Untitled

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 19, 15 October 1901, Page 3

For the convenience of the public, extra copies of the Motueka Star, may be obtained during the week at the j shop of Mr "W. A. Coppins, saddler. Mr J. C. Blackinore,the Government Pomologist is now on a visit to this district. This evening he delivers a lecture in the Jubilee Hall, at Lower Moutere. On Wednesday he proceeds to Ngatimoti and other fruit growing localities. Mr Blackmore has requested us to state that he will be in the district for about three weeks and that letters may be addressed to him care of Holyoake's Hotel. He has a large number of useful leaflets relating to raspberry culture, fruit growing etc., f jv distribution. According to a return issued by the .Education .Department, the average attendance at the Okaiawa School is 73. This is the school of which Mr T. A. ±£arris, the newly appointed head master of the proposed Motueka High School, had charge during the past ten years. Messrs Everett Brothers notify in our advertising columns that they have just opened up at their branch establishment in High Street a large and well selected stock of spring and summer drapery,, which can now be inspected Tne new manager has made a number of alterations in the interior or the shop, with the result that the new goods are now displayed in a most effective manner. The windows have also been tastefully arranged ! - A smart earthquake shcck was felt Bfen-Motueka. about a quarter to eight Friday evening. Mr Alfred A. Grace, of Nelson, has just received word that his book " Tales of a Dying Race," is to be published immediately hj Messrs Chatto and "Windus, a well-known firm, of London publishers ; any works bearing their imprint must be of more than average merit. We heartily congratulate Mr (.'race upon his success. He comes of \-i siighly talented family,»is gifted with exceptional literary abilities, and should, in the near future,, be in the iVont rank oi' those who ; entertain the

public by tales and s] etches. The book will deal with tl e life and legends of the Maori race. Might we be permitted to suggest to Mr Grace that the title is not a good one, in view *>f the fact that the last census returns showed the natives to be gradually increasing in numbers, possibly due to improved sanitary conditions and the inculcation of temperance principles by young educated Maoris. Mr J. H.. Page, representing the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine Company, of Wellington, notifies that he will call upon the residents of Motueka and surrounding districts with a sample of this Company's favorite machine, which is becoming a favorite in the household, the sales in the Colony having increased wonderfully since the agency has been in the hands of Messrs H. Oscar Hewitt and Co. of Wellington. The agricultural returns are now being collected in this district by Constable Boyes. Mr H. Everett is filling in the japers for Riwaka. We are informed that the principal of one of the leading nursery firms of "Victoria will shortly pay a business visit to this district for the purpose of booking orders for fruit trees, etc., which we understand will be offered at much more reasonable prices than have hitherto been paid. The new Federal tariff, recently in~ trcduced in Australia, pre vie e-. for Is to Is 6d a gallon on beer; spirits, 14s a gallon ; wines, 12s ; tobacco 3s 6d per lb; sugar, 6s to 10s perc.vt ; butter and cheese, 3d per lb : eggs, 6d a dozen ; fre>li fish and oysters, 2s per cwt ; hops, 6d per lb; meats,--fish, poultry, "and game, Id per lb ; tinned meats, 2d per lb ; onions, Is per cwt ; potatoes, Is per cwt ; mineral waters, 20 per cent ad valorem ; tea, 2d per lb; and 20 per cent ad , valorem ; textile fabrics, 10 to 20 per cent ad valorem. For timber dressed, the duty is 3s per 100 super feet ; undressed, 2s 6d ; timber size Bin by 2gin and lessthrn 12in by 6in, Is 6d. New Zealand pine, undressed, of sizes 12in by Gin oi over, is exempted.

Friday's Post says : A pretty strong iiiniour is in circulation in the lobbies that one of the more recently appointed Ministers intends to resign. The rumour seems to be borne out by certain recent occurrences-, and so seriously is it regarded that members are now canvassing as to who the next Minister will be. Probably, however, nothing will be done in the matter till the recess, after which, it is stated, quite a reconstruction of the Ministry will take place. There are eighteen officials in the Customs Department who will eventually be entitled to pensions Befereuce has occasionally been made to the Grace Darling of New Zealand. Tiiis heroine performed her exploit over 40 years since, and it has been almost forgotten in our early history. Mrs James Martin, nee Julia Ngarongoa, of Wakapuaka, Nelson, assisted by her lover, now her husband, swam with a line through the surf to the wrecked British' ship Delawere, and by her heroic action was instrumental in saving the lives of the passengers and crew of the vessel. The captain had mistaken the entrance of Croixelles harbor foi that of Nelson. She had on board a large number of immigrants. Soon after the}' were landed the vessel broke up, and it is unlikely that anyone would have been saved but for the opportune aid of the Maori maiden. After effecting the landing of the whole of those on board the large-hearted natives housed, fed, and ; clothed the shipwrecked people, there being no overland in those days, until they were able to ; make their way to Nelson.