HAWKESBURY.

North Otago Times, Volume 1, Issue 1, 25 February 1864, Page 6

HAWKESBURY.

(From our own Correspondent.) Feb. 20, 1864. Waikouaiti is declared a port of ontry, and money has been voted for a Jetty ; but as yet nothing has been done in the way of appointing the necessary officials, or carrying- out the proposed work. These measures once completed, and the main line of road from the port to town fully constructed, great impetus would thus be given to the advancement of the district. The road, however, is being pushed on rapidly, but the sum voted is not sufficient to complete the whole line. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Government will vote a further sum, that the road may be completed and opened up as soon as possible. Great dissatisfaction is existing in this district through the School Committee having fixed the school-rate for the present year at ninepence farthing in the pound. At a numerously attended meeting of the ratepayers, held at the Beach Hotel, resolutions, condemnatory of the proceedings of the Committee, were passed. The amount required by the Committee to carry on the affairs of the school is £220, of m which_ i £loo_is forjthe schoolmaster, thu&jaialerag hjs^^l^^ig^^^ sive of fees and Gorei^^^j^ln^^>jgJ per annum ; £30 hi i^f^l^fjoJ^£fyf}, £20 ; secretary aacf te^ft^it^i^^teiCithe balance to cies— thus showu^t|^B|3S^y^g collect a revenue

faction was also shown because of the manner in which the assessor performed his duties. Partiality and injustice characterised his whole proceedings. The meeting was of opinion that an assessor was not required, since the necessary revenue could be raised by voluntary subscription — the course adopted hitherto. A committee was formed for the purpose of preparing a memorial to the Superintendent, as Vice-President of the Board of Education, praying for the repeal of the Education Ordinance. The sooner it is prepared, signed, and forwarded to the Superintendent the better, since the Provincial Council will meet early next month. At a meeting of the School Committee, held on Wednesday, many appeals against the present school assessment were sent in and entertained, but a few, through being informal, were rejected. The result was, that in many cases the assessment was reduced one-third, and in others over a-half. Business has been dull during the past fortnight, but this is the dullest season of the year. The farmers are busily engaged in getting in their grain crops, which are looking well. Blight has shown itself among the cabages and turnips, and promises to work much evil. No cases of death among cattle from pleuro -pneumonia have been reported recently in this district. I believe, notwithstanding, that the disease has not by any means been checked. Sufficient measures have not been adopted to prevent cattle from being driven out of this (an infected) district. An inspector has been appointed, but he is not equal to the task. An Athenaeum and Public Library has been inaugurated here. The library does not contain above a few hundred works. The committee hope to raise the requisite sum that will entitle them to receive a , grant from Government of £100. No police cases of importance have occurred during tbe past few days.