NEWS AND NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 75, 1 April 1902, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

The Wellington excursion steamer to , Picton yesterday was the Rofcomahana, which brought over about 600 people. The excursionists enjoyed a smooth passage, and a large number came on to Blenheim by the special train. A young man named Thomas Humphries met with an accident at Tua Marina on Saturday, the result of which was a broken leg. The horse he was riding, startled by a traction engine, swerved suddenly, and Humphries was unseated. His leg was found to be broken above the knee, and he was driven to town by Mr H. Botham, An inquest was held at Spring Creek on Friday concerning the death of the lad Furchas, who was drowned while attempting to cross the river in the vicinity of Morrison's flax-mill on a punt. Dr McArthur, S.M., Coroner, conducted the enquiry. Evidence having been given by employes at the flax-mill, the boy's father, and. the police, the jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning, no blame being attachable to anyone. There were a considerable number of applications locally for enrolment in the Tenth Contingent. The applicants attended at the Drill Shed on Saturday night, and the Recruiting Board then commenced their task. The names of the twelve men selected are published in a district order appearing in our advertising columns. J. Nicholls was a member of the Fifth Contingent, and W. Guest is also an ex-Contingenter. The men leave for Christchurch by the train to-morrow night, and the Blenheim Rifles, Cadets and the Band will take part in the ' farewell. It is with regret that we record the death of Mr R. Dixon, the well-known , builder, which occurred on Saturday at ( his residence in Walter Street. Mr Dixon had been ill for some months, and had just returned from a trip to Rotorna, but his death was of a somewhat sudden character, his wife finding him in extremis in his workshop during the afternoon. Deceased, whose age was about 55 years, and who had re* sided in Blenheim for many years, was held in general respect. His widow and family have the sympathy of many friends. Good weather prevailed for the holiday yesterday, though the elements had a threatening aspect in the morning. The principal attractions were at Picton and Spring Creek, and the trains conveyed a large number of people to both places. The attendance at the Spring Creek regatta, held on the Wairau River, was not as large as that of last year; but neither was the number of people in Picton as great as in previous years; and no doubt the black clouds that loomed up in the morning kept many people at home. At Spring Creek the only crews were those of the Blenheim and Picton Rowing Clubs; and the former were very successful, their total winnings amounting to £37 10s. Blenheim won all the events except the Maiden Fours and Junior Donble Sculls, which were annexed by Picton.