THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 1908. DISTRICT PARS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 114, 10 December 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 1908. DISTRICT PARS.

An important sub-division sale of promising business sites in Rora Street, TeKuiti, is advertised to be held early in January. The property is situated in front of the saleyards, and facing the railway line. It was formerly in the occupation of Mr John Morgan, and is to be offered in seven lots, the frontages ranging from 33 feet to 71 feet, together with the shop and dwelling. In view o". the street improvements to be proceeded with shortly, and the certain extension of business premises in the direction of this property, the sites should command a ready sale. This sale offers a chance for a good investment in a locality which, in the near future, must increase in value. The terms are exceptionally easy. Members of the Te Kuiti troop of Mounted Rifles are notified that the annual Inspection parade of the corps will be held at Te Awamutu on the 16th instant. Horses are to be trucked by the early train. The public are reminded that the Oparure Sports take place atMangatea on December 17th. A highly varied programme comprising Events for Europeans and Maoris, besides numerous events for children of both sexes, has been prepared, and an enjoyable day's sport should ensue. Te Kuiti cricketers will be pleased to learn that the matting for the wicket hae come to hand, and play can be continued throughout the season. The recent rain has benefitted the pitch considerably, and with the matting in use, there is every reason to believe the ground will stand a season's play without any ill effects. The earth tremors lately experienced at the Bay of Plenty district have now ceased, and conditions at Whale Island have become normal. Whakatane idents who were somewhat alarmed at the continuance of the unusual conditions have become reassured.

Land values in the various King Country centres are well maintained, and ample confidence in the future of the disrtict is evidenced by all who are acquainted with the conditions. At Ohakune on Saturday last, fourteen freehold town sections were put up to auction. The sections were chiefly quarter of an acre in area, and the upset prices ranged from £6O to £65. Competition was keen at the sale, and the various lots realised from £64 to £230. Only two of the sections realised less than £IOO, while nine brought more than that amount, the average being more than £l2B per section.

Wool-buyers are traversing the Masterton district, with a view of purchasing clips where obtainable at a price. In one or two instances 7d per pound was offered and declined, the owners having decided to ship the clip Home. King Country athletes and the public generally are reminded that the Hamilton Rugby Union Sports are to be held on Boxing Day. The principal event, the Hamilton Handicap of £2O, is sure to attract a large number of runners, and all other events are well worth the trouble of training to compete for. Two bicycle events, footballers' events, childrens' events, tug-of-war, etc., go to make up a very fine programme, and given tine weather, the meeting promises to beeven more successful than last year. Intending competitors are reminded that entries close with the secretaries Messrs Tuck and McG-arriglc on December 12th ,and the acceptances for the Hamilton Handicap close on December 19th.

At the statutory meeting of the Waikato Hospital Hoard, held last week, Mr Allen Hell was elected Chairman for the ensuing twelve months.

It would be very dillieult indeed 1<» find a Maori who did not know enough of Court proceedure to demand an interpreter. The slightest pretext insufficient, and it is often something of an infliction upon others. In a debt case at Te Kuiti court yesterday a Native defendant declined to understand sufficient K-ngilsh to say whether the debt was owing or not, and the Plaintiff was obliged to supply an

interpreter, and pay his expenses, thus piling on costs which had to come out of Plaintiffs" pocket in the first instance and would have to he waited for indefinitely.

The Farmers Co-operative Auctioneering Company. Ltd.. report a< follows: At Te Kuiti on YV'edonesday. 9th December, we yarded I">."iU cattle. There was a large attendance, and

prices were about, the same as those ruling 1 in YVaikato. Fat steers. I'VSs: fresh conditioned do., .'! and dA year steers, v.i Is to £0 10s; 2A tod year Steers. .£\ 12s M to id! ISs: two year steers, .idi 12s to A'-l; Id to IS nmmlis steers. .12 Ids to ddd ds ; yearlings. :!Ss to £2 -Is; empty IS months and 2 year heifers. X2 Ss to , I J2 ISs: yearling heifers, dds to d'ds; hogget. Ids; fat sheep. 10s to 12s. Liquor cases have been figuring In the King Country courts this week. On Tuesday, at Taumarunui, a Syrian hawker was fined £2O and costs for having unlabelled liquor in his possession. At he Kuiti on Wednesday, six defendants were each lined ,l'2o and costs for brinigng liquor into (he district for sale.

The Australian Buck jumpers, with \ their marvellous bucking horses, (rave ■ an exhibition last night in TeKui<i. j but on account of inclement woathe' - ; was not very well patronised. The local horse brought expressly to unseat , the- champion rider. F. Hibhy, gave a j good exhibition of bucking, but was firmly stuck to by its mount and failed to unseat him. the performance is on j again to-night, and again prizes will : he given for the best local riders. The offer of £2O for any person who j brings a horse to unseat the proprietor j still remains open, I