MANAWATU.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 43, 18 November 1871, Page 15

MANAWATU.

(from our own correspondent.) 'MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS. On Wednesday the militia had their monthly inspection, and received the pleasing tidings of their intended disbandment next month. They would have been dismissed this month only notice had not been received in sufficient time to let the men know, so that they might bring all their accoutrements to be returned into store. The balance of the pay will also be paid on the 6th of December. In the afternoon the Manawatu Rangers turned out, accompanied by their band. This is the first appearance of the band in public, and is a great credit to all concerned. There are twelve in the band, including the boys, and considering that there are only two old bandsmen in it, the manner in which they played says much for the care the bandmaster, Mr Howe, lias given to their instruction, as well as for the attention of his pupils. A number of the settlers attended their first ap pearance, and expressed themselves greatly pleased. A noticeable feature in the band are the drums—one large one and two small ones —manufactured in the town by Mr Howe; the}' are equal to what could be obtained in Wellington, and have cost the subscribers a nominal sum. I regret that the attendance of the rank and lile only exceeded the strength of the band by two, as they should, above all parties show their appreciation of the step taken by their officers in the origin and organisation of their band. The Lady Bowen’s Light Horse assembled the following day for their drill. All their officers are now gazetted, and take their regular turn of duty. SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRANTS. I have been requested to bring under notice the mistake that has been lately made with regard to the immigrants located at Palmerston. When they came out, they were promised regular work for a year, and they are naturally grumbling at having been kept from any work for the past month, through no fault of their own ; and not merely that, but the wages earned the month before have not yet been paid. These men are now rather too deep in the books of the storekeepers, and should credit be refused them, they will nescessarily have to leave the district to which they have been brought at so much expense. Another complaint they have is this : That upon leaving their homes they were told to leave all their tools, &c., behind them, as the Government would find them some out here, and now when their wives want to spin, not a wheel can be had, unless at a great expense. I have been informed upon the best authority, viz, that of a countryman of theirs, a cabinet-maker in Foxton, that he could make their spinning wheels, and they have asked him to do so, but that he could not do so under £3 each, whereas they can be purchased at 10s each in their own country. What the immigrants wish is, that Government will supply them with the spinning wheels at a fair price, either by sending home for them, or paying the difference in the cost. About fifty want them. There is also some particular arrangement that is requisite for weaving that they require and which cannot be obtained here. If any person were authorised to see into these matters for the immigrants, many'little disappointments and much grumbling could be easily satisfied. I am informed that the Engineer was spoken to, but nothing more has been heard from him. THE TRAMWAY. Upon the Post Office in Foxton, a most economical expenditure of paper upon the Government account can be seen, if carefully looked for, and is a notice written upon two square inches of paper, calling for tenders for the laying of the tramway from Palmeston to a certain distance down the road. This may effect a great saving in the departmental expenditure, but it hardly serves the turn it is intended to, viz., to give publicity to the work iequired to be done. In fairness to the public, really conspicuous notices of tenders required should be posted.