COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1716, 6 January 1920, Page 7

COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.

DOWN THE LINE.

(Fbom Odb Own Cobbespondeht.) OTAKI, Jan. 5.

A motor car, said to belong to a priest at Miramar, was stolen early on New Year s morning by two men—one it mere hoy and driven northwards. While turning a corner at Paraparaurnu it ran foul ot a water channel, and, owing to the terrific pace at which it was being driven, the wheels on one side were badly damaged, the axle was knocked well out of position, ami the body generally damaged. Constable Satherley made enquiries, but beyond find- \ ing blood marks and hearing that the men hud made a hurried departure, he came across no clue. At the Police Court at Otaki on Saturday Robert Harmon, arrested at Manakau on Friday by Constable Satherley’, was charged with the theft of £5 from Jeffery Fitzroy, of Otaki. lie was lined £2, and ordered to pay costs (£1) and to refund the £5 stolon. A number of Boy Scouts, 24 in all, have been spending holidays at Paraparaurnu. They returned to Wellington on Saturday. Quito a number of Maori bones have been unearthed on the sandhills at Paraparaurnu of cecont date, while several whale bones are also lying exposed. . During the holidays several parties visited Kapiti Island, and a number are still indulging in holiday-making on the lonely isle Mr Fred Coley, of Waihoanga, left for Wellington on Saturday with the intention of undergoing a serious operation at the hospital on Thursday next. A man named Francis Harrington Daly, with several aliases, was arrested on Friday at Otaki by Constable Satherley, and charged with being drunk while on u train, lie was fined 10s for drunkenness and convict ed and discharged for profane language ana ordered to leave the town. At least one car load of “sports” will have occasion to remember New Year’s Day and the Marton races. Leaving Otaki they encountered bed luck early on the load, and punctures were numerous. A spare wheel was of no avail, white r. borrowed ty re proved little bettor. In desperation the owner purchased a new “spare” from a follow motorist,.and on this the journey was completed. but not till the first two races had been run. ' ' The seaside proved a favourite resort for niunv on New Year’s Day, and the days I toll owing, and as lovely weather < prevailed bathing was greatly in evidence. Surf-board ; bathing caused a diversion, and was watched with interest, j As a result of the sports gathering at Parapai-aurmi on New Year’s Day over £IOO was taken, but as the expense was heavy the credit balance will not bo large. There will, however, be a fair surplus to hand over for next .year’s meeting There-is at present a doubt as to whether a sports meeting will bo held at Otaki on the 28th, inst., ■ as Levin has practically decided to hold a gathering on that date. One of the most enjoyable functions hold at To Horo of recent date was the leap-year dance held on Now Year’s night. There was a largo attendance, including visitors from all parts of the district. Petty thieving is still rife at Te Horo, and at the recent dance several articles wore taken. Bicycle pumps, lamps, etc., seem to be very attractive to the thieves. •