HALCOMBE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXX, Issue 11188, 2 March 1915, Page 6

HALCOMBE.

From Onr Own Corresponden’t . Late on Monday ‘ night;' aand February; Mra received.• the ■ad and ‘ unexpected‘ newa 'df the" end-;' den death of her mother, long resident in Wanganui. Much sympathy; is felt and expressed with Mrs Faber and other members of the bereaved family. \ It was with regret I learned that Mr Goldup of our railway staff has to kpook off work, and lay up inhospital with ir “gammydeg, ” the bone of which has long been shakey. Mr Goldup tabes with him oar sincere wishes for a speedy recovery and an early return to Haloombe. A railway accident that culminated in the death of the dog‘‘Tiny,” who was well-known to frequenters of one railway platform, occurred on Monday last. ‘‘Tiny” was always about when bis master was at work, and the- wise-looking animal appeared to consider it bis duty to assist in shunting and other railway -running jobs, and like many humans familiarity with .-such work had no donbt made “Tiny” careless of its dangers, for he. failed: to note an ap?proaohing train in. time.to avoid its ; oroshiug impact, and now his owner monrna his loss and , our railway staff, engmedrivers and travelling public miss the cordial canine greeting that welcomed them to our railway station. Onr esteemed stationmaster, Mr H. Oouoh, begins his well-earned annual holiday on the -2nd March. Mr Thompson, another popular railway official, will act as relieving officer.. . „ A meeting ot onr School Committee was held “in the open” on the sand of last month. The night was balmy and the- Commissioners normal and in full force. The feeble light from the moon was supplemented by a brilliant motor lamp. The principal business was to determine whether the usual school excursion should be - held . this .year. Some members were of the opinion that better ‘ use would .be made of the money in feeding' tne hungry: children of Belgium. The majority, however, thought that the gratification of onr youngsters in this matter would make no difference to onr contributions to the relief fond, and it was resolved to take .onr school children to Wanganui and Castle Cliff on Friday, sth March, and that other schools in the neighbourhood be invited to join in the excursion,- the arrangements for which were left in theoapable bands of Headmaster Stansell and Secretary Gonoh. Messrs Stabler and Thomas reported upon the condition of the playground, and they were empowered .to obtain the necessary gravel for repairs to same. It was decided to obtain anew flagpole and be prepared for peace demonstrations.

Mr Stansell reported enlogistioally upon the caretaker’s work, which had also elicited favourable comment from the health officer. A few small accounts were passed for payment and the pleasant meeting terminated.

I was pleased to learn that the Tohorangi School Concert held on Friday last was a gratifying success. Unfortunately 1 missed the bus or rather, the has missed me, and lam therefore unable to give particulars of the proceedings. The adjourned meeting of our popular Military Sports Club was bed in-tbe Foresters’ Hall on Saturday night, Mr Buroham presiding. The secretary and treasurer, Mr W. Page, presented his report and balance-sheet, both being adopted. The latter showed the substantial balance in hand to be £35 6s 2%d. Mr Guthrie, M.P., was re-elected patron of (he clnb and all officers were re-appointed, several names being added to the lists of vice-presi-dents and committeemen. Messrs Orr, Heappay and Page reported that Mr McLeod had kindly placed his picturesque grounds at the disposal of the Clnb for its annual meeting. Mr McLeod was cordially ,thanked and it was resolved to bold 'the sports upon his property on the 24th inst. was also unanimously agreed that the neKprofics accruing from this meeting should be devoted to the Belgium Belief Fund. Mr G. Heappey generously presented a sheep for the guessing competition, the animal to be afterwards sold in aid of the same fund. It was resolved to appeal to the ladies to provide and sell refreshments on the ground, the proceeds to be devoted to the-same good cause. Last year’s programme (which will be duly advertised) .was revised and several attractive events were added thereto. The chairman commented upon the financial position of the Clnb and moved a cordial vote of thanks to, the committee of management, who were responsible for snob a large credit balance, and made special mention of the work of the: secretary and treasurer, Mr W; Page. The motion was carried with acclamation. The committee will meet next Saturday night to discuss matters of detail.

All have read the appeal that has been made to ns for more money and food for the hungry and distressed Belgians, and all feel that it would be an everlasting disgrace to ns if we ; hesitated to respond promptly and liberally. Mr Massey is waiting for confirmation of statements and an assurance that the money and food that we are asked to provide will reach the brave and Buffering’people for whom it is intended. When that information unaccountably delayed comes to hand measures will, no doubt, be at once taken to supply the need. The Government or. people as a whole will probably, guarantee the monthly sums required, after which special appeals can be made and taxes levied, 5 but there mast be no waiting for small sums to come in to make op the aggregate wanted. When discussing ways and means outside generous voluntary contributions to raise the money mentioned in the appeal, a sporting friend of mine, who is familiar with the financial position’ of the principal Racing Clubs in. the Dominion, declared that if the Racing Olnbs of this country banded over their profits for this season the balk of tne money required would be thus provided, and be added-that they would be none the worse off—only “as they were.” ,The enorm-

ous amount nr muuey tuan year.xy posses through the tote he regards spare 'money, “a out out of which would not be missed.” When I suggested that this - might be regarded as a.claims tax, he.repli.ed that all sorts and eruditions of men and women would bs in it, -end be did not believe that one of tha sports would squeak! '