LOCAL NEWS.

Northern Advocate, 16 September 1914, Page 2

LOCAL NEWS.

During the present war crisis all amusements are banned except, those

which are organised for the express purpose of benefiting the war funds. It is pleasant to report that all are uniting in their efforts in every district throughout the Far North to "pay, pay, pay." The Waipapakauri, Awanui, Kaitaia, Victoria Valley, Fairbums, Lake Ohia, Oruru, and Mangonui funds are all being well supported. Various entertainments in aid of Patriotic Funds are advertised, and in almost every school in the county the youngsters have contributed . their quota. At. Victoria Valley on Friday night last a basket social was held in 'aid of the patriotic funds, and almost seventy pounds was the very creditable result. The first contribution of £40 from the Oruru A. and H. Society has been sent in. The Far North would do well to consider a further scheme in the way of funds. This part of the Empire at anyrate just now is one of the smallest sufferers from the crisis. It is, therefore, "up to us" to be ready to make a considerable sacrifice. No one will deny that the plucky Belgians are deserving of not only our gratitude and sympathy but also of our help, the institution of a Belgian relief fund in the Far North would be a worthy and creditable achievement and without the slightest doubt would meet with general and universal support. Of course in view of the crisis politics is a rather "sick" subject just now. Mr George Wilkinson commence;! his campaign at Kawakawa on September 3 by addressing a very fairly attended meeting. He received a favourable- reception. Last week he also visited and addressed the electors at Opua and Russell. COUNTY COUNCIL. On September 1 a meeting of the Mangonui County Council was held, and matters of some importance were discussed and dealt with. The chairman's report on hiß visit to Wellington was received, and the ' loan proposal was discussed. It was decided that a formal application for a £40,000 loan be made under the Local Bodies Act, 1913, on the instalment system, the expenditure to extend over 4 years, repayable with,interest and sinking fund in years at 4% per cent, per annum.' In the opinion of many ratepayers, it would be far wiser and more satisfactory, in spite of the extra expense, to,hold a spec'al poll after the election of the new council to decide these loan proposals, as in the opinion of many the proposal will be rejected unless the ratepayer knows the component parts of the. council which will;have the administration and spending of this money. .. < The Mangonui County Council contributed £25 to the Patriotic Fund. For Chronic Chest Complaints, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. 1/6, 2/6

The County road overseer, Mr Watts, is public spirited. He offered (and his offer was accepted), in view of the necessity for economy in County matters at a time like this to retire .temporarily, and, of course, forego his salary until the position improved. 1 He also offered his services at a remuneration to cover actual work done, should they be required for any special work.

The heavy traffic bye-laws were confirmed and now come into force.

An incident which may have farreaching effects, and may tend to changes on the Council, occurred ■■ at this meeting. Mr George ColviPs objected to certain names on the County electoral roll, and he formally lodged an objection. The names objected to were P. and N. Wrathall.Wrathall and Sons, and R. T. and F. Wrathall. The Council decided that it could not set-

tle the technical legal points at issue, and, therefore', the question wijl be settled by the stipendiary magistrate at the next Mangonui Court. If the objection should be upheld it will later lead to the deletion from the roll of a number of votes held on similar grounds, and it may possibly considerably change the personnel of the Mangonui County Council.