RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1368, 7 April 1881, Page 2

RAGLAN.

The Natives in this district have been making great preparations for the forthcoming monster meeting, to be held shortly at Hikurangi, as during the last week they took away some three or four thousand dried sharks (mango) and other mataitai ; evidently they are bent on having a large supply of kai. It is expected that Titokowaru, Te Whitea, *nd other native notorieties will attend, as matters of great importance are to be discussed. We have, had a considerable, long spell of dry weater, in fact getting quite serious, as all the wells are drying up, and the cattle and horses are looking the worse for want, of feed, which at present is very scarce. The very wonderful waterfalls we hear about, have not been visited by many at present, as people with sense do not care to be gulled ; it seems that it is really nothing wonderful or new, as they have been known before, and were visited by the late Sir Donald McLean and other gentlemen in years gone by. School matters have been in rather an unsettled state, but we are happy to say that through the energy of the new school committee, we may expect to see education in Raglan put upon such a footing as to make it second to none in New Zealand. The committee is using every exertion in their power to obtain the services of a duly qualified and competent teacher, and also to have a good school-house erected. Speaking about the school-house, is it not a lasting disgrace on the late committee, that in all these years no house for school purposes has been erected ? They had two cottages put by for the purpose, but by some means or other sacrificed them at a paltry sum of £21 each, which said cottages cost the Government £157 each. New buildings are going up at Karioi and in the town (the said two cottages which were sold) the one in town is believed to be intended for a police barrack. I certainly cannot say much for the design, and I think the architect must be a "new chum," as there is neither beauty or shape to the building ; in fact, instead of being an ornament to the town (considering the position, it stands on) it is quite the reverse, an eyesore. The road between Raglan and Whatawhata is all that any sensible person would require to see it, and has been so for the last eighteen months or more. I must again remark about the great irregularity of the arrivals of our mails. It is really too bad altogether, and I am certain that, were there a telegraph here, that most people would use it in preference to the mail. The census is now being taken here, which gives our man in blue a little work (or else he would be getting quite rusty) and we see a little extra work has been attached to the census collecting ; that is, that our census collector is handing round small handbills re the Government Life Insurance Department. I wonder does he receive a percentage for distribution of said handbills. When I learn of the date of the Hikurangi meeting, I will send particulars. I am happy to say that we are getting welcome and refreshing showers of rain, which commenced with a heavy fall on Sunday morning, between 10 and 11 a.m. — [A Correspondent.] Raglan, April 5, 1881.