AHURIRI. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 708, 15 May 1852, Page 2

AHURIRI. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

On the 24th inst. the friends and fellow settlers of Edward Spencer Curling, Esq., entertained that gentleman to a dinner at the Ahuriri Tavern, on the occasion of his leaving New Zealand to join his friends at Adelaide. After the usual loyal toasts and the health of his Excellency ' Sir George Grey were drank, the chairman, D. Gollan, Esq., in a neat and appropriate speech, proposed the health of Mr. Curling, and adverted to the loss which this young settlement was to sustain from the departure of so energetic a settler as Mr. C, who bad, in the short space of six months, when he first arrived amoDgst us, acquired the esteem , and regard of every one in the district. Mr. Curling, after returning thanks, said that no ordinary circumstances could have induced him to leave this part of New Zealand, which he foresaw would rival in prosperity any of the settlements yet established in the colony, and which only required the aid of the fostering hand of Government to bring it speedily into prominent notice. The appointment of a local Magistrate would be of immense importance to the district and he was glad to observe that the settlers had it in contemplation to petition his Excellency Sir George Grey on the subject. When the extensive and valuable tract of country, lying between the two blocks already purchased, became the property of Government, the place would be well fitted for the reception of a large European population, but as the acquisition of that tract was indispensable to the formation of a prosperous agricultural settlement, he trusted that the Government would soon be able to purchase it, through their praiseworthy Comraissioi.er, Mr. M* Lean, whose extensive influence amongst the natives had resulted in such benefits to themselves. Unlike other settlements in this colony, whose available portions could only be approached after the completion of expensive roads, we had an extensive and rich agricultural and pastoral district immediately surrounding the harbour ; he had seldom been in any unreclaimed portion of the world where roads could be formed at less expense than in the Ahuriri district, and it was a fact well worthy of notice that the same features of country which would render road making so comparatively inexpensive here extended to the Rangitikei and Wairarapa settlements. Although he would not be here to experience ! the advantages which would result from these important places being connected by good roads, he hoped that those who had been so kind as to invite him there that night would not be long before they would reap the benefits which the completion, of so important a work would secure to them. Mr. Abbott thought they could not have a better opportunity than the present for expressing their thanks to the members of the Catholic mission residing in this settlement for tlieir kindness "and hospitality tb persons travelling through the district. Every individual present had frequently experienced their hospitality, and could bear testimony to the vast improvement of the natives amongst whom these gentlemen resided, especially in their kindness and attention to travellers in crossing the Ferry, and although they perhaps all professed a different religion to theirs, he was sure that otherwise they were fully entitled to their respect aud esteem. He would therefore propose their healths. It is a duty we owe to the proprietors of the hotel to state that their attention to their guests gave great satisfaction ; and that parties intending to visit this district may rely upon receiving from them every attention to their ! wants and comforts.