WAIKATO WHISPERINGS

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 31, 16 April 1881, Page 330

WAIKATO WHISPERINGS

— The Zulu hat is still worn occasionally. — The latest excitement in Hamilton is the proposed calico hall in May, — The natives are fast clearing out of Canil)vidge, and the atmosphere lias become purer in consequence. — The parson of St. Peter's has been walking into the affections of some of our high liver's and guy dresser's lately, and tlie individuals in question don't like it. But they won't let on that the cup fits. — Another union is spoken of as likely to likely to eventuate, the parties to which live in the Cambridge district. The " lovier," in this instance, has long been regarded by his friends in the light of a confirmed bachelor. — The gallant old soldier who is to fill the post of Brigade-Major has, in response to the ardently expressed wishes of his friends, consented to appear in the uniform of the 92nd, kilts only excepted, as he will have to be mounted. — The fair English pedestricnnes have excited the envy of at least one of their sex, who, to show that long residence in the colony does jiof deteriorate one's physical qualities, walked 16 miles the other day before lunch. All honour to this courageous defender of the colony's fair name. It is as well to say, however, the distance required to beat the invaders is 29 mil an. — Two marriages in high life will he consummated shortly after the termination of Lenten Fast, one being that of the well-known adorable I/ieutennnt, the other I am almost afraid to mention, the prospective benedict being of such modest and retiring habits. If I say he lives at Waitoa.ixnd that the parents of his adored one belong to the great guns of Hamilton it will, perhaps, be sufficient. — The pleasure of the public in witnessing the autumn manoeuvres at Te Awamutu will, after all, be nothing to the delight which our gallant yeomanry will experience in camping out two whole nights', cooking their own "wittles," and blacking their own boots. To show the extent to which the enthusiasm is affecting some of us, I hear that the learned and gallant Secretary of the crack (Te Awamutu) troop intends leaving the comforts of his home and sleeping under canvas with his brave comrades in arms. — The principal topic of conversation in Waiiato just now, is, of course, the great review on Easter Monday. Notwithstanding the poor muster of the Cambridge and Hamilton troops at the half-yearly drill all the force is expected to turn out for the great event,' which, like poor Artemus "Ward's " great orgin," is in everybody's mouth. It is a great secret, but lam told that the Hamilton troop is going to take the shine out of their brethren in arms completely. The three officers are to be mounted on immense greys, of a calibre hitherto unknown. — Captain Rutherford's house is to be the object of attack, and accordingly it hns been enclosed in a strong redoubt, and will be defended by a redoubtable commander, in the selection of whom a regard has been had to the fitness of things. The blackguard enemy (all people who oppose us are blackguards) will open their attack from a neighbouring hill, and after leaving several thousands (who are killed to order) dead upon the field will storm and take the position, after which they will join their foes at dinner all jovial and friendly like. — The assault case "between Abraham and the Major has been adjourned for the evidence of Mr Searancke, who is at present down South. The plaintiff's lawyer, Mr. Hay, opened his case by stating that the defendant's conduct, as a Justice of the Peace, was monstrous. Afterwards, when asking for an adjournment to get the attendance of Mr. Searancke, who is also a J.P., Mr. Hay characterised the conduct of that witness in leaving the district, after having been summoned, as monstrous also, and applied for a warrant This drew from the defending counsel the remark that his learned friend appeared, for some reason, to have a down upon the whole tribe of justices. Can this be true ? —My dear fellow-townsmen of Cambridge are the most consistent people on the face of the earth They invariably differ with themselves and with everybody else. During the late dry weather there has been a great scarcity of water, a circumstance which is not likely to happen again for the very simple reason that we are not likely ever to see a thousand natives resident here any more. Nevertheless, the citizens-what a pity we cannot call ourselves burgesses like our Hamilton neighbours— have decided that we ought to have a water siipply. No doubt, but where is it to come from ? One section indicates the river, while the other points to the Maungakawa hills. The only objection to the former is that it would be of no use, while in the way of the latter there is a trifling bar of some £5000. What a blessing it is that the rain has come once more and filled our wells and tanks ! '