WANGANUI NOTES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 87, 11 January 1928, Page 6

WANGANUI NOTES

Wanganui, January 10. One of the few remaining old residents along the river died last week at Jerusalem in the person of Wlietu, an undoubted centenarian. The oldest Maori on the river, Whetu was during his lengthy life a well-known figure, and occasionally visited Wanganui. He was small of stature, but distinguishable by a red waistcoat, which was a prized possession. He was present during the Maori Easter tennis tournament last year, and it was during this that the only known photograph of the deceased was obtained by a local resident. The old man was very proud of the fact that he could sign his name in good handwriting. The. customary obsequies are being observed The New Zealand Booksellers’annual conference will open in Wanganui City Council Chambers to-morrow morning. Delegates will be present from all parts of the Dominion, and they will be officiallv welcomed bv the Mayor (Nir. W. J. Rogers). The conference will last three days. The Otatoka beach is practically unknown in Wanganui, but it is destined to become a popular resort. Situated about three miles from Maxwell, it is 14 miles from Wanganui, and is north of Kai-iwi. The Waitotara County Council recently erected bathing sheds there. On one of the holidays there were over 200 people at the beach. As a result of the continued dry weather, the lawns and gardens in Wanganui and suburbs bear a parched appearance, and a good downpour of rain would be welcomed The Imlay freezing works are working at top pressure. Over 7 000 head of sheep are being slaughtered daily.