ALEXANDRA

Tuapeka Times, Volume VIII, Issue 436, 20 February 1875, Page 2

ALEXANDRA

(From our own Correspondent.)

February 12. This is the dull season for news, when the holidays are over and horsey talk has become stale, and every little township is once more gliding in its little groove, and the inhabitants endeavor to amuse themselves with the memory of the little events that had given a variety to the usual monotony of their lives. We have gradually drifted into a state of tranquil torpidity, and have hardly sufficient energy left to abuse each, other — a melancholy proof of the decadence of public spirit amongst us. Harvesting operations are being pushe4 forward at Bald Hill Flat. The crop ft

turning out very light, having suffered from an excess of cold and wet weather,

rather unusual thing in this district.

The Town Council has communicated with Roxburgh, i'lyde, Blacks, and ojjper places on the question of the proposed road to Waikaia. Should the project receive support, it is intended tomemorialise the Government to place a sum "bn the estimates to carry <mt the work.

We will shortly be deprived of the services of the present teachers of the Alexandra school— Mr. Reid and Miss Brunton — having obtained appointments at the Forbury School. This will be a source of regret to many parents in the district, as the present teachers have secured a reputation for imparting such an education to the pupils under their charge as would fit them for their future struggles through life. The school reopened on the 25th ult., and although the large attendance must have made a considerable draft on our juvenile population, there is scarcely a perceptible diminution in the Bwarms of children who form such a prominent feature in our township. I think in this particular line, Alexandra, in proportion to its population, could challenge any other place in New Zealand ; and it would be but a small acknowledgement of our services, if the Legislature was to vote us a handsome bonus out of the immigration loan, but there is very little hope that such a principle of justice will guide them in the expenditure of the public funds. Mr. Gin Lee, a Chinese storekeeper in the township, resolved to celebrate the Chinese anniversary by giving a dinner to the European residents, and there was a thoroughness in the manner in which he •went about it that throws the efforts of barbarians completely in the shade. Cards of invitation were sent to all the inhabitants ; and for fear any one should have been neglected, Mr. Gin Lee in person went round the township inviting every one he saw. A large number of the inhabitants attended the feast, which was well worthy of the name, the tables being loaded with the choicest viands, including an unlimited supply of liquor of all kinds. The event will be a memorable one in the annals of the domestic poultry of the district, scarcely a fowl of any note but has to mourn the loss of some near relative who had fallen a victim for the occasion. At the conclusion ' of the repast, the health of the host was drunk in bumpers of champagne ; and after the usual complimentary speeches, the company dispersed.