WAIKATO DISTRICT NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6254, 2 December 1881, Page 5

WAIKATO DISTRICT NEWS.

[from our own CORRESPONDENTS. J Hamilton, Thursday. There was considerable excitement over the mayoral election yesterday although only 135 votes were polled, for it must be remembered thatsome 130 burgesses are disfranchised this year through non-payment of rates by the 31st March last. There was a large gathering last night at the concert and ball on the occasion of the opening of the new Public and Volunteers Hall. After an overture from the band, the Mayor came forward, and, in a short address, congratulated the people of Hamilton on having at last a public hall of their own, and one, moreover, free of mortgage, for any deficiency in the cost of building had been met by a few gentlemen. A very enjoyable entertainment followed, and shortly after the room was cleared and dancing kept up to an yearly hour. The Right Rev. Dr. Cowie is expected here to preach on Sunday, when he will formally induct the Rev. Mr. Lush, who has been recently appointed Archdeacon of Waikato, into the incumbency of St. Peter's. The Bishop will preach the same afternoon at Whatawhata, and on Monday will officiate at the opening of the new church at Kihikihi.

• Waitoa , Thursday. The Bishop of Auckland is expected to preside at a meeting of the members of the Church of England of this district on Saturday next, when matters of interest will be considered.

Mr. Livingstone, the well-known contractor, had a narrow escape on Tuesday night. He left here in the evening for Hamilton, and when at Piako his hor3e ran away with him, and galloped furiously at a wire fence, when horse and rider were hurled over together to the other side. Mr. Livingstone, who is a heavy man, fortunately escaped unhurt, and the horse appeared to have received no further injury than a bleeding at the nose.

Cambridge, Thursday. Some few weeks ago it was stated that a grant of money for the formation of the «wamp road between here and Rangaohia had been secured. It now appears that the Government do not intend to undertake the work. The Minister for Public Works was telegraphed to by a local settler, asking that the work should be done, and a reply was received, stating that there was no money available in the department for the purpose. A second telegram was then sent, asking if the money could not be provided from the Native Office vote for roads, but a similar reply was sent by telegram from Wellington, on Tucsdayfpstating that there was no money available. The disappointment is great, after the promises made on the matter to the deputation at Hamilton lately. The calico ball was a great success last night. The dresses were, many of them, exceedingly tasteful. The arrangements, both for the dancing and supper, were excellent, and reflected most creditably on the committee of management.