COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10411, 8 April 1897, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

WADE.

Mr. Chas. Cooper visited the Wade with his magic lantern. He gave an exhibition in the Agricultural Hall ou the 29th of March. There was a good attendance. Mr. Cooper showed illustrations of the first and second line of the British defence, which were all very good, together with many other excel* lent views. The floor was then cleared, and dancing was indulged in. Farmers are very busy getting in their oats and grass seed. -v I am informed that several application! have been made for the public landing reserve, known as Kelly's landing. If the applicants would ask the County Council to repair those parts of the roads which are impassible during tha winter time, the settlers might agree to let them have one part of ifc«above place ; but as the settlers need a p!a« to store their goods, and as the public store across the river is too small for this purpose,, they cannot dispense with Kelly's wharf. The best thing advisable to do in the matter is to ask the Council to repair the store and the road leading to it. But the question of road repairs is not very orten raised at the time of the year when all wheeled vehicle!, including the " festive bike," can travel the country with ease and safety. A little timely care, however, with a very moderate expenditure, would save much of the trouble and expense which are usually incurred bj del ying the repairs until the roads become impassable. .' * The bridge known as UcEwen's bridge i« again in a dangerous state, several planks being broken ; and, in the event of any accident, the Council will be held responsible.. —[Own Correspondent.]

RAHOTD (TAUANAKI). - At the Public Hall, on the 18th March, I f grand conversazione took place in aid of tb« • Church of England Organ Fund. The halt i was crowded. Visitors from all parts of the | district were present. Miss Simeon, with | her usual good nature, kindly lent her | pianoforte for the occasion. The Rev. Mr. | Compton officiated as chairman. A ver| | interesting programme of songs, duets, reel- g tations, and addresses was successfully gone m through. Mrs. Pope, Miss Dobson, Mia m Simeon, aud Mr. Kuowles played the accoitt', paniments. There were several encores de-1 manded, and heartily responded to. A g novelty had been prepared in a side room, '.';,\ waxworks, " The Temple of Mystery," containing much Oriental splendour. The following are the names of those who assumed the si charactersßluebeard, Mr. Y. M. Chapman; j| Phalina (his wife) ; wives in the Chamber of M Horror, Misses McCoy, V. Simeon, L. Gane, E J. Morgan, and Hill black eunuchs, Mr. Simeon and Master Knowles; Queen of W Hearts, Miss Elwin; Knave of Hearts, m Master Layardj Mary, Queen of Scots, g Miss Feaver; Bulgarian peasant, Miss Jessie Tyrrell. Mr. Townsend, of the Kahui Road, had charge of this department, who explainedi| the subject, giving an historical sketch of J. them. Time did not allow half of the audience to have a peep, as the gift auction bad ef to be proceeded with, many having a long m distance to travel home. Mr. W. D. Scott, m the popular auctioneer of Opunake, held ?S gift auction, and commanded big prices and much merriment by some articles which he if knocked down to the bachelors. Refreshments were served round, and the room ;;.| cleared for dancing, which was kept up;.?? <a early morning. A sum of about £25 w*S | netted. • m I am informed that a lady is about to m»»e• ,-v a gift of an eighth of an acre of laud for theijx purpose of building a church of England, /-i and if others would follow her example:.'?' ;>; time is not far distant whin the church wUI aj be •an accomplished fact. We ate a' B ? t0 •g| have a Wesleyau church erected within *?m year : on a section between the school;»>.';*: ptrionat;e.-[awn Correspondent.] -■,•''' ■ .' if#i' * -m