OAKURA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8629, 15 November 1889, Page 2

OAKURA.

(from our own correspondent.)

November 14. — The dry weather is telling on the grass, which is beginning to show the want of rain.

The settlers here held a picnic on Monday, and most of the families were represented at it. It was got up in the old style — everyone took something, and thus there was sure to be plenty for any stray visitor that might come. These picnics are very pleasant gatherings, for all can enjoy themselves in the open air, and when tired and hungry can sit down and oat. They bring people together, who can talk over the topics of the day. Our picnic was held at Mr N. Julian's farm, down by the river side, and a lovely spot. It was a great success, and one and all enjoyed themselves. There was plenty to eat, plenty of sport, and plenty of young people, as well as heads of families to see after things.

A bakery has started here, in Messrs West & McGahey's store. The son of our old friend Antonio Rodriquez de Sardinia and his mate, Mr Tanner, have started baking, and we all wish them every success in their undertaking. They are lately from Auckland, and I feel sure by turning out a good article they will do well.

Some amusement has been caused here at a report being circulated that the residence of the late Mr Walsh, who was killed some time ago, was haunted. Two young men wont to live there, and they stato that they saw a man como in at the back part of the house, who began to knock things about and make a great noise. The "ghost" then camo, they say, into tho dining-room, where there wasanaccordeon. They say the " ghost " was using it badly, but I don't think he played on it. One of the young men avers he saw the " ghost " walking about, and the next night was afraid to go into the house after dark, as there was a noise. Ho said ho would not sleep there on any account. I believe two other men went down, and went in with these young men; they shut the windows, &c, and they say that everything was quiet. Mr Searle's boys used to sleep in the house by themselves, and never saw the "ghost" or heard anything but rats. I think it must have been the rats these young men heard running about, as it is said there are rats there. I suppose after this Oakura will be noted for having a haunted house, and that ghosts will be seen through tho night. The two young men could not have had much courage, or were very superstitious, or they would have discovered what it was that disturbed their rest.

Messrs Dingle & Corke have much pleasure in announcing to their customers arfd the public generally that they have arranged with Mr C. E. Gledhill to rent his new building, adjoining their own, until the end of the year. Tho additional space thus secured will enable them to display their largo stock of furniture and fancy ware to greater advantage than hitherto, and they would respectfully invite inspection. The stock is continually being replenished by shipments of new furniture, and all the novelties in fancy ware, china, glassware, Japanese goods, &c. During December both shops will be open every ovening until ten o'clock, when the shilling and sixpenny tables will bo filled with fancy goods, a shipment of ten cases of which » expected to arrive in a few days from Eu|]»nd,— Advt,