TE AWAMUTU NEWS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1428, 27 August 1881, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU NEWS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

A Digression. The kindest office a friend can perform is to point out the faults and failings of a dense-witted and self-satisfied individual, though generally the last person to see his own failings is the man who is sharpest in perceiving those of others, and generally the most conceited empty ass is the one who aspires to teach the world what all the science of ages has failed to penetrate. Placid little Te Awamutu, like a good old lady "nid, nid, nodding," will perhaps indignantly resent being told, however politely, of the fact, and will protest that she is thinking deeply, and that the sound ignorantly supposed to have proceeded from her nose emanated from that abandoned, ill-behaved, graceless animal, the cat. Still I do and will venture to point out from time to time to Te Awamutuans that they have such and such little peccadillos, of no consequence much, to answer for, that are just as well noticed as the first few bars of the grand old nasal bonata of a beloved grandmother. The Churchyard. First of all then, how is it that in the pretty little churchyard, where lie the remains of the 25 or 30 brave men who perished at Orakau in 1864, in the establishment of law and order and progress against savage violence, and who in fact were the founders of these WaiUato and Waipa settlements, how is it that the headstones or boards set up by faithful comrades to record their names are allowed to rot and fall, and the names of the brave men to be trampled on and die out, as if their owners were no more than a set of rotten black beetles ? Of course no one would ever think of accusing New Zealand settlers of being selfish, coldblooded, or ungrateful ; we all know they nevei are, as they are the pick of politeness, honor and amiability, but do they grudge the paltry sum necessary to preserve the slightest mark of honor to men who have died for them ? It appears as if they do here in Te Awamutu churchyard, and if they do there is one satisfaction for any who may still remember the underlying dead, and that is that to be neglected, unappreciated, and grudged by some men is the highest honor that can be paid to anyone not of their own stamp. Waikato Cavalry. The men of the Te Awamutu Cavalry Troop are anxiously waiting for the decision of the Government on the question of pay during drill. Captain Whitaker having promised to bring the question in its proper light before the Government. It may be hoped that the matter will be settled satisfactory as if it is not it is generally felt that the Waikato Cavalry will collapse. A meeting of delegates of the three troops of the Waikato Cavalry was held at Ohaupo on Tuesday, Major Jackson being in the chair, to consider the accounts of the review of last Easter, which showed that the total of expenses to the Waikato Cavalry for the affair amounted to £273. Subscribers who had entered their names for contributing towards the entertainment of the visitors, havo it appeared refused to pay their subscriptions, and it was decided that legal advice should be taken as to what course to follow with them. There was no further business. The Constabulary. Detachments of the Constabulary are being sent from Te Awamutu, Alexandra, and Kihikihi under Capt Capel, to take a part in the formation of the road between Cambridge and Ohinemutu. An Agricultural Show. A decided step in a perfectly right direction, that may be of great value in the promotion of Te Awamutu, or rather of Waipa interests, is being talked over and will be brought into shape in a few days, and that is the starting of an agricultural show to be held later in the year in this town There are many settlers about whose breeds of cattle sheep, and horses would bear comparison with any in the country, and the produce of the soil, whether in root crops or grain, would speak volumes for the true character of this district. Nothing is more beneficial to an agricultural district than a good show, and where they possess the capabilities that this does nothing could be mors gratifying. There is very little doubt that the idea will be worked out, and it is to be earnestly hoped that all will set their shoulders to the wheel to insure its success.— August 25 th.