NGAPARA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1461, 15 November 1879, Page 11

NGAPARA.

(from otjr own correspondent ) November 12th.

The birthday of H.R.H. the Prince of Wale 3 passed off very quietly here. Soma excursionists came out by the morniog train to picnic, and they appeared to pass a very pleasant day. But 10,000 persons did not travel on our tram-cars, as I observe was the case ia the '.metropolis. " Creep before ya gang," and " Rome was not built; in a day, however, are old but suggeitive proverbs. We, therefore, must not be discouraged ; and having already passed the first stage, we trust withja moderate share of good fortune in the present wool season and coming harvest to make yot more rapid strides. The fleeces are good, and the crops, so far, are all that could be desired. The population increases, too, a proof of which is the attendance at the sohool (in respact of merely families). I understand there are 51 names on the school register, being over double what it opened with.

The School Committee has just erected a great source of amusement for the children in the form of a roundabout swing, it being a pole fixed in the ground with a ring on top, to which six ropes are attached, the which do not go begging for patrons ;_ other additions and improvements have likewise been effected. Now money is required, so a concert; and dance are to be held on the 28th instant, a committee having been organised for the purpose the other evening. Great efforts will be made to provide an enjoyable entertainment, which I trust will be heartily responded to by all well-wishers to the school and district. Mr Petrie conducted a successful examination recently. I regret to hear the public library is not taken advantage of so largely as is desired. The settlers certainly should avail themselves of it ; the subscription is very small, and there is an excellent stock of books. The more members, the more rapidly would (the number of books increase.