THE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. “The spirit of the times shall teach me speed.” KING JOHN, ACT IV. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1873.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 116, 11 October 1873, Page 2

THE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. “ The spirit of the times shall teach me speed.” KING JOHN, ACT IV. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1873.

Befobe long the district will be involved in the turmoil and excitement of elections, “ big with the fate of empires and of Some.” May we, without laying ourselves open to the charge of assuming a dictatorial air, venture on a few remarks the coming events suggest ? Now we scarcely expect .to see Taurauga transformed into an Utopia for this or for any other occasion ; but, without aiming to attain superlative excellence, might one not reasonably wish that many of the customs and practices obtaining generally at elections elsewhere, be dis carded here. It is fair, doubtless —it is, doubtless, right, when one conscientiously espouses a cause, and on principle supports a party, to be firm in one’s support, and true to one’s adopted cause. But does it follow that those who support an opposite party, or defend a different cause, are less loyal and conscientious ? And jet one would imagine, that in this one particular it were impossible to entertain charitable opinions of the motives of one’s neighbour. “ There is but one God, and Mahomet is his prophet.” That seems to be the sibboleth of the election-fevered Briton. Granted the one God, we maintain that Mahomet is not bis only prophet. "Without profanity be it spoken ; believing in the inspiration of none wo may yet reconcile it to our judgment and our conscience to believe in the sincerity of all. Mahomet may deem his doctrines best inculcated at the sword’s point; Mahomet’s opponent may esteem blankets and sugar the more effectual weapons. It seems an anomaly to have to ask of -Englishmen “ a fair field and no favour and yet we venture to hazard an opinion that in election contests only does the Englishman’s love of fair play not influence him. Be the result of the contest what it may, lot us of Taurauga be able honestly to say that the swords with which we fought, though keen, had yet not been i dipped in venom.

By special telegram from our agent in Wellington wo learn that bjtho “ General Government Gazette,” published on Thursday last, Tauranga has been declared a Warehousing Port within the meaning of the Act. 'ibis is another step in the right direction. We hope soon to bo in a position to chronicle the erection of a bonded store. Such an institution would be a great boon to the mercantile community.

A MEETING of the friends of our deservedly popular member. Mr William Kelly, was convened to be held at the Tauranga Hotel on Wednesday evening last, “ to consider what steps should be taken on his return to testify their appreciation of his conduct in the House of Representatives during the past session.” In consequence, we presume, of tbo wet weather, there was only a small attendance. Captain Tunks occupied the chair, and, on the motion of Mr Carthy, seconded by Mr Martin, the meeting was adjourned until this evening, in order to give settlers a better opportunity of ventilating their views on the matter at issue. Another meeting took place later in the evening, Captain Tunka again in the chair, when it was unanimously decided by those present to give Mr Kelly a public dinner on his arrival at Tauranga in token of their respect and confidence in him as our representative in the General Assembly, The following gentlemen were appointed as a committee to carry out the object Captain Tanks, Messrs Bodell, Bill Connor, Samuels, Kollcr, and Penny. We are* requested by the committee to mention that this dinner will be merely of a complimentary nature given to Mr Kelly by the friends only of that gentleman. Doubtless, Mr Kelly has some political opponents in the district—indeed, so far as we are concerned, we should have very little opinion of him, and should look upon him as a very “ milk and watery ” member indeed, if he satisfied all his constituents. It is easier for a camel to gothrough the eye of a needle than for a “ member” to give universal satisfaction, however zealous, energetic, and consmentious that member may be. At the first meeting referred to, Mr Carthy, who, at one time, was a strong supporter of our representative, condemned the present policy of Mr Kelly, and referred to him as “a tool of Donald McLean.” Although we differ entirely from Mr Carthy in many matters, we cannot but regard him as an intelligent and consistent man, whose opinions are worthy of consideration ; and we have no doubt but that Mr Kelly will call a public meeting shortly for the purpose of giving an account of his stewardI ship, when his political foes will have an opportunity of questioning him as to his conduct in the past and fils plans for the future, i [Mr Kelly arrived by the Southern Cross on Thursday afternoon {since the above was written) and proceeded yesterday to Opotiki, Before leaving, Mr Kelly declined to accept any public dinner until after he had met his constituents* Mr Kelly stales that he shall be happy to meet the electors of Tauranga on some early occasion to be hereafter determined.j

The following places in the Bay of Plenty are gazetted *' polling place*” for the next Provincial elections; Maketu, Court House; Matata, Government sfora ; Opotiki, school house; Tauranga, Court Home ; Wbakataue, Mr C. Litchfield’s store.

At a committee meeting of the Mechanics* Institute, held on Tuesday evening last, the following matters were brought forward in addition to the usual routine business. The Entertainment Committee gave their report, and informed members that the nett proceeds of the performances given by the members of the Institute amounted to £lO I2s 6d. A rote of thanks was then unanimously voted by the committee to those gentlemen who had kindly assisted at the entertainment. The addition to the funds thus derived enabled the Committee to increase the sum already voted for the purchase of books to £l2, and an order for books to that amount hae accordingly been sent to Auckland. Relative to the annual general meeting of the Institute it was decided to hold the same early in November—notice of the exact date will be duly given. Mr Allright, Inspector of Provincial Works, was a passenger by the Southern Cross on Thursday last. •Mr Samuels has banded us the following extraordinary epistle for publication —“ Government House, 24th September, 1873.—Dear Sir, — I have the honour, by direction of his Excellency the Governor, to acknowledge your letter of the 26th ultimo, requesting his'Excellency to allow himself to be named Patron of the Tauranga Jockey CLfab, and to inform you that his Excellency cannot at present comply with the request of the Club. —I have, &c., Francis A. Hake (?), Private Secretary.—L. Samuels, Esq.” ” Business Man ”■ writes to us : —“What ha© become of the assessment roll ? I went up yesterday to the Court-house, but it was non est. Please publish this question ; perhaps the Secretary may be able to answer it satisfactorily." The following telegram from Alexandra appeared in a late issue of the Auckland .• “ All the Hauhau aristocracy appear to be visiting us. Sophia is now at Kopua, Arehepene at Kaihu, and Hauaru Takerei te Rau in the settlement, lb it most amusing. Each one takes credit to himself for Tawhiao’s visit here, it being well known to the contrary that he came unknown to any. The statement that Tawhiao was intoxicated is flatly contradicted, good evidence being shown to the contrary. I heard this morning that a short time since Pekanu, the new prophec, asserted Tawhiao would visit here in less than a month, and in three would be living amongst them. Tawhiao himself, when here, asserted ho would come and meet Te Morehu (Wiremu te Wheoro) in Waikato shortly." have to acknowledge receipt of another large? batch of Parliamentary papers, Ac, from tho Government Printer, which, as usual, are quite at the service of our subscribers. Mansard 18 to 21 are also to hand.

Tho state of the Beach Road, from the wharf to the corner of Spring-street is, at the time of writing this almost impassable for foot passengers. It lias been suggested that until tho contract can be completed, a temporary footway should bo provided. Two or three loads of sand and shell would do all that is necessary. We think the Town Board should cause the contractors to have this done at once.

The Poverty Pay Standard completed the first year of its existence on the 4th of this month. Our contemporary has hitherto, at all times, judiciously, energetically, and ably done its “ level best” for the large and important district it represents. The Standard is far above the standard of country papers, and we heartily wish it “ many happy returns of the day.”

A meeting of the members of the Church of England residing in the pariah of Te Papa is convened by the Rev. Mr Jordan, our muehrespocted incumbent, to take place at the Court House on Tuesday evening, the 13th instant, for the purpose of appointing and electing churchwardens, vestrymen, and auditors for the ensuing year.

“ P. 8.” sends us the following:—“lt seems that the hotelkeepers have combined together to discourage Sunday trading, and very properly, too. It was somewhat amusing last Sunday, at rather an early hour, to see a goodly number of men “ who take their mornings reglar” assemble outside the Tauranga Hotel. After knocking and kicking first at the front door, afterwards at the back, trying to lift the lower windows, then throwing sand, &c., at the upper ones, but meeting with no response, they made for the Victoria. After similar performances there, but without success, they finally gave the Masonic a trial with no better result. They were then retiring in dejected order and spirits at the lowest ebb, when, lo! the Southern Cross arrived at the wharf. A frantic rush was made by the * morning imbibers,' they disappeared in the steamer’s cabin with the speed of rabbits into a warren, and, I opine, obtained their ‘ appetisers,’ for after a time they re-appeared, and then a jaunty ‘ tread on the tail of my coat ’ style of manner was observable amongst them, them. Query : I wonder what the Licensing Act says about the stewards of steamers supplying liquors when vessels are lying at anchor ?”

“ A Dargavillite” writes to us ; —“ In his address to the electors of Tauranga, Mr Dargavilie did not touch, upon the matter of railway construction, but I find that in other places the candidate has strenuously advocated the speedy completion of the Waikato line, and its extension fcu the frontier. At hie first meeting in Auckland Mr Dargavilie stated that although be himself owned property in the Kaipara district which would be bsnefitted by the construction of the Kaipara line, yet, until the more pressing requirements of the Waikato were met, ha would not advocate any expenditure that would divert into another channel the funds available for the Waikato railway. He hag also advocated the construction of a railway from Grabamstown up the Thames valley to connect with the Waikato line near Hamilton. ”

The Waikato Times says s—“ The terrible Purukutu by the last advices was building a cookhouse. it is said by some of the sensationalists on the frontier that be is preparing for a feast oi pakeha. It is astonishing, however, how remarkably quiet the population are under the circumstances. Official nonsense is becoming tolerably well understood ; it great exertions on the part of officialdom to get up a little excitement.

“It is rumoured,” says the Waikato Times , “ that Mr J. Sheehan, is likely to come forward as a candidate for the Superintendeacy of this province. We give no credence to the report, as Mr Sheehan, although a young and inexperienced politician, is a lawyer, and therefore not likelv to court a defeat."

What strange advertisements are found at times in the “ personal” column of a newspaper ! What pathetic appeals to the wanderer to return to his sorrowing mother and sister S But at the same time what a blessing is that column to a poor heart-broken fellow, whose sweetheart’s “old man” is averse to any correspondence taking place between his daughter and her “young man”! Look at such an advertisement as this, which appeared in a recent issue of the Hew York Herald :—“ Charley. P. is going to Brooklyn at 6. Expect you at back gate at 7. Come.—L.” Can anybody possessed of the least spark of common sense doubt that F., who is going to Brooklyn, is L.’s papa ? L.’s papa, it is quite clear, does not desire Charley poking about his back gate, but L is rather too deep for him, and after finding that her papa intends going to Brooklyn at 6 o’clock, she inserts the advertisement in order that Charley may be on the look out and “ embrace the opportunity,”—and the young lady also, it may be expected. The following, taken from the Herald of February 27, is rather neat in its way : —“Pet, —Strike for life, if you have not forgotten the lane, and there still remain pleasant memories of the past. Let me know where to find you. —Fbank.” That is certainly a very curious advertisement. Whatever can Frank mean by asking his pet to strike for life if she not forgotten the lane. Does he mean that if she has forgotten the lane she is not expected to strike for life ‘ There is a mystery about the' message that nobody but Frank can unravel. The next item in the personal column of the paper referred to above is as follows:—“Blonde, —At Park and Tilford j must have misunderstood you. —H..” Just so. The “Blonde” was no doubt bothered by H., and, in order to get rid of him, promised to meet him at a certain place, but never intended to do so. Of course she did not go to the appointed spot, and consequently H. fancies he must have misunderstood her. He was completely sold. Nobody can peruse the following without pain:—“ J£>avid, come borne at once. Father and mother were drowned on Thursday, whilst crossing the river. Their bodies have not been found. 1 am left alone. Your sister Ellen.” Hardly a day passes that the N.Y. Herald does not contain some such advertisement as this. It has been well said that a novelist might write a complete history from the " per sonaU,”