SANDON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5240, 9 January 1878, Page 3

SANDON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) January 7. A little disappointment is felt among some of the settlers of Sandon and Carnarvon because the Hon. Mr. Campbell has not paid the visit, according to promise, after the close of the session, to explain his views and intentions re the Foxton and Sandon line of railway, which has caused a little bantering between those who are opposed to the line of railway and the members of the Manawatu Vigilance Committee. But we have it on undoubted authority that Mr. Campbell was compelled to go to Otago on land business, and that he will certainly pay these districts a visit early in February, and will be prepared to advance the required amount of money for the line of railway if the Government and the settlers agree to the terms already proposed. During the past fortnight we have had our Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The weather has been magnificent. The breakingup of the Sandon school for the holidays was the first, in which old and young joined in the amusements provided for them. A cricket match between the schoolboys and the Sandon cricket club, caused, a great deal of interest, the boys playing with bats, and the men with pick handles. The boys beat the men in the first innings, the former playing remarkably well, but when game was called in the second innings the men had three wickets to fall. The committee provided a substantial tea for all the children, and for as many visitors as chose to partake of it. In the evening prizes to the number of twenty-seven were given to the boys and girls who passed the different standards at the last examination. Afterwards a spelling bee was conducted by Mr. George Hedges, for which the committee gave extra prizes. Miss Sanson and Miss H. Mackenzie took the first and second prizes, against all-comers. The prizes were given by Messrs. Hedges and Sanson, and there was great competition. On Boxing Day a cricket match was played between the Foxton and Sandon clubs, in which the Sandon team was victorious, with six wickets to go down. The round-arm bowlin" of Robinson, of Foxton, was excellent, and that of Geo. Harris, of Sandon, very good indeed. Dinner was provide! for the teams, and served in Mr. Oakley’s usual excellent style. Mr. Tompkins’ art union was another great holiday success for the district, parents from far anil near bringing their offspring with them to partake of that gentleman’s hospitality. The number of babies on the ground was astonishing, and a sight not often to be witnessed. In the afternoon nearly 100 persona partook of tea, and immediately afterwards £25 worth of prizes was drawn for, given by Mr. Tompkins to his customers. A spelling bee was held in the evening, and to the winners special prizes were given. Mr. Hedges conducted the proceedings, and in the public competition he gave some of the most difficult words in use in the Fnglish language. Several collegians stood up to compote. The first prize was won by Mr, Terry, of Mount Stewart, who was loudly cheered. In the ladies’ competition, Miss Williams took first prize, and retired amid-t great applause, after a very trying ordeal. It is worthy of mention that the senior scholars' of Mr. William", the teacher of the public school, on the farmer occasion as well as on this were undoubtedly the best speakers in the public competition. This reflects great credit on that gentleman’s tuition. A vote of thanks to Mr. Tompkins was carried unanimously, and the singing of the National Anthem closed a pleasant and intellectual holiday. On. the 31st ultimo a trotting match for £2O a side between Messrs. Chadwick and Belcher’s pony Lcitn, ridden by Mr. John Stevens, and a horse known- by the name of Foxton. Old Jack, ridden by Mr. Reeves, took place. Thedistance was five miles, on the Foxton lino of road, starting from the Junction Hotel. A good start was made, the pony soon taking the lead. Bets were freely offered that she would keep it tho whole distance, which she did, Old Jack giving in at tho third mile. The race was a gift to the pony.

The building for the Sandon steam flourmill is now completed, and Mr. Murray is busy erecting the machinery. The settlers may rely that it will be ready for work at the stipulated time. The second call upon the shareholders is being well paid up. The wheat crops of this season are the best which have yet been grown in the district, and the farmers hope to have a good harvest. Several machines, reapers and mowers, have arrived in the district lately, the moat notable one being a reaper and binder combined, the first in the district. Mr.: James Bull, who has 100 acres of crop, is the owner. It has not had a fair trial yet, but Mr. Bull believes it will effect a great saving in time, labor, and expense. Great difficulty is generally experienced in getting sufficient hands to t’e after the machines, and this year to all appearances will be no exception. The Bauk of New Zealand are preparing to erect their new premises. A quantity of timber is already on the ground, and the contractors will shortly commence operations.