TAURANGA JOTTINGS.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 58, 22 October 1881, Page 89

TAURANGA JOTTINGS.

— Aii old maid's Paradise — Katikati ! — The Town Board squabble re making Rhodes, is most unseemly and dis-G-rays-ful. — The Masonic Ball takes place on the first of next month. —Eddie M. became a godfather on Thursday evening. That name (Ruby Rosamond) " fetched" him. — Mr T. W. Rhodes, the talented youth -who gave a recitation "with such effect the other day, has a " leaning" towards matrimony. — Fancy John Harris McCaw, Esq., Worshipful Lodge Deputy, expatiating on the evils of smoking, and the sinfulness of profanity ! — If it is true that several Auckland athletes contemplate competing in our November sports, I can promise them a warm welcome and a good beating. — I hear Montresson attracted some attention on the Auckland cricket field, not by his appearance, but by his awful laugh. You really should modify it, Monty. — A certain gentleman would like to see a cab started here. He has lost all confidence in his legs since he was found on the side of the road, and carried home by some friends. — Why is this thusness ? Our paternal Government, witli the laudable dasire of saving our youth from corruption, disenfranclnses "minors" here, but allows "miners" on the Thames a vote. — Your Te Puke correspondent has stirred Mr Samuel Crawford to such abnormal activity of mind and body, that he has written a letter to the "Buster," and is hurrying up his contract. — There is a schism in the ranks of our athletic club on account of the committee's determination to have all the prizes in the November sports trophies. The committee's laudable action has excited a little adverse criticism, but I believe the amateurs will gain the day. — I hear that the compulsory clauses of the Education Act recently brought into force here, are being used to coerce children attending schools other than the district. This is illegal. If any authentic case comes under my notice, I shall give it full publicity. — A very pleasant dance was given in the schoolroom on Thursday evening by Mrs Wilson. There were about 20 couples present. Miss V., in a cream-coloured silk, looked very well. Montie electrified the company occasionally with his terrible ha, ha, ha, ha. It broke up at 2 a.m. I hope Tauranga is going to be a bit more lively than it has been for some little time. — Host Mac was rather sold the other day. A very distinguished-looking gentleman arrived at the Commercial, and kindly informed the host that he was connected with the National Bank. Every one thought from the condescension -with which he looked upon ordinary mortals, that lie must be the inspector. When Montie returned we discovered our fine gentleman had only been relieving him in the exchanges. — The Mechanics' Institute must have benefitted greatly by the concert on Friday evening. Notwithstanding the number of concerts we have had lately, the house was crammed. One son» was encored no less than four times. Miss Duncan, and Mrs Stevenson were nearly perfect. Mr Vogan sang well. Mr Clarke broke down, but his presence of mind did not desert him . He thought for a moment, then quietly taking the music from before the accompanyist lie read the song over, and politely returning the music, he said, " Thank you, start again please," and got through it creditably. — The templars anniversary entertainment was the greatest treat I have been present at. There was a good attendance. Several of the vocalists

acquitted themselves creditably, and Mr P. Monroe's reading was nicely delivered. The "Larboard Watch" (omitted) was the gem of the evening. Mrs Bodell's song given instead of it, wasnot so successful. This lady made an attempt to sing a song of about thirteen verses, the burden of which appeared to be an eloquent appeal to the audience for mercy on her maiden attempt. The most moving scene of the evening was that in which Mr T. W. Rhodes walked on to the stage at a brisk pace, and, on Hearing the footlights, dropped on his knees — apparently to say his prayers. His devotional attitude and impressive silence, moved the hearts of the most hardened sinners in the audience, and for a short time, loud and sonorous cries of " Let us pray" were heard on all hands. Unfortunately, the illusion was soon dispelled. Mr Rhodes, observing a threatening movement in the body of the hall, cried, in heartrending tones "I'm 'not mad, I'm. not mad!" Tim somewhat allayed the fears which were gaining ground among the audience, and he was allowed to retire unmolested. Mr Ransley's personation of Hamlet was the most thrilling conception it has ever been my lot to see. He would work himself up to a state of frenzy, and gesticulating wildly, would roar forth his rage, or shriek his despair, until people began to fear for the stability of the building. When everyone's nerves, were strung to their utmost tension, during some particularly exciting and noisy passage, Mr Ransley would stop, assume a contemplative attitude, and look around. Probably his feelings were too strong to be expressed in words. When he retired, every one experienced a feeling of relief that Hamlet had never emigrated.