TIKORANGL.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 140, 5 November 1895, Page 2

TIKORANGL.

(Fbom a Correspondent.) One of the most pleasant evening's entertainments ever held here took place on Friday, 23rd October, when the second of the series of quarterly conversaziones in aid of the library funds was held in the schoolroom. The weatber, which during the early part of tbe day did not look at all promising, brightened considerably towards evening; the result being a crowded house ; sitting room being at a premium. It is estimated that there were over 150 persons present, and that estimate is fully within the mark. An interesting programme was gone through during the evening, consist-ing-of songs, readings and recitation. A comic reading by Mr Joll, of Waitara, fairly brought down the house, he having to respond to an imperative encore. Duets by Mr and Mrs Curne, and by Misses Hine and Jonas, also a comic song by Mr E. T. Hicks are deserving of special mention. All kinds of games, papers, views, &c. were provided. The ladies of the district kindly supplied refreshments to which full justice was done, and I am sure all present were well satisfied with the evening's amusement. I am glad to state that up to the present the library has been welUupported, thus showing it is supplying a long desired want. There have been about forty five members the past quarter ; fifty are expected the present one. This should be -considered very good for a small country district like this. As usual at the opening of anything fresh in this district we were not without the usual remarks as to the success of the library; but anyone present on Friday evening, could not, I tbink, but say that it was a success or that it was not well patronised. The takings at the door amounted to £3 which, at the small charges of 6d and 3d, is very satisfactory. The local larrikins have been having quite a gay time of late, rolling up in force to '• tin-can " the young men of the district, who, it appears, have at last awakened unto the necessity of taking a partner for life. By all accounts they succeeded in having a right merry time of it. The weather the past few weeks has been rough and boisterous, a great deal of harm having been done to the fruit trees. Gras3 has also been retarded a lot, and the farmer who neglected to close his hay-field up early will not, it seems, be troubled with too heavy a crop. Coming as it does after a severe winter cattle feel it severely, and everyone is now wishing for a little warm weather to get the grass to grow. The local school was examined during the past week the result being in every way satisfactory to the teacher and all concerned.