WHATAWHATA. [OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1205, 18 March 1880, Page 3

WHATAWHATA. [OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Notwithstanding the large amount of correspendence which has taken pla^e relative to the Hamilton punt being brought to Whatawhata, nothing really seems to have been done in the matter, The Hamilton punt is at present lying comfortably at the bottom of the river at Hamilton, and we have still our old barge to cro^s in. It is, however, somewhat doubtful whether the chansre will be to our advantage or not; the Hamilton punt requires a rapid current, not a sluergish stream like the Waipa. The punt here has to be pulled over by hand ; thi« can be done with our light punt, but hauling the Hamilton one about will be a very different affair. While on the subject of our punt, I nbould like to mention that the present lessee's term of office i* nearly if not quite expired, and the usual nteps have not been taken to relet it. Hitherto it has been the custom to call for tenders from those willing to work the punt so that all might compete for it. This time, however, a rumor is gaininsr ground that the Waipa County Council, who control the destinies of our punt, have already given the working of it to one person, thus doing away with the necessity for any tendering in the matter. No doubt the Council have a right to govern their own actions, still it will be a matter of regret if publio services—however small they may be — which have from time immemorial been open to public competition, are in future to become so much private patronage. I enclose the score-sheet of the cricket match played on Saturday last between the Ngahinipouri and our local Boys' Clubs. It will be seen that our boys were far and away too good for the foreigners. Humiliating as it may seem, it appears to be left to our boys to regain the cricket laurels so systematically lost by their elders. The visitors were handsomely treated by their conquerors, and departed well pleased with their trip. I must not omit to mention the really goad bowling of Goble, jun., on the Ngahinipouri side; and Whatawhdta, old and young, need never have better representatives in the cricket field than Corboy, Clarke, and Bishop; from these lads many so-called cricketers — the writer among 1 the number — might learn many useful hints in cricket.