DISTRICT NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2340, 23 December 1914, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

JOTTINGS FROM PROVINCIAL CENTRES. (From Our Special Correspondents.! MASTERTON. Another downpour of rain occurred on Monday night, followed by perplexing westerly winds. It is the wind, rather than the drought, that is doingthe damage to tho country. The holiday festivities provided for Masterton during tho Christmas holidays are not very numorous. The chief attractions will bo the sports meeting at Mauriceville and the races at Clareville. A large number of residents have left for Wellington and other centres. The quarterly meeting of the Masterton Oddfellows' Lodge was held on Monday evening, Bro. A. P. Smith, N.G., presiding. It was decided to change the registered office of the lodge. Officers for the ensuing quarter were nominated, and six brethren took the White Degree. . P.C. Bro. P. Smith was nominated for the deputy G.N. chair of the Wellington district. The statement filed in the estate of W. J. Coulter, of Parkvale, bankrupt, shows assets amounting to £1223 ss. sd. jn book debts, and liabilities amounting to £1128 Bs. 4d. Small birds are doing considerable damage to fruit and cereal crops in the district.-Twenty-nine patients are at present receiving treatment in the Public Hospital.

, rivers in tho district were in a nigh state of flood on Monday. Mr. A. Franks, of Masterton. has received news of the death of his father in Christchurch, and left for the south on Monday., PAHIATUA. Mrs. Ross, wife of Mr; Alex Ross, of Pahiatua, died on Monday morning. The deceased lady and her husband and family were among the early settlers in the Kaitawa district,- and it is only of recent date that they settled in Pahiatua. The late Mrs. Ross had readied the age of 49 years. Much sympathy is expressed for Mr. Ross who has lately taken a keen interest in matters concerning the farming community in this district.

A tennis match between Pahiatua and DaUnevirke players took place on the local courts last Saturday. The Pahiatua plavers were victorious, winning 15 games to their onponents' 10. At the meeting of the'Pahiatua Fire Brigade on Mondav evening, it was decided that no merobnr be elinnble for tho office of lipiitennnt until he has served at least twelve months in the Pnhintiift brigade.

Unfavourable wen+hor still continues in tills district. Shearing operations have heen prolonged while manv paddocks of grass for bay are not yot cut. although the crop has been ready for some time. OTAKI. On Sunday last the Anglican Church room at Otaki was formally re-opened for service after_ having been closed for Bome weeks while important improvements were being carried out. The building, which used to stand in Iti Street, has been removed to a site ,iear the Post Office. A large new chancel has been added, a helfry built, and improvements effected on the porch and vestry. The whole of the building, both inside and out, has been painted, and the church now presents a neat and dignifiod appearance; and is a pleasing addition to the public buildings of the town. The opening. 'services last Sunday were conducted, in the morning, b.y the Rev. R. 0. liTatliwayt. of the Maori Mission College, and in tho evening by the Vicar, the Rev. G. F f letne, M.A. There were large congregation at both services, and the special music was well rendered by a largo choir.

The Anglican Church at Hautere Cross was also re-opened last Sunday, having had several important additions made to it. An Apsidal chancel hns been built, the building lined throughout, a vestry and a belfry added, and the church painted. The Vicar officiated at the opening servic©.