Round and About.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 208, 12 May 1905, Page 2

Round and About.

[By ONLObKEK.J

We do not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed in this column. J

At last the steamer trading to this port has had robing checks attached to her sides and the improvement is very noticeable to those who have occasion to travel by tbe Kia Ora, as that craft has been converted into a

sensible sort of a boat—a boat which does not now frantically eudeavour to roll one over the fide to find-a watery grave. The operation entailed con siderable labour and great expense, and tbe company are to be congratulated on tbe fact that their promise to have the work done has at last been fulfilled—the Jeqg.th of time it took to fulfil that promise is only a mere trifle as a few days, weeks or months seem to be of little consequence to some people. It is a noticeable fact, however, the since the Kia Ora has been steadied in her rolling proclivities she has become more erratic in her visits to this port, and-it is mooted that tbe chocks are the source of the trouble—the extra weight being too great. Notwithstanding this fact, she actually did get in flp to time on Tuesday, a circumstance which evoked comment —one resident facetiously remarked that he Lad at last found out the true meaning of “ Kia Ora,” i.e., punctuality. ' He stated that an old Maori had told him so, and he could well understand that the name was very applicable to tha Narthern 8.8. Co.’s trader which visits our port.

The.business at the last sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at Kawhia was not very interesting, and the rapid manner in which S.M. Northcroft dea2t With cases in the forenoon proved to b® a lesson in punctuality to not a few—in fact it was almost the cause of one of the litigants being arrested for “ absconding from bail,” or some other such crime. The B.M, did not Wait long, but simply gave a verdict by default, and the gentleman who was to contest the case was more than surprised when he wae made acquainted w'ith tbe result. But to my mind it would take many of these sort of remiinders to shake tbe somnolence from tbe majority of the residents of our town. Next court day those who have cases listed will no doubt remember tbe fact that the court site at 9 a.m., and like time and tide Mr Northcroft waits for no man.

Some people are not happy accepting they are engaged in litigation, and w.e have a few samples of this class of person in our raidat. Tbe only deplorable feature is tbe fact that there is not a solicitor here, as he tfbuld be enabled to gain a good living from some of the people who are continually appearing before the court, either as complainant or defendant. In one town, I knew two neighbours who were constantly airing their grievances before a magistrate, and a solicitor in the same town assured ms that one of the litigants paid him about £BOO a year. One of these gentlemen met with an accident whereby his leg was broken, and there was no person who exhibited more sympathy with him than the neighbour whom he had so often encountered in ° friendly ” dispute at the court. Tbe cripple came out one day with the aid of crutches, and his friend -who had—reoently displayed such genuine sympathy immediately summoned him for trespassing on bis land ! We have hardly reached that adyanced- state in Kawhia yet, but apparently will very shortly. It is really marvellous the amount of interest that Kawhiaites display iu educational matters, and tbe way in which the householders’ meeting was attended wae absolute proof. Tbe attendance amounted in all to eight—that is counting a boy who came with bis parents. Two of . these were bachelors, whilst another had to be almost dragged from bis fireside to attend ! The eduisation of the rising generation does not appeal to trouble local residents a great deal; the fact is that they know matters at the school ire in a satisfactory condition, and haye fajtlj in the efficiency of the teachers, the one carpiug dissentient being absolutely (and rightly so, too) ignared. For ijtixt year I would advise that the example set by the residents of Churchill be followed, viz., elect a> committee entirely campasod of ladies, and I feel sure that tbe change would prove beneficial.