COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13983, 12 February 1909, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

WAIHI. [BY TELEGRAPH. — CORRESPONDENT.] Waiiii, Thursday. At the fortnightly meeting of Court Waiiii, A.O.F. (Bro. Weddorspoon presiding), a new member was initiated. Bro. W. Kirker was appointed a delegate to the Hospital Conference,' vice Bro. T. Jones, resigned. The regular meeting of the, Waihi branch of the H.A.G.B.S. was held on Tuesday. The balance-sheet showed the branch to he in a sound financial position, and officers for the ensuing term wore installed as follows : —President, Brother T. Ryan; vicepresident, Brother D. Ritchie; secretary, Brother Collins; treasurer, Brother W. Sullivan. Brother T. Graham was elected a, trustee.

The Waihi* School Cadet Corps will go into ;i camp of instruction at Oinahu on the 22nd inst., and will remain under canvas five days. At a meeting of the Borough Council Finance Committee hist evening the statement of accounts showed that the receipts since last meeting amounted to £579 5s lid. Accounts were, passed for payment amounting to £1369 lis 7d, and £500 for reduction of. the overdraft. The bank .balance was reported to be £23,321 4* 7d, and gold duty outstanding as £1552. At St. John's. Anglican Church, yesterday, Mr. Leonard Wagstaff, second son of Mr. Henry Wagstaff, of Gippsland, Australia, was married to Miss Laura Butt, daughter of the late Mr. E. Butt, of Thames. The ceremony was performed by the vicar, the Rev. A. S. Buckland. The bride was attended by Miss Annie Carter as bridesma.nd. In the Miners' Union Hall, last evening, Mr. H. S. Armstrong, ex-president of the Wa.ihi Miners and Workers' Union, who is leaving the district, was entertained at a social, and presented with an illuminated address and a. pursfe of sovereigns. Tho recipient's services to the union were widely eulogised. The address was a handsome piece of handiwork, prepared by Miss Maribel Lawlor. THAMES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. The Thames Borough Council met this evening, the Mayor (Mr. A. Burns) presiding. An estimate of the cost of a public hall was received from Mr. Goldsbro' (Auckland), who stated that a brick building, to seat 1000 persons, could bo erected at- a cost of £5590. The same building in wood would cost £4360. It was decided to refer the matter to a committee for further consideration, and to arrange for a ballot of ratepayers being taken on the proposal. The secretary of the Treasury wrote notifying the Council that a, special order had been gazetted, making a special rate for the purpose of erecting a public abattoir for the Thames district, as applied for by the Borough Council. Messrs. Lucas, Lowe, and Claxton were appointed the Council's representatives on the High School Board of Governors. It was decided to call tendors for removing 400 cubic yards of stones from the Karaka Creek. PAEROA. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] Pakroa, Thursday. Madame Ada Crossley and her contort party appeared here on Tuesday, and the takings are said to lie a record for the goldfiolds. Special trains were run from Morrinsville, Thames, and Waihi, and all were well patronised. The concert was a great success, and the audience was most enthusiastic.

COROMANDEL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESI'ONDENT.] Coromandel, Thursday. ■ A respected resident of Coromandel, in the person of Mr. Thomas blithe, died at the hospital on Tuesday. He was afflicted with miners' complaint, and had been in very poor health lor come time past. Mr. Bliiho had been a resident of Coromandel for about 30 years, and was 53 years of age. He leaves a widow and a large family. An interesting double wedding was solemnised at Christ Church, Coromandel, on Wednesday, the contracting parties; being Mr. Herman 8. Denize and Miss Molly Sinclair, and Mr. Torbet and Miss Robineon. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. A. Vaugnan. A reception was subsequently given at the Coromandel Hotel by Mesdames Sinclair and Robinson, mothers of the- brides. Mr. arid Mrs. Denize left in the afternoon for Christchurch, and Mr. and Mrs. Torbet for their home at Wanganui. HAMILTON. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The representatives attendirg the district meeting of the 1.0.1t. arrived in Hamilton by Monday's express. Among the visitors, were delegates from Auckland, Thames, Waihi, Aratapu, and Coromandel. In i/he afternoon the visitors were driven out to the. State farm at Runkura, and in the evening a concert was held in the Wesley Hall. An excellent programme was gone through in a pleasing manner. The half yearly meeting of the X.I. district, No. 8-1, was held on Tuesday morning. The statistical report, presented by the district secretary, was very satisfactory. The membership had increased during the year by 57, and honorary members by 19. The number of members sick had been less by 29, the duration of sickness less by 62 weeks, and the average sick pay lees by Is 3d per member, than last, year. The increase in the funds was £697 6s lid, the total funds being £16.264. The average capital of all friendly societies in New Zealand is £19 13s 7<l and the average capital of No. 84 district is £28 18s 9d. The D.C.R., Brother Bodley, gave a review of the past half-year's work. The juvenile report showed a total increase in members of 57— boys 45, girls 12. Four juveniles had been transferred to adult tents. The district juvenile funeral fund stands at £147.

CAMBRIDGE. [FROM OUB OWN COHRESrONDKNT.] Arrangements are "well in hand for the forthcoming A. and P. Show. A meeting of the executive committee was held recently, Mr. .1. Fisher presiding, when a nunifjer of new members were enrolled. It, was decided to inform the Waikato Exhibition Court Committee that the association regrets that owing to want of funds it is unable to contribute further to the shortage on the Waikato exhibit, and to suggest that a subscription list bo opened for the purpose. A meeting of the High School Committee was held on Monday, Mr. J. Lund on (chairman) presiding. The chairman reported in connection with technical school matters that now the questions of the Government grant and site had been settled, ho expected to see tenders called any day for the erection of a building. Mr. Walker, headmaster, paid that if inducement offerer! he would be pleased to organise classes for shorthand, book-keeping, and typewriting. A small committee was set up to go into the matter and report to a, future meeting. The return of attendance for the last school quarter showed the average in the primary department to bo 186, and in the secondary department 28. The headmaster's report referred to the fact that the school had reopened after the Christinas holidays with a much increased attendance, so much so that the school was now under-staffed. The attendance at the secondary school showed a. slight falling off. The Standard VI. examinations were most successful, all the pupils from the school passing. In the junior scholarship and Civil Service examinations several scholars had met with success. A vote of thanks and congratulation to the headmaster and teaching staff was passed.

HUNTLY. [from our own correspondent.] Constable Bock, after undergoing an operation in the Hamilton Hospital, has so far recovered as to be able to return home, though he is still unable to resume duty. •Shortage of waggons was again the cause of the- loss of a clay's work in the Extended mine m Tuesday. [from our own correspondent.] BUCKLAXD. Full advantage is being taken of lie fine weather to push on harvesting operations, and the greater part of the crops are now in stack. Several farmers have already sola to Auckland merchants, and two chairing plants have commenced work in the district. Mr. W. A. Porter, the local storekeeper, lias disposed of his business to Mr. G. C MUnns, of Waihi. I'APAKUKA VALLEY. A concert in aid of the l'apakura Roman Catholic Church organ fund was held in the Altriston Hall, and attracted a good audience, despite the rough weather. The services in connection with the Anglican Sunday-school anniversary were well attended. At the distribution of prizes Mr. U. J). Smith presided, and the children were addressed bv the Revs. P. Fortune and Wilson. Vocal and instrumental items were also rendered during the evening. TE AWAMUTU. The adjourned annual meeting of the Public Library was held the otuer evening, Mr. J. i'. Vause presiding. lire committee reported a fairly success! year, despite that circumstances were unfavourable to assisting the institution by holding entertainments in aid ot its funds, 'the Government suhsiuy received was £10 os lid, and the total receipts from all sources 80l 12s Id. The expenditure amounted to .€62 4s 6d, and included £24 6s 9d spent on books, papers, and wages. The year closed with a debit balance of 12s sd, winch amount was considerably more than covered by outstanding subscriptions. The number of subscribers during the year was 76; and tlie number of works now in the library 2185. Disappointment was expressed at the lack of interest shown by many local business people in the welfare of the library. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. 11. J. (ireenslade, Jl.i'.; vice-presidents, Messrs. James Cottrell, P. O'Connor, W. Taylor, and Kd. I. Miller; committee, Messrs. J. J'. Vuuse (chairman and treasurer), 11. Y. Collins, J. L. Maude-no, (i. White, and Rev. Woollass; librarian and secretary, Miss Vause; auditor, Mr. I). Bockett. At the monthly meeting of the Kawa Drainage Board, there wore present: -Messrs. George Kay (chairman), J. Walsh, J. D. Tcasdale, D. Ross, and A. J. Bertram. In compliance with instructions. the Board's engineer (Mr. Chambers, of Auckland) submitted a report to ensure a complete and permanent system of drainage of the entire Kawa swamp. The question of the Board's powers with reference to the proposed destruction and removal of the two native eel-weirs obstructing the Mangawhero Stream was discussed, and as some doubt exists on the subject legal advice will be sought. The natives hold that all eel v.eics are protected by the Treaty of \Vaitan?i and that the Europeans cannot destroy them, as they form a means of obtaining a food supply. It was resolved to proceed with the classification of lands within the drainage area, the valuations to ihj taken from the revised valuation roll just to hand. NGARUAWAHIA. At the request of the Ngaruawahia branch of the Farmers' Union, Captain Colbeck delivered an interesting address on " Taxation" to a good audience of farmers and others, in the hall, Ngaruawahia, the other evening. Captain Colbeck. who said he was not a single-taxer, traced the history of the various methods of taxation now in vogue. The ideal tax. ho said, was one on land values. This method of taxation Captain Colbeck considered the most fair, the simplest, and least, costly to collect. The enormous waste in our present methods of taxation, he said, ran into millions ot pounds annually. He advocated a tax on laud values to the extent of 4d in the £, which would be sufficient for the Dominion's needs. The saying, " Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of children," could not be used with truth under the present methods of taxation. The address was attentively listened to, and at the conclusion Captain Colbeck was accorded a vote of thanks. HENDERSON. The Henderson Minstrel Entertainers recently cave a concert in the Public Hall. ~ The first part of the programme consisted of songs by -Messrs. Geo. Averill, Allen, Blundell, Double, Pope. Stewart, and V. White, each item being well received. In the. second part a comic sketch entitled "Black Justice" created a great deal of amusement, the characters being taken by Messrs G Averill, F. Allen, Blundell, Knipe, and I'latt Mr. C. Double gave a, recitation. "Murphy Must Not Sing ToNight. Mr. 11. Buecombe sang two songs, which were much appreciated. Mr. Millam was responsible for a -rendered mandolin solo, and Messrs. Double and White took the characters in a drama called " Her Good Intentions." A large audience thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment, which was concluded with a dance, and the proceeds are to he handed over towards the Public Hall funds. lIUIA. Since the erection of a wharf at Marama Point, Huia, the beauties of this place have been much in favour with holiday-makers. The old method of landing in small boats was not pleasant for ladies and children, and the past need for a wharf is shown by the fact that whereas in former years only one steamer visited us on excursion days, it now takes two or three, while many wouldbe- passengers have had to be left behind to avoid overcrowding. Last week the Weka and Waitangi came, while the Claymore. Weka. and Elsie arrived on Saturday, the 7th inst., conveying the Rechabites, who were celebrating their annual picnic. RAGLAN. | The prevalence of whooping cough has materially alloc ted the attendance at the , intone scnoois throughout this district since i the Holidays. The Te Akatea coal mine had a busy time , during the recent trouble at Huntiy, having supplied the Dairy Association a factory aim other customers at ;SgaruawaUia and along the line. In the absence of other facilities, the coal had to be carted out to the railway at Ngaruawahia. It is suggested here by several gentlemen who are thoroughly conversant, with the resources and nature ot the country through which the line would travel, mat the best possible route lor a railway to give connection between the Main Trunk line and the Kawlua Harbour, would be irom jsgaruawaiua to Raglan, via the Te Akatea coalfield, and thence to Kawlua. this, it is urged, would serve the already settled portion of ■ the Raglan district, and give access to a vast extent of new country in the Ohautira. To Akau, Moeraiigi, and Matakowhai native blocks, and the line could then he extended, when occasion warranted, through Kawhia County to To Kuiti.

The matter of the proposed loan for town improvements was referred to at last meeting of the Raglan Town Board, when it was suggested that instead of becking to borrow .LioUO in the open market, with apparently remote prospects of success, ,t6OO should be borrowed from the Government under the Local Bodies' Loans Act, that being the maximum amount allowed to town districts lottwo years' expenditure. This sum, it was pointed out. would permit of the construction of a bathing-place, a retaining wall to prevent tidal erosion in Cliff-street, and several other minor necessary \\"orks. The Board resolved to make a round of inspection with a view to ascertaining where expenditure was most needed, and it is likely that the reduced borrowing proposals will bo submitted to the ratepayers in due course. Wednesday has been declared the clay for the statutory half-holiday for the Raglan town district.

The making of the new road between Rua7iuke and Raglan, on the seaward side of Mor.nt Karioi, has brought the hitherto little known Te Toto Gorge within easy reach of Raglan, and as the scenery hereabouts is of a most romantic and charming description, the gorge will now be added to the list of places in the Raglan district offering attractions to visitors to the town. A public picnic, resultant upon the invitation of Mr. .]. F. Jackson, through whose holding the new road passes, was well attended, the gathering including visitors from Auckland. Hamilton, and Cambridge, who declared themselves delighted with the magnificence of the scenery afforded by the locality. The gorge is a canyon, running from Karioi Mountain into the sea at Woody Head, and is half-way between Raglan and Ruapuke beach. Quite a tragic event occurred at a " tangi" at the Te Kopua native settlement on Tuesday, February 2. There was a very large gathering of Maoris to bewail the decease of a woman named Tuawai Ngatipare, whose remains had been brought, from Auckland, where she died, for the customary rites ami subsequent interment. During the process of the " tangi" the wife of fieri Takerei, of Waingaro, was seized with a fit. At first little notice was taken of her ailment, as she was' known to have suffered similarly before, but when the duration of the period of her unconsciousness extended long beyond the usual time, and she still showed no signs of " coining to." the Maoris became alarmed, and despatched one of their number to Raglan for Dr. Sanders. Before the doctor's arrival, however, Mrs. Takerei's spirit had joined that of Auawai. whose earthly departure she was mourning when she was bidden to come also. Thus the assembled Maoris suddenly found the cause for their grief doubled. Tuawai. who was better known as " Mrs. Pepa Kirkwood," was largely interested in the native ownership of the Te Akati Block. She was buried at Patikirau, on the Te Akan side of the harbour, on Saturday. Her remains were enclosed in a leaden casket, and instructions have bean given for the construction of a mausoleum for their final reception, such distinction being considered necessary on account of her high lineage.