WAITAHUNA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 75, 17 July 1869, Page 3

WAI TAHUNA.

(From oiir Ovm Correspondent.)

July s'.h, 1869.

Plodding through the slough of mud on Monday, at last 1 reached the Assembly Room. You speak of your Ross Place ; if it is worse than Wai tahuna from Cook's store upwards, it must bo quite a feat to get through it at all, and few but thoee who are used to traverse swamps and bogs, are able to accomplish ii. Behind time considerably, as the second part was just commenced, but still time enough, to lieaithe son of, "Some Lady's Josh her Chignon," excellently rendered by our local Star, Mr. T. Devonshire. An excellent reading or two followed, then the most welcome datico, warming and heart-cheer-ing, followed ; between forty and iifty were present.

On Tuesday the 6th inst., a Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters was duly opened by District Chief Ranger, Thompson and District Secretary, W. Woodlands, assisted by the Chief Ranger, of Court Star of Tuapeka, and fovir or five of the brothers from Lawrence. After the secrets of the ancient Swainmote had been imparted to about sixteen candidates, the Officers were installed in the following order : — Chief Ranger, G. W. Busst ; Sub. Chief Ranger, James Cromarty ; Senior Woodward, Henry Ada.zn.son. ; Junior WoodVard, Thomas Devonshire ; Senior Beadle, William Cairnes ; Junior Beadle, John M'Tag gart ; Treasurer, Robert Coghill ; Secretary, Jabez Burton. The Court being duly closed, every one adjourned to the large room of the Bridge Hotel, where an excellent supper was laid, which reflected- great credit on the Host and Hostess, the chair being occupied by the newly appointed C.8., and in spite of a piercing cold wind which penetrated into the supper room, ample justice was done, giving proof that even the short lesson on Forestery had sharpened the appetites of these members of woodcraft. After a number of toasts, usual on such occasion, hadbeen drank and responded to, and some excellent songs, C.R., Brother Titchener, of Lawrence, in an able and telling speech, shewed the new members the immense advantage to be derived from joining a society like this one ; and the external influence it created in making a man feel that he no longer was an outcast, but had something to live for and something to do. He instanced the good •of unity and that the mite of individuals had produced two Foresters life boats in the old country altogether. It is seldom I have the pleasure of hearing such a sincere and hearty burst of eloquence from a member of a friendly society. The D.C.R., brother Thompson, bore testimony to the truth of brother Titchener's remarks, and was followed by a few statistics from the D.S., who shewed the district of the A.O.F. was in a very healthy position in Otago. Bro. Donovan was brim full of wit and humour, and kept everyone in a broad grin by his lively sallies. The visitors' having been heartily thanked by the chairman for their "kind assistance and presence, the party broke up before daylight in most cheerfal spirits.

Tuesday, July 14th.

, Last night about sixty ladies and gentlemen met at the Assembly Room, for the purpose of displaying their Terpsichorean>abilities on the occasion of the endingjrf their second quarter's practice ; the xqomlorjaamented with evergreens, roses, and flags, presented quite a lively appearance. The music on the harmonium, by Mr-Burton, was excellent, and so was the music 'from- our clever young violinist, Master Lewis, when he could keep a whole string. The snapping of fiddle strings so constantly, must have told upon the pocket of the young man considerably, as string after string was replaced in

quick succession. However, we managed to have a real pleasant, social, and spirited night of it. Messrs. W. Fry, George Ritson, Alfied O'Keefe, and James Moggarth the committee of management, had made excellent arrangements, and no one was wanting for refreshments to sustain them, hot coffee and tea being supplied ad libitum, and some of the best sandwiches we have ever had on any occasion, besides other refreshments in abundance. This being the wind up of the dancing class at the Assembly Room, every one appeared as if they intended to enjoy to the very utmost the spirit of the party. Maybe when I state that, although most of the dances • were danced over three times, that the programme containing twenty-eight dances, was got through by about three o'clock, and commenced again for the second time and continued until about five o'clock, when the company broke up highly pleased. The sociality of such a meeting was greatly enhanced by the spirit of unity and absence of party feeling, which was shown by the manner in which each one vied with the other, to make themselves agreeable and pleasant. Mr William Fry, the class master, was M.0., and conducted his part well and ably. I understand his grateful pupils intend presenting him with a handsome testimonial.