WAIPAWA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1089, 5 October 1869, Page 3

WAIPAWA.

A pleasant social meeting in Waipawa may be a rara avis, but it has been a fact. The schoolmaster suggested the possibility of bringing together the men, women, and children; of that township in a friendly manner, and giving a limited invitation in the neighboring localities. Four ladies immediately responded to the proposal, and formed themselves into a committee to consider the ways and means of providing a tea, &c , and agreed to contribute equally a share of the good things needful. Invitations were given, as opportunity offered, by any one of them on behalf of all. : The entertainment was not limited to the Sunday School, but included the scholars of the Day School and all the children of the place.; The schoolmaster (with the assistance of Mr. Collins only) arranged all the laborious removals of desks, fitting up tables, decorations, &c, and lent a piano, at which his daughter presided. He also exhibited his own magic lantern, with numerous slides (a few furnished by Mr. Bibby), which contributed largely to the decided success of the evening. The children amused themselves during the afternoon at various games, and about 5 o'clock sat down to tea with remarkable satisfaction, the adult visitors following their example in a similar praiseworthy style. The modesty of Waipawa precluded the election of a chairman from its own precincts, but as " fortune favors the brave," a capital chairman was. found in the person of Mr. James Tocl, of Kaikoraj who commenced proceedings by calling on the trustees (present) of the School, Messrs. Abbott and Bibby, to address the meeting. Both declined ; but the Chairman, nothing daunted, appealed to a brother Kaikora settler, who came to the rescue and started a series of speeches and songs, which were received with that enthusiasm that always greets those who do their best to please. After the magic lantern display, the children sang "Joyful," a Sunday School hymn, with such effect that a burst of approbation arose from the company, led off by Mr. Thomas Couper's "Bravo for the children," and then the meeting concluded by singing loyally " God save the Queen." ' The object of the meeting was most warmly recognised and appreciated, and no doubt a repetition of such a reunion would conduce most beneficially towards aiding the progress of religion, morality, and education, and create a feeling superior to the petty jealousies which have hitherto held such a potent sway in this portion of the Province.