Notes from Halcombe.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 28, 9 August 1883, Page 2

Notes from Halcombe.

(fbom otjb own cobbespoxdent.) . There is not much to write about, things being rather quiet here just now, as in most other places, and money being somewhat " tight ; " still I think Halcombe «ill favorably compare with any place of the same size and population on the coast. Several new buildings and enlargements have recently been, or are being, erected, and other improvements made to the appearance of the township. The station has been enlarged, and extra accommodation afforded for passengers and luggage, the work having been weU executed by your townsman, Mr Nicholas. Another thing is badly wanted at the ~ station, or rather on the way from it to the centre of the town, and. that is a lamp or two, so as to prevent accidents to persons going to or from theirains. I am sorry to say our popular stationmastei, Mr Gould, is to leave us in about a month's time. His departure will be regretted by a large number of persons, not only here, but who are in the habit of travelling on the line, and amongst whom he has made a host of friends. Mr Larsen, being the highest tenderer for the refreshment rooms (I think it was £1 10), has again got the contract, and is making certain improvements in the rooms, and otherwise preparing additional accommodation for travellers. The hotel continues to be well conducted by Mrs Child, whose trade is, however, somewhat affected by Blue hibbonism, which has somewhat spread here of late, th© " bit of blue" having been donned by some of. our leading citizens. Mr Lacey is doing pretty well with his cooperage, and purposes extending his business to Feilding, where I think he would do well. Mr Lightbourne, the chemist, is leaving, to the regret of many. Mr Ramsey, our local cabinetmaker, does a fair trade, his workmanship being always satisfactory. The new schoolmaster, Mr Guthrie, appears to be getting on all right, and giving satisfaction. Mr A. Bell is, I hear, about to take up a farm on the iVI akino road, late in the occupation of Mr Halcombe. Mr W. Bell, your worthy agent, seems to be doing a good business in the general store line. The firewood trade is still pretty brisk. The best news, however, is perhaps the fact that the new saw mill is nearly finished, and is to be started in a few days. Ie has been erected in a most substantial manner by Mr E. Potts, nearly on the site of the mill belonging to Mr Lash, aDd which was burnt down. Mr Webb is to hare the management of the concern, and he anticipates that there is timber sufficient to keep the mill going for from 12 to 15 years, i.e., if the white pine is cut, which appears very likely. The gardens are looking well, and there is a prospect, so far, pf a good crop of fruit. The brass band continues to prosper, although the members evidently miss their late able leader, Mr W. Curreen. Otherwise we lack amusements very much, being not so well off as the Feildingites in the matter of local concerts, and other entertainments, and our evenings are consequently as a rule rather dull. •