WAVERLEY.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 498, 10 March 1880, Page 2

WAVERLEY.

(From our own Correspondent.) March 8. Havino kept yon for a considerable time in a state of darkness relative to matters in Waverley, owing to my absence on one or two occassions since my last letter, I must now give you a general outline of affairs since that time. The church tea meeting was a great success, the viands and singing being exceptionally good, but the speaking was rather flat. There was a good attendance, and from a monetary point of view, was all that could be desired. The ball given to open the Town Hall was well attended, and the company appeared to enjoy themselves to their hearts content.

The Sunday school treat was well attended, and passed off to the satisfaction of every one concerned. It was reported the other day by one of the Momahaki settlers, that, the natives were returning to the block, and were building a war pah. Constable Barrow at once went out to the place indicated, bnt could see nothing, and on making further inquiries, found that only one or two natives had gone up the river to catch eels. Before making or circulating reports of this description, people should make sure that they have some grounds for their action, and not, as ou this occasion, send the constable on a fool’s errand.

The telegraph line from Wanganui has been altered. Instead of going, as formerly, over hills, dales, and private property, it has been laid so as to follow as near as possible the main line of road. There are now three lines stretched from here to Wanganui, and the constructing part}, under Mr Orchison and Mr Bussoil, are at present engaged between hero and Carlyle. While on the subject of telegraph, I may say that the return cricket match between Waitotara and the constructing party (I forget their nom de plume) was played at Waverley on Saturday fortnight, and resulted in a victory for Waitotara. The Waverley volunteers, both cavalry and infantry, were inspected on the 21st February by Major Noako, who directed the officers of the corps to see that the volunteers, while on duty, paid due respect to their superior officers. This is a thing which some of the volunteers will

kick against, but is what is very necessary when on parade. At the last sitting of the R.M. Court here, Captain Wray, the R.M., caused it to he known that unless fresh quarters were found in which to hold the Court, he would not hold settings at WavcrJey, as the old Town Hall was kept in a most filthy condition. The Wavorley public are now anxious to know if the Court will bo held this month. I believe the directors have offered the use of the new hall, but do not know if it will be accepted. Thoro oro also one or two who would like to be informed why only one or two of the shareholders of the Town Hall Company were sued for arrears of calls, and attribute it to personal feeling on the part of some of the directors. Mr Fyfe’s shop, adjoining Messrs Skollcy & Co. ami Mr Kirk’s premises, has been let to a firm, who intend starting in the baking and confectionery line. This should lower the price of the two-pound loaf, which now stands at five p nco.

The upper part of the promises lately built by Mr Koertze, is now occupied by Mr Ovcrend, who is using it as a grain store, and has it full of oats. The impounding racket is now on the wane, there not Inning been any seizures for over a week.- May it continue so.

The Highway Board mot at Mr Fookcs’ office on Saturday last. Present—Messrs Bridge (chairman), J. McLean, and lon. After the usual formalities of reading minutes, &c., had been gone through, a few minor resolutions were proposed and carried, and it was decided to call a special meeting to accept tenders for tiie office of Foreman of Works, at 9 a.m. on the 15tli instant. Mr A. Milne’s letter was left over for a month, and the following accounts were passed for payment: —F. G. Ross, £4 8s; JefFoott & Co., £ls 11s lOd ; Jas. Bayly, £4 19s; Frazer, £l9 13s; wages, £3 12s.

1 have to thank the Board for their courtesy, i was informed by the Chairman that the Press would not be excluded from their meetings, except when in committee.

The local Board has not yet been gazetted. There is evidently great laxity on the part of some one or the other, or why all this delay. Surely the members of the district could get the matter set right if they would only try , but I suppose there is no probability of a general election for a year or two, and therefore it is of no consequence. Good Friday is close at hand. Is there to bo no amusement on that day ? If so, it is time a start was made. The railway is being pushed on as fast as possible, and there are now several sub-contracts between here and Waitotara.

The latest on dit is that owing to the hard times, “Tommy” intends to get ap a subscription to supply seats for the unemployed, to be placed in the most convenient and comfortable parts of the news-room.

The district prizes for the Waverley Rifles—about £3 10s—are to be fired for on the day of the next Government inspection parade. lam not sure it the ammunition is free, but after such liberality on the part of the Government, they could not expect Volunteers to find their own powder.