COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13870, 2 October 1908, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

WAIHI. 1 (BT TKLEGKATH. OlfX CORKESt'ON-DENT. j Waihi, Thursday. "Al the Police Court,, yesterday (Messrs. T. Gilmour and W. M. ' Wallriutt, J.P.'s, presiding) a man named Frank Roberts, ■who pleaded guilty to a charge of being an idle and disorderly person, having insufficient visible lawful means of support, •was convicted, and sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment. For assaulting Lancelot Robinson,\a telegraph messenger, Victor Musso, a man.connected with a mcrry-go-round, was convicted and ordered to pay tho costs of tin? case, and damages, totalling £1 Os 6d. A man named Dick Angel, charged with the theft of an axe, the property of Alfred Comes, was found not guilty. The Karangahake Borough Promotion Committee, not having received a reply from the Minister to the application for the district to be formed into a borough, has decided to forward a monster petition (to bo signed by residents of Karangahake and Mackaytown) to Parliament, urging their claims. Mr. Berries, M.P., as to present the petition. The fortnightly meeting of the Pride of Waihi Lodge of Druids was held last evening. The question of holding a gala day was discussed, and it was decided to meetdelegates from the various lodges of the district at Karangahake next Wednesday to go further into the matter. A committee was appointed to consider the question of forming a female' lodge in Waihi. Competitions followed the ordinary business, the song competition being won by Brother Box, with Brother Matthews second; that for recitations by Brother Matthew, with Brother Hansen second, that for stories by Brother Matthews, with Brother Dr. Deck second. Tho annual social in connection with the Victoria Lodge of Druids (Waikiho) was held last evening, and proved a most enjoyable function. The Social Committee, consisting of Brothers J. Carter, P. Shaw, A. Kennedy, F. McLean, and H. Anderson, did everything possible for the comfort of the guests, and the M.C.'s, Brothers Andorson and Carter, carried out their duties well. Brother Piatt looked after the. tournament, tho winner of the ladies' prize (a biscuit barrel) being Miss Ruth . Gilpin, and the winner on the men's side Mr. A. Rrubb (a silver-mounted pipe). Excellent music was .supplied by Mrs. Clark and party. ~ ':■ ';'■■•■■;

OTAHUHU. [FROM OUR OWN" CORKESI'ONTIKXT.] .:"., The fortnightly meeting of the Mutual improvement Association took place on Monday, Mr. A. Sturges (president) in the -"chair.. In the absence through illness of 'Mr.- E. Dick, who was to have given a -lecture oh " Rural Education," the evening was; devoted to impromptu speeches, the subjects taken being ','. The Burden of Militarism/'. " No-License," " Our Climate," "Should Bachelors be Taxed?" etc. The first of tho number of meetings in advocacy of no-license, to be * held prior to the general election, was held on Tuesday, when Roy. R.; B. ■ Hammond delivered ' art* interesting"address.'"" * , " '""

HUNTLY. - ' " [iKOJI Ot"B OWN - COKKESI'ONDEXT.] . '••■'Mr. H. Dingle has sold Ins run at Pukev miro, and contemplates a long visit to ■ Queensland.. The purchaser is Miv Cari ' michael, of Bawkc's Bay, who, will take . -..:, immediate possession. . ' ' '■ ' Mr. T. M. Hurt, who has served for the n-~ fast two years as cadet in the local railway station, was on Monday transferred to Hamilton. \; ■ Cricket practice was commenced for the season on Saturday last, when there was a large attendance, some new and promising talent coming to the front. From,the ' ' attendance the coming * season should be ■most, successful. . • Plans for the new post office are on view : at \ the railway station. They show a twostorey building, with an ornate exterior and interior accommodation suited for all departments of postal work. The; upper ■:■' storey is to be devoted to the use of the postmaster, the lower one including a public office, telephone bureau, telegraph . room,; sorting room, postmaster's private \ : room, and a maUroom.■■..-.The edifice is to ' be built of brick, ;and will- occupy-; a very central and convenient site "in the middle 1 of the township. - ■Though there was a good supply of waggons in the' sidings/ the mines worked a short day on Friday and were .closed down on Saturday. This week the Extended • mine did not work on Wednesday. • . The annual tea meeting in connection with the Presbyterian Sunday-school and Band of Hope was held in the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Mr. R. Gordon Kirgan. the homo missionary, presiding over a large attendance. After tea, a long ; and varied programme' was gone through, the performers being for the most part composed of members of the Sunday- ; school or Band of Hope. -A -J ' • HAMILTON. /

; [FROM OCT OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] , ' A meeting convened by the Chamber of Commerce regarding the establishment of technical classes in. Hamilton was held on Tuesday evening. Mr. Ellis, president ■ -of the Chamber, said he thought ;: it would be advisable to get a vote this year, and arrange committees to deal with the matter. Mr. Young made a lengthy speech,. ',«nd moved, "That the Auckland Board of Education be requested to take tens to establish a technical college for the Wai- , kato." On the suggestion of the chairman separate* committees were set up to further the object. ' It was decided to in- : vite the Director of the Auckland Technical College to .visit Hamilton with a view of establishing a technical college.

. ' . - CAMBRIDGE. [fkoji ock era cobkesi'oxdext.] .* . Cambridge, Thursday. There was a large attendance at Ike concert, in the Methodist Gymnasium on Tuesday evening. A feature of the entertainment was the excellent selections rendered by Madame Ishei-wodd's orchestra; and the various other vocal and intruraental items met with a. full share of appreciation. At the conclusion of the. programme, supper ,was dispensed. . The first meeting of the session of the C.E.M.S., was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. F. J. Brooks presiding. An interesting discussion took place on the subject of _. "Theosopby." • At a meeting of the council of the ChamBe of ■"Commerce a letter was received from the Minister for Railways that when the Main Trunk lino was completed the matter of suitably connecting ..the trains from Cambridge would receive attention. With reference to . declaring the Maungaiautari goldfield/ the Under-Secretary for Mines wrote that no application had' been made up to the present. "At a meeting of the general committeo of tho Waikato Central Agricultural Association (Mr. John Fisher presiding) . the chairman reported having attended a meeting of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at Hamilton, regarding agricultural shows in the Waikato, but so Tar, no definite scheme had been promulgated. . It .'was resolved that a united committee should l>e_ formed for the purpose of fostering the interests of the. Waikato especially in show matters. Special committees were set up- to canvass for special prizes for next Cambridge show, • . The many friends of the Right Rev Momiignor., O'Reilly, I'.P.V.F., will bo I.pleased to learn that hehas almost recovered his health, after his recent protracted illness '■' At the ordinary meeting of the Borough' Council a-"'-reply was received from the -Auckland 'Beam of Education, explaining the delay in - regard to a ■'<■! .manual ~ and "" technical school for , Cambridge. The reply was considered . ; , unsatisfactory, rid it was resolved to .write' to the Minister for Education, in,

the hope of getting something definite done. The Council agreed to grant a site in Iho main street in which to erect the proposed building. Letters in regard to the library grant, application for which has been .made to Mr. Carnegie were read. In its letter, the Council asks Mr. Carnegie to cable a reply. The financial report showed the bank overdraft to bo £2515. Accounts totalling £248 were passed for payment.

WHANGAIIET. [BY. TELEGRAPH.OW2* CORRESPONDENT.] Whangarei, Thursday. . At a well-attended meeting _of the Whaugarei Fruitgrowers' Association, held in Cubitt's Hall, a letter was received from Colonel Goring, resigning the presidency, which was accepted with regret, and tho secretary was instructed to write to tho colonel expressing the association's thanks and appreciation." Mr. 11. L. Hanlon was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy. It ■was resolved to write to the Minister for Agriculture, thanking him for tho stand ho had taken in keeping out infected fruit. Tho chief business of the meeting was a lecture by Mr. Boucher, the Government expert, -who gave a clear and practical address on the treatment for various orchard pests. Mr. Boucher having satisfactorily answered a number _ of questions arising "from his address,'received a hearty vote of thanks. It having been pointed out that the merits of Whaugarei as a fruit growing district were not sufficiently widely known, it was resolved to solicit the aid of tho Chamber of Commerce in pushing the matter forward. , News has been received bv Major Clark-Walker, of the death at Pakotai of Lieutenant Morgan, of the Mangakahia Mounted Rifles. Deceased was the nephew of a leading Maori chief, and was educated at St. Stephen's College. It is expected that a military funeral will be accorded, him, and a.large number of natives are congregating for a tangi. PAEEOA. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN - CORRESPONDENT.] Paekoa, Thursday. A successful social was held by the Paeroa Hockey Club last night, there being a good attendance. Messrs. G. McAndrew and L. Sanderson were M.C.'s, while the progressive euchre was managed by Miss Shaw and Mr. .F. Lowe. The euchre prizes ! were won by the following: Ladies: Mrs. Hill, 1; Mrs. Barrett, 2; Mrs. Bromwich, 3. Gentlemen: Mr. O. Saddler, 1; Mr. Lecompe, 2. / ; [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] ■. -.' PAPAKURA VALLEY. The favourable weather experienced during: the past few weeks baa had a good effect on "grass and early crops. Much-needed improvements have been made in the church properties of the district, and a few more days' labour will put them in good order. •■.,-■■ Land values still continue to advance, Mrs. K. O. Quigley has disposed of tier model little farm at over "£26 per acre. At a meeting held a few weeks ago it was decided to reorganise the cricket club in the district, and the secretary (Mr. J. Hill) is making arrangements for -opening tlio season on October 3 with a match, old. members against new. ".- The tennis club are putting. their grounds In order, ami intend opening the season on October 9. -,'"■ '-'-. ' ■■ '■■■■:'■ ■-■-.' ' / ItAGLAX. The tender of Mr. W. J. Smith, a Kaplan contractor, has been accepted for the erection of new office buildings for the Raglan County Council at Ngaxuawahia, to cost between £600 and £700. The building is to be on the Raglan side of tho Waipa River. The new Catholic Church at Raglan was opened on Sunday, September 27, the priest* attending being Father Edge, of the Sacred Heart Church,Ponsonby, and the. Rev. Father Oahill, of Nagarua-w-ahia,,whose, parish includes Raglan. The little building was crowded, the congregation including several visitors from Auckland and W'aikato, who had journeyed to Raglan specially to be present. After the' dedicatory ceremony the Rev. Father CahiU thanked; the members of other- denominations for the interest taken in and aid rendered towards the cq3t of the church. . ■'.'•'--.. ."•'' LEAMINGTON. At the last meeting of the Leamington Town. Board, Mr. W. White presiding, three-applica-tions were received for the position of clerk, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Hugh Fitzgerald, and .the casting vote of the chairman Mr. G. H. 01 hard was appointed. J Mr.; Ollard subsequently resigned his position as a member of the Board. The chairman reported that there was a credit balance of £30. ~ MAUKTJ. ' Mr. Perkins, who has sold his farm, and is leaving the district, was entertained at a social, and dance in , Mr. ,T. Watson's barn. ;:: During the proceedings Mr. Barter, on behalf of Mr. Perkins' numerous friends, presented him with a set of carvers, at the same time presenting an umbrella to Mr. Miller, who baa been residing with Mr. Perkins. Both recipients returned tbank3. , "An indignation meeting is to be held to protest against the proposed dairy'regulations. : ... -■ : '... _ . WIHTFORD. For the purpose of forming a, branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, Mr. A. Schmitt and Mr. H. Burgoyne (delegates of the Clevedou branch of the Farmers' Union) were invited to address a meeting of settlers at Whitford. There was a very good attendance. Mr. M. Pender presided. Mr. Schmitt gave an outline of the Farmers' Union's platform and objects, and urged the necessity for union amongst farmers. At the conclusion of the address a unanimous show of hands proved the wish that a branch should be formed, all present giving in their names for membershiD. The' following officers were elected:—Chairman, Mr. M. Pender; hon. secretary. Mr. P. Bryan; committee, Messrs. F. H. Brownhill, J. S. Clark, E. Crosby. B. B. llowden, and A. Trust, .sen.; auditor, Mr. 11. Wade. The new dairy regulations were then read, which Mr. Schmitt described as an insult to the dairy farmers of New Zealand. The following resolution was unanimously pass- " That while this meeting agrees with the nrinc'ple of reasonable inspection, free of charge, it considers that the Act in its present form would prove harassing and impracticable, and would seriously diminish, if not destroy the dairy industry in the Dominion." A copy is to be forwarded to the Minister for Acriculturc and the sitting member. Mr. Lang. A vote of thanks to Messrs. Schmitt. and Burgoyne concluded a successful meeting. '. ■ ' kaeaea:, -■■■ Since mv last letter we have had some exceptionally heavy rains, which have made the had places in the main roads as bad as thev were in the middle of winter. We arc, however, having a very good spring, taking it all through, and the grass is coining away splendidly. ,„ . - ; J ." ~ Sheep are still coming into the district, the latest mob to come in being brought by Mr. Barnett, of Waitawbenua. This country will carry some thousands of sheep in a very few years, as it is very dry, and lies exceptionally well to the sun. There will also lie a lot of land under the plough this year. Mr. Bennett is ploughing hiß flat up on the Paro Road, using six bullocks to the plough. Seed oats are at a high price, owing to the cartage on the mud roads, and this deters settlers from getting * quantities in. We arc anxiously waiting to see the stone crusher at work, and the metal getting spread on the road. Mr. Bradburn. a traveller, bad some unpleasant experiences, on our roads. Coming on to the Kickio Road bis horse shied and almost threw Jiim down the hank. Coming along up the Ohura Read on his way to Matiero his horso went over the side of' the bridge, the road beinp covered two feet in. water. Horse and rider went right under, and Mr. Bradburn had a narrow escape from being drowned. He will remember his trip through the King Country as long as be lives. Town people have not the least idea what the roads here are like.

./ NOIITEEEN WAIItOA. Keen disappointment was felt here on receipt of the Public Works Estimates at no vote being available lor completion of the Kailiu Valley Railway to "Wanna, and tcle"■rama were immediately sent from the Kaipara Railway League and from every other local public body and dozens of private citizens asking for a sum to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates. Replies from Ministers have been received that the matter will be considered. '"'■'.'"■". ~■•,'.' The Rev. Mr. Wansbone has resigned his charge of the Presbyterian Church on the Wairoa. , , Messrs. Harding and Co. nave purchased from. Mr. B. T. Williams the store business in Dargaville, carried on for so many years bv Messrs. Mitchelson Bros. The largest mob of cattle that has yet crossed at the Aratapu ferry passed over on ■•■ September, 23, when # the New Zealand Loan . and Mercantile Company drove 320 head' across. By the time the Waikato is reached it is expected that the mob will number 2000. ■