HARAPIPI. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) March 25.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3017, 28 March 1867, Page 5

HARAPIPI. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) March 25.

I have, this week, I am happy to s*y, many happy and cheering eventi to relate oonnected with the settlement. At last, the district has appeared to attraot public attention ; and, although •tudiouily disregarded by the Government, its inhabitants, by ■teady industry, have brought it into public notice. The public also now appear to appreciate its value, if we ara to judge by the parties who are anxious to buy up the allotment? } but, the men now staying here arjßun^illjing to, sell. » Most, tempting prices — such m £% per acre — have been offered, yeij the' owners have refused to sell. < The whole of- the Imperial troops have left the ' Waikato, and the defence of the same, now remains | in the hands of the few men, oh, pay, and, the military 'settler*. 1 ' THi^ l »tate_of , ajffa^surely "bodes no gpod.- ■ The I Mkbria"ar«( as^iQteiljgent, J^nd' gain news as readily as' the' European, t and will, they, not abt 'upon it ? Ido not for one moment , think that this out-post wai t>6 ktuck l ea. '*; , , Upon Wednesday eveping lasJstheßey^Mr. tforrie introduced bur future pastor, Mr. Slain, to a numerous congregation,, who .assembled to welcome; him. After' appropriate prayer, the Rev. Mr f Norrie deli Yered an extempore and admirable sermon, ,con- ' eluding with an' exhortation to his brother in the 'Lord to'follow in the steps of^his.Grea.t Master. ,3^r. Blam concluded the service, with, prayer . Before the meetingseparated the Key. Mr.Norrie'said : "Gentle- 1 ' mW, ' now that the service is concluded, aljow me to offer you a few remarks. ' In tho.firslj place, I wish to thank you for the very full attendance which this r evening you have given me upon the induction of my friend, Mr. 'felaio, to' his 'pastorate.' Again, have I ' to thank Mr.' Roberts fo*, not letting the Sabbath be forgotten, b'up, by his voluntary readings,, and^per-' forfliahceOf aervioe^ keeping that day Holy. The- ' IVesby&ry' of A^uckfand have long wished to establish' a ministry amongst you ; but where fun.ds are weak, a body is the same'; yet tney have ever' had your interests aj; hea^t,' and the Council Jrust, now that they [have placed, amongst you a shepherd, that not only will he guide you,' but that you will find subsistence for him. Although the Presbytery would willingly give what ' they formerly did— £loo 'a' year— ihey are not now in, the position to do the, same, Yet, as to your great credft,' ; as well as that of ,the surrounding districts, you no doubt will make the eucqup. ,My friend and your future pastor, at least, throws himself upon your hands, 'working in the name of the Lord, and I am 'sure tie will be well (recompensed on earth, as I trust he will be in heaven." The following gentlemen were then' elected a tiommittee: — Messrs. Roberts, Sherret, McMuir (Secretary), Thompson (Treasurer), ; and B&ssbor.ough ; who will,, no doubf^ receive many 'jSubHcriptipnsjfrom all .classes, aathe.need of' a pastor 'ha« 4» n g beenj felt. , It. appsars. that Jibe, steamer ' l 'Gymn,ptus' is, fated to, meetwjth an accident, i an .^unfortunate' rpan, a settler of Alexandra, having .fallen byer board .and, been drowned tin her upward trip. The, .river, is, at, present, yeryjow —^inifact, so much, so that men can wade across it at places.