WAIRARAPA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5377, 21 June 1878, Page 5

WAIRARAPA.

(i'llCM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Greytown, June 19.

The heavy rains we have experienced for some weeks back, together with tho thick covering of snow on the Tararuas, have given proof that Greytown is at last positively rescued from the attack of its enemy, the Waiohino. A few months ago this river diverged into its proper course, passing under the Black Bridge, two miles above the town, and with each heavy fresh it shows a more decided inclination to remain there. Wo all vole it a happy deliverance, which, however, the river conservators claim the credit of having effected at au enormous expense. .Yet a few individuals grudge the Board the fruits of its labors, aud have been besieging that body with present and prospective actions at law for so-called damages done to their lands by floods. Tho first of these, which is looked upon as the tost case, has been dragging its weary length in our Courts for weeks, and is adjourned time after time. In the meantime the public is anxious to hear a decision, on which much depends. It is a question whether the Board can be made liable for the vagaries of this very erratic stream, which has, almost of its own natural will, turned into au old and well-known channel. Whatever the result, I understand both parties are prepared to appeal to a higher Court; consequently tiie lawyers will not grumble at anyrate, I notice the Governor refused to extend the area of the Elver Board district to Carterton. Bearing in mind the manner in which this attempt was made, I cannot compassionate the conservators on their failure.

On Saturday last a spirited game of football was played at Carterton, between combined teams from Greytown and Featberston, and from Masterton and Carterton. The Lower Valley proved victorious, having gained five goals, whilst the Upper Valley were not fortunate enough to obtain one, or even a touchdown. There is a little activity in this pastime this season in all the townships. A movement was initiated in Greytown not very long ago to create it into a borough. Public feeling seemed decidedly in favor of the step, notwithstanding the opposition of Mr. C. Fbarazyn. What progress has been made, if any, to carry the object into effect I cannot tell ; but I would be pleased to learn when the committee appointed for that purpose will shako off the slumber which seems to be afflicting it. You have no idea what a remarkably somnolent lot of folks we have here.- The good prospects held out to boroughs by various legislative measures are so manifold that there should be no lack of zeal in securing them when it is once decided to do so.

As required by the Education Act, on Monday last, tbe appointed day, new school committees were chosen in each of the Wairarapa districts. The Kev. A. Knell, Messrs. Book, Jackson, Cowper, Fuller, Wakeliu, and Payton form our committee here. At Masterton, Featherston, and Carterton liberal provisions have been made for school purposes ; but Greytown has, on the contrary, met with most singular and cruel neglect at the hands of the Board in Wellington. I will refer to this treatment on another occasion, but it is,high time a spirited local committee, was appointed. A fairly-attended meeting of schoolmasters was held at Featherston on Saturday, when it was resolved to establish a Teachers’ Association for the Wairarapa. Mr. Gurr, of Featherston, was elected president. lam not aware what benefits are expected to accrue to our pedadogues from such a society, or whether they have any grievances for redress. Public education being now under State control, I am inclined to think such an association will have an antagonistic bearing, being co-existent with local committees and district boards.

“ Feesh 0 !” is now an established cry with us, an enterprising fisherman having set up business here, with regular connections in Wellington ; therefore, the bonne louche of fresh fish can be obtained any day by all of piscivorous tastes, though so far removed from the coast.

I alluded in my last to the frequent demands made on the public for religious purposes. Since then we have the announcement by that very indefatigable priest, Father Halbwaohs, of an art union, to take place next December, to raise funds towards erecting churches in Masterton, Greytown, and Featherston. He will require a large sum, as you can imagine. A similar affair is talked of for the benefit of the English Church here. Plaudite omnes !