WAIKATO

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 21, 5 February 1881, Page 210

WAIKATO

— The proposed "benedict's "ball has fallen through. — The Zulu hat, though out of fashion in Auckland, is still " the thing " in Waikato. — The new doctor and his fair lady are, of course, not included in the list. - Mrs. D. gave one of her pleasant little musical evenings on Tuesday. — Hamilton is getting into favour as a place for honeymooning. No less than three pairs of doves arrived last week. — Friar Tuck has, since the races, industriously shunned the glare of the sun, and has retired under "the greenwood tree." — The question which has heen passing from mouth to mouth for the past week, is ' ' What is Adam P. doing up here just now ?" — Yes ! No doubt it was a plucky thing for the Parson to ride from Mercer to Hamilton the other night when he missed the train, but how about the horse ? — Harry, his belltopper, gloves and hunting crop are the objects of general admiration in Hamilton just now, especially with the larrikin portion of the population. — It is reported that a well-known gentleman of colour, not a hundred miles from Te Awamutu, is shortly to lead a fair young girl of sixteen summers to the altar. — A well-known lawyer and M. H. R.s watch-dog has been seen at large in the streets of Te Awamutu without collar or muzzle. What is the local Tax collector thinking about. — There will be a Review at Te Awamutu in Easter week, at which all the Volunteer Corps in the Province will be asked to take part. — There is to be another promenade concert shortly, in the gardens of Mr. dimming at Rosemont, Hamilton ; but as the raspberry season has taken wing it is doubtful whether the attendance will be large or not. — Biddy is reported to be sadly disappointed that the Governor did not visit Te Awamutu as he lost a grand chance of wearing his white tile, and showing what an illegant number he'd make. — The alleged ritualistic practices at "St." John's, Te Awamutu, have, it appears, from a protest issued by the churchwardens, existed only in the brain of the malicious individuals ■ who spread the report. — The whole trouble arose out of the circumstance that none of the members of the church could be found courageous enough to take upon himself the onerous duties of parish warden. Sad, isn't it ? — The circus charger has gone to fresh field fields and pastures new, and his owner has, by consequence, lost much of that popularity with the fair sex, which he gained by his equestrian feats. — Fruit stealing has gone out of fashion in Waikato, owing to the severe verbal castigation which the R.M. administered to the four grown Tip ' ' lads" who paid a casual visit to Colonel De Quincey's apple tree the other day. — The malady is apparently of a catching nature. Several of the younger portion of the population are already practising matrimonial schemes, and doubts are entertained regarding the Batchelor Father of the community. — The B. F., however, stoutly denies the soft impeachment. — Capt. Steele, who had such a narrow escape from death by falling down a precipice at Te Aroha — being indeed only preserved from destruction by not haying been near it at all — is about to place a painted window in a certain Presbyterian church as a thanksgiving offering. —The Waikato Times the other day, was rather rough on the Governor's theology as developed in his speech at Cambridge, and the parson of St. Andrews is much annoyed thereat. His letter to the Times throws quite a flood of light on the subject in dispute. —The chief amusement indulged in by the excursionists at the Bluenose was, I am informed, that ancient, but somewhat unsatisfying game known as " killing time." No peaches were brought back and it is presumed very few were met with. There was, however plenty of dancing to the really good music of the Band.

—The "Knights of the # Round Table" at I Alexandra have agreed to dissolve for want of a quorum. — The Alexandra gold fanatics had a full meeting the other day as some of the capitalists had jiist returned from Te Aroha with splendid specimens for bait. — The proudest father in Cambridge is certainly R. K. (mine host of the Duke of Cambridge). To see him dancing his first-born in his stalwart arms, and hear his melodious voice uttering sweet nothings to it, is enough to melt a heart of stone r and draw tears from the eyes of an Egyptian mummy. — Those who Avere left at home at Hamilton on Anniversaiy Day, engaged in a swimming match, organised by the worthy host of the Royal, who, however, did not pocket much by the transaction. In return for four half crowns, he had to give a barrel of beer as a first prize, and a bottle of brandy as a second. — By the way, lam slightly in error. There were, it is true, only four competitors, but the V.B. and the "King" Bee, had also entered. Having misunderstood the conditions, they did not enter the lists. They were under the impression that it was to have been a floating match ! However, they paid their money and looked pleasant. — The first prize was won by Charlie Beale, who beat the gallant captain by about 20yds., "amid the plaudits of the onlookers" as my friends the gentlemen of the Press would say. Contrary to regulations, the competitors did not appear in "proper swimming costume." The question of what is a proper swimming costume is, however, one which admits of argument. — In any case, there was a very evident difference of opinion on the subject, as between those in the water and those on shore, many of the latter veiling their faces and fleeing from the scene. — Te Aroha air must be decidedly medicinal. Several parties have returned from there lately looking uncommonly "blue," and not half so "feverish" as before. There is some talk of forming a Te Aroha dramatic company, which will be a very strong one. The first performance will be the well-known piece "All is not gold that glitters ! "