COUNTRY NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2477, 16 April 1909, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

V MOTU. (From our own Correspondent.') The annual meeting of the Alotu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at Motu on Saturday. There was a good attendance of members, Mr R. F. Jackson presiding. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £2. The secretary in submitting the ninth annual report, said lie was glad to state that the branch holds well together for the welfare of the district, and strengthening the . hands, of our Parliamentary representative in seeming necessary grants for loading and improving the district. This branch holds the enviable position of having one of its members, in the person of Mr AV. D. S. MacDonald, to represent this large district in the House of Parliament. We have every confidence that, as he has so ably represented the district in local matters, ho will as ab.j represent the district in discussing the affair's of the Dominion. Another of our members, Mr Thos. Elliott, was elected to represent Poverty Bay at the annual conference of farmers in Wellington, where, we are sure, he creditably Uphold the importance and union activity of the district ho represented. ' It is now pleasing to know' that- tho Pakihi road is almost completed for horse traffic, and so we w ill, instead of being on the limits of civilisation, ho practically the hub, and hope to derive much benefit thereby. The muchneeded and oft-repeated request that Neill road be completed for wheel traffic is now within sight. The bridge, over the Waiwhero is in course of construction, and we have every reason to believe that vehicles will be affie to run right through next summer. Not being able to secure a doctor for Motu at reduced rates, we applied to the Doctors’ Association in Gisborne to give the Motu telephone continuous connection with one of the .medical profession. This has been granted, and today Dr l T oung, of Te Karaka, wishes to meet the settlers to consider the feasibility of extending his district to Motu. The branch heid its annual picnic and social evening in February, ana on the whole passed off very satisfactorily, and it is honed these gatherings 1 Wthe 'brancfT TorTusF year of regular work. It is hoped that the incoming year will see great strides forward, and that wo’will keep united, and so by helping one another we are also helping ourselves.” Air It. F. Jackson was re-elected chairman, Mr C. Hansen vicc-ckafr-raan, Messrs V. Thomson and J. Richmond joint secretaries and treasurer, and Mr Jackson delegate to the Provincial Conference. A vote, of thanks va3 given to the retiring secretary. The Opotiki and Waikehu County Councils have made arrangements to ■have wings built on the east and west tends of the new Motu bridge. Information having been received from the secretary of the Tourist Department re introduction of trout iu the Motu streams, Messrs C. Hanson, AY. Fisher, and Jackson were appointed a committee to get the necessary ova and make arrangements for their care and distribution. . The Alotu Railway League, held its annual meeting. Air C. H. Bridge, chairman, apologised for the unavoidable absence of Air Day, of Gisborne, and also gave a resume of the year’s work. Air T. Elliott was eloeted chairman and delegate to attend the -Railway- Conference at Wellington. The League appreciates the rapid progress now made in local railway construction,' and hopes to see the train to Alotu vil-

lag© in three or four years. Dr Young was then introduced to the meeting of settlers, and submitted a scheme w r hereby he would .be able to giro medical attendance to subscribers at reduced rates. After various questions had been asked and answered satisfactorily, the doctor withdrew. The meeting, after discussing the matter further-, elected Messrs T. Eliott, E. ltichardson, and C. H. Bridge to take the matter in hand, and report later what the district is prepared to do.

A return cricket match between Rakauroa.and Motu was played on the local pitch, when Motu had an easy win. Mesdames C. Hansen Jackson, and Bright kindly provided afternoon tea -for tub cricketers. On Tuesday evening some of the WhaIcaran ladies gave a farewell evening to Miss Smith, daughter of Mr 6. A. Smith, of Whakarau, on the eve of her marriage. Mr W. D. S. MacDonald’s large woolshed was fitted up for the occasion, and as evidence of the esteem in which the young lady is held, quite 40, couples graced the floor, "and spent a most enjoyable evening. After a sumptuous supper had been partaken of, Mr MacDonald, in a neat and graceful speech, spoke, of the goodwill between Mr. iSmith and family and all who know them. Their house had been noted as a house of welcome to many a weary traveller. “Miss Smith,” he said, “is highly respected by all, and although wo are now to say good-bye to her as Miss Smith, we hope to often see her again after entering her married life. -On behalf of all her friends, I now. wish her and her partner -long life, happiness, and prosperity:”- Mr E. B. Thomson, on behalf of Miss Smith thanked Mr MacDonald for liis good" vishes, and hoped , that the ties of as expressed that ...evening -vould last for aye. After dancing had lontinned for_ some time further, the i.appy gathering broke up by singing £ Auld Lang Syne.” ; Many of the visions were warm; in their praise of the' rrangements and entertainment, and tvwill long be remembered as a pleasant •arting. ’ . ;