OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1916, Page 8

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Own Correspondents). The civil" list at the S.M. Court on Thursday bulked largely with plaints against the natives for Egraont County Council rates. Most of the natives paid into Court, and in'every instance ihe natives paid most of the claim. There was no defence or appearance of defendants. It is a significant sign of the times—the natives taking their responsibility. Hitherto they have scnted strongly the paying of * rates.' Close on £4OO was recovered in rates. A native named Waiau Stewart was charged with indecency by Constable O'Neill. The offence was committed last month at Rahotu, (Defendant pleaded guilty, and stated that ilie was drunk. His Worship told defendant that the penalty was imprisonment—he could not fine liim. In consideration of his previous good conduct he would not sentence him to imprisonment, but would release him on probation for six months. An application for a prohibition order was deferred for one month. The last canvass for the Wounded (Soldiers' Fund in Opnnake makes the total £450. On Monday last a change was made in r the manner of managing the usual Week|ly Red Cross Mart. The men took over | control of it, and their trial was very j satisfactory, the takings for the day amounting to £24—a record. The memorial service held in honor of Earl Kitchener and his staff, and'tlie men who fell in the recent naval battle, was well attended. The rev. gentlemen who took part in the ceremony Wore Revs. 0. Stent, R. B. fiosnell, J. W. Russell, R. Welsh and X. 11. l'apakura. The Rev, R. B. Rosnell delivered the address.