ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1362, 24 March 1881, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

At the Native races held at Ruahine near this township on the 16th., some three hundred natives were present, and a few Europeans. All passed off most harmoniously, and the various races were well and closely contested. One of Tawhiao's horses was seriously injured by breaking its leg while crossing a small creek near Kaipiha en route to the Racecourse and this was the only accident. I sent you by wire, necessarily brief, tha busines done here on Friday last at our Resident Magistrate's Court, before H. W. Northcroft, Esq., R.M. There were no cases of public importance, with the exception of the two cases N. T. Maunders v. G. McFarlane.and same v. H. Southey, both being informations under the unpopular Dog Registration Act, for being in possession of dogs without a registered collar. In the first case the informant Btated that he called at Mr MoFarlane'u farm and found three dogs there, that Miss McFarlane had claimed one, and young Mr McFarlane another, for which he supplied them collars ; the other dog, a black and tan sporting dog, they both informed him was the defendant's, who was absent at the Aroha, and for which they would not pay for a collar. He, Mr Maunder, therefore, as Registrar for the district, had, according to his duty, issued a summons against the defendant. To the Court — Further stated, he believed defendant to be the owner of the property at Paterangi, as he paid the rates for it. The defendant Mr George McFarlane stated, that when he left for the Aroha he only left one dog behind him belonging to Mr Connell, a yellow dog. He produced the receipt for the Government collar j he knew no other dog. He always had it on the chain ; he was not the sole owner of the property; he had cattle there ; the dog he had at Paterangi always had the collar on. Mr Maunder to Court : The dog he saw did not appear to him to have a new oollar on ; it was too dark in colour. The Court was of opinion that Mr Maunder had not proved his case, as anything heard from the " man in the Btreet " was not evidence ; the case would be dismissed. Defendant applied for costs as he had to oomo a long distance and employ a man in his absence. Granted costs £4 5s Od — In the case Maunder v. Southey, the defendant resided at Harapepe and had applied for collars for his dogs to the Registrar of the Rpglan District.in which he resided, who at the time had not received the collars. The Registrar, Mr Sherritt, having given confirmatory evidence, the Court dismissed the caso with costs 12s. School Feast. The annual treat to the Sunday School children here was to have been a picnic, on Saturday last on the farm of Mr J. Westney, Puniu, who had kindly granted the use of his ground at the Acacia Grove for the purpose. The weather not being ail that could be desired for such an outing for the youngsters on that morning, it was deemed advisable the fun should take place in the Public Hall, where the good things that children delight in and which add to doctor's bills were spread out on three tables in profusion, under the general superintendence of Miss Susan Finch, who had taken almost the entire preliminary arrangements of the affair. The Alexandra Brass Band under the leadership of Herr Muller, discoursed sweet music and added great delight to the youngsters by voluntarily giving their services for their amusement. After a plentiful repast, the weather having cleared- up, the sports usual on such occasions were heartily indulged in, prizes for the purpose being provided by Miss Finch. Not only the children attending the Sunday School but all in the district having been invited, there was a large muster of children present, who appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves as only children can. Cricket Match. The Ngahinepouri Juvenile Cricket Club also came up to try conclusions with our Alexandra and , Mangapiko Juvenile C.C. combined.. The- Ngahinepouri youngsters showed plenty of pluck, being three boys ' (I beg their pardons, men I should, say) short, and were quite prepared to pl»y the whole strength of the combined. t Tjjhis. however,' wjurjnqt, allowed, and three of the combined, played, with them to make up their, number. Mr Lang, 'of ' Ngabinepouri, with his 'usual Kindness, accompanied; and umpired for his /"boys," wjwjjjfa

John IJBgginson did likewise for "ours." After a most, capital game the visitors were beaten, % 18 runs, concluding the match by 'cheering each other and their respective umpires most vigorously. The visit of the cricketing team was most opportune, and of course they soon combined with " our" boys in cojfroming their share of the good thing#^6fiig on— the sports, races, &c. Messrs Connell, Chappel, and Pistrucci, respectively did good service in the general management of the sports, and to the following ladies and gentlemen the children were indebted for providing trays, or gifts in kind, viz., Mrs Aubin, Mrs Cbappel, Mm Finch, Mrs Wesfoiey; Mrs Allen, Mrs Wilson, Mr« Steele, Mrs J. Higginson, Mrs Stunner, Mrs Sage, Mrs Hafiet, Mrs Asmuss, Mrs Curley,' Mrs Bayles; Messrs J. D. Hill, and G. Y. Tisdall. The Rev. Mr Phillips was also present, and greatly exerted himself to add to the children's enjoyment. — (Ovrn Correspondent, March 22.)