ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 980, 3 October 1878, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

September 30th. 1878. The great event here lately was the ball held ou Wednesday last m our Public Hal!. The Committee bad worked most energetically, and the affair was a most unqualified success— our visitors from nil parts of the district unanimously declaring it the best ball that had as been given m Waikato. Some fifty-four couples attended, the ladies furnishing a fair quota of those present, so there was no lack of partners for those unfortunate ones not possessing friends of their own. The dresses of the ladies were got up m the highest style of millinery architecture, and with the tasteful manner m which the hall was decorated the room had a gay aud lively appearance. The Cambridge band furnished and led by Mr Macintosh provided the music, which it is hardly necessary for me to state was all that could be desired. The refreshment and supper department, the most important part of the affair to many of the elders, who, from duty or inclination were present, had the highest and deserved encomiums. It vras provided by Mr.s Pierce and dispensed by that lady and assistants, to an ever increasing host of admirers the whole night through. Not a single hitch or unpleasantness took place to mar the festivities of the night, or leave any unpleasant reflections hereafter. Daylight found all at the height of enjoyment. The news of the Waimate murder does not much surprise the natives m this district, m fact they look upon it as a matter of course, because deceased was engaged upon a survey contrary to law. It is to be hoped the murderer will be captured before he gets from his own district, if he reaches Te Kuiti he will doubtless be safe ; as the natives would not I think make any difference between him, Purukutu, Winiata. etc. The King natives are naturally more suspicious than the friendly natives, of aj y sudden change m the relations between them and the G-overnraent. The sudden dismissal of Major Mair m whom they have every confidence, is looked upoa by them as unfavorable to their interests, as they cannot understand why a perfect stranger to them should be preferred to carry our any negotiations now pending instead of the Major, who his been identified with them throughout, as lie indeed was the first to bring about the present amicable feeling between the two races. Manuhiri, Tnwhiao's chief adviser, is particularly put out about it, and has written :o the Government intimating that they the Kingites do not approve of Major Mair's dismissal and " that they will not recognise* any other European as ajjent between thpm and the Government." On the face of this it is to be hoped, backed out as it is by the Europeans of the district m their petition to the Minister of Justice, that the Government reconsider their decision aud retain the services of so respected an officer (by both races) m the district, and so facilitate a cordial and good "nderstanding with Tawhiao and bis people. The return football match which should have taken place on Saturday week between the Alexasdra and Ngrahinepouri Clubs at Ngahinepouri fell through — our men not putting m an appearance, which has led to remarks far from complimentary to their courage, the last match between the clubs being such a " hack off." I am inclined to think our men saved themselves for their partners at the late ball. Their non-appearance must, to say the least have greatly disgusted the Nga hinepourians who isad gone to great trouble and expense to entertain them. —Own Coebesponpent. •