COUNTRY LETTERS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1107, 19 May 1893, Page 17

COUNTRY LETTERS.

WANGANUI.

Dim uncertainty as to the candidates and rumour running rampant with its many mouthed tongues are pervading characteristics of political matters here, and until Mr Parsons ' takes off his coat' it will be little different, as far as the Liberal party is concerned. Mr Carson is the selected one in the Tory interests, and already his committees have been formed, and those supporting the Government candidate would very much like to be in the field in a similar capacity, and no doubt the present wish will see concerted action of some kind settled on. (Since our correspondent wrote Mr Parsons has retired, and it is now settled that Messrs Willis and Carson will be the candidates. —Ed. Mail). Mrs Ballance has taken up her residence at' The Knolls,' St John's Hill, and has received very many messages of condolence and sympathy in her bereavement. Some very caustic criticism is being passed on the miserable structure at present doing duty for the Native Lands Court, several of the officials being incapacitated from attending to their duties by reason of illnesses contracted through the dilapidated state of the tenement. There is no doubt that a proper building should be erected at once —in fact it has been promised sometime by the Native Minister.

The Wanganui Public Museum is rapidly approaching completion, and it is expected it will be out of the builders' hands in about three weeks' time. The site could hardly be improved upon, as it is in the heart of the town, within a stone's throw of the Post Office and easily approachable from Eidgway street. The main hall of the building is 60 by 40 feet, with a height of 20 feet, and the architect, Mr A. Atkins, F.E.1.8.A., has carried out his labour of love in a most satisfactory manner. The large number of specimens are being daily added to, and Mr Director Drew will have a busy time in placing the many cases in proper order of sub-division. The townspeople have just cause indeed to be proud of their museum, and of those who have so disinterestedly worked to ensure its success.

The friends of Sergeant-Major Anderson will regret to learn that he is again confined to his bed through illness. The barque Freetrader, which was stranded on the South Spit, was successfully towed off on Saturday night by the Mana, and the following morning brought up to the town wharf. It was found that she had sustained but little damage. A magisterial enquiry is to be held at the end of the week.

An informal opening of the Cosmopolitan Club took place on Saturday, and every evidence was forthcoming that the committee intend making it both popular and convenient. The membership roll already tots up to 150. The members of Christ Church choir made the deserved presentation of a handsome ebony and silver baton to Mr Harold Brooke the other evening in recognition of his valuable services in the conducting of Stainer's 'Crucifixion.'

The town is already getting too full of those objectionable gentry yclept ' spielers,' who are here, of course, for the Wanganui Jockey Club Steeplechase Meeting on Queen's Birthday. What is now known as the Okoia child abandonment case promises to reveal some peculiar facts when it comes before the court, in about a fortnight's time. No names have as yet become public properly, but it is gen • erally known that the mother of the child belongs to one of the most respected families in the district.

When the Edith May was wrecked here it will be remembered that nothing definite was forthcoming at the enquiry as to what had become of her anchor after she had commenced to drift. It is now stated that a schooner recently in port fished that anchor up as she was leaving and took it with her. Nautical men would like to know where the mud-hook was found as tending to throw some fight on the question as to how far the Edith May drifted ere she struck and became a total wreck. The Musical and Dramatic Association have decided to stage Byron's comedy, ' Partners for Life,' as their next production, and rehearsals are to be called almost immediately. The next sensation here in the musical

line will be the Pollard season, and as a new piece is to be staged every evening during the season of six nights there will no doubt be the usual crowded audiences. It is with companies like this that we so sadly feel the want of a proper theatre, and playgoers, like the little boy, won't be happy till they get it.