RAGLAN

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 265, 22 January 1874, Page 2

RAGLAN

(From a Correspondent.) Last week the Rev Mr Bates paid this district a pastoral visit. He conducted divine service in the township on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon in the little Okete church. The rev gentleman preached nn nipretsive sermon on both occasions to rather lerge congregations, considering how the settlers are scattered. Ou the latter occasion, ns on many othom, the little church couid not accommodate all the congregation, and many had to stand outside during the sen ice. Il is to bd hoped that the long-talkrd-ot addition to the church will &oo» beimtdt>. iw it )» very bndlj required. Great impiaiouKUit in the singing was observable, and great prauo on that account is due lo Mr Savage, our lay-reader, he having induced a nunbor of yv>ir^g neople to assemble every Thursday evening for practice. On the 15th mit, then* was a juvenile* fete given to the children attending the Waitetuna and Okete schools, in fact all the children in the neighbourhood partook of the entertainment provided by Mr La Trobe, the master ; about 50 young folk* asuembled, and »ome older ones assiatod in the sport. Sevtral swings were erected, and those with bat and ball, hare and hounds, and iundry othpr sports, caused much merriment. At 5 o'clock, all assembled ior the event of the day ; at that tinrn, cake, buns, &c, fee, weie consumed in large quantities. After tea some songs were sung. At seven o'oklock the youngsters left for their various homes, greatly delighted with the day's amusement. To Mr and Mrs La Trobe »r« due the thariks ot the children and the.r parents for having provided the entertainment