NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11365, 7 May 1900, Page 7

NEWS FROM COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.) TE AWAMTJTU.

AT the meeting of the Library ■ Committee the chairman reported that £10 worth of books ordered from Melbourne had arrived, and had given satisfaction, the net cost bein? slightly under Auckland prices. Donations were reported from Mr. V. W. Lane;, M.H.8., £1 Is, and Mr. P. O'Connor, 10s 6d. A subsidy of £18 10s had been received from tho Government, which placed the funds in credit £35 14s 9d. The question of ordering a farther supply of books was deferred. It was decidod to hold tho second industrial exhibition on November 19. Messrs. Bowdcn, Burton, mid tlio chairman were appointed an Executive Committee, with power to add to their number. The arranging of lectures, etc., during the winter months was left in the hands of the chairman. The annual meeting of tho To Awamutn Football Club took place on Friday evening. There was a fair attendance of members. Tho balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £1 lis. Tho club for the second year in succession had won tho caps. The following officers were elected for the ensning year:— President, Mr. F. W. Lang, M.H.E.; vicepresidents. Messrs. O'Connor, Taylor, Storey, Wallace, Hampton, Latter, and C. A. Bowden; Mr. 0. A. Bowden was re-elected chairman; vice-captain, Mr. 11. Mandcno; secretary and treasurer, Mr. P. Lewis; committee, Messrs. C. Bowden, I). Bockett, 11. Burton, 11. Forde, F. Taylor, J. North, and 11. Mandcno; delegates, Messrs. C. Bowden and tho secretary; selection committee, Messrs. Q. Bowden, F. Bowden, and Bockott, Tho annua! subscription was fixed at 3s. PIRONGIA. OUR footballers had their first practice Inst week. Tho number of members of the club has been considerably reduced by tho departure of former membors for South Africa. It was decided, with tho assistance o c tho Karamn boys, to keep up tho club, and play in this season's matches. At the next practice tho captain and officers will lie appointed. PAPAKUBA. THE annual meeting of tho subscribers to tho Papakura Literary Institute and Public Library was held on Friday. May 4. Tho Row T. Norrio occupied tho chair. The report and balance-sheet for the past, year were read by tho secretary (Mr. Jones), from which it appeared that the receipts were £11 17s 7Jd, and tho expenditure amounted to £5 15s la, loaving a balance in hand of £6 2s 6id. "Hio report was adopted, and the officebearers cleoted for the current year were as follows;— Bov. T. Noi-io; secretary and treasurer, Mr. Jones; auditor, Mr. C. Somerfiold; and members of committee, Miss Robortson, Rev. O. It. Hewlett, and Mr. 8. Clark. It was agreed to have a concert in aid of tho library on the 18th inst. lIUNTLY. A MEETING of tho Huntly School Committco was held in tho schoolroom. There were present: Tho Rev. 0. E. Ward (in the chair), Messrs. A. E. Dawson (secretary), Friar, Peckham, Molesworth, and Harry. Tenders for school cleaning wore opened, and that of Mrs. Molesworth, being tho lowest, was accepted. It was unanimously resolved, "That tho oommlttos regret, tho slowness with which the Education Board attend to their correspondence, and tile difficulty that exists in getting matters relating to the school staff attended to." Tho foregoing resolution was passed owing to tho committeo disagreeing with the Board's comments, as received from them in correspondence some time baok. The committco think that thoro should bo a satisfactory adjustment of tho junior school staff. Mr. Elliot, tho head toachor, is doing well for the school. Tho Board think that the school is overstaffed; but the committee think that two first-year pupil teachers are not equal to ono experienced pupil teacher, MAUKU. TflH many friends of our worthy settlor, Dr. Giles, will bo very sorry to bear that ho is still detained in the privato hospital in Auckland, where ho had nn operation performed on one of his eyes nearly a month ago. It was hoped he would liavo been nolo to return to his home, " Garston," before this, but tlio eve not having improved as well as expected, ho lias had to remain in Auckland a while longer, so as to bo under bis doctors' and nurses' caro. May ho shortly return wholly recovered, is the sincere wish of one and all here. ' It was indeed a vory happy thought that prompted tho Governor and the Countess Ranfurly to gather at Government llouso the old veterans of past wars. Thore wero many present who had not hardly mot sinco the days of shoulder rides. I, myself, canio across somo I had not seen since our war timo in 1863, and tho great charm was, everybody was at once put at caso by tho very kindly manner of the host and hostess. There was in stiffness or formality, which would have been irksome to somo present. It was indeed a day to bo remembered by all those privileged to bo present, and many happy recollections will dwell in their memories. It will also bo an event in tho history of onr colony under tho ahlo governorship of Lord Ranfurly. Pheasant-shooting season is again on, but thore won't be tho birds got there were in the lato Sir 6 F. Bowen's (late Governor) tlmo. I well remember a day I had with him lioro, and I saw him bring down 13 hrnco with his own gun, and ho always spent a few days in tho district; and on leaving the colony, presented mo with his gun as a memento of tho good days wo had together. A now organ has just been purchased for St. Bride's Church, at a cost of £35, and In a very short timo tho money to pay for it was collected from kind friends to tho church. The organ was used for the first timo last, Sunday morning and evening, and was played by Miss Kavanngh. who has kindly played for the congregation for sevoral years. Tho tono of the instrument is vory good, PAPARATA, Trrfl annual soirco in commotion with tho Wesloyan Church was hold en April 23, in tho church, and considering tho dark and showery night, was fairly well attended. An excellent programme was rendered at tho aflor meeting. Mr. Worsloy presided at tho organ, tho usual votes of thanks torminatod tho mooting. WHANGAHEI HEADS. AUTUMN is hero with its seasonal rains, but strange to say, the equinoctial gales did not arrive on duo date-in fact, we have hardly

noticed any difference In the wind and weather to warrant" the assumption that we nave had them at all this year. The contractors on the various sections of Toad work were fortunate in getting their jobs all finished before the weather broke. Messrs. Robinson and Urquhart have completed their separate sections on the Heads, Ocean Beach Road, and Messrs. White and McGregor have mended the ways of the district lying between Lime Kiln and McLeod's pay. These completed works will prove an immense boon to the settlers, as also to tourists, who can now with ease and comfort travel from Whangarei, via Parua Bay, to Ocean Beach in buggies, if so desired. The Rev. W. Thompson, of Waipu, still supplies us with a monthly service here, and preached again on Sunday, April 22, to a large mid appreciative congregation. The lecture given somo time ago by this gentleman for starting a public library here realised £4 ss. Since then, several persons who were unablo to attend the lecture have forwarded the price of tickets to the treasurer, Mr. Rust, bringing up the cash in hand to £4 14s. A committee was appointed at a public meeting on April 25, to carry out all neccssar*- details and have the library established forthwith. Mr. N. A. Meleod has been appointed chairman of the Library Committee.

WAIUKU. ON April 27, the school children of the WaiukuAwhitu peninsula were granted, by tho kind consideration of the directors of the Waiuku and Onehuuga Steam Navigation Company, a free excursion trip to Onehunga in the's.s*. "elm, and notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, upwards of 100 children availed themselves of the privilege. There were also about 140 adults, who wore taken at excursion fares. Arrangements wore also made with the railway department, and tickets were issued at reduced rates. Tho children, who were accompanied by their teachers and some of the School Committee and parents, visited the Museum, the Art Gallery, and tho HERALD Printing Works. The children expressed their delight, more especially with the latter place, where each of them were presented with a linotype of their names. On returning to Onehunga, a rather awkward experience awaited them. A strong galo having arisen, Captain Clarke very wisely decided not to face it, About 240, old and young, had to get shelter tho best way they could, sleeping on billiard tables, etc. However, all's well that ends well and tho steamer left at daylight on Saturday morning, the trip being an enjoyable one, none apparently being any the worse for their night's adventure. Mr. Richards, who has been appointed a second minister by tho Wesleyan Conference to the Franklin circuit, and stationed at Waiuku, arrived here during the week. Mr. Richards preached in Wesley Church to a fairly largo congregation on Sunday morning, and created a very favourable impression. WAIKUMETE. The Nihotuprt Falls and West Coast havo both been well patronised with tourists this Bummer, the latter resort having easy access, even on to the beach, a coach having been put on weekly to the convenience of all. The sconcry there is unsurpassed, with a hugo waterfall, lofty cliffs, and many other attractions. It is the silo of the late township, and mill which cut out the hulk of the kauri timber, part of which was not accessible, owing to tho roughness of the country. Tho annual piinio took place on Easter Monday, in Mr. Tripp's paddock, when about 60 excursionists arrived from town, and the weather was all that could he desired. Swings were arranged for the children, who enjoyed themselves immensely. The house and paddock were thrown open to tho picnickers, and instead of choosing the damp ground, tables were soon placed on the commodious verandah, and the endless varieties of dolicacies, including fruit, etc., were in galore. A decoration of ferns and shrubs hung all round. Gaines were then the order of the day. Mr. P. Backhouse, took several photos of the different games, tho lagoon overhanging with forns, also some pigs rolling in tho mud. After having enjoyed themselves, they adjonrnod for tea, Tho large assembly dispersed at dusk, with three cheers for their host PORT ALBERT. Mil. WHITEHOTJSE, with his kinematograph. etc.. was here on April 25. and though tho evening was moonless, and sky and roads not cheerful, he had a. good house. Tho phonograph performance is far tho best we havo yet seen North of Auckland; its music being good, a'ld volume of sound a marvel PAPAROA. THE moneys voted last session of Parliament for roads in this neighbourhood aro being expended. Pretty well all the available men are engaged. There aro three gangs at work on the Valley Road, cutting down hills and filling hollows, and the work they are doing will bo appreciated next summer. There is one drawback, however; it, does not need a very lively imagination to picture what 4ft of loose earth will become in three months' timo. The Survey Office, a few weeks ago, called for tenders for renewing Slater's bridge. This bridge was originally built 35 years ago, and above 20 years since it was raised several feet, lengthened, and put on piles. It is now straining a little under the traffic, and tho renewal is not any too soon. I have not heard whether any tender is accepted WATBT. A PUMac meeting was held immediately after tho election of the School Committee to consider whether wo should remove the postoffice to Mr. Worker's house, and also as to whether we should have a telephono office. The required guarantee has niton secured. Messrs. 11. Wilson. J. Smyth, W. Worker, C. Dibble, and H. G. Partington wero appointed a committee to enquire and make the necessary arrangements, and to call another meeting. It is quite time we had a telephone and money order office here, as it is very inconvenient to go to Warkworth or Wollsford when wo want to sond a messaga by wire, or to got postal notes or orders, and it is also not convenient for our postmistress to supply stamps by 6s or 10s worth at a time. The present telegraph line passes closo by our offico door, so it would not cost much to connect ns by wire. HEREKTNO. THE ladies of this settlement got up one of tho most enjoyable dances ever held in this place, the proceeds, £4 14s, being placed to the credit of tho sick and wounded fund of South Africa. At a full meeting of the settlers it was decided to see if it were not in their power to erect a sawmill and ship-building yard in tho settlement They havo sent two experienced settles to town to find oat all particulars. PAPAKURA VALLEY. THE Sunday-school picnic, which had been postponed from New Year's Day to Easter Monday, camo off in duo course, and was a most successful function. Somo money had been collected with which to purchase prizes, each child receiving ono, mid in addition a few more were given to the winner of running races. Plenty of good tilings for the inner wants wero also provided, and duly 'appreciated. In addition to the races, tho various games usual to such occasion wero indulged in, lawn tennis playing coming in for a good sharo of attention. Tho picnic was held in Mrs. Middleton's place by the tennis courts. Mrs. Muir, the superintendent, Miss Middleton, who collected the money for the prizes, and other friends were indefatigable in their efforts to make the affair a success. The sum of £8 Is was received from Government as subsidy to tho public library, which, with tho other money raised, will make not far short of £20 for tho purchase of books. A circular is being issued to tho subscribers, asking them to suggest suitable books, so that the committee, in expending tho money, will havo some idea of the class of books that will bo most acceptable. Some of the subscribers have been feeling rather impatient about the long time that has elapsed sluco tho library was first mooted, but now that tho subsidy has been received it should soon be in full going order KAIPARA FLATS. The Rev. E. M. Cowio held divine service here on Good Friday, at 11 a.m., and an early celebration of Holy Communion on Easter morning, and afterwards proceeded to Warkworth, where bo held another celebration, returning in the afternoon for visitation ami baptismal services; and in the evening the rev. gentleman bold the usual evening servico in St. Clements' Church. Tlio church was very tastefully decorated for the Easter festival with long festoons and arches composed of lycopodinm fern and white flowers; very simple and effective, the work of Miss Clements and tho Misses Rainsbury, Mr. A. 11. Whltchouse gave an exhibition hero on April 23 of one of Edison's latest improvements in phonography—the theatrophone. The popular national, patriotic, and comic items rendered by this marvellous production of phonetic science was varied most agreeably by kinematograph scenic effects, representing a wide diversity of subjects. The election of an entirely now school committee, with the execution of ono member, at tho meeting of householders on tho 23rd tut., is a step in the right direction, and meets, I believe, with the approval of tho majority of residents. This meeting is the first for many years in which interest has been evoked in the proceedings, rmiscouently things ran year after year iii the same old groove. Kaipara Flats within the last 10 years has redoubled its area of settlement, a number of young settlers have made new homes, and it is only right that these should take an interest in local public affairs. The new School Committee being under tho able chairmanship of Mr. Josiah Hudson. J.P., ought to bo sufficient guarantee of efficiency in supervision of matters scholastic, ho far'as they come within the province of tips public body, , , ln , Heavy rams have fallen the last 10 days. The roads are getting very muddy, and tho temperature is much cooler. Owing to (he heavy rain which fell on inday. the 20th. the library social was postponed until tho 27th hist.