FEATHERSTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5107, 6 August 1877, Page 3

FEATHERSTON.

(from our own correspondent.) It appears that a more, formal and grander opening is in store for the Waihenga bridge. It is proposed to have a luncheon at Waihenga af noon and' a soiree at Featherston in the evening of the day on which the ceremony is to be performed. The promoters are using every exertion to render it successful. The cricketers of Featherston haye secured a very desirable site for a new ground for the Local Board, and have set to work in good earnest about its improvement. Its situation is in front of the new schoolhouse, and as the laud lies above the general elevation of the township, we may expect not only a good ground, but also, when the improvements are completed, a considerable addition to the appearance of this part of Featherston. It has already undergone several ploughings, and is now being fenced, prior to its being planted and sown. The club expect to have it in readiness for next season’s play. A soiree took place last night in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, on behalf of the funds of the association, more especially to further the above improvements, which was well patronised. The music was provided gratuitously by local talent; .the refreshments also were generously contributed by the ladies. The expenses therefore being small, a considerable increase to the funds may be expected. Last week the prizes were distributed in the public school by Mr. Cox, the chairman of the local committee. There was a goodly number of visitors, among whom were Messrs. Pharazyn, Payton (Greytown), Wood, Donald, and Wardell. Before the distribution took place, the children sang several part songs very effectively. The chairman then asked the teacher, Mr. Gun, a few questions respecting the state of the school. The answers showed that there were 156 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 130. The highest attendance for any one day was 146. Mr. Cox then briefly spoke of the entire satisfaction he had in school affairs, and the unbounded confidence of the whole district in Mr. Gun, They now had what they had long wished for, and Featherston, although one of the smallest townships, might well be proud of having ihe largest school Mr. Peyton, of the Standard office, Greytown, then made a few remarks. He' considered Featherston school a “ model institution.” Ho had heard a . good dekl about it from Featherston friends, and from his visit, he considered that they were justly proud of it. A large number of valuable books were then given to those who had distinguished themselves in the past six months.

On Monday evening a musical and literary entertainment was given here, by Mr. Gun and his family, in aid of the school building fund. Notwithstanding the heavy rain there was a large attendance, and £ll was added to the fund. The programme was entirely new, and the whole went off in the same good style as that reported in my last communication. On the following evening a similar entertainment at Greytown, on behalf of the church organ fund, met with like success, and several Featherston friends took part and were well received by the audience. The Rev. James Lindsay has taken possession of his new residence at Waihenga. . He left here on Friday last; and although he has only gone a short distance we are sorry to lose one as an immediate resident who has proved himself so congenial a friend and useful member of society.