DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI. (From Our Own Correspondent). Though probably the attendance at the leach races was not quite so large on Thursday Jnat us mi the previous year (due, perhaps, to the shortage of benzine and the, close approach of the Easter holidays), still, from a racing point of slew, the meeting was most successful, the number and quality of horses competing being far in advance of any previous year, the district being represented from Awakino to Hnweta. whilst sportsmen from .'ill parts of Tarannki were in evidence and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the racing. The arrangements made by the •Committee were also more complete than formerly, the saddling paddock and secretary's tent and weighing mom being noticeable improvements. Probably, as the Club becomes financially better: off, it may be able to range to have the nominations for the chief events close a week or so before the day of the races, and this would allow the handicsppers more time to adjust the weights, and add to the interest of the meeting. The form shown by some of the horses was distinctly good, and the performance of Kaipikflrl (who is by Husbandman—The Boyne, and half-brother to Rewi Poto), in winning the local handicap, and then, after getting a bad Start and being interfered during the race, running a close second to Cammy in the Cup, was full of merit, Mr, L. Jones, of Urutl, was the most successful owner, winning the Maiden with Encircle, the. Pony race with Private and the Farmers' Plate with Besignio. In the case of the protests, against key and Cnlendar being awarded the stakes in the Autumn Handicap, and Consolation Race respectively, on the grounds that the jockey Cliaplln was not entitled to vide, the Committee have decided to refer the matter to the Metropolitan body for advice, and pending a decision the payment of the stakes will be held over. The annual raco club ball will be held on Wednesday evening, and promises to be most successful, arrangements having been wade for an efficient orchestra.

1 understand Mr. Ram. Topliss has been appointed a Government, district valuer. Mr Topliss has an intimate knowledge of alt classes of land in this locality, and should be able to estimate its value fairly accurately.

Hiss Dorothy Southey Baiter, who plays the violin so charmingly In the Chautauqua, was a resilient of Wal-toi-tol some fifteen years ago, paid a visit to her old home recently anil spent a pleasant hour In going through the lovely house built by her father and now occupied by Mr. Wm. Corcoran. • The Clifton County Council and the local dairy company are somewhat at variance over a claim of some £3O made by the latter ror the cost of forming a road and opening a metal pit some four or five years ago, and a deputation from the Council, accompanied by the engineer recently waited on the directors of the company to see if the' matter could not be adjusted. It would appear that the company bases Its claim on a written agreement given by a former Council to the effect that on taking over the pit the Council would reimburse the company to the amount mentioned above after a certain number of yards of metal had been quarried. On the other hand, the engineer repudiates the claim on the grounds of lapse of time and the fact that his Council were getting the metal (which was of poor quality) through a contractor (Mr. Eroivn), who had written to the Council] stating that he had taken over the pit and arranged the matter with the Company The ongiiieer also states that he had paid £8 for repairing the road. The directors do not reonpiisß Mr. Brown in the matter, having paid him for a certain amount n' imet.il supplied, and iool; to the Council for a settlement of the claim, which. In consideration of the amount paid by the latter for repairs, lias been Teduced to £22. The outcome of the affair will he awaited with interest. On Friday evening. last, the schoolroom, was crowded, advantage being taken of the occasion to say good-bye to Mr. C. Perkins, who was giving his farewell address prior to his departure for In»;!e\yoad. Mr. Perkins gave a most Interesting sermon on the Cruciflctlon and the liesurrection, and at its conclusion Mr. Will. Taylor, on behalf of all present, expressed the regret that was felt at Sir. Perkins' departure. He also mentioned that some twelve months ago a few of the residents hart asked Mr. Perkins to visit the district, and that gontleman had willingly responded and his fortnightly addresses had been greatly appreciated. As Air. rerklns had received no remuneration and the work had been a labor of love, he asked lilm to accept the accompanying cheque as a small token of esteem and appreciation. Sir. Perkins, in replying, expressed his surprise, and pleasure, at the form the gathering had taken and thanked them most heartily for their kind appreciation of his efforts. Refreshments were then handed round by the ladies, and .1 most pleasant, evening terminated. It Is understood that Mr. Gould (Mr. Porklns' successor! will continuo the fortnightly addresses and no doubt will be well supported. ' Vory general regret Is. being felt in the district at the death of Mrs. John Day, who died It New Plymouth on Friday last, and v.-as an old and respected resident of Mangamahoe. Her kindly and hospitable manner endeared her to all who knew her, and the sympathy of a wide circle of friends will he extended to the members of her family in their sad loss. Mrs Hay leaves four sons (Messrs.. Edward, George, William, and Matthew) and four daughters (Mrs. H. Hooper, Mrs. C. Hooper. Mrs. n. Dunbar, and Mrs. H. Taylor) lo mourn their less. The funeral took place on Sunday at Hie Te Henui cemetery, and was largely attended.