PIRONGIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 367, 15 November 1898, Page 2

PIRONGIA.

Mounted Infantry.—The Government Drill Instructor (Sergeant-Major Carpenter) came here on Thursday evening last, when our corps of Mounted Infantry were put through their first course of instruction with arms. Although the notice given was short and the weather exceptionally bad, there was a gooil attendance. The Toiiunga.— The now notorious Tohunga Khau again made his appearance last week at Whatiwhatihoe. On his first appearance here some few weeks ago, he succeeded in gathering upwards of five pounds from the deluded natives. Since the repott of the reputed resurrection of the Maori girl at Tauranga, he has come to be looked upon as an Atua, nothwithstandine his weakness for waipiro. He accordingly now takes full advantage of his reputation (given to him by the Rress) and returned for another collection, and succeeded in pocketing the sum of £6 10s, which will give him a glorious spree. Now, one would like to know if this sort of thing is allowed by the Government to go on. If a woman in Auckland manages to gull the flats wanting to know the future by palmistry, the whole detective force is at work to secure a conviction, and the woman (or man) is liable to punishment by the law. The Rev. Mr Gittos and other rev. gentlemen expend all their energies in endeavouring to prevent a large community at Otorohanga and Te Kuiti from obtaining any spirituous liquors without breaking the law, when on occasions it might save a human life. Would it not he better for them to expend their superfluous energies in educating their flock and exposing this so-called prophet, and explain to them the Divine command, " Thou shalt have no other God's but me." Race Meeting.—The annual race meeting was held here on Saturday even ing last to make arrangements for the usual meeting on Boxing-Day.—(Own Correspondent).