DISTRICT NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2131, 24 April 1914, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

JOTTINGS FROM PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondent!) PALMERSTON, A taxi-cab conveying four Territorials over tho I'ahiatua. truek met with an accident yesterday ■ morning. Tho' driver (I. Baldwin) received a scalp wound,- and an injury to tho hip and knee. Tho Territorials also sustained rather severe injuries. Dr. Croty, of Palmerston; motored out to the scene of the accident, and treated the cases. Nominations for the quean-of-carnival election promoted by tho Orchestral Society and Town Band close oa May S„ A three days' bazaar, in aid of-tho No-Licenso campaign funds, was opened in the Municipal Hall yesterday. Mr. Harris, representative of tho Edison storago battery tramways, is to meet tho council this afternoon to discuss tho exact nature of his gaarantco regarding tho capabilities of Edison cars. Tho Martin Radium Committee, which was formed to do honour to Br, Martin prior to his departure abroad, resolved at its .meeting on Wednesday to hand over to tho Central Radium Committee its funds arid promises, and adjourn sino die. The Palmerston Rifles held a- successful re-union and smoke concert on Wednesday night.

WANDANIH. Tho Mayor's annual statement, which was read to tho Borough Council on Tuesday evening, stated that, without any increase in tho rates, the council's overdraft had been slightly reduced, while a laVgo amount of work (particularly on tho streets) had been done out of revenue. Tho municipal cuterprises had all been very successful. Tho gasworks, after paying working expenses, interest, sinking fund, and transferring £2000 to general fund in relief of rates, had finished the year with a surplus of £3073. The tramways showed a surplus of £307, with an outstanding amount still to come in from the Gonvillo Tramway Board, Tho Opera Houso showed a profit- of £255. Among tho works foreshadowed by tho Mayor for tho comiiig year were electric lighting, a destructor, the extension of the water and drainage- systems, and improvements to ths streets.

TAIHAPE, A small cavo has been discovered in limestone formation en the tajiks of the Otaihape Stream, in a portion of the scenic reserve. Although the cave is one of great beauty, it is big enough to ho regarded as a.n important asset. _ Deposits of limestone were also found in the same locality, hut are not thought to be extensive enough to he utilised for commercial purposes. :Mr. A. L. Arrowsmith lias announced his intention of contesting the Mayoralty. As tho present Mayor (Mr. W. M'Lennan) is not seeking' re-election, and no other candidate has been announced, Mr. Arrowsmith will probably bo returned unopposed.

MASTERfON. The committeo which is organising a pipe band bazaar in this town met last evening, and decided to hold a queen of.the carnival competition in connection with tho function. A.meeting of the Wairarapa Past Grand Lodgo of- Oddfellows was held in Mastcrton on Wednesday evening. T Mr. Robert Lee, chairman of tho Wellington Education Board, paid a farewell visit to tho Masiertsu District High School on Wednesday afternoon. .Ho addressed the children in the presence of a Mimber of parents, and was entertained by tho teachers. The Management Committee-of tho Wairarapa Hockey Association met on Wednesday ovening, and drew up She fixtures for the ensuing season. Messrs. H. H. Donald, J. L. Hughes, and A. C. Prague!! were appointed trustees of the Lansdowue hockey ground. It was deckled that tho M'Gruor cup competition be held on June 3. His Worship tho Mayor has been appointed delegate to the conference of local bodies that is being convened by tho Wellington Central Chamber at Commerce, to discuss questions affecting the development of the district., Tho Borough Council has voted a sum of £30 for tho entertainment of Sir lan Hamilton on tho occasion of his visit to Mastcrton next month. It was decided at the last mooting of tho Borough Council that workmen who have been twelvo months in tho employ of tho council be granted a week's holiday overy year on full pay. At a meeting of the committee of tho Wairarapa Amateur Athletic Clsib it was decided to forward Mr. R, Mitchell a cheque in recognition of his services during tho visit of tho American athletes. Tho matter of making final arrangements with the New Zealand Council in connection with tho visit of the Americans was left in the hands <?f a committee. Mr. A. C. Bowman, who is leaving the district, tendered his resignation as secretary, and was granted a bonus of £7 7s. As showing tho mildness of tho season, it may bo mentioned that ripe strawberries aro at present being gathered in the Tinui district. Tho Masterton Borough Council is experiencing somo difficulty in raising its loan of £26,000 at a satisfactory rate of interest. It has been decided to allow tho matter to remain in abeyance for a time.

OTAtCJ

Mr. Wright, a former resident of Pahiko, has returned to Otaki after a two trip through various parts of Australia and Tasmania, Ho now intends to visit Honolulu and then settle in Wanganui. It is probable that Mr, and Mrs. 0. and W. Moncktoi. will sail for Kngland at tho latter end of nest month. Mr. L. Ferguson, who has disposed of his farm property at Hantero to Mr. Lethbridgo, leaves shortly for Edihborough. Tho recent cold weather iu this district has had the effect of materially decreasing tho supply of milk to the various factories. The land salo ou Wednesday was well patronised, but neither Hapua sor Netley sections reached tho reserve, tho highst bid being £35 per acre-. Other bids were £27, £22 10s., and £18. It is expected that many sections, will bo sold privately.