DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU. HARBOR BOARD MGETIXG. (From Our Own Correspondent). The usual monthly meeting of tlitabove was held in the Mokau Town Halt on the 12th inst. Present: Messrs S Whitehead, J. Terrill, H. Maine, 1). Black, A, G. Sampson, 0. Lake and L, Jones. This being the first meeting after the annual election, the secretary took the chair, and called upon members t.o elect their chairman for the year just entered. It was proposed by Mr. Black "That Mr. ft. Whitehead be re-elected chairman for the ensuing 12 months." This was seconded by Mr. Lake. Mr. S. Whitehead proposed that Mr. J. Terrill take the chair instead. The last, named gentleman, liowever, absolutely declined the honor, so the origin" 1 motion was put and carried. All members eulogised Mr. Whitehead in ms capacity as chairman during the past year, and wished him success in the prosent.

Mr. Whitehead briefly rci -n?d thanks, at the same time taking the chair. Correspondence "was read from the Marine Department re river improvement,. from the. Public Works Department with regard to insurance of dredge from Waitara to Mokau and back; from the Department of Marine with reference to Captain Bysantson's appointment as signalman, and from Mr. Hasell re code flag and bunting. Tho secretary was directed-to write to the Marine Department accepting—subject to a poll of ratepayers—the Government's grant of a sum not exceeding £ISOO for river improvement, and agreiir/r to keep the river clear for traffic iUiur the work had been carried out.

Mr. C. A. Loughman, solicitor, of Palmerston North, was authorised by the Board to interview the Minister for Marine on its behalf and discuss the several matters contained in a previous letter from the Department to the Harbor Board, as it was evident some misapprehension existed that needed clearing up. Mr. Louglman was at the same time authorised to deal with the question of the security of the dredge during transit from Waitara to Mokau and vice versa. Provided matters are satisfactory arranged it is intended to commence the work of improving the river in November of this year, weather permitting. The secretary was instructed to write to the Marine Department to the effect that that appointment of Captain Bvsantson to the position of signalman at Mokau was subject to its approval, at the same time pointing out his suitability for the position. With rejrard to the telephone switching fee of 30s per annum it was proposed by H. Maine, seconded by {?. Whitehead, "that it be paid."—Carried. It was decided to authorise Messrs. Whitehead, Maine and Terrill, when next they were in New Plymouth, to interview the chief postmaster there, and discuss with liiin t.l>e questions of switching fee and enunciator. It was resolved that the secretary proeuro from Mr. Hasell the necessary requirements in bunting. Accounts to the aniount of £l4 10s were passed for payment. KAHOTO The farewell to Privates G. Hopkins, Jame« and G. : Morrow on Tuesday even-

ing, was very well attended. Songs were contributed by Mrs. W. K. Wright and Mr. T. junior. They also gave a duet very feelingly, and it was well received. Recitations were, contributed by Mr. Stewart, and Hiss M. Dawson. Mr. E. Taylor was in the chair. Speeches were made by the chairman, Messrs Wright and T. P. Jluglison. A ■vnsilt.i ivaicli was presented to Private Hopkins, Miss !•]. Morrow adjusting it in place, Miss Taylor doing the same for Private Morrow. Miss Taylor asked Mr, James, senior, to accept a ease of pipes for his son, who was Absent. Supper was handed around, and dancing was kept up (ill the small hours of thiluorning. It is. with repret that wc hour of Mrs. Morrow, senior, being at a private hospital, and we hope socnto see her home again. After afternoon tea on Friday a. progressive euchre party and dance was held for the patriotic funds. A good number sat down to the tables, and tiic ladies' prize, a glove box, was won by Miss Rita .Tamieson, Mr. Marony taking the gentleman's prize. Mrs. Lander secured the ladies' booby prize, and Mr. Larkin the gentlemen's. Cattle were up in some cases £2 per head at the local sale.