PATEA.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9662, 21 October 1882, Page 3

PATEA.

(rEOit OUK OWN COBEESPONDENT. ) October 19. Mr J. J. Lawlor, secretary of the Wanganui H.A. Catholic Benefit Society, opened, a branch here on Monday evening. A Catholic Benefit Society has been a long-felt want, and, as there are a number of intelligent business men and settlers connected with the branch now opened, this benefit society should be a success. Mr J. Sheahan was elected president ; Mr E. Cullinan, vice-presi-dent ; Mr J. A. McKenna, secretary ; Mr W. J. Guerin, treasurer ; Mr P. Moran, warden; Mr Robert Whelan, guardian. Auditors and visitors for the sick were also appointed. The Catholic young men in Patea, many o£ whom are of above average intelligence, having organised for sick benefit, should not be ' content with this, but should endeavour in other ways to promote mutual well being. They should now he strong enough to organise an occasional entertainment. The Wakatu has had new plating inserted over the damaged portion, and is now ready for sea. She has been advertised for Onehunga; but on account of the mishap is compelled to go to Wellington to go on the slip and complete repairs. An inquiry was deemed necessary this time, but it is scarcely likely that blame will be attributable to Captain Bonner. The boat is really not suitable for the trade. There is plenty of depth of water, but the channel is crooked and narrow at the turning point opposite the end of the breakwater, and the Wakatu is not so sensitive to steering as is required under present circumstances. In the F..M. Court on Tuesday, J. Patersou claimed £88 odd on a judgment summons froin James Clague, the latter having tho lease of a farm from the former, sub-let without th.9 owner's consent to another party. About nine months ago, as Patersom refused to accept the sub-ten aut, Clagae made over live stock and other property to his wife, and pleaded to the judgment summons, no funds or property wherewith to satisfy the claim. The plaintiffs solicitor having pointed out that any conveyance of property with iutent to defeat the claims of creditors was illegal under a statute of Elizabeth.jDbe Bosident Magistrate ordered the defendant to pay £10 within a fortnight and £10 per month afterwards, or in default two months' imprisonment. It is a pity but this statute had been discovered earlier and locally used. However the Resident M agistrate will doubtless have other shady transfers before him, when it is to be hoped good Queen Bess will again be brought forward, with a like result. H. F. Christie, Esq., manager of the Bank of New Zealand, has been offered the captaincy of the Putea Rifle Volunteers. G. H. Norman, manager of the Bank of Australasia, was offered the vacant lieutenancy. While appreciating the proffered honour, he has had to decline, fearing he would, be unable to devote the necessary time. Mr Christie had not replied in time for the meeting held on Tuesday. The many balls which have followed each other closely in various parts of the district during the last fortnight rather affected the attendance at the tradesmen's ball at Patea on Tuesday. Nevertheless everything requisite was provided in abundance, of first-class quality, and in excellent style, and the ball was a success. Tho Presbyterians of Patea arranged a tea meeting and entertainment for Wednesday by way of formally welcoming to this district tho student minister recently arrived from Home, tho Eev. Alex. Thomson. The weather was unsettled during the day, and became stormy and wet in the evening. The welcome was, however, hearty, the attendance at tea in St. James's Hall being large, while the ladies, as usual in these cases, provided abundantly and excellently. The tables were all nicely set out, flowers and other decorations having been liberally furnished. Visitors were present from distant parts of the district. Among the speakers were the Rev. Mr Tread well, from Wanganui ; the Rev. Mr Allsworth, from Waverley ; the Rev. J. Torry, from Hawera ; the Rev. A. J. Luxford (Wesleyan), Patea, and the new Presbyterian minister. Appropriate music and solos were rendered by leading local amateurs. The large St. James's Hall was much too small for the large assemblage.