PAHAUTANUI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4413, 12 May 1875, Page 3

PAHAUTANUI.

(fuom ode own coeeespondent.) The arrangements which were set on foot a few months since for forming a brass band here have, to a certain extent, been brought to a successful issue, as a portion of the instruments have been bought and distributed to those willing to become members of the band. The funds for purchasing the instruments were raised by subscription, and the district generally liberally supported the movement. As soon as the committee can obtain more money, it is intended to buy more instruments, and as several of the young men intend to purchase instruments of their own and join the band, they will soon muster pretty strong. At the solicitation of the committee, Mr. Singer has kindly consented to teach the members of the band the rudiments of music, and as each instrument is accompanied with an instruction book, the pupils will be able to make some progress during the next quarter, after which an engagement will be made with a person competent to teach them to play the instruments. At present it is rather amusing after nightfall to hear the unearthly sounds issuing from various parts of the district where the members of the band are practising at their several homes, disturbing the rest of innocent babes, and milling the temper of their fond mothers so much that anything but harmony is the result.- However everything must have a beginning, and it is hoped this difficulty will be overcome and more melodious strains produced. Mr. J. Blackey, the new contractorfor keeping the north-western line of road in repair, has commenced operations by putting in new piles and, stringers, to strengthen some of the bridges in his contract. The. settlers wish him every success in his undertaking, but they are of opinion that he has taken the contract at too low a figure to do any good for himself. One day last week, a boy about nine years of age, the son of Mr. James Pearce of the small farms, was lost in the bush for the greater part of the day. It appears that the boy started to look for two cows which had strayed away, and in the eagerness of his search he lost himself in the bush. The parents became alarmed, and the father, with some neighbors, went to look for him, and fortunately found him about four o’clock in the afternoon. He appeared very much frightened and could not answer when his father first spoke to him.