OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 65, 24 November 1880, Page 2

OPUNAKE.

(FBOM OUB OWN <SOBBESPON3>ENT.)' Opunake?, Tuesday.

The' natives are returning from their* usual monthly meeting, which has terminated as all others have, and without bringing about their desired object — the' " znutnnga," or finish ,- however^ all are satisfied.

To all appearances, the future of this township bids fair to 1 Tie with any other on this coast, and no doubt, after the salef of the sections advertised to be placed in the market next month,- the place will present a very improved aspect. Apropos to the foregoing, a gentleman has succeeded m obtaining- a large block of land a short distance from here, where he intends immediately erecting a sawmill ; the natives have yesterday wirtfd for the person named to come at once and finally settle the lease. This no' doubt will be a great boon to intending purchasers of land at the forthcoming sale, and Trill cause keen competition for' sections. Many strangers are daily visit- ', ing the township — some with a view of starting business, and others for the purpose of acquiring suburban allotments for' grazing purposes. The quality °f the land I need not comment npon, as the public are already aware of its value. The land being really good and near a little harbor, should make Opunake a most prosperous town. The 1 schooner' Telegraph is daily exp cted here. She is laden with flour, oats, &c. Mr. Kelly,- the owner of this vessel, is purchasing pigs,to ship on her return trip north. We are not at all backward here as regards pastimes. Scarcely a day passesover without a billiard tournament, afootrace, or some other amusement taking place ; and on your next visit you must be prepared to bet high on events,- as all, without exception, here are' betting men. The public here are much in need of a money order office, and it is to be hoped that the Government may see the necessity of opening one without delay, The Minister for Crown Lands and the 1 Hon. J. Bryce passed through yestbrday; They have been inspecting the branchroad from Stratford. Hone Fihama and Hakaria sold their" wool to Mr. Skelley for Bd. per lb. There are about 40° bales fleece, and 1 of locks. This -wool is to be carted to-day to Opunake for shipment. I have learned from the natives, who. have returned to their respective settlements, that their object for temporarily , leaving Parihaka is to sell horses, cattle* - &c, when they will immediately retuiw with provisions^