COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8950, 14 January 1888, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from our own correspondents.] Hamilton, Friday. A well-attended meeting of the "Waikato Anniversary Swimmiug Races " Committee was held last- night in the Waikato Times building ; Mr, W. A. Graham in the chair. Mr. G. Carter, who was present, was added to the committee. A report was brought up by Messrs. Pannall and T. G. Sandes, who had inspected the lake, that a fine space of deep water, from 10ft to beyond soundings could be had, starting at some 15yds from the edge of the lake in a central position, where a bluff spur in the Park would form a natural grand stand for some hundreds of spectators. It was arranged to construct a raft some 16 feet by 10 feet, which could be moored in 10 feet of water for the starting point of the several races. Some ten boats and canoes, and as many tents, if required, were placed at the command of the'committee without charge. The programme was then gone through, and the prizes allotted. J wo new races were aided to the programme,--

—I i i i T i" ii iiini m —l one for boys undsr fourteen, and one for girls under twelve. The prizes for the Walk&to championship, for the Ladies' Swimming Race, for the Scratch Race, and for the race for boys under sixteen, will be handsome gold medals with suitable in* scriptiong. Silver bracelets, and silver necklet and chain, the prizes for the Girls' Race nnder fifteen, and the Girls' Race ander twelve. For the younger boys' races the prizes warded will be watches and chains. Other prizes will consist of handsome silver medals, and smaller gold medals than those given for the chief events referred to above. A Rob Roy canou race, half a mile, and a football match in the water have also been added to the programme. Mr. J. £. Wbyte was appointed judige, and Mr. Missen starter. At the last drill meeting of the Hamilton volunteers an official letter was read an* nouncing that the capitation allowance from the Government for 1888 would be very largely reduced. Arrangements for drills were made for the year, which will now be fortnightly instead of weekly. The full number of 68 mem bers of the corps has been returned us "efficient." Some of these had put through as many as 76 drills last year, but the average number of drills attended in the year was 50, or nearly one a week. Great credit is due to Captain Reid for the very efficient condition to which he has brought this company of volunteers during the year it has been in existence.

Ohaupo, Friday. Mr. Tobias Hicki), of Pnkerimu, who some three weeks ago met with an accident, breaking his leg, though still confined to his bed, is progressing favourably under the care of Dr. Waddington. Mr T. Harmon was breaking in a young horse on Wednesday evening, and was struck by the forefoot of the animal, who reared upon him, He received a severe blow on the forehead, whish was badly cut, * the cheek was cut open, and the lower lip severed. The services of Dr. Waddington, of Cambridge, ,were at once secured, and the wounds sewn up.

Cambridge, Friday. The annual meeting of the congregation of the Trinity Presbyterian Church was held yesterday evening, when the R6VB. R. Sommerville and D. J. Steele, of Auckland, attended as delegates from the Auckland Presbytery, and questioned the minister, elders, and committee of management as to the state of their church, after which several members of the congregation asked questions as to the suatentation fund. The Rev. R. iSommerville answered, and the two visiting clergymen then retired to draw up their report, which will be read on Sunday next at the morning service by Mr. Sommerville, who will also be the preacher. The minister, the Rev. W. Evans, then took the chair, and the report of the committee of management was read. It stated that the income had failed to meet the expenditure notwithstanding, the exercise of careful economy, and thi) reduction of the minister's stipend. The loss on the year's working was over £24, and this, with the debit balance of last year of £6 6a 3d, made them in debt £29 10s 6d. This was accounted for by the subsoriptions to the fund for repairing the manse falling short of what was anticipated. The stipend fund had fallen £9, and the plate collection £13, during the past year. This was in some measure accounted for by a large number of subscribers having left the district, while very few new ones bad been added. The report was adopted. It was proposed by Elder Fisher, seconded by Elder Campbell, that it be an instruction to the incoming committee that they take steps to wipe off the deficiency by direct subscriptions. Carried. The following were appointed a committee of management for the present year Town : Ferguson, C. Sharp, G. Campbell, J. McMillan. Suburbs : J. Dykes, G. Young. Hautapu : W. Russell, L. Brown. Pukerimu : J. Scott, A. Wallace. Tauwhare : C. Shaw, Psalmody Committee : F. J. Brooks, R. W. Sargent, J. Fisher; treasurer, F. J. Brooks ; secretary, R. W. Sargent. The meeting closed with the usual votes of thanks. A subscription list was handed round among those present, and £8 10s was promised towards the deficiency. The caterpillars at fukerima are worse than was at first expected* They are now attacking some of the green crops, and have appeared in several places. Miss Georgie Smithson and her company gave an entertainment in the Public Hall last night,, but was not well patronised,