PALMERSTON NORTH

New Zealand Mail, 15 February 1900, Page 46

PALMERSTON NORTH

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The movement- now on foot- tor the formation of a second infantry volunteer company here is going ahead. An application for permission to raise the company has been forwarded to Lieuten-ant-Colonel Newall, and there appears no doubt that their services will be accepted by the Government. The formation of this second company here will do much to popularise volunteering, as it will promote friendly rivalry between the two companies. This will hare the effect of improving the status of both. The necessary permission to form the company is awaited with interest. The ‘ social” tendered to Mr F. Pirani, M.H.8., in the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening was numerically disappointing. tlie leading men of the town being painfully conspicuous by their absence. Those present (about-150) were fully two-thirds of the gentler sex, who were evidently attracted by the opportunity tor a dance. Mr France presided, and made a speech congratulating Mr Pirani on his return as member for the district, and he was followed bv Mr A R. Atkinson, M.n.R., of Wellington, who in a jocular way congratulated those present on their discrimination in their choice of a representative. Songs were given by our local amateurs, and refreshments were partaken of. The floor was cleared and 1 dancing indulged in. A meeting of gentlemen who take an interest in athletics was held here on luesday evening to consider the advisability of forming an athletic society. Mr Rutkerfurd presided, and there was a fair attendance. Those present formed themselves into a committee to make arrangements for a sports gathering about -“C middle of March on the Manawatu and- West- Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s ground. The object of t his gathering is to provide funds to be de\ oted for tne benefit of those denendent on any of the members of the New Zealand contingents who may be killed or wounded during the present war. Another meeting will be held on Monday when a draft programme of tlie sports vail be submitted for approval. Nearly all the contributing units will probably be PTanteu gratuitously, so a handsome sum should be realised.