THE PATEA MAIL. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1875.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 28, 17 July 1875, Page 2

THE PATEA MAIL. Published Wednesdays and Saturdays SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1875.

As it wiil always be one of our chief aims to promote the interests of our agricultural settlers, as we consider that it is principally on their success that the prosperity of the Colony depends, so also we shall endeavour from time to time, to point out any means by which that success and prosperity may be enhanced. We attempted last week to show how, by introducing flour mills into this district, much money might be prevented from, going to other parts, and in consequence would circulate amongst our merchants and settlers. We now wish to draw attention to another serious want felt throughout the greater part of this Province, and which, though it cannot be so easily and quiclciv rectiiiotlj still c*iunot Ljc too soon commenced. We refer to the very great drawback experienced by the utter deficiency of trees in the open parts ot this district; which open parts comprise indeed the major portion of the available land. They are not only required to reduce the price of firewood, at present ruling; so high, but more particularly to provide shelter for cattle and growing crops. Owing to the high winds prevailing so constantly, not only do the cattle and sheep surfer most severely, and lose flesh during the winter months, but the crops also are liable at any moment to be destroyed by the fierce and blighting winds which happen so constantly. In many of the countries of the old world, the climate has suffered severely from the destruction of forests, that hardly enough rain now falls to ensure the growth of the crops so much required in populous countries. Indeed, in some countries in Europe, and even also in parts of America, it has become necessary to compel a certain extent of trees to be planted according to the acreage held. One of the quickest and easiest grown trees is the blue gum of Australia, and although it appears to be out of favour in New Zealand, it is greatly prized and cultivated in other parts of the world. It has been proved beyond doubt to possess wonderful hygienic powers in preventing the spread of fevers and malaria in low districts, whore they mostly prevail. In the marshy lands of Italy, and in many parts of South America their cultivation is greatly attended to. One drawback brought against them is that other trees or crops do not succeed close by them, but we do not think that has ever been conclusively proved. If other trees, perhaps the two best, are one of the pines, the “ pinus insignis ” for choice, and the oak of old England. The latter does not grow at the same slow rate here as at home, and becomes in a short time a beautiful tree, affords splendid shelter, and will amply repay itself by its most valuable timber. The pine, being an evergreen, and branching out near the ground, is worthy of the greatest consideration, and if planted closely, will make an almost impervious breakwind. Perhaps the oak and pine, planted alternately in row's, two or three deep, may eventually become the most valuable, though the blue gum, planted in rows also, will always make a good return, being of very quick growth, and its timber making excellent firewood. We trust our enterprising settlers will take our few remarks to heart, and take an early opportunity of ornamenting their grounds, and also of laying the foundation of that which is bound to ensure them a handsome and unfailing profit. , „

A sitting - of the Resident Magistrate’s Court, before Major Turner, was held on Thursday morning last, when James Murray was fined ss, or in default, 24 hours’ imprisonment, for drunkenness. James Buck and John Roberts were charged on the information of He Haka Takarangi, with the larceny of a pig. The evidence elicited from prosecutor and another Maori, named Rangi Taroia, was to the effect thot a pig had been missed from their pah last Sunday, and suspecting the defendants, the natives proceeded to their whare, where a pig, which had recently been killed and singed, was found, and the witnesses at once concluded the carcass was that of their lost companion. In cross-examination both witnesses declined to accept the responsibility of swearing to the identification of the mutilated pig. James Buck, one of the defendants, stated tliht 1 James Hughes, of Waitotara, had given him and his mate liberty to take any pigs on the run, providing that they did not interfere with any of those running about the homestead. The pig claimed by the natives was taken from Mr Hughes’s run, which was situated some distance from the pah. The Bench dismissed the case, remarking that the evidence was insufficient, and having known the men over two years, believed they were above committing the crime imputed to them. The constable asked for instructions concerning the disposal of the pork, whether it was to be handed to the natives or defendants. The Bench declined to Interfere, leaving it to the parlies concerned to settle. The Court then adjourned.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the game of football, will be hold this evening at Odger’s Hotel, at 8 p.m. We trust to see a good attendance of members, as the business to be discussed concerns the abvisability of selecting a team to compete with the Wanganui gentlemen. The first committee meeting of the Patea District Jockey Club, will be held this afternoon at two o’clock, at the Albion Hotel. We hope to see a full attendance.

It will be seen by an advertisement in another column, that the time for receiving tenders for gravelling 44 chains of the Manawapou Hill, has been extended, in consequence of the inferior quality of the gravel found, and to allow contractors time to prospect for better. Tenders for gravelling 209 chains of road near Hawera, close at 4 p.m on Wednesday, the 21st inst.

We arc sorry to hear of some mortality that has recently shown itself amongst the sheep belonging to Mr Burke, Kakaramoa. This gentleuL'a is at a loss to discover the disease, but probably some of our more extensive sheep farmers in the district might be able to enlighten that gentleman on the subject. The principal feature of this malady is, that immediately before deatli the wool leaves the skin directly it is touched. We are inclined to think that some poisonous herb exists on the run, and if such is the case, we have no doubt that that gentleman will soon find it out and have it removed.

We are requested to state that the rail" way petition is now ready for signature, and have been placed in the hands of the committees at Hawera, Manutahi, Kakaramea, Carlyle, and Wairoa. All persons interested in the above .are requested to attach their names as soon as possible. Wednesday next is the day appointed for the important sale of valuable freehold property and goodwill butchery business in Carlyle. To any person wishing to procure a good site for business in this rising township, it is a chance rarely to be met with. Sale commences at 2 o’clock sharp. We must again draw the attention of the monster sale which takes place thi s day at 12 o’clock noon in the large room over MrMcGuires store. Every description of articles will be put up, and as the sale is “without the slightest reserve,” some cheap bargains will fall under the auctioneer’s hammer. The s.s. Ino left Nelson on Thursday evening at 6 o’clock, and arrived alongside the wharf last evening. A great deal of inconvenience having accrued to the 'Wairoa people, through letters and telegrams going, either by mistake or through not being fully addressed, to the various other Wairoas in New Zealand, a public meeting has been called for next Monday to choose a new name for the Wairoa township. This step has become necessary, as the Government refuse to open a M.O. Office and Saving’s Bank under the present name, and invite the settlers to alter it ; it seems hard to part with the old name, but it appears to be a necessary sacrifice. The duties of a schoolmaster in 1661 were as follows :—“ To act as a court-mes-senger to serve summonses, to conduct services in the church, to lead the choir on Sundays, to ring the bell for public worship, to dig the graves, to take charge of the school, and to perform other occasional duties.” Hence the compound word “ overworked.”

A French elergym in has had the suvi’l" pox, hut was “ so as to be about,” and had invited a friend to breakfast. His friend caught the malady, and communicated it to his wife, who died. Thereupon the friend sued the parson for inviting him to breakfast, and recovered damages in 25 francs, and the amount of the wife’s funeral expenses.

We notice that Mr James Southby is advertising the sale of cheap mutton ovary Saturday in the premises adjoining DiCrofts’.

Severn! years ago, while the Tom Thumb troupe wore travelling through New York the cash-box, containing several hundred dollars of the funds, was stolen. William P. Miller, who was then treasurer of the troupe, suspected a girl who was employed at the hotel in the place where they then were, his suspicions were confirmed by her sudden disappearance. He managed, however, to get track of her, after some time had elapsed, and worked up the case so well that she confessed to him that she had taken the money to purchase a weddingoutfit, and that the marriage was soon to take place. >She refunded half of the stolen money, and Mr Miller decided not to prosecute her for the balance. Shortly after she married a wealthy English gentleman, who was engaged in the lumber business in Chicago. Not many years had elapsed when the husband died, leaving her all of his property. A few months ago she also died, and in her will she left to Mr Miller the sum of £300,000, as an expression of her gratitude for not having prosecuted her when in his power. Mr Miller, who is now of the firm of Miller, Morrison & Co., New York, a firm well known in Bridgeport, recently received a letter from her administrator, stating that lie could draw on him for £IOO,OOO at any time. There was a 1 i vely scene says tlic Taranaki Budget , of Friday, on the beach this morning. It appears that an A.C. had some time ago arranged to g 4 married. The assent of the lady had been given, per. mission of the authorities had been granted, and inspection of the lady by the Sergeant in charge arrtuig’cul. Tiio expectant briclegroom, on preliminaries being settled, had advanced cash to the expectant bride with which to purchase household fixings, lie himself having worked heartily and well (being a handy man) in making other useful household goods. The formalities which it is necessary for any member of A.C. to go through before being permitted to make two into one by getting wed, usually occupies a considerable time. In the interval between the assent of the lady being given and the arrival of the permit, the match had been broken off, and the money which had been advanced for furnishing purposes returned. In awhile the match was again made up, the house taken, fixings bought, when again there was a split. The lady was about leaving by steamer tins morning. The A.C. called in the aid of the police and prevented the departure. As a wife was not to be had he determined to have money. The scene on the beach this morning was highly entertaining to numerous spectators.