Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 179, 30 July 1900, Page 2

There is a Qarge and handsome residence in Hawke's Bay which, gossip says, is haunted. A number of bold and fearless spirits (says the Poverty Bay "Herald") have tried to diSßipate the myth, but they have again and again been, startled and perplexed by strange footfalls, mysterious opening of windows, and heart-rending cries. Rumour says that the land upon which the mansion is built was the scene of a horrible murder in the early days, and that the Maoris declared the place tapuj warning the owner, that it was inadvisable to build upon it. vlt sounds a very pretty ghost story, but there are a number of people in the district who vouch for the accuracy of the Statements.

Further details of the police raid made in the King Country last week on residents suspected of sly grog selling are given in Jie Waikato "Argus" of Saturday last. It appears that for some little time a couple of "commercial travellers,',' one with pictures and the other with boots, have been paying the King Country, townships, particularly Poro-o-tarao, Te Kuiti, Otorohanga, and Oparure, a good deal of attention. After staying at the last named place for two days they went on to Kawhia. There they were hospitably entertained by a well known half-caste, and at his expense drank half a doze a bottles of beer and. the best part of a bottle of whisky. The (entertainer did not take any payment, but one of the "travellers," alleges the "Argus," proposed thWt they should shout, and as his supply of liquor had run out they suggested lie should go out and get some, which he did and they paid him for it. They solicited orders for grog and booked his order for 5 gallons of whisky— this order has not yet been executed. The result of the trip ; iwas that a good amount of evidence as to slygrog selling was obtained, and in consequence a raid was madfe at Te Kuiti and Otorohanga when several cases and jars of spirits were confiscated. A number of charges have been laid and will be heard at Te Awamutu on Wednesday next before Mr Northcrbft, S.M. y