DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 307, 5 June 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KORU. (From Our Own Correspondent. IA well-represented meeting of settlers was held in the hall on Monday night to discuss ways and means of raising money for the Belgian relief funds. Almost every family was represented, llr. Rail presided. It was unanimously decided to canvass the district for subscriptions, either in cash or goods, and to hold a social and gift auction on the evening of the 17th inst. A canvass was made of those present, and about £2O 2s in cash and goods ■were promised, which will give the movement a good -start , off. The district is to be systematically canvassed between now and the date of the social. We should bo able to raise a fairly large sum.

HILLSBOROUGH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Although Wednesday night was extremely cold, not the sort of a night to entice people from the comforts of their homes, a large and representative gathering assembled at the liall, wben the settlers gave a send-off to our local boys —Messrs. G, Skelton and J. Sorensen, who have offered and been accepted for active service at the front, and will be leaving for Trentham in a few days.' Mr. J. ,R. Hill was asked to make a presentation to the boys, and, in doing so, emphasised the necessity of all young able-bodied men to enlist. He then handed to Messrs. Skelton and : Sorensen a wristlet watch each, and one to Mr. W. C. Stanley, on behalf of his brother, Palmer, wlio is now at Trentham. Watches will also be given i to Mr. C. J. Hamblyn and Tony Skelton, who have also volunteered for service. Everyone in the district sincerely hopes - they will return safe and sound to their fair land of New Zealand, one of the best places in the world to-day. The young people seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves at the dance held later, the music being supplied by Miss Hilda Bishop; extras were played by the Misses George, New Plymouth; Misses E. Martin, Ida Hill and Mr. Parker. Mr. W. C. Stanley made a very efficient M.C. Those not dancing enjoyed themselves at cards in the supper-room. The supper was provided by the ladies of the district. You know what that means—Al. OPUNAKE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The funeral of the late Mr. B. B. E. Layard took place on Thursday, and was attended by all the old identities. Deceased, who was 70 years of age, was a very old identity, and was medical dispenser here in the A.C. Force. One of our principal streets is named after him, and the street " Layard " has been "on the map" for some 30 years; so it can be judged that the deceased was one of our earliest pioneers. The funeral arrived at Opunake about 2.30 p.m., and the body was conveyed to St. Jiarnabas' Church, where a solemn service was held by the Rev. 0. M. Stent, who also celebrated the last sad rites, at the graveside. Many wreaths and j messages of condolence were received I by the bereaved family.

HAR3OR BOARD. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held in Mr. O'Brien's office en Thursday afternoon, there being present Messrs. T. P. Ilughson (chairman), A. H. Moore, R. Lambie, R. Malcolm, J. Macfic and A. McKeown.

The report of the committee on the claim for royalty on gravel against the County Council was read. The committee was of opinion that a claim should be made against the council at the rate of 6d per cubic yard or 3000 yards, and estimated the cost of levelling the pit at 4d per yard. Mr. McKeown explained that the report indicated that the board charged Gd per yard royalty and would refund yard conditionally on the council levelling the pit and making it reasonably safe, the board retaining 2d per yard.

The report was adopted on the motion of Messrs. McKeown and Lam-

Messrs. J. Young and R. McNeill, members of the County Council, waited on the board with a view of obtaining a reduction of the claim, which was that fid be charged for royalty and 4d for putting the spoil back, a total of Wd per yard. On that basis the claim would be at the rate of £SOO per acre. The chairman explained' that there was a misunderstanding, and fid was to be the total charge per yard. Mr. McNeill also supported Mr. Young's remarks that the claim was lOd per yard. He was certain on that point. He urged a settlement on reasonable lines. The council did not want t 0 shirk responsibility, but wanted to know where it stood.

The chairman replied that the claim was for Od per cubic yard, and that the board would refund 4d on condition that the council put the pit in a reasonably safe condition; as it is now it is scooped out badly and the section disfigured. The deputation asked the board to put the board's views in writing before the council, and after thanking the board retired.

The board decided to write to the council on the basis of the resolution adopting the report. A claim of fid per yard and a refund of 4d per yard when the council puts the pit in order to the satisfaction of the board. After an adjournment to allow the members to pay their last respects to the late Mr. Layard, the board resumed and considered the draft agreement between Mr. E. Cabe and the board in respect to the license of the wharf. The license was agreed to, with the exception of a few amendments, and the board rose.