DISTRICT NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, 20 March 1920, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS.

Carterton.

(By Our Eesident Keporter.)

A number of people are wondering what has become of the Chamber of Commerce. It made a meteoric appearance some three months back, but has not been heard of since. There are many matters of importance to the town which the gentle influence of our commercial men would materially assist. No valid reason has yet been adduced why an infant school should not be established at the northern end of the town. A meeting of householders is likely to be held shortly to promote the project, the virtues of which have already been extolled. The meeting of ratepayers at Clarevillo on Thursday afternoon did not exhibit any pronounced opposition to the County Council continuing to control the Tarntahi water races. The meeting, however, gave unmistakable indications of its desire to see more labour employed on the races in order to provide a better service. The ratepayers are prepared to foot the bill, and their expressed wishes wi.l no doubt be acceded to by the Council. Speakers at the ratepayers meeting at Clareville on Thursday afternoon gave gentle hints that large draughts of aqua that trickles down the Taratahi water race were diverted by some thirsty souls, thereby creating a "dry area" that acted to the dert:'ment of their neighbours lower down. It is ah offence, punishable by law, to dvert the water or impede its flow, and it has been suggested that a night patrol be employed to catch those committing breaches of the water law. The law provides that any body of men constitutionally elected to control water races cannot be d sturbed in their government unless by resignation or demise. These "lifers" are generally a clog on the wheels of progress, as they can snap their fingers in the faces of aggrieved ratepayers without fear of being dethroned. An elective body is what is wanted, and the sooner the Government alters the law to create th's authority the better will it be for all concerned. The uncertainty of bowls was again demonstrated during the progress of the s'ngles championship at Carterton on Thursday. Compton (Greytown) was playing Price (Park), and at the fourteenth head the score stood, Compton 16, Price 3. At the sixteenth head the score was 17—5. From this onward Couroton failea to register a solitary point, the Park player landing what appeared to be a hopeless game with two points to spare. Carterton is badly in need of a

"Kelly Gang," similar to that which patrolled the Wairarapa during the war period when any patriotic effort was required. The fund of the Memorial Square to fallen soldiers of the Wairarapa South County has been practically stationary for some t rae, and unless the promoters introduce a little "pop" into their efforts little progress ia likely to be made.