DISTRICT PARS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 118, 24 December 1908, Page 2

DISTRICT PARS.

- The contest'for the Maori electorate rivals that of Dunedin North in the matter of closeness of finish, and there is yet a doubt as to who will be returned. It is anticipated that wheher Mr Parata or Mr Uru is returned, the unsuccessful candidate will challenge the result. At a meeting in connection with the Te Kuiti Sports on Tuesday evening last, a strong committee was appointed to carry out the Sports, which, it is intended, will be held during the month of February, 1909. A working committee, consisting of eleven residents, was also appointed, and have commenced the preliminary work for getting the Sports going again, and from all accounts they are meeting with every encouragement.

The boxing contest for the world's championship, which takes place at Sydney on Saturday next between Tommy Burns, the present holder of the title, and Jack Johnson, the coloured champion, is attracting world wide interest. A record attendance is predicted, many sport, followers travelling from America and New Zealand as well as from all parts of Australia. The American Political situation will be to a certain extent influenced by the decision of the Referee on December 2(ith. Race Riots are frequent in the darker States of the South, and to a man they are backing their dusky brother, -while the white population are largely favouring Burns in sentiment, though some of them are backing Johnson with their cash. Ex-President Roosevelt will get the news over a private wire in his home at Oyster Bay, Long island, and all America will know the ultimate decision before midnight on the 2(ith instant. Precautions will be taken by the authorities to pre- ! vent disturbances, and if Jack Johnson should he declared winner, it will make the situation awkward for the American politicians who are holding office with the help of the Dark vote. The following resolution was unanimously sent, by a largely attended ; meeting of electors in Te Kuiti la-f j Tuesday. December 2o'rd: -"That a ; telegram be sent to the Premier, respectfully urging the cxeep! iomil claims of Mr W.T.Jennings to a pbieo in the Ministry. His long pel ilea! experience and knowledge of (he requirements of country settlers heiog considered by this mooting as qualifications entitling him to very careful consideration in allotting the vacant portfolio of Lends." We understand that news has ben received at Piopio this week, from the Education Board, to the effect thai a school has been graned for the district, to commecne after the holidays. The settlers have been requested to do the carting in connection with the school furniture, and arrange for accommodation for the teacher. Considerable attention is being' slio.vn by various contractors to the tendering for the formation of Te Kuiti Township roads. Several prospective tenderers have visited the town during the last few days, securing information and personally inspecting localities which are to be improved. \

On account of the holidays there will be no issue of the "Chronicle" on Monday next, but on Thursday it will appear as usual. Seniors in (he district will be glad in learn thai ibe second stone crusher b>r "die Ruads Department has arrived a! Tc kuiii. and doubtless will bo in c-ivuiiii'-sinn as :-<ion as possible. There a re nmi'-.nr> oi' more to follow, but notiii;v has been learned on the subjeei. The traffic on die Main Trunk line has been extremely heavy during the past week. Since die through trains started the cars each way have been fully,occupied, and the traffic must be greatly in access of what was anticipated. The express to-day was the biggest ordinary train yet run in the King Country, there being eleven cars, and each was taxed to the utmost.

The first through express train from Wellington, which was run on Monday and Tuesday last was well patronised, eight large cars being filled with passengers. The travellers had a very tiresome experience, owing to a stoppage on the line near Wellington, the train running about four hours late through Te Kuiti. The deputation in connection with Waihi licensing allegations waited on the Premier at Auckland on Tuesday, when Sir Joseph Ward undertook that the Royal Commission asked for should be set up, to enquire into the case specified. The deputation requested that the scope of the Commission should be enlarged and be made to apply to the whole Dominion. The Premier said the enlarging of the scope of the enquiry would require to be done by Parliament; he would not do so on his own responsibility.

It is rumoured that Mr H. WNorthcroft, S.M., is about to retire from the Bench. Mr Northcroft is at present on sick leave, and it is understood that the Manukau work is to be temporarily taken up by Mr R. W. Dyer, S.M. Mr Dyer may, it is stated, continue to work the circuit, and Mr Cutten, S.M., removed from Hamilton -to Auckland. The condition of Dr Goode, who stands charged with the murder of Mrs Klenner at Waitara last week, is causing medical men some anxiety. It appeal's that the wound which was noticeable under the chin at the time of his arrest has developed dangerous symptoms, and although no information is procurable from the hospital where the prisoner has been removed for treatment, it is generally understood that the doctors consider the injury tp be due to a bullet, which has probably lodged in the jaw or neck. This probably accounts for the blood with which Dr Goode's clothing was covered at the time of his arrest. On the journey from Waitara to New Plymouth Dr Goode complained frequently of pain in the jaw and neck. It was considered that he had received some injury during the struggle of arrest. It is stated that his condition is now somewhat grave, his temperature being such that an operation can only be attempted at considerable risk.

' The bulk of grain in Canterbury this year is the largest for several years, and a good many more men than usual are wanted for the fields. With reference to the claim made on behalf of Olaf Hallinen and the late Anders Andersen for compensation in respect to their false conviction in connection with the death of Burke, the Minister for Justice intimates that "the matter has received the careful consideration of the Government, and he regrets that it is unable to recognise any claim for compensation or payment in connection therewith." The matter will probably be made the subject of a strong local petition.