RANGITIKEI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3179, 21 April 1871, Page 3

RANGITIKEI.

+ [Fnoir ouk Own Coeeespondent.] MR FINNIMORE AT MIRTON. For some days past placards have been posted in the township to the effect that Mr Finnimore would address the electors of this district in the Town Hall, on Friday night. At the appointed time Mr Finnimore appeared on i the platform, aud stated that the calling a public meeting was a mistake of his committee in Wanganui. He simply came up to form a committee here, and should therefore not trouble the ojjk ?tors with a speech ; his prinfm programme would be a sufficient ennunciation of his views. The names of a number of gentlmen who were willing to act were called over ; Mr S. Coleman was elected chairman, and the audience then dispersed, the hall being devoted exclusively to committee business for the rest of the evening. A number of people who had come from a distance were much disappointed at Mr Finnimore not making a speech, as they wished to hear his opinions publicly expressed, and to ask him several important questions. I believe, however, it was not his fault, as he was quite willing to speak ; but it arose from one of those little misunderstandings which sometimes crop up unexpectedly, and upset the best laid schemes. Dr Curie, who was to have presided, was called away just as the meeting commenced, and was unable to be present during the rest of the evening. The committee, which alone numbers thirty electors, are working vigorously, and seem determined to show that nothing shall be wanting or left undone on their part to secure the return of their candidate. On Saturday Mr Finnimore went down to Bull's by invita tion of a number of the residents there. I intended being present and reporting his speech, but, from a variety of causes, was unable to attend. I hear he had a full meeting, spoke for upwards of two hours, and received a yery enthusiastic reception. From what I have seen and heard, I should say that he will poll nearly the whole of the votes in the Waitotara, Wanganui, and Rangitikei districts. I suppose, as an offset to this Mr Fitzherbert will take all on the Wellington side. I think it is a pity that that gentleman's committee of management did not send some one up to this part of the country to represent him. I suppose they feel so confident of his return, they did not consider it necessary, but many battles have, been lost by despising, or holding an enemy too cheaply, and iEsops' fable of the tortoise and the hare might be applicable in this case, as shewing that the race is not always to the swift. SUNDAY SCHOOL FETE. A very pleasant day was spent in the grounds of Mr Alfred Ross, at Cokely, on Friday, by the children of the English c hurch Sunday school. The weather was not all tbat could be desired, but it was quite as good as could be expected, and remained so until evening. In a nice little clump of bush, close to where the children were playing, long tables were spread with a tempting and substantial repast, to which, on being sum moned. they did full justice. The afternoon was spent by the youngsters in cricket, football, jumping, &c. A number of prizes were provided by the Rev. Mr Twogood, for which there was great competition. The Marton brass band, as usual, kindly volunteered their servicps, and afforded amusement to those of maturer years who wished to do " a little dancing on the green " About 5 o'clock there was a summons to tea, which was promptly attended to. The children must have thought this was the nearest approach to Paradise their imaginations could conceive when they saw the number of rich plum cakes and other delicacies of a similar nature waiting for them to eat. After tea a hymn was very prettily sung by the school children, and a vote of thanks was propos d on their behalf by Mr Heywood to the Rev Mr Twogood for his indefatigable exertions towards providing for their amusement, and also to the ladies who had been at so much trouble and expense in getting together the good things which they had that day consumed. ROAD BOARD MEETING. The adjourned meeting of the ratepayers of the Upper Rangitikei Road Board took place on Saturday in the Town Hall, Mr G. Maunder in the chair. After the Secretary had read his report, some little discussion ensued, and several questions were put to Mr Halcombe, who happened to be present. It was finally decided that a rate of 3d should be levied, 2d for repairs, and Id for construction. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings. ITEMS. Tuesday, the 18th inst., is fixed for the licensing day at Marton. It is expected there will be a. full bench of magistrates present, and some opposition towards the renewal of the licenses. The piles for the new Presbyterian church are being driven in, and I am informed the foundation stone will be laid with some ceremony by the Hon W. Fox on the 27th inst. The blockhouse is also being removed from the ground handed over to the building committee of the English church, and it is expected the foundations will be got out shortly. We are always pleased to welcome new arrivals, and therefore 1 am glud to inform you that a pentloman of the legal profession has taken up his residence amongst us. Last Court day there were over fifty cases on the calendar, which is an indication that there is work for the lawyears now here. Mr #'fh, the gentleman I have above aided to, undertook several cases, and was fortunate enough to gain the whole of them — a pretty good augury of his future success. A. little school- boy presented big teacher the following note from home as an excuse for tardiness: — ' 33a by cross biscuit the bike had uo baken powders the dog up3et the Jraugbpy pofc the cat licked the milk got up late excuse.'