OMARU (MATAKOHE).

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10036, 24 January 1896, Page 6

OMARU (MATAKOHE).

Friday, the 3rd ,of January, was an important day for the inhabitants of Omarii. For some time past the schoolroom, ill which the Sunday services and other meetings have been held, had been found too small for the purpose. Various plans had been discussed as to the best way out of the difficulty, and at last it was decided to add eight feet to the end and reshingle the old building. This has now been done, mainly owing to the energy of Mr. J. McCallum in hauling the timber from Matakohe and getting Biibscrlp tions towards beginning the same. The building being finished, it was decided to hold a tea-meeting, the proceeds to go towards the cost of materials, all the labour being given free. Soon after six p.m. about fifty sat down to a substantial tea. Mesdames J. Smith, H. Smith, and A. 0. Smith gave trays; Messrs, Woods, Patterson, and Strickett also gave a tray, which were splendidly got up, and reflected great credit on the parties concerned. When the tables were 'cleared Mr. T. W. Wilson was voted to the chair. A good recitation was given by Mr. H. Hook, which was well received. Mr. Eastwright, sen., followed with a song. Mr. "Pheasant moved a vote of thanks to those who had assisted in petting up the tea, which was ably seconded by Mr, 6. Wilson and carried. Votes of thanks were also given to the visitors from Paparoa for their assistance during the evening, and to the chairman for presiding. A pleasant and enjoyable evening was brought to acloseby the chairman pronouncing the Benediction. The amount received towards the building from subscriptions and the tea-meeting amounted to a total of £3 16s 6d; expenses, £3 8s 5d ; credit balance, Ss Id. Several subscriptions are not yet got in. The annual meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society was held on the 4th January. Mr, F. Pheasant was proposed as a member of the society. A varied programme was then gone through, consisting of readings, recitations, and the reading of an i essay on " Self-culture."—[A Correspondent.

WHAKAPIRAU. The brigantine Eliza Firth, Captain Murray, arrived in the river on the 13tn inst. After discharging general cargo for local merchants, she proceeded to the Northern Wairoa, Rain is much needed in this district just now. It is upwards of six weeks since the last shower of any consequence. We have had any amount of promise, but no fulfilment. Many of the residents are under the painful necessity of carrying water some distance for household purposes.—[Own Correspondent,] TAHEKE. New Yeah and expected festivities have passed quietly with us all. Our neighbour, Mr. Biudon, of Horeke, has placed a small but very suitable steam launch on our Tatiike river. He has already made four trips satisfactorily to everyone concerned. I hope it will be patronised as it deserves to be.

Our esteemed pastor, the Rev. G. Pearson, of Rawene, paid us an unexpected visit on Sunday. Many settlers were disappointed in the morning, not having heard he was coming, At the afternoon service there was a good attendance,' and an earnest discourse satisfied all.

The weather throughout the holidays has been fine. I think now all is over for a season. A couple of days' rain is needed for kumeras and corn. This, with warm nights, may make up for some of the very bad weather we had all winter.—[Own Correspondent.]

PUATAHI. The natives of Puatahi gave their annual entertainment on the 17th inst. iu their fine large hall, which was nicely decorated with ferns and native shrubs. The bill of fare comprised tea, supper, and early breakfast. There were songs, step-dances, and the Maori war-dance, which so pleased the visitors that it had to be repeated. Several songs and dances wore given by Mr. Neal, who had also to respond to an encore. Mr. H. Mitchell, of Auckland, also sang and played, and was much appreciated. Capital dance music was supplied by Messrs. Hooper and Hara (native); another native sang a song in Maori. The catering had been entrusted to pakeha friends, ana there was no lack of quantity or variety ; the Maori waiters were most courteous and attentive, and the natives one and all did their best to please their guests, and I believe they succeeded in doing so. Mr. A. H. Steventon very ably discharged the duties of M.C. There were not quite so many white people present as. on former occasions, the recent sad boating accident which occurred about four miles from the village causing many to stay away. I may here mention that although these still adhere to many of their old superstitious customs, they nave been very hospitable and obliging to those engaged in searching for the lost ones, but they have tapued the fish in the vicinity for a considerable time to come.—[Tauhoa Correspondent.]

• WAIRARAPA. . Mb. J. C. BoDDisoTOJf, who is retiring from the Bank of New Zealand, with which bank lie has been associated for nearly thirty years, 1 and sixteen years in oharge of the Masterton branch, is about to be presented on his retirement with a testimonal and a purse of sovereigns. A strong committee has been appointed to carry out the details. Anglers are having excellent sport in the district just now. The river and streams are teeming with trout, some good baskets being recorded. . ' The settlers of Fahiatua have formed a Farmers' Union, and purchased land and called for tenders saleyards, and intend doing their own sales in stock, produce, etc. This is the outcome of the auctioneers in the district raising the rates of commission, to which the settlers objected. Now there will be the three firms of auctioneers doing business in Pahiatua.~[Owa Correspondent.]