DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1915, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) INGLEWOOD. A special meeting of the Borough Council wa3 held on Tuesday night to consider the application of the borough overseer (Mr. R. Branch) for release from tho two years' agreement of service entered into by him with the Council some six.' months ago. Mr. Branch pointed out in his application that he desired to offer his services to tho country should the Council sec fit to release him from the liability of the agreement. After some discussion, it was decided to grant Mr. Branch leave of absence from the time he leaves Inglewood to the time he leaves New Zealand with an expeditionary force, when it was decided that the agreement, should lapse. This wise course ensures Mr. Branch employment by the Council should he be rejected after having entered the military -training*cainp. Should Mr. Branch be accepted by the authorities, it is understood he will require at least a month's notice before leaving the Council works. As most of the loan money for metalling purposes has been spent, Mr. Branch has hit hands full in making provision for extensive, kerbing and channelling operations. Our Local Patriotic Committee have seemingly followed in the footsteps of "Rip Van Winkle." The only patriotic work being done is carried on exclusively by the Ladies' Committee

CARDIFF. The Cardiff Patriotic Committee held Its usual monthly meeting in the school on Monday, 25th inst. The Minister in charge of the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department wrote giving a comprehensive outline of what is intended, and inviting the co-operation of the Patriotic Committee. Mr. J. Rogers proposed, and Mr. W. Richard seconded: "That notice be posted in Cardiff inviting anyone who can find employment for discharged soldiers to notify the president, who will forward particulars to the Discharged Soldiers' Bureau." The monthly contributions to the patriotic funds were £3B 16s 9d, making a total to date of £587. The contribution was allocated as follows:-—Belgian Relief £ls, Red Cross £lO, tobacco £l, and Trust Fund for Sick and Wounded £l2 16s fld. It was decided to hold a patriotic concept in December next, and a committee, consisting of Messrs A. J. Smith, D, Cameron, G. Rogers, 0. Howarth, was elected to organise the function.

Cardiff is justly proud of the manner in which the young men have come forward at the Empire's call. Messrs S. Rothwell, A. Steer, R. W. Gibbings, C. Noal, and F. Barratt have enlisted. The three first-named have been passed as medically fit, and the others have' not yet been examined. Mr. Rothwell hopes to get away early next month, while the others will 1 go at a later date. A public meeting is being held on Wednesday next, November 3, to take steps to ensure a fitting send-off. Mr. L. Belton, who has been in Trentliem, is here now on leave. Mr. Belton has been rather unfortunate since enlisting early this year. First he had his ankle broken, and lately in camp he received a kick in the jaw Which necessitated his removal to hospital. However, he has survived it all, and we trust he has already received all his portion of injuries, etc., inseparable from war.