PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1257, 12 October 1911, Page 3

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Our Special Correspondents.! HASTINGS. The present season has, on tho whole, been favourable lor farming operations, but a few days' heavy rain at this sfago would be welcomed. Tho soil is still in_ good condition, but there have been no heavy rains for a considerable period and, already, many are beginning to hint at the possibility of a recurrence of (ho disastrously dry spring of last year. The fruit crop prospects are excellent. Tho Ilawkc's bay River Jioard met this week when the result of the recent poll was discussed. The chairman (the Hon. J. D. Ormond) expressed regret at the action of Iho ratepayers in refusing to sanction the loan proposals put bolero tiiein. lie had at lirst thought of resigning, but had, on second thoughts, decided to retain his position so that in the event of a Hood occurring he could render what assistance was possible. Ho would (in Parliament) endeavour to have on amending Hill passed arranging for diirereuti.il rating. Afc present there was nothing that could be done, but in a case of necessity the board could be called together. Other members (including Ihoso who had opposed the loan proposals) expressed pleasure that the Hon. J. D. Ormond had decided to remain on the board. Mr. J. D. Loach, Government engineer, having examined the new post office building, has concluded that no serious damage has been done by tho recent earthquake. The cracks showing on either side of tho tower are, he thinks, duo lo the old fissures caused by the settling down of tho tower after tho subterranean telephone wiro chamber hau been made in tho footpath in front. Whatever repairs are nccessary will be put in hand at once. At the Princess Theatre the Hastings Orchestral Society held a very successful concert. The chief soloists were: Miss Lcuiso Croucht'er (violinist), and Mr. Fmnk Charlton (baritone vocalist). CARTERTON. At a meeting of the Carterton Horticultural Society on Monday, the resignation of the secretary, Air. J. J. Mead, was accepted with regret. It was resolved to hold a spring show on Saturday, November 25. Mr. W. Dounanl was elected honorary secretary. The Belvedere School Committee are apparently a rather enterprising body. The county workmen required spoil for work in that district, and the committee has arranged with than to take it near tile school, intending to use the excavation for swimming buths. Tne committee will apply to the council for permission to nut a pipe across the road from the river to supply the water. The Carterton Brass Band has arranged to give a programme of music in High Sli'eet ou Saturday evening. At_ a meeting of the Carterton Tradesmen's Association on Monday night, it was decided to urge business people to niako special window displays during show week. It was also resolved to close at noon on tho second day of the allow. The dairy belonging to Mrs. F. Parker, of Belvedere, was damaged by fire on Saturday night. The State I'ire Office lias an insurance over the place. Following is the main position of the twelfth annual report of tho Wairarapa Brick, Tile, and Drain-pipe Company, to bo presented at the annual meeting . at Cariert'on:—Business has increased by XSSG during the year. Our stock has also increased by X 495. We aro pleased to show a net profit of «fc3t r > 10s. Gd., and after writing olf 5 per cent for depreciation of plant and buildings, ,£I7G ffs. Bd.; payment of directors' fees, X 35 10s.; we recommend paying a dividend of I! per cent, amounting to ,£lB9 Ms. on paid-up capital, and ask the authority of the shareholders to carry the balance to reserve account. We purchased during the year a new pipe machine at a cost of »El3l, which has proved a great success. OTAKI. Mr. J. Robertson, Labour candidate for I tho Otaki seat, addressed tho Manakuu electors on Tuesday evening, wlren there was a moderate attendance. The speaker dealt eloquently with his subject, and, with the exception of a few interjections, received a good hearing. .Mrs. Barton, temperance orator, addressed a. fair audience here on Monday. She dealt with her subjects fully and forcibly, her remarks being met at times by applause. At the Police Court yesterday morning, Hans Wilde, for failing lo tend his child to school, was fined 2s. by the presiding justices, Messrs. Windley and Bennett. Constable, Sathcrley, who has been in indifferent health, has been ordered rest by his medical adviser, and in consequence has received a month's furlough. Ho leaves on Friday for Northern Wairon. The Otaki Dairy Company are paying Is. o.}d. per lb. for bulter-fat for' the month just ended.