COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8959, 17 August 1892, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from our own correspondents.]

Noaruawahia, Tuesday. The Waikato Rugby Union fixtures will recommence on Saturday, when the match between the Hamilton and Whawhakia Clubs will take place here. A start will be at once made on the creamery at Te Kowhia, so as to be ready to receive milk on the Ist September. The Te Kowhai factory will be the same size as Mr. Henry Reynolds' other factories recently erected at Kihikihi and Waihou, 12 feet by 26 feet.

At the monthly meeting of the Newcastle Highway Board there were present the chairman (Mr. P. Corhoy) and Messrs. Foxall, Corbett, Harris, and Blackett, the following tenders were dealt with : —For fascining and making a drain near the Pukete station— Aubrey, £2 lis 0d per chain; S. James, £1 19s 6d; Martin Fitzgerald, £1 17s; H. Booth, £1 9s 6d; J. Charlton, £1 8s; W. Bycroft (accepted), £1 3s 9d per chain. For formation and claying on old Whatawhata Road and repairs— Nicol, formation 17s 6<l per chain, claying JOd per cubic yard, and repairs £10; M. Fitzgerald, formation 3s 6d. claying repairs £4 9s; F. Rothwell (accepted), 3s 9(1, 7d, and £3. It was resolved to levy a rate of one halfpenny in the pound on the district.

Tamahere, Tuesday. The monthly meeting of the Tamahere Road Board fell through for want of a quorum, only two members putting in an appearance. Patkranoi, Tuesday. The association match between the Pateranga and Whatawhata Clubs will take place on Saturday at Whatawhata. Cambridge, Tuesday. Tine hounds will throw off at Gwynnelauds on Saturday. Mr. S. Seddon, of Gorton, has been returned unopposed to the vacancy on the Piako County Council for the Taotaoroa riding. Ohatjpo, Tuesday. The fine warm weather we have lately hat is most favourable for the lambing seasolj which is now far forward. Though we hejy of few deaths, from some cause or other t&t number of twins and triplets is not nearly large as in former seasons. In cases whern the ewes while in lamb have been worried if dogs there is the usual loss from cross presentations and other unnatural consequence resulting in the deaths of both dam and offspring. > Rotorua, Monday. On Saturday night last at the railway contract works, Takahua, a young native about 18 years of age, named Te Kawana Iliaka, but better known us " Marina," employed as a navvy, died suddenly from heart disease. The corpse was taken to Rotorua, a distance of 11 miles, being carried all the way by a party of deceased s mates. Shortly after the tangi commenced Dr. Ginders was sent for, a young man having stated that there were still signs of life in the corpse the lips being warm. The doctor made an examination, and pronounced life to be extinct. A horse belonging to Mr. J. Mcßae took a fatal plunge into a hot spring last week, and was boiled to pieces. A spring opposite the Palace Hotel was on its periodical " burst" last week, throwing water up to a height of 20 feet. The spring referred to is usually quiescent, but about once a year, in common with many other springs, has ah occasional flare up. The Town Board, it is hoped, will take steps 'to have both sides of the road from below the Palace Hotel to the Utuhine Bridge fenced, as well as along Ranolf-street facing the Kuirau Spring, and further on near a large boiling mud pond. A letter has been received from Mr. Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, to the effect that the department have decided to cut up into township sections the reserve at the junction of the Oxford and Tauranga roads. Mr. Webb, who has been discharging the duties of road overseer with much accept-

ance, has receiyed a well deserved promotion to the position of assistant road surveyor. The recent flood in the Rangitailu River was not without its benefit. Some years ago a large number of totara piles, intended for the Auckland Wharf, were cat at consider* able expense, the workmen, however, never having been Vaid for their labour. But It was found impossible to get the logs down the river from Te Whiti, on account of their length. During the late floods, however, about 00 of them, ranging in length from 56 to 60 feet, were carried down as far as Galatea, a distance of 22 miles. A most successful Band of Hope meeting was held in the schoolroom last Friday, [BT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENTS. Paeroa, Tuesday. A man named Riley was remanded to-day by Mr. John Phillips, P., until Thursday on a charge of larceny. Raglan, Tuesday. Mr. L. Peeler was thrown from his horse at Karioi to-day. After lying there for two hours he was found and carried to his father's residence. Mr. Bey, who was in attendance, reports that he has received'a severe injury to the spine, the results of which will probably incapacitate him for some time. <" Opotiki, Tuesday. The body of Alexander Milne, who drowned himself in the Otara river' on the 26th July, was found yesterday. An inquest was held to-day, when a verdict of suicide when in a state of temporary insanity was returned. * ■

WAIUKU. On Saturday last Messrs. A. Buckland and Sons held their usual monthly sale of live stock. eta., here. There was a good muster of stock for the winter sales, about 200 being penned, nearly all of which were sold. Fat cattle sold at nigh prices, ranging from £4 to £9 each. Steers sold at extreme prices. Springers were not so high, but none of a superior quality were brought forward. Yearlings and calves sold well, as did sheep, pigs, and horses, at fair prices. ; v On Tuesday the monthly meeting of'the Waiuku Band of Hope Society took place in the Temperance and Public Hall. There was a good number of people present. The president (Mr. T. Finlay) occupied the chair. Readings were given by Messrs. C. Hoskin and J. J. Deed, recitation by Mr. Perkins, a quartette by Messrs. Hockin'aud Barriball and Messrs. C. T. Barriball and W. Hockin, duet by Messrs. Charlie Hosking and A. Lambert, instrumental solo by Miss Parker; reading of the Temperance Gazette by the editor (Mr. S. .Hodge), which was criticised by the audience. A song by Mr. Watts, although not very instructive, caused a lot of amusement. The programme was interspersed by several temperance songs. This brought a very pleasant and agreeable meeting to a close. On Wednesday week last Mr. W. Batchelor our bandmaster, also' bandmaster of the Pukekohe band, whilst returning from Pukekohe, after practice, and when nearly home at the Mauku, where he resides, broke a blood vessel, and becoming alarmed at the flow of blood, decided to return to Pukekohe to consult Dr. Dalziel. However, becoiting very weak by the loss of blood, it was davlight before he reached Pukekohe. The doctor advised him to go to bed at the hotel, but Mr Batchelor preferred to go by the early train to Otahuhu, where his sister resides. This was done, and by the time he reached home he was very weak. I hear since that the bleeding has stopped, and hopes of his recovery are anticipated, although he is still in a precarious state. As he has been bandmaster for the last two years, the Waiuku cavalry and friends have decided to get up a benefit concert to take place on the 30th. inst., after the Inspection of the Waiuku Troon R.C.V., by Lieutenant-Colonel Fox, whicn takes place ou that day. There will be an election of a lieutenant to the Troop which will take place on Saturday the 27th. iust. — (Own Correspondent).

PAPARATA. The monthly meeting of the Band of Hope was held on Thursday evening, August 4th, when an excellent programme was provided for the evening's entertainment. Mr. Lindsay presided. The meeting was opened with praise and prayer, after which the following programme was rendered Recitation, by Charles Buttimore; recitation, Miss Nellie Long; solo, by Mr. W. Cornthwaite, jun.; recitation, Gcorgina Manning; hymn 49; recitation. Amy Lindsay; recitation, John Ferguson ; solo, Miss Long; recitation, Lizzie Mackenzie; hymn 142; recitation, James Ferguson; reading, Mr. J. Long; clarionet solo, Mr. T. Wright; solo. Miss Martin; recitation, Henry Sharp: hymn 213; recitation, Mr. W. Cornthwaite, jun. ; recitation, Alice Lindsay; solo. Miss M. Buttimore; short address, by Mr. Lindsay; recitation, Miss M. Shanks; reading, Samuel Ferguson. A very pleasant meeting was brought to a close with the hymn 41 and the benediction. The singing was accompanied on the harmonium by Mr. Worsley and Mr. Wright, clarionet. Two more signed the pledgebook.

I see Paparata takes the cake for heavy yields of mangolds, Mr. Joseph Rudd estimating his yield at 100 tons per acre. We have grown them in Bombay up to 45 or 50 tons, but we can't come up to Joseph.— [Bombay Own Correspondent.]

WAIRANGI. The annual meeting of the Debating Club was held in the Public Hall on August 13. The attendance was not large. The first business of the meeting was to. elect the office-bearers for the ensuing year. This was done by ballot, and the following was the result —President, Mr. A. Mcßae; vicepresident, Mr. J. Ross; secretary, Mr. G. rettigrew; members ot committee, without office, Messrs. X. McPherson and A. Ross. The club then went into debate under the system known as "sharp practice," which consists in a scries of impromptu speeches, the subjects being on slips of paper drawn fro-a a hat. This elicited considerable amusement, but owing to the smallness of the meeting there was not so much debate as is usual on such occasions. Before the close of the meeting it was decided that a concert and dance under the auspices of tho club be held on Friday, September [Own Correspondent.]

TAUKOA. On* the evening of Friday, the sth, the bachelors of Hoteo North gave a return ball to the ladies who had entertained them in a similar manner a few weeks previously. The weather, which since Wednesday had been very threatening, fortunately still continued fair, and between 50 and 60 guests were present in response to the invitations sent out. A lengthy programme was gone through with great spirit, and the interest was so keen that the last dance was not finished till halfpast three a.m. Refreshments were provided shortly after midnight, Mrs. E. Wilson, whose skill as caterer is so well known, presiding over this department. During the interval Mr. C. Walker sang a comic song ("Mr. Michael Murphy") in? his happiest style, and was warmly applauded. The music was furnished by Misses Lit tin, A. Wilson, and Belcher, and gave great satisfaction. The " Belle" was to have been duly elected during the evening by the committee, but through a slight oversight this ceremony was omitted. lam informed, however, that Miss M. Wilson was the young lady who would have obtained the honour.

Our young people are endeavouring to organise a dancing class, to improve themselves in this delightful exercise, and a very excellent idea too. The principal difficulty being a suitable and competent teacher, as there are so few who really understand dancing in all its details, such as position of hands, careful steering, etc., which all go to complete both the comfort of partners and appearance in a ballroom. A nine-year-old daughter of Mr. Enoch Wilson had a very narrow escape from a terrible death on the afternoon of the sth. She was standing near the fire, with her back towards it, when a sharp gust of wind blew the flame outwards, and set her dress (which was of some light material) alight. Mrs. Wilson, with motherly devotion, rushed to her child's rescue, and succeeded, after some difficulty, in extinguishing the flames, not, however, before she herself was severely burnt on the wrists. The little girl happily, though of course much frightened, escaped unhurt; but the fact of her hair being singed showed how imminent the danger hud been. It was all the more trying for Mrs. Wilson, as she had all the responsibility of the supper tor the dance above-mentioned, and it redounds greatly to her credit that all her arrangements were so skilfully carried out under such trying circumstances.—[Own Correspondent.] MANGAWAI. Ouit County Councillors would do well to have the ruts filled up on the flat road. If broken metal had beeu put iu heaps ready in the dry weather a man and barrow would do all that is required now. Stones for metal should be no larger than an ordinary salt cellar— as large as plates and dishes, as is the custom in this benighted country. The pipe clay put on to cover the stones certainly saved our horses from broken knees, ring bones, spavins, and the like, but smaller metal, in much larger quantities, would have been better than the clay. " Live and learn," that is all rights but shall we live long enough to practice what we learn. One thing seems to trouble us little here, t.e., the " rival railway routes," The line we want completed is the one from Helensville to Whangarei. It is about time we heard the snort from the "iron horse." Shall the pioneer settlers ever hear it ? • At the Beach, money is being collected for the proposed new hall. The site for the building is at present undecided. Land has been offered for it by Mr. Hannah. Another site nearer the publichouse is talked of; also

one near Wyayard's Hill. The selection will be made when subscriptions are large enough to commence operations. . Collections in aid, of the interest due on the church loan come in slowly. No interest has been paid for several years; a demand has now been made for payment. A concert in aid is also decided to take place about the middle of November. No clergyman has been appointed to replace Mr. Todui. The Wesleyans for several Sundays have had no minister. The collections towards stipends for both sects is very small, as also congregations for any religious services whatever. Ministers' stipends are in consequence very low, facts much to be regretted. Football is in great vogue just now. Mangawai kickers seem to be jubilant. The Ruby is to take the local team to Whaugarei for 3s there and back per head. All other persons at the same rats. Kauri logs are laying about ready for rafting, but the low prices going make owners hold back. . Several of our young men are looking out for land fit to settle on. There is, I may say, none here likely to tempt them. Some have gone to Taranaki, some to Raglan, others would be only too glad to have a chance at a good selection. We have a strong north-easter blowing now with rain,' consequently the cutter is windbound. % • .

Many cattle of various ages have died lately. The cause is only guessed at; also a few of last year's lambs, but not so many as last year. . f Ewes are dropping their lambs. The little things are for the most part plump and lively. W« have no volunteer cavalry, fife and drum or brass bands at present, or even a debating society, nor is tnere any move in these matters.— Correspondent.]

V PARUA BAY. In response to a notice posted by the cemetery trustees calling the settlers together on Monday, the Bth August, for the purpose of cleaning up the cemetery and planting trees therein, a few made their appearance. But it is a matter of surprise and regret that in such a large and populous district as this is generally supposed to be, whenever voluntary labour is called for to perform-any necessary public work, there appears to "be so few people in the place. And yet, I venture to say, that few districts in the country have accomplished more by voluntary labour than this district has. But it is always the few willing horses who have to pull the whole coach, and the hangers-back along with it However, we can always manage to do without whit we can't get. The few who did turn out on this occasion did good work. About 50 new trees were, planted, and the place wellcleaned up and put in order. lam sure the county engineer wmtld be very pleased were he to come along now to find tnat, along with the work in the cemetery, we had cut and cleared away all the tea-tree from the outside, between the fence and the county road; and also cut the tea-tree on the lower side of the road to admit light and air. This will be as great a benefit to the road as to the cemetery, and add very considerably to that part of the district. It was suggested that m this is generally a slack time with the settler, a day should be given every year about this time for this most desirable work. Let us hope that when next year's cemetery day comes round we shall find the settlers a little thicker on the ground.

WHAREORA. Arbor Day was thoroughly observed in this district on Thursday, the 4th instant. The children attending the public school were granted a public holiday for the occasion. Two hundred and fifty trees were obtained from the County Experimental Gardens at Maunu, Whangarei, and these were supplemented by the scholars obtaining some, native trees'and shrubs. At ten o'clock the scholars set to work to dig out the holes and plant trees, being superintended in their pleasant labour, by their popular teacher, Miss Hamlin, and Messrs. McLeod, Smith, and Wyatt, members of the School Committee. After the last tree was planted the children and their friends partook of refreshments, and then adjourned to Mount Tiger to complete the day's work amongst trees, by collecting rare specimens of ferns, &c. In the evening the Key. Mr. Mackie conducted service in the church to a large and attentive congregation. Miss Hamlin presided at the organ in her usual- finished style, while the choir was led by Mr. VV. Mch-innon. Altogether a very pleasant and profitable day was spent. A meeting of the newly-elected Road Board took place on Thursday, in the School House. Present: — Messrs. F. Smith, R. McLeod, J . Donaldson, F. Wyatt, S. Dent, and J. McKinnou (clerk). On the motion of Mr. Donaldson, seconded by Mr. McLeod, it was resolved, " That Mr. Smith be re-elected chairman of the Board for the current year." The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed ; and the balance-sheet for the year ended 31st March, 1892, was laid on the table aud adopted, subject to the approval of the Government auditor. On the motion of Mr. McLeod, seconded by Mr. Wyatt, it was resolved, " That at the next meeting of the Board a rate of $d in the £ be levied for the current year, the same to be payable in the month of December." The new rating roll for the three years commencing Ist of April, 1892, was laid on the table, which showed a decrease of £282 on thp previous assessment. On the motion of Mr. Donaldson, seconded by the chairman, it was resolved, " That the clerk be instructed to write to the Council requesting that the general rate of last year be expended on the county road within the road district, the separate rate collected being already spent ou the bye-roads.'' It was resolved to take steps to have the cemetery gazetted, and that the Board be recommended to be appointed cemetery trustees for the time being, The clerk was instructed to accompany Mr. G. E. Alderton to inspect ana report on the suitability of Paranui reserve for the purnose of a public park and recreation grounds for the joint districts of Whareora and Whangarei.—[Own Correspondent.]

KUAOTUNU._ The long-fcalked-of concert in aid of Mr. Rhoda came off on Thursday evening, the 4th August, and was a success in every way. The new banner was presented to the local football club. The roads are still in a very bad state. The recent fine weather was just beginning to dry them up when down came Saturday's rain. , The monthly meeting of the Coroinandel County Council, which was to have taken place at Mercury Bay on the Bth August, had to be postponed on account of the weather, and will take place next Monday.—[Own Correspondent.}

' WAIPU. The fortnightly meeting of the Waipu Mutual. Imorovement and Literary Society was held on Tuesday, the 9th inst., and the subject debated was if it was desirable that the electoral franchise should be extended to women. M J. Brook laid open the arguments in the affirmative, Mr. JN. A. McMillan opening the negative side of the question. Each , side was fairly well represented by speeches from several members of the Society. A large number of both sexes were present at the meeting, and a great deal of interest was manifested in the debate. When the question was put to the vote, the Chairman declared the majority of votes were in favoiM' of manufacturing Amazonian electors. The annual meeting of the Waipu Pastoral and Agricultural Association was called for the 6th instant, but the night turned out wet and rough, and the meeting was accordiugly postponed to the 13th instant. Very few of the members turned up. The Secretary read some correspondence in connection with holding cattle sales in the Society's yards. Mr. Thos. Wakelin, of Kamo, expressed his intention of holding a sale in the yards on the 9th September next, but called the attention of the Society to the advertisement of Mr. H. McMurdo, notifying his intention of also holding cattle sales at Waipu. It was decided that the Secretary should inform Mr, Wakelin that he would have the exclusive privilege of using the Society's yards for cattle sales. As so few members were present, it waa decided to adjourn the i annual meeting to the 27th instant. The weather for a week or two has been extraordinarily fine. This, coupled with the very fair winter we have just experienced, has tended towards giving us the rare privilege of having our roads now in really good condition, which is a consummation for j which we may be devoutly thankful, for our ' County Council is quite out of funds, and would not at present be in a position to do j much road-repairing for us. Settlers here are somewhat behind with their ploughing, but the ground is now in excellent condition, and with the fair weather, they are making up for lost time.—(Own Correspondent.]

'5 AHIPARA. Dpbino a residence of a quarter of a century in the North 1 have no hesitation in saying that a worse winter has not been experienced by the oldest inhabitant, but it appears by reading your esteemed journal, that other places nave also felt the severity of the last two months'. I may add much valuable property has been destroyed by freshes, such as cows/ homes, pigs, etc. I am sorry to nave to record the departure from our midst of Mr. H. W. Mour, a Government officer Ifho for the last ten years has filled the somewhat onerous duties of constable and clerk of the court at Mangonui. Mr. Moar by his genial and suave manner had gained the respect and confidence of all classes, and we sincerely trust that in his new. avocation of Inspector of Weights and Measures every success may attend him. , I regret to say that Mfc. Moar has had but very indifferent health, and that, coupled with his

arduous duties, at times rendered him • a great sufferer." Let us hope the change may in a great measure restore him to health ana strength.[A Correspondent.] -„* v *

HUKERENUI SOUTH. The leap year ball, which was looked forward to with bo much interest, and which was postponed from July 12, came off oa August 2, and was a great success. Two or three of the ladies' committee worked very hard to ensure its success. Over sixty invitations were issued to gentlemen. Nearly all attended, and apologies were sent in from some of the others. The decorations were very complete. The bare walls were almost hid in nikao, rimu, and karaka, while from every available spot were hung chains •of coloured paper looped and hung to each other, the effect at night being very pretty. The mottoes were appropriate, and added to the general effect. The subjects were as follow : —" Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady;" "Ail is not Gold (Leap Year, 1892) that Qlittera " (this motto was in scrolls); Happiness ana Prosperity." All these mottoes were 18 feet long, and done with pale blue on white. The lettering was 12 inches by an average of 8 inches. Opposite the entrance was "Welcome." The lamps and school clock were wreathed with paper fringe. The ladies' committee were Mesdames E. W. Davey, Baylis. Rowley, Slater, and Clark, and the Misses Young aud Wilson. Mrs. Davey attended to the decorations, Mrs. Baylis and Mrs. Davey attending to the wants of the inner man, two spreads being handed rouud, one (it twelve o'clock, and another at* four a.m. Dancing and singing was kept up with unabated zeal till daylight. The M.C.'s were an immense success. Mrs. E. Rowley and Miss Young filled their positions us such in a finished manner, to the delight of all present. Some had anticipated a failure in tnis part of the programme, but the ladies rose to the occasion, and there was not the slightest hitch. Miss Young's clear tones singing out, " Ladies, take your partners," being unmistakably distinct. She had evidently entered into the spirit of the thing and thoroughly understood how tj> carry it out. Mr. Thomas Read, our teacher, was unanimously chosen beau, and decorated with a rosette by Miss Young, who. taking his arm, and leading him off with, " Take your partners for the first set," fairly brought down the house. Various songs were sung during the intervals between the dances, Mr. Prior's Bong, " Father Flynn," taking immensely. Taking it altogether everyone was full of praise lor the way the whole affair was conducted.

Arbor Day was a fair success here.' Fifty treea had been secured from the experimental grounds, Whangarei. The children mustered in full strength, and brimful of excitement the holes were marked out and dug. Air. Davey represented the school committee, the other members being unavoidably absent, two being sick and two away from the district. At two o'clock each child possessed himself or herself of a tree, and formed into two's, one holding the tree while the other spread out the roots and crumbled fine earth in between till the holes were filled, and tied to stakes, which had been previously driven firmly into the ground. The children entered heartily into the proceedings, and evinced an amount of care and patience, which was unexpected. After planting was over, the ladies of the Leap Year Ball gave a spread to all the children and adults assembled, an abundant supply of good things having been got ready. From tea till half-past seven various games were indulged in. The schoolroom was then filled with parents and children. Readings, recitations, and singing were given, and at the end an attempt was made to sing " God Save the Queen," but it was a decided failure. Thanks are due to Mr. Delaney for his assistance on Arbor Day in helping the children, also to Messrs. Bouse and Jones for digging some of the holes beforehand. Mr. Read, the teacher, was a host in himself. —[Own Correspondent.]

WHAKATANE. The weather for the past week has been very boisterous. By the last and previous steamer arrived several members of the Canterbury Land Association to begin operations on that large and extensive block of land in the parish of Rangitaiki, and within easy distance of this place, containing 20,500 acres of the finest land in the North .Island. The main drains will be proceeded with immediately the weather takes up. The very heavy rains of late retarded progress considerably. There will be two main drains put through the interior of the block running parallel to each other, north and south, a distance of one mile and a-half apart. The dimensions of the drains as laid out are 10 feet wiae at the top, sloping to 8 feet at the bottom, and 3 feet deep. As the fall is given at 27$ feet, this* is deemed sufficient to carry away all the water. Mr. Lord and party will take the eastern drain contract, beginning at section 66 on the Orini, a navifable river. Messrs. G. Anson. J. Dukes, M. i. Davies, and W. Graham will take up the western drain ou the same river, beginning jit section 65, the property of Mr. K. McDonald. No permanent residence will follow for some time. There is, I am informed, £1000 to be spent in draining this block in the first 12 months, to be subscribed by the members of the Association, at the rate of Is per acre. A call will be made every three months of 3d per acre. For section 83, I am informed, there has been an offer of £500 made for it in its present state, but the lucky owner declines with thanks.

Mr. Moody, the contractor for the Anglican Church, will have his contract completed in about two weeks.

Mr. T. Savage is erecting a aew shop for business purposes. Mr. W. P. Brown is doing a large contract on the Oporiau Estate, putting on something like 50,000 shingles. I hear also there 13 to be shortly another new score put up, thus making four in our town.

Major and Mr. Swindley leave by this steamer to take up their quarters atGisDorne. The major will resume his recently appointed Billet as manager on Colonel Wnitmore's estate. The major has spent many years ou this coast, consequently has made many friends. Owing to the very unexpected ana sadden wav which the major left, his friends were unable to tender mm their heartfelt wishes.— Correspondent.]

OPOTIKI. The Rev. John Gow, who has been minister of the Presbyterian Church here for the past 14 years, has tendered his resignation to his congregation. He has taken this step feeling that his advancing years render it impossible for him to keep up that active ministration to his people which he considers necessary. The venerable gentleman, now approaching his 80th year, has gone on the principle that it is better to wear out than to rust out, and has even at his advanced age rarely been missed from the pulpit or the platform, but has braved the inclemencies of the weather where many a younger man not perhaps blessed with so sound a constitution has been glad to remain at home. The rev. gentleman's resignation does not take effect till the end of September, and after that time his congregation will be ever glad to receive, as health and streugth permit, the ministrations of one who has ever been " a tower of strength" in their midst, and to every good cause which has had him at its head.[Own Correspondent.]

NORMANBY (TARANAKI). At the Hawera Resident Magistrate's Court, on Wednesday, the 3rd instant, - Tommy Tonga (Maori), of Normanby, was brought up oa remand, charged with stealing the sum of £14 from a half-caste named Edwards. A further remand of one week was granted, on application. A scheme is on foot for getting lip a subscription throughout the Egmont electorate, with a view of procuring a memorial tablet for the late Sir Harry Atkinson, to be placed in the Parliamentary Buildings, and there is very little doubt that it will meet with the support it deserves. Lambing has commenced throughout the district, but the weather is proving rather severe for the flocks. Mr. J. Laird, nurseryman, Wanganui, generously made known by circular his offer to supply each school committee throughout the Wanganui educational district with one tree for each scholar's name that appeared on each respective school roll, on application from the chairman, for planting on Arbor Day. Mr., William Rowe, nurseryman, Normaubv. also offered as many trees as would be required by the committee appointed to carry out the planting. The school grounds having been planted some years ago, the chairman of the school committee consulted with the Town Board Commissioners, and arrangements were made to plant the cemetery reserve at Waihi with the trees so generously given. One and thirty trees were forwarded by Mr. Laird, and 300 by Mr. Rowe, in assorted bundles (pines). Mr. Charles Bates kindly conveyed the trees, etc., to the scene of operations in his trap, and about nine a.m. a start was made. Amongst those present were Messrs. J. and C. Bates, C. Paine, F. Hunger, J. Harvie, W. Kilvington, and S. Lldyd. Later in the day some ladies . arrived, amongst whom , I notice Mesdames J. and 0. Bates, P. Bavley, G. V. Bate, W. Rodgcrs, W. Pollard, and the Misses Hall, Hunger, and Rowe; also a large number of scholars from the Normanby school. • Willing hands made light work, ana by half-past three p.m. the planting was completed, just as rain commenced to fall. Messrs. Laird and Rowe have the hearty thanks of the public for their generosity in supplying gratis the trees planted, likewise those entrusted with seeing the work carried through. A more appropriate locality for planting, to commemorate the inauguration

Arbor Day In our midst, than the cemetery reserve, could not have possibly been chosen. - The local branch of the Band of Hope still draws large gatherings, and very pleasant evenings are spent in teaching our men and women of the future the folly and curse of strong drink. We have also had lately m our district some of the big guns advocating this laudable cause, amongst them being Dr. Lucas and the * Rev. Mr. Tread well, of Wanganui,' and all through the liquor traffic and its dealers have had a lively time of it, and I fancy some of their statements will require strong evidence before they can be refuted even ay the most zealous advocates of intoxicants.—i Own Correspondent.]

OPUNAKE (TARAHAKI). At the ordinary meeting of the Taranaki Countv Council, held on the 3rd instant, Mr. John Elliott brought up the question of the Parihaka Riding seceding from the Taranaki County. He said there was a very full report of the meeting held in Opunake on the 9th of last month, which bore out the chairman's remarks made some time ago, that Parihaka did really intend to secede from the Taranaki Couuty. The report made extraordinary charges against the Council and its administration, and he thought it was the duty of the members to refute them, and let the public know the real state of affairs. (Report read.) Mr. Elliot said he had hurriedly prepared a few figures, which he thought would at once show that the meeting had not the information with regard to the county finances, - etc. If it were true that the overseer was putting mud on the road instead of gravel, it was most extraordinary. The Chairman said, do you credit such statements ? Mr. Elliot: No, 1 do not. Mr. Kynedon thought it very undesirable for the Parihaka Riding to secede from the Taranaki County, as there would be a lot of rates from native lands, and the < Council had expended largely in that riding. Mr. William Bayley said he would be very pleased to see the tail end of the Riding taken away, as the amount expended there was in excess of the revenue received. He had no doubt that the report had - been very much exaggerated, as he. had it on the very best authority that there was scarcely any meeting, there being only two or. three present, who had made up these statements among themselves. He wondered very much that a newspaper of the Auckland Herald's standing allowing such unreliable contributions to be inserted. He did not doubt but what the report was incorrect. I say again, for the edification of the public ami your readers, that mv report of that meeting is correct. As to the statements made bv Mr. McGloin, he is no doubt prepared to substantiate every word he said —in fact, he challenged anyone to refute them. As for Mr. Cane's statements he is prepared to substantiate his at any time, and to bear them outs. Mr. Bayley made his statements, not on facts, he said, but on the very best authority. Mr, Bayley Bays, on this "very best authority," that there was scarcely any meeting at all, there being only two or three, while really there were about 150 persons present, including four individual men, representing four separate newspapers, namely, the Auckland Weekly News, flawera Star, Taranaki Budget, and Waimate Witness. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Bayley, he having placed such good faith on his " very best authority" on what is so unreliable.—[Own Correspondent. J