NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11999, 23 June 1902, Page 6

NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.]

NGAPOJAWAHIA. AT the fortnightly meeting of the Debating Society, the evening was devoted to a lecture by the Eev. H. Mason, on ambulance work, supplementary to an address given by him last session. He explained various simpla methods which should be adopted in case of accidents. The lecturer, at the conclusion of his discourse, whs tendered a hearty vol* of thanks, on the motion of Mr. Warren.

HAMILTON. THE ball given by the No. 1 Company Waikato Mounted Eifles came op on Fri-' night. About. 100 couples were present. | The hall was very tastefully decorated with ever, greens, flags, and shields of arms . -MTiio music, which was supplied by the Hamilton Band, was excellent, and the floor was in good order. The committee are to be congratulated on the success they achieved.*;.' '

TE AWAMUTU. THE usual monthly meeting of the'" local branch of the Waikato Farmers' Club was held on Friday evening. Mr. J. H. Maudeno in the chair. The branch secretary tendered his resignation, as he had not sufficient spar* time to attend.' to the duties; and Mr. Kirkham was appointed. Mr. Edwin Hall wrote:] —"I have been instructed by the execatfrt of the New Zealand Fanners' Union to write to the different branches warning the faring ers against the misleading statements with regard to the probable effect of the single tax on farmers that have been circulated recently. The executive would point out that the promoters of the single tax hold that' private ownership of land is unjust, and that their ultimate aim is to confiscate the value of all land held in fee simple. Their proposal is to abolish exemption, and increase the land tax up to 5 per cent., or what may be required to defray all Government expenses.. Either a big order as Governments are now-a-days. A 5 per.cent, tax on the present unimproved value of some of the •. Mangers lands used for dairy purposes, would amount to over £2 per . acre, This at once shows the confiscatory nature of the single tax. To make up for the farmer losing the selling value of his land, tho single taxers propose that the Customs duties should be remitted, and here you must remember that the entire community is to he relieved from Customs duties, but all the equivalent taxation is to be placed on the unfortunates who own a, bit of land. The single taxers are working on the lines laid down by the Apostle of Land Nationalisation— George— said, ' The easy way to make land common property is to abolish one tax after another, until the whole weight of taxation falls upon the value of the land; when that point ii reached the battle is won.' There is -no guarantee, and very little probability that an equivalent amount of Customs would be remitted, or that the farmer would get the full benefit of such remissions when the land! tax was increased." It was decided to discuss the Question at the next meeting of the branch. The president, Mr. J. H. Mandene, read an interesting paper on noxious weeds.

CAMBRIDGE. A SHED owned by Mr. .Robt. Kerr, and'occupied as a wash-house by Mr. C. Mann, was destroyed by fire on Friday night. The fire •was evidently caused by a spark from » neighbouring chimney igniting the shingle roof. Although the fire was observed early, and several neighbours were on the spot, they were unable to extinguish the flames, owing to the scarcity of water. , " . A progressive ping-pong tournament and dance, under the auspices of the Lawn Tennii Club, was held on Friday night... There was a good attendance, and the function passed off very successfully. The entries for pingpong numbered 30. and some fast and exciting games were played. The first prize for ladies was won by Miss Wells, and the secondly Miss J. Hally. Mr. Leo. Isherwood won toe first prize for gentlemen, and Master J » Banks the second. The presentations, we« made by Dr. Roberts. A very enjoyable dance and a dainty sunper followed. - , The members of the Waikato Monnua Rifles. No. 3 Company, went into camp today (Saturday) 'for a week's drill.

OTOEOHANGA. V •-, A CONCERT wag given in the Town Hall ott Wednesday last in aid of the funds of WW proposed undenominational church. A number of ladies and gentlemen from Te W» mutu and the surrounding districts affl™ by train, and contributed the greater pari of the programme, which was well recei by the audience, Many thanks are one.w» the visitors for their efforts to aid the ?bovementioned object. A site has been obtain*" from the Railway Department at a nomin* rental, and as the funds are progressing favourable we may expect in the near 0 to have our desires accomplished. >.".- The Native Land Court has commenced", sitting here. Major Mair is the presume judge. ; . .. ffl ; Our roads and streets are now mncn »»,.■ proved since the forced exodus of cattle, «g from them. Horses, however, seem to J* specially favoured, and on dark nights ar a danger to travellers. , . ,„ The school has been short-handed lately Miss Jennings, the assistant, has taken >"• and the Board of Education has informed in" committee that there is no relieving teacn. available. After "the holidays we expect ■» have it in full swing again.