AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 74, 30 March 1901, Page 2

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

TUTA’S GIFT. (Special to Times.) Auckland, last night. Earl Roberts, in acknowledging the receipt of the mere presented by Tuta Nihoniho, a leading Poverty Bay Chief, writes to the Hon. James Carroll, through the Agent-General, the following letter : “ War Office, “ London, Feb. 5,1901. “My Esteemed Friend, —I have received from the Agent-General of New Zealand the beautiful Maori mere which you have sent me. I value it not only on account of its intrinsic worth and historical associations, but also on account of your courteous assurance of goodwill and friendship which accompanies the present. I am confident that the loyalty to the British Empire, which you express on behalf of your people and yourself, is.sincere. In the name of the army which I have the honor to command, I thank you for your wish to fight the enemies of our country, if called upon to do so, side by side with our soldiers. “ Believe me j’our sincere friend,

“ Signed, Roberts, F.M.” It was at the beginning of this month that Mr W. P. Reeves transmitted to Field-Marshal Earl Roberts a greenstone mere forwarded through the New Zealand Government for presentation, on behalf of Tuta Nihoniho, of Gisborne. Accompanying the weapon was a letter in Maori, saying that it was sent as “ a token of great admiration for Lord Roberts, the warrior General v who has so bravely upheld the authority of our exalted sovereign, Queen Victoria, to the honor of England, the glory of which will ever be reflected on New Zealand.” The letter proceeded to say : —“ Great indeed is the sympathy of your Maori friends for you on the death of your son, who died so gallantly while fighting in the war. It has ever been our wish that I and your Maori friends should join you in the war in which you are involved, to be attached to your feet, and to have the honor of being in the jaws of death, even though we suffer as did your son. So then, may God have you in his safe keeping. From your loving friend, etc. God save the Queen ! Te Atua tongungia to Ivuini.” In sending the mere, which was cn-closed-in a case of handsome New Zealand wood, Mr Reeves says that the weapon is regarded by the Maori race as of considerable historic value. Its name is “ Porourangi,” and originally belonged to the famous Chief Kahukuranui. VETERINARY SERGEONS.

The Wakauui, which arrived at Wellington to-day, brought seven out of the eleven Veterinary-Surgeons selected by Mr Gilruth, in England and Scotland, for the Agricultural Department. Their names are Messrs McHattie, Banks, Mithall, Paterson, Layons, Towers, and Ilerrigan. The other four are en voyage by the Paparoa. RAILWAY WAGGONS. The General Manager of Railways states that 100 new waggons for the Hurunui-Bluff section will be shipped from England in a few days, and 300 more will follow in April. THE SEVENTH. I learn from Wellington that the Premier has been harassed of late by applicants for billets or appointments to the Seventh Contingent. Not only has the ante-room of the Cabinet Chambers been haunted by these gentry, but the Premier has been waylaid between his private residence and the Government buildings, and has been obliged to resort to stratagem in order to avoid being button-holed at the street corners. One method has been to drive in a cab between his house and the office, and the latest device is to con-

ceal himself in one of the obscure parts of the Parliamentary buildings, the entrance to which is guarded by a sentinel from the Permanent Artillery. This latest device has, I am informed, been adopted on the recommendation of his medical adviser, who fears that his nervous system may be run down by over-work. ARE THEY COMING AT LAST ? The Minister for Lands and the Hon. James Carroll leave on Monday to visit the Maori districts on the East Coast. Mr Carroll returns via Rotorua, where he will make final arrangements for the grand Maori demonstration. Though tents are being provided for a portion of the natives, a large number Of whares will be erected, preserving the Maori features. Cooking, also, will be done in the native kaiangas. THE SHAM PROPHET. The Native Minister states that -Te Whiti, the Maori prophet, and chiefs have invited the Governor to visit Parihaka. SPORTING. To-day is the general entry day for the Auckland Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting. Nominations are due for all the minor handicaps, and at the same 1 time acceptances for the Easter Handicap and first Handicap Hurdles are due. The Papakura Races take place to-morrow. A large attendance is expected. The following are my fancies in the engagements : Cup : Baibirnie or Jim Kean. Maiden : Corvette. Flying : Delia Rose. Pony : Mamoa or Goitsir. Hack : Valedictory. Railway : St. Jna. THE TRACK.

A few horses were worked yesterday afternoon, Seahorse doing two steady rounds. Record Reign and Firefly ran over six furlongs in company, and both went pleasingly, Minerva leading them home. Aminta was also galloped strongly. This morning was an off one, no work of any consequence being done. There were no notable absentees from the track, however. THE BETTING. There has been but little betting straight out over the Easter Handicap. Rosclla is quoted at 4 to 1, and Okoari at 5 to 1, at which price the daughter of St. Leger is receiving some support. The Hon. J.' I). Ormond is sending three horses from Napier to take part in the A.R.C. meeting. They are due to arrive on Sunday.