The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 263, 17 October 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1877.

Tun following extract from a special : Ingram lro:n Wellington to the TaraHerald, is the only intimation rec iveil in Fate,a. so far ns we are aware, t i ihe introduction by Major Atkinson, - I 'the I ’a tea Harbour Bill—“ Monday, < ■ ■•tnher B.—Major Atkinson moved to-day, that the House go into committee i i give,. leave to introduce the Patea • Arbour Board Bill. The o! jeet of the i.» i bang to correct some defects in the ■Fid of last session, and give some land •utting on tin- river. Dr Hudgkinson n. jeetvcl to leave being givon -to go into

committee, as the Government had refused to allow him to introduce the Riverton Harbour Board Bill, for effecting improvements in a harbouv of far more importance than Patea. A division was taken on the question that the Chairman leave the chair. Ayes, 38 ; noes, 38 ; the Chairman gave his vote in favour of the noes, and saved the Bill from being thrown out.” It will be seen from the above the principle on which various measures are carried, or thrown out, in the present Assembly. “ You help me—l’ll help you. If not expect opposition.” The merits of particular cases appear to count for nothing. Prospects as regards the passing of the Bill this session are now very hopeless indeed. Major Atkinson, in this matter, has not earned the good will of his constituents. The introduction ol the measure was delayed so long as for it now to be almost hopeless to expect a lair hearing, much loss to get the measure passed, Neglect on this and other matters will, no doubt, be remembered should an appeal to the county necessitate a fresh election. Copies of the proposed Bill have been forwarded to the Chairman of the Harbour Board, one of which has been handed over to us. The Bill proposes that the Board shall bo constituted as follows:—One person to bo nominated by Government; two to be elected by the Carlyle Town Board ; one by the County Council; and one by ratepayers in each Riding of the County. A correction is proposed in the first schedule of the Act of last year giving land at Okotuku for three hundred acres in the Patea District withdrawn by the the Government. Additional endowments are specified, and powers are to be given to the; Board to deal "with land which may bo reclaimed from the sea. No mention is made of borrowing powers. The Bill is a considerable improvement on the Act passed last session, but still lacks one most important feature, that is, power to borrow money. Plans of proposed Harbor Works, drawn by the Marine Engineer (Mr Thompson) who lately made a survey of the river, were received by coach on Monday, from which it would appear that the carrying out of the proposed works—in either wood, stone, or concrete —would give a depth on the bar of over twenty feet at high water. The plans have been drawn in a stylo, and with a minuteness of detail, which is highly creditable to the Engineer. The principle is the same as that proposed by Mr Carruthers, but it is intended to run the piers out at slightly different angles. The report and specifications are not. yet to hand, so it is impossible to .state accurately the estimated cost. As to the practicability of the work, and of the result, there appears to be no doubt. Altogether the present aspect of the Patea Harbour question is tantalizing. Plans, which leave no doubt as to the practicability or desirability of proposed works, are to hand. An amended Harbor Bill, certainly an improvement on the Act of last session, is before the House, yet lacking in one vital point—power to borrow. The dilatorincss shown by Major Atkinson in introducing the measure, oven in its present form, was almost fatal to its reception by the House. The casting vote of the Speaker saved it from an untimely end. Certainly, the Harbor Board and Mr Sherwood have left no stone unturned to forward this matter- — Major Atkinson must, therefore, take the responsibility for the delay. The simple fact that over twenty feet of water could bo ensured on the bar at high water, makes it quite unnecessary to enlarge on the advantages to the district of carrying out proposed works. With the bar made safe, there would be nothing to hinder the largest of the coastal steamers from entering the river, as there is a splendid depth of water right up to and even beyond the bridge. It is tantalizing to be placed in the position of seeing what an impetus could be given to the district by the expenditure of a comparatively small sum in improving the navigation of the river, and yet to bo hampered foxwant of the assent of a body of men (Members of the Assembly) who know but little, and care less, about the requirements of the district. Government ought to be less chary in aidixxg the Board to start the wox - k. Such advantages would be reaped in the shape of increased value to Crown lands, that, from pxxx*e self interest, thei’c shoxxld be no hesitation on the part of Government in strongly pressing on the Assembly the necessity for placing the Patea Harbor Board in a workable position. Though we have vex - y little hope at present we trust that the measure now before the House will be ensured safe passage, and that borrowing powers will ,be granted. The Harbor Board can do all else required. Since the above was in typo, wo have been informed 'of the receipt by the Chairaxan of the Board, of the specifications and Engineer’s Report. There was an erx - or as to delivery. The x-eport is a most favorable one, and though the estimated cost of the work seems rather high, considering the present popxxlation of the district, the advantages to be derived are so great, that the only conclusion anyoxxe interested in the welfare of the district can come to is, that the work must be done, and Government must place the Harbor Boax - d on a workable footing. Axi agitation in this dii’ectioxx ought to bo commenced at once and persistently kept up' until the work is actually commenced.

Esq., (Returning Officer) up to noon tomorrow. Very little interest appears to have been taken in regard to this matter. We trust that some attempt will be made to improve rather thaxx lower the character of the present Board. Every ralepayer will be benefited by good management of Town Board affairs, and should therefore do what they can to get reliable and useful men returned as representatives. We have been requested to call attexxtion to advertisement in another column, bearing testimony to the good repute of MrS. B. Corrigan, as a fellmonger, from the well known woolbrokcrs of Melbourne— Messrs Goldsborough and Co. The creditors of Mr Alfred Tourner, of Ilawera, will meet at the Court House, Carlyle, to-morrow, at two o’clock. Mr F. R. Jackson’s monthly cattle sale at Wavcrley, will take place on Friday next, at one o’clock—soo head of cattle have been catalogued. The Resident Magistrate at New Plymouth, lined Mr J. S. Dobbin, of Inglewood, £2 and costs 19s, for an offence under “ The Sale of Spirits to Natives Ordinance, 18-17.”—Mr James Day, charged under “ The Sale of Liquors Ordinance, I860,” with permitting an intoxicated xxxan to remain on his premises, pleaded guilty, and was fined £l, with Gs 6d costs. . The s.s. Clyde, from Wanganui, was off the Patea River on Monday, but, on account of the accident to the Jane Elkin, was signalled not to take the bar. She, therefore, anchored off the bar all night, and entered the river yesterday mox*ning’s tide. Mr Si Tapl'nij who is known as a bit of an enthusiast in cricketing matters, is apparently desirous of placing the best appliances for successful and comfortable playing within reach, and has therefore imported a splendid anl varied assortment of cricketing material. Three cases were appointed for hearing at Carlyle on Monday. The R.M. and Clerk of the Court were attending the fortnightly sitting of the Court at Ilawera. There are several J.P.’s within easy reach, but as they did not put in an appearance, the cases could not bo heard. The Bailiff took upon himself to adjourn to Court (which by the by was not formally opened) till next day. It will bo gratifying to settlers in Ibis district to learn that F. Eiddiford, Esq., who lately disposed of his freehold to G-. W. Partridge, Esq., has purchased the Native leasehold of GOO acres, formerly bold by Messrs Aikman and Johnston, and will in consequence bo likely to remain in the district.

Another valuable property has been disposed of near Ilawera. James McMiehael, Esq., has sold out to W. L. Lxxcena, Esq., of Feathersone. The figure is said to be a satisfactory oixe for the seller, and tends to show the high value of land in this district. Wo also hear that H. F. Christie, Esq., of Carlyle, has purchased 200 acres of land near Manutahi, at £lO an aero, from Mr William Paterson. There arc several monied men on a visit to this district just now who arc trying to suit themselves with land.

The “ paper hunt” on Saturday last afforded good sport for all who took part, and there was a good turn out. The hares —Messrs D. Williams, of Carlyle, and Edwin Payne, of Karkaramca, had about a quarter of an hour’s start of the hounds, and made a run of between seven and eight miles in three quarters of an hour. Though they left a good trail, the hounds did not once sight the hares till arrival again at the starting point. It is considered the sport will become popular in this district.

It appeal's that not only was a mistake made at Ilawera, as to the identity of Roberts, the Billiard player, but also at New Plymouth. The gentleman (a wielder of the birch —an educator of the rising geuei’ation) appointed to play Roberts, was anxiously awaiting on the beach the arrival of the cargo boat from the steamer, by which Roberts was expected ; and being specially anxious to intx-odiice himself at once, asked Neal, the boatman, to point Roberts out. Neal, (in no way particular) on the boat reaching the beach, pointed to a respectable looking gent, in a suit of broadcloth, sayiny “ That’s him.” The pedagogue hurried up, all aglow with excitement, and after politely bowing, and opening the conversation, bogged to remark that he was the gentleman who had been selected to play the stx - angor at billiards that evening. The gentleman did not understand, and thought there must be some mistake. It is rcpoxded that a fortnight in a cold bath would hax - clly wear away Hie blushes of the selected billiard player.

The plans for the px - oposed Patea River Improvements —elaborate drawings by Mr Thompson—arrived by coach on Monday. The i - eport and specifications turned up on Tuesday. * A meeting of the Harbor Board will bo held on Friday, and in nest issue wc hope to be able to lay before readers particulars.

A letter has been received from throwing out what may be considered as a very mean insinuation, in regard to non-publi-cation of telegram re Mountain Road, and for which we can assert there is not the shadow of foundation. As the writer has not enclosed his name as a guarantee of good faith, the letter has .been consigned with the waste paper. In any case such a charge could not be published except under the writer’s proper name. The coach from New Plymouth which arrived at Hawera, on Friday evening last, brought amongst others a military swell. Roberta, the Billiard player, was also expected, but did not come. In the evening there was a muster at Prosser’s. The military gentleman, who is a fair hand at the cue, finding a partner commenced playing, and he was set down by some who did not know of Roberts’ nonarrival, to be the wonderful billiard player. The military gentleman made several good strokes and was rewarded with some measure of applause. The attention paid him may have-proved somewhat annoying. At all events, his play became very indifferent, when a disposition to jeer rather than cheer was shown, with remarks from some, “ He’s not so good after all. We could safely give him points.” The s.s. Hawea, with outward San Francisco mail, will leave New Plymouth on Tuesday, 23rd instant, A supplementarymail will therefore be made up in Carlyle, on Friday, the 19th, to be forwarded by coach to New Plymouth, on that day.

A public meeting in aid of the Wesleyan Church Extension Association will be held at Hawera this evening, when the Rev MiBavin (of Wanganui), Rev Mr Lawry (Marton), and Rev J. Law (Carlyle), and friends are expected to address the meeting. Meetings will also be held at other places in the district. Sec advertisement. At a meeting called by A. Stamhsh, Esq., Mayor of New Plymouth* on the 17th instant, to devise means to help sufferers from famine in India, a committee was formed embracing all sections of the community, and the appeal for aid has been liberally responded to. G. F. Sherwood, Esq., as Chairman of the County Council and Town Board, has been supplied with subscription lists, in the hope that the people in this district, will add something to the fund being raised in New Plymouth. Lists have been left at the Bank of New Zealand and at the Bank of New South Wales, and will have to be returned by the 31st. There are believed to be 18,000,000 persons in the famine district, 5,000,000 of whom are depending on tile famine relief fund.

It will be seen by advertisement that this district is about to be honored by a visit from His Lordship Bishop Redwood, and the Rev Father Henneberry. All Catholics are exhorted to attend the ministrations of the above gentlemen. The Wellington correspondent of an exchange says—“ The Rev Father Henneberry. a missionary priest from America has been preaching and lecturing here for more than a week, and on eveiy occasion the Catholic Cathedral has been crammed to suffocation. He is a very zealous, hard working man, and a magnificent preacher. He discourses three and four times a day, in the morning at half-past five, then at nine, sometimes in the afternoon at four, and in the evening at half-past seven. He is the greatest pulpit orator that has ever visited New Zealand, and people of all denominations flock to hear him. The great charm of his discourse is that one moment he can move his audience to tears, and the next to laughter.” In another column will bo found particulars of the Midhirst Special Settlement, which is being opened up by Mr A. C. Fookes, of New Plymouth. The settlement is midway between Hawera and New Plymouth, on the Mountain Road. The land is of very good quality, the terms easy, and the prospects of the settlement very promising. Partly through the enterprise of Mr Fookes, the Mountain Road is alive with workers, and a stimulus has been given to settlement between there and Inglewood, which will materially benefit this district as well as Taranaki. More than half the land has been applied for. Further applications will be received up to the 15th November.

The Return of Waste Lands sold in Taranaki during the month of September is as follows :—35 town sections, £254 ; 4 country sections (cash sale) 170 acres, Broods, £274 13s9d ; 10 country sections, (deferred payments), 787 acres, £1032 5s ; on which 1-iOth lias been paid of £lO3 4s Gd. Total value of land sold during September, £1032 ss. The total quantity of land sold during the year was 38 town and 73 country sections, the latter being 0,700 acres, 2 roods, 39 perches. Total value of land sold, £9,240 10s Gd. The Taranaki Herald in report of the Waste Lauds Board, mentions that the Board decided upon the site of a village half way between Inglewood and Patea, and it was resolved, “ That the Chairman request the Chief Surveyor to lay out at once half-acre sections on the main line and two intersecting roads in the township of Waipoku, on the Mountain Road.” At tlie same meeting Messrs Gane Brothers waited on the Board relative to a special settlement they wish to form on a block of land in the Mokia District, Patea County. The block in question is about 4,000 acres in extent. Messrs Gane Brothers wish to obtain about 2,000 acres. After some discussion it was resolved, “ That the Board agree to receive any feasible proposals that might bo laid before them by these gentlemen.” Dr Lemon, has informed Messrs Webster Brothers, of New Plymouth, that the erection of the telegraph line between New Plymouth and Waitara, will be commenced immediately, under the direction of Mr Maling. The Taranaki Herald, of the 9th instant says : —ln the Public Works Estimates we notice £50,000 has been placed for the continuation of the Waitara-Patea Railway ; and £IO,OOO for the purchase of native land in the Taranaki District.

The Carlyle portion of the English mail arrived from New Plymouth on Saturday, by coach, having been brought by the s.s. Hauraki, to Waitara, on Sunday, the 7th, and forwarded to New Plymouth by train on Monday morning. The Taranaki Herald of the Bth instent, says ; —Mr T. Humphries shewed the members of the Waste Lands Board, on Monday afternoon, some specimens of fireclay and lignite that had been discovered on a native reserve. Tire fireclay was found under the lignite. When thus found it is said to be considered an indication of coal being close at hand. The discoverer (who is very reticent as to the locality of his find), has had great experience in mining matters. Mr Pye was summoned to Court, at Carlyle, yesterday, for allowing a horse to wonder. Pined 2s 6d, being first offence.

style, and when on the bar, about opposite where the Egmont lies, but a considerable distance therefrom, she struck heavily, and filled with water in less than three minutes. The men stuck to the vessel, but soon found it was hopeless for them to do anything alone. Captain Wood, the pilot, at once signalled for a boat’s crew, and in very short time was on the spot with willing workers, and did all in his power to assist Captain Leslie and his crew. Warps were run out, and the vessel was got well up towards the beach before the tide receded. Cargo was thrown over to lighten the vessel, and a number of men were kept hard at work till about four o’clock Monday morning. An attempt was made to float the vessel on the next tide without success.

The captain and the men have come badly off as regards clothing—most of it being either lost or spoilt. On Monday the captain tried by diving to regain his watch and other valuables.

The vessel was partly insured in the Now Zealand Company—the amount being £3OO. Finding all efforts to float the vessel unavailing, the captain communicated with the Insurance Agents on Monday, and informed them of his intention to abandon the vessel. The timber, which was consigned to Mr J. Milroy, was uninsured.

Captain Gibbons, of the s.s. Clyde, and Captain Odgers, of Carlyle, held a survey on the vessel yesterday, Captain Wood, the pilot, being present. The bottom of the vessel was found to be completely shaken, the bulk heads had Started, and there was a hole on the port bow through which a person could easily pass. The vessel was, of course, condemned.

It is a most unfortunate affair for Captain Leslie, who rather prided himself on possessing a smart little eraft. The insurance money falling far short of the actual value, the owner will bo at considerable loss, and Patea will be deprived of one of its regular traders.