WAIHI TO-DAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1145, 11 September 1913, Page 2

WAIHI TO-DAY.

A Waihi resident writes as follows in Tuesday’s Auckland Herald;—“As there may be some impression to the contrary, allow me to state that Waihi is fast regaining its prosperity. Empty houses there are in plent}*, but in the great majority ot cases these deserted dwellings belong or belonged, to those gentry of whom Waihi is well rid ; in short, to the departed “Red Raggers ” whose ignorance and folly brought ruin upon themselves some 12 months ago, but whose evil influence is fast disappearing. The knots of men at the Rob Roy and other corners are certanly conspicuous by their absence, and happily so, lor our citizens have other things to think about than to lounge about discussing syndicalism, anarchy, socialism, and other things the very meanings of which 90 per cent, of their former Waihi votaries were entirely ignorant ? The life of a town may be gauged by its institutions. Suffice, then, to say that civic affairs were never more vigorous than at present, that the various clubs were never more successful, and that the schools are comfortably filled. The Miners’ Union shows a roll of nearly 900. The famous and plucky Enginedrivers’ Union is flourishing. The Overseas Club numbers 120 members, the Rifle Club was never stronger, the sports clubs —football, bowling, tennis, and golf, etc.,—show full membership, while the various . hockey clubs have reached their zenith. Let us consider amusement, an excellent index of the stale of a town. A review of only the last two or three weeks shows us that the military ball was too well patronised for comfort, some 150 couples being on the floor ; the social given by the Overseas Club caused an overcrowded dance floor, the same club’s concert was “ packed ” ; the Brass Band is spending some upon new instruments, its fortnightly socials are crowded, and its Sunday concerts attract hundreds; the skating rink shows excellent returns, and the nightly picture show is often overcrowded only last Saturday night scores were turned from the doors of a building holding between three and four hundred; a bazaar held a fortnight ago returned net; and so I might continue with smaller entertainments.

The town is sound, for the mines are sound, and the spirit pervading business, trade, and sport is good and healthy. Although still suffering from a setback as the direct result of the strike, the indirect results are highly beneficial to the town and its inhabitants. We breathe freer; content rules in place of discontent ; smiles take the place of scowls, and decent normal citzensliip has succeeded thi disloyal and contemptible rule of ignorant tyranny which held sway for so long. In short, Waibi was never a happier, merrier, or more pleasant place than it is at present, and it will remain so just as long as we keep our town clean from the intolerable oppression of the hysterical waves of that symbol of neurotic phantasy —the Red Flag of Anarchy.”