Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JAN. 14, 1899.

Manawatu Herald, 14 January 1899, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JAN. 14, 1899.

The Hon. J. G. Ward, when on a visit to Sydney, was entertained by both parties in the New South Wales Parliament. It has been computed that if the sea were emptied of its waters, and all the rivers of the earth were to pour their present floods into the vacant space, allowing nothing for evaporation, 40,000 years would be required to bring the water of the ocean up to its present level. The Woodville Jockey Club has decided to hold its autumn meeting on April 12th and 13th. The same programme as last year has been adopted The sum of £1025 will be given away In stakes. ~ The launch being built at Wirokino by Messrs Howe Bros, is almost ready for launching, and we can expect to see an addition to our river fleet before long. A great treat is in store for music lovers at Palmerston North next month. The North Island Brass Band Association's annual contest which is to be held there promises to be the largest affair ever held in the colony of that description, and with some of our leading bands taking part, a great success is sure to result. The dates fixed are Feb. 31st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and the Government are running trains at holiday excursion rates to enable all to enjoy the treat provided. An advertisement will be found in another column in reference thereto. The Telegraph Department are just completing arrangements by which the Palmerston Telephone Exchange will be in direct communication with almost all the surrounding districts, says the Standard, including Rongotea, Foxton, Sanson, Bulls, Feilding, Bunny thorpe, Waituna, Cheltenham, Birmingham, and Apiti, while it is already connected with Ashurst, Raumai, Pohangina, Longburn and Oroua Bridge. When the preliminaries are arranged a subscriber to the exchange will be able to speak to anyone in the places mentioned or vice versa by communicating with the exchange, the charge being sixpence for five minutes' conversation, if the place is over six miles distant, and threepence if under that distance. In the polo match on Wednesday Afternoon the Manawatu team defeated the Rangitikei team by 6to 3 after a good game. This afternoon the Oroua and Manawatu teams meet at Palmerston, and on Wednesday the Orouas play Rangitikei. An expedition in search of Andree is being organised at Copenhagen. The acceptances for the Foxton races close on Monday next, with the secretary (Mr J. R. Whyte), at 9 p.m. Entries for the Maiden race (first day), and also nominations for the Trial Hack Handicap (second day), should be sent in at the same time. On Wednesday night at All Saints' Schoolroom a social will be tendered to the Rev. Leach, who has lately arrived to take up his parochial duties in this district. There will be music and a supper, and the low price charged for admission should not stop any from attending.

The Court Pride of Foxton, No. 8385, has been registered as a branch of the Auckland District Ancient Order of Foresters' Friendly Society. The wife of Simon Athy, of the Post Office Hotel, attempted suicide on Wednesday afternoon at Pahiatua,] by taking a dose of rough»on rats. Drs Gault and Dawson attended the woman, who is reported to be out of danger. Bishop Wallis is at present paying an official visit to the Manawatu portion of his diocese. News from Napier states that exInspector Emerson's health is causing his friends considerable anxiety. The charge of criminal assault on a girl at Masterton preferred against a young man named Robert Douglas was on Wednesday adjourned until Monday next. The accused was taken down to the Terrace Gaol, Wellington, where he will remain till the date fixed for the preliminary hearing. There are 693 applications for pensions on hand in Wellington, and the Magistrate intends to make a start with them on the 16th and endeavour to get through 50 per day. The Rev. Woollass will take for his subject to-morrow night "The Responsibility of a Great Heritage," and Miss Anderson will sing a special sacred solo. Mr Edward Pearce, after a 38 year's residence in Wellington, leaves to-day for the Home country, where he will reside. The latest rumour regarding the escaped convict Jackson is that a few days ago he was seen and spoken to at Picton. It is stated that only the first class militia will be called out for drill at Easter. At the meeting of the Manawatu County Council on Wednesday the chairman stated that five children sent from this district to the Burnham Industrial School would cost the district L 640 before the youngest was discharged unless someone else contributed to their support. Mr John Walls will provide luncheon at the Grand Stand Booth on race days on behalf of the Foxton Racing Club. It is stated that a circular has been sent around all the Government Departments in Wellington, asking for the dates of the appointment of extra clerks distinguishing the married and single, and giving other particulars, pending a re-selection at the end of the financial year. There is great anxiety in official circles. Parliament has been further prorogued, by a "Gazette" notice to March 9. Two Dunedin girls, 17 years of age, left their homes on New Year's Eve and in company with two lads younger than themselves secured the" cutter Defence and went on a cruise on their own account. They were subsequently discovered, stranded with the cutter, at St. Leonard's. The girls left a note at home intimating that they intended to die together.