CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 312, 14 May 1874, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

(To the Editor of tbe Waikato Timks.> gIKg 1K) — When in Auckland some time since, I asked Col. Balneavis what the nci essary qualification was for a Maori to have his name placed on the Electoral Soil, and if a Crown grant was necessary. I^asked if joint occupation and ownership of any settlement, not having a Crown grant, qualified the several owners, and gave as an example one of my neighbouring settlements ; to which he replied they would {not be objreted to. I took some little trouble to get the necessary forms filled in, so that my native neighbours should have the same privileges as myself. 1 now find that the Returning Officer for the Waikato has objected, wholesale to the whole lot. My reason, Sir, for wi iting is that many of them have Crown grants and could have entered such as their qualifications. Can you inform me why they aic objuctou to, ll we an* all British subjects ?— 1 am, &c, T. B. Hill. [Any convt rsation that may have taken place between the writer and Col. H.ilneavis has nothing, so far as we are aware, to do with the matter. Every European voter has to state the grounds of Ins claim to v»t*-; why not the Maoris?— Ed. W. T.]

(To tbe Editor of the Waikato Times.) Sin,— The " teii-fi^ht" nnd concert last night was a great success — the room was filled by friends from far and near ; but many more woul'l liave been present had it not been for the bungling notice which was posted, stating that the entertainment \>as to take place in April, instead of May. Had it been advertised, this would not have occurred, anJ it would have been much more widely known. The ladies who supplied the tables richly deserved the vote of thanks accorded them ; this was done by clapping of hands, which, to my mind, resembled the splashing of a lot of ducks in a horse pond. I think they would have better shown a grateful heart by three hearty cheers. The musical ladies and gentlemen who catered for our amusement also deserved thanks for the manner in which they acquitted themselves. No doubt all the perfoumers would have done better had they been allowed to follow their own tastci in selecting the pieces for performance. A few more popular songs with good choruses mi*jbt have warmed up the hearts of those who had met to enjoy themselvei. To ask a person to sing or play and not allow him his choice is like putting a boy to turn a grindstone when he wishes to be at cricket or foot ball. One popular song was given in first-class style by Mr W. Mandeno — " Marching through Georgia ; " the chorus wai taken up by the audience in such a manner as to shake the building. The musical performance was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem in the most enthusiastic manner by all present. The next operation was to clear away tho seats from the room, the clouds from the brow, ond expand tho heart for enjoyment and arras for a fair partner. Dancing ,wa3 kept up until a late hour, — like " When you and I were boys, John." Sceutan.