ONGA ONGA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1687, 29 June 1904, Page 29

ONGA ONGA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A number of settlers assembled in the Town. Mall, Onga Onga, on the 17th inst., to receive Mr Brodie, the Farmers’ Union veterinary snrgeon. Mr N. H. Beamish, who is chairman o-f the local branch presided. and introduced Mr Brodie to the meeting. Mr Beamish detailed the numerous advantages that would be obtained by supporting the Farmers’ Union in a whole-heai'ted manlier. He thought it very probable that in the. near future Hawke’s Bay would be able to support some gentleman to assist Mr Brodie in his duties. He also asked those who should require the services of Mr Brodie to be considerate, and not to call upon him to travel long distances to undertake trivial cases. They would always- find Mr Brodie enthusiastic in the interests of the Union. Mr Brodie addressed the meeting, on the subject of his duties, which were clearly defined by the Provincial Council as follows:

1. That the services of the veterinary surgeon shall be available to members of t>ke Dnion only.- Where a member’s subscription is three months or more in arrear sei’vices shall cease to be available to such member till fully paid up. 2. That, the veterinary surgeon shall not be allowed to practise privately. 3. That the veterinary surgeon shall visit all pai'ts of the district in turn, and that three weeks’ notice of his movements shall be given to each branch by the provincial office. A schedule of such movements, together with their dates, to be available to members at each branch office, branches being responsible that their members are acquainted with their dates.

4. That the veterinary surgeon shall mot be called on to leave one sub-district if it interferes with his scheduled programme.

5. That the services of the veterinary surgeon be equally at the disposal of all members of the Dnion. First applicant to have priority of attention.; always provided that the veterinary sui'geon shall have the disci’etion so to arrange his rounds as to best satisfy everyone’s requirements and the urgency of the cases requiring his attention.

6. That where branches desire, the veterinary sui'geon .pliall deliver lectures on such veterinary subjects as the branches shall desire, notice of such to reach the veterinary sui'geon net less than a fortnight in advance.

7. That members requiring the veterinary surgeon's services be responsible for his conveyance to and from the line of his movements.

8. That tranches , arrange together for his conveyance to next branch, the responsibility of the provincial executive ceasing with the railway fare. 9. That the veterinary surgeon be einpowei'ed to enrol members and receive subscriptions, to be handed to the nearest branch office or the provincial secretary. 10. fAs to opei'ations and tests.]

A number of questions were permitted and fully answered by the chairman and Mr Brodie. The following resolution was passed unanimously:—“That the provincial executive be asked to approach the Postmaster-General, pointing out the desirabilty of completing telephone communication between Napier and Dannevirke.” Also this resolution moved by Mr Skemran: “That every possible member be enrolled in order to pi'oeure fund's, out of which to provide an assistant for Mr Brodie, and that tne provincial council be asked to solicit the other branches to co-operate,” was carried unanimously. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Brodie for his instructive address, and the annual subscription was fixed at 12s 6d.

A sad fatality occurred here last Saturday afternoon. Shortly before 5 p.m. Mr Mads Sattrup, a settler of nxany years’ residence, returned home after a visit to the township. He had been suffering from a slight cold, and went to his room to par-

take of a little stimulant. Shortly afteru wards he returned to the kitchen, where Mrs Sattrup was engaged, and exclaimed, "What was that for, the bottle you put? in there?” and his wife replied, "Oh, that’s, the carbolic bottl-e!” She administered emetics, as hot water and salt, and mustard in hot water, immediately telephoned for medical assistance, and sent for a neighbour, Mr Freeraantle, who was with the deceased until death, which ensued in about forty-five minutes iron the taking of the carbolic acid. From evidence given at the inquest it transpired that Mrs Sattrup used a ‘preparation of sheep dip as a hair wash for the younger children and had instructed Mary aged ten years, to put it in the wardrobe after the last time of use—Friday, the day before the accident. M:: Sattrup had not smelt the carbolic before drinking. It was kept in an ordinary brandy bottle. The medical evidence was to'the effect that deceased had died from failure of respiration due to an overdose of carbolic acid. It was a very dangerous poison, and should not be left aboui. Life could not possibly have been saved unless a doctor had been present when the poison was taken. The verdict of the jury was '“That the deceased was accidentally poisoned by taking carbolic acid by mistake, and no blame is attached to anyone.” Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Sattrup and family, who are sadly distressed. Mr Sattrup took a keen interest in everything, for the advancement of his district, and was popular with all classes * of society. He occupied a seat in the 'Waipawa County Council during one period, was a Government valuator for some years, and in politics .was a gooa ‘ Liberal. The funeral took place aj Makarehu, and was largely attended. The annual meeting of the Onga Onga Library was held last Wednesday evening. Mr EL P. Coles persided. A credit balance of £ls Is 8d was announced and deemed most satisfactory. The.following gentlemen were elected a Committee:—. Messrs B. P. Coles, J. F. Gloy, A. J. Grant, H. Smith. J. McLeod, C. Coles, J. Rouseman, L. McKay, and J. Wolstenholme. Mr E. P. Coles was electee.

chairman, . and Mr L. McKay secretary and treasurer. It xvas decided to expend <£6 in the purchase of new books and a grant of <£6 6s was voted to the librarian. A concert in aid of the general funds wiP, be promoted, the probable date to be 20th of July. June 23rd.