WAIKAIA.
(FROM our own correspondent.)

The excitement and turmoil inseparable from an election contest are over, and Mr Ireland has been returned as member for Waikaia. If he proves as useful and ener getic as his supporters anticipate, we Bhall have no reason to regret our choice, nor will his office be a sinecure.
On Thursday the contractors for the Waikaia bridge completed their job, and, with a few trifling alterations, the work waa passed. It had been intended to have asked Mr P. K. M'Caughan, M.H.B. , to whose exertions in the County Council we are in debted for this most needed public work, to come and open the bridge, and to have marked the event by a banquet in tho even ing. Unfortunately, business prevented Mr M'Caughan accepting the invitation. A local committee then detei mined to get up a pic nic aud sports ; so on Friday, September 19th, the Waikaia bridge was opened for traffic, the ceremony being performed by Mr R. C. Morrison, who broke the usual bottle of champagne, and declared the work complete. The picnic was held on the outskirts of the township, and there were sports for the juveniles, who received prizes in the shape of toys, &c. The adults had races and games also, although they had to be content with "the honour and glory "of success. A dance in the evening concluded the affair. The new mill of Mr J. Brown is also finished, and will, I understand, be at work next week.
