PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLX, Issue 8169, 22 August 1887, Page 6

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(FROM our own correspondent.) August 20. A meeting of ratepayers was held here last evening to consider a proposal made by the Manawatu Racing Club for varying the trust on which the racecourse is held, so that the Club would be able to have some sort of tenure to warrant them in spending surplus revenue in improving the course and buildings. At present the course is part of a borough reserve, made for the purposes of a public park, botanical gardens, &c., and the powers of the Council in regard to it are very limited ; in fact, they can only let it to the Racing Club on certain days. Public feeling appears to be against the suggested alteration, and the proposals of the Racing Club were rejected by 15 votes to 9, only ratepayers voting. I understand the Club contemplate forming a racecourse at Longburn, a very favorable offer having been made in connection therewith. The ladies are taking the local hospital question up, and have decided to hold a fancy fair in aid of the funds. The Industrial Exhibition Committee contemplate obtaining the use of the Central School during Christmas week for their venture.' The place is very suitable, and has the great recommendation of not being a great tax on the, receipts. A rather serious charge of assault was heard at the Police Court here to-day, the parties being John Farrell and his sister-in-law, Theresa i Sheridan, residents of Ashurst. There has been a great deal of illfeeling between the parties in the past, but a culminating point was reached when the man assaulted her with a bridle and bit, cutting her head open and severely bruising her about the body. The defendant urged'that she aggravated him by spitting at him ; but the Bench did not seen) to think that much of an excuse, for they fined him £7 and costs, and bound him over to keep the peace in sureties of £IOO. Two nominations were received for the vacancy in the Borough Council to-day, Messrs Maurice Cohen and Thomas Baston, but the last-named was informal, and consequently Mr Cohen will be declared elected. The Parliamentary Union is becoming very popular here, and on Tuesday a large attendance is anticipated, when the question of Freetrade and Protection will come on for discussion.