OTAKI.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1799, 29 August 1906, Page 26

OTAKI.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) It is very pleasing to note that the Otaki people have at last definitely decided to secure a public recreation ground. The matter has been under discussion for years, and various steps have been taken re selection of site, etc., hut now the movement lias taken definite form, and all hope it may speedily result in the site under offer being secured. The fund already stands at. over £SO, and if those in a position to do so will only look at. the matter from a reasonable point of view and give liberally, there should 6e no difficulty in raising the required sum. It was pleasing to see the unanimity which prevailed at the meeting held to consider ways and means. Everyone had apparently come prepared to help on the project, the need of a ground having been so urgent of late years, and there was a "general desire to see the matter settled once and for all. Subscription lists are now being issued, and it only remains fob the public to show their sympathy in a practical manner to ensuro the early achievement of the object in view. Mr Byron Brown makes a most liberal offer to donate £25 to the fund, provided three other similar offers are received. Here is a chance for some of our wealthy townsmen t© distinguish themselves! Too much importance; cannot be given to the necessity of providing means of healthy re-

creation for our growing lads, and in the securing of a public recreation ground we aro furnishing an asset for all time, which we hope to see the pride of the township and the district. A clay pigeon match was on Wednesday held at Waikanae under the auspices of the local Gun Club, when Mr W. Hart won the principal event, and Mr T. Parata the second. As a finale, the club held a ball in the meeting house in the evening, when a large number tripped the “light fantastic” to spirited music provided by Mrs Crocker, and one and all spent a most enjoyable time. Mr Williams made an efficient M.C., while the supper proved an appetising one. Songs were rendered by Messrs H. Brewer, and “S’miler” Hapeta, and were much

appreciated. The pleasant gathering terminated at 3 o’clock next morning. While Mr Farmer, of Levin, was riding into Otaki from Te Hero on Wednesday, 15th instant, his cycle got too much pace on, and before he could apply tho brake the wheel struck the decking, which, by the way, is considerably higher than the road, and causing the rider to take a headlong plunge. He struck the bridge with great force, but luckily escaped serious injury. A local cyclist, preferring to take to the gutter instead of colliding with a milk cart, came a spill the other morning that was the cause of throwing him headlong into the mire. Beyond measuring liis length in the mud, no liarm was done.