South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1928, Page 7

South Taranaki News

DAILY NEWS OFFICE: Morrissey’» Buildings. Union Street, po Rex He. IM. Telephene He. 2700.

AERODROME FOR HAWERA. KINGSFORD SMITH’S OPINION. MAYOR SHOWS ACTIVE INTEREST. The proposed formation of an Aero Club in Hawera was referred, to by the Mayor, Mr. E. A. Pacey, during the address of welcome to Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and his colleagues in Hawera yesterday, the Mayor soliciting assistance and information from the airmen. “I don’t know whether it can be done here,” said the Mayor Kingsford Smith: Absolutely! lieutenant Ulm: We will be delighted to send all the information we have. Kingsford Smith: I don’t see why you should not have a jolly good aerodrome. If you fill in the ditch at the course the ground would' be satisfactory for an aerodrome. The Mayor said an anonymous lady donor had offered to gv. 10 towards the object. Lieutenant Ulm remarked that it was good news to them to learn of Hawera’s proposal to form an Aero Club. Aero clubs in different places had been of immense assistance to them. The Mayor said it would mean securing some site other than the racecourse. Captain Buckley suggested that there should be some very suitable sites to the north of the town. The Mayor pointed out that land in that area was some of the best to be found ;.nd would command a very high price. Kingsford Smith remarked that it would not much matter if the site were four* or five miles from the town. SUCCESSFUL HORSE PARADE, t EGMONT A. i P. SOCIETY EVENT. Interest in horses entered in the parade under the auspices of the Egmont A. and P. Association reached a peak on Saturday when about 200 breeders and farmers attended at the Hawera showgrounds on the occasion of the annual parade marking the commencement of the stud season in the district. A great exhibition of various breeds was the result of the 13 entries present. Eight Clydesdales of strength and power created much interest, and all the horses appeared in splendid condition, reflecting the pride and care of their grooms. Four thoroughbreds and eno-trotter pranced and reared with sinks of nervous vitality and wonderful. grace and beauty. The horses parading were as follow: Clydesdales.—H. Edgar's (Hawera) Faster; W. Burton's (Normanby) Cowden Pearl; Moore Hunter Estate’s (Hawera) Bonnie Dene; Moore Hunter Estate’s Cruncher; Moore Hunter Estate’s Stryver; J. Kerrisk’s (Ohangai) Prinee Premier; J. Kerrisk’s High Tide; J. F. Stevenson’s (Manaia) McChallenger. Thoroughbreds.—C. E. Trott’s (Eltham) Antagonise; S. J. Bailey’s (Hawera) Royal Divorce; J. Bryant’s (Hawera) Ruapapa; J. Bryant’s Sandstar. Trotter.—J. R. Corrigan's (Hawera) Worthy Bingen.

HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESSES. PITMAN'S SHORTHAND EXAMS. The following certificates have been received by the headmaster of the Hawera High School for those who were successful in passing Pitman’s special shorthand examination held in August: Third-class elementary certificates. — Audrey Duke, Greta Isherwood, Dorothy Warcup, Lillian Worrall, Gladys Lendrum, Queenie Goldstone, Patricia Ekdahl, Phyllis Broad, Haidee Good, Joan Hurrell, Elva Reid. Muriel Black, Albert Mullins, Murray Fairweather, Gordon Surgenor, Harold Woollett, Harold Sagar, and Ronald Ashton. Second-class theory certificates.— Jean Manners, Margaret Lamb, Winifred Quin, Eileen Toy and Kathleen Goodwin. Speed certificates.—CO words per minute, Betty Stevens; 80 words per minute, Barbara Purser and Roy Miles; .90 words per minute, Winifred Quin, Joyce Crompton, Pearl Toy, Phoebe Allen, Francie Taylor and Kathleen Goodwin. MARY PICKFORD IN “MY BEST GIRL.” OPERA HOUSE PICTURES. One by one the fetishes of the motion picture industry are being destroyed. And now comes Mary Pickford to shatter an old'screen dogma by making a picture without a ‘’heavy.” “My Best Girl,” the noted star latest production which comes to the Opera House on Wednesday, is a comedy-romance with a 5-and-10 cent store background. But the element of “menace,” heretofore considered essential to a well-construct-ed plot, is entirely absent. This “menace” is not necessarily human —it may be a blizzard or a train wreck or an obstacle of some sort which the leading characters must overcome. Practically every film prodution embodies this socalled requirement. Miss Pickford’s new story, however, braves precedent. Basically, "menaces” are used to provide suspense in photodrama, but “My Best Girl” is said to attain suspense by an entirely new method—that of a logical situation in which the audience cannot decide which courses the several characters will pursue. And as these characters are al! true to-life people, the spectators’ uncertainty depends on the situation alone, thus eliminating any element of fear or coercion, as an expedient for keying up interest. Many of Hollywood’s best-known producers and scenarists are watching with interest the public reaction to a film without a “menace.” “My Best Girl” may sound the death-knell of the old-fashioned screen “heavy” and the time-worn device of dragging in a “vill-yun” to provide heart-failure may become but a memory. The box plan is now on view at Mi 8s Blake’s sweet shop.

CLAIM BY COUNTY COUNCIL. DISPUTE OVER METAL CONTRACT. SUCCESSFUL APPEAL TO JUDGE. Reserved judgment in the appeal case of the Egmont County Council against H F. Munro was delivered by His Honour Mr. Justice Ostler in the Supreme Court at New Plymouth on Saturday. The case was one in which the council claimed £ll6 from Munro on the grounds of his failure to complete his contract for supply of boulder stone. The evidence was to the effect that Munro, after supplying a certain amount of stone, said he had completed the contract, and applied for payment, which could not be made without a certificate from the engineer. The latter, who did not enter the council’s service until a part of the stone had been delivered, was assured by the contractor that the full quantity had been delivered, and on this assurance he issued his certificate. The contractor also told the engineer that if there was a shortage he would make it up. When the metal was crushed a shortage of 609 yards was computed, and as Munro refused to make it up the council took proceedings against him to recover the sum of £ll6. The Magistrate nonsuited plaintiffs on the grounds that the engineer’s certificate was an acknowledgment that the contract had been fulfilled, and expressed the opinion that the engineer’s evidence on the point of the oral assurance was not admissible.

His Honour upheld the Magistrate on the first point that the engineer's certificate was a final certificate, but held that the engineer's evidence of the oral agreement to make up the shortage if one was found should have been admitted. As the rejection of this evidence was a material point in the decision to non-suit plaintiffs, His Honour allowed the appeal, with £6 6s and disbursements, and referred the case back to the Magistrate to determine the amount and value of the shortage, if anv.

TOWN ANO COUNTRY SCHOOLS. INTERCHANGE OF HOSPITALITY. About 50 children of standard 4B from the Hawera main school tramped upon a nature ramble to Whareroa last week where they were the guests of the children of that school. An enjoyable time was spent and many phases of benefit have undoubtedly accrued. A return visit is to be made by the children of the Whareroa school to the Hawera institution when the days are warmer. Leaving at I p.m. the party, under the charge of their teacher, Mr. A. W. Lawn, tramped “at ease.” Many were the questions asked and answered concerning experiences and objects encountered on the journey. Arrived at the Whareroa school a breather was indulged in before the girls entertained girls at games and the boys played football. There followed a period in which the Whareroa children gave examples of tableau and folk dancing and taught the Hawera visitors movements and steps. Afternoon tea followed and was served by the Whareroa girls. Miss McCormick, the teacher, kept in the background the whole of the time and the children conducted the entertaining most efficiently. Speeches of welcome and of thanks in reply were also made by the children with commendable simplicity. The return jonrney was made across country and the opportunity of nature study observations was fully embraced. AUROA FARMERS’ UNION. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. Certificates of merit awarded by the Department of Agriculture in (connection with the root-growing competitions held by the Farmers’ Union were presented to the winners of the Auroa branch at the Auroa Hall on Friday evening. Mr. E. J, Betts, president of the South Taranaki Farmers’ Union, made the presentations, the prize-win-ners being;— Carrots. —F. Muggeridge 1, C. Johnston 2, K. Muggeridge 3. Mangolds.—John Hooper J. F. Muggeridge 2, James Hooper 3. Swedes. —F. Muggeridge 1, Arthur Dunn 2, H. H. Buxton 3.

Mr, Betts congratulated the branch on maintaining its interest so well. He said it was one of the best branches of the union in the district and always forwarded its returns promptly and satisfactorily. They were fortunate in having Mr. Bigham as their secretary. Mr, F. Aroa, president of the branch, was also present. Music for the dances was played by Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Woods, and Mr. J. Bigham as M.C. kept the dances going well. A committee of men acted as stewards during supper. These were Messrs. E. L. Bigham, T. Blair, J. Symes, W. Lyndon and King. A happy social evening was spent by a large number of residents of the surrc unding district. AUROA TENNIS CLUB. The annual meeting of the Auroa Tennis Club was held on Thursday, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing season: —President, Mr. A. F. Kruse; secretary, Mr. S. W. Booth; committee, Misses King (2), E. Pitcaithly, Mrs. M. Eaves, Messrs. T. Worslcy, W. H. Martin, M. Eaves and J Bigham. The report for last year showed that a very successful season had been enjoyed, the membership being nearly 40. The opening of this season was fixed for Saturday, October 13, and practices will be held before that date. It was decided to hold a ball early next month.

WELCOME TO WELLINGTONIANS. EXCURSION NEXT SATURDAY. The initiative of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club in making arrangements for the welcoming of some hundreds of Wellington visitors by tlie excurion arranged by the Railway Department for Saturday next and the decision of the club to conduct tlie visitors to places of interest at Dawson Falls is accepted as a practical means of popularising the mountain. To advise the visitors of the preparations being made and to provide them witli necessary information tlie club has issued special bulletins, 2CO of which have been forwarded to Wellington to be distributed to purchasers of tickets for the excursion. The bulletin states:—“The club has been formed only six months and membership is over 300. We have threeweekly trips to the mountains and our love for Egmont grows with each successive trip. We feel it a great privilege to be interested in all visitors to the 'mountain which is the only peak of its kind in the Empire. For your trip special arrangements are being made by the club to take all visitors in hand and show them all that it is posible to see in the time at their disposal. Various walks and climbs are arranged and there will be plenty of guides, male and female, to pilot visitors in all directions. “Mr. Rod. Syme, our pioneer member, is in charge of the arrangements and under his guidance you can rely on a most interesting and happy time. We herewith give you an account of our last trip which will give you an idea of the interest taken in members and by members. We look forward with pleasure to do the same for you.” Anent the necessity for donning warm clothing and serviceable footwear, some useful information is given the visitors. To proceed with the arrangements a meeting of the general committee of the club was held on Saturday. Present: Mr. L, 0. Hooker (in tho chair), Mrs. 11. W. Swinburne, Misses Patricia Bel!, Buist and J. Page, and Messrs. D. C. Ryan, H. W. Swinburne, W. A. Spragg, B. Haybittie, H, Murray, Snowdon, R. Syme, T. F. McKenzie and Vine. The meeting discussed several proposed trips and the following programme of tramps was provisionally adopted: Ascent of Mount Egmont to to taken by experienced mountaineers with suitable equipment. The time required would be from 6 to 16 hours, necessitating leaving Hawera ar 4 a.m. and the hostel at 6 a.m. The leader appointed was Mr. Syme.

Ascent of Fantham’s Peak. —The time required would be from three to five hours, the party to leave Hawera at 6 a.m. and Dawson’s at 8 a.m. Messrs. Murray and Haybittie were appointed leaders. To the snow slopes of Fantham’s Peak—time required about 2J hours, the party leaviifg Hawera at 8 a.m. and Dawson’s at 9.30. Leaders appointed were Messrs. Spragg and Cartel’ and Misses Buist and Bell. To Manganui Gorge and return via Curtis Hut and ridge to Kapuni Gorge, requiring about 41 hours. Party would leave Dawson’s at 9.30 a.m. Messrs. Snowdon and Vine were appointed to take charge. To Manganui Gorge and thence via Curtis Falls to Stratford house, requiring four hours, the party to leave the hostel at 9.30 a.m. Miss King and Messrs.. Insull and Fookes were selected leaders. To Stratford House, requiring three hours, the party leaving the hostel at 9.45 a.m. Messrs. G. Cook, Keller and Gerrard were appointed leaders. To Jackson’s Lookout, requiring two hours. The hostel would be left at 10 a.m. Leaders appointed were Mr. and Mrs. Swinburne and Mrs. Bates. To Victoria Falls and Wilkie’s Pool, requiring three-quarters of an hour, the hostel' to be left at 10 a.m. Leaders, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Walkley and Mr. A. Lawn. To Dawson Falls, requiring threequarters of an hour. The hostel would be left at 11.15 a.m. Leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Walkley and Mr. Lawn. It was decided that Messrs, L. O. Hooker and W. A. Spragg travel to Wanganui to meet the excursion train in order to explain to the travellers the arrangements made for their entertainment. Reverting to the ’ club’s programme the meeting approved the programme committee’s recommendations that the proposed trip to the North Egmont hostel be held on October 7 under the leadership of Mr. G. Fookes, Stratford. For October 20, 21 and 22 the trip to Mangaoho, Levin and Waiopiu Hut was adopted, Mrs. Bates to be the leader with a member of the Levin Tramping Club. A tramp from Kaupokonui Beach along the coast past Otakeho to Mr. Mackie’s place, under the leadership of Mr. Mackie, was arranged for October 28. Mr. Syme mentioned that Mr. E. G. Smith, Waitcika Road, was willing to act on the committee to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Hughson, Opunake.

CHARM OF OLD RECORDS. SOME EARLIER MANAIA HISTORY. The yellowed minutes of the Manaia Town Board recording happenings of over 20 years ago, besides possessing a charm in the neat, bold writing and the musty smell of the “dog-eared” leaves, which had survived a ’fire, possessed something of the unusual according to present-day forgetfulness and precepts when a News representative searched their pages. Imagination, in the absence of the writer’s knowledge, was required to fully understand the significance of a minute dated November 7, 1904, stating: “A letter was received from the s.s. Takapuna regarding electric lighting of Manaia. Resolved that the letter be received and a copy forwarded to tlie Minister of Marine.” The motion was moved by the chairman, CT. J. Hunt, and seconded by Cr. J. J. Meldon, at present a member of tho Hawera Hospital Board. He could not, however, recollect the incident. Light was thrown on the subject by Mr. A. G. Bennett. He had been a member of tho board at the time and stated that the letter came shortly after the installation of electricity at Manaia when the s.s. Takapuna, now jettisoned, was engaged upon the service from Wellington to Onehunga. The skipper had written advising be could see the lights of the town 20 miles off the coast- at sea. The matter was reported to the Marine Department so that advice might be given to all mariners of the landmark.

Electricity’s advent had resulted in not a little bother to shipping, said Mr. Bennett. Mr. Robert Lambie, of Pihama, had been compelled to remove a strong electric light which he had in his

paddock at about the same time as the Takapuna incident occurred. The light at night was considered to be very confusing to coastal shipping owing to the comparative closeness of the Cape Egmont light 20 miles north. “A SAFE IMMEDIATELY!” Early installations of electric light at Manaia- occurred in 1903 and in November of that year it was “resolved that the chairman’s action in regard to authorising the installation of electric light in the town hall and fire brigade be confirmed.” A year later the chairman, according to a minute, thought a letter should be sent to the district postmaster, Wanganui, urging installation of electricity at the post office. “It was resolved that the Post Office Department be approached in the matter and it be pointed out that it would be a boon to the public." The clerk had “a day out” in March. 1905, if the sanction of a minute was obeyed. The quaint record states: “As the rates are coming in slowly, the clerk take ‘a day out’ collecting same.” Whether “a dog and a double-barrelled gun” were requisitioned as by the landlord in tlie song of old is not revealed, nor the matter again mentioned, in subsequent minutes. The signs of fire upon the minute book, a burnt back and knowledge that a fire destroyed the old Manaia. town hall in January, 1905, add further emphasis to the ominous and prudent tenor of a minute of the first resolution at a meeting on February 2, 1905, reading: “Resolved that a Milner's safe be procured immediately.” In the age of the motor and its accompanying customs and habits the simple formality of a minute of 1910 speaks of the rapid progress of 18 years in the motor world. “Permission was granted Mr. A. G. Bennett to remove the ‘hitching posts’ from outside his old to his new offices.” Convenience to clients and accommodation for their horses possessed municipal import. Dips into hats and appointment of the first name drawn therefrom when applications for officers were numerous was a practice followed, says the minutes with all formality. Two resolutions w’ere necessary, one deciding that appointment be made or tenders accepted acording to “draw” and naming the “drawer” and a second resolution appointing the person drawn. On one occasion an impasse was reached when two applications for the position of “dog tax collector” were received. The resolution solving the difficulty was to the effect that an independent third party make the decision.

FACTORY COTTAGE RAZED. FIRE ON GLOVER ROAD. Fire razed a four-roomed cottage belonging to tlie Hawera Dairy Company at the Glover Road factory early on Saturday night, a large crowd of watchers being powerless to quell the blaze, j The occupiers of the cottage, Mr. G. H. Mills and family, and the factory manager, Mr. R. Meharry, whose residence was 20 feet from the blaze, were in town at the time, and due to the situation of the houses in a hollow the fire had a good hold before it was discover ed. From the beginning there was no hope of saving the cottage and fears for tho safety of the manager’s house were entertained since the wall was too hot to touch. Portion of the verandah began to blister and smoke, but Messrs. F. Gawith and R. Greenbanks and others commandeered buckets and doused the roof and portions of the woodwork. Tlie wind took tlie flames away from the nearby house, but had a north-eas-terly been blowing nothing could have saved it. Although the fir© occurred outside the Hawera fire area members of the Hawera Fire Brigade rendered assistance.

The cottage was insured in the North British and Mercantile office. The cause of the fire is unknown. TEAMS RIFLE SHOOTING. A return match for a challenge cup lield by the B company territorials was fired at Manaia last week when a team from the Hawera platoons retained tlie trophy by 273 points to 230 on tlie aggregates. The matches fired were application and snap shooting lying and kneeling. The Manaia arrangements were well carried out by Q.M.S. Glenny. After tho match the Hawera team was entertained at supper by the Manaia team when Q.M.S. Klenny welcomed the visitors, Lieut. Lawn replying. The teams were:— Hawera. —Lt. Lawn, Sgts. Robb (capt), Beauchamp, Maloney, Privates Quinn, Harrison, Wilkinson, Tosswill, Stewart and Smith. Manaia.—Corporal Pole (capt), Privates Surgenor, Curran, Paine, Vine, Betts, Walker, Cate, Stevenson, Ansley. The old cattle pens at tlie Hawera showgrounds were converted into a sum of about £l2O to the credit of the Egmont A. and P. Association on Saturday through the honorary services of Mr. C. G. Trotter, who conducted an auction sale of the timber which lately constituted railings and posts. The timber was mostly totara in excellent condition and a large gathering followed proceedings. Competitive bids were keen and often. “How did you get on with tho big pile of autograph books at Auckland?” asked the Mayor, Mr. E. A. Pacey, of Mr. Litchfield at the afternoon tea tendered the Tasman airmen in Hawera yesterday. “Many of them are still there yet, although we signed a good many.” was the reply, A display window in a Hawera shop was broken by the boisterous weather on Friday. Two trees and much rubbish were blown on to the Dawson Falls Road but were cleared in time to allow Sunday’s traffic to pass. One of tlie trees, a big rata, brought down another rata and a white pine. TO ASSIST THE BAND. LADIES’ COMMITTEE SET UP. To assist the Hawera Municipal Band in the raising of funds, a largely-at-tended meeting of ladies, convened by 'Mrs. Pearce, was held on Friday. Mrs. C. H. A. Fox' presided. The following executive officers and committee were elected:—Chairwoman,’ Mrs. C. 11. A. Fox;.-secretary and treasurer, Mrs. J. Crowder; executive committee, Mesdames Hawkins, Ogden. Crutch and Pearce; general committee, Mesdames Pearce, Parkinson, Croucher, Evans, Jones, Hawkins, Ogden, Crutch,

Kelland and the Misses Jones, Ogden, F. Kelland and M. Kelland. It was decided to commence activities immediately, the first function being a shop day, which will be held on the first Saturday in October. Other efforts of various kinds were discussed. GENERAL ITEMS. During his visit to Hawera SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith and Lieutenant Ulm spent some time chatting with a young girl who had been confined to the hospital during the past five years. The keen interest taken by the girl per medium of her wireless set in the exploits of the Southern Cross Tasman flight was brought to the notice of the famous pilots, vrho expressed a desire to interview the little girl. Being unable to make an appointment owing to the public demand on the airmen during their short stay at the racecourse, they, however, sent greetings, while later in the evening, when the stay was prolonged, they made a special request for a personal interview which was brought about in the evening. The young patient possessed a Maori souvenir which she presented to the squadron-leader, who promised to carry it in his pocket during the return flight of the Southern Cross. Keen interest was shown in the team buttons shoot on tlie Hawera Miniature Rifle Club’s range on Friday, when the I.elders proved the winners by the bare majority of one point. Following are the scores: —Holders: C. Arnold 47,Mrs. Veitch 44, Miss K. Petersen 41, R. Allan 48; total 180. Challengers: P. Petersen 47, Miss E. Rae 47, J. Clapham 47. Miss A. Harding 38; total 179. The Manaia senior cadets underwent a special course of musketry instruction and physical training last week under the direction of Sergt.-Major Stevens, of the Hawera Defence staff. About a week ago members of the Hawera- Acclimatisation Society liberated 20,000 brown trout in the Waiiigor.goro Stream and yesterday 100,090 trout yearlings were liberated in the Kaupokonui and Otakeho Streams. Through running over and killing a dog near Okaiawa on Saturday evening a young motor-cyclist named Tyre was thrown to the ground, sustaining fairly severe injuries necessitating his removal to the Hawera hospital. PERSONAL ITEMS. The death of Mr. F. A. Sampson, who has been suffering from illness for some time, occurred at Hawera on Saturday morning. Mr. Simpson was for several vears manager of the Hawera office of Messrs. W. D. and H. O. Wills. Ltd., and was a well-known and popular figure throughout Taranaki and Wanganui districts. He was 58 years of age and is survived by a son residing in Sydney. Nurse Dix, of the Plunket Society, Hawera, left by car on Saturday for Wanganui to attend the conference of Plunket nurses to be held this week. The funeral of Mrs. Bodeal Hansen, whose death occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Swift, Wanganui, took place at the Manaia cemetery on Saturday. Mrs. Hansen was a resident at Manaia for many years, her husband, the late Mr. Antony Hansen, being one of the early settlers. A son, Mr. E. C. Hansen, is still resident at Manaia, and another son, Mr, R. Hansen, lives at Okato.

RIVERLEA NEWS. TENNIS CLUB BALL. ; (From Our Own Correspondent.)j The tennis club’s annual ball took 'place on Thursday evening and was a great success, over 70 couples taking the floor. The hall was beautifully decorated with ferns and greenery, and the coloured streamers and lights gave a very pleasing effect. The M.’sC., Messrs E. Gibbons and C. Kehely, kept things moving merrily. The spot waltzing competition was won by Mr. A. Young and Miss J. Kirk. The Monto Carlo was won by Mr. A. Young and Miss J. Urvan. Miss Evans had charge of the ice cream and soft drink department, which was very well patronised. Delightful music was supplied by Coburn’s orchestra. The ladies provided an excellent supper. Dancing was kept going till the early hours of the morning. A serious accident befel Mr. A. Miller, of the staff of the local factory, on Thursday evening through his motorcycle colliding with a stray horse. Mr. Miller, who was seriously hurt, was conveyed to the Hawera Hospital. Miss Doris Marshall, who was pillion riding, escaped with bruises. OPUNAKE NEWS. MAORI MISSION PARTY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Maori entertainers paid Opunake a visit on Wednesday evening. A good house greeted the performers, and the appreciation of the audience was shown by the applause accorded them. All the items, especially the native songs and dances, were of a very high standard. The blending of the voices of the Maoris in their choruses was beautiful. During the evening an address was delivered by Chief Te Aho Pihama, and, after the concert, the Rev. Seamer gave an interesting address on the work of the mission among the native race. He said that about 6000 children were being educated by the mission. The Maoris in tlie party were representative of all parts' of the Dominion and distinguished members of different tribes were present. PRESENTATION TO MR. GORKILL. Before an assemblage of about 30 employees of the Egmont County Council at the county shed on Thursday, Mr. G. Maclvor, on behalf of the stall, presented Mr. F. M. Corkill, who is leaving to take up a position in Invercargill, with a silver-mounted ebony walking stick. Mr. Maclvor voiced tlie esteem in which Mr. Corkill was held by his staff, and wished him success in his new position. Messrs. L. Harrop, J. Goodin and 11. Pikering, riding foreman, also spoke. On the same day. on behalf of the i firm of Isherwood, Bella m and Co., Mr. I H. Isherwood presented Mr. Corkill | with a camping outfit. Mr. Isherwood I referred in eulogistic terms to the coroperation between the council and his I firm and said a good deal of it was due to Mr. Corkill. Mr. Corkill suitably responded.

A farewell evening for Mr. and Mrs.. Corkill was given at the residence of Mr. H. G. Hudson on Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Corkill left for Invercargill on Saturday. | GENERAL. I Mr. P. Harding, who has been seriously ill in the New Plymouth Hospital, has returned to Opunake. The points prize at the final euchre party of the season held by the Anglican Church Ladies’ Guild was won by Mr. D. Thomas and Mrs. Tamahere. Whitebait is reported to be plentiful around Opunake. MAGISTRATE'S COURT. Judgment was given plaintiff’s as follows for tho amounts indicated at the Opunake Court on Friday, before Mr. Tate, S.M:—Hughsons Ltd. v. Lei Mitchell, £7 2s 3d (costs £1 16s 6d); Charles Smith v. M. A. Macfie, £1 8s 6d (costs 12a); D. V. Northcott v. P. J. Northcott, £l5 (costs £2 Ils 6d). In judgment summons cases E. Eriwhata was ordered to pay’ C. R. Stead £5 3s 6d, with costs 15s 6d, in default 5 days’ imprisonment; A. Macfie was ordered to pay Derby and Co. £9 2s 6d, costs 15s 6d, in default 9 days’ imprisonment; C. Markham was ordered to pay R. E. Peat £l7, costs £1 Is, in default 14 days’ imprisonment. Ethel Fowler sued D. D. Sullivan for £l2B 12s 6d, moneys allegedly due under a sharemilking contract. After some evidence had been taken tho court was adjourned To see if the parties could eome to an agreement. It was agreed that the plaintiff was to accept £8 4s which had been paid into court beforehand. The sequel to a collision on the Main South Road some weeks ago was heard when Malachi Lawn, of Okato, whose car collided with a car driven by F. M. Corklull on September 12, was charged with being in control of a car in a public place whilst in a state of intoxication.. A fine of £25 was imposed and defendant’s license suspended. He was disqualified from driving lor two years. Costs amounted to 30s. The police had withdrawn two other charges. For being unlawfully on licensed premises at Rahotu, Tetana was fined £2 (costs 15s). For driving at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour when approaching an intersection at the Kahui and Main Roads, Rahui Murray was convicted and ordered to pay costa 10s. For failing to give way to a car approaching on his right when nearing an intersection, K. S. Terrill was convicted and ordered to pay costs 10s. ELECTROCUTION OF A HORSE. While Mr. 11. Wasley, a farm employee at Pihama, was driving a wag-gon-load' of milk to tho Pihama factory from Mr. T. Carey’s farm, one of the horses suddenly dropped dead and the other began to act in a strange manner. On investigation Mr. Wasley discovered that a foot of one of the horses had eome into contact with a live power wire and tho horse had been killed outright. Shocks were passing through the body of Hie dead horse into the other and an anxious ten minutes was spent in trying to right matters. Fortunately tho Power Board's staff were quickly on the scene to assist. Just before tho incident a cart laden with milk had passed over the wire and no damage was done, nor was the wire noticed to be lying across the road. It was fortunate that no pedestrians came into contact with the wire and also that the Power Board's staff were ready to prevent anyone touching tlie horses.