MAHURANGI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9713, 8 January 1895, Page 6

MAHURANGI.

Rain fell on Saturday towards the afternoon in nice, soft, mist-like showers, which gradually increased in density, and during Sunday turned into a regular downpour, quite enough to satisfy those who had previously been complaining of the drought. The wind has been disastrous to fruitgrowers ; tons of fruit, which promised good results at harvest, now lie rotting on the ground, too immature for even pig or cattle food,— apples, plums, and other stone fruit alike snaring in the general devastation. Grass seed has also shared a like fate. Tall fescuehas mostly been shed, and cocksfoot, where near ripe, has been considerably shaken, and where heavy has now been beaten down. The short and later kinds have for the present escaped. ■ ■ ■ ... On the 27th was held tbe annual gathering of the Presbyterian Church, and from far and near members of that church met to celebrate their anniversary. The soiree was held in the Masonic Hall, Warkworth, and, in spite of threatening weather, there was a splendid meeting. Tea and the usual accessories were liberally provided, the tables being generously given by Mrs. L. Thomson, „Mrs. McKinney, Mrs. Pulham, and one by the bachelors of the congregation. The viands were appreciated by all who partook of them. When all had partook of the creature comforts the hall was cleared for the public meeting, when the large room was well filled. The chair was. occupied by the Rev. R. McKinney, the respected minister of the church. The programme was began by the Rev. J. Law (Wesleyan) engaging in prayer, when the church choir rendered efficiently the anthem,' " Thine, O Lord." The speech by the chairman was made into a sermon, the rev. gentleman taking for his text Labor omnia vincit," and eloquently comcommended the young people to study the Latin and Greek languages, as aids and assisting to the proper understanding of that in everyday use. Miss Jennie Pollock recited a scene from the "School for Scandal,"

which highly plessed her audience. Mies I Ada Thomson sang, Tell Me That You'll i Not Forget Me," assisted in the chorus by [ members of the choir, applause following, ; when the choir gave "Scots Wha Hae." Mr. i H. Wavin sang "Love's Sweet Song," and ; had due applause. The Rev. J. Law gave an address, in whicb he contrasted the pre- ; sent age with that of fifty years ago. Now we were better socially, physically, intellectually, and spiritually, and the girls were prettier. This was followed by some remarks from the chair, when Mr. Allen sang a solo, "Blow, Gently, Blow," and, in response to an encore, kindly sang again, when warm applause followed. A duet was given by Miss E. McKiuneyand Miss Marion Wilson, "Juanita," also encored, when the choir rendered "Ready" very efficiently. Miss Jennie Pollock recited ' Peterkin Peep," and, in response to an encore, gave "A Naughty Little Girl's Views of Life." A comic song, by Mr. Sinclair, was rendered in < capital style, and was encored twice and responded to. The last item, "Red, White, and Blue," was rendered by the choir in a satisfactory manner, Miss Grange attending to the intrumental parts and playing most of the accompaniments during the evening. The usual votes of thanks were passed, and the National Anthem concluded the whole proceedings in connection with the church. The hall was then taken possession of by the younger portion of the community, and cleared for a dance, which was kept up with energy till the small hours of the next morning; Mr. John Taylor officiating as M.C. The music was kindly furnished by volunteers.— Correspondent.] ' HASTINGS. Mr. Dan. O'Reilly, landlord of the Waverley Hotel, Green meadows, is the successful tenderer for leasing the Hastings Hotel. Mr. O'Reilly, who is well and favourably known about here, takes possession on the 22nd of January. • The shearing on Mr. G. P. Donnelly's station, Waimarama, was brought to a successful finish last week. The occasion was marked by a first-class entertainment, in which the Maoris took a prominent part. Songs, dances, and a haka, were the principal items on the programme. Two natives, who were dressed up in the most approved sailor costume, were introduced as shipwrecked mariners from the Wairarapa wreck, danced a first-class hornpipe, and were loudly applauded. Mr. Donnelly entertained his " employees in his usual hospitable manner. Mr. P. F. Jackson, the bacon expert, is negotiating for block of land convenient to the town, where he purposes erecting a bacon factory. William Douglas, the well-known racehorse owner, has decided to give up his ! racing establishment at Hastings. The estate will be cut up in small blocks, and disposed of on easy terms. •Some of the local wool-growers have been fortunate to quit their clip on the ground at a fairly good price. The price they received is m advance of what was offered at last week a wool sale. The hay-making is in full swing around the district, but the town still swarms with men out of work. This is a bad omen for next winter, when work promises to be scarcer than ever. A large number of natives were in town on Saturday. spending the proceeds of their shearing cheques. Business was brisk during the day. The five o'clock train took the greater part of them away to their pas, up country. " ' The speeches at Captaiu Russell's banquet were of a political character. Messrs. Buchanan, M.H.R., Dr. Newman, M.H.R., 1.. b. McLean, and Robert Price taking part in them. * |

_ Our old townsman, Charles Hughes, now in business at Masterton, being president of the North Wairarapa Liberal, Association, presented Mr. Hogg with a purse of sovereigns at a recent banquet given in Masterton m honour of their member. Mr. Webber, late manager for H. Williams and bona ironmonger's establishment, has recently arrived from his tour to the old country, and is looking well after his trip. During his tour Mr. Webber's family has increased by one. Mr. Charles Apperley's blacksmith buildings, which is one of the oldest landmarks in the front street, will be soon removed to make room for the new block of buildings, which will be a handsome addition to the town.

Mrs. Joseph Elhs, formerly landlady of the Carlton Hotel, died last week in Auckland. Mrs. Ellis was sister to Mrs. George EHis, wife of our late Mayor. The displays of Christmas cards and New Years gifts were unusually pretty and usei hl i yea The shop decorations were also very attractive. Mr. Charles olß . en > late chief cook of the Chesterhope Station, has leased the City Buffet, and will commence business in his new premises at once. a™.! «**£*'■ Bay r«it-sellers have to 3 T- lyon Auckland for their fruit «n£fcn» •IS S J eak - s We U local industry, X iSrTn, l ct with such favourable surroundings for the cultivation of fruit as Hawkes Bay affords I SIS. n ? m 3°** that fche well-known MS£5 ,ta whlch is in close proximity ™iiiH tOWn * 'p iU soon be cut up and sold in ?S?iom- tlonsof this Property conTW?f °* th « finest l»nd in the district. m»™ Itt ago the atre ets had as ™"S Ik them , as Jerusalem. These n?» Sl™ the stock-in-trade of the numerThi. ™2?» ns for a job to shift stock. in Ul^^«^i h * occupation, like Othello's, l?rS^«*i a kaw *° A P«ce of stock very , ™ is likely to be shifted. ' Re H v -, lßitfc opened his campaign on "2 and »red on the temperance SSSlft ? cr ed audience in the 1 nncess Theatre.-[Qwn Corresnondent.l