WANGANUI.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 838, 23 March 1888, Page 31

WANGANUI.

(from our own correspondent.)

March 17.

Since last writing things have been going on in much the ordinary course, except that for the last week od- two we have had our annual racing and rowing meetings, with their attendant incursions cm everyday proceedings. The Jockey Club meeting this year was better attended than it has beeii of late years, and as both weather and sport were good there is reason to hope for a revival of titst class meetings. The Jockey Club here are anxious that further powers should be given to metropolitan clubs, with a view to putting a stop to the great number of small “to-talisator” meetings now held, which detract considerably from the legitimate sport. Only two days ago a hack race meeting was held in this district, at which the great proportion of those present were navvies, and the whole affair was one that might very well be dispensed with in the interests of sport. Good meetings like these here, at Palmerston North, or Hawera, are greatly prejudiced when places like Foxton, Feilding, and Waverley hold two meetings a year, where one would be ample. The regatta was also a success as compared with past efforts in this line. The Wellington men had quite a day out, and the rowing of both clubs was greatly admired. The Wellington Club’s maiden crew was a nut the local men could not crack, any more than they could beat the seniors from either the Star or the Wellington sheds in the inrig race. The Champion race resulted pretty well as expected, Canterbury having a good record before the men came. In business circles there is little new to be recorded. Two old Wellingtonians, Messrs H. L. Nicholas and W. Remington (the former has been in business here before, and the latter is an ex-rifle champion), have decided to start business in partnership aB drapers in Alpha House, formerly occupied by Mr Bush. Trade generally is quiet, but sound, and there is less grumbling than was the case a few months back.

The weather is execrable at present, and for some time past has been very uncertain. The harvest got in has been a good one all round, especially in the quantity of grass seed saved, both cocksfoot and rye grass. Cattle are a drug in the market, but sheep are selling at fair prices, though there is little active demand. There is, however, still a demand for rams, and I hear that Messrs Jackson and Co. contemplate importing some from the South to meet the requirements of breeders. Rumor says that the local meat preserving works are doing a profitable business, the result of which will be disclosed at the annual meeting, to be held shortly. The local Dairy Factory Company, however, have not fared so well. Some months back they sent Home several tons of cheese as an experimental shipment. Against this they' drew 2jd per lb, valuing the cheese at 4id here, but it seems to have gone bad on the voyage, and the consequence' is that the Company have to refund Ll5O of their advance, a result which will have a depressing effect on the industry.

In shooting matters there has been little done since the return of the representatives from Oamaru. Honorary Major Purnell was well received, and the win was very popular here. There is now on the boards a meeting of the local liifle Association for Good Friday, at which LBO at least will be given away, and to which Volunteers in uniform are to be allowed to travel free. Lieutenant Ross, the carbine champion, and other cracks from outside tho district, are expected. The West Coast battalion will hold a review and sham fight on Easter Monday if train passes can be arranged.

The bowlers here are now commencing practice for their Wellington match on the 31st, rinks having been selected, but several of the leading players will not be able to get away. Among the police changes are several

that affect this district. Inspector James gives way to Inspector Pardy, who brings with him an excellent reputation from New Plymouth. Inspector James, like Inspectors Sherman, Acheson, and Buckley, considers himself entitled to a pension on retiring, having been brought across to New Zealand in the provincial days on a distinct promise that the same pensions would be given as would have been earned by these members had they remained in the Victorian force, which they left to come to this Colony. Sergeant Bissett is to be removed to Hawera, and will be replaced by Sergeant Anderson, who formerly had charge of the Wellington and Dunedin stations, and is an experienced and capable officer. Detective Benjamin is under orders to leave for Wellington on the 31st. The testimonial fund to Mr Bryce grows daily, and the Committee were somewhat at a loss to know what to do with so much money ; but they have now decided to purchase some Crown land and present it with the address at a banquet to be held here about the end of the session, when a large number of members may be expected to attend.

Wanganui, March 19.

The verdict of the jury on the body of the man found dead at Upokongoro, and supposed to have been struck by lightning, was that he died from heart disease. He had been drinking at Rowe’s Hotel that day. The Rev Mr Dierks held a Lutheran service yesterday at Waitotara, making special reference to the death of the Emperor Wilhelm, and offering a spocial prayer for the health of Frederick 111.

Laing is now in active training for a match at Auckland with Matthews on the 29th. A severe contest is expected. At the Regatta Committee meeting tor night, tho balance-sheet Bhowed a credit of £lO. A suggestion was made that the regatta should be held earlier in the year, when the weather would be more settled ; but nothing was decided on, as it was pointed out to be necessary to consult the Star Club, and see if they would alter their fixture to an earlier date, as it was advisable to have the two regattas in the same week, if possible.

Wanganui, March 20.

During the present sitting of the Land Court just closed here, one or two important cases were dealt with, mainly in the direction of reserving old grants and placing names of all interested in certain blocks on the grants in the place of allowing a few trustees to have the sole management, as it has been found that those having a share in the land cannot get satisfaction from the trustees.

Lient. Marshall, of the Naval Artillery, has resigned his position. H. F. Greenwood, who rowed in the senior crew of the Wanganui Rowing Club at Wellington on Saturday, left Wanganui to-day to take a position in the Bank of Australasia at Christchurch, and before leaving received a presentation by a few of his rowing friends. Government want the Wanganui Rifle Association to use Kynock for their meeting on Good Friday instead of Eley’s ammunition, which was served out at Oamaru for the N.Z.R. A... and was found much better, but hopes are entertained that they may grant the Association here the same concession.