WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 39

WAIKOUAITI.

December 7. — The ordinary meeting of the Hawkebury Borough Council was- held, on Monday evening, the 30th alt., there being present the Mayor (Mr A. Heckler) and Crs Smith, Townsend, Irwin, Stewart, and Maxwell. Notice of the annual meeting for the purpose of electing hospital and charitable aid trustees was received, and the Mayor was appointed to attend as representing the council. In connection with the proposed conference of country local bodies to consider the matter of the I hospital and charitable aid levies, favourable replies were read, andfcit was decided to fix the meeting for January 2C, 1909, a:*J the clerk -was authorised to invite the various bodies to 1 send delegates. A circular from the Petone Borough Council regarding the refusal of the Government ! to pay rates on certain property in that borough received 1 sympathetic consideration, and it was agreed to call tbe atten< tion of the member for Chalmers eleotoEats to the matter. A letter was received fromMr R. A. S. Cantrell pointing out that the Quarry -road required a top-dresaing of rotten rock or other material, and the Works Committee were asked to examine and report on the 'condition of the road. The Royal 'Humane Society wrote notifying the council that ar "In Memorianv' certificate had Been forwarded, to be presented to the relatives ot the lad Albert •E. Brown, who lost His life on February 7 last while attempting to rescue his brother fron- drowning. It was decided that the presentatior be made on the occasion of tiu annual school concert. The dayman was instructed to blind the metal which had been placed on the streets with river gravel at the first opportunity. It was decided to- hold the next meeting of the council on December 21. Accounts amounting to £50 3s 4d were passed for payment.

Recreation^. —On fine evenings our Recreation Ground presents a very animated scene, cricket, lawn tennis, and*bowling being now in full swing, andi having «eadh rts quota of enthusiastic suppoTbera. Then a numiber of local runners and cyclists are at present in ha id training in view of the coming sports, and arc apparently determined to make a big attempt on Boxing Daj to lower previous 1 records. Tie new tennia courts have r\ truer surface and play much better than, the old ones, but owing to the continued 1 dry weather the grass is wearing thin in places, and ft will probably be advisable to close down earlier than usual and topdress and resow the courts towards the end* of the season. The bowling green is also~ suffering from lack of moisture, but_ '.9 playing better this year, and only requires sufficient water to become s first-class green. Various schemes for the introduction of a suitable supply are being coneidered, and no doubt before long one wilt be accepted and carried out. In the meantime many pleasant and occasionally exciting' games are 'being enjoyed. *One of the best players the club -possesses is. its oldest member — Mr Jas. E. Hunter,, who take* a very keen interest in the game. The old com-thousc has been 'thoroughly, renovated, and serves as a » splendid pavilion; for both Tennis and Bowline Clubs. It is the intention of the Domain Board' to make the grounds prettiei and more attractive, by filling in, as fund? permit, 4he remaining low-lying portions, and "planting shrubs etc., in suitable places.