ELTHAM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14324, 29 September 1910, Page 7

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Sept. 28.—One’ of Eltham’s oldest identities, Mr. Donald Morrison, died suddenly in town last Saturday evening. 'He had been suffering from a slight cold, and - was treating himself to medicine, when feeling rather faint, he called at the Eltham HoteL; Whilst there he suddenly - lurched forward and died. Salvationists will bo interested to - learn that he died with, a W’ar Cry in his hand. “Donald,” as he was familiarly. called, spent many years inthis district; and started the first sawmill in tho district, near .Normanby. Ho also had a farm, hut lost both, but the managers ,of both his mill and his farm did well in after years. Deceased had been 50 years in the Dominion, during which period he never moved out of the North island. Ho-was buried yesterday, the pall bearers being Messrs. G. \V. Taylor, 6. Willy, A. Duncan, and Pipe. l Deceased was - 71 years of age and single. Another old identity, Mrs. Jas. Preston, - died the same day, but at Auckland. She had what one might term a most strenuous life, and was possessed of remarkable strength, and incidents are recorded of her carrying heavy loads. With the axe deceased was- most proficient, and is said to have- felled half tho bush round this township. Deceased was 63, and leaves a husband, two sons, and five daughters. Things in Eltham in the building line are bright and brisk. Mr. Wilkinson’s new hall is under way with about 16 men, engaged, . whilst the council employees. and assistants are also “kicking it in” getting the foundation down for tho Town Hall. Preparations are also almost complete -for commencing the gasworks, and what with opening up the roads for mains, and other work in contemplation things should cqntimie good for a few months yet. : The Eltham Rifles intend celebrating the tenth anniversary by holding a reunion towards the end of next month. A strong committee have details in hand, and a 1 good evening should result,,, In the afternoon of the same day the ladies are invited to the rifle range, where three prizes will; go to tho ladies who plank the most bulls’ eyes bn the target. The' members of the corps are steadily improving in their shooting, and last Saturday Corporal Hopewell rung on 100 at 200, 500, and 600 yards. The scoring now is 50 per cent", bettor than four years . ago. It looks as if tho Taranaki Cricket Association will have no clubs under its control. Hawera and other clubs lower down the line have formed a South Taranaki Association, and six teams are expected to go for the championship, l Here -we are supposed to have four teajns, Knponga, Stratford, Eltham, and Toko. Toko won the championship during the last three- years, but have lost some good players since last summer,- Kaponga are in a similar position, whilst Stratford may, or may "not, come forward. - Eltha,m will practically be tho same as last year, Inman being a notable absentee. - The weather down hero during the past week has been splendid. The butter factories are all busily engaged, and Eltham Factory is now making over 100 56 lb boxes daily.