WAITAHUNA. (From our own Correspondent.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 230, 27 June 1872, Page 7

WAITAHUNA. (From our own Correspondent.)

I stated in a former communication that the Rev. Dr. Coplaud would deliver a lecture here on the 13th curt,, on " Spiritualism." At the time and place appointed, a goodly number of persons attended, but after waiting till about nine o'clock, and no lecturer appearing, they returned home rather disappointed. From a private letter received by a gentleman here, it appears that the Dr. having caught a violent cold, was unable to undertake the journey from Lawrence on the day named.

On Tuesday the 11th. June, a congregational meeting was held in the schoolhouse, to consider the desirability of procuring a resident Presbyterian clergy-man-for the district. On the motion of Mr. Dunn, it was resolved that the Rev. Mr. Arnott be invited to Waitahuna for three months. Messrs. Winning, Auld, and Dunn were appointed a committee to select a suitable residence for the rev. gentleman. A meeting in connection with the above subject was also held at Manuka Creek, on Thursday, the 2lsfc. curt., at which it was resolved to cooperate" with the residents of Waitahuna, in securing the services of Mr. Arnott, or any other Presbyterian clergyman. Friday the 21st., was again a busy day with our worthy Warden. In the Resident Magistrate's Coxirfc, the foll< wing cases came 'on for hearing. Police v. Boult. — An information charging the defendant with having, one the 20th May, 1872, slaughtered on red and brindle bullock, branded C J., without giving; notice as required by law. Fined £5. Inspector Thompson conducted the prosecution. Mr. Copland appeared for defendant. Wm. Millar v. Stewart. — A claim £13 ss. for ac-ods supplied. Mr. Copland for plaintiff. Judgment by consent for amount claimed, together with costs, and professional fee of one guinea. Anderson v. Marshall. — Tuscan v. Marshall. — Thompson v. Marshall. — Claim for wages, for work done in defendant's claim at Canada Reef. Mr. Copland for plaintiffs. Judgment deferred till next Court day, sfch July. Murray v. Stewart. — Summons not served, case to be heard on the sth July. Mr. Copland for plaintiff.

A public meeting wa3 held in the Athenaeum here on Saturday, the 22nd curt , to receive the report of the Waitahuna Miners' Committee for the past twelve months, and to elect a committee for the ensuing year. Mr. J. Ferris was voted to the chair, and commenced the business by reading a cony of the notice calling the meeting. The Secretary of the Committee then read the report, from which it appeared that the committee since its election had been successful in opposing several applications for agricultural leases for land said to be auriferous, that it had been in communication with similar committees afc the Arrow and Switzers, on matters affecting the interests of tho minei"s generally, and further that it had every inducement to vigorously prosecute the work it took in hand, as it had re-" ceived the support of all residing in the district. The receipts of the year, in the shape of subscriptions, amounted to £20, the disbursements £9 Is., leaving a balance to thn credit of committee of £10 193. On the motion of Mr. Bair, it was resolved that those members of the retiring committee, who present — Messrs. Ferris, Moir, Millar, and Garden — be reelected, with power to add to their number. The Chairmin before closing tha meeting, said, in reply to some remarks made by a gentleman ■ present, that the miners had no objection to land being taken up for agricultural purpose, if it was not auriferous. If the miners in the district, had not combined to prevent further alienations taking place, very little ground outside of the old gully would have been left them to work.

The weather has taken up during the last week, and the snow is gradually disappearing from the surrounding hills. From the 16th., the first day on which

snow fell here, to the to the 20th., very little work was done either here or at Hav'elock, the snow and frost together having blocked up all races, and rendered sluice boxes unworkable.