LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17212, 13 February 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Sydney cable says that a meeting of the Nationalist Party CouiiCiJ overwhelmingly defeated a motion calling upon Mr Hughes to resign. The Garrison Band and the Nation, al Reserve will meet at the Drill Hall to-morrow morning to escort the 36tn Keiniorcements who are leaving by the 7 train. ' '

lg to fclle cn Sille breaking down at JNukumaru, the train due in Wanganm at 4.40 yesterday afternoon did nob arrive till 6.30. Another engine l>fid to be sent out from Wanganui tc bring the "lame duck" home.

Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., c.i Marlon, leaves shortly for Auckland to take over the Thames and other magistrate's work in the absence or Mr E. Page, S.M., who is at presnt engaged *>a the Northern Goiuitj.^ Boundaries Commission

Labour is said to be very short on the Wellington wharves. It was stated during; a Military Service appeal at Wellington yesterday that the appellant worked 13 to 15 hours a day and averaged 60 haurs weekly in January.

Steps are being taken to form a bowling club at Wanganui East, and with that end in view a meeting will he held in the Wanganui East school room on Thursday evening at 0 o'clock. The proposed club has good promise of support and if a, start is made it is expected to have a green ready fur next* season.

\'ery large numbers of sheep are now moving in the Manga weka district. It is stated that some 15,000 are "on trek" for next Thursday's sale, one firm alone having to' put through eight thousand. For the past fewsales buyers have appeared from very long distances, and appear to be very Avell satisfied with the quality of the stock raised in these parts

The extension of the Taihape Freezing Works, which have been m the course of construction during the past three months, are now just on completion. Space has been provided for another 40,000 carcases, this making the total space equal lo accommodating 110,000 carcases. The season is now at its height and an average of 1200 sheep ate being put through daily, 16 butchers being employed .

A deputation from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association waited on tlie Hon. Russell on Monday m reference to his remarks regarding the expenditure of larc;c sums on permanent clubs for returned soldiers. The deputation expressed the opinion that clubs had a good influence generally, and assisted considerably in the repatriation of soldiers. Hon. Russell said he would not give a decision in the matter, but would take the opinion cf Cabinet.

At the. meeting ol: the Wanganm Centre 01 the Mew Zeaaind Swimming Association last evening various matters in connection with the forthcoming championship meeting were discussed Jt was decided to hold trials this week, the 220 yards to be taken at 5 o'clock this evening, the. 880 yards on Thursday and the 100 yards at tne schools Carnival on Friday afternoon m connection with the eld boys' race. All competitors for tne 100 yards race must take part in the old boys' race.

The first parade of the St. Andrew's Hoy So ts took place last Saturday afterti.K..! in i '■- Church grounds, Glasgow Strvf, •»" • was vorv well attended. 1). C. E. v;.' Owens, 8.5." W. R. Taylor, and Scoutmasters A. Atkins and 3. GaVoie were all present. The boys ffi'i'o sworn in by the District Commander, who extended to all the lads a very '.hearty welcome. They yvcro then taught knotting and signalling, for which they showed special aptitude. The troop from Wanganui East was present by invitation, and proved to bs of considerable help to the St. Andrew's boys by their counsel, practical help, and encouragement. The afternoon proved to be both helpful and enjoyable, and already the boys are looking forward to the ne a paiude

A lecture on afforestation will b« given at the Borough Oliautber ;it 11.3.0 this morning by ibo .Row Mr -I. H yjmnionds under the auspices of the ~j' Wangsuiiii branch oi the Farmers' r * \J'n ion.

A start has been made with tl»8t construction of the mam road from the top of St. John's Hill to the borougu boundary. The intention is to have the road tar-grouted and settled. When this section is completed there will be a continuous tarred road as tar as Goat Valley.