COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4398, 17 December 1875, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

WAIUKU. MR. DE.NNES'3 I!Iin!RTAIH>rnBT. Soars disappointment was felt in Waiuku on Monday evening, by the non-arrival of the a.s. Tarn o'Shanter with Mr. Dennes, to give a lime-light entertainment. The time announced to commence was 7.30, but it was 10 o'clock steamer came ; it being then so late, the entertainment was postponed till the following evening, at the same hour, when the place was filled. There could not have been less than between 250 and 300 present. The views shewn were mostly American, and really beautiful pictures. Mr. Dennes gave a descriptive lecture ; and at this conclusion votes of thanks were acsorded to Mr. Dennes, to Mr. Taylor for the use of piano, and to Mr. Campbell for the hall. An entrance fee was charged; adults, Is; children under 14 years, 6d ; and above £S was taken at the door. Mr. Dennes announced that on the following evening there would be another lime-light entertainment, and also a singing bee at the conclusion, the prizes to be sewing machines. Wednesday, unfortunately, was wet, and not more than CO or 70 were present. However, the programme was gone through. The views shewn were mostly from Natural History, and some of places in Scotland, —some really excellent pictures. After these views had been exhibited, the singing bee competitors were requested to go behind the screen. There were eight competitors. Professor Lambert, of Auckland, was judge. The following are the names of the songs sang:—"l cannot sing," Miss Speedy; " The Anchor's Weighed," Mr. Constable; " Ring out, Wild Bells !" Mr. Green ; "Beautiful Star," Miss Hill; "Home they brought her Warrior dead," Mr. Jerram; "Out in the Cold Snow," Miss Green; "Sweet Spirit, hear my Prayer," Miss Sharp; " Rosalie, the Prairie Flower," Miss Currie. The number of points of each singer were given out by the judge, and they ranged from 4 to 8, with the exception of Miss Speedy, who was declared the winner, having had 11 points, being three above anybody else. It was intended there should be two prizes, but the proceeds would not meet it, bo it was decided there should be only one, and that a sewing machine. Mr. Dennes suggested that at the next entertainment of the sort there should be a washing bee, and the prize be a washing machine, value £6 10s. After the usual complimentary vote of thanks, and singiug "God save the Queen !" the meeting separated. The Volunteers. —The No. 2 Company, Waiuku Rifle Volunteers, assembled at the Parade Ground, Waipipi, on Saturday morning last, at ten o'clock, for monthly inspection parade, under the command of Captain Alexander, Lieutenant Douglas also being present. There was a good muster, and were drilled in the Snider rifle drill. The No. 1 Company, under Captain Hamlin, assisted by Lientenants Hennessy and King, mustered in numbers for monthly drill on Saturday,at 2p.m.; these, also, were drilled with the new Sniders, being the first time this company has been drilled with this weapon. After parade, some of the men went to the butts and had Bome practice, and good shooting was made. The Floods. —On Friday last, a tremendous flood was experienced here. The rain commenced on Wednesday and continued, without ceasing, until after midday on Friday. The rivers were never seen so high "before, and several mill-dams have been carried away. Mr. Hockin's dam at Waitangi ia again carried away, it having been just completed since the last flood. Mr. Constable's dam at Waipipi flax-mill, which withstood the last flood, has had to succumb to this and has been completely washed away. It will take somewhere about ! 1000 yards of earth to replace it.—[Own Correspondent.]