DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 7 December 1914, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

CAHRIN'GTON KOAl). (From Our Own Corespondent.) Tiie 'Oarringtion Road 'bushmen had made up their minds to give Mr J. P. Bilski, of Vogeltown, a surprise on the evening of November 21st. All the busfa workers to a iiimn drove into town on that date. Mr. Patrick Fitzsimons gave a short but interesting speech on belialf of the bushmen. Mr J. P. Bilski suitably responded, stating t'hat he • started to work for Mr T. V. Simons on the 4th day of October, 1904), and left him on the 13th day of November, 1914, i »d for all the time he found him t'o be •a "white man" to work for. Songs were then given as follows:—iE. Fitzsimons, "She is a Lassie From Lancasshire," Mr. R. Rule, recitation, "Mar--1 ried WiMi a Scolding IWife"; Mr Joe ■Moyle, song, i "Sally My Wife"; Mr E. Fitzsimons, song, "A little Boy Called Tops"; Mr J. Moyle, song, "A Little Wooden Hut." The programme concluded with "For he's a Jolly Good ■ Fellow," and the usual health toast was honoured. ft) TIKORANGI. , / (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr. Shortland, Independent candidate for Taumarunud, addressed a ipoorly attended meeting of electors tit Tikoraugi on Thursday night. Mr-S. Allemann presided. The candidate's speech was on lines already reported, and he reiterated the opinion that upon the outbreak of war the Government should halve suspended the conatittutiore, declared martial law, and seized the banks which, he alleged, had practically ceased' 'making advances. The latter statement was challenged at question tlime by Mr Hine, who stated that) from personal experience he could say that the hanks were financing the dairy companies exactly as before the war. In answer to a further question from, Mr Hine as to llhe suggested action of seizure of tihe banks would not have created a financial panic, paralysed commerce, closed dawn all industries and thrown practically every worker in the Dominion ouf of employment the candidate said he did not think that this would have been | 1 i<he effect of his suggestion. Mr Shortland went on to explain tjhat lie had taken advice on the mjttiten, and had I submitted his soheme to two members i i o ' Parliament, who had expressed their approval;! *

Questioned as to his attfcitiude 011 the 'licensing laws, the candidate spoke disparagingly of the fact that the Kins Country was a prohibited district., but salid ha would vote t.o maintain the present uO /per cent, majority. On tho motion of Mr ,T. C. Davidson seconded by Mr. J. McKenzie, the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence was expressed in Mr Masscv as Premier. ots.Vl.M: s-chorit aaingytt slirdl rnrnnnn OPUNAKE. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held on Thursday afternoon. Present: Messrs T. P. Hughson (chairman), R. Lambic, A. McKeown A. H. Moore, C. H. Hurst, J. Macfie, R. Malcolm. The Board sat for three hours considering the draft lease of part of the Board's reserve from Macßeynolds to the Farmers' Organisation Society. Mr Macßeynolds surrendered this lease which had nine years to run, the Society buying the goodwill for £IOO and then applied to the Board for perpetual right of renewal with fresh valuation, rent to be assessed 011 the baßis of building site valuation every 21 years. The terms of the lease and the clauses drawn up by the solicitors caused the long sitting. Mr. Cellars (valuator for the Society) and Mr. Davitt (solicito- to the Board), were present. After the clauses were, taken separately and agreed to, Mr. McKeown proposed that the two legal representatives come to an agreement on behalf of the Board and the Society. This was seconded and "carried unanimously. Mr. Cyrus Williams wrote stating he was prepared to do the supervising on a commission basis of 5 per cent on the estimated cost of the work.

The secretary was authorised to write to the Marine Department for information as to the procedure necessary to obtain the consent of the Department to plans of proposed works. A concert in aid of the British and Belgian Relief Fund brought in about £2O. Politics are not very keen here. LEPPERTON. Despite the very unfavorable weather on Friday, a most successful concert was held in aid the Belgian Relief Fund Performers from Waitaj-a and Egmont Village gave most generous assistance, while special mention must be made of the efforts of some of our local young people, who staged a most laughable farce and a very striking tableau. The Lcpperton school children, who had sacrificed their annual concert for prize money to assist at this entertainment, gave many creditable items. The sum of £8 7s 6d was taken.

Lepperton has been doing its part towards swelling the various funds. To the Patriotic Fund .£29 2s fid was subscribed, £32 has been given to the Poor in Britain Fund, and the proceeds from various concerts brings the total close up to .£BO.

Our hall, recently repainted by Mr. F. Lownsborough, now presents quite a smart appearance. Mr. Lownsborough is deserving of the best thanks of the community, as he made no charge for his labor. On mention being made of this last night at the concert, the audience sang "He's a Jolly Good Fellow'' and gave him three cheers.