COUNTRY NEWS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 59, 7 September 1909, Page 7

COUNTRY NEWS.

(From our Travelling Representative.)

A sum of £1100 has been subscribed in the northern part of the Rangitikei district towards the establishment of a, cottage hospital at Taihape, and the Wanganui Hospital Board, under whose control the institution will be, has instructed its architect to prepare plans for the building, which will have accpmmodation for eight beds. Mr. James, of Wanganui, is engaged on the plans now, and they will be submitted to the board on the Bth inst. for approval. Mr. James Smith, Taihape's representative on the board, is endeavouring to have a portion of the Eason bequest (£5000) allocated towards the work. He contends that this money practically belongs to_ the Rangitikei people, as the donor was formerly a resident in the vicinity of Marton. The board received the full amount about a fortnight ago, but there is not much chance of any of it being spent at Taihape. Howover, it is gratifying to know that the establishment of a hospital for the people in the Rangitikei district is now assured, as the amount will be augmented hy the usual amount of 24s to the £ subsidy from the Government. Politics is the all-absorbing topic in tho Rangitikei district just now.- Each candidate has a certain following, but it ib believed that the contest will be between Messrs. Hockly and Meldrum in the second ballot. It has been reported in some quarters that Mr. Kobt. Uornblow will not go to the poll, but this is incorrect. I have authority for stating that, so far as he is concerned, it will be a fight to the finish. ' Mr. Smith s candidature will finrJ endorsement at the hands of those engaged in' the timber industry, but otherwise it is thought many of those who supported him previously will be found with Mr. Hockly dn this occasion.

Mr. William Jaques, tho late canning expert to tho New Zealand Government, makes an announcement in another column to the effect that ho is inviting capital for the formation of a private company to undertake- tho business of fruit preserving. He stateß that he has already received intimation from a large' number of fruitgrowers that sufficient supplies of fruit will be available for tlie coming season. Theso will rapidly increase, and from tho small beginning which he proposes to make a vory large business is expected to roßult. *limo presses, however, and unless a start can be mado during the (joining season, Mr. Jaques says he will leave the country. The manufacturing part of tho proposed undertaking will be under tho personal supervision of Mr. Jaques. Messrs. Harcourt and Co. announce in our advertising columns that they will sell by public auction, household furniture and effects to-morrow, the Bth inst., at 2 p.., on tho premises, No. 50, Ado-]a?do-road. Messrs. W. F. Shortt, Ltd., will hold $, sale of household furniture %% their rooms. Willis-street, on Thursday.