WAIHI NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 35, 10 February 1904, Page 2

WAIHI NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. Mr M. J. Sievart, of Athenree, the chief promoter of the ...heme to extend the Wal-hi-Paeroa railway to Taurauga Harbour, was in Waihi vescerday afternoon, and informed mc that i branch of the Tauranga Railway League was being formed at Katikati with a view to concentrating eil'orts to have the desired extension of the line completed. The Katikati settlers are very enthusiastic in support of the proposed extension, and intend to assist the Tauranga League to the utmost of their ability. With reference to Mr Stewart's recent address urging upon the Waihi public the necessity of rating on unimproved values, some 90 ratepayers have already signed a petition to the Borough Council asking for a poll on the question. The minimum number of signatures required is 255. The inspection parade of the two companies of Waltoi volunteers now encamped at Worth's paddock was held last evening by Colonel Davies, who was accompanied by Colonel Porritt (Paeroa). Major Ivenriek (Waihi), and Sergeant-Major Carpenter. After the parade Colonel Davies and st-aft' were entertained at the officers' mess in cani_). Mr T. Grainger, blacksmith, employed at the Waihi Co.'s Union battery, has received an injury to his left hand, resulting in blood poisoning, caused by a piece of steel inflicting a painful wound. I am informed that the shaft on Montgomerie's and Marlow's coalfield near Waikino is now down over 90 feet. Good coal has been mot with, and there is every indication of the field turning out a big concern. The half-yearly district council conference of Rechabites was held last evening in the Foresters' Hall, when the visitors were entertained by the local Advance Tent No. 12. D.C.R.' Whitehouse presided. At the conference held afterwards the following delegates attended:—Auckland, Messrs Crowe (D. Treasurer), Foster, Stewart, Woods, Newman, Frith. Eden, Messrs Knight, Rosser, and Smith. Thames, Messrs Danby, Whitehouse, and Smith. Aratapu, Mr Stallworthy. Northcote, Messrs McKay, Westwood, and Carr. Warkworth, Mr Wilson. District Secretary Carr and D.D.R. Ewen were also present. Arrangements for the reception of the visitors were supervised by the local secretary (Mr Seymour) and Mcsdames Seymour and Morgan.