LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8012, 26 December 1905, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Taranaki Educat ion Board has received a Government grant for the enlargement of the Urenui school, and for additional furniture required. Is this a libel on Taihape? A Taranaki gentleman tells us that on Xinas eve fully 90 per cent, of the inhabitants of the town mentioned were drunk, semi-drunk or '• merry." Another record for Taihape! Bedding was at a premium in New Plymouth last night, all the hotels, coifee palaces, and boarding houses being packed. Large numbers were unable to obtaiu beds, and had to " p-ad the hoof" all night. The local bodies aud citizens of AYcsidand are co-operating to accord the Premier a fitting reception on the occasion of his visit there early in the Hew year, Seildon is expected to spend three weeks on the Coast.

The weather in the southern part of Taranaki was execrable on Saturday night— observed as Xmas eve. Thunder, lighting, hail, rain and wind at different intervals made up a night not easily forgotten. On the New Plymouth side of ICgmont the weather was line, albeit cold. The orchcsiral music for the Floral Fete tableaux and dancing will be sup. plied by Mr G. Garry's orchestra. The arrangements, originally, were to have engaged the Garrison Band" orchestra, but owing to holiday interruptions a change has been necessitated. A wrong impression was conveyed in our local regarding the issue of Gas Company's debentures. It was intended to read that the local applicants received the whole issue, but only obtained half of the amount for which they applied.

The (ire alarm was sounded at New Plymouth at 3 o'clock yesterday morning. The cause was the burning of some rubbish roar Mr T. W. Welch's. The brigade turned out but before it arrived the flames were extinguished. On Thursday, Bcwley and Griffiths sell by auction, stock, etc., on the farm recently occupied by Mr C. Sehau at the corner of Frankley and Barrett roads. The sale will commence at I p.m. At the quarterly meeting of the iigmont Lodge, held Oil Thursday 21st, the'following officers were appointed to fill the :.e;its for Ihe ensuing 0 months: —I'.G. Bro. 11. H. Butler, Grand Master; Y.G., Bro. C. Mathicson, Noble Grand ; P.G., Bro. H. If. Ford, Vice Grand; P.G., Bros. H. Ainsworth and L. F. Webster, Supporters te Noble Grand; I'.G., Bros. .Ino. Bennett and Bro. L. Brown, Supporters to Vice Grand; Bro. C. A. Tipporlli, Warden ; Bro. N. Mclsa.ic, Guardian; P.G. Bro. W. Hooker, lilec. Secretary; Bro. W. Bennett, Perm. Secretary. Bro. G. M. Carter was presented with a Past Grand's certificate, and his name written on Dispensation Board. Reverence for age or positioh is certainly not a feature in the character of the colonial youth. A striking instance —nay, several instances —cropped up ou Thursday night at the railway station, when the Premier was standing on his carriage platform, awaiting the departure of the train. "A Merry Christmas to you, Dick," called out one youth, white imolhu- informed him, " It'll be a mighty rough trip, to-night, Dick." In answer to the first, Mr Scddon returned the compliment with an additional wish that the young fellow would have " plenty of plum duff!" Some delay occurred before, the train got under weii;h, which caused one facetious lad to ejaculale, "You're too heavy for the train, Dick," but the right lion, gentleman scored ,olf this. " The engine doesn't, like to part us," lie answered. Whilst no doubt the Premier docs well to take no notice o(f this want of deference, it is no credit to the people of this colony that the highest statesman in the land should be a butt tor the jokes of heedless youths.

Shareholders of the Equitable Building Society "re notified that subscriptions will bo received at the Society's ollice on Thursday, 28th inst., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in lieu of Monday, 25th iust. —Advt.

Just landed our first consignmenlof <! Xmas jeweller; and solid silver war Now on view in our windows a lovely display of new engagement rings, new brooches, new bangles, new solid silver goods. Quality the very best. Good value beyond dispute. Carefully cote the address.—J. H. I'abkeb, watchmaker Jeweller, and optician, next Railway Crsosing, Devon Street Central Now Plymouth Advt.

When you think of the " Arcadia " Cigar Store, think of good smokes, courteous service, and every comfort of the club. You get them all here—at E. Van Dehicn's, From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. I'll gel you anything youneod nt lowest prices—it's 110 frouble to please von. As an expert tobacco blender I guarantee to please and tickle your palate with a mixture you'll like, and invite you to use the reading room, or the writing room, for a rest, chat, or quiet smoke. Call in here for your morning new spaper, or box of matches —and see my show of Xmas novelties. Telephone ]ii, opposite Coffee Palace, Advt.