THE WAR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7378, 3 February 1902, Page 3

THE WAR.

Applicants for inclusion in tbe Ninth Contingent were put through their riding tests tbia morning. Any returned contingentera or members of mounted corps who were unaware of the test being held will be given an opportunity to-morrow morning of showing what they can do.

CORRESPONDENCE.

BE THE FOBMATION OF A BEAUTIFIW SOCIETY.

TO THH EDITOR.

Sir,— lt has for a long time been a matter of surprise and wonder to me why the citizens of Hawera take such a small amount of interest in any movement for the beautifying of their township. Some time ago a society was formed for the purpose, but it seems to have sunk into oblivion, through lack of public support. What a great improvement an energetic Bociety, well supported by the public, could make in Hawera, in the way of tree planting in the streets, and the formation of a public park or gardens. How well the streets would look with a line of tree* on either Bide anyone who has been in some of the larger New Zealand towns can well imagine. The Becreation Ground also could be wonderfully improved by the planting of trees and shrubs, and by two or three plots of flowers. If it were possible to secure some of tho land below the Tawbiti road, near the Bacon Factory, and through which the Tawhiti stream runs, for the purpose of forming a public park, in a few years it could be transformed into a place like tbe Recreation Ground at New Plymouth, and with as fine a lake also. Of course, there are a great many obstacles to be overcome in the formation of publio parks and gardens, ar a in street tree planting, such as, for iastance, the larrikin evil. There is also the prevalence of strong winds and galeß, but with good management trees could be selected for bleak spots, ones that could withstand the winds. In the case of a public park being formed about the Tawhiti, or other similar place, the trees would be sheltered in the hollows. Mr Wbittaker advocates the planting of trees along the road to Normanby, which I think would be a very good plan, and if well carried out would repay tbe r /tjroubl.e and expense necessary for suob fiutppse. I would suggest that the Chamber of Commerce take up this matter, and have a society formed and set in motion. I know that this body has other matters to attend to, but I think that any trouble taken by its members in this oase would be well rewarded by tbe results, if the work were done energetically and judiciously. Hoping that this letter may cause some interest to be taken by the Hawera public in the matter. — I am, etc.,

Two Homing pigeons flew from ChristOhutch to Auckland, 470 miles |by the air line, last week.

Four Australian equatters, whose wealth is said to aggregate considerably over £5,000,000, were Blaying at Rotorua last week.

Addressing the Ngaruawahia branch of the Farmers' Union, Mr Glass, organising secretary, said Sir Joseph Ward was the one man in the Ministry for the farmers and he had done more for them than any man they ever had. They had 17 farmers, in the House of Representatives, and in the Legislative Council one farmer and one landholder, which was clear proof of what the Government had donp for tha farmer. They needed more small farmers in the Legislative Council to keep the bills in check and throw out those inimical to the farmer straight away.

Daring last month over 100 persons paid the mountain a visit via Dawson's Falls. Thiß month, says Egmont Post, it is antioipated that fully double that number will make the ascent. Mr B. Dingle has been Buooesafulin securing a piano, after a three years' struggle, and had it taken to the .mountain in a bullock dray yesterday. ° Great credit is due to that gentleman for the persistent efforts he has made to provide music for visitors. We understand that the entire sum required to purchase a good instrument has been collected in shilling?. Purse lost. Fruit at W.C.F.T. Association Mart.