WAIPU.

New Zealand Herald, 30 March 1876, Page 3

WAIPU.

On Wednesday afternoon, 22nd instant, j the weather, which had been fine and warm for a considerable time, suddenly changed. The wind blew furiously from the west, driving before it a cold and drenching rain. On the same evening was the first meeting of the Waipu Literary Association, —The Rev. W. Mcßae, President, was in the chair. He was to have delivered his inaugural address, but by the unanimous request of the mem- ! bers of the association, he consented to postj pone it, as the weather was so inclement. | Seventeen of our settlers, who take an inte-i I rest in intellectual and social improvement, | joined the association on this occasion, and X believe their example will be numerously followed by all in the district who wish well to our young folk. The President delivered a short but telling address, and called upon those gentlemen who were prepared to come forward and name their subjects for essays or debates, which resulted as follows :—Dr. Dalton, "Onthe Imperfections of Vision;" Mr. Rowlands, " On Courtesy and Civility;" Mr. Kenneth Campbell, "On the March of Intellect Mr. Scmadeni, "On the Right that Ladies possess of becoming Members of Literary Associations." Mr. Semadeni in the affirmative, Mr, D. J. McLeod in the negative ; Mr. Murdoch McGregor "On Cooperation." The evening was passed very harmoniously, and I consider the association has made a very successful beginning. Mr. Mcßae delivers his inaugural address on the 6th April, in the Central school, when we expect to obtain several more members. A meeting of the Upper District school committee- was held in the schocl-room, on Wednesday, the 22nd instant, for the purpose of receiving tenders for the erection of a tcacher's house. Two tenders were received, one for £190, the other for £205, both tenders being beyond the means of the district to comply with, as there are' so many demands on it. The general opinion of the residents. is, that if the plans and specifications were modified, the house would be perfectly suitable, and that it could be built for a considerable less amount. It is the elaborate inside work that will cost the money. As yet, the subscriptions towards its erection come in slowly, the committee and two or three others shewing an interest in the matter i but I have no doubt that the public spirit of the residents will develop itself in the right direction. A soiree and musical entertainment, accompanied with recitations, &c., will be held in the Upper , school on Friday, 14th April, in aid of the building fund, and from the vocal and musical talent promised, aud the number of persons from other districts who have inti- ; mated their intention of being present, I have no doubt that it will be a sucess, especially as those from a distance need not ! fear the want of a good bed. The necessity of a teacher's house has frequently been ' acknowledged by all; surely the residents ■ in this district will not let this opportunity slip. I counted seventy-one scholars in the school-room this morning. The ratepayers of the Central School Dis- « trict are about to erect a new school-house 20 by 40 : the committee and all concerned are working energetically in the matter. Mr. Matthews, the new teacher, is very much liked, and from his known abilities and qualifications, is a great gain to Waipu. We have had heavy showers aud strong winds since Wednesday afternoon. The s.s. Argyle is to call at the entrance this afternoon.—[Correspondent, March 25.]

WAIROA (SOUTH). The annual meeting of the Wairoa Presbyterian congregation took place in the church, on Thursday afternoon, the 23rd instant, —the Rev. T. !Norrie in the chair.— Mr. F. J. "Wilson, secretary to the outgoing Committee of Management, read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were approved of.—The Chairman read a report of the contributions to the stipend fund from all the other districts of the united charge, ard stated that Mr. McLennon, a young man who is studying for the ministry, had been appointed by the Presbytery to assist him, as he was quite unable to give justice to such an extended charge as his had grown into.—The Treasurer (Mr. J. S. Wilson) then read the report for the past year, of which the following is an abstract: —Stipend fund (ordinary collection), £25 10s 4d; seat rents, £65 2s ; special collections for services of the Church, £3 6s lid; building fund, £6; Dayspring fund (collected by Master John Matheson), £1 7s 6d; Master Robert Munro, a l2s 6d; total income from all sources, £102 19s 3d.—The report was adopted, and the thanks of the meeting were awarded to the outgoing committee and the choir, and Mr, D. J. Scott and Mr. C. Campbell for bringing the harmonium from Auckland gratis, and the Sunday-school teachers.—Mr. Bell handed over to the Sunday-school teachers, for the purpose of buying books for scholars, the sum of lis, being balance from a concert.—On the motion t> -n -L * ra^or d, jun., seconded by Mr, Bell, the former committee ~;rere re elected, r" i?r Wa3 hy Mr. 8011, and seconded by Mr. Crawford, jun., u That the committee just appointed be recommended to sell, if possible, the house and ground at present occupied by Mr. Le Gallais," and carried— The committee were also recommended to build a shed for the minister's horse, if pos-

. £sible,'and to.get-new blocks tpntrnnderithe' .1 church whereneeded.-A.vote oLthanks ,was . also passed to the collectors for tho D.iyspring Missionary : vessel.—[Correspondent.];