NEWS AND NOTES.

Yen. Archdeacon Govett, of New Plymouth, preaches at the Anglican Church to-morrow.

Mr. Capien desires us to say our Manaia correspondent erred in reporting him to have been engaged in the case Penlaze v.

Aldridge.

We hear that the Croftmoor farm has been sold, Mr. Babbage being the buyer. Our informant was not sure whether it was tho manager of tbe Bank of Australasia at Wanganui or his brother or both, who bought the property.

Buchanan v. Laird continues the topic of conversation among farmers and is likely to do so till Wednesday, when the R.M. gives his decision. It is very unfortunate that the affair should have occurred, for the costs will inevitably be heavy, and the loser whoever it is will be an innocent sufferer. It is the hardest fight that has yet occurred in the Hawera Court, and the loser will not be able to complain that the most was not made of his case. The legal gentleman on each side conducted their case with admirable skill.

Boswell's creditors met at New Plymouth the other clay, when after full discussion, they resolved, on a division, to recommend his discharge. During the meeting such pleasantries as the following passed : — Mr. Cock repeated that Mr. McLauchlan had told him he was a partner, and now he was trying to back out of it. — Mr. McLauchlan : It is a lie. — Mr. Cock : You are a thorough old blackguard. — Mr. McLauchlan : If you give any of your cheek I will pull your nose, and throw you down stairs. You are a lyiug " cuss." — The Chairman called Mr. McLauchlan to order, and said he would leave the chair if Mr. McLauchlan did not behave himself. — Mr. McLauchkn : You can go home if you like. I don't cave.

The annual meeting of the Taranaki Railway Employes > Provident Society has been held, and a report and balance-sheet

laid before the members, showing the income for the past year to be A'9l 11s.; expenditure, .£SO ss. 9c1., leaving a balance of £41 ss. 3d. The amount brought forward from 1882 was £15 8s 9d.; balance standing to credit of the Society on Dec. 15th, 1883, was £116 14s. The Society numbers 34 adult and 2 junior members, and has for the convenience of members when sick, the services of a surgeon at New Plymouth and Hawera. The following officers were appointed for the year: — Messrs. C. T. Hall and E. Hodges, trustees ; Mr. J. Lindsey, treasurer ; Mr. H. Stemp, secretary ; committee of management, Messrs. R. E. Roberts (chairman), J. Chapman, T. Cook, J. Carter, E. McCorniick, E. Boorrnan, W. Walsh. W. Fever, and E. Growden.

Tenders are invited for fencing 1 Manawapou railway section. Hawera Eoad Board invite tenders for ■works.

Waimate Road Board invite tenders for ■works.

Mr. Courtney advertises sale at Opu nake.

Waitara Joelcey Club advertise date o: closing nominations for Derby of 1887.

Mr. F. R. Jackson publishes first entries for Kakarainea sale.

Mr. Helyer has shown us some splendid specimens of British Champion strawberries.

" Eodgh on Paeents." — We have not seen a better collection of Dolls, Toys, and Fancy Goods than Fbed Jones is now showing, the new volumes of Chatterbox, Little Folks, Every Boys Annual, &c. are very handsome this year. F. J. intends giving a handsome present to purchasers of Fancy Goods, &c. for the next few days. — Advt.

We notice that Mr. C. C. Fleming has a nice display of goods for the Holidays. Ladies and childrens shoes in great variety, in fact altogether it is the best display of boot and shoes we have the pleasure of seeing in this district, and we advise all young and old to call at C. C. Fleming's and get your "understandings" put in good order for the Holidays. — Advt.