NORMANBY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1754, 14 October 1887, Page 2

NORMANBY.

(from our own correspondent.)

I suppose there are not half a dozen adults in the township who have escaped the prevailing sickness— dandy fever, influenza, or whatever it is. Between this and the long-contiuued dull weather, a cheerful face is getting to be quite a phenomenon in the place. Many here are not without hope that the site for the tinning factory will be near this, as there are many places which have all the natural advantages required ; land is cheap, and conveniently situated to the railway and the road to the Plains. I heard a curious anecdote about a dog belonging to a settler here. I send it to you, as your readers may think it interesting. The animal is a black cattle dog, of no particular fancy breed. It is one of those apologetic dogs, drawing back when spoken to, wagging his tail, and smiling humbly as some dogs have a habit of doing. The owner hail been troubled very much by the raids of a wild cat (hii place is on the edge of the bush, where these animals abound), which he hnd often tried to kill, the dog no doubt helping. «At last, one day the cnt was again seen, and Charlie (the dog) gave full chase — in the direction of the Tawhiti, which flows a abort distance off. Close by the stream is a large falleu rata, one long limb of which stretches across the creek, here rather wide and deep. Being hard pressed, puss ran along the limb, overhanging the water, no doubt thinking herself safe. The dog moved on to the same branch, and, whether his weight shook the branch or he intentionally did so, the cat fell off into the water. The dog immediately sprang in, and a royal struggle began, witnessed by my friend, who stood on the bank. During the scramble that ensued, the dog seized his unfortunate enemy by the back, and, to the astonishment of his master, actually held the cat under water till she was drowned.

Considerable improvements have been made in and around the Presbyterian Church here lately. The inside has been furnished with a new pulpit and railing, designed and finished by Mr. Sisley in a very tasteful fashion. The ground in front of the building hns also been tastefully laid out by Mr. Rye. The next Btep intended is, I hear, to get a new organ for the church, and to raise tbe necessary funds a tea meeting and concert are proposed, particulars of which will no doubt be advertised shortly. October 12.