WOODVILLE (HAWKE'S BAY).

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9142, 25 August 1888, Page 6

WOODVILLE (HAWKE'S BAY).

Notwithstanding the depressed times, this town—the centre of the bush district— beginning to show sijjns of revival. At,the last licensing election three additional licenses were granted, making five in all. Several new business premises have been opened, and a large auctioneer's mart erected.

Great, faith is placed in the discovery of copper on the Ruahine Ranges, and a drive of 150 feet has been put in towards the reef. It is believed that the main reef will soon be tapped, and, should it prove anything like equal! to the specimens obtained some time ago, iit is certain that work will be found for a large number of men. Our cheeiie factory, which was closed a little while ago, is likely to be opened again, a Napier firm having made a liberal offer for the factory. There is a rumour here that Messrs. Lyon and Blair, the well-known stationers and printers. Wellington, are about to establish paper-mills here. If this turns out to be correct, it will add much to the prosperity of the town and district.

We have had some Canterbury gentlemen looking at our splendid land. One gentleman has purchased 300 acres in the Fahiatua district, and . states that he is confident he can persuade scores of Canterbury men to take up land here. The Ladies' Benevolent Society celebrated their first anniversary on Tuesday by a unique entertainment. Most of the members of the society appeared in fancy dress costume, and also a large number of the visitors. There was an exhibition of " Mrs. Jarley's works/" children's games, tableaux, and ball. The costumes were the feature of the evening. Amongst the most attractive were the following Mrs. Murphy, Duchess of Devonshire: Miss Murphy, an Oriental dancer: Mrs. Thomas Moore, Spanish lady; Miss Ella Moore, Esmeralda; Mrs. George Moore, Miss Farren, afterwards Countess of Derby; Miss Gertrude Moore, Beautiful • Wales; Mrs. Barkwith, Mary Queen of Scots Mrs. Troup, Winter; Mrs. Sowry, Swiss peasant; Miss Sowry, flower girl; Mrs. Carlile, Miss Ramsey, a. graduate wrtoii-girl ; Miss Carver, Graces Darling; Mrs. Driscoll,' red, white, and blue; Mrs. Morison; Hinemoa; Miss Frame, Night; Miss Worgan, Queen Elizabeth ; Mr. Bowden, Court jester; Mr. Joe Little, clown; Mr. Gillham, Ned Kelly; Mr. Lodder, Romeo; Mr. Ryder, Louis XV.; Mr. E. Rabone, Lord Darnley; Mr. J. Peebles, Macbeth; Mr. W. Grinlinton, Figaro. The prettiest tableau was that of " The long-lost picture, the Duchess of Devonshire,"; effectively represented "by Mra! 'Murphy. The wax-works were a great success. Mrs. Burgess ably acting as Mrs. Jarley. Great credit is due to the president (Mrs. Carlile) and energetic secretary (Mrs. George Moore), upon whom the details of the entertainment depended. The refreshment, attendants (Mesdames Harding, Burgess, Carver, Sowry, and Driscoll) -deserve a word- of praise; for they were untiring in their 'efforts to please; nor must the volunteer band be omitted, their excellent music being all that could be desired.

During the week, the new Public Hall was opened by concert and dance. The hall, though a pretty building, is considered far too small for the requirements of the town, " Hans the Boatman" Company performed here" to a good house on Saturday.{Own Correspondent.]