COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9129, 10 August 1888, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

ROTORUA JOTTINGS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Rotorua, Thursday. A decided change for the worse has lately been effected in our railway tariff. In going to Auckland we now start at midday, reaching Oxford in time for tea, sleeping here all night, and leaving early next morning, making a two days' journey instead of one. I am told that this step has been taken by the railway authorities for economy sake; but from one who knows I learn that not the slightest saving is gained, and should it be persisted in the discovery will soon develop itself in a falling off, as people win probably take the Tauranga route in preference, which nothing but a one-day's trip both ways will prevent. I hear there is a possibility of Mr. Cook, of tourist renown, paying us a visit shortly. He will be under the guidance of Mr. Lyons, who is well qualified to point out the various points of vantage, in view of establishing a

wiU bring Hundreds instead of one as heretofore. MAHURANGI. Warkworth, on Monday, July 30, when a large muster of cricketers was present and a good meeting wae the result. The committee for the ensuing year was elected, and consists of Messrs. C. Woraley, W. J . Wilson. E. Pulham, T. Warrm and f Hugh Smith. President, Mr. W. P. Moat, M.H.R-, vice-president, Mr. Nathaniel Wilson ; auditor, Mr. R. H. Douse. The committee were authorised to have half-an-acre of grass iaia down specially for cricket purposes on a part of the recreation ground. This will be a great improvement on the past, when tne committee had to provide a field where they could find some liberal settler -willing to allow the game to be played in his paddocK, and which might be at some inconvenient distance. , , The retrenchment meeting is to take place in the Masonic Hall, Warkworth, on the 18th instant, and, as great interest is being i taken in the matter, a large meeting is ex- ! pected. , ~ , , Mr. Rendal's sale by auction of the whole of the stock in the old store took place on Monday, and, notwithstanding the very indifferent weather and hard times, Mr. Leydon succeeded in changing it into money. —[Own Correspondent.] WAIPU. A CONCBBT was hold in the Waipu Central School on Tuesday, July 24, for the purpose of providing appliances for outdoor amusement for the children. The chair was occupied by Mr. K. McLennan. On all sides it is admitted that a more enjoyable entertainment has not been held in Waipu for a long time past, and each and everyone of the large audience made a resolution to be at the next one held in the same place. The programme was not too long, but embraced some most enjoyable songs and recitations, and several new features. The vocalists were Misses A. R. Jones (2), duet, Misses A. R. Jones and Brook, and Messrs. Morrison, Ellis, and Mayall. These all sang in their best form, and each were encored, Messrs. Morrison (who sang with great expression) and Ellis alone responding. Miss A. R. Jones' Welsh song was just the thing in this Gselic-speaking community. Everybody enjoyed it, looked knowing, and did not understand it. Everybody regretted that Miss C. McLean was unable to sing. She had a bad cold. Misses Hawkins, Campbell, and Wilson, and Mr. J. Simson accompanied the various vocalists with their usual taste. The reciters were Miss M. McDonald; Master H. Simeon, and Mr. J. Brook. The school-children sang the " Laughing Chorus," which elicited a chorus of " Ha ! ha ! ha'e !" and Miss D. McDonald, who thus earns the distinction of being the first child vocalist in the district, sang " Hard Times,' the children joining in the chorus. The novelties on the programme were " The Volunteer Corps" by the boys, when Captain T. Jones fairly surpassed himself, and by his handling of the corps drew forth roars of laughter, and " The Maypole Dance," highly appreciated by those whose daughters or sisters were looking so nice and dancing so well. Thanks are due to Mr. Simeon for his kindness in lending the piano. His name was inadvertently omitted from among those to whom a vote of thanks was returned. —[A Correspondent. ]