UTIKU NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12145, 12 November 1908, Page 7

UTIKU NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Tho present apparent stagnation in tho timber industry is causing considerable anxiety to tho workers and miilownors. The general financial depression throughout the Colony, together with the high rates ruling for timber has caused builders to pause ere placing their orders. Also the cost of erecting a house at the present time is so great that persons about to build or wishing to do so think ib advisable to delay awhile. It is curious that the cry of lack of orders applies to mills under the Association, for one .mill owner here who is not connected with the Sawmillers' Association has . orders on hand that will require two years' cutting to execute. A mass meeting of those interested in the timber industry is to be held on ths 20th inst. to further consider the situation. Tho Education Board, inspectors are engaged in examining and inspecting tho schools in the district. Great interest is bsing taken in the election of a councillor for the Awarua Riding. Some of the settlers seem to have a grievance against the present councillor. It is impossible to please all.

Election matters have assumed an interesting and exciting stage;, the supporters of the candidates seizing tipon every opportunity to further the inteilests"of their man. A rather amusing talc is gome; the rounds. One candidate manfully set out^ in a gig to address his constituents in the neighbourhood ; but ye gods! the fates were against him. Tli3 roads, oh, thos? roacte! wrestled with the gig and camo off victorious. Tho gig remained m the loving embrace of the mud and the dejected" candidate bwxt a retreat, leaving that portion of his electorate until a more propitious moment. It that candidate were successful surely he would soo to it that the back block roads received due attention.