OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1919, Page 6

OPUNAKE.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) At the S.M. Court on Thursday, before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., the Egmont Council was given judgment against a number of Natives for arrears in rates. George Newport and H. McCaiin were charged by the police, the former for dogging defendant's cattle on the road, and the latter for using indeceut language in a public place, both charges arising out of one set of facts. Evidence was given by both parties, Newport stating that he was driving to the factory, and put his dog on to McCann's cows to clear a track for him, whereupon the latter called him. a lot of ''b's" and threatened to light him. His Worship did not like to convict these men, and advised them to settle their differences by shaking hands and he would dismiss the charge under section D2. After the dinner adjournment his Worship's advice was taken and the eases were dismissed, both sides being ordered to pay the costs incurred. Mr. Johnstone appeared for Newport, and Mr. Marshall for McCann.

The court was occupied the whole of the afternoon hearing a fencing dispute between Pill and MeCann. The former 'gave MeCann notice to repair a fence, 'and after the expiry of due notice he had the work done, costing £36. Mr. de Castro gave evidence that the work done was a good job and that he assisted Pill to do the work. The defence was that the work could have been done (as had been done in the past) by the parties concerned, and that the cost of the work was excessive. Evidence was given for the defence by Messrs W. Buggan, G. Clegg, and E, Macfie. They estimated that £l9 to £2O was a fair and reasonable charge for the completion of the work. His Worship considered the charge for the work was excessive, and disallowed £9 12s of the claim, assessing McCann's. share at £l3 3s and costs £2 4s. Mr. Mr. Marshall for defendant.

In the case of S. M. Cornish (Mr. Marshall) v. Daniel O'Keefc, claim £l3 12s for goods supplied to Mrs. O'Keefe, defendant contested the claim on the ground that he gave no authority to pledge his credit and had warned his household not to book any goods in his name, seeing that he allowed a reasonable sum to his wife for household expenses. His Worship held that the wife had implied authority to pledge his credit, which could be negatived by defendant advertising a warning that he would not be responsible for his wife's debts. What warning he had given was not sufficient, and was only effective after the account ha,d been incurred. Judgment was given for the amount claimed, with costs £1 lfis.

The Continuance Bali vtas a very successful affair, despite the exceptionally boisterous night. About fifty couples took part in .the grand march. The hall was prettily decorated with flags and ferns and large mirrors. Cosgrove's (Manaia) orchestra played excellent music. About a dozen persons were in fancy dress, Miss Take as "Continuance and Liberty" being awarded, by ballot, the first prize for ladv's fancy dress, and Mr. ".Snowy" Rollan'ds second prize as "Mr. Bung" for gentleman's fancy dress. A conspicuous sign hung from the stage bearing the words: "For Diggers, Continuance and Liberty." The Rev. Father Doolaghty proposed the toast of the hosts and hostesses, which was accorded musical honors and the singing of "They are Jolly Good Fellows." Lieut. Gray, on behalf of the Diggers, thanked the promoters for the evening's amusement. Supper was provided on a very liberal scale, and the claret cup was always replenished. Messrs Dudley and Hickey were capable M's C.

Nurse Holdsworth completes her term as district nurse here this week, and leaves immediately for Australia- Thus we will be without the services of any medical or qnalified person to attend our ills. The Rev. T. Mills has been appointed to the Presbyterian Church of this district.