WAIPAWA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3032, 15 March 1881, Page 2

WAIPAWA.

(from oue own correspondent.) March 14, 1881.

The recent excitement created by the Mount Vernon dispute seems to be fast ebbing and the usual reactionary quietness setting in. There are still a good number of natives about the place, but what their or Mr Harding's intentions are I " wot not." It is hardly probable, however, that the latter gentleman will allow matters to rest quiet in their present unsettled state, and something new in connection with tbe affair may suddenly burst upon us one of these days. Waipukurau is to witness a little festivity in the shape of a Friendly Society's anniversary on Easter Monday, It seems that the anniversary days 'of both the Foresters and Oddfellows of tbat township happen about the same time of the j ear, and tbe happy thought has been born and fully matured among tbe members that tbe two societies might very profitably unite in tbe matter and hold one grand anniversary day in common for both.

There was a sitting of our J.P. Court to-day before Messrs Inglis and Rathbone, when the following business was gone through. Harry Veal (better known as " Darkie"), a boy of about 13 years, was charged on tbe information of Dr. Mirbach with stealing a horse value tor £20, on Sunday 13th instant. Prosecutor said he did not desire to press the charge, as he brought the horse home safely again, and Veal was dismissed. Evidently " Darkie" had only treated himself to a stolen ride at the doctor's expense, and never with any felonious intent. The second case was against a shoemaker named Annand, who was indicted on two charges, viz., one of assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty, the other of ill-treating bis wife. From the evidence of Constable Strudwick, it appeared that early on Sunday morning he was called upon to do duty at Annand's house, where a row was going on, and on proceeding, there he was assaulted by Annand, who struck him on the head with a candlestick, and threatened his life. He also understood tbat prisoner had been ill-treating his wife a few minutes previous to his (the constable's) arrival on tbe scene. The bench fined the prisoner £2 and costs, which amount was paid soon afterwards. On the second, and graver charge, the prisoner was remanded until to-morrow (Tuesday),

when he is to come up for sentence. It is probable that, on the recommendation of the police, he will then be bound over to keep the peace for twelve months. A pigeon match, between seven competitors, was fired on the river-bed adjoining the township on Sitvuday. Ths shooting was on the whole very fair. Results went in favor of Messrs W. Price and J. J till, who tied three successive times in firing off, and finally divided the " pot " as the quickest way of settliug tbe match.