PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 994, 20 March 1891, Page 25

PALMERSTON NORTH.

Palmerston' North, March 12. Members of the local Special Settlement Associations, who hare seen oopies of the newly issued Order-in-Couneil, dealing with special settlement regulations, are bitterly disappointed, and many go ;ao far bb to say that this unloolted for action of the Government will assurodly knook the whole movement on tho head. So far from the concession whioh it was fondly hoped would bo granted by the new Government having been given, the position of the special settlement holders will be worse than before. “We have asked,” they say, “ for bread, and ye give us a stone.” I understand that members of the Palmerston, Orna, and other associations will probably meet in course of a few days, and endeavour to take joint " action. In all likelihood the members for the distriot will also be asked to co-operate. As the movement in the direction of acquiring land by united bodies of the best class of settlers the Colony oan produce, is so general and is of Buch vast importance, there will be a strong protest against its being barked at the very outset. I purpose keepiug you fully advised on this question so far as this distriot is concerned. The last few days of fine dry weather have given the settlers round about the opportunity for whioh they have been so anxiously looking, and burning seems to have fairly commenced. The fine brisk easterly wind to-day Is greatly' in favour of these operations. Barometer 30*2. Palmerston North, March 13.

The annual fancy dress ball of the Pal merston Fire Brigade oame off last evening in tho Theatre Royal, whioh had been carefully prepared for the occasion. The attendance was good (the result financially being, I am informed, most satisfactory), and the costumes selected were well chosen acd highly effective. The tout ensemble as observed from the dress circle was very brilliant and exceedingly pleasing. Messrs West and Piraoi acted as M.C.’s, and the musical part of the proceedings was conducted by Herr Norberg (violin), assisted by Messrs Parker (piano), and Clements (cornet). Palmerston North, March 14.

The familiar face of. Mr J. J. Waldegrave, an old and esteemed resident of Palmerston North, who has been identified with the progress of the town and distriot to_ a far greater extent than can be shown in tbe small space at my disposal, will not again be seen amongst us. For some time Mr Waldegrave had been seriously ailing, and only a few days ago he was advised, almost as a last resouro^,, to place, himself under medical treatment in Wellington, In the hope that the change might be beneficial. Unfortunately, this, hope has not been realised, as ,our late friend passed quietly away yesterday forenoon, at the comparatively early age of 57; at the residence he had taken temporarily in Tinakorl road. The late Mr Waldegrave was the second son of Mr Burton Waldegrave, of Box Hall, Biston, Lincolnshire, and o-ime out to tbe Colony in 1855. For some years the deceased gentleman was in business in Wellington and Otaki, and afterwards became engaged in farming pursuits at Pahantannl, finally settling in Palmerston in 1871. The deceased gentleman was in the Commission of the Peace to tbe time of his death j he was formerly a member of the Borough Council, and was for a long time manager of the Manawata Building Society, to which institution until very recently he has given a large share of his time and energy. Mr Waldegrave was also the looal agent of the Naw Zealand Fire Insurance Office, whioh will lose a valuable representative. The late Mrs Waldegrave died about three years ago, and the surviving members of the family are Messrs H. Waldegrave. Awapuni; C. Waldegrave, Fitzberbert (who are both married); Mr F. Waldegrave, Wellington ; and Miss Waldegrave, of Palmerston North, all children of the deceased. The funeral will take place to morrow (Sunday) afternooD, at All Saints’ Cemetery. As the result of an interview which Mr Jarvis, chairman of the Stanley (Sandon) Small Farm Association, had with Mr J. G. Wilson, M.H.R. for Palmerston North, yesterday, that gentleman has wired tho Minister of Lands as under :—" Stanley Small Farm Association applied for land under old regulations and intended to take up on deferred paj ments. New regulations only provide for perpetual lease without put chasing clause even. Serious disappointment to members. Unless you allow them to work under old regulations as far as tenure is concerned Association must collapse ; if you sell land, purchaser has option of any tenure; Associations which ought to be encouraged, put at great disadvantage.” As further showing the deep interest taken in this question, the following telegram has to-day been Bent to Mr Wilson “ Local associations thoroughly endorse your telegram to Minister of Lands regarding settlement question aB shown ns by Mr Jarvis. Pleaße follow same course on onr behalf. (Signed) John C. Mowbray, Oronn Special Settlement Association, Alfred B. Jackson, Palmerston Small Farm Association.” Many bush fires may be seen to-day, but the prospect this afternoon is not assuring. The wind has gone round to W., and there are premonitory signs of rain. Barometer, 30*2. _____________