TATARARIKI

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 177, 23 December 1892, Page 2

TATARARIKI

I FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Domestic troubles and difficulties must plead as my excuse to the readers of the Bell for allowing the affairs of this district to remain un chronicled for such a lengthy period , first, my eldest daughter Mary Ann Jane ran away with a gumdigger, next, the old woman took to advocating womans rights, and as a consequence the sole care of the twins (bless’em) fell to my lot ; _ and then again ’ But where is the use of complain - ing ? I suppose we must take things as they come and make the best of them. The case of the Police v. Reid and Maxwell reported in the Bell a week or two avo has done some little good ; although the fine inflicted by the worthy J. P. was not very heavy, the lesson taught has had ti good effect. The complainant, Mr Spurr, informs me that the diggers have ceased to molest him, and now he can (for the first time in two years) turn his attention to earning, a living; his whole time previously having been taken up in chasing the diggers from one end of his section to the other. You were not correctly informed when you stated in the Bell of tire »tb inst. that a sub* seription list to aid the defendants was lying at one of the stores ; some of the digger s I believe subscribed among themselves for the purpose, but the storekeepers gavff nj active assistance that I am avva.ro of A concert and dance was held here on the night of the 1(11 h lust, in aid of the fund for providing a school building for the district. The affair passed off exceedingly well as an eutertairmieiit, but financially it wai pot a success, owing to bad roads, a wot evening, arid the absence of moonlight. It being the first entertainment got up in the district Pro fiono Politico, I feel as if it deserved uio«-e than a pasfiiug notice, and i? you and you)’ readers will for once excuse the liberty, I will sing it to the tune of Laimigan s Ball ” : —- In a poor country district that’s called Tatarariki, A school was much wanted, so at least I’ve been told, And the settlers were puzzled to muster the peedful,

Hot being overburdened with silver or . . g° ld - So it was decided after much consultation To get up a tea-fight, a concert, or ball; And young Pat Moloughney, without hesitation, Said he’d give them free gratis theriise of bis Hall. The affair was soon, started, due notice was given To all of the neighbours to muster in force ; A farce and a concert, with plenty ofclancing, And other diversions to follow, of course. An illegant supper was also provided, Crossed gum spears arid spades, too, adorned rhe wall ; With nikau and ferns, and such decorations, One would scarcely have known ’twas Moloughney’s Hall. First came the singing, then followed a comedy; The acting was scrumptious, the audience did laugh; The dancing came after, the fun was uproarious ; The girls delighted—their sweethearts did chaff. But as for the supper—oh, how can I tell of it ? Such eating and drinking indulged in by all ; Ho, never before bad the oldest inhabitant Seen such a spread in Moloughney’s Hall. There was beef, lamb, and mutton, with nice new potatoes, Jam, pickles, and honey in bottles and jars, With coffee and tay, and hop beer for the ladies ; They said ’twas hop beer, but was branded three stars. Tinned lobster and salmon, sardines and boiled bacon, A Christmas plum pudding, I can’t tell you al - Or half of the eatables, there in profusion, Provided that night in Moloughney’s Hall. Frank Hay took the chair, and right well did he look in it, Bill Courtis said grace in his usual style, And gallant young Paddy looked after the ladies, Ch, how the dear craytures did giggle and smile. But faith Mr Editor, all your newspaper Would not be sufficient if I told you all The dancing and eating, the courting and flirting, Which wound up the spree iu Moloughney’s Hall.