RAGLAN.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 527, 16 December 1899, Page 3

RAGLAN.

King Mahuta.—Last week the natives of Te Kopua were busy in entertaining the Maori King and his party, the King having arrived early in the week, accompanied by his brass band. The usual feasting took place at the native settlement Kopua, and numerous presents to his Maori Majesty were displayed. The locality was visited by a good many Europeans, the band, under Bandmaster Batchelor, playing from time to time a choice selection of tunes, which were highly appreciated both by natives and Europeans. The visit appeared to be more of the nature of a picnic than anything else, though matters of some importance were discussed, among others that of Maori representatives to the House, the election for which takes place next Tuesday, the 19th inst, On Thursday evening an entertainment took place in the Pubic Hall, Raglan, dancing, etc., being indulged in. The band again played to a delighted audience. On Saturday afternoon the town was alive with natives, either of the King and his party (who left for Aotea or Kawhia) or else of their friends from Kopaa and other parts. A good number of the latter left with the King s party about four p.m. Maori Cultivation.—The natives of Kopua have a much larger area under cultivation this year with wheat, oats and potatoes. They are just putting in their late crop; a large quantity of kumaras have also been planted this year. All their growing crops are looking well. Several new wooden houses have been erected on the flat, and the settlement is busier than for some years. Church Services.—The Rev. E. M. Cowie paid his quarterly visitation to this district on Sunday last. Holy Communion was celebrated at the Raglan Church at 8 a.m The rev. gentleman visited Te Mata in the morning and held a confirmation class in the afternoon ; also at Raglan at 6 p.m. In the evening service was held in the Anglican Church at 7 p.m., a fair congregation being present. It is expected that the Bishop will be here in January for the purpose of conferring the rite of confirmation. Petitions.—Two petitions have been numerously signed during the last week or two. The first for the fixing of tho days of the new mail service, that of a tri-weekly one from Hamilton to Raglan, the petitioners requesting that the days for leaving Raglan be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and for the arrival of mails Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This has been dispatched to the Chief Postmaster, Auckland, for his favourable considerable. Settlers have been always accustomed to get their Auckland and Waikato papers on Saturday afternoon. This they could not do if the mail arrived on Friday, at least not the later ones, having to wait until Monday, which would be a great disappointment to them and a retrograde movement. The other petition has arisen out of the notice of motion given at the last meeting of the County Council, viz., " to take steps for the removal of the county office to Ngaruawahia." The petition is against this taking place for several reasons mentioned. A very strong feeling has been expressed on the subject, and the petition from the ratepayers of Karioi has been almost universally signed. Petitions from Pirongia, Karamu and Waingaro are also said to be in course of signature. It will be a great blow to Raglan if the county office is removed.—(Own Correspondent).