WHATAWHATA. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT ]

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1233, 25 May 1880, Page 2

WHATAWHATA. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDEN T ]

Oun (o \nslnp h.it, been quite brisk lately w ith the number of intending contractors who have come to look at the plans, &c, of public works about to be carried out in the district. Times must be dull when contractors come from all parts of Waikato for such email works; however, the public will reap the benefit of the competition. You were not far out when you baid that something like a mesa has been made in the matter of our punt, the fact is, the contractors underrated the work. The punt had to be sheathed with new plank ing, besides other repairs; but upon Messrs Foxall attempting to pull her up the bank they found her so heavy and so rotten that had they persisted the punt would have gone to pieces. Upon finding this the contractors threw the job up, and vow the pant i-, to go on tlie slip at Ngaruawahia. This will cost more than the original tender. The object in having such entensive repairs made to the punt is, I believe, that when we have the bridge in will be available for the proposed ferry at Ngatuawahia The lai-e rains have had a mo&t beneficial effect throughout the district although so late in the season; a good growth of grass has been the result, and the turnip crops are looking well. Our u«ual quarterly sale took place last Wednesday; there was rather a small muster of sfcook, but prices were good. The firt>t entertainment of a theatrical kind took place last evening, it consisted of a short farce entitled "Fortunes Frolic." The principal parts were borne by Messrs Smith and Cordorey ; the acting of the latter gentleman was so good and had such a genuine ring about it that ib was evidently not the first time he had tried the boaids. The second part included songs and readings; the whole being brought to a clo->e with " Grod save the Queen," after which the hall waa cleared, and daiuing kept up until a late hour.