RAGLAN NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6033, 1 August 1903, Page 2

RAGLAN NOTES.

[By Chronicler.]

Last week, at Papanui, Mr C. Swan caught a devil fish, which measured 13ft from tip to tip. A case which is exciting some little interest is a charge against a local resident for supplying a prohibited person with drink. A double canoe similar to those used by the South islanders, was washed ashore at Toreparu Beach last week. Whence it came is a mystery. Mr Champbell Johnson has been returned unopposed as a member of the Raglan County Council for the Whaingaroa Riding, vice Mr J. A. La Trobe (resigned). Matters in connection with the proposed Medical Club are progressing. It is understood that if £200 a year is guaranteed our local medico is prepared to take on the Club on very favourable terms. More wails! The settlers here do not appear satisfied with the treatment they receive at they hands of the Northern S.S. Company, and it is suggested that another company should be asked to take up the running. Our local footballers are in for a busy season. As chronicled last week, they went to Kawhia. They are now anxious to try conclusions with Ruapuke on August 8. If they survive they will attack Waingaro on the 22nd. On Wednesday next the Raglan and Te Mata Ping Pong Clubs will try conclusions. The ladies' handicap tournament in connection with the latter club was won by Miss Vernon (five points behind scratch), Miss Moore being second and Miss Bregmen third. The Kanieri had a rather rough passage on her last trip down The sea and wind were very heavy, and the log showed that the little boat was making the record time of a knot an hour. She put to sea, and when the weather moderated next day made port, 12 hours late The Roads Department has decided to continue the bridle path past Carter's to the Gorge. This will will give access to a number of settlers who hitherto have been without a road. A contract has also been let to form the road through Swann's to Messrs Ward and Jackson's properties. Last season Mr E. P. Corkill promised a bat to the member of the local cricket club who made the best batting average. The captain (the late Mr J. Ensoll), who was drowned in the accident at the last regatta), was the winner, and Mr Corkill has thoughtfully forwarded a cheque in place of the trophy. This has been handed over to Mrs Ensoll. An undesirable immigrant put in an appearance here last week, and was promptly lodged in duress by our local custodian of the peace, who recognised the visitor as one Beresford Dunstan McMahon, 'wanted' in Sydney on charges of fraud. He was brought before our local Justices and remanded to Auckland to await extradition. The other day a small ' smash' occuared to the coach at Waitetuna. The driver was taking the horses out. Tke one first unhitched made for the stable, and the other, not liking to be left, also made a start before the traces were unhooked. Result: A capsize, with a smashed pole. Another vehicle had to be procured ere the journey could be resumed. The shed at Te Uku landing is now completed, and the accounts show a debit of £1 12s 10d. A meeting of the subscribers was held last Tuesday, when rules, etc., were drawn up. It was agreed that those settlers who had refused to contribute to the cost of the building should not be allowed to use it. Outsiders, however, may store goods therein at a moderate charge Messrs Sam and Tom Wilson, of Waingaro, have generously handed over the deeds of their sections adjoining the recreation ground to Mr Bankart with a notification that the sections are the property of the people of Raglan. At the next meeting of the County Council Cr. Bankart will take steps to have the property legally vested. The generous action of the donors is greatly appreciated here. Who will be the next. Our recreation ground is not too large yet. Now that the spring season is again upon us, the attention of settlers is being directed to cows and dairy factories. The turning of the business here into a cooperative concern is practically assured, and plans for the future are already talked of. It is reported that the Raglan creamery will not be run unless 500 cows are guaranteed, and that the butter-making plant will be taken to Te Mata for this season, the operations of the company being confined to Kauroa and Te Mata. We shall see. The accounts in connection with the recent Show disclose a credit balance of £7 19s 6d This will form the nucleus of a fund for next year's exhibition, towards which several special prizes have already been promised. A meeting is to be held on Saturday to consider the advisableness of forming an A. and P. Association, as it is felt that such a step is warranted in view of the undoubted progress the district is making. The annual show must eventually become a ' big thing.' It has been suggested that Raglan and Kawhia unite in this matter, but it is felt here that nothing will be done in this direction just yet. Again, those roads ! To judge from what one hears, there seems a possibility of local jealousies and individual interests jeopardising the metalling proposals. It is to be hoped that the ratepayers will vote solid for the welfare of the district rather than personal gain. It is impossible to metal all the roads in the district at a cost of from £600 to £800 per mile. The settlers should readily recognise this, and not be so shortsighted as to say that if they cannot get good roads all the way to individual holdings they won't have them for part of the distance. That is what squabbling amounts to.