WAIRARAPA AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 43, 18 November 1871, Page 9

WAIRARAPA AFFAIRS.

Greytown, Novembers

Owing to a freshet in the Hutt river the mail coach was prevented crossing until this afternoon, to the disappointment of a large number of persons who carae to Greytown for their letters and papers. It is perhaps more necessary for the convenience of Wairarapa settlers than the Hutt settlers themselves, that of the Hutt bridge should be completed as soon as possible. On Monday last, eight waggons, six carts, two coaches, one bullock dray, ant] fifty-seven horsemen, the greater portion destined for Wellington, passedjthrough, or started from Greytown. This will give some idea of the extent of the present traffic between Greytown and Wellington. I am informed by a person competent to give an opinion that he estimates the amount of traffic passing to and from Wellington over the Hi mutaka to fall little short of fifty tons weekly. This is irrespective of the traffic between Wellington, the Taita, and the Upper and Lower Hutt. J am informed that His Excellency the Governor has been invited to attend the Agricultural Show, to be held at Masterton in Christmas week, and also the Wairarapa races, which will come off at Greytown, on the 20th and 27th December and on the Manaia race coarse, near Masterton, on the Ist and 2nd January,

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Taratahi Road District was held at tire Town Hall, Carterton, on Monday last, which was well attended. It appeared that during the past year the Board had expended upwards of £578, and had a balance in hand amounting to upwards of £l9O. During the past year £3ll had been received in rates, and £430 15s from the General Government. This Board has been more active than perhaps any other Board in the province, and has made a great many new roads during the past year, which have been executed bv contract on remarkably favorable terms to the district, if not to the contractors. It was stated by Mr B. Boys that £l5O was due to the Board from the Provincial Government. The working expenses of the Board amounted to* about £43, which includes clerical assistance and cost of collection. Messrs Perry, Dakin, Cooper, MTvenzie, Hart, and Ucly were elected wardens for the ensuing term without opposition. A report reached Greytown on Tuesday that one of Hooker’s timber waggons was precipitated down the

Rimutaka that evening, on returning from Wellington, and was smashed to pieces; 'the driver, and the splendid team of horses fortunately escaping without sustaining much, if any, injury. A meeting of the ratepayers of the Moroa School District was held this evening at the school-house, but there were very few persons present. The meeting had been convened for the election of a school committee ; but, owing to the passing of the Education Act by the Provincial Council, and to the Education Bill subsequently introduced into the General Assembly, so much confusion prevails as to what is the (existing law on the subject, that I doubt whether a sufficient number will be found to serve as committee-men.