PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 880, 11 January 1889, Page 24

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(from our own correspond tint.) January 7

I have been unable to write you for the last few days, but since the holidays there has really been very little to report, two or three instances of horses bolting being among the most important events which have happened, if I except a rather serious charge of criminal assault, if nob of actual rape, on a child of tender years which has been brought against a young man residing at Awahuri, of which place the girl is also a resident. This case is under remand until Thursday next. A meeting of the Committee of the Manawatu Racing Club was held last evening, when there was a full attendance, Mr J. R- Forster-Pratt presiding. Those present expressed themselves highly satisfied with the result of the race meeting held on Boxing Day, and the prospects of the Club are considered to be all that can be desired. It was decided to hold the next meeting on the Ist March, and the total amount voted was L 560, L 225 being allocated to the M.R.C. Handicap, which is L 25 more than was criven last year. There will seven events in all. The question of the riding of the mare Jenny at the last meeting again came up for consideration, and it was finally decided to reduce the penalty imposed on the jockey (Underwood) to three months’ disqualification instead of six months. The protest entered against Paradox, the winner of the Maiden Plate, was referred to the Metropolitan Club, Wanganui, for its decision. January 8. At the meeting of the School Committee held last evening there were present —The Chairman (Mr G. M. Snelson), and Messrs A. Stewart and J. C. Mowbray. A letter from the secretary of the Board at Wanganui was read, intimating that the tender of Messrs Ewing and Dillon to erect shelter sheds and complete the lining of the schools at Terrace-end for the sum of L 55, had been accepted. The Board further intimated its willingness to bear a part of the cost. Sufficient money having, however, been raised by means of the various entertainments to provide the required amount, no assistance will be required, and it was resolved that the sum of L 55 be forwarded to the secretary at once. Three small accounts amounting in all to LG 11s 8d were passed for payment, and there was no further business. The installation of officers of the Orient Lodge, 1.0.0. F., was held last evening in the Bank Chambers. The Locl< r e was opened in due form at 7 p.m. Bro. Sutton, !P.G., took the chair, acted as installing master, assisted by P. G.’s Bros. Rutherford and F. May rick, _ Bro. Beck performing the duties of . Grand Marshal, The following officers

Were installed :—N.G., Bro. S. Greer ; V.G., Bro. Taylor ; Warden, Bro. Gordon : Secretary, Bro. J. Laurenson ; Treasurer, Bro. A. France ; Conductor, Bro. G. S. Hartley ; 1.G., Bro. G. Hartley ; supporters to N.G., Bros. Henley and Brodie ; supporters to Y.G., Bros. Rivers and Gordon ; scene supporters, Bros. Lambert and S. Lane. After the formal business of tho evening, the brethren sat down to a banquet, served in excellent style by Bro. Frazer. The usual loyal, patriotic, and complimentary toaßts wore proposed and duly honoured, and the proceedings were wound up with a dance, in which 25 to 30 took part. All present spent a roost enjoyable evening* and the event may bo described as in every respect a great success. At the Police Court to-day, before Mesars W. L. Hirst and John Mowlem, J.P.’s, Philip Riley was charged with rescuing five head of cattle, the property of his father, from the custody of William Treweek, deputy-ranger. Considerable discussion took place as to the legality of the plaintiff’s appointment, Mr Hankins, for defendant, contending further that there had been nothing more than a lawful user of the road, that the seizure was not a lawful one, and that consequently there had been no rescue. Mr Baker, for the plaintiff 1 , showed that the cattle were left unattended, and that although this might have only been for a few minutes, tho law was clear on the point. The fined Riley Is and costs of court, allowing 10s as solicitor’s fee.

The cricket match, Palmerston v. Hawera, which was to have been played to-day at the last-named place, has had to be abandoned, several of the Palmerston team failing to put in°au appearance in time to start by the midday train today. I hear that steps are being taken to have the appointment of Mr Axup as receiver for the Manawatu Road Board confirmed, and an order made for the handing over of the books to that gentleman. It appears that Mr Clarke’s appointment was, owing to want of compliance with certain formalities, allowed to fall through, and the complications in connection with thi3 unfortunate business are becoming worse than ever. The distribution of prizes to the children of the Church of England Sunday Schools will take place at Bank Chambers on Friday next.