THE COUNTRY

Observer, Volume II, Issue 47, 6 August 1881, Page 532

THE COUNTRY

WAIROA

— Beware of the Cliff ! It is whispered that j tlie young African lepperd has at last come forth to view the outer world. — Another gymnasium accident ! Our unclerical Bishop has made our friend E. G. T. see things in a new light — by enlarging his optics. — Observers are scarce at Mangawhare. Last week Host Downing sent a special messenger down to Te Kopuru. to procure a copy for his hotel. — What were the contents of the letter, received from the N.G. of the Kopuru A.0.F., that prevented Bill Watson from going to the Orange Ball ? —Some of Jim Molloy's friends are afraid that he " has gone wrong." Jim is actually rearing a peg to show tho place where the devil entered the swine ! • — The Wairoa is becoming noted for its lunatics. Three were lately sent to town. Ono was escorted by Mowbray Higgs, as it takes o\rr local " bobbies" all their time in keeping an eye on unrestrained cases. — Our "Bobby" seems to think that every one has gone mad. It would even appear that he had catalogued Mr Norrie and Brown among his charges, as he seemed very loth to leave them unrestrained at Aratapu. — Scott trembles when he fancies the population under his charge is decreasing. To make up for his exportation of lunatics he has imported a Chinaman and a goat. Fancy taking a goat to Te Kopuru ! Might as well take coals to Newcastle. — It is not every Yankee that can give such true Scotch pathos and feeling to the song " Auld Lang Syne "as Todd can. It was an ever-to-be-remembered treat to hear him leading the boys under Bishop's orchestral concertina the other night. — "A fellow feeling makes the world grow wondrous kind." So Scott observed the other day in regard to Alf Black who was extremely reticent in responding to the officer's appeal for help whilst overpowering the madman. Alf seemed to have more regard for his shins than for Scotts safety. — Our local sportsmen mourn over the scarcity of game in the district. Few pheasants are to be seen, and even fewer ducks. Nevertheless, many invest in guns and dogs, and sally forth on Sundays in the expectation of good luck. They generally return victorious (?) bringing bnck a hawk, and occasionally a seagull. And this is sport. — The Saturday evening dances inaugurated at Te Kopuru by Mr Ringrose have became an institution. There, on the Holy Eve, assemble some of the fairest of the Wairoa fair to engage in the merry bewildering dance. Bob has deserted Mangiwhore, and it is quite a treat to view his manly form whirling his partner through the dizzy waltz. Frank Little is one the favoured darlings, and never has to hunt for a parbner. The attendance of Miss Forrester and Miss O'Connor is the means of attracting many who would otherwise be absentees. Miss Molloy is regularly besieged by beaux begging the favour of the next dance. Mrs Howlett is, without doubt, the most accomplished in the poetry of motion, and is a great acquisition to the company.