ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1408, 12 July 1881, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

From the interest taken here, one would think that the general election for the Assembly was close at hand. According to general report, there will be no lack of candidates willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the country. Major Jackson, however, is the only one who haB distinctly come forward and offered his services, declining a requisition that was proposed by some of his friends. The Major will get a fair share of support in this district where he is so well and favorably known. The Te Rore bridge, that is the structure itself, ia now pretty well completed, and a splendid specimen of substantial workmanship it is ; of the earthwork also little remains to be done, but the metal to cover it has yet to be laid on. Mr OBrien, the contractor, expects that it will be entirely completed to hand over to the public in six weeks, or two months at the latest. Should, however, the weather be favorable, one month would finish the contract. Mr J. D. Hill's bacon factory is in full swing. He has a large quantity now undergoing the last proce&s of curing in the smoke-house. It has a first-class ( appearance, as he uses only matai timber for the purpose — the real "amber" cured, and equal to any Canterbury in flavor and keeping qualities. If the proprietor would wish me to write authoritatively on the subject he knows where to send a side. Our native friends at Hikurangi have been in a great fervent lately respecting Tawhiao's projected visit to our settlements in Waikato. Tawhiao's intention was to make the trip accompanied only by a few followers of his own in a quiet way, but tribal jealousies would not allow this. Wahanui, the great Ngatimaniopoto chief, took the matter up, he being of opinion that if all of his tribe did not go it would be very unsatisfactory to them indeed ; in fact, they doubtless mistrusted Tawhiao, being subjected to the subtle machinations of the pakeha unsupported by them. Accordingly, Tawhiao giving up his own idea of a quiet visit, all Ngatimaniopoto have been summoned to Hikurangi to escort him, some three or four hundred men. Ngaruawahia ia to be the terminus of their journey, where they will be met by the lower Waikatoa, and a great crying- takes place over the dead there. Tise party would have been here before tl&ipimt Tawhiao has been waiting to 'Mrifc/from Major Mair to make arrangements and explain the purport, etc., of their incursion. Major Mair arrived here on Friday evening (yesterday), and received communications from Tawhiao, and to-day sent up his reply to Hikurangi, which, I fancy, will cause some disappointment, as the natives have all been .busy polishing up their firearms to bring with them in native orthodox style. The Government, I am informed, do not approve of so many * natives (possibly 500) coming amongst as ( with their arms. It would give rise to so many i( rep,ort3 regardingthe personality of ' those 'carrying them, that it would be better they should be left behind. " Until news' arrives !| from u Hikurangi it is not possible to say now ho#, H or in what manner, the king will no. w come amongst

HB. The natives wore fully expecting a trip to Waikato with rationß, etc., from the Government. lam inclined to think now that unless all can come as they wish that Tawhiao will let the matter drop until he can got quietly away. I should mention that Te Kooti was particularly anxious to join the party and be in command of the escort, and is extremely disgusted with Tawhiao for declining his compwy. I will keep this letter open in case of any deoided news to-morrow. Sunday, 6 p.m. No messengers have been down to-day. —[Own Oobrespondknt.]