COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15519, 29 January 1914, Page 9

COUNTRY NEWS.

[PEOM OUB OWN COB&ESPONDENT3.") TE AROHA. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. A meeting of the Te Aroha Chamber of Commerce was held at the Piako County office on Monday night. Mr. J. D. Morison presided. Correspondence was received from Mr. John Barr, librarian of the Auckland Public Library, saying tnat the Te Aroha showcase in the Auckland Library would have to be shifted, as the space was required for another purpose. It was decided that the clerk, Mr. R. S. Hanna, interview the Mayor of Auckland in connection with the matter.

Correspondence was received from the Hon. W. H. Hemes to the effect that he would consider the proposal to add a dining car to the Thames express. It was decided that the president and executive approach Mr. Hetties on the 29th in connection with the car. and that, failing his approval, they ask him for a cold luncheon car. Mr. Brodie inquired about the planting of the mountain where the vegetation had been destroyed by the recent fire. He asked whether anyone would like to plant grass on the hill. The president proposed that wattle seeds should be planted. Mr. Clothier offered 2000 oak trees that, were ready for transplanting, for the purpose. It was decided that a letter be forwarded to the Borough Council suggesting that a deputation should wait on Mr. Herries in connection with this matter, and also that I Mr. Clothier'j offer be brought before the council. In connection with bringing Te Aroha's mineral waters before the Medical Congress to be held at Auckland in a fortnight's time, it was decided that Messrs. Brodie and Norrell should confer with the local practitioners on the matter. A team of local senior cadets left Te Aroha by the early train yesterday, to compete in the shooting matches at Penrose, which take place to-day and tomorrow. The inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the son of Mr. Joseph Werder, 10 years of age, resulted in a verdict that death was caused by convulsions. The annual picnic in connection with St. Mark's Church, Te Aroha, took place at Piako yesterday. There were about 100 children and parents present. The children were well entertained by the superintendent, Mr. J. Wild, Miss Cann, Miss Maingay, Mrs. Biggs, and the Rev. Bawden. Tho Hon. Mr. Herries arrived at Te Aroha yesterday, and expects to remain here until Friday night, when he will leave for Wellington. ' Sir Joseph Ward will arrive at Te Aroha at noon to-day, and will be entertained by members of the Liberal Party at afternoon tea at the domain at three o'clock. At the theatre in the evening he will deliver an address, and will afterwards be entertained at a conversazione.

NGARUAWAHIA. LODGE OFFICERS INSTALLED. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Ngaruawahia Lodge was held on Tuesday. Being the first meeting of the year, the principal business was the installation of officers, as follows:—The N.G. Bro. E. Moffit; V.G., Bro. F. Pollard; G.M., Bro. M. E. Quintal. The N.G. appointed Bro. W. Fitness as his U.S. and Bro. G. Hook L.S.; the V.G. appointed Bro. Johnson R.S. and Bro. Simpson L.S. ; Bro. J. Kellow was appointed warden of the lodge, and Bro. Bourne guardian; Bro. Washer, P.G., conductor ; Bro. Bilkey, E.S.; Bro. W. Paterson, permanent secretary; Bro. A. J. Bourne, treasurer. A committee of management was elected, consisting of Bros. A. Morris, P.G., A. Kay, P.G., and H. M. Thorpe, together with the principal officers. xhe annual picnic will be held at the Exhibition, special trains running from the King Country-find Cambridge. The lodge unanimously decided to place the name of the P.G.M., Bro. W. M. Paterson, on the merit board of the lodge, in recognition of the manner in which he had carried out his duties in the respective chairs, and also to present him with the framed emblem of the Order. Before the lodge closed Bro. A. Kay, in a neat speech, on behalf of the lodge, presented to Bro. H. M. Thorpe, past permanent secretary, who was retiring from the office after holding it since the inception of the lodge, a gold and enamel P.G. jewel, suitably inscribed.

HUNTLY. A POPULAR PRIEST. It was with great regret that the residents heard of the proposal to remove the Rev. Father Gahill from the charge of the Huntly-Ngaruawaliia district to a city charge. During a residence in Huntly of over seven years, the reverend gentleman has proved a devoted servant of his Church, a trusted spiritual adviser, and a citizen who identified himself with' everything that pertained to the progress of the town. While highly esteemed and respected by his own people, he occupied a high place in the affections of the townspeople generally, who deplore the loss which Huntly will sustain on account of his transfer.

HAMILTON. PUBLIC SCHOOL MATTERS. The report of the headmaster (Mr. Worsley) to tie School Committee, on the halfyear's work, was considered very satisfactory. Members expressed their appreciation of the result of Mr. Shepherd's work in securing a pass for all the sixth standard. In view of the growth of Hamilton. it was decided to ask the Board of Education to secure further sites for school purposes. Notification was received from the board that the new infant department would be ready for occupation next Monday, and it was decided to hold the formal opening at 3 p.m. on that date. A meeting of the local committee set up to arrange for the entertainment of the mounted specials, and the presentation of medals, was held last night, when it was decided to hold the gathering at the Ruakura Farm of Instruction (if available) < n February 25, the function to take the form of a reunion, at which the specials would be entertained at luncheon. Tea for other visitors would also be provided. The local committee was instructed to co-operate with the Farmers' Union, which is to be requested to invite the Prime Minister to be present, so as to afford the farming community an opportunity of expressing its appreciation of the action of the Government during the labour troubles. It is anticipated that the gathering will be one I of the largest ever seen in Waikato. | The usual installation of the officers of Lodge Star of Waikato, 1.0.0. F., was held last night, when the following were installed:—J.P.G., Bro. B. Gibson; N.G., Bro. G. P. Rogers; V.G., Bro. D. Gerrand; secretary, Bro. V. H. Sanson; treasurer, Bro. E. Bryant; warden, Bro. Pearson : conductor, Bro. Pryor ; chaplain, Bro. R. Brewster ; R.S.S., Bro. J. A. Young ; L.S.S., Bro. L. Vickera; R.S.N.G., Bro. H. C.Ross; L.S.N.G., Bro. C. Marquand ; R.S.V.H., Bro. L. Marquand ; L.S.V.G., Bro. L. Harper; 1.G., firo. J. Stainton. After the ceremony a most enjoyable social was held. The Hon. W. Fraser, Minister for Public Works, will visit the Kawhia district next week. He will arrive in Kawhia from Te Awamutu on the evening of February 4, and will remain there the next day, returning to Otorohanga on February 6-

KUMEU. NEW HALL OPENED. In view of the fact that this district is rapidly becoming an important one, with many new settlers, it was deemed necec sary to circulate subscription lists for the purpose of raising fund" for the erection of a hall. Previously the church services of the different denominations were held at private houses—a privilege for which all the residents were very grateful But there hag been felt a want of amusement of some

sort to bring the people together, as well as to pass away the long winter evenings, so through the generous and arduous efforts of many interested persons a most suitable and central site was acquired, and in a very short while a very creditable building was erected. A most enjoyable concert was held, instrumental items being given by Mrs. Vincent Kerr-Taylor, Miss Nicholl, and Mr. M. Harrison, and vocal items by Miss Jean Robertson and Messrs. B. H. Buscombe, J. Lyons, and G. C. Best, all of which received a well-deserved encore. The accompaniments were played by Mesdames B. H. Bliscombe, G. C. Best, and Miss Lyons. A vote of thanks was accorded the performers and the ladies who arranged the programme and supper. An announcement was mad© by the president (Mr. G. C. Best) that a bazaar would be held in the near future to further augment the hall funds. After supper the floor was cleared for dancing. Mr. Farrand acted qs M.C., and the dance music was played by Mesdames Nicholl and Best, Misses Lyons and Nicholl, and Mr. Radford.

BUCKLAND. INCIPIENT PIES DISCOVERED. An outbreak of fire occurred at Mr. W. G. Abbott's fine residence, on the Pukekohe Hill, on Monday afternoon, and only the promptitude with which the outbreak was attacked by the owner and others saved the house from total destruction. The fire, which was discovered by the lady occupants, started under the kitchen floor, from which flames and smoke were found to be issuing.- Mr. Abbott, who at the tim« was some little distance from the house, was summoned, and with the assistance of some neighbours and others, who were quickly on the scene, a portion of the weatherboarding and flooring was removed, and, there being a good supply of water available, the fire was subdued before much serious damage was done. i»,The outbreak appears to have originated in the vicinity of some hot-water pipes. The first annual meeting of the Buckland Farmers' Athletic Club was held in the Buckland Hall on Monday evening. There was a good attendance, over which Mr. E. Neal presided. The report and balance-sheet, which was unanimously adopted, stated that the sports meeting held last year had been a most successful function, both financially and otherwise, there being a balance in hand of £1 10s after meeting all liabilities. The following office-bearers and committee were elected for the ensuing year : —Patron, Mr. R." F. Bollard, M.P. president, Mr. A. Park Home, J.P.; vice-president, Mr. A. J. Melville; hon. secretary, Mr. L. Bilkey (re-elected); committee, Messrs. E. Neal, E. Nesbit, C. Parker, James Walker, E. Condon W. J. Jefferis, W. A. Braithwaite, E. Appleby, H. Barber, jun., H. W. Driver, A. Bilkey, H. Leigh ton, G. Leightun, F. McKean, T. Home, S. Harper, and officers ex officio. It was decided to hold a combined athletic sports gathering and farmers' picnic in Buckland on March 7, and a sub-committee was appointed to arrange details in connection, with the event. It was also decided to affiliate with the Auckland Athletic and Cycle Union. The membership fee was fixed at ss.

ROTORUA. SHRIMPS AS TROUT FOOD. Since the visit of the Minister in charge of Internal Affairs, the officers of the State fishing depot have been in pursuit of food for the trout in Lake Rotorua. Men have been engaged in netting shrimps at Mercer, and cans of thousands of these small fish have been forwarded to Rotorua; but, owing to the Railway Department sending them by the goods train, the fish ha.ve arrived in a bad state, and not fit to be distributed in the waters of the lake. On Monday evening six cans of shrimps arrived by the express train in excellent condition, and were immediately distributed in various parts—Ngongotaha, Awahou, and Waiteti streams all receiving a fair proportion. Fly-fishing at present in 'Lake Rotorua is attracting many fishermen, and large takes are being reported daily. For two days a party of two landed 107 at Ngongotaha, while two other fishermen secured 60 at Hamurana on Sunday. | In spite of the absence of rain, of which only one shower has fallen during the past five weeks, the farms around Rotorua are in exceedingly good order. The boy scouts are still in camp al Sherriff's farm, and seem to be thoroughly enjoying their camp life. On Saturday, in response to an invitation from Mr. J. N. McLean, proprietor of the "Austral" Poultry Farm, the boys, under Captain Prictor, marched to the farm, where they were met by Mr. McLean and shown over the property. , A meeting of householders in the newlyconstituted school district of Ngongotaha was held for the purpose of selecting a School Committee, and the following were .appointed —Messrs. J. E. Martin, H. Pearson, A. Martin, R. Dawson, F. S. Martin, J. Milton, and F. H. Young. Mr. F. S. ' Martin was elected chairman, and Mr. A. Martin secretary. Owing to the Ngongotaha school having been separated from the Rotorua school district, a meeting of householders was called for Monday night for the purpose of electing a committee to carry on the affairs of the school. The meeting was poorly attended. Only members of the old committee were present, and they were re-elected. Mr. McDowell filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Flower. Mr. Reynolds was re-elected chairman, and Mr. Clarke, secretary. The chairman reported that up to the present the names of 25 children had been obtained as prospective pupils at the proposed district high school, and it was decided to ask the Education Board to push on the establishment of the school. Four young keas have been added to the aviary in the Government Gardens. These birds have been brought from the South, and arrived in" excellent condition.

TAUMARUNUI.

FIRST STOCK SALE HELD.

The first Taumarunui stock sale was held ill the newly-erected borough saleyards on Tuesday. There was a very large attendance, and unexpectedly heavy yardings of cattle, and about 1500 sheep. The three principal auctioneering firms had representatives present, and also the Gear Meat Company, Wellington. A remarkable supply of fat bullocks was on offer, which fetched up to £9 10s each. Store cattle were not much in demand. Sheep met with a poor sale, on account of not having been dipped, and the railway authorities consequently forbade the trucking of them. There is a proposal to establish a municipal dip at Taumarunui. The fine appearance and large numbers of stock present was commented on by the manager of one of the auctioneering firms present, who said Taumarunui had a bad reputation for fertility, but tnat day convinced him of the existence of good land in the neighbourhood. At an entertainment given by the Borough Council to the settlers on Tuesday night, over 100 guests were present. The proceedings were very enthusiastic. The Rev. Mr. Ward, acting-Mayor, presided, and congratulatory speeches were made by the auctioneers. The need for improved means of access was very strongly emphasised. Fat sheep travelling over bad roads lost condition rapidly, and declined in value. The State sawmill at Kakahi has not yet resumed operations after the holidays, owing to fires having spread into the bush from which supplies of logs are drawn. No damage to speak of has been caused to the trees, however, but the valuable haulers were in considerable danger from the fires. The manager and his staff, assisted by the millhands, worked energetically to save the machines. They cleared away all rubbish and scrub around them, and collected and set fire to it, leaving a large clear space around each hauler. The recent rain removed all danger, and work in the bush began on Monday.