DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TV The ladies of the u.strict are making a special effort to raite funds for Christmas cheer for our boys at the front, and for this object a grand tea and concert will be held in the Tariki Hall on Weduesday. Through the generous offer of an anonymous donor, the Turiki Public Hall is til be lined, painted and fitted with the Alfa light. This hall ha* been in need of the above requirements, and "anonymous" has the public thanks for his or her handsome donation.

The young people's concert and dance was a"huge success, and they deserve every credit for the result. The concert programme has already been reported, so does not require my remarks. Sergeant U. H. Keid is in hospital, but I cannot state the nature of the illness Mr. Hamblyn has received further bad news. This "time his son, Private J. K. Hamblyn, has been wounded. We trust the wound is not serious. We wish both bovs a speedy recovery. Private G.. Ackland is home on sick leave, and expects to return to camp next Tuesday. "George'' thinks he win now go with' the 30th Reinforcements. The Tariki and Rugby Road factories have not decided yet whether they are going to combine. The general opinion is that same will eventuate. Mr. Jackson is now out of hospital, but is not quite himself yet, and still has the assistance of a stick. MOKAU. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held in the Mokau Hall on August 11, 1917. There were present Messrs S. Whitehead (chairman), 11. Maine, A. G. Sampson, J. Terrill, G. Lake, and 1). Black. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows: From the Public Works Department, with regard to wharfage charges.—Received.

From thfc Post and Telegraph Depart ment, intimating that the telephone at the Mokau sianal station was no longer open to the public, but that the Harbor Board could acquire the right to use it as a private line upon payment of an annual maintenance fee of £-, and a switching tec- of £1 10s. Failing that the line would be dismantled.—lt was resolved to pay the fees. From the Post and Telegraph Department with reference to the collection of launch fees.—Received.

From Messrs Loughnan and Jacobs, solicitors, of Palmerston North, reporting progress of negotiations with the Marine" Department with respect to river clearance. It was proposed by Mr. S. Whitehead, seconded by Mr. H. Maine: "That the secretary write to Messrs Loughnan and Jacobs stating that the board thoroughly approved of the arrangements arrived at by '.hum with the Marine Department so far, in the matter of the river clearance, but would ask them in the event of the Department undertaking the work, to urge upon it Ihe necessity of doing everything possible to facilitate its commencement. It was the opinion of the board this should not be delayed beyond November of tins year. Messrs Loughnan and Jacobs were also authorised to draft certain fresh legislation, suggested by the Department as being necessary. From Waitarn Harbor Board, stating it would not hold the Mokau Harbor Board to its agreement to hire the dredge should that body he able to devise °a more economical way of snagging Uie river without it—The secretary was directed to thank the Waitara Harbor Board for its consideration. From Mr. F. G. Taylor, offering his services in the event of a man being required to superintend the work of snagging.—Applicant to be informed that the"offer will receive full consideration should such a" man be required in the near future.

At this stage Captain .las. A. Bysantson, signalman at Mokau, waited upon the board, and placed before it the unsatisfactory condition of the pilot station. He had with him estimates of material required to bring it into a state of repair—The secretary was directed to write to the Marine Department stating the facts of the case, and to ask it whether, in view of the financial state of the board, it could see its way to do what work was required—outright, or, failing that, to subsidise it. In accordance with instructions received at last meeting, Mr. A. G. Sampson reported he had examined the wharf approach, and estimated necessary renewal of timber along with labor required at £9.