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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 56, 28 May 1873, Page 2

Soiree. —A social entertainment of an agreeable character, in which most of the ladies of the Bay are to take part, is on the tapis just now. It is understood to comprise singing, reading, and speeches ; the ladies aforesaid doing the honors at the ted table. We believe it will be in aid of the Presbyterian church fund, and will take place in the Music Hall on or about the 11th proximo. Opotiki Road.—We regret to have to state, on reliable authority, that the officer charged with the duty of inspecting the work under contract by Mr. Simpson has had the unpleasant duty -imposed on him of having to refuse to accept all and sundry the culverts and bridges on so much of the line of road between Ormond and Opotiki as has been formed. The building of these are reported as not being according >to specification, and positively unsafe for traffic,; we, nevertheless, hope the contractor will be able to comply with the terms of his contract (assuming, of course, that he has not done so) and make us safe bridges without any pecuniary loss to himself.

Presentation. —We have been favored with an inspection of a champion Maltese Cross presented by Lieut. Daly of the Gisborne Rifle Volunteers to that corps for successive competitive rifle matches between the members. It is an artistic j iece of workmanship, and has been completed under the superintendence of our respected fellow-townsman, Mr. Nasmith, and reflects great credit bn his good taste and skin. It is of polished silver, with a centre medallion, shielding the figure of a Volunteer in uniform in a kneeling position with his rifle at the “ present.” The figure is of colonial gold, and the whole surmounted with silver buckles and clasps, attached to which is a handsome blue ribbon. The intrinsic value of the Cross is worth the coveting, independently of the honor attached to the winning of it. The conditions of its possession are such, we believe, as will really make it valuable as an heir-loom. The first contest takes place next Saturday as follows: —Three ranges—lso, 200, and 300 yards, five rounds at each range; and the second contest the day following the next monthly parade day, also of three ranges, 400, 500, and 600 yards, five rounds at each range. The highest aggregate scorer at the six ranges will become the possessor of the trophy, until he fails to hold it against all coiners twice in succession.

Quadrille Assembly.—-The first of * series of proposed to be given under the auspices of this assembly during the Winter months, took place at the Music Hs.ll on the 20th inst., and was well attended. We believe the arrangements are quite of a private character; and any one desirous of joining in membership must submit his name to the committee for approval.

Volunteer Dinner and Ball.—These entertainments given by the Poverty Bay Mounted Rifle Volunteers, and looked forward to with much pleasure, took place, in the Gisborne Music Hall on the 23rd and 24th May, and formed -an , agreeable commemoration of her Majesty’s birthday; _ they gave evidence of the satisfactory relation that exist between the officers and men, and the troop and the Government; and formed a fitting tribute of loyalty to the Sovereign whose cause and authority they are sworn to uphold. The dinner was fixed for Friday evening the 23rd, an anticipation of the auspicious event which could not be avoided, without much inconvenience to business people on the Saturday. The Ball very appropriately ushered in the anniversary of that day when, fifty four years', since, England welcomed the glad tidings of a joy which has not beenalloyed duringthe honored life of one whose early years and later griefs are enshrined in the hearts of her subjects, with an affectionate remembrance of her worth. The punctuality observed was commendable, and the arrangements for the comfort of visitors perfect. Precisely at 6 o’clock the troop bugler sounded the assembly, and in a few minutes sixty guests were doing justice to the hospitable fare provided for them. Captain Hardy, commanding the troop, occupied the chair at dinner, supported on his right by Dr. Nesbitt, R.M. and the Rev. Mr. Hoot, and on his left by Ma jor Pitt, commanding the East Coast district, and Major Westrup, while Lieutenant Kempthorne and Sub Lieutenant Hall did honors as Vice chairmen, Mr. J. Cuff acting as Toastmaster. At 7 o’clock the chairman rose to propose the health of the Queen, and in doing so took occasion to eulogise the settlers of Poverty Bay who had always evinced, in times of trial and danger, an unbounded loyalty to Her Majesty’s throne and person. Drunk with enthusiasm, followed by a stanza from the National Anthem. The Rev. Mr. Root was charged with the duty of proposing the toast of “ The Acting Governor and General Assembly of New Zealand.” He supposed the reason why he had been selected was because he, having arrived but recently, knew so little of either of them that he was not likely to “ put his foot in it ” by saying too much, and so trespass on the limited time at their disposal. He, however, was quite sur<r they were worthy of all the good things that could be said in their favor. Capt. Winter, of the Gisborne Rifle Volunteers proposed “ the Armed Constabulary,” coupling the name of Major Pitt with the toast. Major Pitt returned thanks. Captain Richardson proposed “ the Militia and Volunteers.” Captain Porter acknowledged the compliment on the part of the Militia, and Captain Winter on that of the Volunteers. Major Pitt requested bumpers for the Poverty Bay Mounted Rifle Volunteers, and accepted the opportunity in which to testify to the discipline and general good bearing of the troop ; and complimented the officers on the efficiency which had been attained. Captain Hardy returned thanks, and said when their past training was likely to be called into active use, the troop would not be found wanting. Captain J. W. Johnson, asked for solemn silence in disposing of the toast “To the memory of those massacred in Poverty Bay.” Mr. Kirton drank “ Success to Poverty Bay,” in which the company joined heartily. The Chairman left the chair at a quarter to 8 o’clock, and the guests dispersed to prepare for the ball. During the interval the Hall had been divested of the impedimenta which furnished requisites for the dinner in the shape of chairs and tables; and exactly at 9 o’clock a bevy of beauty greeted the smiles of attendant gallants who were anxiously waiting lhe arrival of their future partners in the coming hours of the night. The Hall filled quickly, and when the M.C. announced the formation of the opening quadrille at 9.20 there was presented to the eye a galaxy of fashion and loveliness which it is not too much to say even Poverty Bay never managed to to concentrate before. Captain Hardy led off in the d mce with Mrs. Joshua Cuff, while his subalterns comported themselves in other parts of the Hall with a gallantry customary (to the occasion. There was only one fault in all the arrangements and that was the want of light, but it did not prevent the real enjoyment of some eighty couples who were bent upon extracting the utmost of that happiness vouchsafed to them in sublunary recreation. The stage had been removed, and the whole floor space of this fine building was devoted to Terpsichore. "The ante-rooms were set apart, one for the ladies* dressing-room, and the other as a card-room; while the Library g- e the best accommodation its space would allo as a retiring-room, refreshments being plent illy supplied during the night. As the clo- showed the hour of twelve the band struck up .e National Anthem, which was responded to ; the assembled groups of admirers most h tily. The “ Spirit of the Ball ” was kept with great enthusiasm until shortly after s* clock, when the company dispersed high’ tified with the liberality so lavishly besta* y their entertainers. Everything passed the entire satisfaction of all concerned; an. the sentiment expressed by some of the company that the “ present- moment might be the worst in our lives,” was heartily responded to in the expression of a hope that many more such pleasant nights may be spent under the same auspices. It is but justice to add that cuisine department was under the management of Mr. Dalziell, on whom the brunt of the groat undertaking fell; and we need but mention the fact that Messrs. Aicher!ey and Sherriff presided over the Music, to give assurance that nothing was wanting in this direction to heighten the enjoyment of the nights entertainment.

The Comerang left without the Southern mail on Sunday morning. She also took on what cargo she had for this port. The SuperiNTBNDRNCV.—It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that H. 11. Lusk Esq., the present Provincial Secretary, has announced himself a candidate for the honors of the Superintendency.

Telegraph. —- Mr. Drummond ret urned to town from the Survey Camp on Friday last and gives a very favorable report of the progress of the line of telegraph between Napier and Poverty Bay. The poets are in the ground as far as Tongoiho, and if fine weather prevails, there seems to be every probability of the completion of the line within the next four months. Mr. Blake, the district Inspector, is expected in Gisborne in the course of a few days, when we believe, tenders are to be called in for supplying the posts from this end.

Gold Specimen. —Some little excitement has held possession of the community during the last few days, on account of the production of a piece of quartz thickly impregnated with gold, said by the owner—Mr. T. Goldsmith, —to have been found at no considerable distance from Gisborne. The specimen looks water worn, and certainly has the appearance of having been a pocket companion of some one for a considerable period, who, at last managed to drop it, where some one else picked it up. Great reticence is kept as to the exact whereabouts of the find, but, as we hate canards, our enthusiasm is as yet kept within bounds.

Forgery.—The Resident Magistrate was engaged on Friday last in investigating a charge brought against one Torpie for having forged the name of William Brunt to three cheques with intent to defraud the Bank of New Zealand. One of the cheques, it appeared, had been by Mr. Kirton, and he identified the document as the one presented to him for payment by the prisoner. Torpie confessed to the forgery, and the examination of the witnesses was only proceeded with pro forma. Dr. Nesbitt committed the prisoner for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Napier.

School House.—lt is very certain that if something is not done at once to the Gisborne School building, it will have to be closed, or remain open and empty. The pupils during the week suffer very much"'from the draughts of cold wind which it is impossible to keep out ; and it is altogether an undesirable place (for comfort) to send children to at this season, most of them suffering from the epidemic common to the time of year. Sunday worshippers, too, not risk their health, and sit for near two ' hours in a state of bodily discomfort, calculated to inspire any feeling but the correct one. We would draw the attention of both the School and Church Committees to t his matter; the former, we know, have their difficulties to contend with, in not being properly supported by the Board ; but the alternative of the school during the winter months may induce that body to pay a little less flippant attention to the supplications of those whose wants are not supposed to be made in vain;—and it would bo worth the small extra trouble for the latter to make terms with the Directors of the Music Hall, with a view to holding Divine Service in that building instead of in the present barn.