COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10020, 6 January 1896, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from our own correspondents.] Hamilton, Saturday. Picnics have been the order of the day al) the week. The Salvation Army held theirs in one of Mrs. Jolly's paddocks at Frankton. There was a large attendance, which was strengthened by contingents from Cambridge, Alexandra, and Te Awamutu. Refreshments wero provided in abuudance. The proceedings were enlivened with Army addresses, and songs of a semi-sacred character were indulged in. The children attending St. Peter's Sunday-school also held their annual picnic on the farm of Mr. C. A. Davis, at Liberside. There were over 100 children present, ana many, visitors, together with their teachers. Sports and games were held during the afternoon. The party broke up about six o'clock, with three cheers for Mr. aud Mrs. C. A. Davis. It is to be regretted that the accident to the jockey Meredith, at the Whatawhata races, is far more serious than was supposed. Dr. Kenny considers the case to bo a very serious one. Meredith had up to yesterday morning showed no signs of consciousness, and the doctor considered the case a very critical one. Later on yesterday evening there were signs of returning consciousness, and Dr. Kenny expects he will yet pull through. Representatives of the insurance offices interested in the Hamilton fire were busy yesterday making inquiries respecting the occurrence. They appeared satisfied with what they saw, and there will be 110 inquest. One of the claimants was settled with at ouce.

An informal meeting was held last night at the Waikato Times buildiug, to consider what steps should be taken towards the establishment of a water supply. The Mayor occupied the chair. After considerable (liscussion, the following resolution was passed, " That in the opinion of this meeting a water supply for the Borough is desirable." Mr. Sondes, at the meeting, stated that previous to the firo he, with Mr. Gwynue, had arranged to move at next meeting of the Council to take action in this direction. To facilitate the matter, a special meeting of the Borough Council has been called for Thursday evening next. As might have been expected, some of the buildings destroyed by the late fire will be replaced. Mr. E. T. Davey is about to have erected a new and more commodioa! store than that burned, and Mr. T. H. White has received instructions from Mr. Home to prepare the plans of a new build ing. It is not likely, however, that the building purchased by Dr. Brewis from the Union Bank of Australia will be replaced, as that gentleman will in all probability build on his property in Victoria-street, Taowiiare, Tuesday. , Some days since I noticed some tall shearing in the Eureka yards, but the tally of Mr. George Barclay, of Morrinsville, outtops them all, when shearing for Mr. Horrell. The sheep were mixed ewes ahd wethers, and Barclay shore 226 sheep within nine hours. Barclay has, it is understood, challenged any shearer on the Estates Company's ground to compete with him. Moruixsville, Saturday. At the monthly meeting of the Waitoa Highway Board there were present: Messrs, W. H. Chepmell, ehairman, J. Horrell, A, Aitkfcn, ana M. O'Donoghue. Only oim tender, that of Charles McGuire, Ills pe« chain, for widening and deepening Johnson's Creek, was received, and as it wait considered a reasonable one it was accepted. Three tenders were received for widening and deepening drains near the properties of Morrison andOaudwell, and were dealt with as follows:—C. McGuire, £30: H. Cam!well, £22; A. J. Forrest, £17 ss. Th? latter was accepted. For the work o! clearine tea-tree and repairing part ol S' .nley Road, no tenders were received although a petition was received, signed by a number of settlers, urging that the work be done. The engineer was authorised to get a bridge on Taylor's Road renewed, als« to do certain necessary repairs to the roads between the Waitoa station and the Wsitca bridge, and on Stark's Road and on die Piako Road leading to Simpson's. Alexandra, Saturday. The annual races here were well aitcndoi*. Mr. Bainbridge gave great satisfaction m judge. Mr. Finch had the refreshment nooth, which was well patronised. Oiw want was noticeable, that of a rope or some kind of barrier to keep the crowd off tha stand and refreshment booth. A concert and ! dance was held in the Public Hall, in the evening, and was a successful termination to a good day's amusement.