CARTERTON

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1696, 31 August 1904, Page 22

CARTERTON

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The death took place last week of a wellknown personage, popularly known as “Billy the Maori.” For many years deceased lived in the district, and up to quite recently enjoyed good health. The funeral took place on Sunday, when quite a large number of people joined in the cortege, including some 200 Europeans. Footballers in our town are somewhat jubilant, having won both senior and junior championships, and in honour of the events the Club will bold a ball on September 15th. Strong committees have been elected, and no doubt the function will prove a great success. A rifle match between the Gladstone and Te Wharau teams eventuated on Saturday, when the latter proved victorious by 362 points to 355. After the match the Te Wharau members were entertained at a first-class luncheon, and a merry time was afterwards spent. The high-pressure water scheme was tried here on Friday evening, and was considered a success. Four jets were thrown to a fair height, and had the reservoir been properly filled, no doubt the pressure would have been far better. An entertainment is to be given here on Monday by the members of the Masterton Musical Club and leading singers of the valley in aid of the funds of St. Mark’s Church. Next month a bazaar will be held in aid of the same.

A very sacl accident occurred at Featherston on Sunday, when a lad named Olif. Benton, aged 13, met his death through the accidental discharge of a pea-rifle. In company with two other lads, he was out shooting near the township, when the rifle went off and the bullet penetrated the nose and came out behind the ear. Death was instantaneous. During the week our district was visited with a storm of wind and rain. The place presented a dismal appearance. The river and creeks rose, rapidly, and all the lowlying lands were inundated. The water has now receded to its normal condition. A young lad named Bristow, while playing with mates in High street, slipped on the pavement ,and struck the bank of his head, receiving concussion of the brain. Considerable excitement prevailed here during the various football matches m

whioh tho Britishers were concerned, but when the "lightning jerkera” flashed through” the result of the Maori versus Great Britain matoh great was the rejoicing. The various natives fairly howled and danced with delight, and up to time of writing had not fully recovered from the shock—for a shook it was.

Two large ornamental iron gates have arrived here to the order of the Roman Catholic folks, and will be erected at the main entrance. A couple of huge posts are also on the grounds waiting erection at the front entrance. Recently the grounds have been greatly improved, and now that the Church is on its new site near the centre of the town we have but little doubt its many supporters will see that nothing is left undone to beautify the place as a whole, as well as attending divine service in large numbers. A bolt occurred here on Tuesday, when a horse, attached to a phaeton belonging to Mr Meenken, tore madly through the street, stopping only after the vehicle and harness was considerably damaged. The only occupant. Miss Meenken, jumped from the vehicle and escaped unhurt. A movement is on foot to make several roads leaving from Belvedere road to Pembroke street, and with this object in view a meeting was held on Tuesday evening, when it was decided to take the necessary steps. This is a move in the right direction, and ultimately will mean a great benefit to the town. The dairy factories in this district resume operations on the first Monday in September. All had a successful season, and are well satisfied with theii returns.