PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1148, 8 June 1911, Page 8

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(Froiu Our .Special Correspondent:*.) OTAKI, A cable message received here announces the arrival in Sydney of Mr., Mrs., and Miss Hollo. A pleasing ceremony took place at the railway station offices on Tuesday evening, wncn Mr. G. Bell, who has severed his connection with the Department, was presented by the officials with a travelling bag and rug. Mr. Larkin ■ (stationmaster) iu making the presentation referred io the sterling qualities of Mr. Hell, and wished liini success in his new venture. Pick-pockets were in evidence at the Otaki races, and, among the victims, was a local resident, who was relieved of nearly all his cash. Intoxicated ones, however, were few, and only two wore brought before .T.P.'s. A mail nfcmed — Stewart was fined 10s., and a woman was remanded for seven days-. On Tuesday evening Mr. .1. C. Better drew X3OO at a meeting of the Levin Building Society. FEATHERSTON. Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.P., addressed a well-attended meeting at Ivaiwaiwai on Monday night. At the monthly meeting of the Oddfellows' Lodge on Monday evening, Bro. A. C. Holms was installed as N.G., Bro-' H. E. O'Neale as V.G., and Bro. F. Henry as E.S. Bro. J. E. Elliott was appointed E.S. to the N.G. It was decided to hold a meeting on Monday next to arrange for taking part in the proposed procession on Coronation Day. ' SHANNON, There was another good muster in the Druids' Hall on Tuesday evening, when the Eev. J. E. M'Kenzieprcsidedover the weekly meeting of the Literary and Debating Society. "Readings from Favourite Authors" was the item on the syllabus, and the subject produced a number of interesting selections, grave and gay, ranging from Euskin and Shakespeare to Lorimer's "Letters from a Self-made Merchant to His Son," and Steele Eudd. Amongst those who contributed were: Mrs. Laurvig, the Eev. J. E. M'Kenzio, Messrs. Exall, Trainor, Golland, Clayton, Perry, Gardner, M'Millan, and Gunning. The next meeting of the society will discuss the motion: "That a tax on land is the only right and equitable method of taxation." It will be a competitive debate, Messrs. Hinsman and Exall taking the lead, and Mr. J. Eobertson, of the Palmerston North Debating Society, acting as judge. The secretary of the local society circularised kindred societies in the district with reference to the formation of a debating union on this coast, but, although two of the societies —Levin and Koputarua—expressed themselves in favour of the project, no delegates from outside societies attended a meeting which was convened at Shannon to formulate a provisional constitution. The committee of the local society do not intend, however, to let the matter, drop. Mr. J. Bachelar, who, it was reported, intended leaving the district, intends to continue to reside in Shannon. Mr. Batchelar is chairman of the School Committee, member of the Makerua Drainage Board, and occupies other . public positions, so that his decision to remain in Shannon is a welcome one. GREYTOWN. Mr. M'jTattie, the new postmaster, has assumed duty here. Tho town was full of visitors on Saturday last, the attraction being, of course, the South Wairarapa trots. Local amateurs "held the boards on Saturday evening, and had a good house. The performance was enjoyable, though want of sufficient time for rehearsal was noticeable at times. WOODVILLE. Tho result of the public meeting called for tho purpose of arranging the Coronation celebrations was the formation of a committee, with Mr. Wardrop as secretary. The committee will no doubt promote a suitable programme for the day. Admiration for tho 'promptness of tho Firo Brigade in turning out on Tuesday evening, when the alarm was given, has induced the owner of the premises where the fire was to become an honorary member of tho brigade.

The installation of Mr. H. Turvey as "\V.ir. of Lodge Ruahino took place on Wednesday evening. A number of visiting brethren attended (he ceremony.