COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10098, 6 April 1896, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

PUK.EKOHE WEST.

[FROM OCR OWN CORK© HAMIIJPP 19 -! The following is the Waikaturday. to play Manukau at cricket di\m picked week, namelyAubiu, Bche faster Blackett, Hudson, Housley,® Case, Hodgson, McFarlane, Richdaleflgstone, I Emergencies: Cox, Delaney, anct^Luslv. The quarterly meeting of the m, Awamutu Circuit was held in thtton-le Church, Hamilton, 011 WeduesdaUeyan Rev. J. J. Mather in. the chair. '!»; the and balance-sheet were of an enOPprt nature. The number nf members WWK on trial, 4; removals, .'57. The balaniQl! forthequarter showed thatthe income pep ouly met the expenditure, hut had extingdj I the circuit debt and left a small % balance. It was resolved to paint ll parsonage during the quarter as the gri'i portion of the money required had 1 already subscribed, and this necessary w will be done without debt. it was dcci< to invite the Rev. Mr. O'Dounell to condi ten days' mission in Hamilton. The ch; man (Mr. Mather) informed the meet that the Rev. Mr. Oldham would shor visit the circuit in the interests of t foreign mission funds, and hoped the peoi..would assist the fund to tlio full extent of their ability. Mr. J. Bainbridge, of Alexandra, who lias been very seriously ill, has taken a turn for the better, and is now much improved. The son of Mr. Cornelius Day, of Hautapu, whose accident I reported on Thursday night, and whose leg was broken between the ankle and knee by a kick from a horse, is still in a very bad state. Dr. Brewis was sent for again about midnight, to see him, and he was suffering much, but appeared to rally. Dr. Brewis is in hopes that the leg may be saved. Some few years ago, eight we believe, the American cat fish were introduced into our lakes, and we hear that in 0110 instance, that

of Mr. Deville's lake nt Ohauno, they have thriven and multiplied exceedingly. They are, however, small, not measuring the biggest among them over nine inches in length. They only bite at night, but as many as twelve have been caught in the space of an now. They are very nice eating, though not pretty to look at. Many of these fish have been put into other waters in the Waikato besides Deville's Lake, notably the Hamilton Lake and the Mangahoe Creek aud elsewhere and no doubt will be found there flourishing, if only sought for. Mr. Deville'a Lake is only some three acres in extent and these are therefore easily found in so small a piece of water. Eels do not appear to lessen their number. Moerinsyillk, Saturday. Mr. A. J. Forrest, at 63 per chain, being the only tender, and the price being considered reasonable was accepted by the Waitoa Hoard. Other tenders were also dealt with Clearing tea-tree (lump sum), E. Voysey, £20; R. Burke, £25 10s; O'MeCabe and party, £23; A, J. Forrest, £23 ss; J. Odium, £19 19s, and T. S. Stanley, £17 (accepted). McCabe's drain (lump sum) E. Voysey, £16 17s 6d; J. Odium, £16 17s 6d; A. J. Forrest, £1-1; H. Candwcll, £11 (accepted). Repairing Thaxter'* road (lump sum), E. Voysey, £9 12s; J. Odium, £10 10s; D. McCarthy, £S 5s (accepted). Repairing Stanley's road (lump sum): T. J. Stanley, £27; 0. McCabe and party (accepted), £24 15s.

Cambridge, Saturday. The ceremony of installing Brother John Sharp as W.M. of Lodge Alpha, No. 81, N.Z.C., took place 011 Tuesday night, in the Oddfellows' Hall, and was performed by Brother G. Fowlds, I) G.M., a largo number of P.M.'a assisting. After the installation, the W.M. invested his officers as follows 1.P.M., Brother T. W. Hicks ; S.W., Brother Boyce, P.M.: J.W., Brother Mack : S.D., Brother Kiucaid; J.D., Brother Worner; secretary, Brother Dyer, P.M.; treasurer, Brother Jolm llally; 1.G., Brother W. K. Carter; tyler, Bro. J. Black. The working tools were presented by Brothers Primrose, Prince, and Boyce, and the first • named i'.lso delivered the address to the Master, the addresses to the Wardens and brethren being given by the D.G.M. The proceedings passed off in the most satisfactory manner. Subsequently the occasion was celebrated by a ball, which was attended by upwards of 70 couples. The arrangements of the committee wero excellent, and the evening proved to be extremely pleasant. The music was supplied by Brother Hartly, and Brother Boyce was the caterer. Both departments were most efficient. Te Akoua, Saturday. The annual meeting of the Te Aroha Horticultural and Agricultural Society was held in the Public Hal! oil Wednesday night, Mr. W. H. Herries, one of the vice-presi-dents, occupying the chair. From the ttimnal report .submitted by the secretary (Mr. Wild) it appeared that despite the fact that the society had this year made a departure from the procedure of previous years in the matter of paying cash prizes at the recent show, there was a credit balance of £7 0 '2d on the year's transaction. The following is a summary of the financial statementlncome : To balance from previous show (November, 1895), £'2 8s 7d; donations, special prizes, and sale of members' tickets, £'5) lis 3d: takings atdoor, £13258 d; sale of fruit exhibits. £3 4s Id : total, £39 6s 7d. Expenditure: Printing and advertising, £3 7s 7d; sundry accounts, £9 18s 7d; bonus to secretary, £'2 2s ; cash prizes, £16 18s 3d : balance, cash on hand, £7 0s '2d : total, £39 Gs 7d. Both the report and financial statement were unanimously adopted. The following officers were elected President, Mr. W. .Shepherd Allen; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. 11. Herries, E. Y. Cox, and T. Gavin; committee (which, according to a resolution passed at the meeting, was limited to twelve), Messrs. McKenzie, Strange, Bowler ('2), B. Jackson, Spooner, D.ivey, C. B. Edwards,lA. W. Edwards, Rowe, Bossans, and Borrie; secretary. Mr. P. Wild (reelected) ; treasurer, Mr. A. W. Edwards, Mr. Strange suggested that the society should, in addition to its present function, become somewhat of a Farmers' Club. This gave rise to some discussion, the majority being in favour of the idea. It was ultimately decided that monthly meetings be held, at which short papers could be read, and au opportunity afforded for an interchange of opinion on all matters affecting the interests of farmers and settlers.

The .Te Aroha anil Oliiiiemuri News, formerly owned by Mr. W. Shepherd Allen, lias changed hands, that gentleman having disposed of the property before leaving for England to .Mr. (J. F. Spooner, who was formerly manager of the paper for Mr. Allen.

The weather is still very dry with us, and whilst other neighbouring districts are favoured with occasional showers, and, in some iustances, heavy downpours, we hare to be content to watch and wait, trusting our turn will come shortly. Riding through the district a. day or two since, I found our once green paddocks putting on a very brown and dry appearance; in fact, grass has completely disappeared, and had provision not been made in the growing of maize and sorghum, the majority of our dairy cows would ere this have been dry. As it is, the supply to our different creameries is only about one-third of what was being supplied a few weeks ago. The monthly cattle sale of A. Buckland and Sons was held here on the 30th ultimo, and as one result of the want of rain, a more meagre muster of cattle and attendance of the public I have not seen for a very lengthened period. It did not take the auctioneer long to get through his wftrk. The few dairy cows brought forward were principally young, and brought from £3 to £7. A few beef cows were brought forward, and sold at fair prices. Dry cows: A few were offered, and old cows were almost unsaleable—as low as 10s and 15s each. Young cows, from £2 to £3. Calves low in price. Good stout calvts were sold from Ss to 15s; superior ones, up to £1 5s each. Pigs wero plentiful but low in price; a few sold. A few nice young heifers were penned and sold at fair prices. A few horses were offered, but none changed hands.

I was sorry to learn that the member for Franklin (Major Harris) had met with a rather serious accident in the upsetting of a buggy; but lam pleased to find he is so far recovered as to be able to reach his home, where, with good attendance and careful nursing, I trust he will soon be about again. On the very day the accident happened to the father the doctor was sent for to attend the son, who was taken ill.—[Own Correspondent.]

WADE. A meeting of the directors of the Agricultural Hull Company was held in the Presbyterian Church on the i3rd March. Mr. R. Bruutou presided. It was decided to hold a meeting of shareholders on an early date to take into consideration the reconstruction of the hall. > The monthly meeting of the Settlers' Association was held on tho 23rd March, Mr. Evan Bond presided. The attendance was very good. The secretary read Mr. Syms' reply in regard to the reduction of freight on farm produce. As the letter did not reply to the request, but only with personalities, the meeting decided that tho secretary write to Mr. Syms asking him to attend the next monthly meetinir. A circular, concerning the conference of Australian fruitgrowers in Wellington in May next, was also read. As this was the last meeting of the year, Mr. von Ameln react the annual report, which was adopted. In the absence of the treasurer, the Inlauce sheet could not be read. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the outgoing president and secretary, Messrs. E. Bond and vou Ameln, for the able way in which they had conducted the business of the Association during - the last twelve

months. This was seconded, and carried hv acclamation. Mr. Vickers was then voted to the chair, and the business of the annual meeting was proceeded with. The old rule, were rescinded, and new rules adopted The following committee was then elected--! Mr. M. Aldis, president; Mr. W. l'olkin-. home, vice-president; Mr. von Atneln, secret tar/; Mi'- Jonas, treasurer; and Mr. \ Jajk, jun., auditor. A hearty vote of thanks crncludeil the pn>cecdiugs.-[Oivu Correction dent.] NORTHERN WAIROA. i\T a special meeting of the f!uindiy crß ' Union, held at Dargavilie 011 Saturday Jv tn . up, it was decided, after considerable ( lj 3 . Mission, that a delegate should lie sent to ittend the Trades and Labour Conference to jc held at luvercargill. There was a r«i ittendance of local members, and Mr" \V if'itzpatrick presided. Mr. E. R. Ellis' was sleeted, without opposition, to represent tin ;um industry at the Conference, and he left in Wednesday morning for the other end t | flew Zealand. He expects to be away iV .bout three weeks. The gumdiggers' y r iv' ,uces are to be fully laid before the Con erence, and it is felt that the present ot, [ortunity should be taken the fullest aiivau | ge of.—[Own Correspondent, j

HOOK BY. E anniversary entertainment in eonnfetion li the U"sectarian Meetinj-liou.se wis held 'larch 21), There mis an excellent attend- ' from r.liia and the surrounding districts "the proceedings were of a most hearty S .cter. The chair was occupied by Mr ?■'lint?, from the city. The meeting L' lo 'lly openfd) when a short and njrL s P'i was L'. : ven liy the chairman. Sei" c . tlol the choir, "Only Remember." Tiu sec '.ry (-*' Tebbutt) read the ann ul which showed that the i:i. JO t j '' ee '3p7s 3d, and the expenditure D) p. A 1+ was read from Mr. K. 15. ShiMers' °[ /city, expressing regret at not Ur' able jibe present owing to tailing h,.^;. This/the tirst time for l'J yearsliiat Mr" .Shall lias been absent from the amiiver". y.Bi the motion of Mr. Lloyd, a vote of coudipe was passed expressing sorrow , his fit strength. Mr. S. l'arker, from towndve an address on " Wmk an,l n', Rew.il A solo, Mr. D. \V. Jones; reci'ation/'Oie Earthquake,'' Mr. W.'Smith"Th>\|Otn the Life-line,' 1 choir; tl;en iia addrisfv the Rev. Mr. Norrie. At this atagei Serai supply of refreshments waa liatullaimd in the shape of tea ami Wtablcspt great variety. Mr. liolitswortii recite £ii the Harboursolo, " Rocked in till ladle of the Deep." Mr. Morganaddres,|v the Rev. Mr. lioler; "aW Voicei"|V the choir; recitation, "Trout;, in the Apn Corner," Miss Alice Speddin\ This vtiin excellent item, ami \v« w f j rjcited |)10, by the Rev. Mr. lioler. After tie custoary votes of thanks, the meetio> ferminafii with the Benediction by the ciairman A word of praise is due :o the cioir fo|:h.p very goo.t rendering of their sdectioi),- [Papakura Valley I'orresnou'. (lmt.J |

lAPAKURA VALLKV. Of the Zh of March an entertainment was hdd in | schoolhouse in connection with tin Mutjl Improvement Society. The watlier hi been somewhat threatening, bu k fortuLtely, cleared off, and tii::u-i <-• a file night The particular jiuri...se of the affar wasp raise funds to purchase .-.-.tire boole for a; library, and a case in which to keepthens The attendance was very fair, but ii)t (pip so great as the object «lt-serveii. The liairfas occupied by .Mr. Muir, who, in the;oua of his remarks, apologised tor the alsenfi of several of the performers, notablj tin president, who was on the sick' list, am 1 . th secretary, who had cut his twit with an ai; and he further remarket oc the ohjeifeif the entertainment, an i suggated to juy that had books which thtj mil finish# reading that they might cither giv; or letli them to the society. The pro grannie coasted of songs am! musical selection}, confronted by the Misses MiiMleton (3), i'lesdaiiK Beuge and Cockertnn, Messrs, Beng>, D. ''. Jones, Good, Hanson, Hill, and 'Vhite ' reading and recitations ly Messrs (Jo y, Potter, Beuge, and It. (J. Reid; and , debate, "Should Women 1-e Allowel to e Members of Parliament!'' by member: of ie society. We at\ it)w having excellent growir; weather; slmvery tvid wi.'in ; very warm for the timios the yelr. It is rather trying for butterm.lars, muc\ more so titan it ivh in the middk#f summV. The harvest thauksgiW service was hell on the 29 th MaVh. The Well was decorated with flowers ant greener) in addition to the usual collection if fruit, \Wt.ables, etc. The Mutual Improvemln Society's tat meeting was occupied byVsays hy Mr, 1). A. Reid on " Curious Mean|oi' Locomotion," and Mr. E. R. Whitechurciin " Literature," the president in the chair; The usual diimission followed the readmit the papers.— [Own Correspondent.] 1 BOMBAY. On March 24 the cantata!" Under th. Palms" was given in the Wel» van (Jimrcit by the combined choirs of lickolie West Wesleyan Church and PaparatLml a small contingent from the Tttak.i Weslevau Church choir. The church wa.4iieely decorated for the occasion by the Miles Allisons, Smiths, Reynolds, Jessups, and Wigs. The cantata as a whole was very welly veil: some of the male soloists might have Hen better, the sopranos and alto solos were wet rendered, The children's parts were nicely yum. Mr, Fisher ably conducted, and Miss fljnitli presided at the organ with her usual ability, Violinists, Miss Lodge, and Messrl W. Hoekin, and Penman: clarionet Mr. T. Wright; flute, Mr. Stevenson; t\e chiel soloists were :—Mesdaines Oldham, Lttaiiy, 0. Worsley, Miss Usher, and MessrshVorsley, Copeland, and French. The proclpls co towards liquidating the debt of the (lurch. The thanks of the members of the <v.rc:i are due to the choirs, especial'v to Mr. Fisher, for the great amount of troche he has taken to produce the cantata. Atat it was taken at the door. Refreshments vere provided by friends for the choirs. Mr; Madill has just completed the thriving operations in this district, and the vie have been on the whole very good. Rain is very much wanted not only for the old pastures, but to allow the farmers 11 set the ground in fine tilth for new grass. The milk supply to the factory is coming down with a rush.—[Own Correspondent. I

KAUKAPAKAPA. A very successful concert took place in the hull on March '25, in aid of the funis of the Sunday-school, Captain Dawson, siijifriuteadent, in the chair. Besides the local talen; Miss M. Davis and Mr. C. I'eace, froc Auckland, kindly gave their -.issi-itauci. which greatly contributed to the success a the evening. The chairman brit-tly explaiuei the objects of the concert, and gave some interesting information respecting the ."Sim-ilay-school, which is increasing in numbers, and efficiency. The following carried on: the programme, and were frequently encored :Mesdauies \V. Goodwin ami K. I""' son, Misses Maud Murray, M. Davis, A' ll Taylor, Messrs. C. Peace and K. t. La'i Master Hayson, and the school children. Ill' concert concluded with the National Anthem. Refreslunenls of tea and colK-e wish other good tilings were served, i'i 1" ' was taken, and as the expenses are itiM most, of the money will go to the o'. jeot intended. , .

_ I am pleased to see that a subscript' oll list lias been opened, and now lies at ' ie post olfice here for signature, in aid r - H. Naylor, at Makarati, whose house was totally destroyed by lire a short time a ?°. together with all his household goods. M" 011 sympathy is felt for Mr. ay lor, who is noinsured, in his trying circumstances. The l - 1 is being substantially signed. , Mr. Donald McGregor lias commenced operations for taking out the kauri tini' ,fr on Mrs. Onthwaite's property. I uc ' l '' r ' stand there is about 3,000,000 to conic nut. and as it is in the immediate vicinity ol Kaukapakapa, things will be brisk f| ,r l6e next twelve months or more.— [Own Correspondent.] _

One of the large kitchens at the Tomoan Freezing Works, which has been for a number of years in charge of Mr. Louis l ,rfltt "i will shortly be closed. This means a iJ'r reduction of working hands, which is i"' look-out for the coming whiter, am! a s ut indication of the duluess of tie meat trails.