MANAWATU.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3377, 21 December 1871, Page 2

MANAWATU.

(fkom our own correspondent.) *S| The past week has been one of the gayest which we have had for a long time, for on Monday and the two following nights we have had Murray's circus performing here. Their performances have been witnessed by a very large number of the settlers and Maoris, . and have been I should imagine a pecuniary success. Everybody seemed well pleased, and some parts of the performances were really very good. The Manawatu Rangers Company of Volunteers, who have now been formed a twelvemonth, pleasantly celebrated their birthday by holding a dinner at the Foxton Family Hotel, to which in the spirit of good fellowship they invited the members of Lady Bowen's Light Horse, and a few of the oldest settlers in the district. The chair was taken by Captain Kebbel] at half-past six, and the vice-chair by Lieutenant Collins. The other table was presided over by Ensign Collins and Bandmaster Howe. The room was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flags, and the tables between the dishes with vases of flowers. "When the cloth was removed, Captain Kebbell proposed the health of the Queen, which was enthu. siastically received, and the band played " God Save the Queen." Lieutenant Collins proposed the " Governor," which, was likewise received. The toast of the evening "the Manawatu Rangers" was then given by Captain Kebbell, who, in a very good speech, gave a history of the corps from its formation, stating how good an attendance at drill was obtained for about the first four months ; how, owing to lack of work about Foxton, and the members leaving for Palmerston, it had occasioned small musters for the rest of the time, but that with the return of fine weather and dry roads a larger attendance was sure to be obtained. He also referred to the number and value of prizes that were offered by the Government, and trusted the members would do their best to gain some for the company, and promised free ammunition to those who would place themselves in regular practice, He thanked them for the good feeling they had shown to their officers during the past year, and trusted a similar feeling might always prevail, and that he, and he was sure his brother officars would do their best to deserve it, by promoting the interests of the corps as far as lay in their power. The health was drunk with musical honors, and great cheering greeted the conclusion of the speech. The health of Lady Bowen's Light Horse was equally well received and acknowledged by Lieutenant Osborne, who in the course of a very good and able speech, like that gentleman can deliver when he pleases, (he was a candidate for the General Assembly), referred to the unavoidable absence of Captain Robinson. The next toast which received its due attention from Mr Collins, who upon sup.h topics easily rises into enthusiasm, was that of the " Ladies," and was briefly and well acknowledged on' their behalf by Mr Crampton, cornet in "Lady Bowen's Light Horse." Other toasts were proposed, and some songs sung, and quadrilles and other music performed by the band till a late hour was reached. This dinner was a most successful affair and reflects great credit upon . the corps and the gentlemen who lent their assistance in carrying it through. These little re-unions do more to strengthen kindly relations one towards another than would be imagined, especially within a district like this where we all live so scattered, and any little excuse to bring us together is healthful, and is looked to with pleasure. I trust as this dinner has succeeded so admirably it may become a regular custom with both corps to celebrate their anniversary in a similar manner.

Last Sunday again witnessed one of these extremely ridiculous, and at the same time distressing scenes, from which we have been for some time free. I refer to that system of adult re baptism, of which Mr Feist is tha great promoter, and which has signalled his return to these parts. On Sunday morning a collection of these new religionists (they must excuse my not designating them in any other manner, as they h<ive adopted no particular name yet, if they have quite decided their particular form of worship) marched down to the river, and immersed a young woman, greatly, I should imagine, against her wish, as she was crying bitterly. The officiating water deity upon the occasion was a member of the fraternity, a laborer in the employ of the Rev Mr Duncan.