MANAIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1921, Page 6

MANAIA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A start has been made by the contractor, Mr. G. Edwards, with the erection of the band rotunda in the Octagon, a work which will be carried out in honor of all the men who left this district to serve their country in the late war. The whole commemorative scheme has been well thought out by the Patri-

otic Committee, and it will form, when completed, a fitting recognition of Manaia’s part in the great effort of national service. On the eastern and western flanks of the rotunda site are the two monuments, memorials respectively of those who fell in the European conflict and the Maori war veterans. When the rotunda is finished it will be ornamented with . tablets hearing the names of all the local men who left with the forces, and the general lay-out will be completed by a substantial concrete kerbing, surrounding it, with an electric lamp at each end. The Patriotic Society met on Friday evening, when there were present: Messrs. T. McPhillips (chairman), T. A. Bridge, E. Long, H. E. Sutton, S. J. McKay. G. Taylor. J. G. Craig, J. Stevenson. Mourie, Snowden, and H. Mead (secretary). It was reported that a total of £450 was deposited with the loan companies, at call, and the committee decided to apply for an advance on account of übe building of the band rotunda. A sub-committee, consisting of the chairman and Messrs. Bridge, Long and Snowden, was appointed to supervise the work and confer with the contractor. FARMERS’ UNION. Mr. J. Dakers presided over the monthly meeting of the Manaia branch of the Farmers’ Union, held on Saturday evening. A circular was received from mercantile firms asking for support in opposing the Pharmacy Board’s Sale of Poisons Bill, which, it was feared, would have the effect of confining the business of selling sheep dip and kindred preparations to chemists. Members of the branch were M opinion that all poisons should be labelled, and that instructions as to an antidote should also be printed on the label. As Mr. G. J. Betts reported that the matter had been before the provincial executive no further action was taken. A communication from headquarters was received from the provincial executive, asking for further action in impressing on the Government the need for retrenchment, reduced taxation, and the abolition of preference to unionists. In the course of discussion it was pointed out that the first two requests had been dealt with in the Budget. The agitation to abolish preference to unionists was strongly opposed by the chairman and several members, and after a lengthy debate it was decided to. leave' the point to be settled by the executive. On the motion of Mr. Betts it was resolved -that the attention of the executive be drawn to the confusing sizes of 10/- and £1 banknotes, with a request that a recommendation be forwarded to the proper quarter for the establishment of two uniform sizes for these denominations.

Messrs. F. Stanbridge and W. Lilley svere elected members of the union.