MANAIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 178, 28 November 1881, Page 2

MANAIA.

(from our own correspondent,)

A meeting of persons interested in

arranging a programme of sports to be held here on Boxing Day was convened for Saturday evening, but up to 9 o'clock, no one but the conveners showed up, consequently the meeting fell through. If am not mistaken, a similar thing

occurred at Normanby last year, but two or three energetic residents of that town took the matter in hand, wrote out subscription lists, and left them at the prinoipal places of business. They also made a personal canvass among the settlers. The consequence was that a very respectable sum was collected, the sports were held, and good prizes given. The question arises could not something of the sort be done here. If it were, I am inclined to believe it would be successful.

The new Wesleyan Chapel was opened yesterday. The building, though small, is exceedingly neat, and reflects credit on the contractor (Mr. Bippengale) for the careful manner in which he has finished his work, A mistake appears Co have been made by constructing the belfry of T. and G. boards : it causes the bell to have a very muffled sound, which might have been obviated by making the belfry more open.

Pour or five new cottages have been commenced lately in and close to the

township. Mr. McCarthy^ hotel is al* 'most completed, and was opened for

business last week. The house is a large 1 one, containing no less than sixteen bedrooms, bath-room, parlors, dining-room, and bar, the latter being decidedly one of the neatest on the coast.

On Saturday a large number of Maoris passed through here on their way to their different kaingas. Most of them appeaT very sullen when spoken to on the native question, but chat freely on any other subject.

One hundred and eight A.C.'s arrived from the front last week under Captain Gudgeon, who hns again taken command here. It is reported that the men will be sent iuto the bush, road - making. Should this prove true, we may expect to hear of some fine country being opened up. Nov. 28.