"ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1834, 8 April 1884, Page 2

"ALEXANDRA.

, . ■»■ We have had another dull week here, very little business doing, the majority of the natives having accompanied Tawbiao, to see him off on his trip to England. A number of them have now, however, returned to their settlement, and there has been a three days' fast at Whatiwhatihoe, with almost continual prayer for the safety of the "king," and a prosperous issue to his long journey. Among the Europeans here many various ideas prevail as to who or whom was or weie the moving spirits who pulled the wires and succeeded in getting the headquartern of the Armed Constabulary re moved from Carnbiidge to Kihikihi, instead of here, which no one doubted was the most suitable position for it. That some private and strong influence was brought to bear upon the Defence Minister to make him countermand his order so that Kihikihi was. substituted foi Alexandra, no one doubts. The nntives, however, know all about it, and are unanimous in their opinion ; they say that Tawhiao, having so frequently in his speeches at various places alluded to Alexandra as his place, and having taken up his residence in its immediate vicinity was quite enough to cause the Government to keop his town in the background as possible. They are to a man convinced of this, and now that it is shown in this light, many of the settleia here think there is something in it. It is somewh.it strange, after the cry that has been made of the almost impracticability of constructing the railway from Te Awamntu to Taranaki, that no less three routes have been discovered, by various surveyors, with no engineering difficulties whatever. It is to be hoped the Atokau line will be chosen. The general opinion here is that before the road between Kawhia and this place is commenced, via. Hikurangi, the line across Phongia lange, reported upon so favourably by Mr F. H. Edgecumbe, should Y e further investigated and reported upon, it being so much shorter. Our Amatuer Dramatic Club intend to give a perfoimance in the Public Hall on the night of Easter Monday. The club has been greatly .strengthened lately by some talented membeis joining, so a great tioat may ba expected.— [Own Correspondent, Apiil7th.]