News and Notes.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 April 1927, Page 2

News and Notes.

The Riddiford Gardens are undoubtedly the most beautiful spot in the Borough at the present time. At all times of the day and night people can be seen admiring the gay beds of flowers and lawns. Children spend many happy hours playing in their particular area. We would like to suggest one improvement that might be supplied, and would be much appreciated. Many people find it a very convenient short cut to come through the gardens, but at night it is shrouded in darkness, and we would venture to suggest that if a light were placed about, where the rose pergola stands, the action would be greatly appreciated by all. * * * A correspondent writes: "In your issue of the "Hutt News" (and here let me congratulate you on your plucky effort in giving the Hutt people a real "live" newspaper) you mention that an anonymous donor had given our Mayor a free hand in the choice of trees to plant the new Mandel block." Trees are beautiful things in their proper place. But there are some places—and one in particular on the west side of our Main Street, not far from the P.O.— where the overhanging branches of trees are a decided nuisance. I most certainly object to having the nap of my silk hat brushed the wrong way by those overhanging branches. These particular branches are five feet from the ground (per tape measure) and stretch across the full width of the footpath. Perhaps our Borough Inspector could find a spare few minutes to deal with this nuisance—is it the Council's own property?—and so save much annoyance to pedestrians. Now then, Mr. Inspector, you have heard the complaint. We're Collin' on you to remedy this! * * * Preparations for the Hutt Gala on Easter Monday—the chief event of the year, as far as the Hutt is concerned—are well forward. Energetic committees have been formed in both Eastern and Western Hutt, and many novel schemes have been launched in order to bring in the shekels for the two districts. This year the usual, and much overdone, "Queen" Carnival has been discarded, and in its place a "King" Carnival has been introduced. Competition for prizes of £300 and £100 (to go to some definite object for the beautifying of the several districts) is between Western Hutt (including Belmont) and the rest of the Hutt. Mr. H. Baldwin, as "King Baldwin the Great!" (Eastern) wages war on "King " (this is

a secret which will only be revealed on Easter Monday) of the Western Hutt. A continuous stream of 'buses will run between the Hutt and Wellington that day, and trains will run at short intervals. It only needs a fine day to make this Gala the "best yet!" Long live the King! * ♦ * We are pleased to see that Victoria Street has at last been given a general clean-up, and the tar barrels that have been an eyesore for the past tweive months or so have departed this life. The grass at the sides of the road has also been cleared away. But still there is much to be done in this line in the side streets. It is rumoured that one lady in Hume Street recently lost one of her cows —and 24 hours later it was discovered quietly chewing the cud—being completely hidden from view by the long grass in that locality. * ♦ ♦ The Premier, Right Honorable J. G. Coats, accompanied by Mrs. Coats, will perform the opening ceremony at the Hutt Valley Horticultural Society's Autumn Show on Wednesday, 20th April, at 3 p.m. ♦ * Mr. S. Clendon has resigned his seat on the River Board as an associate member for business reasons. * * & Mr. Will Leighton lef-t last week on an extended tour abroad, and may possibly be away for twelve months. Mr. Leighton will make a stay at Tahiti, travelling on later through U.S.A. to England. It is mainly for health reasons the trip is being taken, and our best wishes are extended for his safe return, and we hope the sojourn abroad will have the desired effect. * * * Mr. E. F. Rothwell, who has recently come to Lower Hutt to commence practice as a solicitor, is a son of the late Rev. B. F. Rothwell, who will be remembered by many residents as the Methodist minister stationed here some eighteen years ago. * ♦ * It is high .time the Hutt had a local branch of the Justices' of the Peace Association. The J.P. undertakes a grave responsibility when he accepts office. It is his duty to the public to endeavour to qualify himself for such a high position. We feel sure there are many legal gentlemen in our Borough who would gladly give up some of their valuable time to instructing these worthy citizens in the intricacies of the law. * * ♦ Another indication of the development and enterprise of the Valley is the formation orf a local tennis association which, although only formed two seasons ago ,now has ten clubs, with a total of 380 members affiliated. The Association inter-club matches have been very successful, 20 teams being entered (eight senior and 12 junior). The matches for this season, which have now been concluded, were very interesting, and many close and exciting contests resulted. The Senior Shield was won by the Western Hutt Club, and the Junior Shield by the Petone Central Club. Easter Saturday and Monday the Associations are running a combined doubles, ladies and gents handicap double tournament, for which good entries have been received.