WAVERLEY.

Patea Mail, 7 June 1882, Page 4

WAVERLEY.

The Mail has over 90 subscribers between Whenuahura and Waitotara. BRANCH OFFICE OF THE MAIL, Wednesday. WAIROA HIGHWAY BOARD. The monthly meeting was held on Saturday. Present: Wardens Johnston, Aiken, Howie, McLean, and lon (chairman). Treasurer’s balance—General account £399 18s 6d ; Block 7111, £B4 8s 7d ; Block IX, £l9 15s 6d. Report received from Foreman of Works. Correspondence received from Colonial Treasurer, Commissioner of Crown Lands, E. L. Barton, G. Miller. Tenders were received for Watkins’ road as follow S. Kennedy £6O, M. Keating £9O, J. Hughes £7O, M. Olsen £l2O. Tender for Kohi road —J. Hughes £SB ss. The following accounts were passed foxpayment E. G. Boss £6 12s, Wanganui Gas Co. £1 ss. Resolved, That tenders be called for McMechin’s road by next meeting, Messrs Williamson, Murray, and Nicholson waited on the Board re Momahaki road. Resolved, That notice be sent to Messrs Hearn and Kennedy that unless the fence on Momahaki road be removed within 24 hours, the Board will remove same. . , Resolved, That the one tender for Kohi road being too high, fresh tenders be called for by next meeting. Resolved, That tenders for Watkins’ road being too high, fresh ones be called for, to close in August. The tea meeting and entertainment in aid. of the Presbyterian Manse Repair Fund, held on Thursday, was a decided success ; and the promoters may be congratulated on the result of their efforts. Tea meetings as a rule are not populax', but by combining this one with a mukical entertainment, the committee bit the right nail on the head, and a large attendance was the consequence. The tables had an exceedingly pleasing appearance, and were without exception very well set out and ably presided over by the vax-ious ladies. The Quadrille Assemblies have again been started, and the second of the series was held on Friday last. There wa,s not quite so good an attendance as formerly, however, possibly owing to our muddy streets, it being anything but pleasant to travel through the township after dark. The contractor for the street formation and footpaths has nearly completed his ’contract. There has of course been any any amount of growling at the mud, &c., but Rome was not built in a day, and everything must have a beginning. It will be a decided improvement when finished.

TEA AND MUSIC. (from a correspondent.)

A tea-meeting and concert took place in the new Town Hall on Thursday evening last, in aid of St Andrews’ manse repair fund. It was largely attended ; and the well-stocked tables made a pretty and tempting show ; those presided over by Mesdames Lupton and Price being the chief attraction. After the tables were removed, the concert was opened by a pianoforte solo, which was well received. I have heard the singer of the “ Death of Nelson ” to better advantage, as his voice seemed rather thick. Mrs Howie and Miss K. Howie sang “How sad it isjto say farewell,” hut the time in the triplets was rather faulty. Mr Bridge came next with “ Beautiful dreams linger near me,” which he sang with taste and precision. Miss Allsworth followed by singing “ We’d better bide-a-wee.” The time was good, but the pronunciation rather faulty. ; Messrs A. Taylor and Swinbourne’s duet “ Albion on thy fertile shore ” was received with great eclat, and was heartily encored. Mrs Howie’s “ Little Nell ” was the gem of the evening, and I have never heard the singer to better advantage. A pianoforte solo by Mrs Seedjvras well played, being accomplished with her usual taste and expression. Mr Catanach sang “ Speak well of our brother,” which was well rendered. The next piece was a duett “ Flow on, thou shining river,” by the Misses Allsworth, and was well appreciated. The time was not perfect. Mr A. Howie sang “My ane dear Nell,” which needs no comment. Miss K. Howie then gave “ Let me dream again,” but the song was of rather too • high a class for her musical attainment. Messrs A. Taylor and Swinbourne sang “ All’s Well!” in their usual style ; and the'“ Old garden gate” closed the programme. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the National Anthem. The proceeds are about £2O.

Horse breeders will be pleased to learn that Mr John Johnstone has purchased the well-known entire horse Knockdon, who will be at the service of breeders next season.