COUNTRY NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5632, 4 December 1879, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS

WAIUKU. O.s- Friday evening last the Rev. W. Taylor delivered a lecture on " Heads and Hearts," in the Temperance and Public Hall. The weather was not line in the early of the day, but in the afternoon it became so. There was not a large audience, between 30 and 40 being present. The lecture was to have commenced at 7. ."SO, but it was nearly S o'clock before the commencement was made. Mr. Caleb Ilosking was called to the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks introduced the lecturer. He was sorry that there was not a larger gathering. He thought the people of Waiuku did not sufficiently appreciate lectures, aud then called oil the lecturer who was warmly received. The Rev. lecturer, on rising, said he was not discouraged at the small audience present, lie lirst spoke of men as inventors, and of the discoveries which they had made. He spoke of the great men—warriors, statesmen, men of science, poets, mathematicians, historians, logicians, engineers, and many others, dwelling on each for a considerable time. Frequently, during the course of the lecture, he was warmly applauded. The delivery of the lecture, interspersed with selections by the choir, occupied nearly two hours. The lecture was one well worth hearing, and was listened to attentively throughout. The chairman said he was sure all had listened to the lecture with pleasure, aud he believed with lasting benetit. Mr. G. 11. Green proposed a vote of thanks to the rev. lecturer, which was carried by acclamation. A similar vote, on the motion of Jlr. S. Hodge, seconded by Mr. W. J. King, was accorded to the choir. After singing the doxology the meeting dispersed. During the past week search has been made by several people at different times for the missing man Coverly, but no further traces can be found. It is now doubtful whether anything more will be heard of him, as at this time of the year large numbers of sharks are known to be in the creek. It is over a fortnight since he left his home. From inquiries it appears i was misinformed as to the day he left Waiuku. In my last I stated Saturday, but Monday was the day he left Waiuku on his fishing tour. He was at the church the day previous (Sunday.) Last week rain fell every day in Waiuku more or less, which has been the means of bringing the crops on wonderfully. It was not wanted by the few who had their hay down, but what little they lose by their hay will be amply made up other ways.— [Own Correspondent, December 2.] kaukapaicapa. A flower show in connection with the school was held in the hall on Friday, the 2Sth ulfc. This was the first of the kind held in the district, and was iu every way a success. Mr. Murray, the teacher, and those who worked with liiui, deserve great credit for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out. The following ore the names of the three ladies who kiudly consented to act as judges:-Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. Hutchinson, and Mrs. Murray, and it is but right to add their decisions gave general satisfaction. An entertainment was held in the evening, when those pi\ a nt had an opportunity of inspecting ths flowers. The hall was filled to the door, and every available seat was occupied. Mr. R. Sinclair acted as chairman, and, after a few preliminary remarks, read the list of prizeß as follows. The prizes were awarded in sections. The young ladies were classed as under and over 11 years of age, and called senior and junior accordingly. Regarding the whole, the judges' opinion was highly favourable, bnt they recommended the young ladies to use more green in making up the bouquet'. Bulbs and flowerroots are to be given as priz s, and will be distributed in the proper season. Prize list: —Senior bouquets : Ist prize, Miss Marks; 2nd prize, Miss Dawson; extra prize, Miss Mary Shanks ; commended, Miss Goodwin aud Miss Fanny McLsod. House or pot plants, senior : Ist prize, Miss Isabella Siuicock; 2nd prize, Miss Man/ Simcock; commended, Miss Eliza Golden. Junior bouquets: Ist prize, Miss Annie Dye ; 2nd prize, Miss Dyo; commended, Miss Jeanie Shanks. House or pot plants, junior: First prize, Miss Sinclair; commended, Miss Dye. The boys' contribution consisted chiefly of ferns, mosses, and other native plants, three of which were highly commended. Masters John Hutchinson, Ist; John George Simcock, 2nd; and Ralph Rapson, 3rd. A short programme of music, interspersed with readings and addresses, was then gone through. During the evening Mr. Murray gave a carefully prepared address, explanatory of the objects ho had in view in getting up the show in connection with the school, which was attentively listened to throughout, and at the close the gentleman sat down amid«t loud applause. The proceeds amounted to £3 15s, of which amount £3 is to go towards the purchase of prizes for the examination to be held previous to the holidays. At the conclusion of the entertainment, the younger members of the community, as previously arranged, kept up dancing till about half-past twelve o'clock, when each took their several ways, well pleased with the evening's amusement. During the last two or three weeks, the whoopine-cough has been going the round of the district, and, in consequence, the school is nearly half-empty. —[Own Correspondent, December I.]