COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9184, 13 October 1888, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

PAPAROA. A man named Thomas Alexander, of Pahi, has been missing since the 28th ult. He was last seen getting into his boat on that day, and subsequently his boat was found, but no trace of the man. Constable Inger is searching for him. Mr. Robinson, drawing master to the Board of Education, is visiting the schools in this neighbourhood for the purpose of giving instruction in technical drawing. On Saturday ho met a good attendance of teachers and others at the Paparoa School, giving to them such instruction and work as will be helpful to them in their studies for months to come. We have not the advantages which the cities enjoy ; however, the Hoard, in thus employing Mr. Robinson, is endeavouring to supply the deficiency in this respect. An interesting chess tournament between eight school boys has taken place recently, Mr. Blythe, Government surveyor, haying offered two sets of chessmen as prizes. The successful players were Masters Ralph Wilson and Samuel Sarah. Another set, as a .special prize, was subscribed for, and given to Master Herbert Fenwick.—[Own Correspondent.] . ;

HOKIANGA. I have been informed that the s.s. Rowena broug! , ' this trip 10 tons of seed potatoes for the vilinge settlers in this district. J believe tilts seed has been advanced by the Government; as most of the settlers hud ground prepared and no seed to put in. The timely arrival of these potatoes will be a great boon to the settlers. Complaints are made that the Rowena is not good enough for this trade, as the traffic has increased very much of late. We hope

the Northern Company will try to give us & better boat. The captain and officers ,ar° deservedly held in high esteem by the residents here. Mr. C. Lane, the new teacher, has arrived for the Rawcne School. I wish him success A public meeting was held in the County Hall, at Rawcne, on the 22nd of September, for the purpose of protesting against the action of the Education Board for having dismissed Mr. John Ritchie from their service ; also to protest against the weakness and injustice of tho Raweno School Committee for allowing him to be dismissed, without a word of protest, after so many years service. Resolutions were passed asking the Education Board to reconsider its decision respecting Mr. Ritchie's dismissal, also censuring the local committee. The meeting was sparsely attended.—[Own Correspondent.]