CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2405, 8 December 1887, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE.

The Church Fete.— A meeting of those interested in the above fete was held in St. Andrew’s schoolroom on Monday evening, to finally settle the programme, and decide how the persons representing the different nationalities are to be dressed. There was a very large attendance, and the proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic character, and must have been highly gratifying to Mr Shirley, who has charge of tile arrangements, and who has sparer! neither time nor trouble to make it a success. We are pleased to find that several, who for a considerable time have held aloof from taking part in anything connected with the Church, are again coming to the fore, and are using their best endeavours to make the fete a success ; and we have every reason to believe that it will prove not only a financial success, but likewise the grandest spectacle ever witnessed in Cambridge, if not in Waikato. The beautiful grounds of Major Wilson are alone well worth a visit, and when adorned with the Japanese village and the other wonderful sights promised, we feel quite sure no one will grudge a shilling for admission. The railway arrangements—through the exertions of Mr Thomas Wells—are perfect, or as near it as wo can hope to get under the present existing circumstances. There will be the usual cheap fares on the 2Uth, 27th and 28th, returnable in a week or ten days, and on Monday the 20th a day excursion, for which the charge will be (3s and 9s; so Aucklanders will be able to spend their Christmas at home and still pay the Waikato a visit. In addition to this on the three before-mentioned days there will be traiqs to Cambridge from all parts of the Waikato tlqat vyjll arrive about noon and return late in the evening, thus enabling visitors to witness the whole of thp performances. Anyone who has any works of art or curios that they are willing to lend, will kindly communicate with Mr Shirley, who will make the necessary arrangements for their being safely returned. Licensing Committee.— The Cambridge Licensing Committee held their regular quarterly meeting in the court-house at noon on Tuesday, Present : Messrs J. Gwynneth, chairman, J. S. Bond, R. W. Sargent and James Webber. The police report was satisfactory and favourable to a renewal of the licenses of the three hotels. An application for a transfer of the license of the Masonic Hotel from Denis O’Loughlin to C. H, White was granted. Native Land Court.— The Native Lands Court is still occupied with the Fukekura subdivisions. The natives in town are not numerous, and money is not so fresh as aforetime, the existing depression apparently extending even to our Maori aristocracy, who also seem inclined to take a leaf from the pakeha’s book and go in for “ drastic retrenchment.” The halyoon days of the old time Land Courts seem to be fled for aye. Promising Young Musicians. —ln Tuesday’s report of the Wesleyan festival Master Bertie Nixon’s name is transposed to B. Dixon in the list of instrumental performers. This young gentleman promises to become a very fair violinist. Miss Annie Webber also rendered an affective violin solo, but the noise made by the buyers and sellers at the bazaar prevented any but those in the immediate neighbourhood of the performer enjoying the treat. Local Races. Cambridge sportsmen have resolved that in spite of the abandonment of the Gwynneland’s course, and the removal of the grand stand, the customary race meetings shall still bo continued. At a meeting of a few leading racing men, held at Bach’s Criterion Hotel last Monday, it was decided to have a meeting on Mr Allwill’s new course on the 17th March, and in the hands that liars talfep the matter up a good day's sport and a successful meeting can be anticipated. New Industries.— Mr John Rnnciman, of Cambridge, is applying for letters patent for a gooseberry picker, or damson and fruit puller. The instrument is simple in design and construction, and apparently admirably suited to the purpose fur which it is intended. A full description of it would fie out of piece until the invention is protected, but no doubt wimp it is qnce placed before the public a ready sale for it will be obtained, as by its use all danger of pricking and tearing the skin with the thorns of the bushes will be done away and the crop easily and speedily gathered. Mr Rnnciman has also been lately making a number of handy shower-baths, which can be rigged up at a minute’s notice in any shed, under a tpeo, or where the person using them desires. They'are neatly made, effective in operation, handy to use, being lowered or raised after filling by a cord and pulley, and very cheap. The Weather. The very peculiar weather prevalent lately has been a subject ot general comment. The seasons appear to be somewhat mixed up, equinoctial gales and wintry rains alternating with lovely summer days. As an Jnstanpo of the peculiarity of the season, several mushrooms were picked np last week in a paddock in the centre of the town, fully three months ahead of their usual due date. I’ukekura Road Board. —An extraordinary meeting of the Fukekura Road Board took plape ni Ohanpo on Tuesday, when it was decided fq accept A- Tpriiwald’s tender at 9d per cubic yard for claying McLaren's road. Specifications for repairs to Watson’s bridge approaches are to be prepared at once.