ELTHAM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143767, 16 April 1912, Page 5

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent,/ April lo.—Last Wednesday evening was something akin In election night in that many people thronged our streets in the expectation of seeing something. It differed somewhat from election night, as on that occasion the member for Kgmont had difficulty in getting a few words heard, so bitter or hostile was the attitude of some disappointed electors. Last Wednesday the band serenaded the Premier, whilst the Highlanders had their kilts flying to the breeze as they strutted about bagpiping " The Cock o’ th’ North” or “Ta-ra-ra-hoom-dc-ay,” or some other air that seems the same when tuned on the pipes. After the serenade the Premier told ns how pleased ho was (and he looked it) to do present that evening, and thanked them for the kindness shown whilst

“Ricearton” Russell (.the editor knows this gentleman’s portfolio) also dealt out some adulation that greatly pleased his hearers and could do no harm to the Opposition. It is strange how time heals or mends everything, as everybody seemed a Mackenzie man, and it would not have been safe to raise a note of discord. Tt also shows that the public, generally speaking, likes to be with the "top dog.” and just now "Our Tam,” to use an Americanism, is ‘Tt,” and with reasonable prospects of making a success of his task as the man at the wheel on the Dominion ship. The meeting in the Town Hall proved very successful, and that it was interesting may be understood when it is known that operations at the tea-table commenced soon after eight and it was midnight before the Town Hall was empty. The same evening the Territorials had a big muster parade. Wilkinson gathered a fair number of -spectators at his pictures, whilst the Wcsleyans rallied round their church to listen to a lecture on "Cannibals” or something or other relating to missionary work. Mr. Crump, deputy-mayor, has definitely announced his intention of contesting the mayoralty. If Mr. L. Hill does not come forward I know of no other public man likely to oppose Councillor Crump with any reasonable prospect of success. The early part of the present dairying season was as bad as it could possibly be, but the mild, warm weather experienced since 1012 came along has assisted farmers so much that the cows are doing much bettor than the same time last year. One small “cocky” says he is getting 500 gals, more milk daily now than for March-April last year. His experience is shared by others, so the man who "ploughs and sows, reaps and mows,” is not doing too had. The series of animated films exhibited during the course of the Premier’s lecture on Thursday evening was greatly admired. One patron to moving pictures says he is now perfectly satisfied that you need not “trot” (he meant “stonm”) out of New Zealand to see magnificent scenery, bo it mountainous or otherwise. He has never moved in the South Island, but his next holiday sees' him moving in tho direction of Lake Tc Anan and other places screened t’other evening. ■With the close of tho borough council’s year one naturally looked for the Mayor’s usual annual statement, but owing to the Mayor’s (Councillor Wako) protracted stay in the South nothing has been done, hut probably Councillor Crump in his mayoral address will fully explain tho past year’s workings and the, prograss hoped to he made or anticipated during the approaching twelve months.