NORMANDY NOTES.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 481, 3 December 1879, Page 2

NORMANDY NOTES.

The Waihi Minstrels, a company formed of the A.C. force stationed there, made their debut before the public on Wcdnesilay night last, nucT, for an amateur company, made.a most creditable appearance. A very neat stage has been fitted up in one of file block houses, which, with a tastefully decorated proscenium, forms a smart looking theatre. The decoration of the proscenium was, I am inf ormed,done by Mr Sharp, photographo, of Wanganui, who is at present atWaihi, and although, hastily executed, added much to the stage effect. The performance opened by an excellently rendered overture by Messrs Dixon (violinist), and Knight (pianist), after which the curtain rose on as decent a looking lot of niggers as I have seen in my various wanderings. After the opening chorus, Mr Mulligan (bones) commencd the solos with a lively ditty, “ A little more cider for Miss Dinah,” which satisfied the audience that the troupe knew something. Mr Gear rendered the plantive song, “ Mother will comfort me,” very pleasingly; followed by “ Grandmother's cat,” by Mr Spurdle, which was much applauded. Bones and Tambo cut in between the songs with much humour of speech and action, some of the local original conundrums proving decided hits. “ Sweet Evelina.” a very pretty song, was got through very well by Mr Quickfall, while the “ Wooden Leggett Brigade,” rendered with much gusto by Mr ITanlon (Tambo), added to that gentleman’s success as a corner man. Mr Jamieson’s singing “ Kiss me mother kiss your darling ” showed him an amateur singer of great promise, while Mr Stewart’s “Jockey Hat and Feather,” evidenced that that gallant A.C. man lias an admiration not only for the fair sex, but is susceptible to the iutluences of a pretty face under a becoming hat. Mr Wolner’s song of “Silver Moonlight,” effectively rendered, brought the first part to a close. During the interval, Mr Sub-Inspector Baker presented in a pleasingand humerous manner the prizes gained at the recent rifle tournament, the recipients of which made suitable acknowleclegments. The second part of the evening’s entertainment embraced a well executed piano solo by Mr Knight, followed by Mr G. Blake in a well rendered song. A song and dance by Mr Stewart brought down the house, while the song “Simon the Cellanhan,” given itr manly and effective style by Mr A. G.

Mann, demanded a vociferous encore, iii response to which .Mr Mann gave the pretty ballad of “ Nancy Lee.” A lecture oii woman’s rights* in proper costume byAunt! Smith, was well received, as was also the song of the “ Bold Militiaman ” by Mr Hanlon,and a break down dance by Mr Stewart—the whole performance giving great saticfaetioii, a speedy repetition of which is anxiously called for. Speaking of prizes gamed at ths rifle match, so ne of them were considered of a very paltry character, and not what was expected from the funds subscribed. 1 understand there is some balance in hand, which is to bo deviated to sports on a future day, and the rifle committee deserve thanks for the trouble they took in getting up the day’s sport. I have liar] an opportunity of inspecting a number of photographic views of Wailii, and the A.C. Force, taken during the last week by Mr Sharp, of Wanganui. The views are numerous, anti if I may express an opinion, faithfully and artistically executed, the likenesses being excellent, so that Mr Sharp’s enterprise in visiting the district is likely to be rewarded by numerous orders from the men. as well as friends anxious to obtain mementos of the jolly good fellows in the camp. No doubt Mr Sharp’s collection of views will prove an attraction in Wanganui and clswhere. He goes oU to Opnnako as soon as biisitu-ss is run out at Wailii, ami Normmby which is likely to be some time. m I spent a leisure burn - in visiting f Wf public school where the youth of our township are being inculcated in primary education; The attendance on the day of my visit was about forty, but I should fancy this umnb-o - might be much increased were the compulsory clauses of the Education Act more actively enforced by the school committee, or the advantage of education better appreciated by parents, very few being over Id or 11; but perhaps the district is too young to have older children who require to be taught. The progress of the pupils under Mr Hill is highly creditable to both scholars and teacher, samples of writing and drawing shown-me being very good indeed. Here, as I have found elsewhere in comity towns in this and neighbouring colonies, the co-operation of the School Board would be a most effective and encouraging assistance to the teacher, fvi.ile an hour's occasional visit by any parent or person having lime would be agreeable in the s cry monotonous duties of a school. in the very exhaustive Financial Statement made by Major Atkinson last week, we .are surprised at the omission of any allusion to the expenditure fur Defence purposes, which must be a very serious' item in the little accounts the country has to pay. The proposed increased taxation' is not palatable to famii} - men with sma 1 incomes, and it seems rather 100 much to' expect so large a deficiency as is shown' to exist, to he paid off in one year; but perhaps the Treasurer’s proposals may bo modified in Committee. The country at all events is iud-bied to him for letting ns know exactly how we stand, unpleasant as the truth may he.

The reports of those who visited Parihaka at the last, meeting are l not very encouraging, so far as To Wind's feelings towards the Europeans are '•xnress'Hl. hut. his uileranees are so indefinite that there may be nothing m them Whether it is the duiy of tire Ghvermueni to lead a trump card now. and hring in ill-is (o an issue, is a most question, but delays in tin's' case do not seem to improve me pos'uion. 1 understand that Air Bayley, of liawera, proposes to run a trap three times a week between that town .and S; rati on),' the terminus of the line. We pe Mr Bayley’s enterprise will receive the support it deserves. SAINT MUNGO. November 27th, 187‘J.