Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, SEPT., 15, 1904.

Manawatu Herald, 15 September 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, SEPT., 15, 1904 .

A meeting of the Foxton Football Union is called for to-morrow (Friday) night at 8 p.m. in Mr Gray’s hotel. The Magistrate’s Court is holding its usual monthly sittings to-day. The list of cases set down for hearing is not lengthy. Captain Manly states that the last voyage of the Himatangi was the calmest he had experienced for some considerable time, the sea being like glass. A case of assault heard before Messrs Simpson and Bennett J's. P.. on Tuesday was dismissed on the recommendation of the police. The Government hopes the State Fire Insurance Department will com ■rm’-icp operations about the ist o! October. An information has been laid against the proprietor of the billiard saloon at Rongotea, charging him with keeping open after hours, and, aLo, against several of those found on the premises. Mr Felix Tanner has reconsidered his decision not to attempt the voyageto Lyttelton in his new ark. The Marine Department has decided h allow the little craft to leave port provided some alterations are made to her sails and gear. The Foxton Football Union have made arrangements to hold a popular concert in the Public Hall on September 21st, in aid of the Foxton Brass Band. Several local favorites have promised to assist, and a bumper house is assured. Popular prices will be charged, There was a pleasant gatnering at the Methodist parsonage on Tuesday afternoon, when a number of ladies met to say farewell to Mrs Hunter, The Rev. W. Harris spoke of the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs Hunter were held, of the valuable and cheer ful service they had rendered to the church, and the genuine regret felt at their departure. On behalf of the ladies of the sewing guild he presented Mrs Hunter with a silver mounted purse and card case, and expressed a wish that they might be blessed with all the prosperity that would be good for them. Afternoon tea was served, and the meeting closed with the singing of hymn “ God be with yon till me meet again.”

The other afternoon a race took place on the river between Mr Hounsell’s paddle boat and Mr Robinson’s screw boat. The latter proved to be the faster of the two, probably on account of the screw, though in justice to the paddle boat it must be said that Mr Robinson’s vessel was of a lighter build. Both boats are novelties in their way. Mr HounselTs has the frame of a bicycle set into it, minus the wheels, and by working the pedals, two paddles—one on either side of the boat —are put in motion, thuspropelling the craft forwards. The machinery of Mr Robinson’s boat is less cumbersome, and if its initial performance may be taken as a criterion, is capable of maintaining a higher speed. It is reported that another local boat-builder, possibly_ inspired with a desire of emulation, intends to construct a screw boat very shortly. It will be interesting to note whether it will be an improvement on its predecessors

In accordance with their new ar rangements the Debating Society met on Monday last instead of on Wednes day, a fair audience being present. Owing to some of of the monthly reports not being to hand, the evening was devoted to Impromptu Debating, the subjects discussed including the following : —“ Would the Levin-Great-ford Railway be beneficial to Foxton ?” “ Will the colonies sever themselves from the mother country ?” “Which exercises the greatest influence, Environment or Heredity ?,’ “ Should Borough Councils have power to borrow money ?” It was definitely decided that a cricket club should be formed, and a Committee was appointed for the purpose of seeing to the matter. The advisability of closing the present session was also brought forward, and ultimately a motion was carried that the Society should close on October 3rd. The following members were in attendance:—Messrs Hutchison (in the chair), W. Barnard, L. Jenks, E. Spelman, Hose, Fife, and Harris. Next Monday evening the monthly reports, which were to have been given at this meeting, will be delivered.