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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 151, 20 September 1876, Page 2

The programme of the next Patea district races appears in our advertising columns, and, as will bo seen, there are no less than nine events for decision, including hack races. There arc some stakes worth running for, amongst them, a- Hurdle race of 40 soys., the Patea Cup of 50 sovs., a Maiden Plate of 40 so vs., a Ladies’ Purse of 30 sovs., a County Plate of 75 sovs. This nomenclature is rather in anticipation of the Patea Comity’s existence, but possibly it may be in,full operation before the races come off. In addition to these, 10 sovs. is given lor a Hack Hurdle race, and two To notes for other flat-racing scrubbers —one of: them, wo presume, for the Maoris. A change has been made in the hon. secretaryship, Mr Cowern having succeeded on the resignation of Mr Sherwood. The names of the stewards afford sufficient guarantee of fair play to all competitors, and altogether, there seems every prospect of an excellent days sport being offered at Wairoa, on the 3th of November next. A 'most interesting lecture will be delivered in the Wesleyan Church, at Wavcrley, on Tuesday, the 20th instant, by the Lev. It. Bavin, the subject being “The Martyr Church of Madagascar.” The proceeds will be devoted to the Sustcntation fund. An announcement relative to the sale of the Opako block is made In another column, and the land is cut up to suit every class of purchaser. The authorities have published but scant information in this, the local paper, hut it is stated that it is contained in the New Zealand Gazette. We need hardly add that that lively periodical is not largely circulated in the district. The Maori prisoner Poharama, was despatched on Monday last for safekeeping in the Taranaki gaol for six months, in charge of Constable M*Mahon. There has been nothing in the If.M. Court since our last issue.

An eclipse of the sun took place on Monday last, but[it was far from complete, and the cloudy state of the weather rendered smoked glass almost unnecessary in watching the contact, A meeting of tho Patca West Road Board, was held at the Board’s office Carlyle, on Saturday last. Present—Messrs E, R. Morgan (Chairman), Mcßae, G. W. Gane, and A. Hunter. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence read : —A letter from the Provincial Treasurer with reference to the balance sheet forwarded by tho Board) stating that it was not necessary to show in the same the amounts received from the Government for special works. Tho Chairman informed the members that be declined to sign a fresh balance shock He could not consider it was a proper statement of accounts if some items were left out. A letter from the proprietor of the Taranaki Herald stating that no one was authorised to receive money on his account, and requesting payment of ac■eount rendered, was received. Resolved, that the Secretary write to the agent, infovramg him that unless he immediately refunds tho amount paid to him on account of tho'Taranaki Herald in July 1875, legal proceedings will bo taken against him. The Secretary was instructed to communicate with the General and Provincial Governments, with reference to a grant of money from the proceeds of land sold, and a share of General GowcrKmoiit grant for quarter ending 30th September 1870. The Secretary was also instructed to write to the Provincial agent requesting him to take steps to recover the rates due on land lately belonging rto Mr Worgau at Kakaramea. Account passed for payment of legal expenses, re Southby, £5 3s, Meeting then adjourned sine die ;

Mr. Powdrell, of Kakaramea, has aline filly, own sister to Resolution, named Queen oi; the Vale, that he hopes lo gather laurels with, during the forthcoming racing season. She is engaged in several good things already, and iI; all the accounts of; her trials with the colt are correct, it will take a “ ilyer” to boat her As onr readers will see, the services oi the well-known draught entire Major, are placed at the disposal oi; breeders of the Paten district. Amongst so many good horses the public should have no difficulty in selection, to suit their respective mares.

Mr W. Courtney will sol! caltle at the Gleiiavon yards tomorrow,' and first-class stock will then be offered.

Wc may again remind Masons that an emergency meeting of the Patoa Kilwinning Lodge will be hold this evening at the usual hour.

The parade of entires, intended to travel this season in the Patea district, was held on Saturday last, under the auspices of the Patea Agricultural ami Pastoral Association. No less than a dozen showed up, 'draught, coaching, and thoroughbreds being included amongst them, and a more eroditaalo display could not have been seen in any country district in the Colony. Mcltae and Nicholson sent two thoroughbred horses, Dead Shot and Monarch, and the health both wore in spoke volumes for the care that must have been bestowed in bringing them to their condition. Both horses are sowell known to breeders that further notice would he superliuons. Monarch, by the way, wc believe will stand in the New Plymouth part of the Province. The compact little Resolution was shown by Mr. Powdrell, and though he was not as lusty as most of his companions, his oven make could be all the hotter scon. The reason for this deficiency in flesh, was that ho lias been till within a few days in training for some supposed early handicaps that have been and ho will therefore do stud duty in the interval. Ycno is a good useful horse, and should get good carriage stock. He has size and power, and will furnish into a valuable animal. Young Tradncer, was shown by Messrs Morton ami Lupton, who also exhibited two excellent draught stallions, Young Wellington and Duke of Athol, whilst Mr. Qninlivan’s Tom King, deserved all the encomiums that wore passed upon him. Old Wellington was as fresh as paint, and as grand an old horse as ever. He is too well known to need further comment. Mr, Symos showed Somerset, and Mr. Clrcgg’ssplemlid draught euth-e Major attracted a great deal of attention. Though more concerned with thoroughbred stock, Mcßae and Nicholson showed a powerful draught horse, Wonderful Lad, who will no doubt make his mark yet. The weather was anything but favur- • ahle to the show, and it is rather surprising that so many horses turned up under the circumstances. It proved conclusively however that there arc some splendid stock here, suitable for all purposes, and the parade in this respect cannot but he considered as anything but an unqualified success, and a credit to its originators. An Amateur ploughing match will bo held at Wairoa on Saturday next, when all the youths of the district arc expected to compete. The veterans will bo specially excluded, and only those who can fairly come under the denomination of amateurs will he permitted to enter.

Wc learn from tlic Broad Arrow that “ notice has been issued at Portsmouth for all naval pensioners over iitty-five years of age to hold themselves in readiness to bo called up for active service in case of emergency. Should the sea-going ships have to bo recruited from the Coast Guard the pensioners will fill the void in the Reserve.” Britain is clearly preparing for war, should that be unavoidable, for she has also placed a man-of-war at each end of the Suez Canal, and has ordered officers on leave of absence to return to their regiments.