LOCAL NEWS AND NOTES.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 196, 2 September 1896, Page 2

LOCAL NEWS AND NOTES.

.*. Factory butter can bo obtained at Williams' new store, Arawa-st at the low price of Is Id pier pound. Mr J. L. Reed offers a reward for the return of a cow, a description of which appears elsewhere. The Town Board call for applications for ringer. Particulars of the duties may be obtained at the Town Hoard office. The bath returns for the past month are much in excess of the corresponding month of last year. The full return will be given next issue. The opening of the women's swimming bath has been postponed till Wednesday next to allow iho paint work to become perfectly dry. , Our contemporary the TTaikato Argus , now appears in a more sensible shape which, besides relieving the frequent " pressure on our columns," brings it into that form which conventionality demands in a newspaper. The inquiry connected with the late fire at the Rotorua Hotel, Paeroa, resulted in a verdict being returned to the effect that there was no evidence to show how the fire originated. The Hauralci Tribune, however, asks a very pertinent question in regard to the matter. A meeting of members of the Jockey Club and others is called tor next Monday night at Lake House Hotel. Several matters of importance will be discussed, and it is to be hoped that there will be a full attendance as lack of interest in the preliminary arrangements hazarded the success of last year's meeting. A piece of vandalism was perpetrated on one of the newly planted roads near the railwayengine shed between Saturday night and Monday morning. A number of trees had been planted by the Town Board men, and on Monday morning it was discovered that upwards of 00 of these had been ruthlessly torn up and scattered about the roadway. Such conduct cannot be too strongly condemned, and wc hope the offenders will be speedily brought to book. The July number of the Review of Reviews is to hand as full of interesting nailing matter as ever. The " History of the Month " shows how the " body politic " in Australasia has been moving during the past few weeks and " Beyond the Colonies " does the same thing for the rest of the world. Cyclists will read with interest an article entitled " The Reign of the Wheel in Australasia " and Mr Waddell contributes another paper on " Sport in Maoriland with Rod and Gun" The Character Sketch has M. Zola for its subject, and the whole number is of unvarying interest. A correspondent of Te, Aroha News, writing in a " Woodman spare that tree " sort of vein, deplores the destruction of a clump of pine trees growing in the Domain. He asks : " What would the people of Rotorua have given for a clump of pines like that just ruthlessly felled ':" We may assure our considerate friend that Rotorua conld very well dispense with a large percentage of the unsightly pines whose roots cut up our footpaths, to say nothing of the exasperating acacias which render a portion of Fen ton Street positively dangerous to the short-sighted pedestrian after nightfall. At the Police Court on Friday last tiefore Col. Roberts, S.M., Jane Foley charged Eraua Hoaui, with using insulting language towards her on August 6th, during the sittings of the Native Land Court. After hearing evidence the case was dismissed, no costs being allowed. On the civil side the following cases were disposed of : —Tamahane ie Kuiae v. Pirika and Te Keta, claim for £5 for use of bullock dray. Verdict for plaintiff for 20s with costs 15s ard interpreter's fee 21s. Raharuhi v. Raniera, claim for £4 4s for GOO palings. Verdict for plaintiff for 20s, costs (id, interpreter's fee 15s. Mihaere Ngatai v. Matnna Enoka, claim for £9 9s on judgment summons; no order made. Several cases were settled by mutual arrangement. At the Board meeting the other day matters connected with the cemetery were discussed at intervals. It seemed : as if every subject brought before the Board was fated to have some bearing upon this gruesome quarter. The " laying out " of the ground drew from one member the remark that it wonld be necessary to provide a section for each denomination. M How many are there in Rotorua?" was asked. "Oh, about a dozen if you reckon up the whole of them It was decided, hor. ever, that there were only four denominations that had any claims to consideration—Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Wesleyans. " What about the Jews ? " asked a member, " They need to be buried as much as anyone." But the conversation twisted round as to whether the ground was consecrated or not and the point was lost sight of.

£SO, £lO, £lO, £5. Given away for a single guess. Send stamp for particulars and circulars to Box 176, P. 0., Wellington.

An entertainment consisting of a concert and dance will take place in the schoolroom on Friday night, the proceeds to be devoted to the augmentation of the scoool fund. The programme will consist of songs, recitations and choruses by the children, supplemented by contributions, vocal and otherwise, from wellknown amateurs. Mr Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Land>. made a longer"stay here than whs anticipated, as he only left by Monday's train on his return to Auckland. In company with Messrs Malfroy and Baber he visited Whafcarewarewa where a little difficulty had arisen with the natives in regard io the projected road through their ground. The idea was to have two carriage drives sweeping from the bridge in opposite directions and so into the recently acquired Government ground on each side of the native settlement. To this, however, the natives objected and it was only after a lengthened korero that an agreement was arrived at. One carriage drive will be made right through to the back of the native ground at the foot of the hill and then branch off as above indicated. Mr Mueller also visited Tarukenga and Mamaku. The little difficulty with the natives at the firstnamed place has been arranged, their claims to the land near the railway line having been respected. Sixteen acres, however, elsewhere will be planted with good useful timber, suitable for sleepers, &c. At Mamaku experiments are being made as to the possibility of growing timber for railway purposes in the bush. Very sanguine hopes are entertained of success. In regard to the many improvements required to put the town in a perfect sanitary condition Mr Mueller, who has not long returned from interviewing the heads of departments in Wellington, states that sufficient money will be available from the £50,000 vote to do what is necessary. The work will be controlled by an engineer thoroughly conversant with sanitary matters. MAX SHOULD HAVE SOME AGENT To impart warmth to his social feelings without blunting his mental perception or moral sensibilities. Such is Wolfe's Schnapps.

TOWN BOARD MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Town Board was held at the Board office on Thursday last when all the members were present, Mr Malfroy in the chair. COHRESPONDENCE. From the Department of Lands and Survey returning the by-laws of the Borough of Tauranga in response to the Board's request.—lt was stated that the manuscript by-laws in connection with the Rotorua Board, forwarded at the same time, had not been returned and it was resolved to apply for them again. From tho Department of Justice, re cost of administering Licensing Act in Rotorua district, and stating that the expenditure is regulated by the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1893, and that the Government could not interfere. From the Engineer, Railway Depart ment, stating that he had forwarded the Board's application for trees to the proper quarter. From the Rev. C. C. Browne, Te Ngae, asking for a quantity of trees for plant-ing.-—The Chairman stated that he had advised Mr Browne to apply to Mr Rcaney as lie had trees for distribution outside the town. From 0» tJirss, asking that the rent for Eakeroa might be reduced on the ground that the feneing-ofi of the football area depreciated its value for grazing purposes, Parties were withdrawing their horses as they considered the best of the grass had been taken away. The revenue had also fallen off on account of certain owners of horses having left the district—The Chairman stated that though the lessee had paid a good price it was understood that the winter receipts would fall off. A postscript to the letter stated that the lessee now wished to run, horses in that portion of the reserve which was planted with voung trees so as to enable him to pay off his arrears of rent. He (the chairman) was not inclined to grant this. The lessee should have prepared for the winter season when the fees were coming in freely in the summer-time. Mr Mueller thought it would not be advisable to allow the young trees to be interfered with. The lessee should be notified that action woidd be taken unless the arrears were paid. Mr Brent considered that as a portion of the reserve had been taken away some concession should be made. Mr Dansey stated that the lessee was aware that this portion would be taken away when he tendered. Mr Mueller thought that under these cir cuius! anees nothing should be deducted. If Birss wished to surrender the lease he could do so. Mr Brent thought a month's rent should be deducted. Mr Mueller could see no reason for this. The lessee should have made the good months prepare for the bad. It was unlust to the othe-T tenderers to make any reduction. The principle was bad. Resolved—That the Board cannot make any reduction in rent but that the lessee will be allowed to Surrender the lease on payment of arrears up to date. From Mr G. Thomson stating that he had received permission from the Colonial Secretary to remove the body of his wife to another place of interment and asking if the new portion of the cen/etery had been laid eff as he wished to use it the following day if convenient. Mr Malfroy stated the letter had been received on the previous day and that Mr Thomson had since been seen and advised to delay exhuming thebody, as froma Board of Health point of view he did not think it would be safe. Dr Ginders stated that although he had not attended the ease he was aware of the circumstances and thought it would be dangerous to disinter the remains so soon. The clerk stated that the body had been exhumed that da; and re-interred. Mr Mueller asked why this was permitted '? The clerk said that Mr Thomson had the permission of the Colonial Secretary- Mr Mueller remarked that the Colonial Secretary had nothing whatever to do with, the actual removal. If from a health point of view it was unsafe to disturb the body so soon it. should not have been permitted. A bereaved -husband should have ' every consideration shown him in such a matter, but when a medical authority stated there was danger to tin; community in a particular course the Board had to be very careful. There was no use discussing the subject at greater length as the re-i ntei ment had taken place, but he I hoped in future no such work should be ' permitted without tho sanction of the j Board of Health.

From the Rev. S< Ingle drawing at- ] to the dangerous condition of the path , leading from the main road to the Eng- ( lish Church and asking that itbe placed ; in repair as soon as possible. The ; writer stated that the natives offered no objection to such being done nor would ■ they mate any claim in connection there- < with—The Chairman said that from the nature of the ground no good road could i be made but it might be improved considerably. Resolved that the repairs bo ! effected. , From R. Griffiths asking for a share of the Board's carting from the Railway i Station, It was suggested that tenders should be called for the work for a period of 12 months. It was. however, decided that Mr Griffiths be allowed a share of the work in the meantime. The Football Auea. The Chairman stated that the football area on Pukeroa had now been fenced in but the contractor, Mr Gallen, asked for 10s extra on account of having to distribute the timber along the line of fence whereas the specification set forth that it would be delivered on the ground. Itwas pointed out that there was no stipulation to place the timber along the line of fence. If the work had been done in a better manner the sum asked for might Jiava been allowed. The application was therefore refused. Mr Malfroy stated that a gate to admit vehicles had been erected by Mr Bell at a cost of 40s. The House ox Pekhroa. The Chairman stated that the Board would need to decide what wnsto be done with the house on Pukeroa now that Mr Taylor had relinquished possession. Mr Mueller stated that this troublesome mattor had been settled amicably. The first demand by Mr Taylor for £IOO as compensation was refused and at length £4O was agreed on. The Board could now do ! what was thought best with the house. Mr Malfroy considered that as the house had been used for typhoid patients it would be best to destroy it. It was pointed out that some years had elapsed since then. It was finally decided to strip the building of all lining, ,&c. nnd remove it to the cemetery whore it could be utilised as a shed. A general discussion then arose in regard to cemetery matters and to the survey of the ground. It was decided that a sexton should be appointed and that applications should be called for the office. A Street Ranger. Mr Malfroy stated that the Town Belt had now been planted and it would be necessary to do something to protect the young trees. Fencing would be expensive and he thought that more general good would be done by the appointment of a ranger to drive to the pound all horses and cattle found wandering in the streets. It was decided to invite applications for the office at an emolument of 20s per month and driving fees. Street Ijipkovemekts. It was decided to plough and harrow Hinemaru Street as fnr as the Town Belt. It was also agreed to form Eruera Street from Fenton Street to Tutanekai Street. The Chairman stated that the Tarewa Road was in a very bad condition but that the surfacemen would bo put on to it as soon as they were at liberty. Mr Brent drew attention to certain channels which had been cut across the footpath that were dangerous to pedestrians after nightfall. Mr Diinsoy drew the Chairman's attention to the fact that although the planting of the Pukeroa slope from the Library to Lake House had been decided on some months ago nothing had yet been done. It wns resolved that it would be attended to as soon as suitable trees could bo procured. Collection" of "Water Rate. The Chairman stated that in reference to the collection of the water rate the Government had agreed to al'ow a small snm to be charged for the work. They had :<ot yet decided what snm the Grand Hotel was to be charged. Dr Ginders pointod out that the charge for hotels was £o. Mr Mueller said they would need to alter the schedule of charges before they could charge more. It was stated that the Board had now full power to proceed against those in default and to cut off the water when necessary. It was decided that the clerk should be appointed receiver of the water rate in accordance with the instructions received from the Government at a remuneration of 2i per cent on the sums paid in. Bottling the KtaitAU, Mr Mueller stated that in looking over the minutes of the previous meeting he had seen that the Board recommended that Mr C. Clarke should be allowed the sole right of bottling and selling the Kuirau water for a term of years. They had had some difficulty in regard to the same matter at Te Aroha, and the Government at length had to step in and declare the right forfeited. The difficulty there arose from the fact that the lessee had not been bound to export or produce a fixed quantity per annum- As little work as possible was done so that the right might be retained on tho chance of selling it. It was the same as " shepherding " a claim to prevent its "being jumped. He thought that when the consent of the Government was obtained they should be careful to see that precautions in the direction pointed out were taken in order that the monopoly—for it was virtually a monopoly—should not be abused. The Chairman remarked that as fai" as the Kuirau was concerned no one would care to bottle the water now as the temperature had lowered and it had become a bathing place for the natives. Mr Mueller stated that he saw the Board had allowed water to be led into private houses near the Kuiraa. That was right and proper. Mr Dansey pointed out that the water in question was running to waste. Mr Mueller said that whether or not the Board should retain the power to close the supply at any time. Otherwise they might have people obtaining a permission to take water from a Spring and start baths in opposition to the Board. He did not think Mr Dansey would do anything of the sort but it was as well to be safe. (Laughter.) The Removal of Xight Soil. Mr Mueller stated that they had, doubtless, seen by the papers that th«>re was a movement afoot which would knock the Board on the head as at present constituted and make it an elective body. He did not think, however, seeing the amount of work in the hands of Ministers at present that it would bo gone on with just yet. The life of the Board was assured for a little while yet. Whether or not, however, he thought the Board should now take definite steps so that when the

hot weather ca;ne on Ihere should he no | complaints in regard to the system of j dealing with the night soil of the town, j lie thought that specifications should he prepared for the work aud tenders invited; i the service to he for a term of years and the whole of the requisite plant to be I supplied hy the contractor. Plenty of time could fcc given for the return offenders. The information already obtained from Mr McArthur which was before the Board in the shape of a report would j guide them in drawing up the specifica- j tion and they would have every other assistance from Mr McArthur which they might require. This was a matter which must be attended to whether the Board were "ruling the roost" here or some differently constituted body, and if tenders were once in the service could be started in a month's time at the most. He understood from Mr McArthur that all the appliances were kept in stock in Melbourne and could be shipped at short notice. No matter what drainage system the Government introduced this removal of night soil must bo a thing apart from it for the next 10 years at least. They woidd not therefore Conflict in an}- way, A letter from Mr McArthur supplementing his report and giving particulars where the material might be procured was read. Mr Mueller stated that what he wanted to do was to put the Board in a position to deal with the matter speedily. He moved, " That specifications be prepared and tenders called for the removal of night soil for a period of three or five years at the option of the tenderer who is to supply the whole of the necessary appliances. Tenders to be accompanied by a deposit of £lO and to be lodged with the Chairman of the Board by October 15th next. The lowest or any tender not necessarily to be accepted."" This was seconded by Mr Dansey and carried unanimously. Finance. The treasurer's statement showed as follows : —Receipts : Balance from preceding statement £293 Gs Gd; deposits, &c, £1 12s Gd; hath fees, £26 lis 9d; sundries, £3 14s Gd. Total. £325 5s 3d. Expenditure : J. Gallon, £7 8s Gd ; E. Griffiths, £9 9s Gd ; sundry accounts, £8 14s 7d; wages, £53 Gs Id. Balance in bank, &c, £2-10 Gs 7d. Total, £325 5s 3d. The following accounts were passed for payment : —Rusabs Bros., £27 16s; Steele Bros.. £2l 8s 9d ; Gallen, £23 19s Gd ; J. 11. Taylor, £l4 Is Gd; E. Robertson, £1 9s Ud; Craig, £3 18s 4d; 11. Bell, £2; E. Griffiths, £1 Gi: sundries, £2 10s lOd; wages, £O3 lis <»d.—Total, £IG2 2s 7d. Boahi) or Health. Mr Corlett :is inspector of nuisances reported that lie had everywhere been well received on his first visit and residents had expressed their desiro to assist the Board in its efforts to bring about better sanitary conditions. In reply to questions Mr Corlett stated that he had visited the Palace Hotel and that the landlord was prepared to do whatever was required. He ha«l seen the cess pit there. It was most offensive and should be emptied at onee. They were prepared to do what was necessary when it was shown what was to be done. Dansey said that before the cess pit was constructed they were informed all about it. They had simply dug a hole whereas they should have made a proper concrete pit. Mr Malfrov stated that the pit could easily he pumped into iron tanks aud carted to the depot. It was resolved "That the proprietor of the Palace Hotel be ordered to have bis cess pit emptied forthwith and to do so in future at such intervals as will prevent it becoming an abominable nuisance to the neighborhood." The meeting then closed.