The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 183, 10 January 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1877.

Wc specially direct the attention oE those interested, to the fact, that Mr F. A. Carrington. now styled Executive Officer,notifies that nil local accounts against the late Province oE Taranaki, must lie rendered to Mr Covvern, oE this township, on or before the 18th inst. Major Turner is to meet Major Take, oE Taranaki, at Hawcra, on Saturday next, -when the Wanganui and Patca District will lie handed over to the latter officer, who will then hold command oE (he whole oE the Armed Constabulary, between Wanganui and the "White Cl ills. Mr It. A. Adams’ new shop is all but completed, and wc wish him every success, which wc are sure he is deserving oE. IE the fact oE his having to increase his building so soon after starling is any criterion. The old part of the building has been leased by Mr Carrie, which he intends opening as a watch-maker and jeweller’s establishment. As many of our readers arc already aware> a very large reduction has lately been made in the strength of Ihe Armed Constabulary. They are to he brought down to a nominal number, and in fact the district is thought to be so thoroughly pacifieatcd that harm or insurrection cannot possibly arise. Major Turner, Sub-Inspector Capcl, and a host of others are victims to this strange economy, and leave the service on the loth inst., -with four months pay. Many of those who have thus received their ‘conge’ bore an arduous part in the heat and burden of the day, when groat trouble was on, and the lives of the settlers hung by a thread. In those times people who risked their lives, their all, obtained fair positions Which, as soon as the Government could forget, were forgotten accordingly. The recompenses granted by the existing Now' Zealand Government are few, and Major Atkinson has made but a poor beginning in his Premiership. Major Turner, has been an old and valued public servant, has fought and bled for his country on nobler fields than Patea could afford, and it is simply scandalous to eject him, and keep men who arc neither competent for their work, nor gentlemen either, "We are glad to say, in reply to a lot of unfounded allegations, that Major Turner will still hold the President Magistracy, though the command of the district, as a one oE the Armed Constabulary has passed away. There is no one in private life, or in connection with the corps, who is more sincerely and thoroughly respected, and that the exigencies of the Seantebulary service should render a reduction «*«HBary, obviating the need of his services, is a matter that ninety-nine out of every hundred will bo sorry for.

We are led to believe that a well-known individual, in the mercantile line, left here to spend Christmas in Wanganui, and that Instead of returning to Carlyle, he has gone towards Auckland, much to the annoyance of his “friends.” Itis said that the horse, (a hired one) has helped to contribute to his expenses, r> P-'- unorn , * , v , '’d ‘ rin.

A special meeting of llic Town Board was held on Monday last, the declared objects of which wore, for electing two members of the Harbour Board, fixing the time and place for the payment of the Town rates, and any general business that might arise. A formal letter was received from the Secretary of Ha-toms appointing the Chairman of the Town Board a member of the Harbor Hoard. A hitter was also received from Mr Cowern, Acting County Secretary, a iking if the Board would co-operate with the Council in the emplovment of an Engineer. A report was also received from Scrgt. Whelan, in reference lo the sanitary condition of the town. Mr Coworn’s letter, in reference to co-operation in the appointment of an Engineer, was lieid over. The rate previously agreed lo was confirmed, ending on Si Ist March, and was ordered to be made payable on the loth Januarv. The resolutions were noo arriicd at without discussion, but the climax came when the election of Harbor Board members came on. Wc have already described the ‘ modus operand!,’ and it is not therefore necessary to add to it. Suffice it to say that Iho whole Board took part in it, and that some of the discussion would have beeri better omitted. Eventually, Messrs Milroy and Williams were appointed, and so the storm was abated. A great and reasonable question was raised by Mr McCarthy in reference to his right to sub-lease sections, held by him under the Board. This led to a pretty warm discussion, but was resolved in favor of Mr McCarthy who was authorised to lease as desired. A notice was instructed to be given to the Assessor, Mr Aitchson, asking him at once to have the assessment ready by Friday he fifth in it. This concluded the business., and the Board, after a very stormy meetingthen adjourned.

A meeting of shareholders of the down Hall. Company, was held on the 4th inst., the business being to elect two directors in place of Messrs Milroy and Furlong, who retired by rotation. Messrs S. Taplin and D. -Sullivan, were chosen in their place. Some ordinary business was transacted, after which the meeting adjourned. The horses in Mr Young’s coach were vdry restive, when leaving here yesterday morning, and the coach had got opposite to Major Turner’s gate before they were reduced to subjection, and allowed the traces to be fastened lo the loading bars.

The changes which are to take place in the Armed Constabulary, will cause the whole of those now in Batea, excepting the town police, to be shifted to Opunake. where they will be under dub-iuspoctor Gudgeon.—but as only ninety, all told, are to be kept on the strength of the District, there is no doubt but that a good many will be allowed to leave, their remuneration' for which will he one mouth’s pay. The cutters Dante and Tay, which arrived here with timber from Auckland, have discharged their cargo and are now waiting at the mouth of the river, for a slant to got out. By reference to our advertising columns it will bo seen that Mr Cowern will hold an important sale of cattle at Kakaramca to-day,

at 2 p.m. The sale of sections in Normanby, by the Sheriff is fast approaching. intending buyers should take a note of the day, vide advertisement.

We understand that the challenge by the Star Club (youth’s), pick-handles v. bats, lias been accepted by the Patea Club. The match will take place on Saturday next, wickets to be pitched at 1.30 p.m.

The Rev, Mr Treadwell will conduct the opening services of the new Presbyterian Church at Hawcra on Sunday next. On Wednesday, the 17th inst., a tea meeting, in aid of the funds, will be held, when the platform will be a broad one —as should bo—ministers of various denominations taking a part in it, as well as many members of their congregation. Wc direct attention to Messrs Ash’ forth and Liffiton’s monthly sale at thenyards, Waitotara, on Tuesday next, Kith January. This firm has made every provision for their customers and their stock, and will no doubt bo favored with even greater patronage than they have hitherto received.

There is a small nest of local thieves in this place now, we are sorry to say, and, though the police have made every endeavor, they have not so far been successful in their efforts to sheet home the guilt to the culpiits. There is scarcely a day passes but some petty theft is committed, many of which arc of such a nature as not to be worth making complaint about. The robbery at Mr Odgcrs’ hotel does not come within this category, and wo are very sorry that the offenders have escaped so easily. 'Wo hope that these miserable depredators may yet meet their deserts The man Smith, who was charged yesterday, declined the recommendation of the Bench td clear out as soon as possible, on the ground that hebad plenty of good friends in Patea. Very probably he has, but a clearance of his friends and himself would no doubt be no serious loss to the community. In old times, the Vagrant Act would have been more stringently enforced, and whether a resurrection of the kind might not be advisable is for the authorities to consider, "We have received a copy of an Almanac published by Messrs. Lyon and Blair, of Wellington, which for completeness seems to be all that any one could desire. As might bo reasonably supposed it pertains chiefly, in the information it affords, to the Wellington province, but it is a most useful and valuable work of the kind, in any household. At a Masonic banquet at GrahamstOwn recently, Mr Whitaker said ;—I was connected with the first Masonic lodge in New 1 Zealand, and when I look back at that time (thirty-three or thirty-four years ago) I do so with satisfaction. There were then in Auckland only a few wooden and ranpo houses, and in a small room, not onefourth the size of this, wo established the first lodge in New Zealand. It is with pride and satisfaction I look back to those days and notice how early men from the mother country plant Masonry in the countries they take up their abode in. With about a dozen brethren wc set to work and laid the foundation of Masonry in New Zealand, 1

The foundation stone of a now Wesleyan Church, at the North Shore, Auckland, was laid on Tuesday, the 26th nit., by Mr C. J. Stone. The Rev, W. Kirk opened the proceedings, other ministers and gentlemen assisting. The Rev. T. Buddie in his speech referred to the great numbers of Wesleyan Methodism, and. stated the total membership to be between 12,000,000 and 14,000,000. He asserted it to be the largest church in all Christendom.

The Victorian Postmaster-General contemplates engaging a limited number of young girds in the department, partly as an experiment to sec whether they cannot perform some of the duties at a much lower rate than is now paid men.

The following caution is issued by the Government regarding the Stamp Act ; “ There being reason to believe that merchants, storekeepers; and others irequently render themselves liable to penalties under section 95 of the Stamp Act, IS * 13, owing probably to a misapprehension of the provisions of section 94, which defines the term ‘ receipt,’ the public is hereby informed that whenever any acknowledgment (signed or not signed) of an) - sum of two pounds and upwards is made, whether such acknowledgment bo for cash received or by contra account, whether for a bill of exchange or promissory note, or in final (settlement of a debt amounting to two pounds and upwards, paid by instalments of sums under two pounds, and whether such acknowle Iganent take the form of an ordinary receipt, or merely that of an entry in cash-book, ledger, or other book, or any other form whatsoever which signifies or imports any such acknowledgment, a stamp of the value of one penny should bo affixed and duly cancelled. Kvery person who writes or signs, or causes to be written or signed, any such receipt or acknowledgment, unless the same bo duly stamped, is liable to a penalty of; ton pounds ; and a like penalty is imposed upon every person who refuses to give a duly stamped receipt, or who gives a receipt for an amount less than that paid,, or who separates or divides the amount paid, with intent to evade the duly.—lb C. Hammbuto.n, Secretary for Stamps.”

The Southland Times understands that the 11 ov Father Kelly, of Melbourne, who is generally thought the most eloquent preacher and lecturer of all the Homan Catholic priests in Victoria, is about to visit New Zealand shortly. In Victoria Father Kelly draws crowded audiences whenever he lectures. His subjects arc principally historical —George Washington,” “ Mary Queen of Scots,” and others of the kind.

From a return lately published it ap pears that, during the last ten years, there have been 4l appointments of members or .ex-memhers of the General Assembly to offices of emolument under Government. Of these 19 were appointed by Fox Ministries ; 8 by Stafford Ministries ; 2 by the Waterhouse Ministry ; 9 by the Vogel Ministry ; one by the Pollen, one by "he Atkinson Ministry, and one by the Judge. Among four members wove distributed eight appointments. The salaries range from £IOO to £1,500. A large proportion of the appointments were made years after the receivers had ceased to bo members of the Assembly.

A correspondent of the Evening Post , who signs herself “The mother of a largo family',” gives the following remedy for diphtheria : —Boil down camomile dowers in strong pickling vinegar until the mixture becomes thick pulp. Have ready a thoroughly heated cradle or bed. Place the patient in a warm bath for six or seven minutes, and then wrap, without drying, in a warm blanket, allowing no chill to reach the patient, put to bed, and then apply the poultice right round the throat, particularly under each car. The patient will gradually fall into a heavy sleep, which must not he disturbed. Watch the poultice carefully, which will, if well covered with flannel, keep warm for about two hours. Have ready another poultice, which apply as before. The second poultice is generally sufficient, if not, others can be applied, as they do not scarify tho throat. Be careful not to use tiio vessel, in which you make the poultices, for any food until thoroughly cleansed.

A farmer residing- near Newcastle, U.S., recently discovered a number of J>oys helping themselves to apples in his orchard. Ho immediately unloosed a large bull-dog, and. set the brute after the boys. The savage animal caught one of the youths bj' the throat, and, in a moment, tore out the boy’s wind-pipe and severed the jugular vein, causing death in a very few minutes;

Some persons have a harmless mania for collecting the last word uttered by remarkable persons. The other day a man was bung at Tdanna Fort, near Bombay, for a horrible murder, and made rather a notable observation in Gujerati. Standing under the drop, lie wiiispcred to the executioner, “In one minute what a lot I shall know I" Wo, World, cannot recollect one last word, save that of “ More light ?” to equal in suggostiveness this dying ejaculation of an ignorant and degraded Hindoo,

On the day of the picnic to the Sugar Loaves (says the Taranaki Budf/ef) Mr S Hill picked up at the extreme top of the centre islet, an old musket bullet, which no dofibt was fired between forty and fifty years ftgo by the Waikatos from Muturoa on Barrett’s party, which had taken shelter on the Sugar Loaves from the attack of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy.

A gentleman in Wellington has started an ice manufactory. The machine will at present turn out about G cwt. of ice in 24 hours.