PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 135, 9 June 1926, Page 17

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

MANUB.EWA,

The Manurewa Town Board met on Monday evening, the chairman (Mr. A. C. A. Sexton i presiding. There -was a full attendance of members. Hill Road Stormwater.—Members in discussion agreed that there were three alternative schemes for consideration in dealing •with the matter, viz.: Enlargement of the present drain across the Great South Road, diversion along the school ground's Great Sooth Road frontage, or diversion to the South via the natural drainage through the properties fronting the Great South Road. It was decided to leave the matter for the jnsineer's urgent consideration.

The Unemployed.—lt was agreed that the engineer confer with the Works Committee with a view to discussing proposed small contracts for footpath work, tree-planting, etc.

Stray Cattle.—Mr. C. A. Fawcett reported having received numerous complaints regarding cattle straying on the roads. On his motion it was decided to request the ranger to furnish monthly reports of his activities.

Another Policeman Wanted.—A letter is to be sent to the Police Authorities further urging the appointment of a local constable. Attention is to be drawn to the increase of larrikinism corresponding with the great increase in the district's population.

Great South Road.—The chairman reported that the estimated total cost of the Grent South Road work was approximately £1S.">OO, of which amount it was hoped to obtain a Government subsidy of £7500. The ratepayers had already given authority to raise £7300, leaving approximately £4000 still required. The amount provides for 121 chains of the road to be graded to a width of 26 feet, concrete paving 18 feet, shoulders 4 feet each side and culverts the full width of the road; also including the estimated cost of re-coating the existing 42 chains of hot-mix. The general .opinion was expressed that the residue of the £SOOO loan expended on this portion of the road should be preserved if possible. A ratepayers' meeting will be held CD the 14th inst. to discuss the matter.

Rates.—The clerk submitted estimates in connection with the rate to be struck for the ensuing year. These showed that a rate of 1 5-8 d would suffice to cover general expenditure and also interest on current loans, etc. General satisfaction was expressed at the state of affairs, particularly -with regard to the increase of £40,000 in the district's valuation.

PUKEKOHE.

The member for Franklin, Mr. Ewen D. McLennan, visited Fukekohe to-day and was taken by the Mayor of Pukekohe (Mr. John Routly), and Councillors R. F. Wilkinson, M. Cronin and J. P. Rae, to view Boose s Bush and the surrounding land an area of about 26 acres, which was purchased by the Borough Council a few years ago for £4000 The borough representatives asked Mr. McLennan to support the council's request for a £ for £ subsidy towards the purchase cost of the area or failing that the Crown to take over the area clothed in bush at cost price for scenic reserve purposes, same to be vested In a domain board to control. It was pointed out that the Government had offered the council £675 for the pick of the bush, approximately 10 ncres. but the council rejected tbe offer because thfi amount offered was much less than cost price. Mr. McLennan expressed appreciation of the value nf t.ho bush for scenic reserve purposes, and said that he would place the requpst before Cabinet and do Jt c con,<i t0 havp !t °"niplied with ■The death occurred on Saturday at Queen street. Pnkeknhp, of Mr. Thomas JlcKeown at the advanced acre 80 years. Mr McKeown, who hnd been a resident of PukeKnne for ten ypirs. was of a very quiet and retiring disposition. earnlriij the esteem of a wide circle of friends. He 1S survived by a widow, three dnntrhters and fonr sons.

FAPAKURA.

The second meeting of the session of the Papakura Orphans Club was held in the Paragon Theatre on Monday evening, there being nearly 100 members and visitors present. The evening was responsible for bringing forward some very promising musical and entertaining talent of more than average ability. One gratifying feature of the function was the splendid progress the orchestra has made. If the Orphans Club has done nothing else it has presented Papakura with an orchestra worthy of the name. Seldom has such ronnds of applause greeted a body of local performers. Bro. William Milne occupied the chair and extended a very hearty welcome to the official guests of the evening, the president, Bro. W. Wallace, Bro. J. D. Crawford, secretary, and members of the executive of the Auckland Orphans Club. The Worshipful Master, officers and brethren of Lodge Papakura, No. 50. also the Worshipful Master and officers of Lodge Manurowa. No. 1222, attended divine service at Christ Church. Papakura, ou Sunday. The Worshipful Master of Lodge Papnkura, Wor. Bro. J. B. Page, read the Old Testament lesson. The New Testament lesson w;is read by Bro. Kirtou. The vicar, Itev. W. C. Wood, conducted the service.

OTAHUHU,

A sitting of the Otahuhu Police Court was held yesterday before Mr. W. R, Mc Keen. S.M., with Sergeant Parsons representing the poiice. Four young offenders, just above the juvenile ase, on charges of committing damage and mischief, were ordered to make restitution. On a charge of theft of property belonging to the Education Board, n't East Tamaki totalling £1 1/3, Anthony Kelly whs "ned io and ordered to make restitution also being convicted on a charge oC causing damage and mischief and ordered to make restitution. On a charge of failing to send his child to school, Henry Webley was convicted find fined- £1 and 7/ costs Alfred Jackson, for adulterating milk at Papatoetoe, a.s fined £5 and cost* -"/6. On a second offence of a breach of regulations under the Sale of Food and Urugs Act, the case Was dismissed.

WAIUKU.

Two presentations were made to Mr. J*ns. Walsh. Wainku, on the occasion of " ie leaving on transfer to Rotorua. Rev. rather Taylor presented a gold watch on Behalf of the residents, and eulogised the -nol work done by the recipient during his two years , stay in the district. Mr. WalJace, Postmaster. In presenting n travelling v 8 55 behalf of the local sr.iff. spoke of *>ir. Walsh's service to the public and his assistance to his brother officers when that assistance was required.