The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 28, 1902. NEW COUNTY COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 582, 28 November 1902, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 28, 1902. NEW COUNTY COUNCIL.

'Die ratepayers of Cook County arc to be congratuifated on the increased interest that is being taken in the affairs of the County.. Certainly there was previously a large interest, but it was rather of the negative sort, people win pay no rates at all, or would be the first to object to an increase, unmercifully heckling the Council lo do work for which 110 funds were available. It is little wonder that occasional Ills oi despondency came over the old Council, and that there were tnu: inuriugs about casting the whole responsibility on the Government. The latter suggestion, however, could never have been meant seriously,- for, while the Government would probably have elicit fully taken over the responsibility lire administration would hate been earned out at the expense of the overburdened ratepayers ! Hut still, tiie Council stuck manfully to its task and diJ the best for the district under the existing conditions, even though some parts may not have been satisiied with the share meted out. The conditions might well have disheartened any puttlie man, and the old Cuimeil are entitled to ‘he warmest thanks for the way then applied themselves to their task. The leeimg that a new set oi men, with fresh energy and free from past vexations, should be sent 111. bad evidently become so strung that respected Councillors who again volunteered for the task were given a spell tuat cannot be regarded as arising from an/ want of confidence, and will possibly be welcomed as a relief front a living position. The old Council has bee a absolutely replaced, but it is very pleasing to note that the task to be faced has not devolved upon a set of recruits. The new men may fairly be described as veterans in the puolie si 1 vice. The Chairman has been a

piominent public man for over a ijriarter of a century, and the other gentleman nominated for the cluur, previously held Urn position with credit lo himself and the district. The suburbs practically have two representatives (Mes'srs Matthews and Harding), though both are well acquainted with every part of the County, and at the same time are in a better position to attend meetings than are members residing at a distance out in the country. “ The other Councillors, perhaps with the exception of Mr Edward Richardson, are all well-tried public men wb ) have gained public confidence. Of Mr Richardson we can only say that all will, we believe, agree that he will ne a model Councillor. He is one of the pioneer settlers of the Motu, and, going out there when it was deemed to lie a wilderness, he lias patiently worked away until tie has got his place into such a condition that lie can afford i lu: time to act on one of our most important local governing bodies, to a large extent on behalf oi the settlers of a part of the County that promises in a few years to become of very great importance as a producer of wealth. It is pleasing to welcome such men on to our public bodies. Of Mr Lissant Clayton it may be said that lie lifts not previously acted on any of our Councils, but his work in connection with the organisation of the Farmers’ Union, and in other ways, shows that lie is an acquisition to the Council at the prsent stage, when plodding perseverance, combined with energy, is required to get the Council 011 a sound basis. We congratulate the district on having such a capable Council to take up the work that was being so we'l done by the old Council, and on having at the head of affairs such an able Chairman as Captain Tucker. We hardly know whether we should congratulate that gentleman and Tus fellow -Councillors. The position just at present is one that a person would nerbaps rather seek for his enemy than Jiis friend ; but in the confident oelief that the new Council will soon succeed in bringing about a change for the better, we offer our heartiest congratulations and best wishes'.’ There is certainly good reason for hopefulness; a harassing feature of the administrative work of the old Council was in ■regard to Government grants, which, though perhaps promised with promptitude, were not to hand within any reasonable lime. There is reason to believe that a reform in this system of procedure has been instituted bv the Government. A fine season would be a great help in the way of road-mak-ing and the railway lino must do a great deal towards relieving the main road of heavy traffic. The Engineer, Mr De G. Fraser, is now well acquainted with the needs of the whole Colmey', and lias proved by Ins work Hist he is able to give the best value for all money placed at bis disposalOnce the financial pinch can be got over, tend that is' quite possibe, there is every reason to take a hopeful view oi the Council's position. The Council is entitled to the hearty co-opera-tion of the people generally, and it is to be 'hoped that : any carping spirit win be replaced by a sympathetic and encouraging .tone that will appreciate difficulties and encourage good work and in other ways prove of a Lelptul nature. '

A Prohibition rally is to be held in the Theatre Royal to-night.

The Waerenga-a-hika creamery connected with the Kia Ora Factory will be opened on Wednesday next to receive milk.

Truth declares that the Rev. Nelligau Bishop-elect u: Auckland, is one if the most, successful parochial clergy in London. Mr E. L. DeLautour, agent, in our advertising columns, enumerates some of the properties which lie has in hand for immediate sale.

The Timaru Board of Education yesterday resolved to support the request oi the Committee to have the 1 imam High School raised to the status 01 a district high school.

The Committee’s report in connection with the proposal to convert the Kia Ora Butter Factory into a Co-op-erative concern will lie received at a meeting of suppliers convened for this evenimr.

The next meeting of the Harbor Board has teen fixed for December IS. the ordinary date falling 011 Christmas Day. One member facetiously suggested that they might eschew business for the occasion and allow _ the meeting to be a social gathering for a Christmas dinner, but though the suggestion was supported nothing definite was done ; therefore members will do the business a week previously and ean enic; their Christmas dinner f.ttet* wardij

Mr R. D. B. Robinson, Town Clerk, has been re-appointed Borough Valuator. East Cape reported yesterday : N.V. moderate gale, cirrus clouds, rough sea, good tide, heavy current front X.W. The Outapere left Westport at 7 a.ut. on Thursday with 200 tons oi coal for Gisborne.

Mr T. McGregors Waerenga-a-hika creamery will be opened to receive utiik on December d.

A full attendance is requested at tonight's practice by the choir of Holy Trinity Church.

XllO truw.cr Beatrice, whilst at woik yesterday, had tur trawl caught iu a snag, and sustained damage to the extent of £2O.

A first-class piano, almost new, is advertised for sale by Mr T. G. Lawless. A bargain is offered, as the owner of the piano is leaving the district.

The Department of Roads has notified tko City Council that a vote of 42U0 has been authorised for metalling the Wainui road.

The ketch Tokerau, which is at present in Rort, is a stout little craft of iJS tons register. This is her second trip to Gisborne.

A junior lituid for a saddlery .sliup is wanted at once, applications to lie made to Messrs Archibald Clark and Sons.

Councillor Harding returns thanks to tin- electors of Waikohu for return-

ing him as County Council representative of their riding. A meeting of the Poverty Bay Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association is called for to-morrow morning at the Gisborne School, when matters in connection with sports proposed to be held on December 14th will be discussed. In another column, Messrs Huddart,

Parker, and Co. announce thui their Gisborne agency will be conducted on and after December Ist by Messrs Dulgety and Co., whoso first steamer will be the Zeulandia on the oth.

The Poverty Bay Public Schools Ama-

teur Athletic Association will hold its first annual gathering at the Park 011 December 11th. A generul meeting of members is called at the Gisborne School to-morrow (Saturday) morning. The Licensed Victuallers’ Association return thanks to those, who voted

for Continuance on Tuesday. The Association trusts that any bitterness which may have sprung up will Ire forgotten, extends the hand of good fellowship to opponents, and congratulates supporters on the victory that was achieved.

At Makuuri this evening the adjourned meeting of suppliers to the Kia-Ora dairy lactory will be held, when the subject of co-operation will bo gone into. The question of amalgamation with the Poverty Bay Co-operativo Factory will also be considered. The meeting! is an important une, and wo hopo to seo a large attendance

of milk-suppliers. At the Pulieo Court yesterday a young man named Alfred Davitt was convicted of disorderly behaviour while drunk in Gladstone road on Wednesday. Sergeant Siddells said the ease was a bad ono, and Davitt had given the police much trouble,

and used bad language. A lino of £2, and costs 2s, in default 14 days' imprisonment, was imposed, Captain Chrisp and Mr Vincent Pykc presided.

Nominations for the East Coast Maori electorate closed with the UcturniugOtlicer, Mr J. Brooking, Gisborne, yesterday. There are three candidates—viz., Messrs Wi Perc (sitting member), Gisborne ; Pirimi Mataiawliea, Rotorua ; and Mohi Te Atahikoia, Hawke’s Bay. The latter unsuccessfully contested the seat at last election. Polling takes placo on December 22nd. Wi l’ere is almost certain to be elected. The following cable has been received by Messrs Dalgety and Co. from their London house relative to tho wool sales: Very large attendance of buyers. Competition animated. Fair selection of good merino wool. Prices aro, on tho average, 10 per cent, higher than the opening rates of last season. Inferior and faulty wool is 5 per cent, higher; fine crossbred 10 per cent, higher; medium and coarse crossbred 15 to 20 per cent, higher than opening rates of last season.” The bakers have been compelled to make another increase in the price of bread, the increase taking effect from Monday next. The cash price for the 2!i> loaf will be Id, with an extra charge of a half-penny for monthly accounts, but on the latter an equivalent discount will be allowed if payment is made before the 12th of the following month. The price of flour landed in Gisborne is now Vl2 Is fid per ton, so that the increase can hardly come as a, surprise. At midday yesterday, tho ketch Clematis on entering the river, had a rather rough experience. A very heavywesterly was blowing, aud in making up the channel about half-tide, the vessel struck a sandspit. The sails were twisted to try and get her off, and a very heavy squall came, blowing her sails to ribbons, breaking the mizzen topmast, and sending her with heavy force against the breakwater. Lines were made fast to the pier, where sho temained until the arrival of

the Tavvora, which towed her off. Captain McKenzie states that tho squall was one heaviest he ever experienced off land,

A popular young couple were united in the- holy bonds of matrimony yesterday, tbe contracting parties being Mr Howard L. Humphreys and Miss Madge .Sellers, fourth daughter oi Mr W Sobers. The service was conducted at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. J, Paterson. The bride was attired in a white silk dress, with wreath and orange blossoms, and was given away by her father. The bridesmaids were - Miss Truda Sobers (sister of the bride) and Miss EVa Humphreys, with Master Reg. 1-luni-plu eys as page-boy. The bridesmaids wore white muslin dresses, with white satin trimmings and chiffon hats. Mr H 11. Faram acted as test man. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a diamond ring. A nice lot of presents were received front friends. The young couple have the hearty good wishes of a large circle of friends. Mr 11. I-L Faram, representing the well-known firm of Messrs Arcnibald Clark and Sons, lias recently returned

{rom the Coast, having made the first trip that has been made there with samples. The vehicle used was a light express, which contained a full supply of samples, and was drawn by two horses. Tolago Bay, Tokomaru, Waip.ro, and Tuparoa were visited, cosiness being done in each place. From Tuparoa Mr Faram rode beyond the East Cape, to Te Araroa, where he also did business, and returning to Tupaioa, came on to Gisborne in the vehicle, the tour occupying a week. Mr Faram states that the roads _ are fairly good, the best road on the Coast being the inland stretch from Tuparoa to Waipiro. The firm is to Ve congratulated on the success of the trip, which should !>e a welcome innovation to business people on the Coast. Mr J. Barron, Land Purchase Inspector, accompanied by Messrs t/old-Smith arid Hyde, of the Laud Purchase Board, arrived in Gisboruelast evening from Tolago Bay, where they have been inspecting properties, with a view of acquiring the same for close settlement purposes. The properties inspected included those of Messrs Macfarlane, Reeves, and others, The visitors were delighted with their trip j up the Coast, and were much impressed with the possibilities of the district. In conversation with a Times reporter, Mr Hvde stated that one of the chief drawbacks to close settlement in the Tolago district was the want of good roads, there being no metal in the vicinity. One property inspected was in very good order, and would cut up splendidly into holdings of three or four hundred acres. One or two of the properties would require a good deal of breaking in, and expenditure in the matter of drainage, but it would then be eminently suitable for dairying purposos. li We saw the Coast in its best clothes," j

remarked one member of the Board, “,'and we were very pleased with it. The district is very sparsely populated, and would be much benefited from increased settlement." The members of the party leave for Wairoa this morniDg, and after inspecting a number of properties at that place will go overland to Xapier,

Ir is anticipated that Sir Maurice O’Rorke will be called to the Legislative Council, and appointed Speaker ot that House.

Yes erday windy ueither was reported from must parts of tiie colony, rough leas on both coasts, heavy squally weather. Haiti was falling at several places, including Wellington, and the rivers on the West Coast were reported high. The West End eleven journey to Ormond to morrow to keep the cricket fixture with the County Club, and it is rumored that they are likely to set the stioiig country combination a stiff task to maintain the advantage they have gained in the Saturday competition. Victoria Domain will be rc-tuiy for play immediately. Tiie grouudmaii takes tiie preparation of the wicket in hand to day. Tne mob of sheep turned in early in the week by the management of the Rugby Union has got the grass well down, and there is certain to be large attendances of both players and spectators on this popular ground when the Thursday and Saturday competitions are resumed next week. West End and Kaiti-Gity playing on Thursday and United engaging West End on Saturday.

Through the election of Captain Tucker as Chairman of the County Council a seat on the Harbor Board becomes vacant. At the meeting yesterday the Chairman of the Board referred to the fact that Captain Tucker now held his .seat on the Board as the County Chairman a,d not as an elective niem!*er—that seal became vacant. Captain Tucker said that he was there in his former capacity as an ordinary member. “ Hut you arc now County Chairman,” said the Chairman. “ 1 did not come here as such. 1 have just taken my old seat and mean to keep it,” replied Captain Tucker, laughing. Mr Townley said that he could not throw off the County Chairin' nship on coming there—the election had liecn duly notilied. Captain Tucker replied fl at whatever notification had been made, he was not going to put tho Board to tho expense of an election for the short term unless they wanted one. The Chairman said as tho ordinary olection would be in February the expense of an extraordinary vacancy could be avoided.