OPOTIKI.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 324, 16 October 1875, Page 3

OPOTIKI.

(from our own correspondent ) Opotiki, October 8. An invitation ball and supper was given last night at Whakatane in honor of the marriage of Miss Eliza Simpkins to Mr McAlister of that place. Quite a large party of the invited rode down from here. I will not encroach upon your Whakatane correspondent’s privileges by describing the affair; suffice it to say that it was a complete success, every one enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and returned home to-day with the most agreeable recollections of the hospitality and good-will of their entertainers. THE LATE GALE. October 9. Yesterday at noon it commenced to rain heavily, and continued in a ceaseless torrent for 24 hours, dining which the rivers rose from four to five feet,

and fears were entertained for the safety of sheep and cattle. During this period the wind was blowing half a gale from N.E.; at 2 p.m. to-day it shifted suddenly to B.K and the rain ceased, but the wind increased to a perfect hurricane, such as has never been experienced in Opotiki before. Whares wore blown down, the constabulary stores and stables unroofed,, several large chimneys were blown down, and" willow trees completely torn up by the roots. The water in the rivers 'was lifted up in sheets and carried inland in vast quantities. The church steeple also rocked violently, but is not materially damaged. Mr Brown’s photographic studio was one of the first to take its departure, which it did hy gracefully scattering itself into the skies. This continued withoi t interruption for five hours when tho gradually abated. Fortunately the gale Vincent and Coralie were both in harbour and well moored. As an instance of the tremendous power of tho wind, wo were all laughing at Capt. Baker making fast the painter of his dingey, which was hauled ashore some distance from tho water, this he was making fast to an old anchor, literally anchoring bis boat on dry land. Scarcely had I o completed this when a gust of wind lifted the boat completely oif tho tho ground, and had it not been for its anchor would have carried it away into tho river. IN DIG NATION M EETING. An indignation meeting was held this evening at tho Masonic Hotel to take stops to obtain redress for the non-delivery of mails to Opotiki per s.s. Bowena . The meeting was crowded to excess. The following is a brief abstract of tho resolutions, &c., passed. Mr K- King was voted to tho chair, and after explaining tho object for which the public were called together, Mr S. Bates rose and discoursed long and eloquently, not to say pathetically, upon our many losses and grievancesby tho non-deli very of mails, and the utter carelessness shown by the master of tho Ivowemi as to whether ho made his trips to Ohiwa or not. Ho also* called attention to tho fact that formerly the very largo subsidy which the Provincial Government had granted for this mail service was for the delivery of mails in Opotiki, but that now the contract was only for Ohiwa and no provision made for their transmission to Opotiki from that place, and yet tho amount of the subsidy was tho same. Mr 11. W. Penny next addressed tho meeting, and dilated largely on tho losses business men of this place are continually suffering by tins gross and continued neglect. Ho would suggest that a memorial be forwarded at once to tho "proper quarter, praying that the contractors for this service bo compelled to deliver tho mails to date under any circumstances. Mr 0. I). Litchfield _ endorsed previous opinions, cited instances, &e., and stated that he was at Ohiwa on tho occasion of tho Rowena’s last attempt to enter tho Ohiwa, and was of opinion that she might easily have entered, as the bar was smooth in the channel and the wind blowing out.

Captain Charles Burke, of the cutter Vincent, rose, and in defence of Captain Sellars begged to state that ho was outside on the day in question, and did not consider the bar fit for the steamer to cross, although he admitted he should have had no hesitation in heating his own cutter in. Various other gentlemen then addressed the meeting, among whom Mr David Mills spoke most eloquently deploring the fact of this stop not having been taken before, and, speaking feelingly as a heavy loser by the last instance, trusted that steps would bo taken to prove wilful neglect, and punish the offender. It was proposed by Mi? lE. W. Penny, seconded by Mr Appleton,. “ That five gentlemen be appointed todraw up a memorial to the Provincial Government, and another to the Chief Postmaster, praying for a new postal service to Opotiki.” —Carried. A vote of censure on Captain I). Sellars, master of the s s Rowona, was then proposed and carried; after which the following five gentlemen were elected to form a committee to carry out the resolutions of the meeting: Messrs R. King, H. W. Penny, S. Bates, C. D. Litchfield, and J. F. Connelly. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. October 10. We bad a smart shock of earthquake at 4.30 a.m. this morning, lasting about five minutes. Two of the vibrations were very severe. October 11. Yesterday (Sunday) evening the Rev. A. C. Soutcr preached a most eloquent and impressive sermon, the subject being the most attractive one of “ Husbands and Wives.” _ Our worthy pastor quite surpassed himseli on this most felicitous subject, and his profound and learned yet attractive discourse has created quite a sensation in the place.