Soiree at Paezoa.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3808, 12 March 1881, Page 2

Soiree at Paezoa.

Last evening the most successful soiree ever held at Paeroa eventuated. The public hall was crowded, fully 350 people being present, including residents from all the surrounding districts, even as far as Waitoa and Te Aroha, Waitekauri, and very many from the Thames. Tea was laid at 6.30, the tables being.presided over by Mesdanaes .Hobson, Austin, Burt, Wick, Littlejohn, .Ritchie, Jackson, and the Misses Snodgrass.

After a most enjoyable meal, the chair was taken by Mir A. Porter, who said, in his opening address, that on the occasion of the Rev. Mr Norrie arriving as resident minister of the district, the inhabitants had determined to hold a soiree, and all were to be congratulated on the success of the undertaking. (Cheers.) The district had been open a few days over six years, but it was not until the Presbyterian body had taken the matter in hand that a resident minister was thought of for Paeroa and the surrounding districts. The good qualities of Mr ISforrie all present would soon have opportunity of discovering; but he felt that a good choice had been made from the little acquaintance he had of that gentleman. (Cheers) He had to congratulate the ladies who had the management of the soiree. Although it had been said that the Paeroa people could not pull together, on this occasion such a reflection could not be passed. (Cheers.) He only hoped that the same feeling would actuate the people for ail works having the good of the district as an object. (Applause.) The choir then played " Fra Diavola." Mr George O'Halloran sang " When the roses bloom again."

" The Men of Harlech," by ten young lady residents of Paeroa, Miss Clark ot the Thames presiding at the piano, was the next piece. The brothers Hunter played very nicely several selections, and Mr Wiseman kept the audience in roars of laughter with his songs " The Mosquito" and " Billy Barlow."

Major Murray sang " The Watch on the Itnine," and Miss Clark one of the most charming songs of the evening, "Halfmast high."

Addresses were given by the Revs. S. J. Weill and Pinfold, after which the concert closed with the .National Anthem.

Dancing followed, and was kept up till a late hour.

TE APwOIiA.

(fkom a cokkespondent.)

Te Akoha, Friday

Things in this district are still very quiet. The contractors for the battery are pushing on with the work, but I think if a start is made by the first of May, it will be as soon as can be expected. Several claims have been protected, but the most of those men leaving say they intend to return as soon as the battery makes a start.

There is nothing new to report from the Prospectors. Work is still being carried on on the big reef and stoping from the winze. Where the loose stone came from still seems a mystery. There can be little doubt of a good reef being somewhere in the locality, and ought to be dropped on one of these days.

The No. 1 South still have several men at work, and the directors are determined to make the holders of scrip pay up. In the Morning Star the reef has been driven on for a distance of over 60 feet, and the same lode is now being worked on in the Smile of Fortune at a lower level. Arrangements have been made by the owners of the two mines to work jointly from the one level, and this will give the Star about 120 feet of backs on the reef known to be payable. The Smile of Fortune manager is opening up the mine so that no time may be lost in getting out stone when the battery is ready to start. The drive in the Morning Star still continues in good country. It is driven on towards the lower boundary of the Sunbeam. The shareholders of that mine have got some • good stone showing gold freely, but they have not found out the reef from which the stone found in the Clunes came. The shareholders are still pushing on work for the purpose of intersecting Srveral of the reefs that are known to run through their grouud.

A meeting of representatives of the different mines in this locality was held a few days since, when it was decided to ask the Piako County Council to lay off a line of road from the main road to a point on the spur, so that stone could be sent to the mill, '.he claimbolders agreeing to pay one half of the cost of such work. This certainly shows that the mineholders have faith in their property.

In the Waitoa Prospecting Association's ground a large body ot stone has been met with, and from tho prospects obtainable is worth trying.

The Prince of Wales have out over 140 tons of stone, but I am afraid that sufficient care has not been taken in getting out the stuff. If the stone they have out proves payable, the owners of that claim will have a splendid property.

Omahu is completely deserted, partly on account of the Maori scare, but principally for want of funds. I hope some day this locality will have a fair trial.