HALCOMBE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5302, 23 March 1878, Page 3

HALCOMBE.

(rnon our own correspondent.) Halcomb, 19th March. Our township, which had only lately recovered from its normal torpid condition, met with another reverse during the past week ; this was the total cessation of labor on Messrs. Nathan and Wilke’s Pemanent Way contract. Upon inquiry your correspondent ascertained that this complication arose from the nonpayment of wages. Various rumors are current in reference to this affair, but at present no one seems to know what will be its issue; however, one thing is sufficiently apparent, and that is the opening of the line will be considerably delayed. In anticipation of the removal to the Auckland circuit of the Rev, Mr. Jones, Methodist minister of the Manawatu circuit, whose untiring religious zeal has raised for him a host of friends, Mr. Robert Linton, of Woodlawn, a prominent member of Mr. Jones’ congregation, very generously gave a picnic to the children of the Haloombe Sunday school, in order that they should be present to hear the valedictory address of their esteemed minister. The exercise of Mr. Linton’s generosity did not stop at merely inviting the children of this particular Sunday school, but it was a come-oue-come-all kind of invitation to which about 150 children and at least 60 adults responded. The trysting place was on Mr. Linton’s estate, and a more suitable spot could not have been selected. Sports were improvised for the amusement of all, catching the bellman and a juvenile frog hurdle race being most provocative of fun. Luncheon and a tea, the elements of which were on a most liberal scale, were provided by the host and hostess. Before the breaking up of this pleasant reunion, Mr. J. Silby was voted to the chair, and, after a few happy remarks, called upon Mr. Linton to make a presentation on behalf of the Halcombe Methodist congregation to their pastor. Mr. Linton then made the presentation of a purse of sovereigns, accompanied by the earnest wishes of himself and fellow-members for Mr. Jones’ continued prosperity. Mr. Jones replied in an appropriate manner, and the meeting then terminated with vociferous cheering and mutual felicitations on the success of the day.