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Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 79, 3 June 1879, Page 2

Council — A very long sitting of the Council took placo yesterday, concluding at nearly 10 p.m. A full report is pub. lished in this issue!

Native Disturbances.— Grave rumours were ourrent throughout the district yesterday regarding Mr Bailey and his family having been massacred at Patea, We took steps at once to find out the truth, and ascertained that there was no foundation for the rumour. Mr Halcombe read ont in the Council yeslerday evening a telegram he had received from Patea stating that no murders had been committed, but that troubles were expected.

Mr Loudon. — Yesterday a letter of exouse was readf rom Mr Loudonregardinghisnonattendance at the Couroil, Several members pointed out how very frequent Mv Loudon was absent from the meetings, but eventually leave of absenoe was granted. ■

The Otaki Road. — We understand that several residents of Foxton are interesting themselves with a view to obtaining an alteration in the route by which the Otuki r6*d will be reaahed, At present it lead 9 round by the ferry and up No. 1 Line until it turns at right angles and goes past Mr G. Symooj' property. It is proposed that instead of this course a direct line should be made from the Moutoa Road. We are informed that a road is laid off in continuation of that past Mr Symon's property, and runs almost up to the Motoa Rpadj the only obstaole being a section of land— ' one-eigbth of an acre — owned by Mr Hillary. If this section were purchased, a direct line from the Moutoa Road to the Manawatu River oouldrbe obtained. This would undoubtedly be a very great convenience, for several reasons. It would be direct, it would be shorter than the present road, and would avoid a very sandy and troublesome bend ia the road past the ferry. Other reasons might be urged, but we think those mentioned are sufficient to show that they are good grounds for the request. The following memorial has been drawn np for signature by those who are moving in the matter : — We your memoralists re. speotf ully beg to pall the attention of your Honorable Council to the following mat* ters in f connection with the Otaki Inland j

Road : — That whereas tho present route by the Manawatu River bank and ferry is devious and inconvenient, and will always be expensive to construct and maintain, and whereas a much more dirent, convenient, and inexpensive route from the Moutoa Hoad" can be obtained through a section, the property of H Hillary,— your memorialists hereby respectfully request that yon will institute such inquiries and proceedings as shall be necessary to the acquirement of the said section for tho purposes of the Hoad, and take such other measures as shall be necessary to tho proposed alteration of the route.

Cattle. — A large mob, of about 134 head, passed through Foxton for Wellington on Saturday morning. They were for Messrs Barbec Bros., and in charge of that wellknown " oxen conductor," Mr A. Macalister. The cattle oome from Hawera, and aro in Bplendid condition. On the following day Mr R. Stevens passed through With a small mob of 50 head from Bangitikei, for Woods, Crosbie & Go., of Wellington.

Accident.— On the lust trip up of the Hum, a most unfortunate accident happened to Mr Johnson, the chief engineer of that steamrr. It appears that about 10 o'clock on Friday morning, when the steamer was between Kapiti and the Manawatu bar, the officer reffered to was in the engine room, attending to his duties, when he rested his left hand for a second, on a. portion of the machinery, but before he bad time to remove it, another part descended on the back of the hand, smashing it, breaking two of the bones, and crashing the sinews. Everything possible was done on board to relieve the sufferer. Mrs Littlewood, a passeuger, kindly rendered very great assistance. Cap tain Wills made all speed for the bar, but was extremely mortified to find the signal run up, "Bar not available till 4 p.m." there was no other course open but to wait, and the steamer crossed shortly before 4, making fast to the wharf soon after. Fortunately Dr RockstroW happened to be on the wharf when the steamer came in, and thy injured man went to bis house and had his hand attended to. The accident was of a very painful nature and will cause Mr Johnson to lay up tor some time. Much sympathy was expressed for him, as he is well known and esteemed.

Lecture. — We remind aur readers of Sir Willam Fox's lecture on behalf of the school funds on Thursday evening, at the Publio Hall, at 7.80. p.m. • For several days past, placards have been posted in all the prominent parts of the district, so that sufficient notioe has been given. We trust there will be a large attendanoe upon the occasion.

What Can it Mean ? — ln the course of a warm article against Mr Macarthur, the Rangitikei Advocate of Saturday says : — " Even the Mauawatu Times was an outcast in his estimation, notwithstanding that editor's lachrymose ad misericordiam appeal for restoration to favour and patronage, of which bo much capital was made by the exhibition of the pitful letter addressed to Mb Halcombe." Tell it not in Gath, motion it not in Ashkelon, &c.

Choral. — The Choral Society will hold its usual practice tomorrow (Wednesday), evening.

Medical Committee. — The Mediual Com* mittee will hold an adjourned meeting at Mr Robinson's office at 8 o'clock this evening.

Licensing Courts.— There will be a sit* ting of the Licensing Court at Otaki to-day, and at Foxton to-morrow. The Court will sit at noon at each place.

A Company Paper. — At the District Court, Wellington, on Friday last, before Judge Mansford, tlie New Zealander News: paper Co. was cued by Mr E. J\ Gillon, Manager of the Press Association, for £197 6s Bd, being that paper's share of the expenses of the Association, and us part pay ment for the " special wire." T'je case fell through, as the agent of the Association was suing ona of its own principals, the New Zealander Company being a member of the Association, and having given no authority to sue. Plaintiff was nonsuited.

The Fairlie. — We notice with pleasure that preparations are being made for the. arrival of the long-looked for Fair He engine. All the platforms between Halcombe and Foxton have been measured, and those that were found too wide to admit of the engine passing have been reduced. During the last few days workmen have been engaged at the Foxton station, and the platform at the racecourse has been taken down altogether. We hope this will be re-erected, as we trust that next year races will be held at Foxton.

The CoouTTt Baiance Sheet. — At the Council meeting yesterday, a letter was read from Mr R. Macalister, Provincial District Auditor, covering the balance sheets for the year and half year ending March 31, 1879. In it Mr Macalister says :— " For the future please be more careful in having all vouchers over £2 daly stamped. There are no further remarks to offer. The accounts show an improvement from former years.' 1

Revising Court. — H. S. Fitzherbert, Esq.. Revising Officer, held a Court for revicing the roll of electors for tho District of Manawatu on Friday last, 30th May, at the Court house, Foxton. No public interest whatever appeared to be taken in the affair, the only persons present being the Revising Officer, and Mr Ross, Returning Officer. The lint of objections published by Mr Ross in the newspapers were gone through carefully, and in almost every case sustained by the Revising Officer, one or two only being withdrawn. Several minor inaccuracies were also purged frim the roll.

Bewi. — Rewi, the great Ngatimaniapoto Chief, who has for years past acted as Prime Minister to Tawhiao, has gone to Auckland on a visit. He has not been there for 20 years, and considering his recent peaceable attitude at the Kopua meeting, tae Auckland people are "lionising" the old man.

" Our Own " at Wellington. — We are pleased to announce that our special correspondent at Wellington has resumed his contributions to the Manawatu Hebald. In another column will be fohnd an inter* esting letter, in which reference is made to several matters of Colonial interest.