PORT ALBERT: ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4237, 14 March 1871, Page 3

PORT ALBERT: ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLE MENT.

Tin: annual meeting of the settlement took place on Thuiv-day last, Maich 9. in most respect the meeting was very successful, the aiuangements being on the whole much superior to those of 18/0. The number present at the veiy excellent tea were over 250. That important pait of the entertainment being over, and the necessary cleaiance of tables, &c, effected, Mr. John L. Shepherd, M.P.C., was voted m the chair, in the absence of the Rev. W. Gittos, who was pievented by prior engagements fiom being pie&ent. — Mr. Shepherd alluded to the chief events that had occurred in connection with tho settlement dining the year. The Kaipaia railway, and the construction of loads in the district, were favourably commented upon. He regretted the deaths of Dr. Bell and Mrs. Beecroft, who had so long been identified with, the settlement. It was a subject of congratulation that more families had cast in their lot with them, while others were preparing to do so, and a &core or moie httlo strangers had arrived. — [he Chairman's address was followed by the first musical part, consisting of selections from the "Messiah." — Mr. James Turner was then called upon to address tho meeting on "The Progress of the Settlement." The speaker reviewed the history of the district, socially, politically, and religiously, at great length. — Mr. R. Nicholson then recited a part of "Taming the Shrew," and a piece from Burns, both of which we v c well received ; after which, the members of the choir gave several choice selections. — Mr. Woiker then briefly addressed those present; and Mr. John Penman, of Oruawharo North, spoke on "Our Social Duties." — Music: " The Hallelujah Chorus." — A vote of thanks to the Chairman, the ladies, and the Choral Society, brought the ninth anniversary meeting of this~settleinent to a close between 10 and 11 o'clock. PORT ALBERT LITERARY CLUE. A well-attended meeting of the members and friends of the Port Albert Literary Club was held on March 10 at Cypress Lodge, Mr. Worker, President, occupying the chair. One Frank Ward read an essay of more than usual interest on " The Moral Aspects of Life in the Bush," showing with some little earnestness and force of reasoning how very commonly it tends to produce rudeness of speech and manners, as t well as rude health and bodily vigour ; and yet how well suited such a life' was for promoting the growth and culture of every good manly sentiment and disposition. A well-sustained and animated discussion ensued. Tho ballotiug for and admission of three members brought the meeting to a close about 10 p.m. THE PORT ALBERT ASSOCIATION. The March meeting of the Port Albert Association was held on March 10, at the house of rr. Dalton, the President ; Mr. W. Hefford in the chair. There were about eighteen or twenty persons present. Considerable discussion took place as to the expediency or otherwise of holding a show of cattle, produce, &c, during this or next month. The great value and utility of such exhibitions was admitted by all, but it was ultimately resolved, to the regret of many, that, as no special preparation had been made for such j an event, it had better not be attempted this > year. There are no real impediments to its taking place next month, save lack of public spirit in koine of our settlers who should be its first promoters. There seems, however, to be a tolerable certainty that in the early part of 1872 a determined effort will be made to resuscitate the annual Port Albert Agricultural Show. Some business, chiefly of interest to members of the Association, was then transacted, after which Mr. Utting addressed the meeting in favour of taking immediate steps to memorialise the Government in order to obtain an alteration of the road between Port Albert and Mahurangi, by which the distance would be reduced some nine or tea miles. How much this work is needed i 3 evidenced by the fact that, though the distance between the two places in a straight line is only 15 miles, our mail carrier has to traverse something over 30 miles every week. The proposal was therefore readily adopted. The meeting then broke up.— Such memorial has since been drawn up, and is now being very generally signed by the settlers in this district.— [Correspondent.]

A Spoiled Child : The one that played with the kerosine lamp. The conduct of the Cincinnati woman who poisoned hor husband, and s Id his body to a medical college to get some clothes in which to xaarry auotaw man, is g«w«dly CQn-