MANGAPEHI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 114, 10 December 1908, Page 5

MANGAPEHI.

(Own Correspondent.)

A very successful social was tendered to the residents of the district by the local Tennis Club on Friday evening last. A heavy thunderstorm coming up in the early part of the evening, threatened for a while to mar the

proceedings, but, happily, the rain

ceased before the commencement of the dance. The hall was very nicely decorated with evergreens and flags, and the floor was aii that could be desired by the most exacting of dancers. The air was rather close and muggy, but this did not prevent all present from enjoying their fill of dancing until after two a.m. The music was supplied by Mrs Harris, piano, Mr Hogg, violin, and Mr Kernott, flute. Mrs Hogg assisted occasionally at the piano. During the evening, Mr L. Gormby, with a few well-chosen words, presented the First Aid Certificates of the Auckland Branch of the St. John's Ambulance Association, which had been gained by Messrs Orr, Smith, Worm and Hay-, son, at the recent examination. Mr Gormby congratulated the winners on having all passed in the first class. The certificate holders are now eagerly awaiting the advent of a man with a cut finger or a fractured toe, in order to put their theories into practice. Trout fishing, so far as this district is concerned, is practically at a standstill, for the Maoris have threatened to prosecute for trespass anyone caught fishing, either in the local stream, the Mangapeina, or at Tiroa, in the upper Waimeha. The only way local enthusiasts can indulge in the sport, is by journeying to Waimeha Station to fish in the streams there. Messrs Ellis and Hayson proceeded there on Friday evening last, returning by the goods train on Monday morning. They had very fair sport, securing 17 fish between them, Mr Hayson taking nine, and Mr Ellis eight. The fish were nearly all of the one size, averaging from three to four pounds. They were all taken on the minnow, with the exception of two taken on the fly by Mr Hayson at night. The fish do not s?em to take the fly well at all just at present, but the minnow they seize with avidity, especially just after a shower of rain,

such as fell on Friday evening. The Waimeha provides the best sport, more >- especially that part just below the falls, the fish there being all large and fighting hard. These two fishermen have so far taken forty fish from the Waimeha this season, so they feel repaid for the long distances they have to tramp to make their catches. The houses under course of construction for the railway men here are now nearing completion, and will prove a distinct ornament to the township. They are fine commodious residences of five rooms, with scullery and bathroom Everything is well fitted up about them three tanks being provided for each house, the water being laid on inside. Wash houses and wood sheds are provided, and every thing complete. It is whispered that the dancing section of the residents will be sorry when the railway carpenters move on, as they have proved such an addition of good dancers at the socials lately. Chief Inspector Petrie paid a visit to the local school on Thursday last, and conducted the annual inspection examination. He expressed himself as well satisfied with the children's progress through the year, and considered that the school was efficiently conducted. He expressed strong dis- -* satisfaction, however, at the way in which 52 children were cooped up in a 15 by 20 room. He said that he could not understand why a suitable school had not been provided long ago. He promised to see into the matter immediately, so we may expect the new school at an early date. Mr Petrie proceeded to Tiroa on the Fri-*-""Bay to examine the school there. The local school children are well fprward in their work for the school eoneert on December 18th, which promises to be a great success.

Mr J. Ivess, who has been in the newspaper business for many years past in various parts of New Zealand, and until recently published a paper at Taihape, paid a visit to Te Kuiti this week. Mr Ivess contested the Sehvyn seat at the recent general election and made a bold bid for victory. Regarding the contest the Lytteiton Times had the following:—Mr Joseph Ivess has put up one of the pluckiest fights in the history of New Zealand politics. He came late into the field, and in eio-hteen days he has covered practically the whole of the big Selwyn electorate. He has addressed no fewer than thirty meetings, travelling almost incessantly. There as been little time for sleep and meals-- except on the iourneys from one point to another—but Mr Ivess is still in good form. He has had no leisure to organise committees but his friends have rallied to his support, and their encouragement has kept him in great heart. He deserves to win, not merely because he is on the right side, but also because of his wonderful energy and tremendous courage.