IN THE STREET.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume I, Issue 22, 16 November 1872, Page 3

IN THE STREET.

X)I‘KIKG- tlas past week, one of the finest, so fur as weather has been concerned, we have seen for a lons time, one might walk about without meeting half a dozen individuals, except on those occasions when we have been visited by the steamers. Whether this may he attributed to the growing heat, or to the increase of business, I am not, in a position to state, though two or three subjects of really local interest have been before the public. The attempt to introduce trout has been a failure. From what I can hear, no one seems to be to blame. Tauranga, like other places has failed in a first effort ; but those who took no part in the matter, even so far as to give a small subscription towards the object, seem to “ chuckle ” over tbs non-succesa, and talk largely and knowingly about what ought to have been’done. And when the mistake was made it was really wonderful to find what clever men we have amongst us - how learned in piscatorial matters. It is much to be regretted they did not display their extensive knowledge before, so that the community at large might have availed itself of their superior experience. Had such been the case, doubtless (from their talk) Tauranga would in a very short time have become famous for its trout fishin^. The chances of good races arc, according to report, looking up. Racing is a good old English recreation, and if athletic sports be also added to the programme we may expect to enjoy a pleasant holiday. I fancy, however, a difficulty will arise about securing a convenient racecourse. The memorial to the Minister of Public Works, in reference to the overland road to the Thames’, I hear is being numeroudy signed. I trust no one able to write his name will refuse his signature. Tins is, at all events, one of those subjects of common interest the inhabitants of this district can hardly fail to be unanimous upon. It is really wonderful what apathy is shown in respect to the water supply. I should have imagined everyone was familiar with the fact that bad water was one of the chief ministers of diseases ; but some of these days when the doctor is seen going from house to bouse, and the young hope of many a family is stretched on a bed of sickness, people will begin to consider that u something must be done.” Meanwhile it might be a judicious speculation if some enterprising individual would secure a consignment of filters. To those who might feel inclined to make light of this evil I would suggest a reference to the reports of the various sanitary committees in England, in which they will perceive that the subject of water supply holds a prominent place. Whilst the older* inhabitants of Tauranga ore taking steps from time to time to secure its advancement, it is a pity some effort could not be made to restrain the playful eccentricities of some of the juvenile population. Bopes stretched across a street, old kerosino tins, iron hoops, and broken bottles, placed in the middle of roods are not of any peculiar advantage to either foot passengers or horsemen. Neither is it very pleasing for one to find in the morning that during the night slip panels have been taken down, or gates opened, to give either ingress or egress to cattle, horses, pigs, and such ilk. I know of two or three instances where a padlock has afforded infinite amusement to some of these juveniles ; failing to open the same, they have endeavoured to find employment for the ingenuity of the owner by cramming it with pebbles, dirt, or other substances ; and I beard of a pump the oilier day which, being some distance out of town, is a great blessing now the hot weather is coming on to thirsty wayfarers—being out of order. On dissection it was found to hare swallowed a large nail and a rifle bullet —the latter, the skill of our best marksman would have failed in lodging by any legitimate means. I trust if one of the delinquents bo ever caught, a day or two in the redoubt, with a private whipping to dispel the monotony, might prove advantageous to himself and his associate 3. X believe the arrival of the Government steamer Luna without the Defence Minister has been a source of disappointment to many, A personal interview has something tangible about it, whereas memorials and petitions frequently run the risk of being quietly shelved. rj.xitzva.