COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14132, 6 August 1909, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

'[, 'THAMES. - . *- [nv TELEGRAPH.—OWN correspondent,] Thames, Thursday. REGARDING the proposed ferry across the Thames River, the Under-Secretary for Public Works wrote to the Thames County Council pointing out that tho cite selected for the ferry (from Matatoki Road to Turua) was within the jurisdiction of the Thames Harbour Board, as defined in the schedule to tho, Act of 1890, and that it would be necessary to obtain the consent of that body to construct the ferry. The matter was referred to the engineer and clerk to report on. ■ » A special meeting of the Thames Borough Council was held to receive and deal with applications for the position of town clerk. - A large number of applications were received from various parts of the Dominion, out of which Mr. A. Chapman, of the staff of the Thames branch of the Bank of New Zealand, was selected to the position, the runners-up being _ Mr. R. Lloyd, of Karangahake, and Mr. Simmonds, of Thames.

At the meeting of the Thames County Council a deputation from the Kauri Timber Companv, consisting of Messrs. L. J. Bagnall and A. Ivesbit, waited on the Council with regard to the construction of the Puketui bridge by the recent floods. The deputation explained that they had come to try and arrange some basis of settlement for the re-erec-tion of the bridge/which they were anxious to have reinstated as soon as possible. The Kauri .Timber Company did not desire to take advantage of a technicality to evade their responsibility, but were prepared to pay a reasonable* proportion of the cost of rebuilding, so that the work could be gone on with as promptly as possible. They considered that the Parker-Lamb Company was also liable, and suggested that a reasonable basis of settlement would bo for the cost to be borne equally by the two companies and the Council. After the deputation withdrew, the Council decided to inform the companies that they would hold them responsible for the damage done by their logs. •

OTAHUHU. [FROM OUR OWN CORRICSI'ONDKXT.] At a meeting of the Otahuhu Progressive League several matters affecting the welfare of the district were discussed. In reference to the recently-established evening classes at the Otahuhu Technical School, Mr. Harbutt reported that there were 17 pupils attending the dressmaking class, but only five the woodwork class, though an increase in numbers was expected. The secretary reported that no further action had been taken by the Railway Department in reference to the want of facilities for consignees of goods unloading trucks at Otahuhu station. The matter of accelerating the speed of the business people's trains (morning and evening) was brought up by the president (Mr. A. Sturges), and it was decided to co-operate with other districts in making strong representations to headquarters, with a view to having the time lessened on the suburban trains. Several members referred to the position ,as regards the supply of gas to the town, it being stated that a very large number of would-be consumers were debarred from availing themselves of gas for lighting and cooking purposes, on account of a prohibitive guarantee being demanded by the Gas Company from people whose houses were off the direct line of mains. It was decided, in view of the large number of new houses being erected, to make a canvass of probable consumers, and see if some more satisfactory arrangement could be come to.

Of -eing drunk and disorderly at the Howick Public Hall, of entering licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order, and of procuring liquor, Bert. 0. Hare was convicted by Mr. Northcroft, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court. He was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon on the first charge, and fines of: 405," with costs £1 8s 9d, and 2Qs with costs 7s, were imposed on the second and third charges respectively. For procuring ; liquor for the foregoing defendant, H. Rennell was fined 20s, with 7s costs. D. and F. Oliver, for being drunk and disorderly ''slat > the Howick Public Hall were each fined Is, with costs £51 9s 9d. Mr. J. R. Lundon appeared for defendants. A prohibition order was issued against W. H. Lambert, who was charged with drunkenness, and ordered to pay'7s costs. The contractors for the Luke memorial have been expeditious, as the pedestal and standard for the lamps are now in place, and have called forth warm approval from passers-by. The unveiling ceremony is expected to take place in a few weeks' time. The chairman of the Road Board, Mr- J. Todd, will officiate.

1 CAMBRIDGE. [FROM OUR own correspondent.] Cambridge, Thursday. A meeting of the Cambridge Domain Board was held, there being present: Messrs. John Ferguson (chairman), W. F. Buckland, E. N. Souter, and W. Newell. Mr. G. H. Ollard was appointed secretary, treasurer, and collector to the Board. It was decided that the sections of domain lands, near " Salthurst" and the old gravel pit, on the corner of Thornton Road, which had recently been levelled, together with Nos. 50 and 51, be offered for a term of 14 years, so that the leases will expire on September 30, 1923, with the other Domain sections. It was decided to write to the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, asking their assistance in getting rid of the hawks, which are continually worrying the mallard ducks on the lake, and also to try to get the local bodies to subsidise the purchase 1 of hawks' heads. The South Auckland Methodist Council met here during the week, the Rev. W. H. Beck presiding. "There were present: The Revs. Blamires (president), Randerson, Read, Bridgman, Walker, Feathereton, and Beck (secretary). Satisfactory reports were received from the various circuits represented. The Rev. Randereon, M.A., read an excellent paper on Dr. Denny's "Jesus and the Gospel." The annual meeting of the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church was held, the Rev. W. J. Gow presiding. The session report referred to the success of the past year's work. The present number of members on the roll was 170. The average number of communicants was about the same. The outlook of the church was hopeful, and the report of the Management Committee stated that the debt on the manse had been extinguished. All the other reports of the various branches of church work disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs. The general church accounts showed receipts totalling £340, and, after allowing for expenditure items, there was a credit balance of £1 8s 2d. It /was resolved to adopt a modified envelope system. The following committee was appointed for the ensuing year: —Pukerimu, Messrs. J. Scott and Macdonald; Tauwhare, Messrs. Ramsay and Hoye; Gorton, Messrs. J. Wallis and J. W. Fisher; Leamington, Messrs. A. N. Macky and Perkins; Hautapu, Messrs. W. Thompson, A. Potts, and G. Watt; Cambridge, Messrs. J. Conder, J. Christie, B. Moore, W. Gray, J. S. Fisher, J. Anderson, W. Fisher, and R. J. Roberts. The question of establishing a horee bazaar in Victoria-street is being revived by Mr. Lewie, who has given notice of motion for the next meeting of the Borough Council; "That a poll of ratepayers, to raise a loan of £1000 for a bazaar, be taken." .

Y - AROHA. • [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] A popular wedding was celebrated at Wailiou, when Mr, William Conning was united to Miss Jessie Cooper, daughter of Mr.i H. 0. Cooper. Both families are greatly respected and widely known, and the ceremony was largely attended. The officiating minister was the Rev. W. C. Blair, of the Presbyterian Church. After the wedding the guests, to the number of

about 100, cat down to a sumptuous breakfast/laid out in a spacious marquee. _1 he usual toasts were duly honoured There were a large number of presents. _ - A social in connection with the Presbyterian Sundav-«chool was given in th* Public Hall, and proved a great attraction. The building was crowded, and every item was greatly enjoyed. The singing and dancing of the small girls formed the feature of the programme.

HOWICK. . [FROM bull own CORRESPONDENT.] Under the auspices of the Howick Literary and Debating Society, the members of the Mnrist Brothers' Old Boys' Club gave an " Irish Night" before a large and appreciative audience. Mr. H. P. Andrew presided; and the following programme was rendered:— "The Dear Little Shamrock," M.8.0.8. choir; song, ' Ihe Irish Emigrant," Mr. Owen Pritchard; song, "Killarney," Mr. C. Dod; song, "Off to Philadelphia," Mr. C. Mahon; song, " Coleen Oge Asthore," Mr. E. Donovan recitation, "Fontenoy." Mr. Hegarty; chorus, " Oft In the Stilly Night, M.8.0.8. choir; song. "The Singer Was Irish," Mr. S. Pritchard ; song, " he Harp That Once," Mr. F. Beach; song, " Spalpeen Fanac," Mr. Owen Pritchard; scene from "Con the Shauchran," Corry Ki'nchla Mr. C. Mahon, Father Dolan and Harry Duff Mr. J. McKenna; song, "The Last Rose of Summer," Mr. J. McKenna ; song and chorus, "God Save Ireland," Mr. W. Malavey and M.8.0.8. choir.

[from OCR own CORRESPONDENT.] TE AWAMUTU. r The annual meeting of the Te Awarautu Tennis Club took place in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance of members, and Mr. Collins , presided. The report stated that the members had shown great interest in the club's affairs during the past season, and the various tournaments were largely attended, Ine Ground Committee, consisting of Dr. Henderson and Messrs. W. Von Stuimer and V. Wood, had. done excellent work. The matter of forming- an extra court had been left in the hands of the new committee, and in order to assist the club the Town Board had made a donation of £10. A friend of the club had also agreed to lend a sum of money, sufficient to complete the improvement*. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as fo'lows President, Mr. R. S. Oalbralth; vicepresidents, Messrs. W. Von Sturmer, H. Collins, 3: Cottrell, W. Taylor, F. McGovern, and Dr. Henderson; secretary and treasurer, Mr. Warburton; committee, Messrs. ¥. Wood, J- t McGovern, J. Chester. B. Collins, Airs. Collins, Misses Irvine, and B. Mandeno.

TUAKAU.'. " ■ ,- The Tuakau Football Club, having again won the Franklin Rugby Union senior championship, commemorated the event by holding a smoke concert in the hall. The president (Mr. Madia) was ■in the chair, and Mr. Brown (vice-president) and several prominent residents and visitors from neighbouring district* were also present. Songs were given by Messrs. Clark, Liddle, Brookes, James Madill, R. Cranston, and Kerrawav, and recitations by Messrs. Bell and S. Collins". The Tuakau . Football Club was founded In 1887, and since that time has placed one or more teams in the field each season. Since the inception of the Franklin Union Tuakau have held the championship several times, and when not winning have been runnersup. This is a record of which any club may Ibe proud. , . ' ■'* '..''. ■ PAPAKURA VALLEY. The cricket club's annual social, owing to counter-attractions in surrounding districts, was not so well attended as usual. During the evening, songs were rendered by Misses Carson and Webb and Messrs. Haslem and Bodle. A presentation of a handsome biscuit barrel was made to Mr. and Mrs. Gray by the members of the club for the use of their paddock, and also for the help rendered by them during the past season. The president stated that during the past season the club had played 13 matches, winning seven and losing six. J. Hill had secured the best batting average and C. Middleton the best bowling average. Land is still changing hands in the valley, Mr. Sinclair having disposed of 100 acres of his farm at a satisfactory price. AUCKLAND. A meeting of the Band of Hope was held in the Public Hall. Mr. C. R, Morgan presided, and the ' following programme ; was gone through:—Addresses by the chairman and the Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon, vocal duet by Mesdames E. Allan and James Wylie, solos by j Misses Ruth Allan, Alice Clayton, Ella Delaney, and Mr. Young; part songs by Mesdames J, Wylie, G. E. Spooner, and T. Sutton, and Misses May and Ruth Allan, Alice Clayton, and Clara Delaney; recitations by Miss Ada and Mr. T. I Sutton; trio bv Messrs. Allan. Munns, and Young; and glees by the Buckland Glee Party. The piano accompaniments were played by Mrs. and Miss Allan. :,. OTOROHANGA. A concert given in the local hall in aid of the Domain funds was fairly well attended, . and a varied programme m well rendered by a number of local performers. The Domain, which is a tract of about 38 acres, adjacent to the tow--(ship, is sadly in need of improvement, and the Board is making an effort to raise sufficient money to have a portion of it drained before the summer. The following ladies and gentlemen took part in the concert:—Mrs. Kldson, Misses Bate, Johnson, and Morrissey. Messrs. Johnson, Tingye, Oldbury, Furber,; Mac Donald, Denniston,v. Matthews, "and Fulton. Building is very brisk here just now. Several cottage! are in course of erection and the post office is nearing completion. The footballers contemplate holding a ball about the end of the month. yW The truant officer (Mr. J. Small) paid a visit to the school last week, and defaulting parents are likely to hear from him shortly. * NORTHERN WAIROA. '.* Further mail facilities have been extended to the residents of Aratapu. Hitherto one of the outward mails for the city closed at eight, p.m. on Satufdavs, but at the request of the Kftipara Chamber of Commerce the chief postmaster has arranged for the closing time to be extended till 9.30 a.m. on Sundays. • The Kaipara Brass Band is composed of instrumentalists from the various Walroa centres, but the inconveniences attached to amalgamation through the* distance s between members' residences has led to a disruption. The Dargaville contingent intends to pursue its practices and build up a purely local band. , The Dargaville Borough Council finds itself temporarily financially troubled. It took over from the Hobson County Council a liability of £900, with an agreement to pay off that sum at the rate of £200 per annum. The borough officials, therefore, estimated the year's expenditure on the basis subscribed to, but have now received legal advice to the effect that the full £900 must taken into account. Naturally the bank overdraft is found insufficient for its purpose, and members of the Council are rearranging their monetary details. Hobson County Council contractors and officials are airing a grievance. It appears that by rule established all accounts are paid on the 22nd of each month. The Finance Committee met on the 15th Inst., passed many accounts for payment, cheques were signed, but all those whose good lot it was to participate In the disbursement were compelled to wait till the 22nd day arrived. Why such a system should obtain it is difficult to understand, and a proposal has been commended to the Council that pay day should be on the first Saturday following its usual monthly in' ev ; lag. •-'■ • . "'" l -. '. ' Dairying operations on the Wairoa are likely (hiring the coming season to assume a broadened aspect. In addition to the contemplated erection of a creamery at Raupo a movement is on foot, to secure the uprivcr milk supplies for the Maungntapere Dairy Company.' Already the latter company arc exploiting the Wairoa to an appreciable extent and are placing their butter on the local market at. a price which permits retailers to dispense it at a lower figure than the Wairoa product. It is now the intention of the Maungatapere Company to institute a. daily waggon service to Tangiteroria and endeavour to secure the whole of the milk supplies from that district. : At the last meeting of the Dargaville Borough Council Mr. Atkinson gave notice of motion of a hospital and charitable aid rate of id in the £. The subject of general finance was considered, and it was decided to arrange for a bank overdraft of £200. A motion that 75 per cent, of the year's subsidies be applied for was carried. It was resolved that the by-laws regarding wheel traffic be strictly enforced, and the Mayor stated that, a budget of summonses was being issued to owners of straying horses and cattle.

■■■■. PAPATOETOE. . j Electricity, especially in its application to the X. rays, with practical demonstrations,"wag the subject undertaken by Messrs. E. S. Pegler and H. Oldham at the Mutual Improvement Society's fortnightly meeting. Despite a. wet, and rough night some 50 i people attended. The audience was intensely interested, and the demonstrators have since been waited on by the committee, who desire to have the lecture repeated at an early date,. ' .'.;'.''. • " " ■ ■■' ; .';..

At the tj. School Committee meeting considerable discussion took . place regarding the offensive drainage from the creamery, right opposite the school. It as pointed out that this drainage was a menace to the school, arid it was deemed advisable that the district health officer should be again notified of the matter.

, " MANUREWA. :■"■ J — ',■■■.'. A successful concert, arranged by Miss Queeiiie Barkley, was held in the Manurewa school, the object being to obtain funds to asphalt one of 'the tennis courts. Mr. H. Ilollett (president of the Tennis Club) occupied the chair.;' The programme was provided by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Misses Barkley, McNab, Rollett, Wilev, Carson, Mrs. ,T. T. Bodle. and Messrs. McKinney, Bodle, Blow, and O. O'Hara. %. , ■■■■:, The Manurewa School Committee have had a, well sunk in the school ground with a view to obtaining good drinking water" for the children. A plentiful supply has been obtained. The members of the committee put in a day's free labour recently in improving the school grounds. The Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Nellgan) visited the district recently, and it ■is hoped that as a result : Anglican Church services will ' be, permanently established. Several: farms have changed * hands recently at satisfactory figures, showing that land hereabouts is in request.