RAETIHI NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9391, 10 March 1909, Page 2

RAETIHI NOTES.

From Our Own Correspondent,

The weather haa been very fine for some weeks past and settlers are taking advantage of the nnnsually lengthy spell of dry weather to burn their bush. Good burns have been the experience all round. The townspeople . depending on tank? for thier water supply are, however, rather badly off for water, which in many cases has to be brought from the river. On Thursday last was b«ld the annual, picnic in connection with the-' Raetihi school. The weather was all that could be desired, and quite early in the day ~the children began to muster on the Domain, while, by lunch time a large number : of parents and visitors had also arrived. The committee had spared no pains in getting ready for the day’s amusement, being many ways by the parents, and the result was a most enjoyable time for all. Races and games were kept up all the afternoon, these sports being ' under the management of Mr Bird, the headteacher, and Messrs Scarrow and Ashwell. A concert is to be held in aid of the school in a week or two, when the prize-giving will ; taka place. On Saturday evening a well at- ■■ tended meeting was ' held 1 in the Town Hall to consider the advisability of forming a local branch of the Mounted Rifles. Dr. Owen filled the position of chairman, and gave a brief summary of the steps wliicb had been taken. The rnlqs governing the formation of a nevv corps were read. Sergeant-MajoV Dodd, who was present, also spcke, and gave those present tbe-benefit of some practical advice relative to the work of a mounted rifle corps. About fifty persons had. signified their willingness to join the proposed corps, and names were mentioned of other probable supporters. It was resolved T. Harris and Williamson) that a Mounted Rifle Corps be formed to be called the “Waimariuo Mounted Rifles,” the heac!quarters\to be at Raetihi. The following were appointed a committee to see to the necessary preliminaries : —Messrs Dr. Owen, T. Harris, Risk, Williamson, Bolston, Booth and Hawes. A vote of thanks was tendered to Dr. Owen and Sergeant-Major Dodd for their work in connection with the movement. A meeting of the committee was held later, and Dr. Owen was elected chairman, and Mr Harris, secretary. A petition, asking that the corps be recognised, was then drawn up, and left with the secretary to be forwarded to thS Minister for Defence. It was decided to ask permission Officer commanding the district to hold drills pending the official recognition of the corps. A further commifctee’meeting was arranged for Saturday,! 13th inst.