BREVITIES.

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 18, 13 December 1904, Page 3

BREVITIES.

The s.g. Wclling-ton i» to be placed in the Hokianga service. ''Car >tain Hunken wm in charge of the s.s. Wellington on her lust trip. The ».*. Clansman was to run her' official trial Jtrip on Wednesday last, so we may expect her to-day. On Mick O’Doo’s (Mikado’s) birthday Port Arthur fell—on 20,000 monkeyfaced Japs, and killed them.—“ Truth.” News item: —A young lady discovered a man under her bed at Hastings. Ho made a bolt downstairs, but she raptured him ! A notice will be found in our columns this issue, notifying the Clansman’s timetable for the Xmas and New Year holidays. The 8t Louis Exposition has now clour*. It was visits by upwards of 20,000,000 people during the six months it was open. Mr. Garton has purchased a piano for the Masonic Hall from Mr. Light (Messrs. G. Richardson and Co.), which will be a boon to concert and donee promoters. Those interested are reminded of Mr. Switzer’s sale, which takes place at Vic- ♦ tori* Valley on Friday next. An advertisement in reference to same appears elsewhere. On a recent trip of the steamer Glenelg J from Hokianga to Auckland, when be- * tween Ahipara and Cape Maria Van Dieman, a large whale collided with the steamer, causing a severe shock. The following were passengers from Auckland per s.s. Wellington last week : Mrs. Light, Mr. Gardiner and four children, Messrs. Bullock, Evans, Wallace, Gray, McWilliams ; 6 steerage. The 44 County Times” is increasing its circulation steadily. Per last mail we received amongst others a 6-months’ subscription from a gentleman in England, whom previously wc had never heard of. The recent heavy flood in the Orum valley caused a heavy deposit of mud to be lodged on the pasture, destroying the young grass, and in consequence a Targe drop in the milk supply to the factory has resulted. Lovely weather prevailed last Friday, on the evening of which day the ball, given by Mr. and Mrs. Bunk&ll in celebration of the opening of their new hall at Herekino, eventuated. The gathering was a great social success. * Miss Sandford, assistant teacher at the local school, leaves on the summer vacation this week. Through decreased attendance it is doubtful whether the school will be entitled to the services of an T assistant teacher when re-opened. Mick O’Doo isn’t so sure now that it’s •* * y- lucky to attempt to scruff the Bear on his (Mick O’Doo’s) birthday. Twenty thousand Japs, left the planet through trying to pulverise the reps, of the animal on that auspicious occasion.—“ Truth.” It is pleasing to hear that the OruruFairhum Dairy Factory secured second prize at the last Auckland Show’. When wo consider that the butter was over a week old, the honor obtained by the exhibit was highly creditable, and reflects credit on the management.

Mrs. Thompson, who for some time past has been stewardess on the Wellington, and formerly on the Clansman, is about to be transferred. A petition, we believe, is in circulation, praying that her services be retained in the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa and Mnngonui steamer service.

The Hon. T. K. McDonald, M.L.C., speaking in Wellington recently, said we were living in a namby-pamby age when men were afraid to speak out their true convictions. The strong man was the man who could stand strong criticisms, and though such a man might make many enemies it would in the eourse of time be found that the outspoken man had made the most friends.

A meeting of the Fairbum Ratepayers’ Association was held in the Fairbum school on Saturday night last. Mr. H. Carse was voted to the chair. Mr. W. F. Thompson, the Countv Engineer, gave an account of the work done on the Fairbum road, during his term of office as Councillor for the Riding, after which a vote of thanks to Mr. Thompson for his past services was carried by acclamation. The chairman then invited Mr. Ambrose Stevens to address the meeting, as a candidate at the forthcoming election. Mr. Stevens gave a detailed statement of his views on matters affecting the County and the Riding. After answering a number of questions, the meeting unanimously decided to support his candidature at the poll. Mr. W. Rose brought forward a motion, dealing with the waste of valuable timber, which has to be burned when settlers clear their land. After some discussion a committee was formed to collect data, and if possible get a mill started in Fairbum, it being estimated that some millions of feet of totara, rimu, puriri, and white pine are available. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.