The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 252, 8 September 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1877.

In another column will be found copy of petition drawn up and adopted by the Patca County Council, against any portion of the land fund, or rates in Patca County, being devoted to the construction of Harbour Works at New Plymouth. The petition has been sent , to both Houses of Parliament, and printed copies have been forwarded to each individual member. It is but natural that some such expression of opinion should be recorded by Patca people. Whilst part and parcel of tho province of Taranaki, great objection could not be urged against the proposition contained in the New Plymouth Harbour. Act. Though the benefit, to Patca people of Harbour works at New Plymouth could scarcely have been counted worth the cost, still whilst the district formed part of the province, it seemed but fair that it should bear its share of tho cost of a work which was intended for the general good, and, indeed, the benefits of which might extend beyond the then provincial boundaries. Now that Patca has been formed into a separate COUIItV. 110 Such obligation remains. It has uccn very much against the will of the majority of the people of this district that the connection existed so long as it did. Separation having been effected, it is desired that it should be thorough and complete. Hence the objection to contribute to harbour works at New Plymouth. There is little doubt but that the district would bo materially benefitted by the carrying out of harbor works at New Plymouth, especially if, at the same time, easy communication by rail or road was opened up. The. advantages however would not he all on tho one side. In any case the moral obligation to assist lias been upset through the legal separation of the district from Taranaki province : besides t.hnf, other interests hove, grown np and lessened the value to this district, of a harbour in the north. As is so forcibly stated in the petition “ Their [the petitioners J interests being so far removed from New Plymouth, and having a Harbour Board within their Comity, and a river capable of great improvement, any land fund your petitioners could possibly spare after making the roads necessary to open up their inland country, could be expended to very great profit to themselves ” upon tho said river. A few years has made a great difference in tho aspect of affairs. Had the north promptly availed itself of the powers granted by the Provincial Council, and afterwards sanctioned by the General Assembly, and shown due consideration for the requirements of this district, the feeling of opposition which now exists to the powers of the Harbour Board would not have developed. Failing to get fair recognition at the hands of the north, and dreading the pull-back effect of continued connection, leading men in tho district began to look rather to themselves, and tho development of their own resources, than to the provincial authorities, for help, and by continued and persistent agitation, finally succeeded in effecting separation. The interests of this district are further removed than ever from the interests of residents in the north. Competent authorities liave asserted, that a comparatively small outlay, would make the Patca river equal to the trading requirements of tho whole district for many years to come, and that for the purposes of navgiation the river could easily bo made superior to what Wanganui has hitherto been. Then again as land to the north—between Hawera and Stony River gets peopled, including the celebrated Waimate Pl a i ns —another shipping place will be found at Opunake Bay. With a very trifling outlay at that point, it is asserted, that the largest of steamers could run in and out and conld take shelter in almost any weather. Wo have good authority for stating that the detail report on the Patea river, now daily expected by the Chairman of the Harbor Board will be very much more favorable than the most sanguine were led to expect. The fact is the Taranaki people have linm-ed and ab-ed too long in the matter of their harbour works, and if ever they are to get a harbor—and without it their progress will be very s l ow they must look only to themselves. The people of this district are in no way inclined to. assist. It is generally ackowledged that a harbour at New Plymouth is imperatively needed for the proper development of that part of the country, bnt people here object to help to pay for it, as they can be more suitably served, at infinitely less cost, in works contemplated at Patea. In the matter of agitation for completion of the Mountain Road, Hawera residents, and

settlers around, will always eagerly join, and wo have no doubt but the meeting called for to-day will be well attended, and that the expression of opinion will bo emphatic.

.. Asypublic meeting will be held at Ilawcra, at two o’clock to-day, to consider the question of urging on Government the advisability of at once taking steps to make the Mountain Road trafficablc for the, mail coach. - The idea ox the promoters appears to he to encourage road making rather than harbour, works at Now Plymouth. Messrs Greig and Co.’s Clearing-out sale of Mrs Smith's drapery, at Hawera is announced for one o’clock to-day.

At a meeting - of sheopowners, held in Wanganui, on Monday last, strong protest was entered against the proposed new Sheep Bill. Mr Schultz, at Manutalii, is reported to have decided upon laying off a portion of his ground as town building lots. A few debt cases .were decided upon at the Carlyle Court yesterday, particulars of which shall appear next issue.

Daring Mr Sherwood’s late visit to Wellington, arrangements were made for procuring a new light for the Patca River. Intimation has been received that one of the largest dioptric lamps of the celebrated Chance Brothers’ make, has been ordered, and may he expected in the course of a few months.

A favourable reply has been sent by Government to request from the County Council that draft copies of Bills affecting County legislation, should be forwarded to members.

At Sonthcombc’s Hotel, Waitotara,' today, gyro pigeon match and sports, will take place.

The lease of seventy-six sections and - four blocks, Carlyle Town Board Reserves, were offered at auction on Thursday last by Mr William Cowern. There was a good attendance. The following lots found purchasers, at per annum : —Block 1, A3; block 4, A3; block 39, AG 15s; block 47, A3; block 48, £7 lid; sections 7 to 12, block 24, A3; section 4, block 31, £1;. section 5, block 31, A 1; section 7, block 31, £1; section 4, block 40, £G ss. A Money Order mid Savings’ Bank has been opened in connection with the Telegraph Office at Mamitahi. The Wanganui Herald says the negotiations for a sale ■of native lands at Kai Iwi, and at Mungaporau, are not progrossing satisfactorily. Operations have boon suspended.

The tender of G. Glendining (Auckland) has been accepted for the Ngatoro bridge contract on the Waitara-Patca railway, at £4,833. . The members of the Carlyle Harmonic Society are steadily increasing in number, and there appears to bo an inclination to support an institution whose quarterly concerts will help to break the monotony of the place. The society is desirous of gaining honorary, as well as working members ; and as the advantages to be enjoyed by the former class may not bo generally known, it will be as well to briefly state them. They will be entitled to a member’s ticket, on payment of ten shillings, which will admit them to two concerts ; they will also receive from the Secretary before each concert another ticket which will admit any member’s friend, making in all four admissions. Besides this, they will have the entry of the practice room on open nights, of which there will be three during the quarter. On these occasions it is possible that something may be added to the usual weekly programme. Applications for honorary membership may be made to any one of the Committee, consisting of Messrs Tennent, Horner, Wood, Connolly and W oiss.

The Town Hall, Carlyle, was well filled on Thursday evening, on the occasion of the Christy Minstrels giving a benefit entertainment in aid of a distressed family. A fairly enjoyable evening was spent. The darkeys showed to advantage and proved capable performers. Mr Sam Dixon must be awarded the palm amongst the singers—the others were pretty evenly matched. The songs were creditably sung and the choruses went well. The orchestra (with tho talented Mr Sparks at the piano) was an attractive feature of the entertainment. Song and step dance secured an enthusiastic enchore. Free-noulogy and the stump speech were both creditable performances, whilst the farce', by two of the company, was excellent, and created mirth and admiration. The points of many of the really good jokes by the cornermen were lost for want of a little more “ mouth,” one of the two being especially low voiced. Pressure on our space prevents full justice being accorded to the performers. By request of the company special thanks are given to Mr John Black for granting the free use of his excellent piano.

The Wanganui Chronicle referring' to the Murimutu country says ;—The block which the ring” party are how trying to secure as a sheep run for 21 years, measures 40 miles by from 25 to 30. . The same organization has at present on lease a block on which 50 or 60 good homesteads could be planted with : satisfactory prospects pf successful realizations.

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL. The ordinary monthly meeting of "the above Council, was held on Tuesday last, in the Council Chambers. Present Messrs G. F. Sherwood (in the chair), Kells, llqneyfield, Livingstone, Bridge, Dale, Middlemas, and Kenah. ; ■ The Chairman informed the Connell that Mr James 'Davicloon hail been elected Councillor for the Hawera Biding, place of Mr A. Winks. Councillor Kells having formally introduced Mr Davidson ro the Council," he took his seat with the other members. \ -> - ;; The minutes of previous meetings read and confirmed.

The Rev. A. Dascnt, as chairman of the 26th Road Board, attended the-Council as a deputation, to confer with the Council as to obstruction on main line of road with.. the junction of Taranaki Road. After being heard bewitbdrew. Correspondence Letter from G. S. Cooper,- Wellington, covering resolution’ of House of Representatives to furnish cost of assessment ; from Secretary to the Treasury, Wellington, that jjl fees collected had been remitted to County account; from J. Johnson, Wavcrly, replying to offer of twopence for gravel, and agreeing to take threepence per yard.; from Major Brown, -Hawera, enquiring whether G. Baker could bo admitted to hospital ; from A. Ellis, Manntahi, notifying that lie had disposed of his land ; from’ G. S. Cooper, Wellington, replying to letter No. 250, and covering copy of Impounding Bill; from Under Secretary, Public Works, -’covering copy of letter from 25th Road Board re Spence Road, and asking if Council concurred in request; from J. *ll. Williamson, Kakaramca, requesting that error of 13 acres in assessment, might be corrected,—-agreed that Council had no power to correct error ; from Returning Officer, Carlyle, notifying that James Davidson had been elected member for Hawera Riding ; from Foreman of Works, requesting that his salary be increased to 21200 per annum, on account of heavy travelling expenses necessarily incurred ; from 2Gth Road Board, asking Council to repair road from Palmer’s gravel pit to road, also road from the gravel pit on Wilson’s road directed to inform Board that Council ■ could not recognize claim. The Clerk was instructed to forward to the Government a copy of all correspondence re Spence Road, together with full expression of opinion of the Council upon this matter, and pointing out that the obstruction is of a natural formation. The question of raising Foreman of Works’ salary, led to several propositions being brought forward. On motion by Mr Konah, seconded by Mr Bridge—“ That Mr Wright be informed, that his application cannot bo entertained," an amendment by Mr Kells and Middlemas, That the, letter lie on the fable till next month, was put and lost. Mr Wright was called in to make a statement as to his duties. A further amendment by Mr Middlemas, seconded by Mr Kells, That the Foreman's

salary ho increased to TIM) per annum, was 'lost, and the original motion was afterwards earned. Moved by Mr Living.koiw, seconded by Mr Bridge, and carried 11 That letter 25.1, lie supplemented by giving an explanation, stating that the Wanganui Council now receive a large revenue from tolls derived, to a largo extent, from traffic over the Patca Comity-roads, upon which there are no tolls. - ’ The Council adjourned till two o’clock. On reassembling, it was proposed by Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and carried, “ That the Foreman of Works inspect the obstruction at Taranaki Load, ami report to the Chairman. If the water lies upon the side of the main road, through the action of the PatcaHast Road Board, that the Chairman order tho Patea East Road Board to take steps to remove the water. If otherwise, the Foreman, of Works shall have it removed.”

Moved by Mr Honeyiield, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and carried, “That instructions be given to the Foreman of Works to haveßhe culvert opened on the top of the Patea Hill, along the main line of road now stopped.” ' . The Foreman of Works furnished the ordinary monthly report, as also special report as to main line of load, which were read and received. The latter stated that it would be desirable next summer to re-

gravel portions of the main road between Whenuakura and about two miles beyond Wavcrlcy ; other parts between Wain-o-ongoro and Waitotara to be repaired, and gravel stored for use as needed. If more labour was employed in summer, it was believed a great saving would bo effected in regard to winter repairs. The money at disposal of Council was considered sufficient to keep the road in good order next winter. —The monthly report stated road from Hawera to Patea was in good condition ; from Patea to Waitotara_ in fair order, except certain portions, which will require more attention. The working party had been sent to repair dangerous places between Kaupokonui and Oeo, and since then in removing slips, &c., atManawapou, and repairing flooring of Manawapdu bridge ; also, flooring of Tongnhoc bridge was being’ repaired, after which men would attend to road between Patea and Waitotara. Gravel on Mr Verry’s land had been examined, and it was reported that though the best appeared to have been taken away, there was still some left that would serve for repairs at small expense. Damage done to Palmer’s land in carting gravel could be covered by sum of 30s. Proposed by Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and resolved —“That Mr Palmer he offered 30s for damage done, and 2d per yard for gravel taken.” The Foreman of Works was called in to explain portions of special report. The question of damage to Mr Johnston’s land in carting gravel led to several propositions being brought forward. Messrs Kells and Kenab were in favour of £1 10s being paid, and afterwards moved that £1 bo paid, and also that 3d per load be paid for gravel. Air Living’stone moved, Mr Bridge seconded, and it was resolved — “ That Mr Johnston be paid 2d per yard for gravel taken from bis land £ ’ _lt was also resolved, Messrs Bridge and Middlemas being mover* and seconder—“ T hat Mr Johnston receive no compensation for the alleged damage done to his land by carting gravel, the Foreman of Works having reported that no damage has been clone, but that in the event of a road being required again to the gravel pit, the Council are willing to erect a substantial iron gate in the fence.”

■ Abstract ,yf receipts and expenditure for the month, ending 31st August, v ; as read and received as follows :

Accounts were passed for payment. Proposed by Mr Davidson, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and resolved unanimously. —“ That this Council petition both Houses of the Legislature to have the borrowing powers of the Taranaki Harbor Board confined within the boundary of the Taranaki County, and that this County receive its land revenue without deductions for harbor works.”

The following proposition by Mr Kells, seconded by Mr Bridge, was withdrawn by leave —“That this Council thoroughly protest against any power being given to the Taranaki Harbor Board to levy a tax on any land or property within the boundaries of the Patea County for the purpose of harbor works at New Plymouth,'or for any other purpose.” , Proposed by Mr Kenah, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and. resolvedM-“ That the chairman request the Government to supply the members of the Council with the drafts of the various Bills Government that are brought before the House this session, in order to enable the Council to consider the measures before they become law.” It was moved by Mr Konah, seconded by Mr Kells—“That the Recreation Ground at Waveiley be banded over to the Waverley -Town Board, on the understanding that all public rights are reserved, and also that all monies received for rents are spent upon the ground ; vouchers for the same to be furnished to this Council.” An amendment by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Middlemas, ’ was carried as follows —“That the Government bo respectfully requested to grant to the Council power to lease the recreation grounds— Mokoia and Okutakn — for any period up to twenty-ouo years, this Council being of opinion that the limit of time for leasing recreation grounds, as defined, in. the Counties Act, is so short, that great difficulty would be felt in leasing, and, if effected'at all, the rents would probably bo insufficient- to pay for the cost of administration.”

It was moved by Mr Sherwood, and seconded by Mr Mid diem as, ‘‘That the Government be respectfully requested to. vest in this Council all - lands witbm the Comity reserved for 'general purposes and not yet dealt with, ’and that the Council shall have power to lease the land lor long periods under restrictions.” — Mr Dale pressed Mr Sherwood to inform the Council whether any application had been sent to Government for land in Ids occupation, and, it so, by whom. —On _ the motion of Messrs Livingstone and Bridge it was resolved ‘‘That this Council go into committee of the whole,to hoar Councillor Sherwood’s statement, .strangers to leave the room.” —Oil the Council resuming Mr Sherwood’s proposition was carried. The following motion, of which notice had boon given by Mr Middleman, was seconded pvo forimi by Mr Livingstone, and after discussion was lost—all voting

against except the mover—“ That, after, the 31st day of December, 1877, Mr Black’s salary of £260 per annum, as Clerk, Treasurer, Collector, &c., &c., be reduced to £175, with travelling allowance of £1 per day while doing duty as' Returning Officer outside the township of Carlyle.”- _ The following notice of motion by Mr Middlemas, lapsed for want of a seconder, “ That a grant-in-aid, of £25, be given by this Council to the Hawera Institute.” Moved by Mr Livingstone, seconded by Mr Middlemas, and resolved, “That a committee, consisting of the Chairman of the Council,' Dale, Honcyfield, Middlemas, Davidson, and the mover, draft the petition re New Plymouth Harbour, and that the Chairman sign on behalf of the Council.” Resolved, That printed slips of the petition be sent to members of both Houses. After a short adjournment, it was moved by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Middlemas, and resolved, “ That a rate of Is. in the £ be now struck upon all rateable property within the County, for the period commencing on April Ist, 1877, and ending 31st March, 1878 ; and that the rate be due and payable on the sth Sept, next.”

Two special meetings were, afterwards held —one for confirming ofdcr-imCouncil as to main line of road, the other for'confirming Impounding Bye-laws, after which the Council adjourned.

. ■>. RECEIPTS. £ s. (1. Foes—-registration of dogs ... 7 3 0 8 F ecs —iveisfration of cattle ... 2 0> Donation, from J. Johnston to - Hospital 1 5 0 •General Government fees coliccteclto March 31, 1877... 34 0 0 General Government fees collected during August 1 0 0 £45 8 8 EXPENDITURE. £ s. cl. General account 65 14 0 Public works account... ... 123 10 -2 Hospital account . ... . • 8 12 0 lb 16 2