PAPAROA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6055, 14 April 1881, Page 5

PAPAROA.

Messrs. Dodds and Co., the Pahi "Wharf contractors, having prepared the necessary material for the utructure, commenced building this week. The approaches to the wharf, however, are not yet let, and methinks the one part of the work will bo of. little use without the other. There will be lively doings at our next Highway Assessment Crurt, if rumour speaks truly this time. Tke Chairman of the Board, and certain other persons of less significance, have given notice to appeal against their assessment. One gentleman tells me that the valuer has '' heaped it on properly this time," and that it will be made "warm" for him in conseqnence. Ido not kuow how this may be. In the few assessments that have come under my notice I see nothing excessive. Dry weather continues unusually persistent for the time of year, afforciug every chance for the burning of fallen bush, and the piling of it when burned I hear of some families who find it hard to get good water. We may, however, confidently anticipate a change shortly. Fruit crops this season have been fairly good, so far as I have heard. There is great complaint in some quarters of the ravages of small birds. Some small quantities of grapes, apples, and the like have been exported to your city. The annual meeting of the Band of Hope society was held since I list wrote. The president, Mr. Troiuison, occupied the chair. A full programme of addresses, recitations, readings, &c., was gone through. A fourpart glee, rendered by Messrs. Johnson and Co., deserves special mention. The annual report, given by the secretary, Mr. Slater, stated that there were now 116 signatures on the pledge roll. The committee of management elected for the ensuing year, were Messrs. Trounson, Slater, J. Cliff, J. Hames, C. Nield, Hobley, and L. Hames. The com« mittee has since met, and re-elected Mr. Trounson president, and Mr. James Cliff treasurer. Mr. Slater refusing to take office as secretary again, Mr. Josiah Hames was appointed in his place. The Rev. A. C. Caughey, the Wesleyan minister stationed here, is leaving us shortly, to the regret of friends throughout the wide circuit. I understand a valedictory meeting is to be held before he leaves, at which his successor, the Rev. C. Abernethy, of Whangarei, will bepresent. Mr. Caughcy's removal will be a loss deeply felt by many, to whom he has endeared himself by his social qualities and his faithful ministry. The Hobson County Council is pushing forward numerous works in various parts of the riding. To the cursory glance of an outsider, the Council seems to be outgrowing many of the follies common to the youth of institutions, as well as of individuals, and to be settling down to work, as befits its advancing years, in an approximately sober, economical, and practical manner. I am sorry to have to record the death of Mr. Alfred Redfern, one of our settlers. He died in the hospital, at Auckland, last weei, whither he had been removed a week before for treatment. Sunstroke seems to have been the cause of his illness. Mr. Redfern came out with the Nonconformist settlers in 1862, and was, therefore, one of the few remaining original settlers. —[Own Correspondent, April 4.]