RAGLAN. Concert at Ruapuke.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1775, 20 November 1883, Page 2

RAGLAN. Concert at Ruapuke.

A concert and dance, which was given in aid of the Ruapuke Library Fund, was held in the Ruapuke schoolroom on the 9th inst. The attendance was not so large as had been anticipated. Nevertheless, a most enjoyable night's amusement was presented, and Mr Miller, our schoolmaster, who has been the moving spirit in the affair, is to be congratulated on the result which has been attendant upon his exertions. The following is the programme which was submitted :— Song " The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington," Mr W. Johnstone ; song (comic), " Doctor Squill," Mr Miller ; song, " The Anchor's Weighed," Mr Kendall ; song, " The Horse Shoe on the Door," Mrs Miller ; song, " Kathleen Mavoiuneen," Mr Harrison ; .song, " Kate O'Shane," Mr Johnstone ; .song (comic), " The Shabby Genteel,"' Mr D. Burns ; song, " Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still," Mr Harrison; song, "Mill May," Mr D. Burns. Some other readings and songs were given, but those were the principal items offered to the audience. On the end of the programme being reached, dancing was commenced, which was heartily indulged in till an early hour on Saturday morning. I have been informed that a committee has been formed, with the object of arranging for another concert at an early date.

Sale of Chamberlain's Land. For many years it has been a source of regret to all the well-wishers of this district that the block of land, some 2000 acres in extent, which lies adjacent to our township, should remain so long unoccupied. The Hon. Mr Chamberlain has, however, now decided upon having this land divided into sections varying from 150 to 200 acres in extent, preparatory to having it offered for sale by public auction. It is to be hoped that the purchasers will prove to be persons who will come and settle upon it, which may lead us to anticipate seeing at an early date an improvement in the aspect of the country lying near our township.

Mata and Ruapuke Schools. Some substantial alterations have been effected to the fencing and outbuildings of the Te Mata school, and the Ruapuke School Committee intend calling tenders for some improvements to the school building which is under their charge. The teacher of the schools, Mr A. R. Miller, is to be removed by the Board of Education to another district after the Christmas holidays. General regret is felt by the residents at the decision arrived at by the board in this matter and it is to be hoped that his position will he improved by the change.

Meeting re Coal Discovery. A short time since I reported that a good seam of coal had been discovered near Raglan. Mr Fergusson, owner of the Hauroto lime kiln, and Mr Frissell, surveyor, with the object of testing the truth of the statement, have since visited the supposed site of the coal seam, and they having informed Mr W. Duncan, county chairman, that they were desirous of making a report on the subject, it was thought advisable by him to convene a public meeting for the purpose of hearing what they had to say on the matter. Having this in view, a meeting of the settlers was held in the council chambers on the 16th inst. The meeting was fairly attended. Mr W. Duncan was, on the motion of Mr Wallis, J.P., and Mr T. Mitchell, voted to the chair. Mr Duncan, in opening the meeting, first stated the object for which it had been called, and dwelt at some length upon the advantages which would accrue to the district and every resident in it if by any means in their power they could encourage or assist to explore the country where the coal seam was said to exist. That a carboniferous deposit did exist here he had little doubt, and the sample of coal which was now before them was not a lignite, but an antharcite, and it only was necessary for them to be able to say where a good seam of such could be found, to ensure the speedy expenditure of capital in its development. He would not anticipate what Mr Fergusson and Mr Frissell had to say on the matter, but would ask them to state to the meeting their views on the subject. Mr Fergusson and Mr Frissell then went into detail in regard to the steps they had taken in the matter, and felt confident that there existed a good seam of coal somewhere in close proximity to the waters of the Raglan harbour. Mr Fergusson, who had had considerable expedience in coal mining, and who was one of the finders of the Mokau seam, expressed his belief that the samples of coal to be found on the Government land at the head of Raglan Harbour was quite equal, if not superior to that found at Mokau. It was ultimately resolved, on the motion of Mr Wallis J.P. and Mr Badford, " That the gentlemen present, with power to side to their number, form themselves into a committee to guarantee the sum of £6 to Mr Fergusson towards the expense of making a further prospect of the country where coal is said to exist, and to report to another meeting.

Narrow Escape from Fire. The residence of Mr W. Bulford had a narrow escape from being destroyed by fire on the morning of the 14th inst. About 1.30 a.m. Mr Bulford, who was asleep in bed, was awakened by a noise, which he found proceeded from the burning of the curtains of his bed. By using strenuous efforts he in time succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but not before it had effected great damage to the furniture. The furniture was, however, covered by an insurance in the New Zealand Company, so his loss will be partly covered.

Miscellaneous. Two distinct .shocks of earthquake were felt here on the evening of the 15th inst., at 9 o'clock. The shock appeared to travel from east to west. Mr W. Duncan had a narrow escape from being drowned in the Touparu creek on the 14th inst. Several large conger eels have been caught here lately. The s..s. Rowena was in harbour on the 15th inst. — [Own Correspondent.]

JNOTiIiXG is easier than fault-finding. No talent, no self-denial, no character, is required to set up in the grumbling business. Particulars conccrninjr the election for filling up the vacancy in rhe Tamahere Road Board will be found in our advertisement columns. Messrs W. J. Huntor and Co. \v\\\ sell at the Frankton Yards on Wednesday, November 28th, 50 head mi\ed store cattle, dairy cattle, &c. On JsUtutday, December 1, they will sell at the Cam- , bridge Yards, hacks and names* "horses, medium draughts, S.C., side saddle, two sets iron harrows (nearly new), and lot sundry harness. Their ; Cambridge horse sales will be held fortnisrhtly in future, commencing- on above date. On Monday, December 3rd, they will offer for sale at Ngaru»- ■ wahia, about 100 head mixed cattle. Intending sellers are requested to forward entries soon as possible. On Thursday, December Oth, they will sell at the Obaupo Yards, 40 .fat and store cattle, from ' native ' country, 100 raised store's, 20 fat • cattle, 50 young steers, dairy cows, sheep, horiesJ ■