WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2091, 1 December 1885, Page 4

WHATAWHATA.

A case of witchcufl has Won exeru'iug tho Maori nuncl lately. A certain joung dusky son of tho soil became enamomed of a fair ywung dark <mo, who cruelly slighted Ins love, and retmed to become 111-*. Thi-i annoyed an uncle ot the young nun, who i , supposed to htue bewitched the young woman. The Maom hold a consternation indignation meeting, b.it 1 have been guuu to midei stand th.it they luvo come to tho conclusion that tho girl's illness is dre to natural cauaos, aud that tho old prophet who put the ido.i of witchcraft into the heads of the young girl's friends is au old fool for his pains. Really tho Maoris am becoming almoit aa ouperstitious us the white rjfed. The Blue Ribbon Army still continues to afford uh an evening's anmseinent once a month. Last Tuesday \s meeting went off quite as well as usual, and lather moio like a temperance meeting than formerly, as I noticed less of the free and easy element in the songs and piecoi selected. One noticeable feature wa<i the singing of tho Band of Hope children. Uno of the pieces was Hung very well, and showed improvement, whilo others betiayed want of practice. Just new wo are at quite a loss for lady wnger:*, several of our be^t having left the diutnct, while others are lesting on their laurels and from their labours. In going home the other night I had to cross the bridge over the Black-water creek near Mr Kothwell's farm, and it was with much fear and trembling on the part of myself and horso that we passed over some | dangerous holes in the planking. An accident is imminent which might be a\ erted for a few -.hillings, and who will bo to j blame? — (Own Correspondent ) I