DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) IUIIOTU. Several picnics have been held in tin! district in diil'erent places during the holidays. The Rahotu Sunday School annual picnic was lielil on the beaeli on Boxing Day, and was fairlv well at tendeil, although a high wind was blowing. The children decided to forego their prizes this year, and gave the money, amounting to £5 10s, to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. Tin its were run and games played at the sca-cdnc during the day. The married ladies' race caused a good deal of fun, as the leading ladies fell at the first breaker, bringing others down, with thi- resin: that some got a good docking, and had to go home for a change of raiment. I have to report that :Ur. Frank Wit. cox, of the Upper Kahui road, met with a bad accident, the horse he was riding throwing liim in the paddock. Dr. Walker was soon on the spot, and it is understood he is progressing as well as can be expected. Trooper Arthur Kitchonman, who returned by the ifaheno, arrived here late on Wednesday evening, while his next-of-kin were waiting patiently in Wellington to receive him.

Constable O'N'eill is at present on his annual holidav, having gone to the South Island. It is reported that several plants of swedes will have to he re-drilled owing to the dry, windy weather.- -Milk is on llu decline at the local factory. OPUNAKE. The holidays are now over, and we have, got into our usual stride. Like other places in Taranaki, Opnnake reported good business. There were no celebrations here, cither on Boxing Day or New Year's Day, and large crowds went away for a day or two. Still, there is always a number of persons who cannot go away, but who could attend a local gathering for a few hours on one holiday during the Christmas week. Then there are the women and children wdio should be considered. Tt is hoped that Opunake citizens will be more considerate next year.

Visitors to Opunakc seaside have ho.cn very numerous this year. The .Society is backward this season in fixing the date. May I suggest that it would 'be a convenience to visitors if the Seaside Society would do something like New Plymouth does, iu providing information as to available accommodation? It would save strangers a good deal of running about and a "tired feeling'' that is not a good recommendation.

OPUNAKE HARBOR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Thursday afternoon iu Mr. Roger's ofliee. Those present were Messrs T. P. Hughson (chairman), R. Lambie, .T Maciie, R. Malcolm, A. 11. Moore G. Woolford. The chairman reported that he had interviewed Mr. Wilkinson, M.l'., in reference to a deputation from the Board interviewing the .Minister of Finance with a view to obtaining his consent to the Board raising a loan. The deputation was fixed to take place on Tuesday next. The chairman and Mr. Wilkinson will proceed to Wellington on Monday. Messrs Barton and Smart, (llawera) wrote that the Board had made use of the prospectus prepared by them for the Opunakc harbor loan, and that a reasonable charge for the work was £2O. Mr. Malcolm moved that the Board do not recognise the claim. This was seconded by Mr. Lambie and carried, an amendment by the chairman that Messrs Barton and Smart be voted five guineas failing to receive support.

Messrs Woolford and Mnelie were appointed a committee to look after the Board's interest in connection with lessees carrying out the condition of lease. The clerk was authorised to obtain Cue Board's leases from the solicitor, and it was decided that they be kept in tlio Board's oflko.

IXGLEWOOD. Tile caretaker of the baths received rather unladylike treatment at the hamh of a young woman yesterday. The baths were open for family bathing between the hours of 3 and 5, and when the closing hour for mixed bathing came a young lady was still in the bath/ The caretaker respectfully requested her to observe the hours, but" she only laughed and continued to enjoy herself in the water, lie waited a few minutes and again entreated her to leave the bath, 'stating that several men were waiting to gain admittance. Still the fair one remained, and after making four requests the caretaker allowed the waiting men in, whereupon the damsel came out and started to give him a good tongue-banging. After her llow of language was exhausted, makin" a step towards the caretaker she said. ''You'd belter go in yourself now," and suiting the action to the word, she gave him a. push that sent hi'm (fullv dressed) headlong into the bath, to the great amusement of the men present. Captain Gill Inglis, of the Salvation Army, has received instructions to take charge of the Army's work in Pacroa. He leaves here on the ISth insl., and, after formally taking charge at Pacroa. he goes on a six weeks' furlough, whi.di he intends spending in Tarnnaki. Tie is to be succeeded here by Captain Holdaway, of Marton.

Rev. J. A. Kempthorno is at present in Wellington on holiday. , Mr. C. Hubbard, the Borough C'onneil eloctrical engineer, lias received an appointment to take charge of the Voiding Council's electrical department on •Tannarv 14. His position here will be filled by Mr. W. IT. ilowktt, of Mangawcka.

At the Tiorough Council meeting on Wednesday evening it was resolved to asphalt tile footpath in front of the post office, and kerb the footpath in front of Curtis's Buildings along Rata Street to the corner of Cut field Street. The Council received Mr. Howlers resignation as driver of the steam roller with regret, and Mr. Urry was appointed to the position. 1 Mr. Martin wrote to the Conn.il slating that the Council had full power to receive the £30(1 from the I'irc Brigade and erect the suggc-tcd bniMing on the proposed site. The Mayor moved: "That provided the lire brigade hand over to the Council the £3u(>'olTcivd. the Council will make provision in the next year's estimates to provide the necessary balance—approximately .-Cl.lll—necessary for the. proposed building.'' The burgesses will be verv giaj to bear that lit last a way has been opened for the erection of a new fire station, as it will supply a long-felt need. The Auckland Silver TianJ gave their promised programme to a full house last night. The programme was excellent, there being several encores demanded. Towards the finish of the programme his Worship the Mayor thanked the hand for their delightful entertainment, and commended the bandsmen for the sacri-