PALMERSTON NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3259, 16 October 1897, Page 4

PALMERSTON NOTES.

Special to the New Zealand Times. October 14,

The north-west gale has continued today with unabated violence, and has proved destructive to orchards. The rain aas ceased, and all trains arrived punctually to time. Down the Manawatu Company’s line a large area of country is submerged. 0 Mr James Buick, a very old resident of Manawatu, who has been in failing health for a considerable time, is now in a critical state, but slender hopes being entertained of his ultimate recovery. The Fitzberbert district roads have suffered very severe damage through the phenomenal rainfall of Monday and Tuesday, and in several places traffic is quite ■ suspended. The flood in the Manawatu river has gone down, and the Pitzherbert bridge survives. A petition is being extensively signed by residents of Wanganui and others who have known the discharged ganger George Evans, praying the Minister for Railways to re-consider his decision under the exceptional circumstances attending Evans’ alleged neglect of duty. A number of valuable trophies have been promised as prizes in connection with the Manawatu Cycling Club's sports, which promise to be a most successful gathering. The police are taking steps to punish several lads Who, it is alleged, recently disturbed the services at a local place of worship. At the last meeting of the Fitzberbert Hoad Board a letter from the Borough Council, asking the Board to provide onehalf of the estimated cost of alterations to the • Pitzherbert bridge, was held over for further consideration. Railway communication with Poxton is suspended to-day, owing to the line being under water, and some of the ballast having been washed away. It is expected trains will be running to-morrow as Usual. The railway station buildings at Palmerston are to be extended towards Main street, so as to increase the accommodation in the parcels office, ticket lobby and ladies’ waiting-room, and the lavatories in the latter are to receive special attention in the way of improved sanitation, which was much needed-.