DISTRICT PARS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 52, 18 October 1907, Page 2

DISTRICT PARS.

At a sitting of the Otorohanga Court on October 9th, before Messrs Wm. Vicary and C. J. Johnson, J's.P., Henry Simpson, alias Wm. Chaplin, pleaded not guilty to a charge of being drunk (a second oftencc within six months), and also using obscene language in a public place. After hearing evidence the Bench convicted accused and fined him 10s or, in dofault, 7 days imprisonment for drunkenness, and sentenced him to one month's imprisonment for obscene language.

The demand for township sections at To Kuiti still continues, and Mr H. Hetet is cutting up about forty acres of his property fronting the Awakino road. The sections average about two acres each, and all of them have already been allotted for lease for twenty-one years with the right of renewal for a further term of twentyone years, with ordinary compensation. The sections are in excellent positions, offering [a good view of the township, and are admirably adapted for residental purposes.

A suggestion which has been given some attention in the political world during the past week is the coalition of the moderates of the present Government party and the Oppositionists. The proposition, which, it is said, emanated from persons outside either party, has been inspired by the probability of the formation of a Socialistic Political Party, and the idea, apparently, is that the moderates of the present parties should combine to form a solid front against a body of extremists. The suggestion appears to have met with favour in the * opposition ranks, so there is little likelihood of it being hailed with acclamation by the followers of the present Ministry.

The Maori bushranger, Matcnga, has been causing further excitement on the East Coast. Mysterious robberies' of isolated camps have been of frequent occurrence lately in the Motu district, and a party was organised to hunt down the delinquent. Five settlers surprised Matcnga, and one of them covered him with a rifle and called upon him to surrender. ; jL ; 'he Maori stood for a moment, then with a yell took to his heels and eluded his pursuers in the bush. A constable has been despatched to the Mqt'n tq make further inquiries. The Otorohanga Sports programme wiiji appear in next issue.

Sunshine and blue skies have been chiefly noticeable by their absence during the present spring, and on Wednesday, under the influence of a genial sun and clear atmosphere one almost felt ;is if transported to another sphere. With a few more such days settlers will feel the benefit of spring growth in the grass, and thanksgiving will supplant the more pessimistic sentiments engendered by continuous rain and cloudy skies. The continuous bad weather is rendering the work of the Railway officials one of considerable anxiety at present, as slips on the line are of frequent occnirence. On Tuesday last the trains leaving Taumarunui for Auckland were delayed by a slip not far from Taumarunui. The express did not leave for Auckland until nearly an hour behind the usual time, but at Te Kuiti was only ten minutes late, and reached Fraiikton Junction at the usual hour.

The 26th of October, 1906, was the first date of issue for the Chkoniclk, therefore this week's makes the last issue for the twelve months.

The abnormal rainfall during flic past few weeks is having a very bad effect on the farming industry in general. Planting crops has been out of the question, and grass is extremely backward in most localities. Throughout the King' Country the streams have been practically in a state of flood for a month, and the roads in many places are a menace to the travelling public. A sitting of the Tc Kuiti Police Court was held on Friday last, before Mr J. W. W. Seymour, J. I'., when a Maori, named 'Pohi, was charged with being drunkand disorderly. Accused was convicted on three charges being fined 5s and costs for drunkenness, 40s and costs for assaulting the Police, and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, for resisting arrest.

The price of flour has been risen throughout New Zealand and judging from present indications there seems every probability of present rates being maintained. The. wheat market is extremely sensitive and reports to hand indicate a shorlncssoi supply in all the chief markets. A comprehensive scheme of improvements to the railway station at Frankton Junction is projected by the Department. The yard is to be shifted some distance further down the line, and is to extend for balf-a-mile. The estimated cost of the project is about £50,000. A sitting of the Tc Kniti Police Court was held on Thursday October I/th, before Messrs Tammadge and Sims, Ts. P., when P. Beck was charged with assaulting the station master, Mr White. 'Fhe evidence disclosed that an altercation took place with regard to a load of posts, and defendant acknowledged striking Mr White in the heal of the moment. A fine;of 40s, and costs 15s, was imposed.

It is always a recognised fact that things are in a pretty bad way when the children start discussing - matters of public, interest. The other day several youngsters were overheard talking of the stale of our roads, and the uncertainty of Father Christmas being able to reach Te Kuiti Ihis year. In favour of this argument a youngster promptly said : " lie can't come along the Awakino road as that is almost impassable, and it's a moral he couldn't get down the Mangaorino road with his sleigh and reindeer."