MAURICEVILLE NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4833, 24 September 1894, Page 3

MAURICEVILLE NOTES.

[llY RUSTIC.] The short intervalsbotwcenbirths, marriages and deaths in this community are chiefly occupied with speculations as to whether tho winter is nearly over or only just beginning. In the face of the late snow storms and bitterly cold southeastern, the lattor view would scorn to be the most correct one. Stock of all kinds has suffered considerably during the past five wcoks throughout tho district, although—strange to say—the 'mortality amongst young lambs is not so large as might be expected, and the percentages will not compare badly with other years. Talking of mortality reminds me that Monsieur La Grippe has been very much abroad hero of lato, claiming its victims with a virulence and impartiality little less than appalling. Some of our oldest settlors havo had to go under from tho effects of this insidious malady, and many who havo recovend from the most acute stago of the disease are suffering an after effect which is far from desirable. Typhoid has also made its appearanceinMauricevilleWest, and ono family vory widely known and res-

pected, aro unfortunately having a very bad timo just now, Doctor Beard has tho cases in hand, and it is hoped his skill, which has already doue much for people in tho Bush districts,will enable him to pull his patients through and still further earn thoir confidence and gratitude. Tho social side of our existeuco during the past wintor has shown a ! decided improvement on former years, and though dancing still holds . the premier place, it cannot be said ', to constitute our sole amusement. ; We have othor " divarsions" in tho i shape of a Minstrel Troupe—strictly amateur—but possessed of talents for whicha straugcrupon first glance would hardly give us credit. This Troupe is rapidly gaining for itself something more than a merely local reputation, andlias already recoived invitations from various centres to como and giveatastoof its quality. These invitations will be taken into Consideration later on. At present thoTroupo is preparing for an ontertninmont to bo given by thorn in the Choral Hall in aid of tho East and West Mauriceville school libraries, |and as this is a very laudable purpose, there will no doubt be a large attendance. This event will take place on 6th October. They next propose to play at Mastertonin aid of tho Hospital, where they will doubtless meet with tho reception which their efforts will deserve, Our recently formed Band has already attained a degreo of proficiency which is positively astounding, and at a concert given by the members a few weeks back, they sprang a huge surprise on the audience, who wero certainly not prepared for tuch a musical treat, Altogether our social amusements are attaining a higher standard, and if we only keep right on, our futuro in this direction is assured.