KAWAKAWA DISTRICT, BAY OF ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1298, 13 January 1868, Page 4

KAWAKAWA DISTRICT, BAY OF ISLANDS.

(PEOM A COEBE3I-ON-DENT.) Some time ago I attempted to lay bsfore your readers an account of the working and doings of the mines and its neighbourhood, which was kindly inserted by you, witb an intimation that you would like to hear from mo again.

It now being the season for merry-making and table-talk, I am induced to refer to the many incidents occurrent- in this locality. During the Christmas week ilr. P. "V. Dixon, the worthy representative of Mr. llcLeod at the coal miaes, has " settled " himself. Early the following morning the little steam-boat Waiomeo was observed wending her way towards Kussell, there to receive the intended bride and party; the curions in such matters making way for the shipment of hampers, &a., containing- the wherewith for making the heart right glad; soon after which the bridal party made its appearance, Steam being up, the opposite village of Pahia was reached, where the rmtrriago ceremony was celebrated by the Hev. llr. Burrows. They re-em-barked, Bte6ring for Dixou's Cove, whoro the happy couple were sui'MOunded by relatives and friends, who did honor to the viands, aud drank buccqbs in full bumpers to the uuiled.

On Boxing Cay thero tv.is a formal opening of the railroad from the main river to the mites. Mr. Dixon kindly placed tho steamboat, with euitablo boats, at the service of the good folks of tho Bay and out districts. The duy being fine about one hundred and fifty ladies and gonileiueu availed themselves of the excursion. Being late and tho tide low, they arrived, after sundry mishaps, afc the terminus in the afternoon ; everything: boing in readiness they were very kindly met on landing by Mr. Larlcins of tho firm of Martin & Co., contractors ; eix or eight carriages being; linked together, the assemblage clo-oly seated were dra<vn, by ten stout horace to and from the urines, followed by a large concourse of natives on horae o-nd foot. 'X'he inspection of mines, machinery, and railway appeared to give general satisfaction. It was nearly dusk when the boats were reached. Tho uproar in obtaining seats was little lean than that of Babel. On their downward course, tho tide being far epont, the flotilla occasionally grounded, much to the discomfort of the matronly and more sedate portion of the party. The pleasure-eeekers, hi tho absence of instrumental, resorted, to vocal rnueie, which was carried on with spirit imi good taste, the juvenile portion joining in with the jolly old chorus, "We won't go home till morning." In the small hours all landed buCc, separated, and hurried to the'-respectivo homes.

New Tear's Day was observed aa a holiiaj- at Russell. A variety of sports wore resorted to ; auu a cricket match touk place, which would have been a treat even to your Auckland clabs to witness. In the evening a grand supper nnd ball took place in tho largo room of Mr. Williams, whero some forty couples eajoyed themselves; dancing was kept up until daylight.