The North Auckland Age WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “ THE MANGONUI COUNTY TIMES ” AND “ THE BAY OF ISLANDS TIMES." WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1907. BREVITIES.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 21, 2 January 1907, Page 4

The North Auckland Age WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “ THE MANGONUI COUNTY TIMES ” AND “ THE BAY OF ISLANDS TIMES." WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1907. BREVITIES.

Victoria Valley cricketers easily defeated Herekino on Friday, 28th December. The scores were: Victoria Valley 144, Herekino 22 and 24.

At the Cable Station a granite slab has been erected, on which is inscribed the exact latitude and longitude of the spot on which the pillar stands. The latitude is 34 degrees, 59’ 22” S. The longitude 173 degrees 29’ 02” E. The latitude and longitude of the Pacific Islands which before were only approximate have now been definitely determined by means of observations taken by the Canadian Astronomer, Professor Otto Klotz, who spent some time at Doubtless Bay about three years ago.

Constable Carmody was over for New Year’s Day, to assist in keeping peace and order. There is talk of protesting against liis visiting here on future sports days, on the ground that he always brings wet weather with him.

Mangonui and Victoria Valley cricketers are to play a match on Saturday, at Cooper’s Beach. The following team will represent Mangonui Messrs. Syd. Wrathall, R. T. Wrathall, J. Penney, C. Penney, L. Penney, P. Lambly, J. Houston, L. Matthews, L. Martin, W. Wilton and Dr. Forbes.

The Mangonui Sheffield Handicap will be run on Saturday, and in order not to interfere with the cricket • match it has been arranged to take the heats as follows : -First heat 10 a.m., second heat at luncheon adjournment, final immediately upon conclusion of cricket match. Mr. Arthur Garton has a nice bit of horseflesh in Roslyn, who accounted for the Maiden and the Cup at Mangonui races. After the parade on 26th January a meeting will be held for the purpose of electing a sublieutenant in the Mangonui Mounted Rifles, Vegetables of all kinds are very plentiful this year, and our forthcoming County shows should attract larger entries than ever in this section, as well as in live stock which is all in good condition. The New Year opened inauspiciously so far as the weather was concerned. The rain in a great measure spoilt Mangonui races, and meant a heavy loss (comparatively speaking) to the business people. The s.s. Apanui will make an excursion trip from Awanui to Parenga for the races, fare 10/- return. This affords an excellent opportunity to visit the Far North and spend a pleasant day or two. Particulars of the trip may be found in our advertising columns. Through «sme misunderstanding our agent has failed to forsvard our usual press wire. We presume the holidays are responsible, and trust our readers will excuse. Mangonui County Council meets on Friday, 4th instant. A sale of lots, town of Rawene, will be held at the District Lands Office, Auckland, on Friday, 25th January’. Particulars in our advertising columns. Messrs. H. M. Smeeton advertise some cheap prices for goods in the fruit preserving line. The time-table of the s.s. Apanui for January appears in this issue. ICaitaia Branch of_ the Farmers’ Union hold a meeting in the Kaitaia hall on Saturday evening, 12th January, at 7 p.m., in connection with the forthcoming visit of the Minister for Lands. Our next issue will be published on January Bth. We have received many congratulations on our Christmas issue, and take this opportunity of thanking one and all for their good wishes. We hope to retain the confidence of our readers during the coming year, and will do all in our power to merit a continuance of their support.

Master C- Ballance has received an appointment on the staff of the Pacific Cable Board at Doubtless Bay. His place at the local post office has been filled by Master Blackwell, a cadet from the Parnell office.

The barquentine Pelotas, which was wrecked at Whan gape some months ago, has been successfully refloated by Messrs. T. M. Lane and Sons, and was towed to Whangaroa on Tuesday, 11th December, by the s.s. Ohineniuri. The repairs effected at Whangape consist of a piece of new keel, new sternpost and rudder, and the whole of the bottom refustened and caulked. To do this work it was necessary to heave her down till the keel was out of water, as there was no beach suitable for hauling her up. In performing this work unfortunately the main and mizzen masts were both carried away and new masts will have % to be fitted. Though the nature of the work was extremely dangerous, there were no accidents to the men employed, which speaks well for the skill and ability of those in charge of the job. We understand that the vessel is to l>e hauled up after the holidays and the repairs completed in a first-class manner, so as to fit the ship for the intercolonial trade, into which her present^wners, Messrs. T. M. Lane and Sons, propose to place her.