WÆKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 45

WÆKOUAITI.

May 4.— There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of householders in the schoolroom on Monday evening last, ovor 40 persons being present. Mr T. Smith (chairman of the committee) presided, and in his introductory remarks gave some information about his persevering efforts in getting the old residence repaired, and his success in obtaining assistance from th« Education Board. The report being adopted, the Mayor took the chair, and the election proceeded as follows:— T. Allcock, 26; W. Russell. 24, T. Smith, 24; Rev. C. A. Fraer, 23; J. Ferguson, 22; A. A. Fleming, 20; B. Hallett, 20 (elected), J. Pollok, 19; S. R. Smith, 19; J. Valentine, 13. During the progress of the meeting the sotind of hymn-smging from the Erdeavour Class in the next room was very noticeable, and it was remarked that it would have been belter to have had only one meeting going on at a tirao in the school.

Borough Council.— The monthly meeting of the Borough Council was held the same night, the Mayor (Mr T. Allcock) presiding. An ap. plication for widening the culvert in Aberdeen street was deferred till next meeting. A letter from the Domain Board re the removal cf the post office from the railway station was received, and it was resolved that the Mayor get up a petition for signature urging the need of a separate building,* and forward same to the postal authorities. The question of the management of the beach reserve and a proposal to provide six additional street lamps were left over, w.th several other matters, for the new council to deal with. A number of accounts were then passed, and the ccuncil adjourned till Wednesday, 13th inst.

Municipal Election. — More interest was taken m the mayoral election this year thoa for a long time, and far more votes tfere recorded than on any previous occasion. A few vehicles were employed to bring voters to the poll, the Mayor himself not disdaining to give lifts in his buggy to lady voters. Both candidates made sure of winning, and at the declaration of the poll a crowd of about 250 people assembled in front of the- Council Chambers to hear the result, which was — R. Templeton 126, T. Allcock 99. Mr Templeton, in a few well-chosen remarks, returned thanks for tho honour done him. Mr Allcock also thanked those who had recorded their votes in his favour, and at the close referred to a letter which had appeared in the Times, criticising his actions as Mayor, the wiiter of which he branded as a coward, and expressed a wish to meet him in a dark corner, when he would prove which was the better man, old as hewas. For councillors lor West Ward the result was — W. Ward 30, E. Davis 23, J. Rendall 22 (elected), and G. Maxwell 19. The threo farmers formed a low-rato ticket and voted solid, Mr Davis, being "on his own," suffered by some of his supporters giving their odd votes to the oMier three candidates. In the new council the present mayor and three councillors — one for each wurd— drop out, and are replaced by new men.

Valuation — The new valuation of the borough amounts to £60,000. The last valuation was £46,491, but there were exemptions to the amount of £1330, which, of course, will be larger under the new valuation. The extra, rate of id and the increase in valuation will together materially increase the revenue of the borough.

Football.— A football match between the Wiiikouaiti juniors and the Palmerston Star C!ub was p!ayed on the Recreation Ground on Wednesday afternoon. The weather was perfect, and the ground in splendid condition. The PalmerstoH team, playing two men short, were clearly unmatched from tlie start, being unable to stand up against the brilliant forwards of the Waikouaiti team, and 7/ere eventually beaten by 18 points (G tries) to 3 points (a uy). For Waikouaiti tries were scored by R. Wilson. (2), D. Russell, W. Russel, J. Carson, and W. Pebbles, none being converted, for Pa'mer=ton White was the only scorer. Waifcouaiti played a good game, the best men being Maxwell, Carsoii, and Russell among the backs, and Russell, Pebbles, Robins, and Htad among the forwards. For Palmerston Pirkot. Diack and Young were about the best Mr Bel! was referee, and seemed to give satisfaction to both s.des.