Queen Victoria.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 86, 30 April 1895, Page 3

Queen Victoria.

Auckland, April 26.

Mrs Emily Crawford contributed to Truth on March 23rd the first public mention of Queen Victoria’s serious condition. She writes that on her arrival at Nice Railway Station the Queen seemed unable to raise her head. Une might have thought she did not feel her feet under her, as with the assistance of servants she tried to descend the sloping gangway from the train into the station.

It is well known among those familiar with Court affairs that rheumatism of the knees has lately not only developed the complete loss of power in both legs, but extended to the back and arms, and a fatal issue is feared almost any time. Princess Beatrice, who is now the Queen’s constant companion, has of late been present at all her interviews vrifch Ministers, and is recognised in official circles as practically the wielder of all royal prerogatives. It is well understood the Queen has willed her favoured daughter the bulk of her savings, about £1,750,000, with Osborn, and Balmoral, both residences being the private property of the royal mother. London advices- of Afcril Bdnevertheless report the Queen to be in excellent condition.

ELTHAM ROAD.

(Cue own Correspondent.)

The weather seems to have broken up for the season, and for the last few days we have been experiencing a second edition of the late gales,. accompanied with cold and heavy rain. This will put an end to most of the metalling contracts for this year. The season has been an exceptionally good pne for this work, and very good progress has been made. The Elthara Bead is now finished, with the exception of a few chains. The Mangahume and Waiteiki bridges are built, and the contractor is at work on two other small bridges. The structures are nicely painted and well finished off, and they help to relieve the somewhat desolate appearance of this part of the road. About 45 chains of the the Kiri Road has been metalled, and the greater part of the other 43 chains would have now been finished had the formation been ready for the metal. I am afraid the newly-formed portion will be altogether impassable this winter, the top crust (consisting of shingle out of the drains) being removed-, leaving nothing but a bog underneath. The Auroa road is finished with the exception of about five chains of the worst part, and though the contractor says he is determined . to finish it this season, I think it will best him.

A ‘great deal of dissatisfaction is expressed by settlers at the action of the Taranaki Council in deciding to impose the wheel tax in the Hawera County. I am afraid their action will be the reverse of beneficial to the trade of Opunake, as many settlers will take their yehicieff elsewhere for provisions before submitting to be taxed by another county. The heads of families in this part seem.to take very little interest in the education of their children. Last year thres or four bachelors had to serve on the School Committee at Awatuna, and this year the same thing has happened, only a few married men rolling up to the meeting. The advent of a lady teacher may have something to do with, the readiness of the bachelors to offer their services. The committee consist of Messrs Parkes, Korte, Bourke,. Huckstep, Watson, Brooker, and Kappeley. Mr Watson was reelected, chairman. A great deal of regret is felt by parents at Mr Prendergast’s resignation, as the children were progressing very well under his tuition, and frequent changes of teachers are anything but favorable to progress. If a Mutual Improvement Society or debating class could be started, and a library in connection with it, it would help to. pass away the long winter months, and cause many to take an active (who now hardly take a passive) interest in the hall. As the hall is now clear of debt, it should be obtainable at a reasonable charge, and combining together, books and periodicals,

which, individually, are beyond ora* means to procure, might bo purchased at a small cost.to each member. As for the debating society, it is said that you can kick a. stump orator out of every 'bush in New Zealand, and I think the material, for at least the nucleus of such' a ‘society could be easily found here. They have, one at Kaponga, Otakeho, and all the little hamlets around—and why not here ?