RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2469, 8 May 1888, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Inspection OF Schools.—The annual inspection of schools in this district took place lately, Mr Goodwin conducting the same. The YVaitetuna school being closed until the arrival of the new teacher, Mr Paine, recently appointed by the Board of Education, Mr Goodwin first put the children attending the Raglan district school through their standards, the result being most satisfactory, the children in most cases passing their standards well. The progress they had made during the pa<t year was creditable to their teacher, Mr Horsey. The Te Mata school, of which Mr Calvert is the teacher, and at which a large number of children are receiving their education, also did remarkable well, "0 per cunt of those examined passing their standards. Mr Goodwin proceeded to Rnapuke and Kawhia, both of which schools he examined. He also examined the school at the North Arm of the Raglan Harbour. It is pleasing to see so much interest taken in the welfare of some of the school children attending these schools, many of whom come four or five miles, and some even more.

Freights Low Kit.—For many years past the settlers have suffered from the high freights charged by the local trading vessels, but during Mr Sutton's late visit to Auckland he, as agent for the Northern Company's boat, s.s. Staffa, trading here, was enabled to arrange with the manager of the Company, so that the produce of settlers leaving Raglan should be convoyed at a great reduction, flax, lime, putatoes, and all other produce being reduced in freight thus leaving no excuse for not forwarding potatoes and other produce for the Auckland market, seeing that the former can be grown here all the year rouud. A large quantity of bacon is expected to be cured here during the next few months. Upon this also the settlors will reap the benefit of the reduction, so that it is hoped that owing to the liberal manner in which the Northern Shipping Company have lowered the freight, cultivation will be stimulated and a much larger quantity of producc exported, all that is wanted being a. market for the same.

A Mkteoh.— During the lust week quite a large number of these portions of old worlds hare been seen failing through the air. But the most brilliant of any yot seen, and of which it might be said " Fragment of a world whose course is run, Brighter than the stars which shone, More brilliant than a sun." was seen to fall on the evening of Friday lust between eight and nine o'clock. Mr Grut, who was returning froin Waitetuna in his boat, and the night being dark, had just got off Unices' Point when looking South he saw a large and beautiful meteor falling, it appeared to be as big as one of the largest planets, but upon nearingtho horizon it increased to the dimensions of a full moon, when it disappeared behind a large cloud, the effect being most beautiful and so great was the light produced by it that it almost appeared as if daylight had begun, the smallest print could have been road. A lady returning homo also saw the meteor fall, the sight of which sho describes as being mostbeautifulandthc light displayed dazzling the eyes'. As it reached the town it shot out rays of brilliant light in all directions stretching far across the heavens.

Italian Summer.—We are now enjoying as it .vere an Italian summer, the weather being most beautiful. Frost prevailed for a few nights a week ago, but since the days have been warm and the nights mild, the young grass being greatly benefitted thereby. En'vkktais'mk.nt and Dance.—A social entertainment took place in Powell's Buildings, Raglan, on the evening of Wednesday, May 2nd. The origin of the gathering was to celebrate the appearance of a young gentleman who, though naturally of a bashful turn of mind, yet was determined to show his barefacednoss on this occasion, so had promised to shave his face, as he had received an olfer of marriage under those conditions. A very large number of persons were present, tho young folks having mot in large numbers. Between the various farces the following songs were given—viz : —"The Parson and the Clerk," Mr B, 0. Wallis; " Still I Lovo Thee," Mr Donaldson ; song, Miss Alexander ; "I Would if I Gould," Mr Turner; "It Goes Against the Grain," Mr Griffiths ; " The Old Folks at Home," by the " hero of the evening part song, "We are a Merry Family," in character; Mr Charles Mom, "Father;" E. 0, Wallis, "Mother;" Arthur Wallis, A. L. Pegler. L. Sutton, H. Bulford, "children." The|renderingof this brought down the house the varions chancters being well sustained. The supper, which was served about eleven, was of the most elaborate character, Dainties of all kinds being provided by Mrs Turner, and which were, of course, most appreciated by those present, a finer spread never was seen in Raglan before. Grapes and fruits of all kinds appearing, and tho table being laid out most tastefully, Dancing was kept up till daylight did appear. Mrs Mathias kindly presided at the piano. Raglan Chbistv Minsthels.—A number of the young folks are forming themselves into a Minstrel company, and ore long are expected to visit Waikato and other parts during the coming winter, being determined to show what young Raglan can do, there is a lot of talent here.