OTAKI.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 478, 10 April 1909, Page 13

OTAKI.

Mr. Penn (proprietor of tho local paper) and Mrs. Penn have left for a fortnight's sojourn, at llotorua and Auckland. The Otaki .Maori Churcn, which is one of tho most historic buildings in Kew Zealand, has for somo time past been falling into n state of decay, and the trustees, recognising their responsibility, started subscriptions with the object of getting funds to preserve tho .structure. Many have responded liberally, and in the courso of a fortni-jiit or so tradesmen will be empowered to lav a concrete foundation, re-cover the roof, and generally restore the building. Fair nominations have been received for tho Druids' sports to bo held hero on Monday next, and good racing is expected., At a meeting of tho Kia Toa Club on Tuesday night Mr. E. Woods was elected secretary. It was decided to open tho season on Saturday week, and to enter one senior and two junior teams for the competitions. Tho club already boasts of a membership of 54. To-day a cricket team from Karori will play Otaki on the local ground. The local club will bo represented by M'Bain, M'Meokan, Naughton, Bevan, Atkins (2), Rehua, Kohu, Redgrave, Carter, and Ropata. During March rain fell on 14 days; total rainfall, 2.68 in.; tho heaviest fall for ono day being .57in. In the preceding month, 2.51 in. of rain fell. Mr. Dinccn, truant inspector, intends taking stringent steps to make Native children put in sufficient, attendances at the various schools, and next Court day a list of the offenders will be submitted to tho S.M. Playing for .the final of the president's trophy at tho local bowling green, Mrs. Johansen succumbed tc Mrs. Rawson, after a close and exciting struggle