MAKIKIHI.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2325, 16 September 1881, Page 4

MAKIKIHI.

[FSOM OTTB OWIT COEBBSPONDENT.]

The Monday before last the new sale yards were opened here with a champagne lunch, and Makikihi for once was all agog with excitement. At least 300 people were present in the course of the afternoon, proceedings net commencing till after the arrival of the express trains at two o’clock. Mr Bourne, lately resident at Southbridge, now connected with this district, presided at luncheon. Messrs Wildie, Allan, and Stumbles, of Timaru, and Mr Hickman, of Wairnato, at whoso joint expense these yards have been put up, spoke in terms very hopeful of succass and prophesied a good future for Makikihi. When the eatables and drinkables had been done ample justice to, and the speechifying was at an end, the sale commenced, and went on briskly, most lots realising good prices, as dealers from a distance had evidently come with the intention of buying. Altogether it was an unqualified success, and should mark a new era in the history ot our township. But, really, things seem to be taking a fresh start hero. What with the saleyards, a now school, a concert, a cricket club, we appear to bo moving on a little. The school opened five weeks’ ago wi'h five children, but can now muster nineteen, with tbs prospect of several more before long. It is ah aided one—a thing almost unknown in North, though common enough in South Oanterbu'y. The Board of Education gives a capitation of £3 15s per annum, calculated from the attendance register, and whatever is necessary besides thia is got by public contribution. Thia place has been left out in the cold in educational matters, there being three schools near, one five miles off, another

four, and the third, three and a half yet with no township at any of the three places. The Board of Education has just purchased five acres of land from the Canterbury College at £2O per acre, against the day when it will have to build.

The concert I mentioned is being got up in aid of the school funds, and is expected to be a great success. Mr Back has kindly granted the use of the railway goods shed for the occasion, so there will bo no scarcity of dancing room. Besides the usual vocal and instrumental music, the farce “The Area Bello” is to bo acted, and it is said that a strong cast has been got for it. Our popular and energetic etationmaster, Mr Seager, has the full management of the farce, and from bis experience in such matters, wo expect groat things. A refreshment committee has been appointed, and many good things to refresh the inner nan (and woman, too, of course) have been kindly promised already. Then, as for the cricket club, that is being got up by our now schoolmaster and seems likely to do well. I hear that our neighbors of Otaio are also getting up a cricket club. In my next I hope to bo able to give you some news about intending candidates for Parliamentary honors in this district. September 13th.