PATEA NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1915, Page 3

PATEA NOTES.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) The Patea Harbor Hoard finished ,ip the year with a dr. balance of .CIIS2 Us. The inward wharfages were £ll-15, whilst the outward wharfages only amounted to ,€1452 Ss. In studying these figures one is struck with the smalluess of the outward wharfage revenue. The amount of produce that is shipped from here is enormous for the size of the port, the annual value of such being far in excess of W'anganui, yet we find the revenue so small. Attention will, in the future, have to be paid to this. £BO,OOO is now being spent 'jn harbor works, and to provide interest and sinking fund on this amount a ratiwill have to be struck, unless the board increases the outward charges. The inward wharfage cannot be increased, ns merchants are of the opinion that the present amount is quite sufficient, whilst the outward charges rank about the lowest in New Zealand.

Mr. Pulley, the contractor, means to be up-to-date in the handling of his plant for the harbor works. The scow Arrah-na-Pogue arrived here last week with machinery and plant of all descriptions, and it is' the contractor's intention to put down a line from where the scow is now beached, making the transit simple and easy. A matter that will no doubt he discussed at the Borough Council in icting on Monday will be the appointment of a pound-keeper. Stock-owners are at present taking full advantage of this olliee being vacant, and are utilising the "long paddock" to the benefit, no doubt, of themselves and the grassy streets, but to the detriment of pedestrians and citizens' gardens. There will be a fortune for an enterprising man, unhss tin successful applicant falls into the groove of his predecessors. It is to be hoped that the worst offenders will he made to suffer, because it is far from :i pleasant experience to run into a wandering cow or a horse that is tied with a long rope to a telegraph pole. A chimney on fire at the G'cntnl Hotel was the cause of a little excitement here on Wednesday. At a sitting of the S.M. Court, here ..n Thursday, before Mr. KenricV, S.M., three local bakers were charged with selling under-weight bread. His Worship reserved his decision in two crises, the third being adjourned until the next meeting to allow the chief witness for the defence to be present.

Mrs. Edwards is organising a big entertainment here in aid of the wounded soldiers' fund, to take place in a fortnight's time. About fifty persons will take part. Included in the programme will be scenes from "The Geisha," "Tm> March of the Allies," and a host of other novelties.

A number of local sports journeyed to Hawera on Wednesday to witness 'the rej). football match. Owing to the lateness in starting the match and the inadequate train arrangements, several had to return per motor, much abuse being hurled at the authorities for such shocking arrangements.

Mr. Norman Baillie, of the post office staff, has been transferred to Waipukuran, his vacancy being filled by Mr. Tavlor, of Whangarei. Just prior to coming here Mr. Taylor lias spent a couple of weeks in the gallery at the General Post Office, Wellington. '

Mr. Robbie, the popular headmaster of the local school has received word iu proceed to Trentham on the 10th. Mr. Robbie, who has taken an active pa'.t in all local matters, and (specially in connection with the various patriotic organisations, will be greatly missed. On Thursday the school children and teaeiiers assembled and made him a presentation. Mr. Robbie, who has been granted the rank of sergeant, is a keen member of the National Reserve.

Air. Foden, of the Bank of Australasia. I has also received instructions to report'' at Trentham on the JOtli. During Mr.) Foden's stay here he has made himself popular, and he is to be congratulated on receiving the rank, of corporal. Pale.i wishes these gentlemen a full share if glory and a safe return.