NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 402, 10 December 1874, Page 2

NOTES.

Mr Editor. — What a nice man the Minister of Public Works is ! and how gracious too ! If the Hamiltonians do not ask him to a public dinner and present him with a testimonial when next he pays this part of the world a visit, all I can say is they do not deserve to get the punt he lias so magnanimously promised them, as soon as there is no further use for it at Ngaruawahia. But, Mr Editor, why not suggest to him at once to purchase the old punt, which is advertised for sale by the Town Board, or somebody else, and send that up to them to use as a temporary bridge until the magnificent structure intended for their future use is ready. Were he to do this, then, indeed, would he cover himself with glory, and deserve the good-will of every settler in and about Hamilton.' Then, too, when the glorious time had come, and the punt had actually been handed over to the Corporation of the City of Hamilton, the smaller one might be given for use as a pontoon bridge over the No. 1 creek, alter which I feel sure that the Waikato settlers would bo so well satisfied that they would be good boys and never ask for any further favours from a Government who had shown them such partiality and expended such an amount of public money in their district. I hear that a few balloons have been procured by the Minister of Public Works for use on theue A waroutu and Alexandraroad to take the place

of what were once bridges, this being by his highness considered the most permanent Bort of highway, and also the most economical, as they will last so long and will not be much expense. Will you please, Mr Editor, convey my blessings to the Minister of Public Works for his great goodness to the Waikato settlers, and tell him I trust we shall soon have him here to grasp his hand in thankfulness for favours received. I see that " G." has been writing about the disgraceful state of repair in which the English Church at present revels. Mr (or Mrs) "G." is quite right, and such things should not be, but why not try to l'emedy the existing state of affairs by some of those numerous methods whioh are resorted to by other communities on such occasions — bazaars, gift auctions, concerts, &c. Now a concert in Ngaruawahia would take well, and would add considerably to the funds, I feel confident, the expenses being but small, and I am sure the talent exists in the place if it was only roused up properly. People always like to have something for their money, and would pay to go to a concert when they would put nothing into the hat. Another thing — persons not connected with the Church at all would become subscribers, and if the first affair were made a success (as it would be) others might follow. It only wants energy to carry it through ; and is there no one connected with the Church possessed of enough of that to take the thing up 1 When I mention a concert, I do not mean to say that there should be nothing but singing and music; readings, &c, might be added at the pleasure of the committee. I say — about the "Green Spectacles" — my friend, T — S — , objects. He says that it is unfair to call him a lady-killer ; he loves them all too much for that. But mind you the idea is not so dusty after all, for you know that besides the purposes you mention, for which they could be worn, would they not do to hide a fellow's eyes in the morning when they looked seedy, eh 1 I expect to be elected a member of the society free for this idea, and presented with the goggles gratis too. The only thing I trust is that the " fair ones" will not follow suit, for whatever should we do if we could not obtain a sight of their " dazzling orbs of vision." I shudder at the thought. Green veils are- bad enough ; but ' goggles, Oh, Heavens ! Those navvies who came up a short time since. ! They ain't half a bad lot after all — my friend Harris ! says so, so does Davidson. Notwithstanding what ! was said of them before they arrived, they have b-e hayed pretty well, and have really done some work 1 too. Fancy that for militia workmen. Who'd have 1 thought it twelve months since. ■ Great people for sport the Waikato's are they s not 1 Races or sports at every settlement during the holidays. But it's a mistake all these small " race meetings. If they would only be satisfied with other sports at each township, and go in for a big thing once a-year, how much better it would be. But I know that it is no use saying this, for each ' committee will have its own way after all. Several other little matters I would like to men- * tion, but will reserve them for my next.