NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11824, 29 November 1901, Page 6

NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] \ RAGLAN. V A MEETING of the Karioi branch, of fc ß Raglan Farmers' Clab was held in the Public Hall, at which there was a good attendance. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. A. 1. Pegler presided. The question of freight by the Northern S.S. Company's steamers was considered. It was resolved to obtain a schedule of charges from the company, and that the secretary write to the parent dub that owing to insufficient data they could not at present deal with the matter. Ihe present constitution of the Harbour Boircl was considered, and a resolution passed flat the Board bo elected from persons living in the district adjoining the harbour. Jr. Smith called attention to the necessity tor immediate action to promote the constriction of the Opotoro bridge to connect tie Raglan and Karioi sides of the harbour. la last year's estimates £500 appeared for the purpose, and £500 was promised next year. The cost is estimated at £2000 — half to be raised under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act. To forward the matter a special committee was appointed. Members pointed out that the erection of the bridge had been long considered, and that its erection would be a great convenience . by giving communication between large areas of Government, Maori, and European-owned land of several thousands of acres. It was suggested that the Government should be urged to acquire the Te Akau Estate for close settlement. Definite action was deferred.

TE ABOHA. ? WE have just had the pleasure of a visit from, the Wailii Band, under Bandmaster Mellor. The band (30 strong) came in time to attend the church parade of the Piako Mounted lines at St. Mark's Church on Sunday last. About 30 members of the company marched from the Domain, under charge of Captain Clinor* and Lieutenant Strange, to the inspiriting music of the band. There was a large congregation, which filled every part of the church. The service was taken by the Rev. E. J. McFaxland, chaplain; the singing was bright and hearty, and %he whole service inspiriting. During the offertory the band played as a voluntary the " Adeste Fideies." In the afternoon a selection of sacred music was given in the Domain. There was a very large attendance of visitors from all parts, and townspeople, drawn together by the expected treat. The piecer played included selections from " Moser in Egypt" and the " Twelfth Mass." It is needless to say that the previously entertained conception of a treat in store was amply justified, as every item was beautifully rendered, and highly appreciated by the listeners, and the hope was expressed on all sides that the band would before long pay another visit. A collection was taken up in aid of the band funds, and realised a fair amount. During an interval Mr. Hirst, a member of the Domain Board, returned thanks to the band, and expressed the pleasure they had all felt. A meeting of the To Aroha Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held in the offices of the secretary (Mr. A. W. Edwards) on Saturday evening. The secretary reported that about £130 in cash and £24 in trophies had been promised towards the forthcoming show. Amongst the donations was one of £3 3s from the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Society. It was decided to convey the hearty thanks of the meeting to the neighbour society for this donation, evincing as it did the spirit of unity and the desire to help others in the great work of helping on the farming interests. A portion of the schedule was revised. In the horticultural section in many instances the prizes were increased in order to encourage competition, and in the horse and cattle sections several new clashes were added.

We are pleased _ to notice in the Home papers that Captain Wm. Allen, late member of Parliament for Newcastle, and eldest sou of Mr. W. Shepherd Allen, of Morrinsville. has had the honour of the freedom of the borough of Newcastle conferred on him on his return from the war in South Africa. Amongst those present at the gathering were Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Allen and their family. Our drainage system is about to reach another stage at last. At the Borough Council meeting steps were taken to have the extension of the mains made to the Waihon River; but the hope has been expressed that the work will not be allowed to rest at this stage, but will be completed so as to he of benefit to the greater part of the town. At present only ? portion of Whitaker-street and portions of Kenrick and Eewi Streets are reached, but connections are wanted for the rest of the streets, so as to make the system complete. A communication has been received by the Borough Council from the Birkenhead Council asking for their opinion as to the need oi legislative action in the matter of plumping at elections. The Council decided in favour of the law remaining as at present, allowing electors to vote as they pleased. Mr. J. Salmon has been selected to fill the office of inspector of buildings in conjunction with that of inspector of nuisances, and Mr. Smardon has been appointed fire inspector along with Mr. Hirst.

CAMBRIDGE. A STATUTORY meeting of the Cambridge Borough Council was held at noon on Wednesday, to appoint a delegate to the Waikato Hospital and "Charitable Aid Board. There were present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Buckland), Messrs. T. Wells. G. E. Clark, C. Bovce, C. W. Arnold, W. Kscott, R. Davies. and J. R. S. Richardson. Mr. Claxk. the late delegate, was thanked for the work he had done, during the past year, and was unanimously re-elected to the office. ' WAIHI. OX Tnesdav night the men at Hogaii's bush held a smoke concert to celebrate the end of the bush-whacking year, and to speed one another home for Christmas. A long programme of toasts was disposed of. The following was the musical programme rendered: Mr. W. O'Neill, " Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock;" Mr. M. Quane " Only a, Leaf;" Mi. H. Frazer, "Just as the Sun Went Down:" Mr. B. Currie, "'While London Sleeps;" Mr. J. Halliday. "Teddy O'Neill," " Sunny Tennessee," "Eileen O'Connor," and " Mother McGrath;" Mr. Jack Roberts, "McCarthy." " Sailing: Merrily Home." and " Alex. Robertson:" Mr. J. Roche, " Mother at Home:" Mr. J. Bindon. "The Whistling Thief;" Mr. - C. Johnson, "The Stormy Cloud;" Mr. T. Henderson. "The Black Velvet Band;" Mr. Jack Kelly. " The Wild Colonial Boy." Step-danc-ing by Messrs. Halliday and Roberts, the unrivalled bush comedians. Socially and musically the affair was a great success, winding up with the singing .in good old Scotch fashion of " Auld Lang Syne." The Waihi Tennis Club held their meeting at- Meyer's Hotel on Tuesday night. Mr. Hopkins presiding. It was resolved to institute a ladies' tournament in addition to the gentlemen's tournament now in progress. It was decided to commence the matches immediately, and the prize take the form of a handsome racquet presented by the club.