THE COUNTRY

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 62, 19 November 1881, Page 153

THE COUNTRY

COROMANDEL. The Ch.Ch. choir are practising anthems. They ai'e badly in want of a leading treble Miss Clayton brightened us with a visit, but harassed (Harris-ed) our feelings by going to "Wangapoua. Mr Bishop paid us a visit, and brought one of his sons down, with other samples Tom Fenton thinks he has all the running now, and talks of nothing but the Ring Mr G-. is tired of rinking and leaves early. Miss R. invariably does the same The coping that the mason paid so much attention to is being finished off in G-erman cement Beveridge says the oyster saloon is scrumptious.

G-ISBORKE. The fancy dress ball would have been a great success had the niusic been played in better correct time The lady in the white antiquated dress did not appear to advantage, and tlms spoiled her chance of being looked upon as the belle of the ball -Mr Paremata enjoyed himself immensely, and his costume was greatly admired for its perfection of style and colour The Baubier's wife was, as usual, the cynosure of all eyes Mophistopheles acted his part with consummate and evidently natural skill, though in some respects lie bore too close a resemblance to a famous knight of King Arthur's Round Table Mr Montague Smith looks particularly happy since his recent engagement. It is to be hoped lie will now refrain from laughing in church at the lady members of the congregation. If a few eligible bachelors could be induced jo settle in Lowe-street, greater happiness might be the lot of some of the more ambitious maidens resident in that locality.

MOXG-OXUJ. To tlio Editor : Dear Sir, — I notice in a communication from your Mongonui correspondent an insinuation that Mr Jas. Olendon, tlie Resident Magistrate, spent an evening, dining, etc., at the house of one of the parties concerned in the most important case, which lie had to decide on the following day. I think it is a pity that your correspondent, before making such a malicious statement, did not satisfy himself of its truth, it being -without the slightest foundation. I accompanied Mr Clendon from Russell to Mongonui, and we dined together with other gentlemen solicitors and others at Penny's Hotel ; and after the " important case," alluded to by your correspondent, had been decided, we spent a most pleasant and enjoyable evening at the residence of Mr Wyles. The only two cases heard on the following morning were small Maori debt cases, in which the defendents admitted their liability. I hope, in justice to Mr Clendon, you will publish this contradiction of the unfair insinuation that has been made against him. — Fair Play.

AEATAPU. I could a tale unfold if George and Biddy •were not listening Frank IPs last ditty is the "Cottage by the trees." "Constable Scott" seemed to be watching Mowbray H's nose rather intently. But you are wrong again, Scott, old boy ; it was not a mild attack of " gravel rash " he suffered from It was just a little bit too much for " Obadiah" when he was obliged to stand an eighteen -penny refreshment for the two ladies. Oh, Boancia! how much tobacco could you purchase for this? The performance of "How to Make Home Happy" and " Nan, the G-ood for Nothing " by the Aratapu •Dramatic Club on last Friday and Saturday evenings was a decided success. A large and respectable audience assembled on each occasion, and, judging from the continued applause they received, I imagine that their efforts were fully

appreciated. Mrs Sheffield, as the jealous wife played fairly ; Mr Phillips' Dabchick was Al • the remaining characters — Emily Snowden, Miss Otto ; Tuffins, Mr Everett ; and Peter, Mr Walker — were creditably sustained. In " Grood for Nothing " Mrs Ludlow's impersonation of Nan was perfection, and showed careful study ; Mr Ludlow's Tom, Mr Walker's Henry's, and Mr Jones' Simpson, were also well represented. During the dance I noted the following costumes as worthy of mention. Miss Chadwick, grey lustre ; Miss Niddril, maroon trimmed with black, velvet and black bows ; Mrs Seymour, black silk with black velvet trimming ; Mrs Ludlow, jersey costume ; Mrs Avery, Japanese silk trimmed with light blue 'satin and white lace ; Mrs- Walker, grey lustre ; Mrs Vanse, black grenadine with old gold trimming. A number of other ladies Avliose names I do not know also wore some pretty dresses.

OPUNAKE. This rapidly growing township has been full to overflowing for the past fortnight with the A.C.'s and Volunteers, who were landed here on their way to the Front. As many as 500 came ashore in one day, and great difficulty was experienced in quartering them, the Thames Navals having to occupy Prosser's hotel which is in course of construction ; but they were all marched to the Front last week, and things have become pretty quiet again. As Parihaka is now taken, and Te Whiti a prisoner, the people here seem to think things will settle down quietly without there being any figliting There is a good thing told of Jock Stevenson, the Caledonian contractor for Grovernment castings. After the troops had occupied Parihaka, and everything was quiet, he cast his eyes on the Maoris' wheat, and, lo ! a prospect opened up before him of " tucker " on the cheap for his horses. He forthwith tui'ned all he had with him (about a dozen) into it, and sent for the remainder from Eahotu ; but on the Native Minister discovering it he had them all turned out again, much to Jock's disgust, who declares he will vote on the Grey ticket at the next election. Very ungrateful, Jock, for you must be making a "pile." A case occurred here a short time ago which, in the interests of public morality, ought to be brought to light. A person named X., styling himself apothecary and accoucher, being short of drugs, sent an order to Wellington in the name of Mr N., one of the leading storekeepers in this township. The drugs etc. were forwarded in due course to Mr N., and, along with other stores, placed in his shed. Mr IST., in looking [over his invoices, saw one for drugs he had not ordered, so went to see about them, but found they had been removed from the shed. They were subsequently discovered in X's possession, with several articles missing. Mr N. at once informed his Wellington friends of the occurrence, but in reply was told they would hold, him responsible for the goods ordered in his name. Now this does seem rather hard, for, .although there is no policemau here, people should not have their names forged with impunity. If the New Plymouth police do their duty, we have not heard the last of this case yet.