EAST COAST NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1069, 10 December 1903, Page 3

EAST COAST NEWS.

TOKOMARU BAY. (FroM Our Own Correspondent.) Shearing operations on tbo Coast are extremdly slow, showery weather having prevailed (or iho last two months, and so far light pens are practically the only sheep shorn. Christmas, as matters look at present, will not see any of the runs round here cut out.

It iB pleasing to note the interest taken in oricket this year in Gisborne and outlying plaoos. Unfortunately we cannot say the same for the Coast. Hardly any practice so far has been had. Tokomaru is looking forward to a visit from the Motu Club, and congratulates Captain Banall and the Club on having made so good a Start this season.

Mrs F. B. Shepherd was tendered a farewell social on leaving here to join her husband in Christohuroh. Mrs Shepherd made many friends here during her short I stay, and the numbers gathered together to wish her goodbyo was ample proof of this. A most enjoyable evening was spent, singing and dancing beiDg kept up until Wall into the morning. Mr Shepherd ’is now almost recovered, but the climate here does not suit him, and he has disposed of bis business to bis firqtherda-law, Mr J. Jff, Jamieson, A social in aid of repairs and the renovation of the Church was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday last. Pingpong, singing and games of different kinds were indulged in and enjoyod by all. The supper supplied by the ladies was, as I usual, of the very best, and credit reflects on Mrs McGavin, and Messrs Fairlie and Buchanan fqr the 'sqcpesßful parrying qut of everything in pppneption with the sooial. The Rev, Fitzgerald attended, and met many poople that he had not prievously I had the opportunity of meeting. We arc still without our promised policeman, and tho necessity for one is still increasing. Last week Mr Farnio’s (Government surveyor) camp was broken into again. This makes the fifth time within about four months. Mr Cotterill also discovered one of his bullocks with a bullet wound on it about the same time. Qoqds to a very conaidoralbo yalqq k'sYQ at different tirges Ijeor, taken from Mr Farnie’s pamp ! preserves, food, olothing, and a rifle and ammunition have been taken. Camps cannot bo looked up aud protected, therefore thoro is all tho more necessity and reason that efforts should bo tnado to bring the culprits to justice and have them severely punished. Several of tho camps near Mr Farnie’s are now broken up, and the men have come in, haying finished their oontraots. (Oho robberies are still gopn. Surely tho Police Department can do something to have this matter looked into. These robbories are alt taking place away out beyond the Mata river. Here no township housos have been broken into dh?ing tho winter, bqt recently the hotel oellar waq hroljen open and a quanjftty of goo'ds’stolen.

TE PUTA HOT SPRINGS,

Next to Rotorua there is no health resort in Now Zealand that is more worthy of attention from'tourists than the Te Puia springs, and it is a thousand pities that moans of access to them by rail from Gisborne has not boon provided. The medioinal properties of the waters are superior to thoso of other springs in the oolony, and invalids derive from drinking the vya’ter. ' \Vith>n the last letg 'ffiqntha'grpai improvements have been made iq the accommodation house; ten now rooms have been added, and the plaoe now offers overy convenience and comfort to the travelling public. Walker’s coaoh arrives at tlio springs evory Friday, bringing passengers from Gisborne.