RANGITIKEI NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 August 1901, Page 2

RANGITIKEI NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

MARTON, Saturday,

The Fire Brigade ball was, as anticipated, a great success, some 75 couples being present. Tlie excellent music of the band and the good state of the floor made it most enjoyable. The Ms.C. were Messrs Benseman and A. Mclndoe, and they discharged their duties to the satisfaction of all. The supper, donated by the ladies of Marton, was all that could be desired, and reflects the greatest credit on Mesclames Esant, Gronn, and Campbell, and the Misses Esam. Branchmen Hughes and Benseman have been very prominent in ensuring- the success of the ball, and deserve '.he best thanks of their Brigade. The officers desire to tender their thanks to the band, the ladies, and Mr W. R. Snellgrove, the latter being responsible for the decorations and illuminations.

At last night's meeting of the Borough Council, considerable discussion took place as to whether the press should have the items of Mr Smithies' estimates. Cr Gibbons moved that neither the items nor the total be given to the public. Crs Richardson and Read were of the same opinion, considering that if tenders were ■ called contractors would get too much information. Cr Signall could see no neoessity for keeping anything back, and contended that the publication would be no guide whatever to a contractor. The Mayor could see no reason for secrecy, and had reason to believe that the figures had been telegraphed to the "Chronicle" a few minutes previously. Cr Gibbons condemned yours truly for -daring to take information from the Council room, and Cr Richardson thought the telegram should be recalled. Cr White considered the reporter was not to blame, but was to be congratulated on getting news to his paper as quickly as possible. The Town Clerk drew the Council's attention to the legal risk of withholding matters from the ratepayers, stating that either himself or the Council refusing such documents was liable to a penalty of £5. The matter then dropped, and the estimates and report were unanimously adopted.