HAMPDEN

Waipawa Mail, Volume I, Issue 7, 5 October 1878, Page 2

HAMPDEN

(FlffjM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October 3. Mr Editor, it is perfectly natural that in making each other’s acquaintance for the first time, we should seal the introduction with becoming congratulation and mutual sympathy. We need not on this account overstrain our sympathies. We can afford to wait until the rational calculations of experience multiply themselves into implicit confidence. On the ether hand, we shall surely, as men and neighbours, avoid chill and squint-eyed sceptisin, and all cast-iron forms of diffidence which might tend to perpetuate unprofitable disparagement. There is indeed, sir, in your first announcement to the public in this quarter something extremely engaging ; it is characterised by that maidenly modesty and natural ease which commands admiration without effort. Some, no doubt, would prefer a more martial demonstration than was implied in your peaceful motto “ pro hono publico.” But such general dabblers in human affairs ought to remember that a preconceived line of action is not always compatible with the volatile interests of a struggling colony. So much then by way of introduction. Let me now give you what, in a time of journalistic dearth, might be manufactured into news. Ilainpden is just beginning to recover from the effects of the late drought. Peach trees are in full blossom, giving every promise of a magnificent harvest. Garden vegetables are beginning to fulfil the end of their existence by contributing to the pleasures of the table. Grass being somewhat plentiful, cattle are getting sleek, lively, and sportive. Whooping-cough ban raged here with extraordinary seventy for the last two months, terminating fatally in two or three instances.. Some infants are now dangerously ill, but hopes arc entertained of their recovery.

Mr Rim, of Kaikora, started business in TTr Mathews* smithy under favorable auspices. A successful continuance of the trade is to be hoped for through the patronage of the settlers in the district. Air Hill examined the school to-day. The learned gentleman conducted the examination in true professional- "istvle, showing great tact, aptitude, ani l organising powers throughout. The examination was searching and minute. It embraced a very large percentage of the difficulties to be met with in the elementary departments of education. The youngsters sustained the ordeal firmly. It would he injudicious to express an opinion as to results lest by anticipating the decision of the judge, wc should he found dealing in soap bubbles. Mr Hill's manner with the children was familiar, firm, and kind.