BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. "The spirit of the times shall teach me speed.” KING JOHN, ACT IV. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1873.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume I, Issue 55, 12 March 1873, Page 2

BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. "The spirit of the times shall teach me speed.” KING JOHN, ACT IV. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1873.

A eepoet came down from Ohinemutu on Monday last that the natives in that district were expecting a visit from King Tawhiao, which was to be of a friendly character; and that a very finely carved house (a notice of the opening of which appeared in the columns of the Bat of Plenty Times) had been erected there for his reception, to which was given the name of Taumatikapu. It is moreover said that Tawhiao has promised to haul down the Hauhau flag, and become a loyal or friendly native. This event, if it should take place, is doubtless a result of the Manngatautari meeting, which was expected to have had a very different effect But it is only reasonable to understand that the isolation which previously prevailed amongst the King party was in itself a cause of misunderstanding and irritation, such as a general conference like that which took place was almost sure to remove. The contrast in worldlv circumstances between the friendly and the other natives was very much to the disadvantage of the latter, who were illfed and iil-clad, while the friendlies rejoiced in abundance, and would not be sorry for the opportunity of displaying the superiority of their appearance and condition. We have only to hope that the King null fulfil his promise and give in his adherence to loyalty. Time was when we would have looked with suspicion on an interchange of friendly visits between loyal natives and Ilauhaus, but experience has recently shown us that they are only likely in future to terminate to the advantage of both races.

Mr 11. T. Clarke, C.C., accompanied bj Mr Hopkins Clarke, left on Mondav last for Ohinerautu, for the purpose oi settling some disputes between different Impus of the Arawa about ownership or land—at all times a fertile source of altercation. Mr Clarke is usually successful in such efforts, which success his great influence with the natives is almost certain at all times to secure.

Mr Peters, the well-known proprietor, arrived overland from iNapier yesterday afternoon. "Wo understand w is Mr Peters’ intention to start a necting line of coaches between and Taupo at the earliest hosier PRACTICABLE.

Owing to a press of telegrams and other interesting matter, we are compelled to leave over our usual leading article. The bridge over the "Waikato River, at Niho o te Kioro, will, wo learn, be finished in about a fortnight. Our informant states that the contractors arc making a substantial and creditable job of it. The bridge will not bo ready for traffic for some time yet, as the approaches (solid rock to work through on both sides) are difficult of formation. The Native Contingent are hard at work preparing the approaches. On Sunday last, the Rev Mr Jordan gave notice that after his lecture this (Wednesday) evening he would be happy to receive the names of such ladies ’and gentlemen as are desirous of taking classes at the Sunday school. Mr Jordan said that at present there were only four teachers, and that he would be much obliged if some volunteers would come forward. We beg to refer our Tenders to the important telegraphic intelligence wo publish to-day, amongst which will bo found a resume of the late Ministerial crisis, latest from Europe, the Postal Conference, return of the lion Mr Vogel from Sydney, &e. A meeting of tno provisional committee of the proposed Tauranga Fire Brigade was held at Bennet’a Hotel ou Monday evening, Mr 11. R. George occupied the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, correspondence passed in duo course, and other routine business transacted. After a conversational discussion, it was decided to communicate with the Government, through Major Roberts, on the course of procedure, forwarding signatures of members desirous of being enrolled. After the usual vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated. A mistake occurred in last issue which we hasten to correct- In the report of a case in the Resident Magistrate’s Court—Barry v. Thom--it was stated the case was struck out, as the plaintiff said that the matter had been settled out of Court. This is scarcely correct, and would lead to the impression that the defendant was indebted to the plaintiff at the time the summons was taken out, whereas it was purely an error on plaintiff’s part, Mr Thom holding a receipt for amount claimed. We understand Mr Barry at once paid defendant his travelling expenses. No business of any importance has been brought before the notice of the Resident Magistrate this week. On Monday a drunkard was treated in the usual way. Signor Ferrari’s troupe of educated monkeys and celebrated company of vocalists are expected to arrive by tho s s. Southern Cross, which is due this afternoon. We understand they will perform at Tauranga for a short season. Mr W. Maxwell discovered a large shark in the harbour, close to shore at Te Papa, at daybreak yesterday morning. Mr Maxwell informs us that the shark must have been about ten feet long. He had no tackle with him, and was alone at the time, consequently the monster was allowed to make his escape. We trust the appearance of so large a specimen of this much dreaded fish in our waters will prove a salutary warning to bathers. By a private telegram we learn there was a large attendance of persons at the Wellington regatta the other day, and the weather was excellent. The four-oared inrigger race was won by the Wellington boat. Tho Lyttelton boat came in second. The pair-oared race was won by the Kaiapoi boat, Wellington boat second. The scullers’ race was won by Dawson of Christchurch. The Hon D. McLean has been interviewed by Te Mamaku, the principal chief of the Tuhua district, with reference to the general amnesty, and he explained the terras upon which it would he granted, principally insisting upon the surrenderin future of native criminals. The terms upon which the Tuhua district would be open to gold diggers were also discussed, and Mr McLean promised that regulations only should be made after Mamaku had consulted his tribe. The chief promised to lay the matter before the owners of the land. The road from Napier to Taupo is now open for traffic, with the exception of one log culvert that is expected to be finished in a day or two. The land slips that blocked the road in places, after the last heavy weather, have been cleared away, and very shortly a buggy may be driven from this town to Taupo, and from thence, in a few weeks more, to Tauranga.—Napier Telegraph. The Government annual inter-provincial prize firing commenced at Nelson on the 4th. Tho weather was beautiful. First match: Judging distance (Cavalry) Cavalry), 15 points ; 2nd, Gilpin, 13 points. First match : Judging distance (Infantry-)— lst £lO, Boardman (Auckland), 19 points; 2nd, £B, McLean (Thames), 19 points ; 3rd, £6, Jamieson (Dunedin), 19 points ; 4th, £5, 'Wilson (Port Chalmers), 19 points ; sth, £3, Thompson (Thames), 19 points ; 6th, £2, Browse (Wellington), 18 points. There were fire ties for first prize. At firing off Boardman made a bull’s-eye. Six ties making 18 points. At firing off Browse made a bull's-eye. At Stoke (near Nelson), on Tuesday, in the second match (Cavalry), Thurston (Whanganui) made 39 points ; Douglas (Auckland), 34 points. Mr Bod ell announces a general sale of cattle, horses, and pigs for the 19th instant, including some of Mr S. Clarke’s well-known Mock. Doubtless it will be well-attended.

From private sources we learn that, notwithstanding the non-success of the Opposition last Tear, another effort will be made to oust the Ministry from office during the next session. A strong Opposition combination lias been formed, with large monetary power to back it ; and though we doubt whether any party can be formed out of the present. House powerful enough to accomplish the desired object, we know- that constant dripping of water wears away the rock. It is not improbable that the party to which we allude will be the dominant, one at the nest general election.— A a pier Telegraph,

An advertisement from the General Government containing particulars of confiscated lands to be sold m the Putea district, will be found in another portion of our paper.

t .* n< ; Ctlng °. f th ® committee of the Mechanics’ Institute was held the other day. Mr Sims was ciectoa to act on the committee. A sub-commit tee was (consisting of the President, Mr .burrows ana air George) to consider the advisamuty ot increasing the size of the building, m consequence of the want of accommodation already experienced. An entertainment committee whs also formed to got up another soiree for the benefit °‘ fDuds of the Institute. At the su-’in-stion of Mr H. R. George, the Secretary- was instructed to write to Captain Legget requesting him to forward some views of the Bay of Plenty district if m accordance with his powers as Librarian. The receipt of the last grant of books from the Brovinciai Government was also ordered to be acknowledged, and the Treasurer’s report showing a creait of £6 3s 4d to meet liabilities amounting to 4s *,d was laid before the committee.

In the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday last, before Henry T. Clarke, Esq., R.M., Edward Blackburn, of Rotorua, was committed to take his trial at the next Session of the Supreme r to „ ,^ e held afc -Auckland, charged with a oreacn of ine Arms Act by selling or disposing of a gun, for the sum of £5, to a native resident in that district. Hare Katere was the apprehending constable, and Detective Kell brought the prisoner into lauranga. The evidence was lengthy, but uninteresting in its details. The prisoner reserved his defence.

The following is a correct statement of the scores made at the District Prize Firing ‘ ou In day and Saturday last :—l«fc Set : Captain iunks, 2o ; Lieutenant Hill, 27 ; Sergeant Burrows. 22 ; Corporal Gravatt, 29 ; Booth, 24 • Bickers, 15 ; Gray, 19 ; Herbert, 16 ; Me Caw’ 21 ; Ransley, 14 ; Rolfe, 27 5 Stewart, 26 - Young, 21. The winners of the prizes, in neither sets, will bo known until receipt of Opetife: returns, The following are the amounts • prize, £6 ; 2nd, £4 ; 3rd, £3 ; 4th, £2 10* • sth £2 10s ; 6th, £3 ; 7th, £) ; Bth, £l. 2nd Set • Captain Norris, 6 ; Sub-Lieutenant Morrison, 13 ■ Sergeant-Major Downey, 12 ; Bradley 14 • Chaplin, 22 ; Penny, 20. Ist prize, £4 | 2nd’ £3 ; 3rd, £2 ; 4th, £1 ; sth, £1 ; 6th, £l. ’ Hereunder will be found the result of the scoring at a firing match between Civilians and Constabulary last Saturday week : —Civilians : Captain Tunka, 19; Burrows, 29 ; Gray, 20Goldsmitb, 19; Gravatt, 35; McCaw ‘>3 • Stewart, 18 : total, 163. Armed Constabulary ■ Inspector Roberts, 33 ; Sub-Inspector Crapp, 31 • Davern, 35 | Harding, 25 ; McLachlan, 27 \ Mitched, 2d : total, 176. Constabulary won by 13 points. A third match between 'the rival parties took place last Saturday, with the following result: —Civilians: Captain Junks, 25Borrows, 26 ■ Gray, 33 ; Goldsmith, 36 ; Gravai t f 45; McCaw, 26; Stewart, 24: total, 215. Armed Constabulary : Inspector Roberts, 27 ; Sub-Inspector Crapp, 32 ; Davern, 31. ■ McLachlan, 40 ; Harding, 41; Mitcheil, 33: total, 206. Civilians won by 9 points.