Makaraka Notes.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 515, 7 October 1890, Page 3

Makaraka Notes.

LfBOM OUll OWN COERESPONDENT.] Makaiuka, yesterday. The bi-weekly meeting of the Matawhero Literary nnd Debating Society came off on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance. Mr Harris occupied the chair. One new member was elected, bringing up the total to 55. Mr Caldwill’s motion in favor of the meetings being held weekly instead of fortnightly, on being put to the vote, was lost. At this stage, at the invitation of the President, the lady Vice-President took the chair, and efficiently and gracefully performed the duties thereof. Mr iV. F. Stephenson’s paper on “ The attack of the Taku forts,” proved most interesting to all, and as Mr Stephenson’s knowledge of the matter was derived from personal and active experience, the interest was considerably heightened. Dealing with the paper as a whole, it may be regarded as an unofficial account of an action which is scarcely mentioned in any history. The cause of the war is described as being an insult offered to the British flag, Pome misguided Asiatic, probably acting under the combined influences of bang and opium—the latter imported under the fostering influence of our most Christian nation—dances upon the British fbig, that saltatory episode causing the loss of the lives of many thousands, and adding considerably to the national debt, Taku’s contribution on the British side being the less of 700 men and five ships. The Chinese, with a prescience that the British Jack Tar had but to see an obstacle in his path to dash at it and overcome it, had placed heavy piles or stakes across the river, and had laid their guns on those particular stakes, the result being very disastrous to the vessels engaged in the attack. As an instance, at the gun at which Mr Stephenson was serving, the whole of the detachment on one side of the gua were mowed down by the terrible grape shot. The plan of the British attack was faulty. “ Some one bad blundered,” but the subsequent taking and looting of Pekin was considered a satisfactory solatium. At the conclusion nf his paper Mr Stephenson was very heartily j applauded. The following gentlemen ad-| dressed the meeting, briefly reviewing the roost salient points of the paper, and favorably commenting on if, viz., Messis Bir.-ell, Caldwell, senr., J. Cameron, F. Parker, A. Gray, Harris, Spence, and Johnstone, Votes of thanks to Mr Stephenson for his paper, and to Miss Mackie for presiding, brought a most enjoyable meeting to a close. Mr Parker referred to the unseemly talking and the interruptions he had received during his remarks. To disturb speakers by such conduct would appear to indicate an utter absence of intelligence or good feeling, and almost places the wretched person so guilty on a par with jabbering lunatice, These and other forms cf disease common to larrikin* require but one remedy— ostracise)Shearing has been delayed by changeable, ness of the weather, but will be in full swfng shortly. The clip, however, will be somewhat affected by the wet winter and early spring.