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Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 227, 26 September 1898, Page 3

To the Editor: Sir,—lf "A Disgusted Cyclist" knew how -many accidents have been caused through cyclists riding suddenly up to young and timid horses he would probably prefer to walk over Mangere Bridge rather than risk the lives of the settlers he meets crossing it in traps and on horseback. I myself saw a threehorse 'bus thrown violently into the side of this bridge through the recklessness of a cyclist riding suddenly up to the team, one of which was a young half-broken colt. The traces of the near side horse broke with the violence of the impact, and but for the skill of the driver" there would have been a serious accident, and then the public would have said, " Why don't the authorities stop cyclists riding over a bridge (that is not 16 feet wide) in a manner that is calculated to endanger the lives of everyone driving and riding across."—l am, etc., Mangere. ;

In the Native LamFCourt at Hastings on Saturday, Judge Scannell made an order, under section 122 of the Land Court Act, 1594, constituting certain natives interested in the Pohbkura Block of 55,000 acres 'near Tarawera., in order that they may elect a committee to deal with the block as they may think fit. It is undarstood that the land is to be sold to the Government. This it is stated is the first order of the kind made in the colony.

The Wellington Police Force paraded at the Central Station last Wednesday afternoon, when the Mayor of Wellington (Mr Blair) presented Constables J. H. Poland and T. Ryan, and Mr Fred. Fanning with awards from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for saving life. Constable Poland (who was awarded a certificate and a bronze medal) had rescued Dr. Charles Wynne Martyn from drowning in the harbour on the 25th June, 1897. Mr Fanning received similar awards for having rescued Albert Sawtell from drowning at Wellington on the 12th December, 1897, and Constable Ryan, on 10th November, 1897, saved W. C. Dickson, a fireman, from drowning in the harbour, and had been awarded a certificate of merit. The Mayor expressed the pleasure it gave him to act in this matter on behalf of His Excellency the Governor. It was a matter for congratulation that two out of the three presentations were to members of the Police Force, which it had been again and again demonstrated contained men who never hesitated in cases of emergency such as these to risk their own lives to save those of others. Constable Poland is an Auckland boy, his people residing at Tuakau. Mr Fred. Fanning was formerly a resident of Auckland, and also a member of the City Plowing Club, then in existence. Since then he has been a successful representative of the Wellington Rowing Club at regattas held in various parts of the colony.

The Roman Catholic Church at Newmarket, which has recently been enlarged, was yesterday morning dedicated to St. Michael and St. George by His Lordship Bishop Lenihan. The Rev. Father Kehoe, of Parnell, assisted in the service. The sermon, which was preached by Bishop Lenihan, dealt with the education of the young. At the conclusion the Bishop congratulated the choii of nuns on the success of the mass, and eulogised their work in Newmarket. There was a very large attendance at the service.

Brett's Auckland Almanac and Diary for 1899 is now in the press. Secretaries of the many societies, etc., which are represented in the directory portion of this old-established publication are requested to send to the "Star" Office a list of their officers for publication.

The second annual tea entertainment in connection with the Epiphany Boys' Club takes place on Thursday evening next, the 29th inst., when the newly-formed Surrey Minstrels Troupe make their first appearance in public. A first-class concert has also been arranged for, and the evening will be brought to a conclusion with the comical farce, "Black Lunatics."