FEILDING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 7491, 1 June 1885, Page 3

FEILDING.

(FROM OUR OWN eOKBE3rONIiBNT.) In my last issue I referred to the unanimous election of Air Macarthur, M.H.R., na Mayor. Ofi tho first sitting of tho Council under his presidency, tho whole qf the financial position of tho borough was considered in committee; and certain retrenchments and refclmis were decided ..wn. amongst which were—tho Town Clerk to go bftok tO !>!» former salary and only to hare 2| per cent.; instead of 6, as Engineer lor the pliblio worts) the Auditors’ foea to be reduced from five to two guineas each,; tho Librarian’s remuneration to be also reduced ; tho roadman to do tho lamplighting; the hiiiriber of periodicals in the Library reduced, and tho offices of ranger and poundkeeper to be combined. The result of the reduction in the auditors’ fees was that on the day appointed for nominating these two officers no nominations were received. The scheme of retrenchment has met with general satisfaction, and tho borough is now, in a fair way to recover its solvency. The new school-room in connection with the Church of England was formally Opened with a.tea meeting on Wednesday, the oth instant. After the ten another meeting was held, which commenced by the minister, tho Rev. Joshua Jones, making a brief congratulatory address. This was followed by instrumental and vocal music, readings, &o. There was a large attendance, and the whole affair passed off very successfully and satisfactorily. ; .. , The Lyceum appears to be progressing, and its object, which, I understand, is to provide a free platform, ia apparently being carried out. The subjects for the last three Sunday evenings have been—a paper by a member on “ Was Adam tho first man ? ” a lecture by Mr T. R. Walton, of Palmerston, on “ Psychology, or the Wisdom of the Soul,” and one by the Rev J. Clover (Primitive Methodist) on the “Oepiuneness of the Christian Scriptures. ” I’he hall dh the latter occasion was crowded. The lecture, which 1 had tho pleasure of hearing, showed much research, had been very carefully prepared, and was well delivered. It occupied, an, hour, and was followed by another hour’s discussion, which was then adjourned, and I see by the local paper another gentleman will reply lb tfie lecture next Sunday evening. 1 should mention that Mr Walton’s was also a very able lecture) and .contained some deep arid well digested thought; It was much appreciated, and was one of those productions one would like to seo in print, so as to ho able to read and study it at one’s leisure. The Salvation Army are making a stir here, and on May 25 they had a grand field day. The proceedings included three meetings in the Town Hall, a procession, and a tea, the latter being at their temporary barracks. I am told new barracks are about to bo built;