ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1593, 19 September 1882, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Our township was enlivened on Friday evening last in a somewhat unusual manner. It has been hitherto the custom of the various committees for arranging our social meetings, dances, &c., to invite some of our native friends amongst the guests, and who have invariably accepted and enjoyed themselves with every decorum, and by the great majority here were looked upon as an acquisition. The last ball held here a short time since by the llinkew, however, was for some unknown reason, made a strictly pale-faced one, and caused a great deal of dissatisfaction to both races. To endeavour to make amends to those slighted, it was determined to give a ball and supper to our Maori and half-caste friends. A meeting was held and Messrs J. D. Hill, P. Connell, E. L. Hope, were deputed to make the necessary arrangements, and right well they succeeded in doing so. The hall was neatly decorated, the Alexandra Band volunteered their services. Mr Herlihy most felicitioualy acted as M.0., assisted by Mr R. Turner for the natives, and Mr Connell who was caterer for the occasion, was fully equal to it from the fact that there was more than enough to spare of an excellent supper for the at least 150 persons who wei'e present. Dancing was almost continuously kept up until near daylight, when the band playing God Save the Queen, a number of those present of both races joined in all loyalty with their voices and loud cheers on its conclusion. It was apprehended by a few there would be some disturbance on the occasion, but those who know the natives better laughed at the idea, and right they were, and a more orderly and enjoyable party was never before held in Alexandra since its settlement. Not a single unpleasantness took place the whole night, nor any sign of intemperance, all enjoying themselves most thoroughly. It was in fact a most cheering sight to see so many who have for so long a time kept aloof from us, judging us almost as foes, unite so freely and heartily as did our now near and_ friendly neighbour's from Whatiwhatihoe. A number of Tawhiao's family were present. Tawhiao is not yet returned from Kawhia. Natives are anxiously enquiring when the Native Minister may be expected here. — (Correspondent.)