WAITOTAEA.

Patea Mail, 4 January 1881, Page 3

WAITOTAEA.

[from OUR CORRESPONDENT.] Monday Evening. Have now obtained the results of the late school inspection by Mr Foulis. Standard I, three presented, all passed. Excelled in all the branches, Rosanna McFeely. Good sewing, Maria Hill. Standard 11, five presented, two passed, Amy Hurley excelled in every subject except reading. First in geography, second in mental arithmetic, Caroline Handley. First in mental arithmetic, Kate Mathews, First in spelling, second in reading, Amy Laura Gibson. Best reciter, Rachael McKenzie. Standard 111, four presented, none passed.—Best in mental arithmetic, Albert Gibson. Best writer, Margaret McKenzie. First in grammar, Annie McKenzie. Best reader, Margaret Nicol. I learn that it lias been resolved to transfer Constable McPheely to Patea. This seems rather a questionable measure under existing circumstances, and after some £SOO having been expended in a very elaborate and complete though perhaps not altogether required police station.

On New Year’s Day, while most of the male residents were away, some of the ladies who were detained in their homes were annoyed and alarmed by some men who cooly walked through one or two houses without saying “by your leave.” One man presented himself with his knee doubled up and asked for money, stating that he had hurt his leg. On being directed elsewhere he adjourned, and when at a respectable distance, was observed to put his foot down and walk all right. There seems to have been a gang of three, who paid a domiciliary visit to each house (including the district constable’s) asking for a shilling. They obtained their demand in one or two cases, then went to Mr Nicholl’s hotel and wanted three drinks for a shilling. It would be an interesting problem to solve whether these men were picked up by some enterprising emigration agent, and brought out at the expense of the colony. Perhaps it might be adduced as an indication of advanced civilisation. Seeing it thusly, however, it does not appear to be good policy to remove our only constable, and I hear the inhabitants object very strongly. Perhaps the powers that be may be induced to relent for the present, though 1 hear that Constable McPheely left for Patea by this morning’s coach.