FEATHERSTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5399, 17 July 1878, Page 3

FEATHERSTON.

(fkom odu own ooukbspondent.) Notwithstanding the-bad weather we have had lately rapid progress is being made in railway matters. In a fow days more the lipe will be laid as far as the station. The number of fresh arrivals here lately speaks well for the prospects in store for us during the next few years. Some blocks l of - land are still for sale in this locality at moderate prices, and it will be well for those who wish to' have country residences in‘this the first and certainly the most prettily situated township in tho Wairarapa Valley, to secure sites before land reaches the almost fabulous prices we hear of elsewhere. . .

Qn Wednesday last a gift auction was held in-connection with and on the grounds of the Wesleyan Church here. : Mr. Wood, of Greytown, kindly gave his services as auctioneer, and the gifts, consisting of stock and produce,. fetched very good prices. In the evening there i was a tea meeting, at which those: present seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. i The new local committee for the State school have held their first meeting. Mr. Cox was reelected chairman, and Mr. J. Proetli was appointed secretary and treasurer. Mr. Gurr. gave information respecting the 'school work, and showed that there were over 180 children on the' books, with an average attendance .of 130. The committee expressed themselves highly satisfied with the school arrangements. They commented most favorably on the specimens of writing and drawing, and the general good standard to which the children had been brpught in singing. It was resolved to endeavor to get the school proclaimed a district high school, and to enforce the compulsory clauses of the_ Act. On Thursday last the scholars attending the school were entertained by their teachers and some lady friends. There was not a very strong muster, as many of the pupils were enjoying their holidays at sortie distance from the place. There were about 120 present. After singing the New Zealand Anthem, full justice was done to an excellent tea, and afterwards several songs and glees wore given very effectively. The singing of the infant class, under Miss Gurr, was very pleasing;In the evening there was a soiree in the main schoolroom, at-which about 100 people were present. After supper, Mr. Gurr made a few remarks as to the state of the school, observing that he had in a great measure to thank Mr. Q ox for the assistance ho had given in furthering the interests of the school for its success, lie had much pleasure in stating this publicly, and also in presenting Mr. Cox with a volume of Homer’s “ Iliad.” Mr, Cox made a suitable reply.