WAIHI NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 136, 20 May 1897, Page 2

WAIHI NOTES.

[Bv Tin: OnriiAx].

The twice deferred demonstration in aid of the funil for the benefit of sufferers by tnc Haw ke's Bay floods eventuated this afternoon, and was a brilliant success, botli as to numbers and amount collected. The prncission was headed by the Waihi Biass Band, seventeen strong. Then came Mr Simms and Miss Snow (the origina'ors of tlie affair) followed hy the Fonstera iu full rcgulia. The Druids in their quaint and queer looking garments then moved next, wi-h the Good Templars in full fig. followed by the Band of Hope and school children, the rear being brought up by the Salvation Army, headed by their standard hearer holding aloft their ensign. Both sides of the main street were crowded with the outside public, to view the procession as it passed along, who fell in behind and followed on to the football ground, where a gi'odly number were alnady assembled to take part iu the proceedings. A brake was made use of as a rostrum, and the assemblage, was addressed by Messrs Benge, Kvans, Lasker, Simms, and otlurs, who appealed to those present to open their hearts and make up a good collection for a most deserving object. A huge number of young ladies were then told off to do the collecting, which resulted in the sum of £23 odd being paid into the treasury. After the school children had sung several hymns, the procession reformed and made its way back to Tanner's Hall, and dispersed just as heavy rain to descend. When all the lists and private subscriptions are paid in to-morrow, it is reckoned up that the treasurer will have between £OO and £OO to remit to the Hawke's Bay sufferers, which is not so bail for Waihi. Misfortune seems to dog some families more so than the'r neighbours, as for instance Mr and Mrs Robinson who lost their infant a month or so back, and this afternoon Mrs Robinson herself, only aged "24, has departed this life, whilst her bereaved husband is sick nigh unto rlealh. Another instance, Mr and Mrs L\ Rrody buried a fine little boy about two months, and now they have to mourn the loss of their latest born, quite an infant. The remains are to be taken to l'aeroa in the morning for burial. The Literary Society had their usual evening's diversion last Tuesday evening, and the proceedings seem to catch on with the general public as tli3 hall is always crowded, and the discussion upon the several subjects brought forward are animated and lively. The Quadrille Assembly also bad their usual fortnightly dance on Wednesday evening at Tanner's Hall. Although the additions are not. yet tinished, the committee, ■with the assistance of the contractors, tixed up the inside very nicely, and a most enjoyable evening was spent

Last Monday was the Waihi Company's payday. Iu consequence the township was iv bit lively for a day or two. You must understand that all wagc3 arc paid by cheque, and as we have no buuk hero the men have to go around to the. stores and pubs tu get them cashed. If a man owes a score in any of the stores he generally manages to gel the balance in change. If not, he goes to the pnbli'an, who is generally better supplied with cash ; in fact they all make a point of having plenty on hand for p.iy-day. '1 he consequence is I hut when the cheque is culled whiskies or long beer.-, ale called for, and the pubs do a 'roaring trade for a day or two. Afterwards (if a married man) the wife has a turn round the town to settle up her small accounts or pick up bargains ftolll one or other of the pedlats who are always a pet feet nuisance around here about pay-day. Waihi, May l(3ih, IS'JT.