PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1082, 22 March 1911, Page 9

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondents.) HASTINGS. During the past week up Invp had a return to summer weather, the air being very clear ami the temperature- high. Mure moisture is needed, but the showers of a mouth back had n very lionr-Ocial effect, iind the pastures nre in fair condition. Our town clock is not to be lone; without thp desirable addition of chime?. It was announced last week thai an anonymous donor had como en the scene, and the chimes will be provided shortly. Jlr. George Xelsoii nnd his supporters are pushing the inner harbour scheme very vigorously, and it is considered quite likely that they will achieve the purpose which they have in view .it the coming harbour elections. A good deal will depend upon the report of Jlr. Leslie Reynolds, who is at present engaged, at tho request of the Harbour Board, in investigating tho matter. Municipal matters are at present uneventful. The sewerage works are being vigorously prosecuted. The urgent need of a high-pressure water supply was demonstrated the other day, when Inspector Hugo, of tho l'ire Brigado department, was present. A wet practice was held, and it was found that it would have taken twenty minutes •to bring a supply of water to bear on one of the-principal hotels.

OTAKI, Owing to-certain reports of a damaging nature being circulated concerning him, Mr. Byron Drown-arranged for a.tribunal of investigation,.-comprising Kcvs.-Smith and Bands, Messrs. O'Bourkc, Staveley, Stevens and Harper, the last-named three being solicitors. Accusers were invited to attend. This tribunal met on Monday night, and after due evidence had been given the following verdict was returned: "We, the undersigned,.being; a committee set up to inquire into the alleged behaviour of Mr. Byron Brown with a certain young lady of Otaki, and having thoroughly investigated the said allegations, do unanimously and unhesitatingly declaro on positive proof that such charges have not the slightest foundation in fact." (Here followed tho signatures of the committee.)

feilding: Mr. D. Stewart, the newly-appointed assistant inspector and organiser oi school work lor tne Wanganui ijducation Board, was a visitor yesterday to Feilding where lw w.ill probably reside. Ho will commence duty early next month. May 24 is the date of the first concert of the Feilding Liedertafel. The Choral Society has decided to give its first concert of the present season on Hay 17. The feature of the programme will bo Gaul's cantata "Joan of Arc." At a meeting of the committee of the Feilding Choral Society Mr. A. J. Geary, late of Wellington, resigned the secretaryship owing to pressure of work. Miss Cm-ran was elected to fill the vacancy. The return walking match betiveon Messrs. A. W. Woollatt (vegetarian), and S. Beaumont (non-vegetarian) takes place to-day. Tlio test is from l-'eilding to Marfan and back—a distance of 45 niile?. The following will form the Feilding Technical School Committee for the year: Messrs. S. Andrew (Pohangina County Council), L. Gorton (Manawatu County Council), F. Y. Letlibridge (Oroua County Council), W. F. Bramwell (Chamber of Commerce), E. Goodbohere (Mayor), A. M'lntyre (District High School), D. H. Guthrie. M.P., W. J. B. Trewinl- A. R. Mayor (Feilding A. and P. Association), .T. Bruce (Kikitea County Council), D. M. Montgomery, J, M. R. Lochhcad, G. Burid, G. Fitepatrick, Fred. Firaui (Waiißanni Education Board), and .T:.C: Hill (headmaster of the. District High School).' The balance-sheet shows' that there 'ha's been a profit on the year's work of £~5 Os. lid.