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

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 125, 12 November 1873, Page 2

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

We take the following very strong remarks on the circumstances alleged to have attended the death of Mr Cadenhead the other day at Tauranga from the Auckland “ -Evening Star ” of a late date. We desire most emphatically to state that, in reprinting the article, we do not in any way identify ourselves with the opinions and sentiments therein expressed, but simply publish it as an item of intelligence likely to interest our readers. In justice to the surgeon and members of the police force referred to, we may mention that they are, each and all, most anxious that another enquiry should be held. Hay ; that they court the fullest investigation into the unhappy affair : Those resident in the larger centres of population have but little idea of the extent to which small tyrannies are at times established in the more distant isolated settlements. From time to time a wail of suffering is made to echo through the press ; but these incidents are but a faint indication of the amount of wrong that is silently endured at the hands of officialism removed from the scan of the public eye. A few weeks ago the case of Mr Cadenhead, and his death at Tauranga, was brought up before public attention, and it baa been hushed up. But that man’s blood is crying from the ground to Heaven for vengeance, and it will bo to the lasting disgrace of our laws if the effort to shut this murder from the public eve and from the hand of justice is successful. John Cadenhead was murdered by the police, and the surgeon of the Armed Constabulary has given his testimony that ho died from natural causes. A temperate and wed-conducted man, ho was overtaken for once in drink. He was taken to the lock-up with such violence, and treated with such brutality there, that he went homo the followmg morning lame and crippled, with his spine injured, and severe concussion of the brain according to the statement of the surgeon, who afterwards testified to death from “ natural causes ” That poor man, on reaching home, laid I)imge 1 1 on 1) 13 bod f from wliicli mo mover rose*. That Ho died a victim to brutal treatment is well

known, ami that the police testimony, backed by that of their official surgeon, showed nothing but the mildest official demeanour is only what might have been anticipated. It is admitted, us An unquestionable Im.-t, that constables will swear anything to save themselves or one another from a charge of crime ; and God have mcrev on a place and a people that sire at the mercy of such men as brought poor Cadeuhead to a bed of death. But is there no reckoning for such a crime as this on this side of the grave? Will the Minister of Justice, to whom, as wo understand, appeal has bean made, not hare any power to satisfy the demands of justice ? and can nothing be done to save the unfortunate in the outposts of settlement from the brutality and tyranny of such men as those who have killed poor Cadenhead P WA know there are difficulties in the way. We know that officialism will shield officialism, and perjury may present an impenetrable shield to protect the guilry. Still, common decency, if not common humanity, demands something more than the farcical inquest in which the police chose the jury and the police surgeon bore testimony to save the force.

Appeal has been made to the Minister of Justice, and it ia stated upon good authority that another enquiry will be instituted almost immediately. It is clearly the duty of a journalist'to refrain from making any comments upon a pending case. Such a course of action, under the circumstances, would in our opinion be unseemly and unfair, and, therefore, for the present we remain silent.

i he election of a member to represent tbe district of Tauranga in the Provincial Council of Auckland takes place to-day. Tbe poll will be taken at the Tauranga Court-house between nine and four, and at Maketu and during the same hours. We have already stated that it is our intention to observe a strict neutrality throughout the race, and simply write this morning in order to urge upon electors, iu their calm moments, and before the heat and burden of the day commences, the great desirability of order and decorum reigning around us. The Superinteudency election, so far as this district is concerned, passed off remarkably well, being conspicuous only fora bard but thoroughly fair and good humoured Ejtru gA e > together with an absence of all acrimonious and bad feeridg*. Let tbe same he said of to-day’s proceedings, Xet each man who possesses the great privilege of a vote record that vote conscientiously, honestly, and fearlessly for the candidate who, after careful consideration, he believes in his heart of hearts to be the best man. “ May the difference of opinion never alter friendship ” is an old old toast, but as good and as true as it is old and trite. The settlers of Tauranga will, we leel sure, to-day practically show their appreciation of the maxim.

In order to supply our readers with tbe earliest possible intelligence as to the result of the polling along the coast, we hare made arrangements fur a special messenger to leave Matata immediately the poll is declared and telegraph the result to us from Maketu early to-morrow morning. We should receive Miaketu returns this afternoon.

At the Mission Chapel on Sunday morn nr last prayers were read by the Biev, C. Jordan, and an excellent extempore sermon was afterwards preached by the Rev Mr Sewell, who took for his text, Hebrews iv., v. 9: “There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God.” The reverend gentleman opened his subject with a few remarks on the absolute necessity of rest once a week, the various ways in which people sought for repose on the Sabbath—some pleasure seeking, some in tbe delights of home, others by reading and improving their minds, others by prayer and communion with God, showing that these last employed the most successful means of obtaining the necessary rest. The preacher then drew attention to the vast importance of securing that, last repose which is icserved for the people of God in Heaven, and which is only to be obtained by the most persevering devotion and a lifetime devoted to the service of the Creator;

The Government have arranged to have the sharp corners altered on the side cutting through the Maungarewa forest and other improvements made on the Jauranga and Taupo Koad. This will greatly add to the comfort of travellers, especially those who patronise King Cobb. A case was partly heard on Monday, at the Court House, before 11. T. Clarke,' Esq., as Commissioner of Tauranga lands, and two Native Assessors, regarding the individual ownership of a piece of land called Taumata-o-Nuku. Evidence for the claimants was taken, and the opposite side will be heard to-morrow morning. The matter at issue is of no general interest.

A complimentary dinner was given on Thursday evening last, at the Constabulary Mess Rooms, to Mr H. it. George, who is leaving the district. About 2gentlemen sat down to a recherche repast served up in Mr Tadhunter’s best style. Mr Lewis Samuels occupied the chair, and Captain Morris the vice chair. After the good things had been done full justice to, and the usual loyal and orthodox toasts drank, the Chairman in a eulogistic neat speech proposed, “ The guest of the evening,” which was drank with musical honours. Mr George having suitably responded, songs and conviviality became the order of the evening. The party broke up about midnight, after a very agreeable and merry meeting. We hope at no distant date to be able to welcome Mr George back to Tauranga, and in the meantime we heartily wish him health and prosperity.

We learn that it ia the- intention of the Tauranga Dramatic Club to give ns enterbunuituts on Thursday and Eri-hiy n»-xt i .he programme will be a go- ;<i .n e. tne n . h>. i ‘hl . t - ’• • " . til •olI;; ' • Si. 1 .-. 1:* :*, a(i I a<• ;. . inunity. A match at the Bulls took place on Monday morning between five members of the Armed Constabulary auJ a tii.ni ar number of Mnlun'vcrs and civilians, resulting m the defeat of the h.tts r by 5k points. The ranges fired nt were 200, 400, 500, and 600 yards. Three of the beaten side were unfortunate enough to have rifles with which they had not practised, la which cause they attribute their ill success, 1 ‘ Better luck i>« xr, time !”

Captain Moresby and Lieutenant Smith, aecom panted by Captain Crapp aud guide, started on horseback for the Hot Springs on Monday last. The weather promises well, und wc trust they may enjoy their trip. The following are the returns from "Whabatane : —Dargaville, 9 ; Lusk, 1 j Williamson 6. xhe following tenders have been accepted for tarring and painting certain bridges in the distriet ; lanrunga ansi Tan pa Road, Air G. Green ; Eatikati .Road, Messrs Mitchell ami Stewart; Makvtu and Rotorua Road, JVf easrs Butnpus and Co. Eight of our local “ Arista ” have, wo learn, challenged a like number of the Basilisk, officers or men, to a friendly match at the Butts. The challenge has been accepted, and will, we understand, take place to-morrow morning at about eleven o’clock. \

A glass case has been erected at the Tauranga Mechanics Institute, as a noucius for a museum, to winch it is hoped contributions will bo forwarded to add additional attractions to members.

The Hot. Mr Sewell was a passenger by Mr llaunon's coach yesterday morning. We understand it is Mr Sewell’s intention to spend a fortnight in exploring our lovely JLake district, after which he will proceed to Napier by coach. Our readers will perceive by advertisement that for the future Mr William W. Cardno, Bay of Plenty Agency, will act as agent for the" bs. Southern Cross.

Coffee ! —Brown, Barrett, and Co.’s Standard Coffee is both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, and Co.’s Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to any Coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note the brands ! Sold at almost every Grocery Establishment iu Town and Province.— [Advt.]