Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1906. OURSELVES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3700, 21 July 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1906. OURSELVES.

We are never above criticism, either for or against, hence we record the opinion vouchsafed to us that “ The Herald” is showing marked improvement of late issues. This is how it should be, in keeping with the wave ot progression that Foxton is at present experiencing. For our part, we intend that even more shall be made of local items than formerly, and, besides endeavouring to provide readers with district correspondents’ notes, we would remind secretaries of different societies and clubs in our midst that our columns are always open for any item of interest whatsoever. Our desire is to satisfy all classes of the community by treating everybody impartially and fairly, and also recording facts and figures necessary. We would like to see advocaters of local works avail themselves of our correspondence columns more than in the past, and in this respect we beg leave to state there has been a marked laxity. The columns of the press is the correct place to voice sentiments relating to much needed works, and no one will be denied the privilege of expressing themselves on these matters in our columns. We have no enemies ! On the contrary, it is our sole aim to record Foxton’s advancement in all shape and form, and we intend to work amicably with all for the common good. In conclusion, we would bring under the notice of tradespeople and others that " The Herald ” is now prepared to execute orders for jobprinting work of every description, and all orders will receive prompt attention and care. Any subscribers who do not have their paper delivered regular, please notify us, and the matter shall be rectified. •

Some good bags of duck have been recorded round the district the past week. The Huia Football club speak of holding a concert and dance at Foxton shortly. The local Cadet Ball is fixed to take place on Bth August, and is bound to be largely patronised. Hennessy and Co. have a replace advertisement in to-day’s issue relating to prices of saleable goods. We learn on good authority that Mr H. Austin has disposed of his Johnston Street property to Mr F. S. Easton. Horowhenua and Foxton rep. teams meet at Levin on Saturday next, 28th inst. The Foxton team will be made known this evening. We understand that Mr H. Coley has disposed of his interest in the Porotawhao mill to Messrs J. R. McDonald and T. Bevan (of Swainson & Bevan, Ltd). The school cadets throughout the colony are being questioned as to their possibility of attending Christchurch International Exhibition military display. We understand a number of Foxton boys make the trip. Mr Joe Jillett has been appointed Foxton agent for the “Catholic Fireside,” a Palmerston North monthly journal dealing with Catholic news. “ Joe ” will be calling on you all shortly soliciting support in his customary affable manner, The Cup presented by Watchorn, Stiles and Co., to the runner-up in the senior football competition is a worthy trophy, and keen rivalry is bound to result for its possession. It is now on view in the firm’s window. By the way, it is the firm’s intention to donate a trophy each year for competition. Amongst others, Mrs Haywood is deserving of a special word of praise for her efforts in connection with the purchase of the local school piano. Possessed of keen business tact, the list of the lady in question bore strong evidence that we have at least one enthusiast amongst our fair sex who is alive to requirements. Mrs Haywood wishes to return thanks to all donors.

To give some idea of the quantity of water at Oroua Bridge, a local gent who despatched a telegram to that locality this morning has .been informed that if a canoe happened to pass alongside the telegraph office door during the day the message may be delivered. Otherwise there was no chance. Nice !

Speaking of Mr A. F. McMinn’s dance music at the Levin Bachelors Ball recently, the Manawatu Farmer says:—‘ ‘ His piano exercises always wake into activity the most sluggish and decrepit dancers.” The secret of Mr McMinn’s success as a dance musician is the lovely time he keeps and the popular airs he plays. Those attending the Sub-Union Ball will be fully convinced of this fact after the 15th August. Thus reads an extract from an old diary of a local resident, relating to a voyage to New Zealand from London per ship “Challenger” way back in 1869: — “Tuesday, July 20th. Was up very early, and right before us lay Port Chalmers. I could see the light-house with my binoculars. A very foul wind which seemed as if it would prevent, our landing. We took our pilot on board about 11, made two attempts to cross the bar, but failed. About 1 p.m, the wind shitted in our favour and we safely crossed the bar. Before 3 o’clock we were anchored off Port Chalmers. Went up to Eunedin by steamer with my companion and stopped at the Criterion Hotel. In the evening we went to the theatre.” This certainly was interesting to the person concerned. The shrieks of dying fowls are said to have caused quite a stir on a recent night at a homestead not more than 100 miles from Moutoa. It happened that these cackling members of the feathered tribe loudly objected to having their necks twisted, and their cry for help brought forth- the poultry farmer to the scene of action. The latter arrived in time to secure a cove in the act of doing for more of them. The result was that the rightful owner became angry, and grabbing the fowl-fiend by the back of the trousers, he shifted him from the premises by the aid of a No. 10 boot. It is rumoured the unwelcome visitor wished to pay there and then for the few cacklers whose lives he had ended, but the aggrieved owner would not hear of it. In wrathful tones, he made it plain the police would be called upon to bring the matter before the beak, and the result is that we are likely to hear a lot more yet about this “cackle in the cackle house.” Tis said the one who may have wanted poultry for his Sunday palate has fled and cannot be located.

A London cable says the death is announced of Lady Curzon of Kedleston. In another column, Mrs Hay--, wood gives notice that she has # some choice fowls for sale. A meeting of the Foxton Borough Council will be held at the Library Buildings on Monday night. The business is to 'fix amount of sinking fund of Council Chambers Loan and appoint a Sinking Fund Commissioner. Whilst returning from Bainesse this morning after bread delivery, the axle of Mr Mark Perreau’s bakers cart snapped in two, and Mark was compelled to charter another conveyance to bring the ruins to town for repairs. Yet another instance why our river should receive consideration ! The s.s. Putiki became fast on attempting to make the wharf this morning, and at time of writing is lying broadside on in the channel.

It was rumoured in town among Oddfellows Lodge enthusiasts that Mr Mark Perreau had withdrawn from catering for them on their opening night. In consequence of this, fresh tenders were called. These were considered last night, when the tender of Mr Perreau was again accepted for a sit-down spread. The rumour spoken of evidently gained currency over a misunderstanding as to whether it was to be a sit-down or handround affair, and, as Mr Perreau explained.at last night’s meeting, he had no intention of going back on his first tender. The whole affair was neither more nor less than a misunderstanding.