The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2232, 8 November 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1907.

THE MUD FLATS OF GISBORNE. In a more 'advanced state of society than we have yet attained to, the Gisborne Borough Council would probably be found taking action against the Harbor Board with a view to compelling that body to remove tho unsightly and objectionable mud flats that antir the beauty of the town. Such an action might he justified on many grounds, hut as it is scarcely within the region of practical politics at the present (time speculation as to the probable outcome would be useless. An aspect of this question that can, however, be given serious attention at the present time is the advantage of having the -ugly and unpleasant heaps of mud reclaimed as far as is practicable, and the portion thus added to terra Anna made as attractive ns possible. This is a work that might with advantage to the town have been taken up by some public body, but in lieu of such concerted action it is gratifying to note the splendid work that has been accomplished in this direction by private citizens. Tho n*ljority of those having land fronting the river have spent a large amount of money and a good deal of time in barricading olf the tidal waters, land by th 0 laying down of wellkept lawns ' and the planting of handsome trees given a beautiful -and most attractive border to the river banks. One would have imagined that work of this kind would have had the hearty support of the local bodies, but there appears to be a difference of opinion as to the advisa bleu ess of boniitiifving file town, and the Harbor Board has shown where it stands in the matter by imposing IT'tax upon those who take such steps as have been, indicated. At its last meeting the Harbor Board decided to charge Air. 'lan Simson :£1 per annum as rent for such undefined portion of the Harbor Board’s property as ho bad enclosed within a wooden barricade which has been erected to keen back th c overflow of the river, and at the same time to act as a boundary to bis section. It was known that Air. Stinson intends to baiutify the strip referred to, and it was admitted that the Harbor Board had no use for this hit of mud flat, and so far as anyone could tell would have no use for it in the future. Still, it. was considered necessary to vindicate the Board's title to tlie plot, and likewise its power "to impose taxes, by charging a rent that is at a considerably higher rate per square yard than the ordinary borough rates. Aforetime. it is suggested that all th P residents who liavo made improvements of a similar nature all along the river front shall also be taxed. This method seems entirely wrong, and we feel sn-i'e tlie position has only to be made clear to tlie Board to ensure that the injustice shall be removed. It may .be considered a necessary precaution for the Board to make a small charge as a constant .reminder that >t lias not relinquished any of its territorial rights, so that should there ever be a necessity to tlo so it could resume possession of all reclaimed land, but a shilling a year would quite satisfy tho terms of such an arrangement. To .make anything more than a purely nominal charge against residents, whose only offence is that they have transformed a portion of the mud flats into picturesque lawns and gar- j dc as, is surely a mistaken policy. j

Tho polico quarters arc to bo painted and renovated shortly.

A man arrested on AV'ednesday on a charge of lunacy was committed to tho Auckland Mental Asylum.

To-day tho Harbor Board’s suction sand pump will conic olf tho sup, and eoninionco work in connection witu tho Kniti breastwork.

Tho takings at tho Catholic Bazaar hold during Show week wore £9JB 14s 9d, and tho net proceeds wore boo 4 10s Cd. This amount is doublo tho previous .record /at last year’s bazaai.

On Monday next a picnic is to be hold by the Salvation Army m Air. Redstone’s grounds, tippor Childers road r All are invited to go along and join in tho outing.

Now that the bathing season is an lull swing, tlie polico might do well to give tlie beach a visit now and again. On Wednesday r ternoon three men were observed to liuuress on the beach «t ithe bottom or Lowe street liml ibatihe quito liiakou, cansing annoyance to ladies on tlie l.oocli at the time.

A unique document is on view m the window of tlijeip remises of Messrs ohierlaw and Gov, Gladstone Road. W.is ■a proclamation issued in A an JJ'iemau’s Lnnd in 1842 offering c ' )n “ ditional pardons to well-conducted ti.cket-Oif-Jo.ave men conditional on their entering the constabulary. The proclamation belongs to the Rice Dramatic Company, who oil Monday n ( ,xt will produce the well-known driilna “The Tickct-of-Leave Man.

Unclaimed letters for the following aro lying at tho Gisborne Post Office : H. Bond (from N.S.W.), G. Cruickshank (Queensland), W. Cruickshank (United Kingdom), AV. Davis (S.A.), J Dillon (Tas.), A. Doherty (Vie.), Aliss E. Glassett (N.S.W.), AI. W• Harvev (U.K.), J. Kay (Vic.), P. J. O’Rourke (Tas), Airs. Parris (Vic.), AV. Reston (N.S.AV,), Aliss AI.J. Shaw (U.K.),' R. E. Smith (U.K.), Aliss Or Solway (U.S.A.).

At Trinity Schoolroom last night tho Harmonic Society gave a social to wind up tho season. Tho evening was devoted to music and games. Tho entertainment opened with a pianoforte duet by Mesdames. Hamlin and Dawson Thomas. Songs were given by Alcsilames Shiorlaw and E. East and Alessrs Griffiths and Hamlin. Recitations were given by Airs. AVood, Aliss Sussex, and Mr. -01-liver, and Alaster Rhinesmitli contributed a violin solo Tho ladies of tlie society provided a sumptuous supper, and la very pleasant evening was spent by all present.

Tlie second concert by the Salvation Army Band was given at tlie Bartracks last night. It was preceded by an illuminated march by tlio Band from Miller’s corner. Tho iollowing programme was rendered tat the Barracks: March, St. Leonards, Band; recitation, Alaster E. Forrest; cornet solo, Bandsman Stevens; vocal duct, Sisters Collyer and Fisher; selection, Sandow, Bandj recitation, DruinAlajor Millies; instrumental duet, Ratcliffo Bros; vocal solo, Airs. Dickons; cornet solo. Bandmaster Niclio)a]s; instrumental quartette; solo, Bro. Colman ; vocal quartette; concertina solo, Bro. F. Ratcliffe.

In the courso of a chat yesterday with a Times reporter, Air. F. S. Alalcolm, Into of Christchurch, who has recently opened an auctioneering business in Gisborne, mentioned a few improvements in tlie town which to him as a newcomer seemed very necessary. 'He was of opinion that* the names of the different streets should be prominently displayed, anil be thought that the stone-cnisller should bo removed to some less conspicuous place. To miike the most of the town’s natural beauties a live Beautifying Society was wanted, and Oil the .business side of the town’s life a good Chamber of Commerce was an urgent necessity.

A new publication has been issued by the ‘Department of Tourists and Health Resorts in tlie shape of a 220 paged hook dealing with tlie -attractions of tho Dominion to tourists. It is appropriately enough designated “New Zealand” and gives a better and .more comprehensive idea of the natural beauties of this country than anything which has yet been produced. The ’ hook is not expensively bound, having been apparently devised for free distribution by agents in the Old Country and on tlie Continent, but it is copiously illustrated anil 'must certainly create a very favorable impression of “Tlie wonderland of the Pacific” on the minds of all who see it.

Flower Thanksgiving services are to b P held ill the Holy Trinity Church on Sunday. These festival services hive become most popular in the district and iaro looked forward to by all parishioners and residents. The Vicar of Gisborne issues ail invitation to all residents to join in 'tlie Flower Festival, Offerings of white flowers, greenery etc., are invited. The most suitable flowers for decorating, are tho white arum lily, laud a very large quantity -is required. All offerings should bo lef-t >at the Church early on Saturday .afternoon. Personal assistance in decorating will be much welcomed, and all helpers are naked .to meet at the Church at 3 o’clock on Saturday .afternoon. Details of services will -be published in to-morrow’s issue.

Tho November .number of tlie Lone Hand is of such exceptional merit as to suggest that .this new Australian magazine is steadily on (the improve. Amongst special features of th 0 current issue arc: Ail article on various Alelbourno Cup races by Frank Alyers, “Vagabonding 'in Asia” in which the popular artist, Alf Vincent, gives soino capital and unique sketches, a continuation of “The Genesis of.tho Bulletin” and some smartly tolil* short stories with the true colonial flavor. A novel idcei that is also included is a portrait of two ladies who were accorded beauty prizes in the United States. .In this connection the proprietors of the Lone Hand announce that .they have taken ini the challenge of the Chicago Tribune and hope .to reproduce type's of Australian beauty which will show that the Australienue is the most beaqtiful type in th e world.

Shortly after one o’clock yesterday an accident happened on the Tariuheru bridge which might easily have been attended with serious consequences. -One of Air AV. J. Cox’s delivery carts was 'being driven over the bridge when the horse shied at the roller -used in the asphalting of the 'bridge and bounding .forward broke tlie swingle-tree from the cart, thus freeing itself. Tlie cart- turned over backwards but the driver was not. hurt, though the up-river railing was slightly knocked about. Once free of the cart .tlie horse bolted down Peel street. Just before coming to the “Times” office it ran oil 'tlie footpath, severely straining one of the posts of the Times verandah and narrowly missing crashing into the window of Afes-srs -McLean and Co's shop. Here also a young lady had a narrow escape. She was proceeding along tlie .footpath, her parasol hiding tbp horse' -from her view, the horse wiuzzing past in dangerous proximity to tier. The .animal wlis finally stopped or. »-l lie corner of Peel street and Childers road,

Business men find Zymole Trokeys a great convenience. A box is easily carried and there’s nothing so good for hoarseness and coughs. Summer Coolers.—Kbps’ Tonfes —Kops’ Ale, Kops’ Stout,. absolutely tlie best non-alcoholic drink in the market. Good for you, and improves the appetite. Sold at Dustin’s. Caterers.

Tho country train will bo delayed till 19.30 on Saturday evening, to give country patrons an opportunity of visiting the theatrical performance.

Aliss Browning, ALA., of tlio Theosophical Society, will lecture on Sunday evening, tho subject being “Our ’duty to ourselves and to others.”

Air. AVitty, secretary of the Harbor Board, received a communication (dated September. 24tli) yesterday from Air. Wilson, of the eminent firm of Sir John Coodo and Co., with reference to .the Gisborno outer harbor. Mr. AA’ilson apologises for the lie lay in presenting his report, but has been busy on largo works in the East, now completed. Ho intimated that ho was, on thc date of writing, about to go into tho harbor question, .and hoped to report at an early date. A full rehearsal of the Cook County Curious Coons was held last evening, in preparation for the public performance in about four weeks’ time. The now opening chorus was handled in fine style, and it is evident that the solos are in capable hands, whilst tho cornermen’s “gags” are guaranteed not to bo antediluvian. Air. Neil Galloway conducted the relieaiVal, and Alcnsrs Dudley Trent and Laurenson supplied tho music. Tlio Coons have accepted tho invitation of the Rico Dramatic Company to wit-ness“Thb Ticket-of-Leavo Alan” on Alonday evening. As tlio songsters will bo clad in lull platform regalia there should he no difficulty in identifying them among the audience.