaken with regard to""tho proposal to run a light railway to l'uketitiri is to come up. for consideration at a conference of local bodies to be held in Napier on Friday. Tho following belies will be represented:—Napier and Hastings Borough Councils and Chambers of Commerce, and the ll.li. County Council. . ' There are still over one hundred patients in tho Ndf/Jer Hospital. s At one stage during the past week tho hospital contained 114 patients, which, it is stated, constitutes a; record. ■ ' ' Mr. j. B. Condliffe, of the Christchurch branch of tlio Customs Department, has been transferred la Napier. Notico boards have been erected at both ends of the bridges on tho Taradale Road, stating that no weight (including vehicle) exceeding five tons is to be takcci across.

During tho morning services at St.' Paul's Presbyterian Church, the organist was dismayed to find his instrument exhibit unmistakable signs of being out of order in the bellows department. Inspection revealed the fact that rats had gnawed a hole in the bellows. Tho hole was patched up, and no further trouble was expected. At the evening' service, however, the organ was found to be thrown completely out of gear, the rodents having returned to their task and had another vigorous gnaw while the church was deserted. The singing of hymns had to be conducted unaccompanied. Efforts aro now being made to Tepair tho ditinase' and to. exterminate the rat=. WANGANUI. Polico business in AVanganui is decidely slack just now. i'or the past week the work at the Magistrate's Court has been almost a negligible quantity, consisting of an occasional inebriate caso only. Mr. T. D. Cummins, chairman of the River Tru.it, and Mr, E. Phplips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves, liavo just returned from a trip <to the tipper-reachcs of the river. The object of their visit was to note what portion of the Trust's Domain lands are not suitable for scenic resJl'vation, but which could be set aside for settlement purposes. Several were determined upon as being eminently suitable for tho latter purpose, being mostly land surrounding aoaudontd Maori kaingas and previously- under cultivation, though of courso this was ninny years ago. Where tho areas in question aro largo enough to form separate farms, they will bo set aside for such, but wliEre too small for this they will rnako valuablo adjuncts to •adjoining lauds already taken on lease. The lands in question are mostly ploughable, and of a quality that should make them soyght after. It is understood that tho necessary surveys are 'to be put in hand at an early date. A Tecord gathering of followers of the Egmont-Wanganui Uunt took place at "Th-a Grove," AVaverley, on Saturday last, when Mr. and Mrs. Alt'. Symes were "at. home'" to a large nupibcr of huntsmen and visitors. Two runs were inado dui'iug tho day, tho second being ov;r some three miles of the best country. The AVanganui East Beautilymg' Society held ,tlie first of its winter evenings on Fridav night. Mrs.-Fred AValker -was hostess. Mrs. AV. N. AVillis and Mr. R. Buckrell won the prizes at tho card tournament, and ,at tlio subsequent dancing Mr. G. M'Caut acted as M.C.

NEW PLYMOUTH. Mr H. Goodacro arrived from thcsout]i on Monday night, and at once proceeded to raako investigations regarding tho hre at the Egmont Boot Factory. On two occasions within tho last few months windows at the factory had been broken and an entry burglariously effected, some money having been stolen. Mr, Goochicro states that the firm was carrying i/000 worth ot stock, which was only covered by an insurance'of XISOO, and lie estimates the loss at from £1500 to <£1700 abovo the mSU At tho weekly meeting of the Egmont Lodge No. 712 LO.G.T., a letter was received from Bro. Fisher, leading signalman of tho H.M.S. New Zealand, semling greetings from tho grand secretary, Natal Grand Lodge, South Africa, and from the Grand ChieE Templar of Victoria. Mr. Robert Baker, a very old identity of New Plymouth, died on Monday aftetn'oon, aged 92 years. Mr. J. D. Sole, manager of Messrs. Arch. Clark's local warehouse, was. taken suddenly ill earlv on Friday morning, and his condition rendered his removal to the hospital accessary on Saturday. lnere an operation- was performed, and on latest advice ho was progressing satisfactorily.

PAHIATUA. All the party telephone lines which have been under construction in this disfcrict are now complofced. Ihe number of new subscribers to tho local exchange, as tho result of tho severa party lines ] st erected, is 31. The total number of subBcriliers to tho exchange, according to tho revised list -just issutd, is. I'll). Mr. H. King, an old resident of Palnatua.'is leaving tha.district shortly k, take up his residence in. tho Nelson distnet, wliera he lias secured an appointment. The first prize in the art union conducted by Mr. T. R. of JWinerston North, went to Mr. H. M Shell}, of Pahiatua. The draw was made on l-'riday evening by the Majoi of lalmei ston is T orth.

MASTERTON. The death occurred on Holiday evening o£ Mr. John Davenport, ail old resident of this town, ut the age of fifty years. He had been ailing for some months, and leaves a widow, but no family. Mr. S. J. i'. Alpass, one of the earliest settlers of the Alfred ton district, died at .Diiuediii oil Saturday last at the ago of sixty-seven years. His remains will bo brought to Masterton for interment. Mr. C. Silencer Compton has been appointed supervisor in connection with the Masterton Competitions. Messrs. 11. F. Green, 0. N. C. I'ragnell, and E. H. Waddington have been appointed u l'inanco (,'oinmiltec. Mr. John Walden, nf Masterton, has been Appointed judge of horses, harness, and ploughs at tlio ploughing match to be held at Takapau on July. II!. Mr. J. li. JJmniclt, secretary of the MnsIcrton A. and I'. Association, was married at l'eikling on Tuesday. Tlio Wairarapa Hockey Association has decided to issue a challenge to Wellington for a match for tlio shield. At a meeting on Monday night of the Wairarapa Hockey Association. Mr. A. C. I'rasnell intimated his intention of rc-

signing his position as secretary. Permission was granted the P. and T. team to play a match with Palmcrston Post Offico on Juno 28. \ The Nelson Association wroto agreeing to play a match for the Nordon Cup on July 17. It was decided that tho match bo played at Carterton. It was agreed that an endeavour bo made to send a team to Nelson this season. The association could not fix a date "for a match with tho Dannevirko Association, owing to the arrangements for tho Nordon Cup matches not having been definitely fixed. . _ Mr. F■ T. Harding, a resident of this town for twenty years, died this morning at the age of fifty-eight. . . FEILDING. The pupils of tho local Technical School who aro undergoing an agricultural courso are at present engaged in practical instruction in. tho pruning and spraying of fruit trees under Mr. 0. A. Bonner. This week the hoys are engaged in practical ivork in several orchards in tho immediate vicinity of the town.

Mark George, a'Native, appeared beforo Mr. A. H. Atkinson, J.P., on Tuesday morning charged with tho theft of a bicycle valued at «EB. Accused was remanded to appear beforo the magistrate to-day. , ' Tho Feilding Card Club has been resueitated, and will play its first game of this season this evening. At Sanson tho Oddfellows ■ secured another win in tho Friendly Society card tourney by defeating the foresters by 25 games to 15. Ono'oi' Feilding's rural postal delivery staff, a lad named Churcher, met witn a nasty accident on Saturday. Whilo travelling over Mount Biggs, near Halcombe, lie collided with a dog, and the resultant spill incapacitated him. Evidently lie walked into Halcombe and got a train to Feilding,' badly bruised and shaken, q ' ..

TAIHAPE. The picture theatres lmve becomo so popular in Tnihape that on a Saturday night, especially the town has quite a deserted appearance until the theatres etase. 11l consequence, many business people are seriously considering closing at 8 p.m. The Taihapo District Hospital Executive Committee have > just made an exliau'stiva inspection of the grounds with a new to carrying out improvements; A start has already been made, and further work will bo put in hand as soon as possible. The 800 books .which the Mayor has generously donated to the Munioipal Library • were secured by him from the Com mt rcial Club, Wellington. They cost 6ixpenco each, and aro all cloth-bound novels. A' suggestion was made at Friday's council meeting that the present books, ill' the library should 4>e disposed of to au up-country library committee.

WOODVILLE. A lire in Mr. Gothard's residence .in Fergusson Street was the cause of a call at 5.30 on Holiday morning.' Shortly after iivo o'clock tho sound of wood burning awakened Mr. Gothard, and he discovered tho wall of his kitchen to.bo on. fire. AVith tho aid of a garden hose the flro' was . subdued bsforo tho arrival of the brigade, very little damage being done. Mr. Pickford took up his duties as town clerk on Monday, and Mr. Hutchins went to his new position at the freezing works. About 25 .members of the AA'oodvillo Methodist Christian Endeavour Society paid a visit to the Mangatainoka Society on Thursday evening. The Bcv. C. Abernetliy presided. During the evening Miss AVorooys, of AYoodville, Tcad a paper dealing with Teligious life. A fancy-dress ball, in aid of the school funds, was held nt Maharahara. AA'est on Friday evening. The music was supplied by Mr. of To Rohunga, and extras wero played by Miss Goldfinch and Messrs. M'Govorn (2; and Johnson. Songs w ere rendered by Miss Goldfinch.. and Mr. Gregory. Mr. Kosenfcldt carricd out the duties of M.C. ■

LEVIN. A well-aittended public meeting, called by Mr. B. R. Gardener, Mayor of Levin, tor tho purposes of addressing tho electors and residents on hospital and' high-pres-sure water questions, was l held at Ohau on Monday night. Mr. James M'Leavey' occupied the chair. A resolution . was passed unanimously agreeing to the proposed severance of Horowhenua. County ironi' the AVellington Hospital District, and connecting the county with tho Palinerston Nortli Hospital District. Regarding tho high-pressure water to be supplied from Levin, after hearing the estimated cost of different sizsd pipes and also a proposal to otfnsuler .an amalgamated scheme of gup{flyi»g Ohau and Alanakau, a -committee (consisting of Messrs. M'Leavey, A. AV'ylie, and Sutherland) was i'ormed.lor the purpose of going into further details. If considered necessary, a further committee will be lormcd at Manakau.

OTAKI. A lad named Harvey, stepson of Mr. Bishop Ilarvey, of-Katlhiku, while cycling from a. cross road at the railway, came into contact with a motor-car, and beforo the driver could pull up the car struck the kd, knocking aim over, and inflicting injuries to his*head, arm, and knee. The injuries, though not serious, were attended to by the matron at tho hospital. The bicycle was badty damaged. Awhile assisting witli tne decorations at the To Horo Scnoolroom on Friday last, in preparation for the Hautere Itille Club's "social," Mr. Georgo Glacken fell from a ladder and sprained his ankle. Mr. O'Connor lias purchased Mr: Avery's farm at Manakau. AVithin a fewhours of his purchase, it is stated, Mr. U'Counor re-sold a portion of tile land at an enhanced figure to Mr. Jacobsen, of AVanganui. On Friday night the Hautere Rifle Club held their annual "social" in the To Horo bcnoolroom'. A concert programme was given in the first part of the evening, alter which Mr. AV. H. Field (patron of the club) presented the trophies won by tho club during the.season. After supper tli® floor was cleared for dancing.

GREYTOWN. Mrs. Fawcstt was admitted -to the hospital on Sunday night suffering from slight concussioji and general bruises, the result of a nidtor-car running into her trap near tho Platform Farm, Ahiakouka. At tho mcating of the Greytown School Committea held on Friday evening, tlio headmaster's report .showed tho attendance had suffered through sickncss and bad weather, being only a little ovsr 200, tho limit at which there would be a disratemcnt if a higher average were not attainal. Plans of the two new rooms which aro to be added to tho school were submitted and approved. A hearty voto of appreciation-ot the services of Miss Ritdhie, who gives up her duties on Juno 30, to take up a similar position at Paliiatua, was unanimously passed. - On Saturday night the death occurred ..suddenly of Harold, tho youngest son of ilr. and Mrs. A. Finn, of Kuratawhiti Street. ..

In-tho early hours of Sunday morning someone mischievously set alight to Mr. 11. Olifant's fence,' which had been recently planted with tall manuka and macrocarpa. / MARTINBOROUGH. After paying expenses, tho proceeds from the-opening concert in tho new Town llallwill amount to close oil .£45. _ . On Friday evening memb&Ts of AYailicnga Lodge gave a sond-otf to P.M. Bro. Alec. Macgrcgor, w-iio on .Monday left this district to take up his residence in AVellington. Bro. A. D. M'Leod, on behalf of the. brethren, handed a small gift to Mr. Macgregor as a token cf cbteein and goodwill. Mr. R. A. Baillie has accepted the position of vice-president "to the local llockey Club.