PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5105, 3 August 1877, Page 3

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(FIICM opn OWN COMLESrONDENT.)

, Palmerston having been constituted a borough under the Municipal Corporations Act,.we can claim the proud satisfaction of being the second (only by two days) inland town of the North Island so honored. Seriously speaking, there seems to be but one feeling with regard to the proclamation, and that is satisfaction. Every one has been asking everybody else who is likely to be elected Mayor, and here again there is tolerable unanimity of'Opinion. ; We have now a splendid bridge across the Manawatu Biver leading to Eitzherborton, and want a road. At present, on crossing one is ushered into an almost trackless maze, of forest. Nearly all the sections in the'township are taken up, and I am informed that a number of South Australians intend to settle in the neighborhood. One does not now hear quite so many complaints about the dulness of trade. No doubt in time things will right themselves, and we shall settle down to a state of great prosperity. Several large contracts have been taken in the district, which will give an impetus to business. The axe is being busily plied in the neighborhood,’ the crash of falling giants of the forest is a familiar sound. The bush roads are being gradually cleared on both sides, opening out iu many cases quite pretty views. Sometimes one catches a glimpse of a snowclad peak in the far distance, looking pure and bright in the sharp frosty morning. Up the Napier and Bangitikei roads everywhere evidences of the advance of civilisation may be seen. I propose in some of my future letters to describe a. few of the large estates in the

neighborhood, with a view of showing what has been done and what is doing in our midst; also to note some of our: larger public buildings, and glance cursorily at the fine scenery in our county. An amateur dramatic association has been formed in this town, entitled “ The Manawatu Amateur Dramatic Association.” From all appearances it bids fair to be a great success, being supported by the leading ladies and gentlemen of the county; everyone heartily wishes it success. It will no doubt be the means of promoting that sociable feeling which tends to relieve the somewhat monotonous life of the country. It is intended to devote the proceeds, after paying incidental expenses, to our local charities.

The Palmerston people go iu for amusement. A few weeks ago an amateur concert was given at Feilding, when a large riding party was formed to attend it. They were not even deterred by the wet evening.' Our respected constable has left the county, having been' appointed sergeant of police at Wanganui.