MANGAPEHI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 106, 5 November 1908, Page 5

MANGAPEHI.

(Own Correspondent.)

On Saturday last, the local Tennis court was opened for the season under the most favourable conditions. The day was an ideal one tor Tennis, tnere being a good light, whilst the sun was conveniently veiled by a film of clouds. Fears were at first entertained that % the day's proceedings would again be marred by rain, but these fears were happily groundless. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present, the ladies' white attire giving the "proceedings a gay and summer-like appearance. The court itesli, in its new coat of tar and sand, edged with white trimmings looked "just the thing'. Mr Jno. Gray, in a short and pithy speech, congratulated the members on the interest they were taking m tennis this year, and then duly declared the court open. The Official Opening" Sec was then played by Mrs W. Cowley and Mr J. P. Bailey versus Mrs J. P. Bailey and Mr D. Seymour. This proved to be ia very interesting game, being closely contested right to the fininsh. The result was a win for Mrs Cowley and Mr Bailey by the narrow margin of one game, the set ending 6-5. The play was distinguished by several brilliant rallies. Several other sets were then played during the remainder of the afternoon, many good exhbitions of tennis ; being given. Afternoon tea was dispensed in the Pavilion by the ladies during the afternoon. The long-looked for Fishing season has arrived at last, and fishing stories are already prevalent. The doubt existing as to whether the Maoris will allow fishing in the local stream, has prevented many local fishermen from taking out licenses as yet. Messrs Rist, Ellis, and Hayson journeyed on Saturday night by rail to Waimiha, to fish in the river there. This stream and the Ongarue are both splendid trout streams, about the middle of the season being the best time for taking large catches. It was thus not expected that the fish would bite -at all well on the first day of the seaeson. The party did very fairly, however, and took eleven good fish on the Sunday, all being caught on the Minnow. Mr Ellis secured five fish, the "two largest weighing 31bs. Mr Rist, whose first fishing experience this is, took two fine fish, of about 2£lbs weight. Mr Hayson took four fish, the largest weighing 31 lbs. The party returned by train on Monday, being well satisfied with their first day's fishing. A large number of fishermen from the other parts of the province were met with on the Waimiha, but most of them stated that the fish would not take the fly well at all. Mr J. Barton and son also each secured a nice fish on the Sunday. Many fine fish are reported as having been seen in the upper Waimiha, above the falls, but, alas, that is forbidden fruit to local anglers. Divine Service was conducted in the local Public Hall on Snuday evening last by Sister Alison, of Tiroa. A very fair congregation was present. The Township presents a very busy appearance at present. The railway carpenters sre camped here, and have commenced operations on the two Government houses which are to be erected here for the platelayers. Messrs Ellis and Burnard have also begun the construction of three new houses for the accomodation of married mill-hands.