ELTHAM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144668, 30 April 1915, Page 8

ELTHAM.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. April 28. —Tlie month now standing on its hind legs lias been very good as far as sunshine is concerned, but to-day the weather is anything hut pleasant, and, judging by the shiny handles, the shop people must have sold a few gamps to-day. Although steady rain is belting down the atmosphere is very warm. It was rather unfortunate that the day was wot, as it probably deterred a good many from exercising the privilege, of voting. Still motor-cars, cosy inside, carried: many passengers to and from the booth. Those, businesses who catered for hungry stomachs must have done poor trade, as the Feminine voter usually darted into the hall and then home. With the masculine portion, they weren’t out for refreshments —at least not that done up in fruit or cake ba gs. Although the rain kept people,on the move, the polling appeared to be very steady in tile afternoon. Itotb candidates for mayoral honours bold the lloor

last night. It was not the same door, but, speaking at different periods, it was probably the same audience. The champions out for favour were Messrs. Dive and Buekeridgc, and it .should ho

a. very close contest. Doth were late in getting a start, but they created a pace during the past few days that made ratepayers sit up and realise that after all we were going to have a real live contest. The Eltham School Committee meetings clashed with many other engagements llio same evonipg, and consequently the, attendance suffered. U was expected an election would take place, and after some persuasion nine gentlemen accepted the positions—and worry, Mr J. Ure Murray, a prominent committeeman, has retired after many years’ service on the school board. 1-noticed a man in town give a small cheer on his own this afternoon. When asked the reason for his jubilation, he pointed to a telegram from New Plymouth that Mr. Samuel had contributed ill OHO to the Belgian Fund. lie thought that decidedly worth a cheer, and was prepared to cheer on any and every occasion of a similar nature. Mr. Samuel will know that his generosity has stirred somebody, and if it goes further and teaches some of the absentminded beggars with the banking account that his example should bo followed, we'!, he’ll get another cheer. The news that young Pearce, of Wellington, has lost Ids life on Mt. flgmont this week, mused a lot of comment here. Many of the townspeople rallied to the constable’s call for search parties, and it is remarkable that Pearce should scramble and get hid away from searchers in the way he did. Being strange to the bush, the young man evidently became frightened and started wandering. In recent years there have been people hung up on the mountain side, out in each case the parties have had sufficient control over themselves to wait for daylight and rescue. The Eltham Rugby players have had several games already, and by thn tinio the fixture's aro opened should be in good condition. As to the quality of the fifteen, they appear to be a very moderate lot, but ns an enthusiast tells me that other clnhs are also in weak street, our lads may do bettor thau expected.