TUAPEKA GOSSIP.

Bruce Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 1207, 28 May 1880, Page 3

TUAPEKA GOSSIP.

» (From our own correspondent). The Queen's birthday was observed as a general holiday in Lawrence, all the business places were closed, and a number of the inhabitants went to Dunedin, while others went coursing or shooting. A great slaughter of rabbits took place at the Beaumont, where they are very plentiful. A coursing party, principally from Outram, had excellent sport in the neighborhood of Clark's Flat, ten harea being killed during the day. The shootists also had a field day in the hare line, about 20 being the result of different parties, spoil for the occasion. The weather for the last fortnight has been of a very wintry description with the slight exception of one or two fine days. A night school has been started this week in Lawrence for the winter season, under the charge of the Rev. Mr Beaumont, assisted by Messrs Stenhouse, Johustone, and Fraer, whilst several other geutlcinen have volunteered, if th»iir services are wanted. The meetings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from Bto 9.30. The syllabus for instruction is the three R's and is intended for the youths who arc employed during ,the day, and so cannot attend the High School. A charge of Is per week for each pupil is made to defray the expenses of cleaning, lighting, and firing, and about 12 lnve already joined, but probably there will be more. This is a good work, and I have much pleasure in noting it, as other districts may feel inclined to go and do likewise. A Mutual Improvement Society, under the Wesleyan banner, has also been started for the winter, and promises to be a success. It has ou its roll members of all denominations, and, although under the auspices of the above religious body, it is cosmopolitan in its character. The following papers were read by two of the members : — "A few of the principal myths of the Middle Ages," and "The life of George Stephenson." aud were well received. At the next meeting a debate will eusue on the following subject, "Is secular education the most suitable system to be taught in the public schools of the Colony ?" Our Athenieum has been put in order for the comfort of subscribers during the next few months, a very suitable chess, draughts, aud smoking- rowui having been provided. There are four sets each of chess and draughts on the tables, and cushioned seats all round the room , well lighted, and with a good fire. It is the result of a large number of members. The read-iug-room is well provided with the Home and Colonial papers, is also well lighted and warmed, and has in addition a library of over 2000 volumes. The custodian of the institution, Mr J. C. Love, is the "right man in the right place," is exceedingly obliging, and very solicitous for the comfort of those attending ; should any visitors to this district visit the Athenreum, they will be courteously received and made welcome by the librarian. Messrs Love and Arbuckle were re-elected auditors for the Borough of Lawrence on Tuesday last. The local paper, in its last issue, advocates the formation of a Farmers' Club, for the purpose of fostering the industry, and arranging for a ploughing match. Our M.H. li.'s are wending their steps Wel-lington-wards. The immortal "Vincent" passed through here last week for head-quarters, evidently intending not to be left out in the cold this time. Mr Ireland left on Tuesday by the train, and I am informed that our "Mr Jay See " leaves on Saturday. The Wetberstones Cement Company have declared a dividend of 3d each on SOOO shares for the month's work. The County Council estimates its expenditure for the ensuing year at .i' 21,410, of which £730 is to be given to the two Roacl Boards.