The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 267, 3 November 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1877.

In another'.column, will be found advertisement of the Keterriare Small Farm Association, intimating to all persons desirous of becoming members the necessity of making early application to either the Treasurer —Mr C. E. Gibson,

or to tlio Secretary—Mr F. McGuire, each application to be accompanied by a deposit of five shillings to cover preliminary expenses. Undertakings ol this kind cannot be successfully carried cut unless funds arc provided for use by those appointed to do the work. Wo consider the committee have made a wise selection of officers, as wide experience in land-business allied with good judgment, caution, and go-aheadism, are all represented. The committee lost'no time in getting to work, and having made application to Captain Wray, as to the proper manner in which to proceed, has, we believe, been well advised. The Taranaki Waste Lands Board is the body through which the application for land will have to bo made, and every argument should he used, and every endeavor made, to create a favorable impression and secure the goodwill of of the gentlemen .composing the Board. It is gratifying to know that Captain Wray is favorably disposed to the scheme, and will give such aid as lies within his power, to the Association. Unfortunately, the land at the disposal of the Board, within the provincial district of Taranaki, is limited to fifty thousand acres. About three blocks have already been taken up under the Special Settlements clauses of the Waste Lands Act. We do not think the Ketemarae Association is asking for any too ranch land, considering the class of men for whom it is intended, and the present earth-hunger. It is probable a much larger area could be successfully settled on the Mountain Road by the Association, and with advantage to the counties of both Taranaki and Patca, without taking into consideration the advantages to the colony in the way of lessening the Native difficulty, and paving the way for Government to deal in safety with the surpassingly rich and valuable Wairnato Plains. Some gentlemen, who have paid attention to the subject, consider the Government, in not settling the Plains, are allowing to lie idle, what could be made to realize close on a million of money. The actual cash derivable from the sale of said land would be trifling as compared with the wealth which would bo created, and the produce—cattle, agricultural, &c.—which would annually be turned into money by such a number of industrious bona fide settlers as the Plains would cany. While wo fear the Board will .lemur, wo still see no reason why objection should be made to granting the Association the full quantity of land desired —■twentythousand acres. The eagerness with which land on the Midhirst Settlement is being taken up, should convince the Taranaki Land Board and the Government that a settlement, on easy terms, this side the Patca River, would be an immense success. Board may possibly think, if there is likely to bo such a demand, that it will be the proper thing to do to put a high price on the land. Should that view be taken and acted upon it will prove fataWto the success of the proposed scheme. Settlers in the locality indicated, should be looked upon as, and indeed they would b(?j of more worth to the Board district than the difference between a moderate and high upset price on the The class of men intending to join the Association would bo crippled it a high price was charged. They would simply be unable to take up laud. At a moderate price the land would be a heavy drag on the class of men who would make the most valuable settlors ; but if they could be tempted to take the responsibility of ownership, and were not too heavily weighted, a stimulous would be given to effort which would devolope latent energies and transform many from listless-wages men to active and thrifty agriculturists, proud of thenposition, and of the part they would have taken in changing land from dense bush to smiling corn fields. The Taranaki Board should be warned by errors committed in regard to the settlement of the Moa Block, and not too hastily rnn up the price of land, on the strength of mere inquiries, and so drive desirable settlers away. Any injudicious action on the part of the Board will tend to clamp present ardour, retard the progress of the district, and indefinitely prolong the present unsatisfactory state of feeling between the Government of the colony and the Natives who have located on confiscated lands and asserted their right to possession thereof, and who have shown by late unlawful acts that they do not hold themselves amenable to British law. Acquiesence by the Board to the application for land by the Small Farm Association would strengthen the Native Department in attempt about to be made to survey portion of the Plains. Roahy the Land Board and the Small Farm Association should have but one common object — that of planting bona fide settlers on the land, and should work hand in hand and be mutually helpful. We trust that the two bodies will work together in harmony, and that success will attend the present attempt to promote settlement.

MrW. Dale will hold a sale at Carlyle to-day. Mr F. R. Jackson will hold cattle sale at Wanganui on Wednesday next. Mr W. Courtney will sell at his Glenavon Yards, New Plymouth, on Thursday next, Bth November, nearly 300 head young stock. The via San Francioco British Mail is due in Auckland to-morrow. Tenders for additions to Carlyle School will be received by the Patea Education' Board until 10 a.m. on Monday. Tenders will be received by the Patca County Council, until four o’clock on Monday, for gravelling the main road between Carlyle and Waitotara. On Tuesday last (the 30tb of October) we were given to understand by telegram received from Wellington that the division on the No Confidence motion would take place that evening, and that the result would be forwarded after eleven o’clock at night. Mr F. Long, postmaster and telegraphist, was in attendance at the office, and a message was sent through that the division had not taken place. Again on Wednesday night it was confidently, expected the division would take place, and Mr Long was in attendance at the office till turned half-past eleven o’clock, in readiness to take special message if forwarded. We feel indebted to Mr Long for the courtesy thus shown to oblige ourselves and the public. Arrangements for the induction of the Rev J. Tony to the charge of the Hawora Presbyterian Church are in active progress. The Presbytery consisting of the Rev J. Douall (Middle Rangitikei), Rev W. Stewart (Marton), Rev Ross (Turakina), Rev J. Treadwell (Wanganui), and Rev R. J. Ailsworth (Waverley), will bo present, and probably other visitors will accompany some of the ministers. The ladies of Hawora appear to be taking the matter up heartily, and there is every reason to believe that the event will be a success, and that the new Pastor, who is generally well liked, will settle down comfortably to work, to the very great benefit of the church and district. Reference to advertisement will show that the times for meeting have been altered.

Considerable improvements have been made in both ends of the township of Nortntmby of fate. Mr Brett is just now having a large hotel erected opposite Mr Gibson’s general store. During the past few months, at the other end of the township, various improvements have been going on. Maoris and Europeans have been cultivating and there are at present some very attractive looking grass paddocks and patches of ground in wheat, &c. Mr F. McGuire of the Old Kcicmavc Hotel, has indulged in a new lamp of novel construction, guaranteed to show good light for several miles in unobstructed directions. The lamp, though small, is well provided with a new stylo of reflectors, and was one of the exhibits at the late Wanganui Exhibition, Mr McGuire lias also set an example in the way of tree planting which wc should like to see more generally followed. He has introduced some choice kinds of young trees. It is likely a lot of Taranaki people will be present at the coming Patea Agricultural Show. Some, intending to be present, have already passed through to Wanganui, and after seeing the races there and the show, will be back for the Patea Show.' Wo hope settlers will take this hint and by coming out with their best stock and products, help to create a favorable impression in the minds of visitors. Then there will bs the cricket match— Tikorangi against Patea Club, The former club has selected a strong team and mean to win. Taranaki men say they ate open to give 3tol on the event. The following are the names of the selected team —J. Cunningham (captain), G. Cunningham, T. Cleary, T. Fitzpatrick, J. Sarten, J. Foreman, J. Elliott, William Black, G. Bundle, G. Andrews, and H. George. The local team must go in for heavy practice. The Telegraph says Hawke’s Bay numbers over 7,000 persons interested in Friendly Societies. It is in contemplation that a monster fete should be organized for Prince of Wales’ Birthday, the proceeds to go in relief of the Indian Famine sufferers.

Some Maoris appear to value their dogs. One lately Voluntarily presented himself to the Dog Registrar, Fatea County—asked the fee and paid the money—“ He liked to have his dog, and could afford to pay for it as well as the pakeha.” Said Maori, not fancying the ordinary style of collar, visited a tradesman in town who has a choice assortment, and purchased the most expensive dog collar in stock —“ He wanted his dog to look flash.” At meeting last night of members of Carlyle Institute, it was decided to obiain plans of building to cost £240. A committee was appointed to consider ways and means. Our local painter—Mr William Dixon—has been busy in Carlyle lately embellishing various business places. The transformation effected in the premises now occupied by Rupert Jacomb and Co., ought to stimulate some of our thriving tradespeople to follow suit- There is much need for renovations. Telegrams from Wellington give particulars of attempt by Sir George Grey and party to pack the Legislative Council. Application, reiterated, that J. D. Wilson, of Napier, should be called to the Legislative Council has been 'refused by the Governor, unless Grey required Wilson to form one of the Ministry.

The division on the No Confidence, motion did not take place as expected, and the debate is being continued. Telegram from Wellington on Wednesday stated that for certain reasons, Government did not intend to allow the division to take place; and certain members were appointed to talk, against time. It looks awkward for the Government that such devices should have to bo resorted to. We fancy that the only solution to the present obstructive tactics will be an appeal to the country. Sir George Grey has already begun memorandum writing, and it is not unlikely, judging by present appearances and past experiences, that a row is about commencing between himself and the Governor. The net is being spread. When Sir George gets from six to a dozen correspondence wars in full swing he will no doubt begin to feel happy. Then he wil] have good excuse for being unable to attend to the business of the country and carry out promised reforms. Mr William Cowern, as Carlyle agent of the Midhirst Special Settlement, has been supplied with full information and advertises that he is prepared to afford every facility' 1 to working men desiring to avail themselves of the present opportunity of taking up land on easy terms.

The Wanganui Chronicle says—Amongst the passengers from Wanganui by the Manawatu, this week, was Mr Alexander McMinn, who for the last two and a-half years has filled the position of sub-editor to this journal, and who is now under engagement to perform the editorial duties in connection with the Express, an old established paper in the Marlborough provincial district. As a journalist, Mr McMinn possesses capabilities which must ensure success in his chosen profession. Of untiring industry, perfect fidelity, and an uncommon facility for procuring information and supplying copy, his value is best Known in the composing room. While wishing him every prosperity during the term of his present engagement, we hope before long to hear of his occupying a more extended and important sphere. In the House on Wednesday Mr Larnach said:—“ The present liabilities of the colony were, he found, twenty-four millions two hundred thousand pounds. A loan of five millions was wanted for immediate liabilities, and many more millions to complete public works. Instead of going into pawnbroking finance in back streets they should go openly and boldly to those in London who had already lent them all they wanted. On Saturday last the Public Account had £12,002 17s 2d to its debit, and £IOB,OOO was wanted to remit to London to meet interest due there on February Ist.” Mr Whitaker who spoke next doubted Mr Larnach’s statements, and flatly contradicted the statement made by Mr Ballanco who accused him of having improperly used his position to obtain possession of 18,000 acres of valuable land,

WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB. Till? following list of acceptances for the Wanganui Spring Mooting, to be held on Thursday, the Bth November. 1877, has been published : PRODUCE STAKES I Sky Blue, Expectation, Chander, Legacy, Te Tewake, Lapland, and Haven. HANDICAP HURDLE RACE : Te Whctu Manama, list 71bs ; Gazelle, list ; Deborah, lOst slbs ; Greyhound, lOst 31bs ; Bully for You, lOst. WANGANUI STAKES .’ Opawa, 9st Tibs ; May Moon, 7st 121bs ; Blink Bonny, 7st lllbs ; Frowning Beauty, 7st 91bs ; Patrick, 7st 2st ; and Commission, 7st 21bs,

TOWN PLATE : Opawa, Sky Blue, Expectation, To f’cwaka, and Folly.