DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAPONGA. (From Our Own Correspondent). One of the heaviest downpours of rain on record was experienced liore last Friday, and considerable damage was done to dams, private bridges, etc. The electric lighting dam was severely tested, but, beyond a little damage to the sides, it stood well, though the water overflowed the banks and came through the Mangatoki creamery and Mr. P. Pitcher's property on to the Eifcliam road, where it washed out a big hole on the approach to the bridge, and exposed the water-power pipes for the electric light. Several narrow escapes were also reported of settlers who had to cross the rivers for cows. In one case, I am informed, from Awatuna, a settler attempted to cross on horseback, and was unfortunate enough to lose liis mount, narrowly escaping himself with onlv the bridle.

The monthly meeting of the Kaponga School Committee was held on Monday evening in the school, there being present: Messrs Death (chairman), Guv, Mills, Ward, Hill and Bennie (secretary). A communication was received from the Wanganui Education Board "e ■balance-sheet for the year ending December 31, 1315, The secretary reported having forwarded same, with the auditor's report, (to the Board. X'lie Board also intimated that the annual meeting of householders to elect a committee for the ensuing year would be held on the second Wednesday in April. The headmaster's report was received, intimating that the school assembled on February 2, with an attendance of 161. The master also stated that he had been offered, and had accepted, a position in the Campbell Street School, Palmerston North, and expected to be leaving in the course of a few weeks. The committee not having received any official notice from the Board re the appointment of Mr. Lyall's successor, it was resolved that tie Board be written to and asked to inform the committee as to whp had been appointed. With reference to the school cleaning, the headmaster reported having secured the services of two senior girls. The amount collected by tiie children for prizes and given to the Belgian Fund was £5 14s, which, with the £2 12s 0d given by the children, made

£8 6s Gd, ft very creditable amount. An account for £-2 3s 8d was passed for payment. The secretary reported that the balance in hand at the end of the year was £9 Us Id. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal

Kaponga Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., wals held in the lodge-room on Monday evening, N.G. Bro. Dogg presiding over an attendance of about 30 members. About half-a-dozen members of the Manaia

Lodge paid a visit, and a very interesting and instructive debate took place on a certain question of vital importance to the Unity, after which the visitors were entertained at supper by the Kaponga brethren. Captain C. J. Hollard paid U3 a flying visit last week-end and was the guest of Mr. A. Thomas. He is looking very iwell, and expects to get away to the front about March or April. Messrs H., Briggs, M. J. Beggar and

W. Mitchell left here on Monday morning for Trentham and entrained at Eltham with the last batch of reinforcements.

Friends of Mrs. Signal, who recont'y underwent an operation in a private hospital, will be pleased to lear that she is doing will.