MANAIA NOTES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 24 October 1912, Page 8

MANAIA NOTES.

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A strong motor-cycle club has been ioiii.ecl here, with a membership of IV so lar, and it is confidently expected that tins number will soon be considerably increased. At the preliminary meeting a low eveniugs ago, the convenor (the liev. Air fetent) was voted to the chair, and briefly explained the objects ana purposes of the club. Mr C. Taylor was appointed lion, secretary, pro. tern., but it was decided to leave tne official appointments for a meeting which w-as to nave been held last Tuesday evening. The very rough weather, however, interla red with tne attendance, and the meeting was adjourned till Thursday, October 31.

VV hilst on the subject of motor-cycles, the very last word appears to have been spoken in regard to tne latest "RudgeIvlulti," a model of which is now on vjeu- at Mr (_". Taylor's shop at Manaia. ITid outstanding feature of this beautiful machine in the ingenious gearing, which is variable from 3£ to 1 and 7£ to 1, eifected by means of indefinably small gradations. This gearing operates by the simultaneous expansion of the engine-pulley and the contraction of the back belt rim for slow speed, or vice versa for high gear, and the rider has thus an easy and absolute control over speed. It is said that this is the first machine of th.l 3 very high class standuard imported into Taranaki, and already it has been the centre of much interest with motor-cyclists. Business appears to be much firmer and sounder in Manaia recently than for some time past, and there is not a shop or a house v to be had. In regard to dwelling-houses, the new Building and Investment Company, which is now practically floated, should relieve the pressure and prove a great boon to the town generally. Whilst on the topic of .uiildings, etc., 1 may mention that taere are two new enterprises to record —namely, Mr Gilmour's new show-room .'lext to Mr Craig's shop, and Mrs Cassnjy_s dressmaking establishment, near •;■ itunu'e. They are both wanted, and should do 'well.

Mr Grilinour has a fine selection of crockery at his new show-room, including tasteful full and half dinner-sets tea-sets, salad bowls, and glassware genally. The stock shows a very judicious choice, quite a credit to the proprietor. He is also showing the Perfection sewing machine, with automatic drop-head kerosene cookers, mangles, portable fljethven boilers, and Planet Jr. implements—quite an enticing display for the farmer and his wife. When chatting over old times with our friend Mr J. D. Mitchell the other day he mentioned a very interesting item in connection with the Government land sale.of the lands round about here which was held 30 years ago. He mentioned that only two of the original purchasers of sections still occupied their original selections—Mr James Bourke on the Sutherland road, and himself. Mr Mitchell has many interesting reminiscences of those early days and struggles, and ha mentioned the*"lime when it mast a most difficult matter to quit butter at even 4d per lb. Truly, we are living in comparatively luxurious times now.