RONGAHERE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2427, 19 September 1900, Page 34

RONGAHERE.

September 14. — The evening of the 7th inst. was one of historical interest to the inhabitants of this neighbourhood, that being the date on which the fii&fa entertainment held in our new school took place. This gatheiing, which was one »f the largest, also proved one of the most enjoyable ever held m Roiigahere. This, in a great measure, was clue to the energetic interest taken in matters connected with the gettingup arrangements by our school teacher, Miss Loan, and her sister, who, considering the short lime they have been among us have already succc-ded m making a large circle of friends. Space debais me from making particular mention of each individual performer at this very creditable "function, which was followed by a dance. This, the devotees of Tcrpischore kept going with spirit until the ' wee sma' 'oors." "Whilst discussing dancing and the lovers of dancing one's mind naturally reverts i to the opponents of this pastime — those cranks (their name is legion) who take every opportunity to convince jou thpt th f e ballroom is verily '"the gate of Sheol"— without success, of course, unless you happen to be the possessor of mind equally as wide as the thin edge of a razor. Argumentation is of no avail against the faddist who by excess of virtue is himself a social evil. It merely invokes a. smile so childlike and bland, which is like until Bret Harte's "Heathen Chinee," "peculiar." 'Tis vain to discourse on the poetry of motion or hint that music is the cause, dancing the effect. I'm nothing if not ciitical— That man that hath not music in his soul, Let no such man be trusted. After all, we caxi well affoid to pity those who cannot or will not enjoy the privileges we possess — one thing being certain, So long as youth and beauty meet, So long will they continue to chase The houis with flying feet. Dredging. — Dredging matters are rather quiet lound this quaifccr at present. All the available river flats weic pegged oft and placed on the market 12 months ago, nothing having been done since. There are, however, rumours going round that one company intends starting building opeialions shortly. Saw-milling. — We have another, a young industry here, that in all piobability will one dry be a big affair, and which certainly deserves a. little encouragement from the hands of the Government in the way or providing better means of Iranspoii, more especially as the proprietors j contribute to the revenue by way of " royulI ties. ' I allude to the Rankleburn sawmills, the j owners of which deserve credit for the way in j which they aie surmounting the initial jriirficulties inseparable fiom all undertakings of this kind. I am given to understand they expect to be in a position to execute all orders during the coming season, and also expect to have something done to the roads during the sifmmei mouths. You should see 'im. when 'o's pniggin' v Up and down the mountain tis-.ck, j With hi<3 "Cum up wid ye, Ro'aney!" j An' his " Who?, gee, J~ack!" j Jim's an upright sore o' gig-gci*, Take 'im all roand c's kind 6' square, An km use a twelve-foot lamer With an inch or two to spare. i Ho oi-on doesn't wony, j An' you never 'ear him swear, j 'Cept when Tiger's nceclm" sortin' Or his liver wants repair. Sumtim.es he gits excited, Then the deaf an' dumb would hear, I'm wbisperin' to Theliaicl. "Whoa, ho!" "Gee back!" "'Cum 'ere!"