MOTUEKA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 135, 7 June 1879, Page 4

MOTUEKA.

[From our own Correspondent.] The annual Licensing Court was held on ', Tuesday, the Commissioners present being: Charles Parker (chairman), B. M'Mahori and H. Tarraut, Esqs.. J.J.P. The application's of Ann Parker, Daniel Talbot, and W. W. Coppins for publicans' licenses wore granted ; also a wholesale license to Siraojn Buchholz. The applications of A. Dodsop, Robert Goodman, H. Talbot, and James Fowler were granted on condition that they took out publicans' licenses, viz., £30 per annum. Fowler's license wag refused on a previous occasion, but he having brought forward a very numerously signed memorial •from residents in the district, and also from Takakaand Collingwood, setting forth the need of^the house for persons travelling or driving stock, it was granted on condition of his having a stable provided within orie month. When the road is completed to Takaka a house will be more needed' further up, the valley. At the present, Dodson's house is hardly needed, from its proximity totheMotueka Hotel, but if the landlord continues as hitherto to clear the trees, &c., from the bridge it will be found useful, but of course with a £30 license he will require 1 a good round sum for that same service. Tn like manner the landlord of the Retreat Irjn has always had to maintain a harbor light; hut now, of course, the Government will have to pay for the upkeep, as a much less "MBgHt would fulfill the requirements of the Licensing Act. A short time back there was a rather heavy fresh in the Motueka river, in fact the heaviest fresh since the flood of 1877. Very large trees were brought down, which made the bridge vibrate a little, and itis thought by some persons that had the water risen a little higher there would have beien danger of the narrow spans being carried away by the drifting timber. The approaches and groins seem to answer admirably, especi- " ally the manuka (pointed breastworks.— The Bhooting season has commenced, but lam afraid the " ware hen " will much lessen the hags. Quail are plentiful, but very shy. '_ I Baw 1 ately in a Marlborough paper the pokeko (or blue bird) spoken of as carrion, while it really is the only game bird indigenous (0 New Zealand (with the exception of the quail), and if properly treated is 'quite equal to a pheasant in flavor.— Mount Arthur has assumed his winter garment, and we may nW look forward to cold weather, after one of the finest seasons we hay« had for several years. Farmers are still busy with their potatoes, and preparing ground for wheat sowing, &c. Hops, it seems, are getting now in demand, a thing very much needed, as the growers {bis season have certainly had to live by the loss, as they could not possibly produce them at the rate at which they have been sold.