OKATO.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143788, 11 May 1912, Page 4

OKATO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) May 10.—Your Okato correspondent must apologise for getting so much in arrears with his notes. In fact, the arrears have got so formidable that I think it would be as well, with your kind indulgence, to wipe them out altogether, and start afresh. With tho exception of the last few days, which have been bright and sunny, the weather lately has been anything but pleasant, and makes one wonder why people go to the South Pole to study Arctic weather, when they can got experience of it at their doors. The Local Government Bill was not looked on very' favourably by tho AVerekino and Okato Road Boards, most memljers being of opinion that it is unworkable, while others have not had time to study it. Mr. C. Andrews was appointed delegate ‘from the Okato Board and Mr. AV. Binnie from the Worekino Board to attend tho conference of local bodies on Tuesday next. .Tho Maugatiti bridge on Saunders Road has cost more than was at first anticipated, and tho Okato Hoad Board decided to-day to apply for tho 10 per cent, extra on the loan, and also to approach tho Government for a grant of £25 to subsidise it. Tills, if granted, will enable the board to metal and fence the approaches, which will be a muchneeded improvement. Following their usual custom, and in consequence of having new members, the Road Board to-day allocated the different roads under its jurisdiction as follows:—Hampton, Mr. C. Andrews; Kaihihi, Mr. J. Carey; Oxford and Saunders, Mr. O. Gray; Township, Mr. J. H. Wooldridge; Leith and Perth, Mr. J. S. Fox; while tho clerk was authorised to see to the requirements of tho Dover Road. Ratepayers who road this will now know which of the powers to approach if they want a hump levelled off or a boggy place metalled. Mr. J. W. Wooldridge has been appointed both boards’ member at the coming Assessment Court. The bazaar, to be held in aid of the Domain Grounds, is fixed for June 20, 21, and 22, and permission has been obtained from the Minister of Internal Affairs to raffle works of art, etc. A meeting was held last Saturday night to arrange preliminary* matters, electing committees for various events, and general. A ladies’ meeting is called For Wednesday, the loth inst., to discuss their side of the affair, when it is hoped that a good number of the fair sex will bo present. If tho ladies take it up as they did the last bazaar, there will he only fine weather to make it a success. Messrs. D. P. Evans and E. Malone are joint secretaries. A correspondent has obliged me with the following. I wish a few more would do likewise; it would be much easier for “your own”: — The Wesleyan Church was the scene of enjoyment on Friday evening, April 26, when a welcome social was tendered to Rev. Mr. and Mrs. X- Featherstoue upon their epnoiminont to tho .circuit, and to Mr., D. Jlickford and family, who have recently come into the district. In the absence of Air. T. Hughson, the chair was taken by Rev. J. Griffin, who, in a humorous speech, introduced the minister and, Mr. Hickford. Friends from Rahotu contributed to the musical programme. Master Bobbie Hughson being amusing with his recitation, ‘How to mind baby.” What he would do, and what he would not do, if in mother’s place, caused a few smiles, but when it came to polishing the kid with boot polish from sister’s tin, it was past a joke. Other contributors to the programme were Mrs. T. Street, ’ and Misses M. and H. Pearce. The feelings of the inner man were appeased by a good supper served by the ladies. A veto of thanks to the chairman and ladies concluded a pleasant evening. Only the required number being nominated for the three vacancies on the Okato Road Board, no poll was necessary, the three nominees, Mr. C. Andrews, Mr. J. S. Fox, and Mr. J, H Wooldridge being duly declared members.’

So far as elections for public bodies are concerned, Okato is a sleepy place, but when one speaks of sport, a dormant chord is touched, and then a rage commences. Boxing is the latest idea, a class for this purpose having been formed, the first meeting being held on Tuesday night. Not much science was exhibited by the “students,” although a bit of rough handling was indulged in.

The football season has started poorly, the first fixture being a disappointihent. Star F.C. were down on the, list for a visit, but only five of their men turned up, and after a good deal of parleying, it was decided to postpone the match until a future date.