The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERT MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 8, 1901. THE TRUST ESTATES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 151, 8 July 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERT MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 8, 1901. THE TRUST ESTATES.

We understand that Mr W. L- Rees proceeds to Wellington during the present week in connection with the i Trust Estates and their position as affected by the Validation Court judgment, and has addressed the following letters to the Mayor of Gisborne and the Chairmenof the Harbor Board and County Council : doubt' have seen the judgment recently given by His Honor Judge Batham in the Validation Court in connection with the Taliora block. his j udgment not only affects Taliora but all the lands and nearly all the secur.ties in tho trust estate of Carroll and Wi Pere, and other blocks, such as Whangara, which are now being administered by tho Validation Court. The disastrous consequences which may probably result can only be avoided by speedy legislation, which in the public as well as in the private

interests of tho people here ought at once to ho requested at the hands of the Legislature. Another fact which I have no doubt lias attracted your I attention is that the Bank of hiew | Zealand, immediately after Judge j Batham’s decision, advertised the | whole of the mortgaged properties for sale. Were the Government to pay off the Bank and cut up and throw open these lands for settlement a great boon would be conferred upon many - portions of the district, and the natives would not wholly lose their patrimony. On behalf of the trustees > and beneficiaries who number more than 3000, I venture earnestly to solicit your countenance and support to any application mado to the Gol' vernment and the Legislature.”

Brushing aside the manifest attempt on the part of our local contemporary to stir up unnecessary alarm, wo would point out that the decision of the Court can hardly affect persons whoso titles have been validated. Its operation seoms to be limited to the subsequent dealing by the Court with any of these trusts. Such being the case the only question that remains is as to the best course to adopt in the interests 'of the district as a whole and the nativo owners concerned. The district undoubtedly requires the immediate settlement of the land, and the speediest way to accomplish this appears to be to allow the Bank to sell. Wo do not see what right tho local bodies have to interfere in a mattor which is purely a business transaction between the trustees aud the Bank. Wo have yet to learn that the Bank lias any too good a security for the amount of the trustees’ indebtedness in regard to these particular lands. It has been repeatedly stated in public, and we have not heard it contradicted, that there is practically no margin for the natives, and if this be so why should the local bodies or the Government interfere ? If it could bo shown that there was a substantial margin in tho mortgaged properties there might be some reason perhaps for the Government considering the question, and even then we ' should be disposed to urge the greatest caution. We can hardly suppose that s the members of the Borough and . County Councils and Harbor Board will 1 he led into blindly passing resolutions without being fully aware of the ; meaning of them. We sincerely hope that the Government will not be drawn ’ into giving fictitious prices for proper- ( ties in order to create a margin for tho ; Natives. If the taxpayers must step in to help tho Natives financially, 7 would it not be better that it should 1 bo "done openly in such a way that ; people would understand clearly what tho money was being paid for. There is another aspect of tho case which suggests itself to us, and that is the position of the member for the district, who unfortunately remained one of the trustees. We, together with all the friends of the Hon. Mr Carroll, regret that, whether willingly or unwillingly, he has remained a trustee so long. His position must be an anomalous one, and it certainly gives too great a handle to people wishing to make capital out of any mistakes made with regard to those lands. Mr Carroll, being Minister for Native Affairs, and at the same time a trustee of this estate, any action of the Government in tho direction of taking over these lands would bo liable to be in some way connected with Mr Carroll as a trustee, It is as well for the Government to take no risks in the matter, and we should certainly advise extreme caution in proceeding in the direction indidicated by Mr Koes’s letter. Wo are, however, inclined to think that the Legislature will hesitate to consider the matter merely on the decision of the Judge. Mr lloes has expressed his intention of appealing against the decision. -Why does he not do so instead of {bothering Parliament ? Tho decision was evidently given by the Judge of the Validation Court in order to obtain the opinion of the Appeal Court, and Mr Rees’ plain course of action lies in that direction. The only question that affects the public is the settlement of these lands, and the easiest and most expoditious method of securing this is for tho Bank to exercise its powers of o .1.,

! An oi l identity of dishorn:?, Mr John I Jiredie, died on Saturday, and was buried yesterday. The San Francisco mail steamer Sonoma is expected to arrive at Auckland to-day from ’Frisco. A private cable message, received in Wellington, states that Australia will send 1000 troops to the coronation ceremony in London in 1902. Yesterday afternoon, a young man was arrested on a charge of forging a small cheque on the name of a local Jirai. lie win he brought before the Court this morning. On her passage from Sydney to Auckland last week the Mariposa had to be hove to fol* 39 hours, owing to a heavy gale. The trip occupied six days, less 19 minutes. A presentation was made to the captain and chief officer. The catalogue of Messrs Bull and Sons’ sale of trees, plants and shrubs comprises the choicest lot of nursery stock that this firm has yet offered, and should be a favorable opportunity for orchardists and those about to lay out their grounds.

Patrons of the fistic arena will have an opportunity of witnessing an exhibition on Wednesday evening. It is proposed to have a willing ten-round go for the gate proceeds, but if objection is made to an encounter of that sort an exhibition of boxing will be given. The principals are Jack Hyams and Sain Hill, who both belong to the “ willing ” school, and who are said to be in active training. In addition to the chief event there will be preliminary bouts by lovers oi boxing. In connection with the Druids' social in the Theatre lioyal to-morrow evening, it may be mentioned that at S o'clock the lights in the hall will be turned down during the time the opening ceremony of the Lodge is being conducted, and that speci-ally-prepared colored lights will be thrown upon the stage, which will add greatly to the impressiveness of the scene. All the arrangements are now complete, and all that is now necessary to ensure a record attendance is a fine night,

The Elingamite arrived at Auckland at 1.00 p.m. yesterday from Gisborne.

On the fourth page of to-day’s Times there is an interesting column of telegraphic and local football reports. A sensatio" sermon, bitterly attacking the Cburc’ . f Rome, was delivered in the Chri- arch Cathedral yesterday by Bishop r as.

In f . last number of the Sporting Review there is a good picture of Mr G. B. Oman's hurdler Hairtrigger. There is also the family group of racehorses St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Ursula, aud St. Olga.

A number of first-class Makauri sections suitable for dairy farms are offered for lease on easy terms by Captain Tucker, j' This an excellent opportunity for those ‘ desirous of taking up dairy fanning. At the Licensing Court on Saturday , conditional licenses were granted to ( Messrs Robert Craill and Cornelius Nee- , nan in respect of publicans’ booths at the j forthcoming meeting of the Gisborne , Racing Club. Leave of absence for 21 , days was granted to Mr J- S. Cooper, licensee of the Hot Springs Ho'el. The schooner Saxon is bringing to Gisborne -1,1)00 Auckland-made bricks to the order of the contractor for the railway station. We understand that tho importation is being made, not because the bricks are better' or cheaper, but because an untrue report had been circulated that the Government would not accept local bricks for their works.

UllCivS IUL UItJU uil«. The Mohawk Minstrels are to appear at the Academy of Music this evening, and will submit a capital programme, plenty of fun without vulgarity. There has already been a large sale of tickets, and a full houso is anticipated. Visitors to town for tho races can roly on n good evening s entertainment. Tho Borough Council mooting tomorrow promises to be a long one, which is characteristic of tho now Council. In addition to the ordinary business there will probably bo tho Borough leases to deal with ; there will be water, drainage, and health reports ; there will be a letter from Mr Koes in regard to the Trust Estate, and to wind-up there will bo Charitable Aid Board business. All this on race night ! The races to-morrow nro being anticipated with a great deal of interest. The Steeplechase meeting is always very popular. Visitors are already arriving in town, a good detachment coining down from the Coast yesterday. It is probable that there will "bo a record attendance, and that the meeting will bo one of the most successful raco gatherings ever hold in the district.

The services of the Salvation Army yesterday were of a bright and attractive character, there being an unusually large attendance of members at each meeting to welcome the new officers, Captain Sharp and Lieutenant Ilill, who succeed Captain and Mrs Ilill. The newcomers created a most favorable impression, and should become great favorites. Captain and Mrs Hill leave for Levin on Wednesday, and are to be accorded a send-off tomorrow evening. They have dono good work in Gisborne, and their departure will be much regretted. There was a crowded audience in the Academy of Music last evening to witness the living pictures of the “ Life of Christ,” and the programme, which was composed entirely of sacred items, was very much admired. If all sacred programmes wore of such a character as that of last evening, no reasonable person could raise any objection, as they would certainly have an influence for good. In addition to the living pictures, the eolosophone supplied an excellent series of appropriate selections, and Messrs Cooper and Maedermott may be congratulated upon the merit of | the proceedings. A presentation of an extremely pleasing nature took place at the meeting of the Salvation Army yesterday afternoon, when Captain and Mrs Ilill, who are about to leave Gisborne, were presented with a purse of sovereigns. It appears that on the previous Tuesday evening Captain Hill incidentally remarked at his farewell meeting that he had not enough money to take him away, but little thought at the time that anyone would take it up. Imagine his surprise when yesterday afternoon Mr J. Pcckover was present at the mooting, and in a neat speech presented him with a purse of sovereigns as a mark of appreciation of the work of the Army. Captain Hi]l feelingly replied, thanking Mr Teckover for the gift. At the monthly meeting of the To Ara* ltoad Hoard held on Saturday, present : Messrs White (chairman), Clark, and Parker.—Mr A. F. Matthews wrote stating that he estimated the cost of bridging the junction of the Te Arai and Waimata streams at .£I2OO. —Mr Parker said the estimate was a long way in excess of Mr Jex-Blakc’s estimate. The Chairman said that the idea was that the settlers should contribute towards the cost of the bridge, the Government to pay half. Ho did not know whether the Government would be willing to contribute £6OO, which was in excess of the sum mentioned to Mr Carroll.—Mr Clark thought it was quite time enough to move in the matter when it was put on the Estimates. He had no doubt the settlers to he benefited by the bridge would pay half the cost, and Mr Carroll should ho kept in mind of his promise.—lt was decided to write to Mr Carroll and inform him that £I2OO was the estimate for the bridge, and that a smaller sum than £OOO would bo no good. It was decided to remove the slips on the Tokonui road. Other routine business was transacted. There was a largo congregation at St. Andrew’s Church last evening to listen to the Rev. J. G. Paterson’s address on the subject of “ Are theatre-going, card-play-ing and dancing beneficial to those who wish to live a Christian life '? ” The rev. gentleman had more than occupied his accustomed time of speaking before he had dealt with the subject of theatregoing, and was compelled to reserve his remarks on card-playing and dancing for a future lecture. Ho spoke at length on the necessity of making the world subservient to higher interests, contending that one iiad not conquered the world in the true sense until one had made it a transparent screen through which you could see God. ■- Ho quoted several actors of note for the purpose of showing that theatre-going was prejudicial and harmful to the Christian life. Amongst theatrical stars mentioned was McCredie, who, in writing to his children, said : “ With my consent you will never enter a theatre or have acquaintance with actor or actress.” Mr Paterson read some of Sheldon’s literature on the evil influence of the American stage, showing that in the majority of cases the theatres were remarkable for indecent scenes and dialogues, and that these places were principally attended by young men. The preacher was accorded a most attentive hearing. A meeting of young men assembled in Wesley Church yesterday afternoon, when Mr E. H. Buckingham gave an address on “ Strong Men,” the object of the meeting being the formation of a young men’s class. The keynote of Mr Buckingham’s address was “ Be strong,” which condition ho urged upon the young men, to be strong physically,-mentally, and morally. To emphasise his point in regard to physical culture he instanced the case of Sandow, the strongest man in the world ; in mental culture he referred to the Hon. J. C. Chamberlain, and to the success he achieved by plodding perseverance ; and in moral culture to Hr Parker, the great divine. Mr Buckingham showed how the career of those men had been fashioned by the culture in early life of their physical, mental, and intellectual abilities, and the speaker said he thought it would be a wise thing if a society were started in this town for the mental and moral improvement of its members. A number of questions were asked the speaker, which were satisfactorily replied to, and those present signified their intention of joining suedi a society. A committee consisting of Messrs E. H. Buckingham, M. G. Nasmith, jun., Iv. Macdonald, t. Brown, and J. B. Kelly was appointed to draw up a syllabus. The object of the Society should commend itself io the young men of Gisborne, for it is intended to improve the speaking and literary powers of its members hv the criticism and reading of essays, and elocutionary c-ffortc. Such a society should flourish, a'nd extend its usefulness into various channels and spheres 1 of labor The class meets again next Sunday afternoon.

The annual meeting of the Beautifying Association takes place to-night. Two stands of Mauser rifles captured from the Boers during the war iu South Africa have been placed just iuside the entrance doors of Parliament, Wellington. Some members are in no danger of having their brains knocked out.

During the voyage of the Mariposa from Sydney to* Auckland, while the steamer was lying kove-to, numorous seas broke over her, doing considerable damage. One wave stove in one of the starboard boats and several port-holes, and flooded several rooms.

The adventures of two boys, aged 10 and 11, who left Invercargill for Dunedin to see the Duke, beats “ Ginx's Baby." They covered 40 miles a day, sneaked through railway tunnels, slept in railway vans and haystacks, and lived on turnips, till they reached Dunedin. Here they were found sleeping the sleep of the just in a truck, on a Sunday, and “ run in.”

They were in a pitiable condition, haltstarved, in rags, and with their foot cruelly lacerated on the Via Dolorosa, but not one whit damped in ardour and pluck. Tho good-hearted lockup-keeper, on learning their story, “ jammed ” thorn up with a “ a piece,” and Inspector - Pardy blew a sympathetic nose, and wiped away a ' tear. They were released, and half a dozen paterfamiliases and matcrmiiiases were ready to have the enterprising lads as their guests. The Mayor stood in, and made the hoys the guests of

the city, got them tickets for the Government platform, and generally gave them “ a good time.” It is not known whether they were presented to tho Duke and Duchess, but they saw tho Koyal personages on procession day, and the Duke was so tickled with their adventure that they were presented with the Koval portraits, with autographs, and sent homo happy.