OPOTIKI.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3684, 13 April 1898, Page 2

OPOTIKI.

Nothing of any great importance is stirring here just now, our community, as you are aware, is small, and as such it does not possess the advantages or disadvantages of larger towns, by having to record fires, murders, and suicides too frequently. But exceptyouknow, — of course except — that small localities have their [evils as well as larger ones, though, perhaps, in a different way. To all appearances our people are a happy and contented lot, and in possessing these qualities have occasion to be proud. Just so; but we are often reminded that all is not gold that glitters, and that the surface of a lake may look calm and serene, yet may be extremely foul beneath. This just brings me to the point, and I must tell you the remainder in a whisper. Listen, that terrible bane to society, the village gossip (a mild term for slander), is rampant here, wielding its weapons like the Spartans of old, and slashing and slaying all around unmercifully. Dear Tauraoga, if you will only condescend, I invite you to come and live among us a while, so that you might acquire a knowledge and receive an insight of the peculiarities of x>ur people, after which you might, with some profit to yourself, leisurely undertake to write us a book on the beauties and the bane of a country town.

The maize crops are ripening fast, and plucking will, on forward crops, begin at the end of the month. The yield is much below the average, and besides the untoward season, the caterpillar has been extremely active, and its existence through some cause prolonged; the effect of this has been the demand of a heavy tax on the farmer for its support. Our bar harbour, which is at times inconvenient to our welfare, Las now, for a time at least, deprived us of sea communication. The channel has so spread that one is able at low water to easily cross at the heads. In the meantime steamers are unable to go out or enter. A good lot of produce has accumulated and is awaiting shipment ; as soon as opportunity offers the p.s. Terranora will take away the bulk of the stuff. The Land Court has at length finished its sitting. The Judge and party have gone to Rotorua, and the natives interested returned to their homes. We shall miss all of them, as for months past during their presence our little township presented quite an animated aspect. Already since their departure do our streets look bare and desolate. A week or so since Mr Whitehouse paid us a visit and gave an exhibition of both the ELinematographe and Phonograph, but the show which of its class draws in larger towns was sparsely patronised here ; our people ate very dull and do not seem to appreciate art of this kind. Those who were present, however, had a great treat, and applauded each [item, as it was viewed or delivered. It is to be hoped that for the sake of those who do appreciate these exhibitions, that Mr Whitehouse will repay, us an early visit.

A social given by the tradespeople the other night, brought together a large number of citizens and country folks. The affair was the best of its kind ever given here, and reflects great credit on the promoters ; flinging and dancing formed part of the programme, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.