WAIKATO DISTRICT NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6590, 1 January 1883, Page 6

WAIKATO DISTRICT NEWS.

[FROM OOP. OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Hamilton, Saturday. The Otahuku cricketers did not put in an appearance at Hamilton yesterday for the return match, as agreed upon. The ball to be given on Thursday night to tlie burgesses and their families, to celebrate the abolition of tolls on the Hamilton bridge, will be a free one. An official lunch will be given to the Hon. the Premier on his arrival, for which invitations will be issued to the members of the Waikato and AVaipa Councils, chairmen of Highway Boards, the members of Assembly for Waipa and Waikato, and the members of the Hamilton Borough Council.

The Hamilton cavalry troop, at a meeting last night, expressed themselves decidedly against disbandment. Mr. Henry Steele was ballotted for and elected a member, and notice of proposing other new membprs was given. It was resolved, as soon as the time was up for which notice had been given, to sue members in arrears.

Considerable disappointment has been felt that the proceeds of the late dramatic entertainment in aid of the school library fund amount to nil. The house was well filled, and on an occasion of this sort when the profits were to be devoted to a useful public purpose it is thought that free tickets, except to the Press, should not have, been issued. As it was tbore must have been a very large number of "deadheads" present, and as a consequence those who wont to the performance with the object of assisting the library find that the money they paid has been absorbed in expenses. All the horses have accepted for the several events with the exception of Kobert the Devil for the Publicans' Purse.

Piako, Saturday. It is satisfactory to note that Messrs. Morrin and Studholme have commenced drainage operations again, and certainly the growth of the grass oa [the swamp land, which was accidentally burned and surface sown, gives every guarantee of the wisdom of the step. The grass grew to a height of three to four feet, and though the land is not in a fit state to carry cattle, the seed will give a vory profitable return, as it appears from the yield to be fully worth £7 to £8 per acre.

The condition of the main road from Hamilton to Te Atoha, though indifferent between Hamilton and Piako, is very bad between Piako and Te Aroha, and strange to sny, a very trifling expenditure judiciously made would cause a wonderful improvement, and if done now, could be done cheaply arid permanently. The apathy shown by the local Board is remarkable. It is stated that Mr. Parr has made an offer for a very small amount to make the road between G'ampbelltown and Te Aroha at least two miles an hour faster and half a ton hotter, and such an offer is surely worth consideration.