COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14174, 24 September 1909, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

WAIHI.

fST TELEGRAPH.—OWN COEE.BSPOXDENT.]

Wajht, Thursday. On .Saturday afternoon the members of No. 3 Ohinemuri Rifles will firr the filial competition for Messrs. Box Brothers' trophy, the ranges being 800 yds and 900 yds.

A very successful entertainment wa« given in the Miners' Union Hall laefc evening by the scholars of St- James' and East End Presbyterian Sunday-schools. Mr. J. E. Slevin presided.

Yesterday afternoon, at St. John's Anglican Church, Miss Daisy Hyde, of Waibt, was married to .Mr. Melbourne. Loveridge, of Albury, New South Wales, the Rev. A. Buckland officiating. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. A. Hyde, was attended by her sister*, the Misses D. aDd N. Hyde, as bridesmaids, and the bridegroom was supported by his brother, Mr. Hamilton Loveridge. A wedding breakfast was given at the residence of the bride's mother, and a dance was hold at night.

M ANGER E. [from on* owx correspondent.] On Wednesday last Mr. F. W. Lang. M.P., presided at a social held in the Mangere Hall, when the residents of the district met to do honour to Mr. and Miss Griffiths, who have charge, of the local post office. As a token of esteem and appreciation from the residents, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, chairman of the Road Board, presented Mr. Griffiths with a purse of sovereigns (£45), and Miss Griffiths with a marble clock, suitably inscribed. Mr. J as. Montgomerie, chairman of the School Committee, also expressed the feeling of the people towards the recipients in eulogistic terms. Mr. Griffiths made a suitable reply. The following musical programme was given:— Mr. D. Rennie; song. Miss Garland; song, Mr. Martin; song, Miss Carson ; musical sketch, Mr. Carbines ; song. Mr. D. Rennie;' song. Miss Garland; song, Mr. Martin; song. Miss Carson; musical sketch, "Mr. Carbines. Every item was well received, most of litem being encored. Refreshments were then handed round, and the hall cleared for dancing.

HAMILTON. [FROM, our OWN correspondent.] Hamilton, Thursday. At the Hamilton Police Court, to-day, a young man named Thomas Kelly was sentenced to one month's imprisonment for vagrancy and begging. In the early part of the month he was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment fit Cambridge for drunkenness, bad language, and not having eulFicient means of support. The concert given last night in aid of the funds of the Hamilton volunteer cadet 3orps was very poorly attended. A good programme was provided, and the display of physical, manual, and firing exercise's by 'the cadet* was excellent. Unfortunately the proceeds will barely cover expenses.

TE AIIOHA. [FROM our own correspondent.] Te Aroha, Thursday. At the monthly meeting of the Borough Council, the newly-elected member, Mr. T. Stanley, took his seat, and was duly welcomed by the Mayor. Some correspondence was read on the subject of* the traffic bridge contract, which is now,- owing to the death of the contractor, Mr. John Murphy, somewhat involved. The hands lately employed have £196 lis 6d owing to them in the shape of wages, but as the engineer refused to certify progress payment for. August there is no fund to pay them. The Borough Council, which administers the contract, was willing to advance the money, provided the late contractor's sureties would agree, but the latter would not. An application for exemption from rates was received from the Superior of the local convent, on the ground that the institution was not money-making. The fees received from the teaching of music, painting, etc., do not, the Superior affirms, make up for the loss incurred in the ordinary school teaching. It was mentioned that the advice of Mr. Mahouey, solicitor, Auckland, had been, obtained, which was to the effect that a clause in the Act gave the Council power to exempt. The town clerk said the exempt in the clause cited related to cases of extreme poverty and charitable institutions. The Mayor said the question had been settled in other places, and the Council had no option but to enforce the rale, part of which was for wafer supply. It was decided to inform the convent authorities that no exemption could be made, though the Council regretled it had not the power to do so. In reply to an application from the Council, the Railway Department intimated that a rental of 10s per annum would bo required for extending the electric light wires across the railway line to Edwards' township, and numerous rules would have to be observed. Several councillors strongly objected to having to pay rent within the. borough limits, and the-matter was deferred to ascertain the legal position. A letter was read from the Acting-Prime Minister stating that the matter of resuming the native lands in the vicinity of the borough, and in connection with which there had been litigation affecting the water supply and electric light power-house, would be considered by the Government. (The land in question borders the town on the Pae-l-oa side, and effectually blocks urban or suburban settlement in that direction. The natives have two actions for trespass pending against the Council.) A circular from the Northern Land League was read on the subject of the native Land legislation, urging that" the State take stops to acquire the land for settlement. On the motion of the Mayor it was resolved to support the league, and to make the small subscription to its funds asked for. The various service reports were read, dealing with works, light, and sanitation. The Electric Light Committee reported recommending that the electrician's scheme for day service be adopted as soon as funds axe available. It is expected that the revenue from the day service (for power, etc.), will be at the rate of £200 a year. The cost of making the necessary adjustments will be £300, and the annual expenditure £120. The recommendation was adopted. It was resolved to take what land is required for the pipe line, and road to the power house, under the Public Works Act; also, to increase the electrician's salary by £10. A motion was carried protesting against the action of the Postal Department in closing the telephone service, between Te Aroha and Auckland, and it was further resolved to ask the support of the Thames and Waihi councils in the matter.