NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11541, 28 November 1900, Page 7

NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

{ [FROM OUB OWN COBBESPOH-ENTS.i ': ' " CAMBRIDGE. .}"'.,-■'.] ■''■.'. • .THE Pnkekara Road Board met at Cambridge on Monday evening. Present: Messrs. Robt. Fisher (chairman), E. Reynolds, E. Allen, W. White, and T. Walker. C. H. Attwood wrote asking that Tennyson-street he repaired. On the motion of Mr. Reynolds, seconded by Mr. White, it was resolved that the furze not being entirely cleared from the road nothing could be done in the matter yet; if all furze was not removed within two months action would be taken by the Board. It was further resolved that on the furze being cleared any necessary repairs to the roadway would be made. The matter of levelling Scott-street, also a small piece of roadway in Wordsworthstreet West, was left in the hands of Messrs. Allen and White. It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, to adopt the rate of pay as, given by the county, which means an increase of Is per day all round—man 6s per'day, and horse 3s. The following tenders were received for forming about two miles of tho Puahoe Road:—J. B. Nickle, 4a lid per chain (accepted); W. and T. Vickers, ss; W. Stanley, £65 (about 8s Id per chain). Mi. Walker submitted a plan of disconnected roads on the Moanavale Estate, about 37 acres in all, which it has been proposed might be closed and sold, and the proceeds devoted to the Board. This matter was left with the secretary and Mr. Walker, to prepare a list and take steps to deal legally with it. It was stated that objection had been made to the closing of one road, and it would accordingly not be included in the list. Mr. Reynolds introduced the subject of dehorning, and said operations in this connection were to be performed at his place, " Trecarne," on Wednesday, December 5, when anyone desirous of witnessing the same would be welcome. The new double cutter is to be used. An expert would also be present to operate on tough milking cows with an instrument lately placed on the market. WAIHI. A FoBEST FAIR was held in Tanner's Hall, Waihi. on Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24, to liquidate the balance of debt (£SO) on the parsonage connected with Zion Primitive Methodist Chapel. The proceedings were opened by Mr. Benge, headmaster Waihi school, in a neat speech. The holders of stalls were as follows: —Fancy stall, Mrs. New and Misses New and Wilson; drapery, Mesdames Dawson, Lumb, and Featherston; lollies. Misses Bradley and Dawson; flowers, Misses Lumb, Churchward, Gallagher, Clarke, and Young; tea room, Mesdatne3 Mitchell, Ross, and Ward (2); fish pond, Misses Snow and Oates; bran tub. Miss L. New; work art gallery and shooting gallery, Messrs. Rose and Snow. In the Boys' and Girls' Industrial Exhibition there were over 100 competitors, the following being the prizewinners:—Doll drawing: Elsie Stone, 1. Drawing: E. Brown, 1; Bella Slevin, 2. Plain sewing: Helen Gilpin, 1; Kate Murphy, 2. Advanced sewing: Amy Newth, 1; B. Slevin, 2. Writing, first grade: E. Wintle, 1; J. Marshall. 2. Writing, second grade: F. Eustace, 1; Irene Evans, 2. Cookery: — Scones: Lizzie Lumb, 1; J. Dawson, 2. Spong sandwich: L. Lumb. 1; Lily New, 2. Pincushion: J. Dawson, 1; E. Clark, 2. Boys' writing, first grade: Alf Caplo, 1; T. Shannon, 2. Boys' writing, second grade: Isaac Phillips, 1; Wm. Calderwood, 2. Drawing map of North Island of New Zealand: Ernest Tibfey. 1; H. Taylor, 2. Drawing horse: Frank Blackwood, 1; B. New, 2. Boy's hobby: E. Blackwood, 1: W. Gallagher. 2. Reciting: R. Morgan, 1; H. Taylor, 2. The Waihi Brass Band, under Conductor J. Gordon, played lively selections of music each evening outside the hall. The gross proceeds of the Forest Fair amounted to £50. The promoters of the fair are to be congratulated upon the success attending their efforts, tho hall decorations being especially attractive. The Waihi Inanimate Pigeon Gun Club held a meeting at Pilling' 3 Hotel on November 20, when the following officers were elected: — Patron, Mr. A. H. Myer3; president, Mr. H. P. Barrv: vice-presidents, Dr. Forbes, Messrs. W. H. Phillips, E. 11. Pilling, E. G. Banks. B. H. Stafford, and D. McLean; committee, Messrs. R. 8. Ready. N. Evered. 11. Johnston, J. Cooner, J. Hind. W. Gardiner, N. Simmons, F. Am. W. Quinlan. 11. Hunt, and W. H. Haszard: secretary and treasurer, Mr. T. Sheen; auditors. Messrs. W. H. Hasznrd and W. Gardiner. Three handsome trophies were presented to the club to be fired for. the donors being Messrs. A. M. Myers, J. H. Smith, and F. Peace. The Waihi Club is affiliated with the New Zealand Inanimate Pigeon Association. The entrance fee was fixed .at 5s per member, and the annual subscription ss. The first match takes place on Saturday. December 1. in Worth's naddock. A well-attended meeting of the Waihi branch of the New Zealand Natives' Association was held in the clubroom, at the Stirling Hotel, on Friday night, when there were present: Mr. F. E. Baume (president and other members of the Executive Council. After the formal business had been disposed of. a smoke concert was given. Mr. H. M. Haslett occupied the chair, and Mr. Baume delivered an interesting address on the objects of the association. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs. Whittaker, Ross, R. S. Ready, and F. Arn. Mr. Baume gave several recitations, the chief of which was an original poem entitled " Dependencies," which was loudly applauded. The local secretary (Mr. T. Wells) deserves praise for the manner in which the whole ot the arrangements were carried out. There is still a steady demand for sections bore, and houses are not procurable at present. Miners from other districts are flocking to Waihi. consequently there are a number who will have to geek,employment elsewhere. TUHIKARAMEA.

THE improvement in the weather will allow of shearing being pushed on vigorously, but the bulk of the wool cannot bo down in. time for the first sales, as shearing is quite a fortnight late. The usual area of land is being prepared for swede«. and the movture in the land should ensure a good take, out this will add to the danger from insect pests. Grubs are now . coming out in beetle form in large numbers, and when flying just abovo the surface of the ground, they give forth a sound not unlike a swarm of bees. Were it not for the large flock of starlings this pest would very soon become most formidable. Stock, owing to the splendid growth of grass, are looking well, more particularly horses and cattle, and those engaged in dairying are securing large quantities of milk. The feed is rather soft for sheep, but ewes and lambs are nevertheless doing well, the latter being generally well grown and fat. At the Ohaupo market, recently a draft of ewes and lambs from Mr. J. Teddy's farm in this district realised a guinea each. This shows what can be done with our light land. No transactions, so far as I know, have taken place in fat lambs, but some good lines will be ready for the butcher shortly. The Auckand Freezing Company will no doubt get a large percentage of them. Messrs. McNicol Brothers have sent out a large number of fat sheep this season. The difficulty is to get stores, and unless there is largo importation from outside districts there will shortly he none to be had. This will lead to more attention being given to breeding, but at the present time it pays better to sell the increase as fat lambs than to hold them over. Considerable regret has been expressed at the removal of Mr. Crawley from the Prankton station. He has proved a most efficient and courteous officer, and has always done all in his power to forward the interests of settlers. WAITETUNA. A MEETING of the ratepayers of the northern portion of the Waitetuna district was held in the sohoolroom on Saturday. There was a large attendance, and Mr. J. A. La Trobe presided. The object of the meeting was to consider the proposed hj.-law re wheeled traffic in the Raglan County. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:— " That in the opinion of this meeting a resolution involving such serious loss and expense to the settlers should not be passed by the County Council before taking a vote of the ratepayers on the question;" and "That the best means be taken to obtain the signature of ratepayers to a protest against the by-law being passed." HEREKINO. NOW that the weather is getting finer wo hope to see some permanent repairs dope to our roads and so put them in better trim than the disgraceful state they have been in for years past, more especially this last winIt is pleasing to know that the Government are now taking steps to survey and buoy our harbour, and we feel much indebted to our local timber company for so energetically moving in the matter. . Mr. Warner has now finished surveying tho kauri bush and tram line to same, and gives splendid report on the quantity of valuable timber here. *■»■«• Last sittings of the S.M. Court at Kaitaia had to be adjourned till the following day. und we are anticipating a. monthly instead of quarterly visit of the S.M. The Mangonui County. Agricultural Baovi is to be held at Kaitaia on March 8 .next. i Constable Sefton is giving the greatest satisfaction in the new police district of Kaitaia. MAHURANGI. ! DUBING the past week favourable weather has made a great impression on our mud The Wesleyan community has now called for tenders for the erection of their new church, which, when finished, promises to be a place of comfort in which to worship, although the outside architectural features will b Ouratbletes are bestirring themselves, and a cricket club has been recently formed and regular practice takes place in the Agricultural Society's ground. PAPAEATA. THE monthly meeting of the Paparata Band of Hope was held on November 1, Mr. Vos in th« chair The following programme was rendered: Recitations. Miss Mary Wright and Mi« Lindsay; soloi Mr. Worsley; recitations, Mist Mary Rudd Miss Irene Kemp; violin Jofo 9 Mr &ed Lindsay; recitation Miss Beatrice Vos solo, Mr. Worsley; recitation, Miss presided at the -organ. KAIWAKA. Wa TOHN CURTIS, oar local postmaster, is MB " £?fWißed to take and receive statutory wCtonnderthe Justices of the Peace declaxauon? unu« is certain to Hakaru are organising a flower come off time during the m)nt . h ?L^™rited universal c—da£AßutTatural to suppose that their SS n n atU will match, if not surpass, all former exhibitions.

•'-'.' CHURCHILL. >'.'■'.'■-. .■V::.t A MEETING was held in Cutbhert's store on the 3rd. inst.. which Was, wtii attended, re the Churchill - sports. The programme comprises all sports usual at such gatherings, and the prizes are more liberal than usuai, which, doubtless, will draw the talent, ana, weather permitting, a very enjoyable day will be passed under the splendid old willows in the paddock kindly lent by Mr. iiatlett. No more rleasant spot can be founa m the run of the Waikato River for sports than Churchill. The sports come off on the Friday before Christmas, 21st December. .-.■'-'■■ KAWHIA. '' '- : . i '' : THE weather has been exceptionally rough, hailstorms lasting for long periods and recurring very often. The s.s. Kanieri had to put in for shelter last Wednesday, November 15, on her way from Waitara. i " PORT ALBERT. ; ON Saturday. November 10, the Rev. G. Frost gave, in the Public and Temperance HaTl, his popular lantern lecture on the " Lights and Shadows of the Boer War." The views were mostly excellent. There was a good attendance, and the proceeds were fairly satisfactory. ' ' POKENO. ON Tuesday last we were pleased to welcome the Rev. H. B. and Mrs. Wingfield to our settlement, they having been lately married by the Most Rev. the Primate, at Bishopscourt. Mrs. Wingfield does not come as a stranger to most of us, being tho eldest daughter of Mr. Thos. Masefield, Bombay, the next district north of Pokeno. We earnestly hope every happiness and prosperity will be in store for them. DRTJRY. .'•;""■'. THE Drury Band of Hope held their monthly meeting in the Public Hall here on Wednesday, November 7. The Rev. T. Norrie, president, occupied the chair, and gave a temperance address, in which he referred to the good advice of Lord Roberts not to give stimulants to the soldiers on the occasion of the rejoicings for the success of our colonial forces. A practical address was also given by Mr. A. H. Norrie; an organ solo by Miss Kate Harding; a duet by Misses Carrie and Nina Cossey; songs by Misses Mary Cossey and Ruby and Vera Harding; and recitations by Misses May Harding, and Kate Whitburn, and Master Alex. Thomson; and a reading by the chairman. The whole programme was well rendered and the meeting passed off with the usual success. The new Drury Creamery was opened on the 22nd October, and has already received a goodly, number of milk, suppliers. : ■ . PAPAKURA. ■ *■> THE monthly meeting of the Papakura Mutual Improvement and Dramatic Society was held in the library here on November 12. and was very well attended. > Mr. E. Coll (vice-president) occupied the chair, and the evening was spent in hearing an interesting and instructive lecture by the president, Mr. D. W. Jones, illustrated by many successful experiments and aided by a supply of suitable apparatus. On the motion of the Rev. T. Nome, seconded by Mr. Lupton, a hearty vote of thanks was given to the lecturer for the trouble he had taken and for his successful treatment of the subject, and a desire was expressed for another lecture on the same theme on some future occasion. WAIUKU.

WAIUKU. ON November 9 a very enjoyable concert was given in the Waitangi Schoolroom by Miss Bayly (teacher) and her pupils. Mr. C. T. Barriball presided. The manner in which the children performed their different parts delighted the audience and reflected the greatest credit on their teacher. The, object of the entertainment was to raise money to buy prizes for the school sports at Christmas. On the motion of the chairman a hearty voto of thanks was given to their respected teacher for the admirable way in which she had trained the children. I believe Miss Bayly is to be asked to repeat the programme in the Waiuku Public Hall. The Waitangi Lawn Tennis Club opened the season on the Prince of Wales' Birthday. There was a good attendance of members. During the afternoon Miss Bayly, on behalf of the club, took the occasion to thank Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Barriball for the use of their house and grounds during last season, after wheh Mr. A. James, in a neat speech, presented Mrs. C. T. Barriball with a silver butter knife and a cream jug and basin as a small recognition for her many kindnesses. Tea was served on the lawn and an enjoyable afternoon spent.

WAITAKEREI. ON the 9th Swanson had an outburst of loyalty, and the birthday of the Prince of Wales, in connection with the celobration of tho success of the Imperial Army in the Orange Free State and the Transvaal, were celebrated in a social gathering in the schoolgrounds, Swanson. where the little and big children amused themselves with singing the National Anthem with great vigour at least twice, eating cakes and other knick knacks iu the appetising line, and, of course, tea ad libitum (tables weire spread twice in the course of the day), also with pranks, etc. Judging from the numbers present it was a very popular gathering. The woather was all that could be desired. After an enjoyable time, kept up till late in the evening, the more sober-minded returned home, whilst the gayer portion danced till morning. The sheep-worrying dogs are still at work. Mr. F. Mosey, of Waitakerel, reports some sheep killed and partly eaten.

PERIA. A VERY severe epidemic of influenza has been raging in the district and even now there are several bad cases. The delegates appointed at the meeting of the Farmers' Union on the 3rd inst. to interview tho manager of the Northern S.S. Co. held a meeting on Saturday, 10th inst., and arranged a programme. They will interview that gentleman on Wednesday, the 21st inst., in Mangonui. . Mr. Ranson, of the Northern S.S. Co., passed through here with Mr. Wyles, of Mangonui, on their way North on the 12th inst. Mr. S. Overington and family have taken up their residence in our midst. The Prince of Wale 3' Birthday was spent very quietly here. I was pleased to see, in a recent issue, a short story in English, written by Hone toi Kaitaia, one of our own natives. It was all his own production, and speaks well for the education he has received.

TE AKAI. " THE Premier's speech on the £40 bonus to members of Parliament, as reported in your paper of the 9th inst., has been much discussed here, and the proposal of members as to what they intend to do with it. Some are giving it to various institutions and charities, which is looked on as a bribe for votes at the next election for powerrs that be, and returning it to the Treasury is said by many to be only another chance I'or Soddon and .partv to boast of more surplus. We have no fat men hero, and wither we say it is money by over taxation, drawn out of the pockets of electors, and members should giro it direct back to them, not in dribs and drabs, but in a lump, to County Councils and Road Boards to help to make roads where now none are. When the powers that be are requested to grant police protection or better postal communications, open an additional telephone office, or improve a road or bridge their reply is "no money," but it ia different when " Seddonism" has to be supported. Mr. Mulgan inspected the half-time school here on the 14th of November, when all present recorded a pass, and our teacher, Miss Shannon, was complimented on the ability of her pupils.