LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 19891, 13 June 1928, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A loiter received by the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association from Mr 0. J. Ilawken stated (says a Press Association telegram from Palmerston North) that the Government lias under consideration the question of permitting the importation, under very stringent safeguards, of stud stock from Great Britain 'whore energetic measures arc being taken in an endeavour to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease. No decision has yet been reached on ihe subject by the Government. A report by Sir Alexander Gibb, the eminent English engineer on flood control, on the Waimakariri River, was before the Waimakariri Trust at Christchurch yesterday. Mr Gibb was asked to report on tbo best methods of controlling floods and of averting clanger from the city of Christchurch. A 'report on tbo same subject by the trust's engineer (Mr F. C. Hay) was also received. Mr Gibb agrees with Mr Hay on some of the essential points. Mr Hay’s scheme provided for straightening and shortening flic river in its last reach to the sea, which involves two diversion cuts of one mile and two miles. Mr Gibb agrees with these proposals. He does not agree with the schemes for the trapping and the bolding of shingle in the higher reaches of the river. For the protection of Christchurch lie suggests longitudinal embankments or levees, which should bo planted to ensure stability.

A meeting of Nationalists, Liberals, and others opposed to the Reform Government was held in the Eltham Town Hall. Delegates from various centres in the Egmont electorate were present, and expressed the almost unanimous wish that Dir C. A. 'Wilkinson should stand against the Hon. 0. J. Hawken (Minister of Agriculture) at fhe General Election. Mr "W. C. Green, who contested the seat at the last election, was present, and stated that his present intention was to be a. candidate in the National-Liberal interests, but he would ho guided by his committor, drawn from the districts around the coast. The meeting unanimously resolved that a deputation wait on Mr 'Wilkinson, wiio later arrived at the meeting and was enthusiastically received. Dir Wilkinson explained his position, stating that he could stand only as an Independent, and he would not seek to oust the Government unless there was a. better one to replace it. At present there was no party in sight with a policy or a loader to which he could be attached. He could not support the Labour Party in a no-confi-doncc motion against the Government, but would support . measures irrespective of party. Dir "Wilkinson promised to give a reply to tbo request within a week.

Mr A. "Miller presided over the monthly _ meeting of the M'osgiel District High School Committee. An amount of routine business was transacted, amongst which a letter was road from the Educatibn Board, in which that body promised to paint the interior of the secondary department, and stated that it could 'not approve of the proposal to convey the children from North Taicri to the Mosgiel School. The bond master reported the roll in the primary department to bo .‘334, and the secondary 2.'i, He advised the institution of an attendance banner to encourage regular attendance. The Works Committee reported that many minor matters had received attention. ft was resolved to write the surrounding schools, drawing attention to the fact that they had not contributed to Hie upkeep of the dental clinic. The Visitiing Committee reported having visited the school and found everything in a satisfactory condition. Messrs M'Leod and Paul were appointed a visiting committee for the month of June. The combined aftcr-church rally under the auspices of the Mosgiel Ministers’ Association was held in the Coronation Hall. There was a good attendance. and the president (Mr Robertson) was in the chair. The combined choirs (under the leadership of Mr Prentice) led the hymns. During the evening solos were sung by Miss Currie (Wyllio’s Crossing) and MisCanley (Oamani). The reading of Scripture was by Rev. A. Watson, and prayer was offered by Rev. C. Peterson (St. Clair). The address was given by Rev. R. Robertson. Theso gatherings arc much appreciated by the public. and will bo. continued on the firM Sunday of each month.

The arrangements I'nr tlio carnival 1,1 be hold at Taiori Month between Cliri.-t mas and Now Year have now got a good start. There will bo three queens, and the crowning ceremony will he held on New Year's evening (January 1, 1929). The -arnival will be held in tho goods shed near the wharf, and additional stalls and side-shows will he housed in marquees alongside. Ft i, hoped to have the Mosgiel nod Milton Bands in attendance. Tho funds arc to he devoted to improvements to tho local domain, etc. .At, the. meeting of the North-on.-i Valley School Committee there werepresent Mr G. Manson (chairman). Mcsdamcs Peart and Elliot, Messrs Fowler. Paul, Laing, Thomson, Purdies, and Begg. Mr Pnrches reported that the band was making satisfactory progress. The matter of lighting tin; janitor’s residence was considered, and it was resolved to apply to tho Education Board regarding installing dev trie light. Tho committee decided in defer for a month the matter of public baths, mentioned in a letter from 1 In-North-east Valley Progress League During winter cocoa is to he supplied to children remaining at school dnriny lunch hour. Various sub-committees were elected, with Mr Paul convener m works, Mr Purdies convenor of hand, and Mr Thomson of sports. Mr Fowler reported that attendance was good.