The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECOMBE Proprietor. THURSDAY, DECEMBER I6, 1897.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 223, 16 December 1897, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECOMBE Proprietor. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1897.

A meeting of the Cambridge Racing Club is convened for Wednesday next, at 8.30 p.m. A telegram from Russell states that a steamer resembling the Anglian passed Russell, bound South, at 1 p in. to day. She was a long way ofl', and was apparently steaming slowly. The volunteer encampment which it was intended to hold about Christmas time, has, we understand, teen abandoned. Christmas time would, no doubt, he veiy suitable for many in the town corps, hut Ihe majority of the members tf the country companies would find it impossible to get away at that time, coining as it does, in the middle of harvest.

We remind all interested that the distribution of prizes to the pupils attending the school connected with St. Mary's Monastery, Hamilton, will take place this afternoon at 3 o'clock The annual picnic of the Hamilton West School children will be held at Mr Booth's grounds. No. I,to-morrow. No better place could have been selected, aud wc hope the young folks will spend a happy day. The nominations of candidates to fill the extraordinary vacancy in the Raglan County Council beinj; informal, fresh ones will be received up to Tuesday, 28th inst. ; the election, if necessary, being fixed fur Saturday, Bth January.

We learn that Mr W. von Stunner is about to take his for!night's holiday, .and that Mr J. J. Ryrie, of the Auckland office, will fulfil his duties during his absence. We wish Mr von Stunner a pleasant time during his brief respite from his onerous du'ies.

Mr Grierson, of the Education Department, is at present in Hamilton conducting the scholarship examination, which is being held at the Hamilton West School. The competitors number eleven, three being from the Hamilton Schools and the remainder from various schools in the Waikato.

Mr Conradi, Returning Officer Wdingaro Riding, Raglan County, ou Monday last received nominations of thine candidates, but in each case the papers wete informal, not being signed by two electors, one signature on each paper bring that of persona not on the electoral roll of the Riding.

Lovers of music will be pleased to hear that Miss Celia Dampier contemplates making another Waikato tour. She will be accompanied by a strong concert company. The following dates are advertised :—Huntly, 30th December ; Ngaruawahia, 31st December ; Whatawhata, Ist January (race meeting).

It is understood that three of the debenture-holders of the Midland Railway Company have commenced proceedings against the Government for the reoovery of their debenture money, claiming payment in full for the debenture* they hold. The stand taken up by the Government is that the debenture holders have no claim on the colony. Test cases will probably be heard iu Wellington. In our advertisement columns notice is given of the presentation of the medals and certificates awarded at the late Cambridge Young People's Industrial Exhibition. The function will be held on Monday evening next, at 7 30 p.m. All exhibitors will be admitted free. An entrance charge of 6d will be made for each adult to cover expenses. Musical selections will be given by some of the prize-winners.

A meeting of the Ohaupo School Committee was held on Monday evening iu the Council Chambers. Present : Messrs R.Meats (chairman), H.Kusabs, J. T. Edwards, A. Graham, and C. Rauch. After some routine business had been discussed, the annual school picnic came up for discussion. It was decided it should take place some day in the last week of the holidays in the school grounds, and that some of the children be furnished with subscription lists, the parents to be asked to contribute either money or eatables, or, if they were so inclined, both would be acceptable. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.—(Own Correspondent).

A parade of the Waikato Mounted Rides was held at Hamilton yesterday afternoon, Col. Banks and Capt. Grant being present. The men were exerc:sed at Heaphy Terrace, and occasion was taken by the officers present to examine Capt. Reid in the outdoor portion of his examination for his captaincy, the written part having been dealt with during the morning. We understand that Capt. Reid passed successfully in the outside work, but the result of the other portion of the examination will not be known for some time. Mr M. G-. Farrer has accepted the vacant lieutenaucy and was sworn in yesterday. The total strength o( the company is now 91. Class filing is being proceeded with at every available opportunity.