WAIKOUAITI

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 35

WAIKOUAITI

March 13. — Fish are plentiful in the bay just now, and some fin& hauls have been brought in by the fishing boats. The catch ia chiefly groper, most of which have been railed. up to Christchiurch. Kingfish are also plentuul, and still come ashore occasionally. They are gladly picked up in ths early morning by those who go down to the beach. Fi=ii 'Cases. — At the locaJ cottrthouse on Thursday last two visitors at Puketeraki were charged with having flounders under nine inches in their possession, such being below the size prescribed by the" regulations nrada tinder the "Sea Fisheries Act, 1594," and were each fined 20s and costs 7s. On a second charge ;f emptying then- ne-t on the land the> J.P.s (Messrs Ternpletoii and Charlton) acted leniently by simply convicting and discharging without costs.

Domain. — The monthly meeting of the Domain Board was held on the 6th inst., Mr H. Buckland! presiding. In compliance with a request "ron? the Borough Council the board lesolved to call for tenders for cleaning out the upper portion of the canal running through the domain. It wa? also decided to do senna sodding round the lake, and to procure about 200 yard's more soil for filling in portions of the lecreation ground where required, tho work to be gone en with as soon a3 tho ciickotiiig season was over. The Mayor suggested that the board should erect ai shelter? shed at the beach on the flat, near the Matanaka. The suggestion was favour-ably received, and it is probable the board may taka the matter in hsnd before the next season, c-onirnences. Attention was also drawn to the newly-planted trees on the Matanaka face having been destroyed, and it was agreed thaii next Arbcur Day the face should be replanted with a stronger variety of trees, including pines, which wculds scon grow up and give shelter to persons freqttenting the beach. Oddfellows. — A party of 24 brethren from ths Loyal Prince of Wales Ledge, M.TT 1.0.0. F., Port Chalmers, paid a visit to the Wadkouaiti Lodge on Wednesday nignt last. As the brethren wended their way from, the railway station to tho Oddfellows' Hall, they were headed by a band of eight performers, (members of the Port Band), who played some stirring march tunes along the route. Oa arrival at the hall the usual lodge business was proeedeed with, and on its conclusion the meeting resolved itself into harmony. A long programme was then gone through, songs being given by Bros. A. and M. Sailer, B;. Geddes, P.G. Janies Crawford, J. Harry, B. Wolsey, W. Russell, H. Cumbe-rbeach, an6s ethers Bro. J. Hutton gave two recitations, find Bro Schnack a. ccup-le of cornet solos. The band also gave several enjoyable selections. Short speeches of welcome were given by Bros. T. Allcock, P.G., end N. Stewart, T.G., on beha'f of the local led-o, and by Bros. J. Crawford, P.G., and Cable, P.P.G.M., en behalt of the visitors. Supper was then served, and after all had spent a very pleasant time the meeting came to au end soon after midnight. The Liethren then rcovnd on to the stption. and the indefatigable band) again erhvened the township by pouring foith -:onia hearty shams on the way. Gardens — The children's gardens have been looking very pretty and attractive lor acaie lime past, the show of camaticns and dahlias being exceptionally fine, and people p^tsing in the llama often ydnnre the childien's hanriiwoik. In the newly-turned s<. ll the boyg have how n ■■ome splendid potatoes and vegetables cf vprious \ijid- and r-e c h>v: a we come l^ic-c.' t v.iio-. l >\ _i aoiv - at nig-a& by the scho'ars.