OKATO.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 75, 22 March 1895, Page 3

OKATO.

4. (Our Own Correspondent.) Since List I wrote you quite a number of interesting incidents lave occurred in our district. The one of most importance is the cailing for tanders for ereotiou of the Kaihihi River bridge ; the successful tenderers being local men gives general satisfaction, and I am sure Messrs Kensington and Julian will carry out the contract in a thoroughly workmanlike manner. I see the County Council have posted up a notice to the effect that •' this bridge is unsafe for traffic." Rather good that, after the bridge has been down for two months. The visit, of Professor ;Theodor Lichtwark, the celebrated horse trainer, was quite .an event amongst' the young jocks, his lecture and class being well patronised; in fact, a former pupil already considers " it has saved him five pounds, he being able to handle his own colts and know they are thoroughly broken in, and that without abusing them." His book on the horse should be in every settler's house. Mr W. Grey, our local-host, is leading the way in enterprise, and is erecting a first-class bakery for Mr -Hooker, the whole of the work being of the' most substantial kind, coupled with all latest improvements. Truly, the people of Okato should bo well supplied with the staff of life, both cheap and of first-class quality, with two bakeries in our midst, and two outside suppliers bringing bread to the district. Truly, our lines have fallen in pleasant places. I hear Mr J. Corbett has sold .out his butchering business, Mr George Humphrey being the purchaser. During the time Mr Corbett has been in business here he has become a general favorite, killing nothing but the best of meat, charging a reasonable price for it, and always obliging and courteous to his customers. Our member paid his annual visit, and received a very fair hearing. He touched on the various subjects similar to those you reported from other places. • The great meeting at Pa*ihaka was the all-absorbing topic on Sunday. From very early morning vehicles and horsemen were passing towards the Maori feast, great numbers coming from New Plymouth. Judging by the very geneial wearing of the white feather Te Whiti must still be a strong favorite with both pakeha :and Maori? I did not see a single Tohu favor worn by any from this side A galaxy of youth and beauty started on Monday morning for the mountain,, a very fair track being available near and parallel with Stony River. The weather was glorious for mountaineering.

On Sunday I noticed several of the sons of Hibernia wearing the Sham-, rock to commemorate St. Patrick. It is pleasant to note this national spirit, which, a 3 colonials, we are apt to entirely overlook in connection with our adopted country. I am very pleased to hear Mrs C. Storer is improving again. A week ago she was in a very low way, and was removed to her father's (Mr Elwiu's) residence at Puniho. I am sure Mr Storer had the sympathy of all his neighbors during this very trying time. I only hope Mis Storer's improved health may be permanent. The milk suppliers to our local factory have had an ariel tramway erected across the Kihihi River to tha factory platform, so that in case the river is in flood and they cannot cross with their milk, they will be in a position to tram it over and take the skim milk back. Mr Keningston undertook the construction, having had considerable experience in that kind of work. At a trial on Monday everything worked most successfully. The credit of this idea is in a great measure due to Mr W. Lambie, who has gone to a deal of trouble to get it carried to to a successful issue. I forgot to mention that in connection with the erection of the Kaihihi bridge the settlers have subscribed nearly £SO, giving to. the County Council a guarantee of £4O to induce them to go an with it immediately. In spiritual matters the Eev Nixon gave us a farewell visit before leaving for fresh fields and pastures new. His visits were always looked forward to with interest, as he is a* particular favorite in this district, and all wish him success in his new sphere of work. Mx S. Thompson, carrier, has returned from his trip to Wellington, and if reports are correct he should be we 11 , satisfied financially with his outing.