DISTRICT NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1863, 24 September 1913, Page 10

DISTRICT NEWS.

JOTTINGS FROM PROVINCIAL CENTRES. PALMERSTON NORTH. At the Magistrate's Court to-day Charlie Williams, a first offender, was convicted of the theft of a pair of boots the property of l!\ J. Mantel, and was ordered to conio up for sentence when called upon. The Supreme Court reopens here before the Chief Justice on Thursday afternoon. . • A pigeon race from Jolinsonville on Saturday was won by 0. J'. Lewis. This-member of the local Homing l'igeon Club also won the club's other racc this season, namely, from Blenheim to I'aekakariki. The local hockey season concludes on Wednesday. masterton! The half-yearly sitting of tho Supreme Court was opened he.v jtsterday ucr'ore ins Honour Mr. Justice Chapman. The list 'is tho lightest 011 record, there being only 0110 criminal charge, one civil case, and one divurce case. A juror was excused from (Service 011 the jury lit the Supreme Court yesterday 011 tlio ground that he had -fifteen cows to milk, and could not get a substitute to do the work. Mr. F. C. Lewis,who has been associated witli the auctioneering business iu Ma.sterton for tho last twenty-four years, has been compelled to sever his connection with tho linn of Abraham and Williams, Ltd., owing to failing health. Mr. Lewis- has been, confined to his houso for the last three months. 'The annual meeting of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce is to be held 011 Friday. In his report the president mentions tilt loss sustained by the chamber in tho death of Mr. James Brown. He refers to tlio work done during the year in connection with the mail service, Mastorton-Waipukurau railway, Ilinmtaka deviation, woollen mills, agricultural high school, trade with Canada, telephones, and railway service. Docking operations are now in full swing. On one station in the district a return of 115 per cent, of lambs has been obtained from 4000 ewes. 1 At a sitting of tho Supreme Com* to-day Neil Edward Hannah was charged 011 livo alternate counts with criminally assaulting a girl fourteen years of age, at West Tnratalii, on June 4. After a "retirement of half ail hour the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and prisoner was discharged. 'This was the only criminal case. . It was announced that all tiio civil cases had been settled out of Court. Six discharges from bankruptcy wore grautecj: Tho Masterlou Borough Council decided last night to take a poll of ratepayers on a proposal to raise a loan of ;C10,500 for tho improvement- of the water supply system. WANGANIiI. Finding that revenue for the coming year is likely to be less than requirements, .tlio \Vallgaluli East branch 'of tlie Beautifying Society has been holding a series of privato winter social gatherings in the homes of its members. By this means a sum has been raised .which will go a long way towards providing for the upkeep of the beautiful esplanade in tho eastern suburb. '

St. Paul's Church has so far raised £220 and St. Andrew's Church £61 as tho Wangauui quota, towards tho Presbyterian -Mission Fund.

*At< the annual meeting (f tho WaI'.ganui Rowing Club, Mr. C. V. Powell was re-elected president, Mr. C. J. \Yray captain, and Mr. V. , Brooliio secretary. Tho balance-shcct shoivocl that the receipts for the past year were £509 12s. 3d. Tho hank' overdraft had been reduced by £1-18, and now stood; at £1.58, land,, against this, wcro assets realised at £131-1.

Spring is vapidly merging into _ a I summer which, judging by present indications, promises to be a long one. Tho favourable weather has tempted out lovers of outdoor pastimes, and already several clubs have held their opening days, while others will follow their example almost at once. MemberS of tho Waiigamii County Council continue to show bitter opposition to the Wanganui Harbour Bill,, though, except for a small following oven in their owni county, they stand almost alone in. their attitude. They have just issued a statement which they, say is in the interests of public probity, and which, summarised, is a series of attacks on the Harbour Board's town members, arid their actions, motives, and consistency. Tho chairman of tho board issues an answer ,in which ho denies some statements 'and, disproves others. It is significant that tho attitude of the Waitotara Comity representatives is the same as that of the town members, who, it may be said, do not appear generally dis- ; posed to treat the AYanga.nui County Council's outburst too seriously.

NEW PLYMOUTH. Mrs. A. M. Wills, of Hawnra,'has forwarded to the New Plymouth Borough Council an old English watchmail's rattle, which her father, the lato Mr. l'\ M.' Chapman wished to be presented to tlio Now Plymouth Museum.. At a meeting of tho East End Bathing Reserve Committee, 'held on Monday night, tho question of the proposed visit of His Excellency the Governor in October next was discussed, and it was decided that tho committee should, as requested, co-operate with the, authorities in providing entertainment for the public on that occasion. Application will be made to tho Sports Ground Ccmmitteo for tlio use of tho • sports ground 0111 that day.