THE HUNTLY Press. PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT 1 P.M. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1914.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 3, Issue 6, 8 May 1914, Page 2

THE HUNTLY Press. PUBLISHED WEEKLY AT 1 P.M. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1914.

The apathy of householders civic responsibility were evidenced on Monday night when the annual election of a school committee could only attract eleven householders prepared to listen to an account of the year’s i work performed by their own nominees, and to show interest in the education of their children _ and those of other residents. Householders intended either to ignore their obvious duty, or to show their confidence in the old committee by abstaining from attendance at a meeting where there would be no fight, because the was nothing to criticise adversely. It is true that the duties of a school committee are neither important nor far reaching; but it is on the efficient performance of such humble duties that the health and comfort of the pupils and the stimulation and convenience of the teachers, in some measure, depend, while the mental advancement of the rising generation is a matter tl\at generally appeals to all who, transcending self, intend to do their part tow a res the advancement of the country they inhabi . Whether the Board of Education will appoint a commissioner who by himself will perform the duties of a committee, or will summon another meeting . remains to be seen. If the latter alternative is adopted it is to be hoped that by a large attendance the charge of apathy may be disproved. » Acc<>rding to rep irl : re ieived T ir-T-rrs at the meeting LIGHTb. Qf the Town Board the lamps at present used for lighting the streets are nearing their and. When in order,the lamps provide capital illumination; but they are so apt to get out of gear, and their upkeep becomes so increasingly expensive, that the Board decided to take a poll of rntepayeis in order to obtain their sanction for a loan of £6OOO, the sum required for in the installation of a complete electric plant powerful enough to supply light for all public ami private purposes, to make provision for future requirements, and to give the motive power necessary for the public water supply which is bound to come sooner or later. Mr Wyllie’s scheme, which will ho published in our next issue, after being carefully penised, was again deemed highly satisfactory, and was approved with the few extonsi ms n v ’ .sni-.v to altered conditions. Mr Wyllio’s advice was obtained -soma years ago when an electric, lighting scheme was lirst mooted. The ratepayers,however, voted against a loan for Ilia purpose, and hence, in order to meet the public demand, and contrary to the ex pressed opinion of the Board, there were installed the present lights which 1 lave pr<>ved both expensive and inefficient. After their experience the ratepayers will think twice before they vote against the present loan, so that, as far as ITuntly is concerned, the substitution of electricity for kerosene may be realised in the near future. A few years ago when ducks , were more plenti-'giToT-rvc fuln ‘-' arer Huntly Vabo? than they are tote day, a sportsman, Bluly equipped with gun, am(T munition, and other etceteras, proceeded to tho island near Waahi to kill the webbed bipeds that he had already marked out for slaughter. On landing he duly took off his boots and socks, left them on the river bank, and proceeded to make himself comfortable in (he cover provided. Indulgence in liquid creature comforts induced a somnolence that lasted until day began to break and the tame ducks on the opposite bank, began to hail the rosy dawn with hoarse croaks. Down to river edge he crawled with the stealth and lightness of foot characteristic of the Indian on the war path, and there, in front, were two duck, stationary, and readily shootable. Bang! Bang! went the two barrels, and over went the ducks. A frantic rush to sezio tho slain—but, alas 1 the ducks turned out to be a forgotten pair of boots riddled with shot holes! This soason in the grey mist ANOTHIiIt. shooters, intent on tn% slaughter of the duck, left their beds, and proceeded, with the caution usually exorcised by sportsmen cognisant of tlie ’eliteness of game birds, along tho river bank, threading their way carefully among Ilia billows, and as carefully avoiding tho slush underfoot, their eyes fixed on the .surface of the water in the expectation of a heavy, bag. “ Look, Look,’’ whispered the leader. “There’s a mob.” Excitement reigned as they crawled nearer and nearer on haul; and knees, and anticipation ruled as the three got into line. Then the guns spoke, tlie contents of nine cartridges mowing down the innocent birds, which, h nvever, quickly resumed the perpendicular. A nearer view confirmed their worst imaginings ; for the volleys had decimated a number of decoys placed in position by another hand of sports whose lurid language, on witnessing, the collapse of tlfbir “conn terfeit presentments, v and whose laugh-

ter followed peat on peal, can be hatter imagined than a described. Nevertheless, though ]\ obliged to get up with the fi stars our sports assert that (_ , they had a jolly time, and, f quite as strange to relate, no one '1 ; attempts to differ from them, ? . Nemesis followed the stops of tlio • mockers who, after spending P part of a night and a whole day 1 scouring the country for a shot, ‘ i returned home with a single duck ' 1 as evidence of tlieir prowess. 1