LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 8 October 1907, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

The weather on Sunday and yesterday was gloriously fine throughout this distrtic, but warm rains set in again this morning. Three beautiful oil paintings to be disposed of at the Art Union in conjunction with All Saints’ Bazaar are at present on view in Messrs Nash and Co.’s window. The paintings are from the brush of Mr H. Attwoocl. Messrs P. H. Rae-Howard and Co. will sell at their rooms on Saturday next at 1.30 p.m., two sections of land in Coley St. and a quarter-acre in Johnstone St. on which a cottage is erected ; also piano, harness, boots and shoes, electro-plate ware, clocks, men’s underclothing, etc., etc. Mrs Bell, mother of the unfortunate young man who was drowned recently through the capsizing of a boat in the Manawatu, thanks by advertisement all who have assisted in the search for the body of her son, and for the many acts of kindness rendered her during her visit to Foxton.

Mrs Bell, mother of the young man recently drowned through the capszing of a boat in the Manawatu, informed us yesterday that it had been mentioned to her that her late son and another held flaxcutting rights over a certain area of land. She would be pleased to know whether such is the case and any information bearing on the subject will be forwarded on to her at Oamaru if left at this office. The Minister for Justice states that his attention has been called to the inquiry instituted by the police, and conducted by the Crown Solicitor, into the conduct of the Criterion Hotel, Christchurch. He added that should it be found that any other hotel in the Dominion is being similarly conducted, prompt police action will be taken. He had, however, every reason to believe that this was an isolated case.

A meeting of the Eoxton Presbyterian District Church Committee was held in the local church yesterday. The Moderator (Rev. I. Jolly) presided, and there were also present: Messrs R. B. McKenzie and Rockell (Carnarvon), Farmer and Haraon (Glenorua), Tennant, J. H. Wilton and McCauley (Oroua Bridge), Alex Speirs aud Hornblow (Foxton). The Rev. G. K. Aitken was also in attendance. The position of the church showed a great improvement, both from a membership and financial point of view. A committee was set up to report re the advisability of leasing part of the Foxton Church frontage in Main Street, and other matters of importance were dealt with.

To-morrow is Dabour Day. A special meeting of the Horticultural Society Committee will be held in Mr M. Perreau’s rooms at S o’clock to-night. An enginedriver possessing second-class ticket, also accustomed to blacksmitbing, seeks employment. Good references. Address at this office.

Mr John Stevens, will formally open the Methodist Bazaar in the Public Hall tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock. No pains have been spared to make the affair a great success. The Mayor, B. G. Gower Ivsq., has expressed his willingness to give special prizes totalling six guineas to the local Horticultural Society for the best collection of blackbirds, thrushes, and sparrows eggs at the forthcoming show. Constable Woods and party made a thorough but fruitless search of the river and banks from the Moutoa post office to Gibbs’ mill on Sunday for the recovery of the body of the late Mr Bell. It is surmised the body is held by snags. The river is still very muddy, which makes it impossible to see anything below the surface of the water.

It was reported to the police this morning that the body of Mr Bell was seen floating down the river near Mr Smith's residence, at Moutoa, last night. It was followed down the river some distance, but, as darkness set in, and no boat being available, it was lost sight of. A party is searching the river to-day, but up to the time of going to press the body has not been recovered.

Mr Chisholm, who has been manager of the local branch of the Bank of N.Z. for the past eighteen months, received word on Saturday last of his transfer as manager of the Geraldine branch. Mr Chisholm has become very popular during his residence in Foxton and regret is expressed at his departure, which will take place on Monday. Mr Chisholm will be succeeded by Mr R. H. Baillie, of Masterton. A number of townsmen intend to farewell Mr Chisholm at Mr Perreau’s rooms on Friday evening next.

Flugh Hamilton, a seafaring man, was arrested for drunkenness by Constable Woods last night and was convicted and fined 5s by Messrs Frankland and Cockbnrn, J.’s P., this morning. When the Bench was about to retire, Hamilton came back to the Court and desired the Bench to inform him whether hewas a criminal or not. On learning that his arrest was tor a minor offence he was greatly relieved and unburdened himself thusly ; “ Thanks, I don’t know your names, but thanks; I don’t want to wear the broad arrow on my arm. I’m a Scotchman and an old salt. I wish you luck and a Happy New Year when I’m sailing round the Horn. God help you.” On going to the door he confidentially asked the constable whether the justices would accept a flask if he procured one. On being told that they could not receive rewards, he went away as happy as a sand boy.