OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 101, 2 April 1881, Page 3

OPUNAKE.

(TEOM OTJR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) .Opunake, Wednesday.

Constable John Boss, of this station, launched a pretty pleasure boat on Friday, which he has named the Lizzie Bogers. It was built by the owner (Mr. Boss), assisted by Constable Muuroe. Their trial trip in the bay gave entire satisfaction. Many spectators were present on the occasion, all of whom expressed their admiration of the boat's appearance and sailing qualities. Her dimensions are fourteen feet in length, with five and a half feet keel. Mr. Boss's success in this has induced him to build another of much larger dimensions, which he will immediately commence.

. A public meeting was held at the Telegraph Hotel on the 21st inst. Mr. Walter Middleton was voted to the chair; and resolutions were passed to urge upon the Government the great necessity of appointing a qualified signal-master for the port, the granting of a surf-boat, and other matters of vital importance affecting the district.

A deputation, consisting of twelve gentlemen, has been appointed to wait on the Hon. the Defence Minister on his arrival here, the latter having by telegraph signified his intention of paying us a visit very shortly. The formation of the new road to the camp at Bahotu is fast approaching completion. I. should think five weeks from this will see it finished. Two miles of the worst parts will be at once metalled, so as to admit of traffic during the winter.

"William King and his people have been for some time busy threshing their crops, which are very good indeed.

The p.s. Samson arrived here on Friday, with a general cargo for Manaia and Opunake. After discharging, she proceeded South.

I am pleased to notice that the Taranaki Education Board has at last considered it advisable to grant Opunake a school; but it appears they have not sufficient funds to build, as they have been looking for a temporary building to rent here, which at present is not available. I suppose it is considered that the New Plymouth High School is deserving of more consideration than primary education. In Major Atkinson's address at Hawera, he said, in reply to Mr. King's question re new Bepresentation Bill being passed, that he would endeavor to carry out the wishes of Fatea county (if it could not get a member to itself) by tacking it on either to Taranaki or Wanganui, I wonder would he give effect to the wishes of Opunake in that way, and tack us on to some constituency that would only give us a school.