OKATO.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 106, 9 July 1895, Page 3

OKATO.

{Ouu Own Correspondent.) The first of the season’s dances came oft’ on Friday evening last in the school-room. The weather was fairly good for such a gathering. About 40 couples assembled, and spent a most enjoyable time together. Mr Clark kindly lent his piano for the occasion. Mr Good, who is so well known at these kind of gatherings, supplied the music in IPs best style. Dancing was kept up with vigor till after 3 a m. Mr Swaizlaud supplied a most excellent supper, which was done ample justice to. * Visitors attended from all the neighboring districts. The belle of the bull was voted to be Miss Gibbs, of Nelson, Miss Rose Putt being a very close second. Mr Garner, as secretary, worked most energetically to make it a success, and in his capacity as M.C. was indefatigable to make every one feel comfortable. He was ably supported by the various members of tho committee. The ball was a pronouuced success-, socially and financially. Last week Mr T. Hughsou received a reply from the Premier in reply to the deputations requisition which was presented to him when in this district re opening up the Puniho Road. The Premier’s reply was to the effect that the Government could not give any assistance towards forming and metalling the above road. A meeting of those interested was held at the hotel to consider the reply and what course to adopt to get their object carried out. It was finally decided to petition the House on the subject, as the settlers considered they had a good case to lay before them. Mr E. M. Smith-is to be requested to present the petition. The carrying business and plant of Mr T. Robinson was sold out recently. The purchaser, in one lot (14 horses, waggons, harness, &c.), was Mr Mulholland, who will continue the business, making Okato his head quarters, whilst his partner. Mr Simpson, will locate himself at Pungarehu and Rahotu, doing the carrying business from those thriving townships. The Kaihihi bridge was formally opened a fortnight ago. Our worthy host supplied the necessary “ dew ” to wet it with. Numerous healths wore proposed and drunk, including the first lady (Mrs J. Putt) who drove over the bridge. Mr Storer has sold out his lease and herd of dairy cows at a very satisfac-' tory figure. The farm is again re-let, Mr Wills being the, incoming tenant. Several bushfalling contracts have been let in this neighborhood. The prices at which they liave been taken are certainly very low, but as oue contractor remarked, “it was better for him to have the contract if he only earned tucker, than to be out of work and to be the cost of tucker out of pocket in the spring, unless he could get Government unemployed co-opera-tive work, which he didn’t want.” That’s the sort of spirit to get on with in the colony. Several cases of sheep worrying by stray dogs have occurred in this neighborhood of late. There are too many half-starved curs roaming about without owners, and so long as such is the case so will our settlers be subject to these periodical losses. Our population is increasing very rapidly. The cry is “ Still they come.” I think the School Committee would do well to “ take time by the forelock,” and get the school enlarged. July Btb.