WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143473, 21 April 1911, Page 5

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) April 19.—The sinking of the Waitara Haroour dredge at the wharf about a fortnight ago was alluded to at the board's lass meeting. Until the pontoon was raised it was impossible to give any reason for what appeared at tirst sight pure misadventure. Upon being raised on. Wednesday it was found that there wore five holes in the side, evidently bored with an auger, and this, of course, was the cause of the dredge sinking. It was stated by the chairman that tlic cost of raising would be considerable.—Mr. Jenkins said it was the duty of the board to try to find out the culprit. Anyone capable of such an act should bo made an example of. Ho suggested that a reward of twenty pounds bo offered for the conviction ol tile person who committed the vile net.-—The Chairman thought the reward should be larger.—lt was decided on Mr. jonnings’ suggestion that the Works Committee should be ernjjowercd to make full inquiries, then if thought desirable, offer £SO reward. The Ivy Assemblies, which were the means of raising a substantial amount in aid of the band funds last season, will start on May 3. This season the not proceeds will be divided between the Waitara Fire Brigade and the Clifton Hall funds. The s.s. Kent sailed for Picton yesterday (Tuesday) morning. She took the following cargo: For Glasgow, 1770 pieces beef; for Liverpool, 3340qrs. beef, 172 pieces beef, 610 carcases lamb, 60 casks tallow. Waitara was well represented at the sports in the New Plymouth Recreation Ground on Faster Monday. E. Stoddart, of Waitara, won the mile race, and also came second in the half-mile. V. C. Tate came second in the 440yds., and W. Fuller third: In the hike races, Roebuck won the mile, mile and a half, and three miles, while J. Ad lam won the two miles, coming second in the mile and a half, and throe miles. The AVnitara Rowing Club’s social on Easter Monday night drew about fifty couples, who participated in the festive dance until an early hour on Tuesday morning. The music was supplied irt first-class style by Batchelor’s orchestra, extras being played by Misses T. Rattonhury and G. Tancred, and Mr. Alnrfitt. During an interval Air. A. V. Stamp contributed a song in a pleasing maimer. The supper served was most satisfying, and was supplied by Mr. D. Hutchinson. The floor was in good condition for dancing, and the M.C.’s, Messrs. L. Tate and A. Drake, were most assiduous in their efforts for the enjoyment of those assembled. There are 1022 names on the Waitara Harbour District roll to bo used at tlio forth coming election. The Rakaia will load in the Waitara roadstead about tho end of April. Air. W. F. Jenkins was rc-clcotcd Alnyor of Waitara to-day for a fourth term. Air. Jenkins did not intend seeking civic honours again, considering ho had done his share as a citizen, but in consequence of pressing. requests from a number of leading citizens ho has allowed himself, to ho again elected. There is a considerable amount of worry and responsibility resting upon the occupanta of tho Alayoral chair which most people never dream of, and it is gratifjv ing for Waitara that wo have as ATayor a citizen who has never spared himself in tho interests of tho borough. When it is- remembered that during Air. Jenkins’ tenure of office tlio water scheme was inaugurated and successfully carried to completion it will he seen what an extra amount of work this lias entailed on both Atayor and councillors. Councillors Birdling, Black, Brabant', Klouncr, Langman, Rattcnbury', and G. V. Tate were also re-clccted niiopjioscd. The only change in the personnel of the council is That Councillor 11. Langman replaces cx-Couuci!lor Spurdle, who did not seek rc-clcctinn owing) to pressure of other duties. Tho councillors in the past have worked well together and done a lot of useful work for tho borough. Tho now member, Mr. Harry Langman, is a well-known local business man, and should bo ah acquisition to the council. Some weeks ago Mr. J. H, Wingate, conductor of tho Wesleyan Church choir, thought that it would be possible to get a choral society going in Waitara, The outcome of this is that a society has been formed, and it is intended to put on tho cantatq “David the Shepherd Boy” in about a month’s time. Air. Hutchins., of. Hawera, a loading tenor vocalist, has been engaged to take the tenor solos. Tho Waitara Harbour Board elections take place next Wednesday. The following candidates have been nominated: Messrs. W. Birdling, R. T. Hicks, Jas. Hino, jnn., W. F. Jenkins, W. F.’Newhery. James Rattcnbury, and J. H. Smith. As there are seven persons nominated for six vacancies, there will be a contest. It will ho noted that Air. G. H. Stubbs’ name docs not figure in the above list. Air. ■ Stubbs has held tho position of chairman for a number of, years past, and has rendered niuch unselfish service in the interests of tho port of Waitara. 110 was extremely wo> posted in everything appertaining to Harbour Board matters, and it is to be regretted that he is evidently not seeking re-election. A reward of £SO is being offered for information leading to the conviction of tho person or persons who damaged tlio dredge pontoon. , b