The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, December 8, 1910. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 928, 8 December 1910, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, December 8, 1910. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

A resident informs us that he witnessed, yesterday, a horse being shamefully illtreated by certain individuals in the borough and he thinks it is time a branch of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was started here. Such societies do an immense amount of good, but we might point out that it is within the province of any individual, who possesses sufficient moral courage, to inform the police of any act of cruelty to a dumb animal and they will proceed with the case. It does not say much for the intelligence of any driver or owner who allows his temper to override his f patience, particularly in the treatment ol a nervous horse. However, we hope citizens will not stand idly by and allow animals to be brutally illtreated. Punishment at times is necessary, but there is a limit even to this treatment.

In conversation with a local female resident we were informed that Foxton was not a very desirable place to live in during the summer mouths, because the tank water was not nice to drink, and the household supply had to be carefully husbanded which precluded one having a regular bath except by going down to the river—which was out of the question. We suggested the erection ol extra tanks. But the lady replied that she was living in a rented house. We expressed our sympathy that Foxton was so behind the times in respect to water and drainage. This lady’s grievance is by no means singular. Again we repeat it is a standing reproach against the intelligence of any municipality the size of Foxton to perpetuate the existing disgusting sanitary arrangements and the lack of a pure and ample water supply. The man who says Foxton cannot bear the extra taxation for such health-giving benefits is a hindrance to the progress and well-being of the community.

Congratulations to the local Bowling Club. The opening of the green yesterday by Mayor Stiles marked another epoch in Foxton’s progress. When the formation of a bowling club was first mooted by one or two enthusiasts the usual pessimistic opinion went forth that the effort would be fruitless. The promoters in the early stages of the movement received very little encouragement, but by sheer perseverance and individual effort, disposed of a number of debentures, and also obtained the signatures of several “ men of substance to guarantee an overdraft at the Bank in order to secure sufficient funds to put the green down. Numerous obstacles stood in the way of the promoters, but the optimism of the few buoyed the others up, and at last a contract was let to Mr Harrison of Eltham. Then there could be no backing down. The contractor was equal to the work, and justified his reputation. The next step was to obtain a suitable man as caretaker—a most important post —and we believe the club has secured, in Mr Spring, a capable and intelligent officer. Although entirely new to the work, he has not been backward in picking up hints from reliable and experienced sources, and visitors yesterday spoke in very praiseworthy terms of the conditions of the green. Indeed, it is our old friend’s ambition to make the Foxton green second to none in the district. The committee have left no stone unturned to increase the membership, which at present stands at 50, to 75. There Is still plenty of work ahead. The grounds are to be nicely laid out, a croquet lawn put down and a pavilion erected. Social distinctions will not be allowed to enter into the club’s affairs—respectability is the merit

to membership. The social life of any community is directly benefitted by a bowling club. It draws meu—and women—into closer bonds of friendship; is healthful and does not lend itself to the gambling evil. Foxtou is going to benefit in more ways than one by reason of its bowling green, and we hope the club will increase and prosper.