LOCAL AND GENERAL

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 4019, 8 June 1920, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Yesterday was the 77th anniversary of the V.M.C.A., and' was celebrated as "Foundation Day" by every V.M.C.A. throughout the world. The Dominion Bureau of Statistics at Ottawa estimates the population of Canada to be 8,830,000. Removers of rubbish have had-the habit of depositing benzine tins and other refuse on that spjice at the end of South Street which has lately been handed to the Borough by the trustees'of" the Johnston estate. I'his practice must cease. The new park is not, to he treated as a- irubbisli tip. It is the Mayor's special choice bit of the Borough just now. The fact that the Borough Council proposes to raise loans aggiegaling £37,500 should induce the ratepayers to attend the Mayor's meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow - night, when Mr Harford will detail the proposals and-discuss matters. The Mayor will also give a resume of the past year's work and explain the present financial position of the borough. Sundry persons (evidently travelling in couples) have been in the habit of seeking rest and a quiet corner in the Manchester Street shelter sheds, much to the annoyance of people living in the neighbourhood. Complaints received led the Committee to discuss the matter last night, when it was decided to take the best steps possible to prevent this undesirable practice. ■ % Mr Ernest Short with the characteristic instinct of the good sport, has offered the V.M.C.A. building fund £1000 on condition mat another £5000 was given in sums of not less £500 each before the close of the campaign. Another condition was that this should not be made public until to-da,y, when Mr Short had sailed for America. Already six enthusiasts have aocen.ted the challenge and pxit up £500 each. The £1000 is not included in the amounts received -until the first condition is fulfilled.

For tho schools elocutionary and musical competitions, open to children attending .all schools affiliated with the Feilding and District Amateur Athletic Association, to be held about the end of August, the programme is now in the hands of the nrinter, and should be ready for distribution next week. General approval and satisfaction with, the programme was expressed by the nieet-. ing of the Teachers' Institute on Saturday. No doubt the competitions will Ireceive solid support from the general public.