The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 263, 20 October 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1877.

On the Imprest Supply Bill for £250,000 being introduced into Committee of Supply on Thursday last, Major Atkinson proposed that the amount be reduced to £IOO,OOO- - absolutely denied the statement circula'ed about a deficiency of £350,000 in the estimates of Provincial liabilities. After a warm discussion the amount was reduced to £150,000. Mr D. Coutts, of Carlyle, has been appointed one of the judges of draught horses at the Wangauwi Agricultural Show,

At Graham’s d tables, Carlyle, during cm; woolc, a Maoi-i xvs.s observed dancing' around a chair (in which was seated another native) brandishing a keen edged razor - . There was no harm done. He was simply doing the latherum-shaveum business, and a little in the hair cutting line on a few friends from the country. The respective operations were skilfully performed. It is reported that the Ecv J. Torry, has accepted a call of members of the Presbyterian Church, Hawera, and that the formal installation will be celebrated by a public meeting in a short time. We call the attention of Catholics to notice that the Rev Father Henneberry, the eloquent American Missionary Priest, will preach at Waverley on Monday next, and that Mass will be celebrated at Carlyle, on Tuesday, by His Lordship Bishop Redwood. The Rev Father Henneberry will also be present.

Mr W. Dale will sell at Carlyle to-day coal, books, &c. Tenders for additions to Lloyd’s Hotel, Hawera, to be sent in on Monday. “ Adams’ Chronological Map,” is the name of a chromo-lithographic work of Art, for which orders are now being solicited in this district by Mr Jones, of Wanganui. A specimen copy will be on view at the Albion Hotel, Carlyle, to-day, and on Tuesday next, and at Hawera, on Monday. All who can should sight tins wonderful production. The chronological arrangements of the Chart are perfect, showing centuries, decades, and years. The cost of production was 20,000 dollars, and during the period Jof compilation, which occupied ten years of careful study and laborious research, the fragmentary, confused, and disconnected facts of history have been arranged in a most simple, pleasing, and beautiful pictorial panorama! within the understanding of a child, yet forming a complete encyclopaedia of history. Terms on which copies may be obtained can be ascertained on application to the agent, Mr H. J. Jones. The chart is 22 feet long by 2 feet broad, and is full of pictures, dates, and historical notes ranging from the time of Adam to the American Centennial Anniversary, The chart will be accompanied by a key and printed list of authors quoted. The specimen copy now on view in this district is the only one at present in the colony, and no other opportunity of seeing the “ Centennial Chart ” will be afforded until subscriber’s copies arrive some five months hence.

Among new Bills introduced to the House on Monday last, was the Patea Harbor Bill by Major Atkinson. By Wednesday night the Bill had passed through all its stages in the Lower House, and was ready for transmission to the Legislative Council. Telegraphic report of Thursday’s proceedings in the Assembly, mentions the passing of the Wanganui Harbor Bill. We trust both Bills will find favor in the Upper House and be quickly passed. Sir George Grey on Monday evening last, stated the position and intentions of the Ministry of which ho had been elected Premier. The House would be immediately asked for supplies, as Imprests granted to the late Government had been nearly all expended. The colonial liabilities were said to exceed what had been expected. He said if the administration was concentrated in the hands of a Central Government, very large reductions in expenditure could be made. Large savings could also be made in the railway management, and to both of these subjects the best attention of the Government would bo given. Smaller matters would also be attended to in the way of retrenchment, and the Ministers intend to set an example of economy by beginning with themselves and reducing their own salaries. As far as possible the salaries of small amounts would not bo interfered with. No public works of importance would be neglected. Improper trafficking in Native Lands would be dealt with under the Act of 1873. Friendly relations with tho Natives would be cultivated. Great attention would be paid to mining industries. Government would take the House and tho country into its fullest confidence.

Persons having claims in the estate of Mr Alfred Tourner, a bankrupt, are requested to send in the same to Mr John Milroy, Carlyle. In the Assembly on Wednesday, Mr T. Kelly introduced the Taranaki Roads and Bridges Ordinance Amendment Bill.

On Thursday the Hon Hr Larnach intimated to the House that the Financial Statement -would be made early next week.

The fiend in human form who exploded a torpedo in the Mail office on Thursday night, with evident intent to blow up the devil, who was at work at Press, had better call in and arrange the funeral expenses.

, A shock of earthquake was felt in Carlyle about half past one o’clock on Wednesday morning last, James Hirst, Esq., who has just paid a visit to New Plymouth, by way of the Mountain Road, has kindly furnished, at our request, a few notes made by the way Wo are unable to insert it in this issue, but it will‘appear on Wednesday next, and we have no doubt but it will prove both interesting and useful to the majority of our readers.

The Rev J. Law will preachat Kakaramca to-rnorrow (Sunday).

The N.Z. Times says ;—Father Henneberry’s exertions in the cause of temperance have been highly successful in Wellington. It is stated that over nine hundred persons have already promised to abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks, under the earnest exhortations of the reverend gentleman. The Auckland Herald says:—A wealthy gentleman who lately paid a visit to New Zealand from Australia, has, we understand made an offer to the Government to pay £25,000 if they would give him the management of the Eotomahana and adjacent lakes for a certain number of years.

The Wanganui Chronicle mentioned on Monday last that scab had broken out on No 3 Line, and it was rumoured that the disease had spread to adjoining flocksThc letter written by Mr Morecroft, which lately appeared in the Mail, on the subject of scab, though very generally endorsed, docs not as yet appear to have moved flock owners to action. The acknowledged outbreak referred to by the Chronicle ought to lead to some active steps being taken in regard to the possible spread of scab in this district. Should scab in a serious form establish itself on this coast it will be a great drawback to progress.

One nomination only for member for the Carlyle Town Board was received on Thursday last by the Returning Officer (W. Gowern, Esq.)— Donald Coutts, Esq., the gentleman nominated, was therefore declared duly elected a member of the Board. Wo should fancy Mr Coutts will prove a good man. We understand that an early opportunity will be taken of placing the plans of proposed Patca River Improvements on view for the inspection of all interested. An enquiry was held tin's afternoon before C A. Wray, Esq., R.M., touching the wreck of the ketch Jane Elkin, Peter G. Leslie, master and owner. The Captain) Harbor Master (Mr A. Wood), and one of the crew (Henry Lawrence) were examined. After evidence had been taken, judgment was given to the effect that no blame was attributed cither to the Captain, Harbour Master, or any one concerned. Mr J. Hirst (Agent) watched the proceedings on behalf of the New Zealand Insurance Company. The late hour at which the proceedings closed prevented a full report being given in the present' issue. The Captain wishes to tender his heartfelt thanks to the Harbor Master, boats crew, and to the Patca community at large, for their able assistance and kind sympathy.

A meeting of the Patca Harbor Board was called for three o’clock yesterday afternoon, but on account of Captain Wray and some other members of the Board being engaged until nearly six o’clock, on the official inquiry into the wreck of the ‘Jane Elkin,’ a quorum could not be got together. Mr Williams, who had been called to Taranaki on interpreting business, delayed starting in expcctathat the meeting would be held in.the evening. It is probable a meeting will be held on Wednesday next. There is little doubt but what members will be unanimous as to the course of action to be pursued. Though not actually passed in the form of a resolution, all the members are understood to bo agreeable to the following proposition, drawn up by the Chairman, and which will be forwarded to Wellington to-day by coach —“ That a letter be addressed to the Engineer-in-Chicf, requesting that plans, specifications, and estimates be prepared in the Public Works’ Office, Wellington, for the first portion of the Breakwater on the Boulder Bank, east side of the river, being 060 feet (as per schedule A in Mr Thomson’s Report and Plansj, in order that the Board may be able to call for tenders for the same at an early date.” Mr W. Williams, of Carlyle, with commcntable enterprise, has availed himself of the very earliest opportunity of securing a Reaping and Binding Machine, the first of the kind imported into New Zealand from America. The machine is shortly expected to arrive at Carlyle, when it will be open for general inspection. The ketch Jane Elkin was auctioned on Wednesday last, Mr Aitchisori, of Carlyle, being the purchaser. A concert, in aid of the Waverley Cricket Club funds, is announced for Friday, the 26th instant. A very attractive programme is being arranged, of which we hope to give particulars in next issue.

The team for the opening Cricket Match of the season to be played at Carlyle today, will be chosen from the following names: —Rev Dasent, Dr Croft, Messrs Fraser, Tennent, Taplin, Baggett, Rhodes, W. Dixon, W. Cowern, Baddely, sen., Keys, G-uyatt, Jacomb, B. Dasent, G. Dasent, F. T. Horner, E, C. Horner, F. H. Horner, T. Turner, Fetch, Coutts, Hargraves, D. Williams. Waiting men—Messrs Harris, Hutchinson, and Burke.

At Carlyle, on Thursday evening, a meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church, and was fair ly well attended. After the meeting had been opened with singing and prayer, the Rev J. Law called upon J. Hawken, Esq., to occupy the chair. The Chairman, in a few* well chosen remarks, explained the object of the meeting, and then called upon the Rev J. Law to road the annual report, as follows REPORT. “At our Conference held in January last, it was decided that what has hitherto been known as the Home and Maori Mission Fund, should for the future bear the name of the Wesleyan Church Extension Association. But while the name has thus been changed, the objects of the fund remain the same, viz.—-to extend and support the work of God ns far as possible throughout the colony in the following manner :—To make grants in aid (1) to weak, struggling circuits unable to support their own ministry ; (2) for the support of lay agents—or Horne missionaries—in outlying districts, and among scattered populations ; (3) to aid newly formed circuits in building and furnishing parsonages ; (J) to assist in the training of candidates for the ministry ; (5) and to aid in church extension in such other ways as Conference may direct. Tire income of the fund for 187G, from all sources, amounted to £1,365, while the expenditure came to £1,529, thus leaving a deficiency of £164. The last Conference estimated the income for the present year (1877) at £1,450, and made prospective grants amounting in all to £1,768. These grants may be thus classified—Maori mission, North Island, £SBO ; South Island, £4O ; total, £620. English Home Missioit stations, North Island, £114; South Island, £2OB ;_ total, £322. Scandinavian mission, which is under the supervision of Pastor Nielsen, £SO. Grants in aid of circuits, £355 —two of which are in this district, viz.’, Patea £SO, Manawatu £6O. Grants in aid of parsonages, £125 ; and the training of students for the ministry, £IOO. The estimated income for the present year from Taranaki and Wanganui district, is as follows :—New Plymouth, £3O ; Manawatu, £lO ; Rangitikei, £lO ; Wanganui, £45 ; and Patea, £5 ; total, £IOO. In submitting to you this report, wc feel deeply grateful to Almighty God for the aid which has been afforded to this fund in the past, while wo cannot lose sight of the fact that the present and future welfare of the colony call upon us as a church for more earnest effort, and for greater liberality. Let us never forget that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that where much is given, much will bo required.” The Rev J. Lawry, of Marton, moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by the Rev 11. Bavin, of Wanganui. Both gentlemen made useful and entertaining speeches, and did not fail to impress their hearers with the great importance of the work in hand. The Chairman said, before the resolution was put to the meeting for adoption, he should like to sec the objects of the Association supported in a practical form, and therefore would ask that the collection be made.

The sum of £3 11s was collected, which was considered very satisfactory. The report was afterwards adopted, and the meeting closed in the usual way. The services on Sunday last were well attended, the Carlyle Church being well filled. We hear that the Sunday collections at Hawera and Carlyle, and at the public meetings, amount to over £lO. This sum will be increased by the meeting to be held at Waverlcy last evening.

ENGINEER’S REPORT ON THE PATEA HARBOUR.

The following is a copy of the Report of the Patea Harbor, which was received at the beginning of the week by G. F. Sherwood, Esq., Chairman of the Board: Carlyle, July, 1877,

Sir, —According to instructions I proceeded to Patea in July, to survey the Harbor, and collect such information as would be requisite in connection with the proposed works. I now lay before you the accompanying plans and sections, which, together, with this report, contain the required data. I have to thank Captain Wray, for access to plans of the river; the Chairman of the Harbor Board, for constant attention; and the Harbor Master (Mr Wood), without whom we could not have gone beyond the bar, on account of the, heavy surf, which rendered boat work dangerous here, even in calm weather. The Harbor is formed on the convex side of the river, just below the bridge; the accommodation for shipping consists of two small jetties, where vessels drawing five or six feet can discharge. The river then winds round high cliffs for about a mile, having a depth at low water spring tides of from four to ten feet, after which it passes through sandhills for about four hundred yards, when it turns to the eastward, running parallel to the high land as far as the Boulder Bank, which turns it again to the southward, in which direction it runs into deep water, passing between the Boulder Bank and the Sand Spit, in a channel about 200 yards wide at low water. The bar is formed at this point, and is very variable in depth. Captain Edwin reports 1 foot. I got 3 feet 3 inches, and after freshes 7 or 8 feet have been found at low water.

From the bridge upwards, the river has an exceedingly tortuous course, in some cases almost returning on itself. This, together with the numerous snags in the bottom, obstruct the upward flow of the tide, and expend the energy of the ebb in eddies and whirlpools, instead of assisting to preserve a uniform depth. About six miles from the bridge there are two eel weirs. The lower one, which alone I examined, consists of a number of triangular piers formed of yertical stakes a few inches apart. The weir is about twenty feet wide, and extends completely across the river. As there is a tidal range here of say 4 feet, it is evident that these weirs act in a most prejudicial maimer to the river. Some miles further down a shoal is formed, partly dry at low water, which could easily be removed, I may also direct attention to two very sharp turns, and a steep clay bank, which has caused the scouring out of the river bed to a depth of 23£ feet: a great improvement would be effected by removing the most objectionable part of the projecting ledge and easing the two bends, ' ■ ‘

At the bridge the river is directed to the East Bank, causing the deep water to^be formed at tire opposite side to the jettiesand allowing a mud bank to form from the jetty heads shorewards. If the quays be constructed on the Town side, the current could be trained in that direction by a judicious disposal of snags in a longitudinal direction so as to guide, not obstruct the flow. The objection is that the bridge piers are not so strong on this side, and the shipping is exposed to a considerable breeze with a southerly wind. This would be obviated by placing new quays on the other side —giving both shelter and deep water with the disadvantage,however, of increased cartage., From the bridge downwards the river is good, but might be further improved by lifting the most objectionable snags below low water mark, those higher up being allowed to remain, at present, as they keep the sand in position and help to preserve the channel.

The great obstruction to shipping is the river entrance, which has two faults. First, the ebbing and flowing current, instead of being concentrated, spreads from first quarter flood until three quarter ebb, over the whole Sand Spit and Boulder Bank, so that the small portion of water which passes through the sailing channel, is unable to remove the sand washed up by the sea; the consequence of which the formation of a very dangerous bar. The second objection to the present channel is—the wind for nine months of the year blows from the north-west, and just inside the heads it hauls a little more to the northward; for a vessel coming in it is on the port beam and answers till she gets over the bar. The channel there turns sharply round—bringing the wind a-bead, and stopping her. This, with the_ heavy sea right on the beam rolling in over the Sand Spit, places her in great danger of drifting ashore. The channel varies in position according to the state of the river, and when searching the Sand Spit, I found in the line coloured red, a depth of more than ten feet from the surface sand to the cloy bottom (which underlies the river bed and heads)} showing that when the entrance is in this direction there is more water on the bar than in any other position. This was fully confirmed by the Harbor Master, who, moreover, stated that the river ran in that direction in June last.

Taking into consideration the great tidal basin extending miles up the river, and therefore, the quantity of backwater available, I have no doubt that if it were concentrated in one channel, there would be abundant scouring power to maintain_ a depth on the bar sufficient for colonial trade.

This could be accomplished by means of two breakwater piers, extending from each head. The low water channel being guided, if necessary, by a low-training wall. The channel would then suit the prevailing winds and sea. The pier heads would require to be a sufficient distance apart to be convenient for shipping and give free entrance to ilood tide, being at the same time near enough to produce the necessary scour. They would have to be carried into a depth of water sufficient _ to lessen the action of the waves in stirring up sand, &c., on the bottom. If the proposed piers were continuations of the river bank over the Sand Spit, the swell would be intensified and propogated to a considerable distance up the river, disturbing the sandy bottom ; but by making them in the form of curved arms a basin would be formed where the energy of tire waves would be expended before reaching the banks.

If vessels of a reasonable draught could come into Patea it would be of the greatest benefit to the surrounding district, said to be the most tortile in New Zealand. At present there is very little encouragement for agriculture, owing to the difficulty of getting a market for produce, and taking into consideration the higher value of land and increased prosperity which would be produced, - I believe a good harbor would be invaluable to the district. —I have, &c., John Thomson. John Carruthers, M.1.C.E., Enginecr-in-Chief Public Works, New Zealand.