OTOROHANGA NEWS

Waipa Post, Volume 36, Issue 2147, 21 April 1928, Page 8

OTOROHANGA NEWS

KING COUNTRY ITEMS. (Own Coirespondent). The numerous individuals who dailv seek donataions or subscriptions for manifold objects and amusements are becoming an intolerable nuisance. The number and frequency of these requests are ever on the increase and are an added expense to business men —many of whom are already finding it difficult to make both ends meet. In many cases it is very difficult for tradesmen to refuse donations for worthy objects, and those who are generously inclined in this respect provide the target for many collectors for sports, send-offs, picnics etc., and for a multitude of similar objects. The Chamber of Commerce will no doubt shortly pass a resolution affecting the vexed question, and on which the citizens may act in concert. The funeral of the late Mr Robert Ormsby took place at Mangaiti, on Thursday afternoon; when a large number of Otorohanga people—of both races —attended. The burial took place in the graveyard of the Ormsbys'—many of whom have been laid to rest there in quite recent times, including two brothers of deceased, Messrs Joiin and Arthur Ormsby. The litigation between two farmers of Honikiwi (which was heard in part on the 14th of March, before Mr R. M. Watson, S.M., at Otorohanga Court) regarding damages done by a spreading fern fire, was concluded in the Otorohanga S.M. Court late on Wednesday afternoon. The case created wide local interest. E. H. Grey, a farmer of Taranaki and Honikiwi, sued William Rattray, farmer, of Honikiwi, for the sum of £97 damages resulting from the fire in question. His Worship in summing up said that the onus of proof that Rattray had started the fire that did the damage complained of rested with the plaintiff—proof of the actual cause of the damage had to be positive. After carefully reviewing and weighing all the vidence placed before him, he must come to the conclusion that the case against Rattray was not sustained by the evidence tendered. Judgment would therefore be for defendant with costs according to scale. Mr Trapski appeared for piaintiff and Mr F. 0. R. Phillips for defendant. A most successful Paddy's Market was held at the Town Hall yesterday (Friday) in aid of funds for building new cocoa rooms for the children attending the public sch'qol. A huge quantity of produce was disposed of at prices that were the envy of ordinary traders. Competitions and games of various kinds brought much grist to the mill.

What was described as "the very finest display of dressed beef, mutton, and pork ever seen in the King Country," by two prominent stockbreeders at Otorohanga yesterday, was the display in a Maniapoto Street butchery. Most of the beef on view was bred and fattened locally—on the farm of Mr Robert Green, on the Otewa road, the display being a good advertisement for the fattening qualities of his property.

At the stock sal as on Wednesday

beef was again firmer, and local butchers had to compete against beef buy : ers from as far away as Wanganui and Auckland. Some fine quality steer cow and heifer beef were yarded and all such sold under the hammer readily to eager buyers. Indications point to the fact that beef will be high this winter, as the sales throughout this territory now attract buyers from far afield, who will speedily reduce the numbers of prime beef cattle. Sheep are also in keen demand by metropolitan butchers and it is evident that prices for this class of stock will also considerably harden. The outlook for stock breeders and graziers is most promising. The Otorohanga County Council is busy reconditioning the main highway between that centre and the northern boundary. The engineer, Mr G. Jackson, informs me that the Council is about to take drastic measures against speeding motorists on this portion of their domain —from now onward. Fast driving is fatal to the good maintenance of metalled roads. Mr Jackson is arranging to prepare traps for speeding drivers of all motor vehicles on the country road between Otorohanga and the Waipa County boundary and all those who are inclined to "step on the gas" should take this timely and friendly warning.

HOCKEY ASSOCIATION FORMED. At a representative meeting of hockey enthusiasts on Thursday evening, it was unanimously decided to form a sub-association to be called Maniapoto, and to at once affiliate with Auckland. Three clubs—Otorohanga. Te Kuiti and Kopaki—are assured, with prospect of a fourth. Officers were elected and a draw arranged. The first match will be played on Saturday, sth May. Headquarters for this season will be at Otorohanga.