News Of The Day. (Press, 13 May 1909)

On 13 May 1909, Dunedin's correspondent reported on various local events. Mr A. C. Hanlon was set to leave for the West Coast on Friday to defend Connolly, accused of murder, with the trial anticipated to last five days. In the Juvenile Court, an infant was committed to the Receiving Home due to concerns over its mother, who was deemed an habitual drunkard and a reputed prostitute; the child is to be raised in the Church of England faith. A foreign missionary meeting was conducted at the Sydenham Methodist Church, attended by a large audience. Chairman Mr F. Thompson welcomed Rev. J. W. Burton, who spoke about his missionary work in Fiji and experiences in India, receiving a vote of thanks afterwards. The Kaiapoi Athletic Club appointed Mr H. Evans as a trustee, replacing Dr. J. A. J. Murray. In the Rangiora Literary and Debating Society, the debate topic was whether the Dreadnought Offer was justifiable. The Western Maori election petition was near a decision, expected the following Saturday, with no costs awarded against Mr Grace, the Returning Officer. Two men, William Niccols and William Cotter, were committed for trial after allegedly assaulting Sarah Falloon and robbing her of £5. At the Geraldine Road Board meeting, Mr J. Kelland was re-elected as chairman, while a general rate proposal was introduced. Local labour markets were struggling, as reported from Greymouth, where the Blackball Company had recently cut 30 jobs, with further reductions expected. The Canterbury Methodist Sunday School Union held its quarterly meeting at Papanui, discussing social conditions in their homeland and featuring various speakers. Hon. J. R. Sinclair mentioned at the Trust Company annual meeting that financial difficulties had allowed for better mortgage opportunities. A Wellington man was selling an unusual insecticide, claiming it had a long waiting period before use, leading to some humorous interactions with potential buyers. Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., expressed dissatisfaction after the Mayor of Auckland declined to chair his meeting regarding "Rating on Unimproved Land Values." The Christchurch Garrison Non-commissioned Officers' Club held a meeting to adapt club rules and consider reviving a garrison ball. The Women's Christian Temperance Union held a farewell social for Miss Roberts, recognising her contributions to various social causes. Meanwhile, Industries Week began in Wellington, showcasing New Zealand-made goods. A fire board in Wellington decided to purchase a new fire engine, while weather-related challenges disrupted services in Kaikoura, isolating the settlement. The Ellersmere Domain Board discussed recreation grounds for Southbridge and Doyleston, while cycle workers reached an agreement with employers intending to take the matter to the Arbitration Court. Significant construction work was slated to begin at Port Chalmers. Lastly, a bankruptcy meeting revealed W. G. Sommerville had substantial debts, while a witness in a Wellington court case recalled humorous encounters relating to his drinking during a robbery incident. Services at a local Presbyterian church were also noted for their success, as was a meeting focused on filling a theological chair left vacant by a previous death.

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