Local and General.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 15 June 1906, Page 2

Local and General.

,o: Since the death of the Premier, the Hon W. C. Smith, M L.C., has received a number of wires from the Acting-Premier bearing on the calamity, and the funeral. Messrs Hall-Jones and Smith were Whips in the Ballance Government during the session 1890-3, and their relationship has always been of a most cordial nature. Mr Smith sent a message of sympathy on hearing of the Premier’s death. Mr J. Hitchins informs us that he has taken over Mr H. Cry sell’s watchmaking business in Waipukurau. Mr Hitchins has had practical experience in Christchurch and other large towns, and will no doubt meet with full support “on his own.” Railway Department announces holiday excursion tickets in connection with the Palmerston North Winter Show. Advertiser wants to purchase a good milking cow. At their mart to-morrow Mackay and Co. sell a consignment of drapery and clothing, also produce and sundries. The sale of produce, etc, will commence at 11 a.m. Mr Chambers’ staff is making good progress with the large board-ing-house near the railway, the upper storey now receiving attention. Hawke’s Bay has experienced splendid weather for months pastjust enough rain has fallen to keep pastures green and water supplies going. Sunny days compensate for the comparatively light frosts. It is rumoured that Capt. Seddon will be asked to stand for the vacant Westland seat.

The steamer Oswestry Grange, with the body of the Premier, will aarive at Wellington to-morrow morning, and the funeral will take place at Wellington next week. Specia: trains may be run. Railway Department announces In l.dav excursion tickets for those desirous of attending the funeral of the late Premier. Particulars will be found in advertisement in another column. The chairman of the Town Board has received a letter from Mr C. Hall, M.H.R., which indicates that the town telephone system will be pushed on at once. Matters in connection with improvements at the local post-office will also receive our member’s best attention. 'The Timaru Herald thinks Mr Hall-Jones has a splendid chance of keeping the Premiership if he chose to do so.

Tommy Taylor is to edit a new weekly paper at Christchurch to be called the Express. Mr Chambers, hon. secretary of the social committee, received a letter from Mr Hall, M.H.R., from Auckland, regretting his inability to attend the social, but wishing it every success. Word was received from Lyell, about 41 miles up the Buller river, yesterday afternoon, that a huge landslide bad occurred from the mountain about a mile and a quarter above Lyell, effectually blocking the Bnller river, and causing the water behind the barricade to rise 200 ft. The following has been sent to Mrs Seddon : “ Accept deepest sympathy in your overwhelming sorrow’, which the whole of England shares. —Queen Alexandra.” Mr H. S. Gollan is on his way to New Zealand. The warship is under orders to proceed -outside the Wellington Heads on Friday night, so as to pick up the steamer Oswestry Grange at dawn, and escort her into harbour on Saturday morning. It is probable also that a salute will be fired. The visit of the Governor to the Waipukurau school yesterday was postponed owing to the death of the Premier. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. H. O. Hampton at the Church of England on Sunday evening. The Melbourne Herald has started a fund for the purpose of erecting a Victorian memorial to Mr Seddon. The inquest concerning the death of the Rev Father McGrath, who lost his life in a fire at Tapanui, resulted in a verdict that death was due to misadventure through the accidental destruction by fire of the Farmers’ Club Hotel on June Sth. Owing to pressure on space, we have to curtail reports, etc. Postcards of Premier at Annand's