Te Awamutu Railway Station
A large crowd gathered at the Te Awamutu train station to farewell their popular stationmaster, Mr J T Long, who was moving on to Feilding. As the train moved out three hearty cheers were given for Mr Long and family, and the engine driver joined in with the train whistle. The Longs had been prominent in all musical matters in Te Awamutu, and their departure was keenly felt in the community.
The parish of St John’s, Te Awamutu, imported from America a magnificent organ, produced by Cornish and Co of New Jersey. It contained 18 stops which operated upon 11 sets of reeds and was capable of producing about 20 different combinations. The St John’s choir was noted for its good singing, and they were commended for acquiring such a fine cathedral toned instrument.
At the Kihikihi Tennis Club’s opening day there was a splendid turn out. Mr Perry’s paddock, which was being used by the club, looked very animated, the two courts being fully occupied. Miss Mainwaring, the club secretary, and the committee were very busy. Afternoon tea and refreshments were enjoyed, and dancing afterwards indulged in at the Town Hall. The club had a large membership of some good players, and a prosperous season was anticipated. Prosperous also at Kihikihi were rabbits. Rabbit Day saw over 50,000 skins being brought into the township. Inspector Ross and his assistants were counting and paying out for the skins from dawn to dusk.
At Ōhaupō unruly conduct outraged residents. Dr Hosking, candidate for the Waikato seat in an upcoming election, was walking towards his hotel after a meeting when some young lads galloped past him saying “Good night doctor” while throwing packages of flour at him. Two of the packages hit him, one on the shoulder and one in the face. Some flour got into his eyes, and it was thought pepper had been mixed with the flour; such was the pain, although a quick taste disproved this. It was the first time a parliamentary candidate had been insulted in the Waikato. The perpetrators were from one of the out districts.
After a football match at Pirongia a person or persons unknown carried off a leg of mutton and a pudding intended for the players from the meat safe at the hotel of Mrs Finch. It was presumed the perpetrators had neglected to provide for their own Sunday dinner. Birds were also pilfering at Pirongia. Thrushes, blackbirds, and goldfinches were devouring strawberries as soon as they appeared and not a cherry was to be seen on the trees after the green stage of growth had passed. They then started clearing the town of gooseberries.
