THE COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1703, 19 October 1904, Page 28

THE COUNTRY.

AHAURA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A meeting: of the Lake Brunner Regatta Committee was held on October let. The balanoe-sheet was read and adopted, and members expressed satisfaction at the financial position. It was proposed to hold the next regatta on December 28th, and all were determined to make it a complete success. Facilities for getting boats to and from the lake were discussed, also the defining of the sailing course from a boatman's and spectator's point of view. \ A meeting of the Stafford Benevolent •Entertainment Committee was held last week. The treasurer submitted a balance-sheet in connection with recent entertainments. The total receipts were jEfln 13s Sd, and the expenditure £4 18s Bd, leaving . a credit balance of *£l6 to be handed over to the Society?- Votes of thanks were passed to all those taking part and helping to bring the entertainments to such a successful issue. _ A public meeting is to be called at an early date for the purpose of considering tiTe advisability of erecting a public hall, and ways and means. A building of this V hind is a great necessity, and it is hoped that the result of the meeting will be that preliminary steps will be taken for the erection of a suitable hall. It must be pleasing indeed to the members of the choir of St. Andrew's ChuTch, Ahaura, to know that Mr Tregonning has consented to act as conductor in the place of Mr De Berry. The choir could not be in more capable hands.

x ELTHAM.

(Fiom Our Own Correspondent.) At the local shooting range on Thursday a match was held between the Rifles and the Oddfellows, which resulted in a win after an exciting time for the Oddfellows, who. however, had among their team some jshots who might also have been on the Rifles' side. A strong wind with showers of rain made the day very bad for firing, so that the elements were not at all in favour of the Rifles. Mr W. A. Cathro. secretary of the Athletic and Caledonian Association for Taranaki, has been appointed representa- . tive for the districts between Wanganui and New Rlymouth of the Now Zealand League of Wheelmen. ' The usual monthly meeting of the Taumata Domain Board was held last Friday night. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. It was resolved to ask .Mr Graves, who has left the district, to tender hiß resignation. Mr H. Donald; who is leaving this' district, banded in his resignation, which was accepted with regret on the motion of Mr Hardy, seconded by Mr Templar. Mr Stanners was appointed treasurer, vice Mr Donald, till the end of the current year. Two members of the Scenery Preservation Commission were in Eltham this Week. They were received by his Worship the Mayor and Mr Cumberworth, secretary of the Eltham Tradesmen's Association. The visit was spent in driving to Lake Rotokare and other points of interest in and around Eltham.

KAIKORA NORTH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

The children of the Kaikora North Dis- " trict School were very successful "with their exhibits at the Marlborough Exhibition. They competed in writing, freehand drawing and model and scale drawing, and secured two first prizes, three second prizes and one third prize. The prize-winners .fwere: —Wilfred Hicks, Ist prize writing (age 13 to 16 years); Bella Minto, Ist prize same subject in same age section; Anastasia Ingleton, 2nd prize same subject and same age section; Mary Mcßae, 2nd prize, same subject (age 10 to 13 years); Wilfred Hicks, 2nd prize in model drawing section; Frank Taylor, third prize in freehand drawing. Mr Jno Caughley, 8.A., master, may be congratulated on the success which has attended hi 9 instructions. A meeting of the Kaikora branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held at Mr Collins's homestead last Monday afternoon. A sheep was dissected by Mr Brodie, veterinary surgeon, who explained the 1 structure and functions of the different >’ organs, from the month to the rectum; lie also described the structure and functions of the lungs. In the evening a meeting was held in the Railway Hotel, when Mr R Tod presented a report of the business transacted by the Provincial Council on the proposed. Stud Bill. Mr Small read -. to an interested and attentive audience a ■paper dealing with the hereditary taint, ' the effects environment has on different A animals, and the pernicious effects of inbreeding.

TOKO.

(prom Our Own Correspondent.) The bachelors gave a most successful ball in return for the lieap,, Ball r ; organised by the ladies. Th© hall was •nicely decorated for the occasion. Acr the front of the. hall was a ‘Welcome . ; intimation, contrived from white and 1 coloured flowers on a ground of moss nna 'ferns. The sixty couples present rather crowded the floor. The committee had / been fortunate in its selection, of musi- * ■•'l cians. Messrs Scott Bros, (piano and 1 officiating. Mr H. E Rountree played the extra dances. . Messrs h. O’Connor and R. Morison acted as Ms.C., * ' and carried put thedr duties -. -well. ///Special attention had been paid by the committee to tlio suppor arrangements* such attention meeting the heartiest appreciation. A number of Stratford and ■ v Midhurst'visitors were present and vpted / the affair one of the best of the season. The committee who carried out the arr rangements consisted of Messrs F. O’Con-

nor, R. Morison, J. Rutherford, W. Smith, J. Pettit, and others, and they are to be oomplimented on the success attained. The tea supplied by Mr R. Morison was excellent.

GISBORNE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The close of this month is carnival time in this district, and the Poverty Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society are making extensive preparations in connection with their annual show, which promises to greatly exceed past years in importance. At a meeting l of the Committee the following judges .were appointed: Draught horses, Mr Archibald, Karamu, Hawke's Bay; blood and light horses, Mr McLaughlin, Auckland; harness horses, Mr J. R. McDonald, Levin; cattle (other than dairy), Mr J. H. Williams, Havelock; cattle, dairy stock, Mr Standen, Palmerston North; pigs, Mr Standen, Palmerston North; fat stock, cattle and sheep. Mr W. Clarkson, Christchurch; Lincoln sheep, Mr Archibald, Karamu; other breeds of sheep, Mr J. H. Williams, Havelock; poultrv. Mr W. Gault, Gisborne; produce, Government expert; trotting events, Captain Tucker; LloydLindsay -competition, Major Winter, Captain Colebourne, Surgeon-Captain Scott; dog trial, »Mr W. G. Slherratt; woodchopping, Mr C. Menan. * After some delay the Cook Committee have obtained a suitable design for the monument to be erected to the great navigator's memory over the spot where he first landed. The Committee have selected a substantial memorial 42 feet in height, consisting of three bases, a pedestal, and a plain tall shaft. The monument will be of red granite to cost £IOOO. Of this the Committee have ,£970 available. The successful tenderers were McNab and Mason, of Auckland, and the Committee have fixed the unveiling day for October Bth (Cook's Day), 1905. The Gisborne lady hockey players had a very successful series of matches with the Auckland players. Poverty Bay defeated three northern clubs and also a strong representative Auckland team put in the field against them. They have received hearty congratulations -on their success, which is tne more welcome, as the Gisborne representative team of gentlemen hockeyists suffered defeat recently at the hands of Auckland to the tune of six goals to nil. Poverty Bay has been very successful in the region of sport this year, and Mr J. A. Harding, president' of the Bowling Club, in opening the green, took the opportunity of enumerating the victories achieved. In addition to the successes of the hockeyists, the local golfers in a series of matches defeated a strong team from Napier, and the Gisborne representative footballers vanquished their ancient dnemy from Hawke's Bay by 20 points to 3. In th© racing world the local horses won more than ordinary fame this year by annexing the Winter Cup and Grand National Hurdles at th© Christchurch meeting. S? that taking it all round this place has had a field year in regard to sports and pastimes, and the bowlers are girding up their loins in anticipation of the North Island championship fours tournament to be held here next January. The water supply question is again very much in the public mind. This time it is not the question of source which is the trouble, hut under which engineer is the scheme to be carried out ? Mr W. D. Lysnar champions Mr Leslie Reynold's proposals, while the majority of the Council ar© averse to taking either his or Mr Hay's holus bolus, preferring to pick the best points out of both. The silting up of th© Taruheru river has been causing Nelson Bros, anxiety, as they depend on this stream being kept navigable to enable them to lighter their frozen meat out ts the Home-going steamers in the roadstead. After much discussion Mr ~W, Nelson obtained .£4OO from the Harbour Board to assist in clearing the river from the freezing works to the borough boundary, the Board also undertaking to purchase the sand, pump to be used if the work is satisfactory. The condition of the lower portion of the river, from the entrance to the wharves, appears to be improving. The barqueutine Frank Guy, from Newcastle, recently entered drawing lift 2in., and Captain Cotton, her master, states that on her former trips here five years ago the vessel had to be lightered while lying in tho roadstead.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

(From Onr Own Correspondent.) It is understood that the proprietor of the "Tlaranaki Daily News” has been served with a writ, claiming .£SOO, by a medical man at Okato, on the ground of alleged libellous statements contained in a leading article: The release of the young man Raven for turning King’s evidence in the recent abortion case has caused intense indignation here, seeing he employed the man, who is serving five years for the offence, to do his questionable work. Raven, since his release from gaol, has left the district, and will, I believe, Return to S'onth Australia whence he ca.^. The Carnival and Exhibition Committees, and the various sub-committees, are now working hard to complete the arrangements for the Christmas and New Year Carnival. They have plenty of work to do to make the Carnival a success, as the programme is a big undertaking. Matters in connection with the borough loan works are progressing steadily if slowly. The contractors for the tunnel and intake at the new waterworks are at variance with the engineers re certain matters connected with extras, such as the concreting of the tunnel lor instance Mr McWilliams, one of the contractors, complained that on a. recent visit Mr Mestayer, the chief engineer, did not go through the tunnel to see what concrete work was required, but Mr Gibbon, the borough engineer, informed the council -that such a trip was not necessary, as the work was being done under hie direct supervision. The contractors have had a lot of bad luck with the contract, over which they are sure to lose heavily.

In the Magistrate's Court on Tuesday Mr McWilliams was fined -210 and costs foor failing to report to the Inspector of Machinery an accident to a workman named Butters. I believe there will be gome litigation over the accident. On Thursday the Magistrate held a departmental inquiry as to the state of the machinery used when the accident happened. * , , , . Farmers report a very backward spring, and feed is rather short in consequence. At time of writing the weather is wet with a cold wind blowing from the southeast. Messrs Connett King, and Dingle, a sub-committee of the Harbour Board, are at present taking evidence in connection with the working of the port. The inquiry was created owing to differences between Captain Hood, the harbourmaster. and Captain Norbury, master of the Rarawa. The committee will report to the Board on October 21st. An old and respected resident of Stratford, Mr Penn, died on Tuesday, aged 76 years. Mr Penn came out with his family from Worcestershire, and was one of the pioneers of Stratford. He leaves a fairly large family. One of his sons, Mr W. .1 Penn, is editor of the “Taranaki Herald" and tbe “Budget.” Mr Hill Bauchone, a local secretary and agent, leaves shortly with his aunt, Mrs Copland, on a trip to the Old Country. Mr G. TSech, who is well-known in local politics, has just returned from a 6even months' trip to the Continent and Great Britain. During his travels in England Mr Tisch states he was frequently mistaken for Dr Grace, the doyen of cricketers. There is certainly a photographic resemblance. Talking of doubles a Taranaki publican tells a good storv. He recounts in dead earnest that when he was tripping round Birmingham a couple of years ago, he was frequently mistaken for King Eldward, travelling incog, and people were so impressed with the facial and general resemblance that they frequentl.’doffed their hats to him, and on one occasion actually raised a cheer. This yarn completely put Mr Tisch's experience into the shade. , . , . A New Plymouth man claims that tie supplied information to the Czar of Russia that has enabled him to secure a male heir for th© succession of the throne, and he has written, or intends to write to Mr Seddon, asking him to use his influence with the Czar to obtain for him (the New Plymouth ma.ll) a sum of <£2o,GOO or £30.000, as some recognition of the vale of the information supplied. There is nothing like modesty in this world. Why this would make a capital text for Mr Dooley. . Our local spiritualistic circle is still going strong and dialogues with ttye spirits of the great departed are common.

CARTERTON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A wedding of interest in sporting clr cles was solemnised at Tauherenikau on Wednesday, when Mr J. V. Reed was married to Miss Emily Nix, daughter of Mr W. J. Nix. Miss Tansley, of Dannevirke, has been engaged to sing at the Catholic concert to be held here shortly, but Miss May Sullivan, of Wellington, will be unable to be present owing to the departure to Australia of her mother and sister. The movement on foot to build a hall at Belvedere is assuming practical proportions, all the leading residents having taken £5 debentures, while others have given donations. The Mayor and member for the district are taking an interest in the object. Mr 5-ames Stevens, an erstwhile resident, of this town, and now of Wellington, has not forgotten our rising little township, and besides donating 1000 ft of timber for the proposed Belvedere hall, he has promised £2 29 as a donation to our Cricket Club, a bat, and something of a substantial nature should our knighcs of the willow carry of the championship. Hockey after next Thursday falls to the rear and tennis will be foremost. The ladies and gents of the former pastime met on IViday and decided to hold a social as a fitting finale, and a strong committee of both sexes has been formed, viz., Misses Telford. Molloy and Nicolson, and Messrs Lindop, Nicolson and Bunnythorpe (secretary). Invitations have been sent to other clubs, and it is expected a pleasant gathering will be "the result. Presentations will be made during the evening, when three of the ladies will be presented with gold brooches, Mi- H. Savage, of Wellington, donating one for the best forward, while Mr H. Nicolson has given two, which will be awarded the best back and best allround player. The latter gentleman has been asked to choose the players, and 1 understand has done so, but the result will not be made known till the evening of the dance. The work of erecting a telephone service between Martinbprough and Pirinoa is practically complete, and is proving a boon to the outback settlers, who are delighted with the new arrangement Why Feathers ton i° not connected with the other Wairarapa towns puzzles the majority, and a movement was on foot some time ago to got the servioe. The newly-installed hign-pressure water supply has not given general satisfaction in one or two instances, and on Thursday, as a result of too much pressure two youths were called upon to pay 16s Bd. Seeing a passing butcher boy the hose was directed fair on, the horse took fright, and scattered the boy and meat into the middle of the rood. A commercial travel ler also has cause to remember it as he was drenched before he could locate the hiding-place of a mischievous lad. Record prices were obtained for sheep at Martin borough on Tuesday, wethers fetching up to 2fTs 7d, while other stock also realised first-class prices A heavy storm broke over the district on Tuesday night and continued with increased fury all through the following day and Tbursady (to-day), and up to time of writing th© raan still continues to fall very heavily. The rivers and creeks are all in high flood, while the low-lying lands are under water. .. At the annual meeting of the Carterton

Farmers' Union, Ltd., Messrs Seivers and Bassett were re-elected directors and Mr Seely auditor. A public meeting was held on Tuesday night to consider the advisability of erecting a gymnasium. It was reported! that some £4O odd had been collected some 18 months' ago, and that some £9O was still wanted. A committee was appointed to canvass for subscriptions. The matter of erecting swimming baths was also considered, but left* over for a future meeting. The annual report of the Brick and Tile Company is very satisfactory, and a balance of £558 is shown to credit on the year's working. The quality of work done has been first-class and altogether the company have every reason to feel very, gratified. Mr and Mrs Fairbrother, who celebrated their silver wedding on Monday, were the recipients of a valuable dinner service from the staff and directors of the Fairbrother Company. During the day; they were also in receipt of numerous graculatory telegrams. The local tennis courts jrill be officially opened on October 20th. At present only one court is in use, the grass lawns being left till thoroughly fit. The Wairarapa South County confirmed the special order declaring broom, gorse, and ragwort to be noxious weeds within the county. Mr Hornsby has again been approached with a view of his standing for the next election, and he has promised to put in writing his definite intention within a few days.

BUNNYTHORPE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) We are experiencing one of the heaviest rainfalls known for years, creeks are overflowing, and roads and low-lying lands are submerged. The very cold weather attending so much rain is very trying to all stock, especially to the young calves and lambs. Altogether it is about as uncomfortable and wet a spring as has ever been experienced. Certainly the country, where not covered with water, has a beautifully-verdant aspect. Especially is that the case around Taonui and Colyton where grass is prolific. The acre of land recently purchased by our [School Committee has been fenced in and neatly laid out in gardens, the children having taken great interest in the work. With reasonably fin© weather they should soon see something for their labour. There is, of course, no doubt about the benefit of spraying fruit trees if it is conducted properly, but recently I visited a settler's orchard and found he had planted about 100 new trees in the place of others, which had been killed by injudicious spraying by a supposed expert. This means a considerable loss to the settler, a& most of the tiees destroyed were large ones and heavy bearers of fruit. On Wednesday evening, the 12th inst., regardless of the very rough weather, the benedicts of Bunnythorpe gave a firstclass ball, and there was a very large attendance, visitors from Feilding and other parts being present. Splendid music was given by Mr Curreen's band from Ashhurst, and aB is usual here the refreshment department was all that could be desired. Among many others the following ladies may be congratulated, upon their efforts in providing such an enjoyable dance, namely, Mesdames B. Holland, D. Reid, Turner, Lewers, and Gascoigne.

PAHIATUA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) At the last meeting of stewards of the Pahiatua Racing Club it was decided to fence the inside of the plough training track, and also to increase the stakes for the fortncoming race meeting to £IOOO. This is a substantial increase on last year's total, anu it is to be hoped that horse-owners will respond by nominating freely. A social was tendered th Mr and Mrs H. W. Sharp, of Mangatainoka, who are leaving to take up their residence at Norse wood, at Mangatainoka on the evening of the 6tlj inst. During the evening Mr A. Barren, on behalf of the residents of Mangatainoka, made a presentation to Mr and Mrs Sharp as a token of esteem for the cheerful way in which they had always given their assistance and support to any project for the entertainment or assistance of Mangatainoka residents. Mr C. Darrell, on behalf of the Tin Minsstrels, also presented Miss Sharp with a gold brooch in recognition of her services to the Minstrels in the capacity of pianiste. Messrs A. H. W. Baucke and Co. have taken over the cycle engineering and repairing business formerly carried on by Mr C. H. Taylor At the’ last meeting of the Pahiatua Library Committee, it was decided to purchase £lO worth of new books for the library. ✓ The fishing in the Pahiatua district since the opening of the season has proved good, and a large number of visitors and tourists have already availed themselves of the excellence of our trout streams. Makuri is a favourite spot with tourists, who speak highly of both the fishing and scenery there. Mrs Kiernan, of Pahiatua, has been seriously ill for some time past and her condition is still causing her friends grave anxiety. A very sudden death took place in Pahiatua on the evening of the 11th inst., when Mira J. Gunther, of Pongaroa, who had just arrived in Pahiatua from Pongaroa, died suddenly at Mrs Morrison's private hospital. At the inquest held the following day the medical evidence went to show that death was due to failure of the heart’s action, caused by fatty degeneration of the liver, and a verdiot was returned in accordance therewith. In common with other parts of the colony, Pahiatua has experienced a heavy downpour of rain, notwithstanding which and the consequently flooded state of the

river, the recently erected protective •works above the borongn bridge are standing well and apparently fulfilling their purpose admirably.

FEILDINC.

(From Our Own Correspondent.?

. While heavy storms seem to have been raging all round, this place has only suifered from a several days, almost continuous downpour of rain, with the results that the river is in flood, the animals are shivering, the gardeners are grumbling, and people generally are wanting dry their various garments to get a comfortable change. Lots of sickness I have heard of and several deaths from pneumonia. My doctor says that pneumonia requires warmth, nourishment and good stimulants, and if any of these articles are' adulterated the patients have very little, chance. He also adds that a fireplacel will provide pure air without setting all the doors and windows open as is the fashion. There have been several alterations afnongst the licensed houses. One was burnt down and the others have changed proprietors, one of them for a second time recently; and as the new owner of Hastie’s Hotel, some one named Nicholas, from Hawera, is reported to be a really good fellow, that change is likely to be a popular one. I notice that the Public Trustee, when he organises a sale, has the habit of introducing an outside auctioneer who cannot know his audience, and generally selects a time that interferes with other sales. It does not seem wise, hut perhaps he has reasons, official or general. On Thursday last, through wet weather slips, communications were temporarily stopped with Wellington.* Some one said "Poor Wellington!” There is immense dissatisfaction over the "water and drainage” arrangements. Palmerston North paid 3 per cent, to a Wellington expert for supervision, and found*their own engineering and plans; and it seems by some (to put it charitably) loose agreements or correspondence Feilding has been dropped into finding the ‘ same and paying 5 per cent, for the supervision. Tine new Mayor and Council have apparently been trying to set things .straight, but found themselves unfortunately bound by the actions of their predecessors. In these little vestry assem-

blies there are generally too many amateur lawyers and engineers to allow of really sound advice being obtained and acted upon, and there are wheels within wheels sometimes. The, question that is now put is whether the wool is due to the war and heavy army contracts or anything else, and no one seems to know.

WAIPUKURAU.

(From Our Own Correspondent.’ .The annual general meeting of the local Cricket Club was held last Thursday night. Mr F. Bailey occupied the chair. The balance-sheet, which was of a satisfactory nature, was adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Hunt, for the use of some ground for a cricket pitch last year, and to Mr Coneys, for kind promise of /a like convenience. Mr Chambers, who has filled the office of secretary during the past two years, received a special acknowledgment of his services, <and his resignation of the office was received With regret. Mr G. Hunter was reelected president, and Messrs Davis, Mackersey, Hunt, Dr Godfray, R. Coneys, J. J. Bailey, J. W. Harding and H. M. Sanders .vice-presidents. Mr F. Bailey was elected secretary and Messrs Dr Godfray, Lomas, Chambers, and F. Bailey were constituted a match committee. Mr Chambers won the batting average for the past season, and consequently Messrs Murray, Roberts’ trophy, with an average of 13.3 runs, and an aggregate of 214. The howling average was won by Mr Lee, with an average of 3:1. It wag decided to amalgamate the Tennis Club with the Cricket Club, and if practicable to f orm a junior team.

Dr Godfray’s many friends will be glad to hear that he resumed duties at the "VVaipawa District Hospital on the 10th lust. »

WAIPAWA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A. meeting of the Waipawa County '. Council was held last Wenesday, all the councillors being present. The correspondence included notifications from the Treasury stating that the additional £122 loan for Mangahe road was available, and: that they had provisionally approved of a loan of <£loo for .Hickeys road deviation. The Department of \ Hoads forwarded copy of warrants direot- • ing that a part of the To Aute road shall be under the control of the Council, and that deparftnent is to be asked to .widen and improve the Turere road, Waikopiro. Mr J. J. Pattison, solicitor, wrote saying that Mr Anderson would accept <£2s in. settlement of his claim against the Ocean Accident Company. The W aipawa School . Committee applied for a grant of £25 in aid of a proposed technical school, and it was given. The Auditor-General returned the Councils balance-sheet, and at a special meeting it was adopted. A special order making a separate rate of id in the <£ in the/Tafcapau outlying district was confirmed, a special order making a separate rate of in the £ in the North Kuatainoka district was confirmed, and a special rate of 1 1-ltfth of a penny in the £ w*s made for loan for Hickey’s road Aviation. The county rate® as advertised were struck. A week’s notice of g'iscontinuance of service was given to ie inspector of heavy traffic. There were two long- discussions, and two important divisions, one being the notice of motion . given, at the last meeting by Councillor Jfill:—'"That the expenditure on the roads hereinunder described shall be charged to the general account—The main y Napier-Woddville road, via Forest Gate, to the junction of the Nbraewood-Taka-pau road, thence to Daanevirke; the main BMtd from the bridge at the Hampden

township, to the junction with the Wai-pawa-Qnga Onga road, at the Waipawa traffic bridge; the main road from the junction of the Waipawa-Onga Onga road to the boundary of the Wanstead road; also any money that may he voted by the Council for the maintenance of the Waipukurau traffic bridge; the main road from the Manawatu at Papatu, to the boundary of the Ormondville riding on the Ormondville-Norsewood road, and the Makotoku-Norsewood road, and the Weber road from the Dannevirke borough to the county boundary.” On the motion being put, the voting was as follows: For—Councillors Cowper, Jull, Petitt, aud Merribin; against—'Councillors Cook, Erickson, Baines, Pastor Ries, and Holden. Motion lost. The second discussion ensued upon the consideration of a tender for the supply of horses and drays to work the road grader for a period of twelve months. Councillor Cook urged the point, by means of a mass of figures, that it would be a direct saving of outlay if the Council purchased horses and drays, and employed a driver. Councillor Jull, equally well supplied with figures, considered that the Council would be wiser aud more thrifty if they let the tender to one of the three tenderers whose applications were 'before the Council. After a verbal battle, in which most of the councillors engaged, Councillor Cook moved, “That the council purchase four horses, two sets of harness, two drays, a plough and a scoop”. Seconded by< Councillor Baines, and lost on the castmg vote of the chairman. For the motion: Councillors Cook, Baines, Erickson and Merrikin; against: Jull, Holden, Cowper, Ries. The tender was then let to D. Moroney at <£l 6s 6d per day. The other tenderers were T. O’Grady £1 6s 6d per day, J. Cullinane £2 4s per day. A very large quantity of n\etal was authorised for several ridings on the recommendation of the overseer, and the pay sheet (,£515 17s 4d) passed for payment. ■ A meeting of the School Committee was held on Wednesday evening. The headmaster reported that an epidemic of mumps now prevailing had somewhat seriously, interfered with the school attendance! Cutting-out classes had been started by Mrs A. O. Jones, and he asked the Committee to apply for the necessary sewing machine and tables. The chairman was of opinion that the girls’ playground was too small. He had been informed that the adjoining section, 1£ roods, between the school and Mr Lyons’s house was in the market, and he considered that representations should be made to the Board to acquire it, and it was decided to urge the Board to do so. It is in contemplation by the teachers of the District School to have the annual school concert in aid of the prize fund about the end of November. The senior pupils are busily rehearsing a cantata, and the junior pupils are practising school and action songs. There is rather a serious epidemic of mumps, many adult persons being victims, some of whom have been very unwell for a time.

HAVELOCK. -

e (From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr W, Pope, benchman at Brownlee and Co.’s sawmill, had the misfortune to lose one >of the fingers of his right hand through its coming into contact with a saw. Last .Saturday night the Hall-Valentine Company gave an enjoyable performance in the Town Hall, which was crowded to the doors. 'The biograph pictures were very good, and under the able manipulation of Mr Shaw Valentine they were thrown on the screen in a clear and interesting manner. Mr Dudley Trent’s singing of several pathetic and sentimental songs pleased everybody. From Mr Bob. Hall encore after encore was demanded and smilingly acceded to. The local dairy factory is in full swing now. The present supply is abojit 600 gallons daily and increasing every day. It is expected that the supply of milk will be larger this season than last. Mr H. Sinith’s new yacht, the Plying Cloud, was launched on Tuesday morning in the presence of a good number of people, who drank success to the craft and her owner. The boat was towed to Blackball where she is being rigged. She is 30 feet long with 10 feet beam. For the quarter ending 30th September, 100 k, the output of timber from Messrs Brownlee and Co.’s sawmill totalled about 080,000 feet. The general election of the Havelock Town Board takes place on Wednesday, '26th October.

GREYTOWN.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Mr Mrs and Miss Cotter have gone on a visit to Australia for a few weeks, with the Melbourne Cup for maiu objective. It is reported that go-ahead Martinborough is to be blest for the future with the presence of a newspaper of its own. The new venture is to appear at first as a bi-weekly. It is useless to attempt to say anything about the weather. It has been as bad as it could be ever since Tuesday, and that sums up the whole matter. Fortunately no daihajfe Is reported in this district. The Roman Catholic Churoh advertises an attractive programme for a concert on Wednesday evening next, and a large audience is expected. A feature of the performance will be the production of a playlet entitled "The Crystal Heart," from the pen of the 13-year-old daughter of Dr Deamer, of Featheraton. The juvenile authoress, her mother and sister, and Miss Williams compose the oast. Miss Teist, who has been doing relieving duty in the local school for some months past; is about to be removed to Muritai, herjplace being temporarily filled by Miss MbFarlane. On Tuesday an old Wairarapa settler crossed the border in the person of Mr Thomas Walker, of Morison’o Bush. In the old days of coaches and waggons he Was well-known onthe road) ana of late years he has been a successful farmer and breeder of stock. The funeral on Thursday was largely attended in spite of the raging storm* .■

Invitations are issued for a subscription dance to be held on Friday night.. On Tuesday next St. Luke’s Church Will celebrate the festival of its patron saint, special services and special music being arranged for the occasion. The Rev. Mr Johnson will have the assistance of the Revs. Hampton, Kitcat, Spence and Sykes. Some members of the South Wairarapa Hospital Committee have been making a canvas of the district for subscriptions, and have met with very considerable success, the total receipts from this source being .£129 5» 6d. The subscription list was resorted to as a substitute for the now defunct "Hospital Ball.”

The local truant officer had a case in Court on 'Wednesday, when a local resident was fined five shillings, and all neglectful parents were seriously warned.

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.’ The much-talked-of road race from Opunake to Rahatu has been indefinitely postponed as there were only four entrants. Messrs Harwood and Treeby have sold their bakery business to Mr M. Finn, who a short time ago bought Mr Callaghan’s business. The price of bread has lately been raised to 8d per 41b loaf. The dairy factories are now in full swing, and everything points to a successful season. The grass has been growing well and farmers generally are pleased with the prospects. .. At a meeting of the newly-elected Town Board, held on Monday evening, Mr W. C. Dudley wag elected phairman. Mr O’Meara was re-elected chairman of the Domain Board. The members seem to have made up their minds to further the interests of the town and tackle their business in a manner which argues well for the prosperity oi the «lace during their term of office.

PICTON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.') The town of Picton, though not going ahead by leaps and bounds, is steadily advancing. During the last few months several new business men have established themselves in our midst, while other firms are extending their businesses, all of which goes to show that better days are in store for the ‘‘Liverpool of the South.” But the great drawback to the port is the want of railway communication with Christchurch. When this is completed, is anticipated - that the port of Marlborough will rapidly take its place as one of the busiest in the colony. The obstacle in the way of the further extension of the railway—‘the Flaxbourne Estate — will, it is understood, be taken over by the Government early in the new year, when the line will be pushed further south in the direction of the desired goal. In response to a request by residents of the Mahakipawa district, which, is about eight miles distant from Picton, Mr Trent, Commissioner of Crown-Lands, and Mr T. Scott-Smith, W.M., recently paid that locality a visit, and, as a result, an area of land suitable for settlement will shortly be opened for selection. The Government is being asked to set aside Motuara Island, Queen Charlotte 'Sound, for the purpose of a breeding > station for Angora goats. Thero are a number of these goats, already on the island.

The weather has been very boisterous her© during the week, and a heavy south§tly gale is still raging in the Sound. The steamers Penguin, Rctoitl, and Manaroa came up to Picton, being unable to face the sea in the Strait. A number of steamers are also sheltering under Long Island. The noxious weeds pest ig troubling our "City Fathers/’ At the fortnightly meeting of the Council last Wednesday it was stated that £2OO yearly' was spent in clearing the streets of grass. The salt water remedy was- suggested, and one Councillor said a ton of salt would be sufficient to eradicate the pest from all the streets in the borough.

-CREYMOUTH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A most successful social was held in the schoolroom of the Methodist Church, when the members of the W.C.T.U. entertained the sailors in port. In the absence of the president (Mrs Gaskin), Mrs Hansen occupied the chair. The following took part in songs and recitations: Mrs B. Parkinson, Misses Dixon, Harris and R. Holder, Messrs Murray, G. Sweetman, South am and Barltrop. Mr Miller, one of the guests, sang “Our Fatherland," and gave some selections on the mouthorgan. Refreshments were handed round, and the Rev. Mr Stewart pronounced the Benediction. It was one of the most pleasantest socials given by the Union. At a meeting of the Mawhera Hockey Club held at Mrs Sampson’s residence, it proposed and unanimously decided to form a ladies’ cricket club, the club to be known as the Mawhera Ladies’ Cricket Club. The usual election of officers took place, the result being as follows: President, Dr Mcßrearty; vice-pre-sident, Mr Stark; captain. Miss F. Sampson; vice-captain, Miss Thomas; secretary, Miss King; committee. Mrs Alison, Misses Steer, Scoglund, and Beresford. Qn Wednesday afternoon the Mawhera Hockey Club played a match with the Hmemoa dub (Reefton). The home team had the advantage throughout and won by five goals to nil. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a social in Mathesocn’s Hall. Mr and Mrs J. B. Henry returned to toym last week. During his absence Mr Henry has been visiting Scotland and England. He is accompanied by his brother. Mr and Mrs Joseph Jay are now in Nelson visiting their old friends. They leave by the Penguin for Wellington, thence to Onehunga and Auckland by the Takapuna. While in Nelson they met Mr Barrowman, who has full charge os & very powerful dredge,

The Right Rev. the Bishop of Nelson is at present on the Coast. Oh. Wednesday he visited Maori Creek in company with. Archdeacon York, and was entertained by Mr and Mrs W. Brown. In the evening Divine service was held. Confirmation was held in Brunner last Sunday, and this Sunday his Lordship will conduct a service at Holy Trinity Church.

ASHHURST.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The ordinary monthly meeting of th© School Committee was held on the lOfcl* inst, Messrs C. E. Sanders (chairman), T. Clapham, A. Gower, H. Dittmer, C. Petersen and G. Halford being present. Accounts amounting to <£l 2s 2d were passed for payment. The master’s report, as follows, was received:—All work is progressing favourably in the school. The roll number has increased to 185, and the average attendance, which was 148.3 for the last quarter, was 152 last week. We would all be pleased if parents would sea to the more regular attending of their children, for the work of the school would be considerably lessened to each teacher if - another assistant were appointed. This will happen when the average reaches 150. On Wednesday last a pretty wedding was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, the contracting parties being Mr H. J. Hayward, of Dannevirke, and Miss Helen Duley, eldest daughter of Mr J. W. Du ley, of the Masonic Hotel. The ceremony waa performed by the Rev. Y. Woodward, and afterwards a number of friends and re. lations were entertained in the Tow® Hall.

UPPER HUTT.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather in this district last week was not nearly so stormy as in Wellington. Five inches of rain fell during the three wet days, but we had no violent gales, and on Saturday the roads were clean and dry. The river was bank high, but no damage resulted.. The annual meeting of the Upper Hutfc Rifle Club took place on Saturday night. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £7. Great dissatisfaction was expressed “by members on account of the action of the Government in refusing to sell magazine rifles to club members. The club is in a very prosperous condition, and will have a strong shooting team thia season. Mr T. M. YVilford, M.H.R., waa re-elected, president, and Mr Frank Wilkie secretrayT The captain, Mr F. W. Connell, has promised a trophy to be competed for by Class A, and Mrs Connell will give a trophy for Class B. Saturday next has been fixed upon as the opeffli ing day of the season.

ARAMOHO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Our Boating Club opened their season' on Saturday, the Bth inst., and indulges! in a few sprint races. The afternoon was favourable and many interested spectators assembled to watch the proceedings. The magnificent shield presented to the club by Mr Thos. Mitchell, its generous patron and president, is - on view in one of Mr Browne’s windows, which, together with photos enlarged of various tearnSj makes quite an attractive display. It is very gratifying to have to report that the local Dairy Factory Company has sold the coming season’s output at a very satisfactory figure to a Wellington firm. Though the annual report divulged a nominal loss and some shareholders complained bitterly of exoessiv® salaries, extravagance in management, etc., I have no doubt the directors and their able secretary will be able to pro. duce a more satisfactory report at next annual meeting. It was notioable how a few words of confidence in the management and explanation of the apparently large outlay for the past year from Mj? David Peat were to the shareholders as oil to troubled waters. Quite a number of old settlers in this district have recently died, among them, being Mr W. Austin, a sterling man, much respected and liked by all with, whom he came in contact. One of his sons is a foreman in Bastown Government railway workshops. I am sure the majority of Aramoho residents will join in expressing sympathy to the family of Mr Austin in their bereavement. Good progress is being made by the various Committees appointed-to promote the Christmas Carnival to be held in. Wanganui. A large meeting of native chieftains representing pahs from all the coast and from up the river was recently held in the Borough Council Chambers. Mr F. McLean, who conducted the arrangements for the meeting, pointed out that special provision would be made for native events, and that the regatta particularly . was well endowee. The chieftains asked a number of questions which were satisfactorily answerer, stress being laid on the fact that it was not a money-making venture, but an endeavour to enhance the popularity of Wanganui as a holiday resort. Several speakers on behalf of their tribes and hapus promised their hearty 6uppor<;. The Committee promised free transport from Pipiriki and. back and: will also assist in providing food and shelter. The natives have been invited to nominate three representatives to the General Committee.

Father Soulas, a Roman Catholic missionary to the Maoris at Jerusalem, Wanganui Raver, has invented a swinging bed. which is displayed on board tho s.O. Stormbird, which plies between Wanganui and Wellington. The bed ha fixed in a stand which rests on the Soor a and Is so constructed that when the shis sways to and fro the bed keeps on a levoL thus preventing. the occupant from csj» periencing any of the rocking felt in tfct stationary bunks. Anyone desirous caffl see the bed by going on board the vessel. Those who have tried it pronounce it vwffl comfortable.