COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5760, 4 May 1880, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

COAL AT MANGAWAI, Several o£ our energetic settlers are still anxious for coal, and. have been fossicking with considerable success. A sample has been forwarded to Auckland per steamer. An analysis was taken of previous coal found, which was compared with other coals of the surrounding districts of a very superior description. As coal has been found at various places, there is no doubt of an abundance of the commodity in the vicinity, only skill aud capital are required to prove the matter, whether payab'e or not. A meeting is called for Thursday, the 6th May, to take into consideration the action of the County Council in proposing a shilling rate. It is looked upon as a shot at the -Road Boards, with a view to their total destruction. It has caused no small commotion, and a large meeting is expected to take place at the Mangawai Hotel, at 11 o'clock sharp. The wharf accommodation and goods store question is also to be disoussed. The weather holds dry for the season, but there are indications of rain. A. few showers would do a deal of good. A petition has been numerously signed for the prevention of stock' leaving Auckland, either by land or water, for the North. When pleuropneumonia was amongst us, some years back, a settler here lost half his cattle, and a few lost one or two, but, a remedy having been used with success, the disease was arretted. Inoculation and life and accidental insurance are the prevailing topics. The inoculators have reaped a small harvest, as no operations have been performed for some years back, and victims have accumulated. Insurance has also been rather lively. —[Own Correspondent ]

PORT ALBERT.

piMrc&^ftx last, April 29, in the pnblic hall, Port Albert. The proceeds were to help to defray the cost of a new harmonium, which the club has lately purchased. It is a fine instrument, and will doubtles3 be a great acquisition to our entertainments. There wa3 not such a large number of folks sat down to partake of the good things set before them as was anticipated. Perhaps this was partly owing to the threatening state or the weather. The proceeds in consequence were not quite so large as might have been wished. The programme for the evening was of a light and varied nature, consisting of music, readings, and recitations, which were all very creditably rendered. Mr. George Plummer occupied the chair. Mrs. Cutforth and Mr. W. Perkins presided at the harmonium with their usual excellent ability. The meeting was brought to a close about half past 9 o'clock with a vote of thanks to the chairman for the manner in which he had performed his duties, also the same acknowledgement was accorded to those ladies who had provided the tea. The hall was then cleared, and dancing was indulged in until about 11 o'clock. The weather continues very dry. Rain seems to be much needed by the settlers, except those who have their clearings to burn off. But bush fires are about over now for this season.—[Own Correspondent, April 30.]