The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 272, 21 November 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1877.

The Special Settlement scheme, for the disposal of waste lands of the Crown, is ► 'well suited to the Taranaki Provincial '“District. In this the framers of “The Taranaki Waste Lands Act, 1874,” evinced an intimate acquaintance with surrounding circumstances. The Taranaki Provincial District consists of a comparatively narrow margin of open land along the sea coast, backed by forest laud without roads or water communication. That this back land only needs to be opened up by roads to be availed of for settlement is shown by what has been effected by the Waitara- ‘ Wanganui line of railway, which is completed to Inglewood. The Special Settlement scheme, as most of onr readers are aware, is the setting apart of a block of land on deferred payment, the purchaser engaging to place a certain number of persons on the land; and, besides paying for the land, to expend a sum of money in the construction of a public road to give access to th* subdivisions! sections of the block of land, and to the adjoining unsold lands of the Crown, to which the road is made to lead.

There have been recently four applications for land for special settlements before the Waste Lands Board sitting at New Plymouth—one from Mr Fookes for 5,000 acres (which has been granted); one from Mr Christie, of Patoa, for 5.000 acres, on terms similar to those granted by the Board to Mr Fookes; another from the Messrs Gone, lor 2,000 acres at Whakamara, which was refused; and a fourth application from the Small Farm Association, at Ketemarac, for 20.000 acres. To place the matter clearly before onr readers, it should be explained that the Board agreed to set apart 5,000 acres ot land to Mr Fookes for £5,000, being at the rate of 20s an acre (the minimum price imposed by the Act) —the block to be subdivided into sections of 200 acres, one male adult to be placed on each section, no one to own more than one section—£2,ooo, in addition to the price of the land, to be expended by Mr Fookes in constructing six miles of public road through the block to the unsold lands beyond. The Board, according to report of proceedings published in Taranaki papers, sought to price the land Mr Christie applied for at 27s Gd per acre, which means an advance in round figures of £2,000 on the price charged to Mr Fookes, the proposals of the individual applicants being identical in all respects. The plea given by the Board for the difference of price is difference in value, but we are informed that Mr Christie’s land was offered to Mr Fookes at £1 an acre, and that he rejected the land for his present selection. It is the sliding scale of prices for forest land that wo so strongly object to and to which wo lately referred as being illiberal to Mr Christie and the Small Farm Association, and as being likely, it insisted on, to put an end to the present laudable effort to promote bush settlements by private enterprise.

The Board could fall into no greater error than to regard such applications as mere speculations, and to shut them out by high and fluctuating prices. They arc, rightly viewed, co-opcrativc associations to aid the Board in what they are confessedly unable to do by themselves, viz., the opening up of the country by means of roads, and the settling of the land with and industrious population without cost to the colony. The adjacent districts would bo immensely increased in value by special settlements dotted hero and there. The success of the promoters of these settlements would bo the success of the Board. Such ventures are, however, no exception to the general rule—they arc nccessarilly speculations, but their success subserves the public good. Mr WLileuuibc (Land Gommlooioncr) appealed from report of Land Board meeting, to endorse that view. The risk of failure is with the promoters alone. Individuals, as well as associations, may scrupulously fulfil their engagements to the Board, and yet fail to attract the all-important element of public support on which, after all, their success depends. And the Board, instead of driving hard bargains for land, should consider the risk promoters of special settlements run in buying large blocks of forest land which, unless occupied and improved fiom outside, must involve them in a heavy money loss. We incline to the opinion that a less price than £1 per acre for our forest lands, without roads and distant from settlement, would greatly increase present land sales, and lead to great material prosperity; and, on the other hand, that an advance on the present minimum price of 20s will deter men of capital and working men from dealing with the Board for land in any appreciable degree. The interest these special settlement schemes has awakened at this end is general, and we understand that equal interest is felt at the New Plymouth end of the district. On all sides are hoard expressions of opinion favorable to the enterprises on the broad ground of the public good they will ensure. It remains with the Board to meet public expectation.

The Hon Mr Larnach, Colonial Treasurer, delivered his Financial Statement in the House of Representative on Monday evening. He pleaded for time to enable Government to consider circumstances of the Colony and finances and mature plans for future action. Two courses were open—to ask for three months supplies, then adjourn, and meet again early next year, or take up estimates of late Government, modify them, and occupy recess in reorganising and consolidating financial and departmental system of Colony. He admitted that it Avould be impossible for him to place more clearly before the House than the late Colonial Treasurer had done, all the details in reference to loans from time to time contracted. He was prepared to accept estimates of expenditure nearly as presented by Major Atkinson, Government proposed to commence session earlier, not later than first week in June, and so prevent the necessity for Imprest supplies. The amount ot Treasury Bills in existence Avas over £BOO,OOO with a tendency to increase it being beyond the poAver of the Consolidated Fund to reduce them at present. Provincial liabilities—adA r ances out of loan and Bank overdrafts amounted on 30th June to £3-13,388, Avhich Avith balances in band of £45,888, Avould reduce the total to £297,500. Further outstanding liabilities were known to exist amounting to £279,766, reducible by about £30,000 due from land fund. There Avas shown to the credit of the Public Account when Government took office, 13th October, £762,312. Land Fund Avas expected to exceed sum estimated by late Government. Their estimate was £743,000. To 30th September, there bad actually been paid into the Treasury, £542,231. The total for the year was expected to reach £1,000,000, after paying

all subsidies to Municiapalities, Road Boards, &c., as provided by law. The residue, however large, would have to be paid to County Councils. Government intended that 20 per cent, of land revenue should bo localised by law. A legitimate object for which revenue should be applied was to open land for settlement in localities from whence it had been derived. County Councils having failed, Government, if convinced of necessity for so doing, would take over maintenance of main lines of road. Reductions would be made in departmental services, consistent with efficiency. Railway management would claim attention on report from Railway Committee being made known. Provisions for reconstruction of lines would be made. The House would be asked to consent to a loan of £4,000,000 all which would be required to put finances on sound basis and to allow of the Public Works policy being pursued. Taxation would not be required if land receipts kept up. The estimated revenue was £3,699,026, the expenditure, £4,410,238. The deficiency would, therefore, be £711,212. If revenue fell short of estimates further deficiency would follow.

Robert Lee, Esq., Inspector of Schools, arrived in CarJyle on Monday. At the R.M. Court, Carlyle, on Saturday last, judgment was given in the case Ivess v Hawke, in favor of the plaintiff. A common fowl belonging to Master Charles Lett, Carlyle, laid an egg on Monday last which weighed 41 ounces. Mr W. J. Furlong, being the only candidate nominated for the Hawera Riding of the County Council on Saturday last, the Returning Officer (Mr J, Black) declared Tiim duly; elected. Mr H. R. Baker proposed and Mr J. S. Greig seconded Mr Furlong’s nomination. At New Plymouth Saturday next there will be a sale of Crown Land on the deferred payment, also sections in the Village of Waipuku on the Mountain Road. Cash'land will be auctioned on the 27th instant. A first dividend in Mr Charles Brown’s estate will be payable at Hawera on and alter to-day. School fees in the Patca Education District in arrear will be sued for from today. Timber, flour, coal, &c., will be sold tomorrow at Carlyle by Mr William Dale at noon, sharp. As Mr F. McCarthy, of Carlyle, was driving home from the Agricultural Show, and when on the newly made part of the road near Waverley township, the trap upset, turning over on Mr McCarthy. Another person in the trap jumped out, and escaped unhurt. Mr McCarthy was much bruised, and has injured the cap of his knee so much that he will be compelled to lay up for some time. It would seem that people in other parts of the colony are ready enough to dispose of land for either special settlements or private use. The Messrs Gane Brothers application for land having met the eye of an owner of land on the East Coast, an offer (quite unsought) has been made of a block "i'lum 000 Lw 0000 ucrea in urea, situated on the East Coast. The land is now covered with toitoi and fern, has a road running to it, and is within five miles of a good port. Title Crown grant. Plans and particulars to be furnished on application.

One of Walter A. Wood’s American Heaping and Binding Machines, the most perfect yet invented, has been introduced to the Patea District by Sir W. Williams, of Carlyle. There has been a tremendous run on the machines, large orders having been sent from all parts of the world to makers. Two hundred have been ordered by one Melbourne house alone. The machine was erected on Saturday and is now on view. The Mark Lane Express referring to a trial of the machine near Bedford, England, says :—“ A more satisfactory display, both in itself and by comparison, we never saw in connection with agricultural machinery. We have seen the rise and progress of steam cultivation, and of mowers, and hand-raking and self-raking reapers, through twenty-live years, but wo may safely say we have never seen a trial so decisive, as we may term it, in its results as was this self-binding. If we say the work done by it was perfect, we shall not be saying too much, for it cut an excellent stubble from two to three inches high, while there was not more than one stem or ear left, on an average, to a square rod. In comparison we may say there was four times as much corn left by the self-raking machine and hand-binders ; and when, the hand-mowing and hand-binding were done, there were ten or twelve times as many ears left before the rake—and there would certainly be three times as much corn left after it was raked as the selfbinder left in the first instance. This is saying a good deal, but wo are only expressing the , opinions of many practical farmers who were present, as well as results which we saw Avith our own eyes. —The Farmer of 20th August, 1877, says —“ Walter A. Wood’s machine tied the sheaves in quite an even and masterly way, while each sheaf as it was tied Avas pitched clear of the platform. One sterling point about this machine took us by surprise, it is that, according to the Avay the horses walked, no more power is required to work this machine than it takes to propel a three or four-rake self-delivery reaper.” t At the Resident Magistrate’s Court Carlyle, yesterday, a case of some interest to emp'oyers and employees Avas heard before Captain Wray, 11.M. W. White, laborer, sued F. Waller, for 18s balance of Avages due for one Aveek’s work. Defen-' dant admitted that he had stopped the sum of 18s from plaintiff’s wages in consequence of his not giving the usual week’s notice of intention to leaA’e, he being a Aveekly servant. Plaintiff stated that he bad given five days’ notice, Avhich defendant denied on oath, and said that the plaintiff had only given one day’s notice, and bad left Avork at a very critical time, when labor could not be easily procured. After a lengthy investigation by the E.M., judgment was given for defendant Avith costs—the R.M. remarking that plaiutiff ought to have given a clear Aveek’s notice. Plaintiff demurred to the decision of the R.M., and his Worship found it necessary to caution the plaintiff to be more respectful, othenvise lie (the 11.M.) Avonld find it necessary to have him .locked up.

The s.s. Waitara, from Waitara, arrived in the Patea River on Sunday morning. On Monday she towed into the river two timber laden vessels, the Elizabeth, for Mr Dale, and the Agnesj for Mr Milroy. The s.s. Waitara left again on Tuesday morning. This vessel appears to be a smart little craft, and made the run from Waitara (bar to bar) in about eleven hours —the distance being 95 miles. This was her first trip to Patea. The first shipment of wool from Patea this season was made by the Clyde on Saturday, and comprised eight bales, forwarded from Hawera by Mr J. Winks. Captain Marshall, officer lately in command in the Nelson District, has been appointed to the command of the A. C. Force in this district, and has taken up his quarters at Waihi. Captain Kenny j has been made Chief Inspector of the Taranaki provincial district, and has removed to head quarters at New Plymouth, A. young man from the country attended the concert at Carlyle on Thursday last, having borrowed a pony to do the journey on. Of course he was suitably attired — the best Sunday-go-to-mcetin’ clothes were put on. On the return journey, and when on the other side of Kakaramea, the pony gave a sudden start, jerked the man off, and scampered away, dragging the man for some distance along the road. Besides sundry bruises, and a narrow escape from having his brains dashed out on the stony road, the man’s clothing got considerably damaged, and a good coat completely spoiled. The pony was startled by a cow which was lying down on the road. The owner of the damaged coat intends to see if the owner of the straying cow cannot be made to recoup his loss. We hope the County Council will take steps to abate the ■wandering cattle nuisance, before a case is made for the coroner. Mr Ellis, of the Turo Turo Brick and Tile yards, near Hawera, has left specimens of his manufactures with Mr James Davidson, storekeeper, and invites inspection. Mr Davidson has also been appointed agent. We bear that the survey of the Midhirst Special Settlement (Fookcs’) is being pushed on rapidly under two experienced surveyors (Mr T. K, Skinner, of New Plymouth, and Mr Trcgear, of Patea), and an able staff. As largo interests in the settlement are held both at New Plymouth and at Wanganui, tbeproprictor lias determined (to suit the convenience of holders) to offer Town lots for sale at both Wanganui and New Plymouth. The settlement scheme has proved a thorough success there being more applicants than could be provided with land, and that, too notwithstanding counter attractions of a similar nature. Enterprise such as shown by Mr Fookes deserves success, and we trust that he will come off well with his venture. Plan of the township is on view at this office, at the office of Mr W. Cowern, and Mr McGuire, Hawera. The Taranaki Herald of the 13th instant gives pretty full report of Mr Halsc’s application for land on behalf of Mr Christie. After considerable discussion Mr Standish moved “ That it being the obvious intention of the Waste Lands Act that improvement and occupation be insisted upon, it is clearly the duty of the Board that such be carried out in all contracts for special settlement.”—No one seconding the resolution, Mr Byrne moved, “ That in consideration of the proposed expenditure of £2,000 on roads through the block of 5,000 acres applied for by Mr Christie, neither occupation or improvements would be insisted upon by the Board.” Carried. —Mr Standish then lodged a written protest, on the grounds mentioned in his resolution. It was inconsistent with the resolution passed by the Board at its meeting on the 29th October, that honafule occupation would be required.

A late number of the Taranaki Herald says :—A telegram was received this morning by a gentleman in town, stating that the greater part of £IOOO had been subscribed at Oamaru for the purpose of prospecting Taranaki for gold, and that twenty-five shares had been reserved for this district. Six experienced diggers were to leave Oamaru by the first steamer for here, who will, on "arriving, proceed to explore the whole of the district. Sergeant-Major Dinneen, of the A. 0. Force, is under orders for transfer to the Depot at Wellington. Members of the Waihi station give a dance this (Wednesday ) evening as a parting remembrancer. A well attended meeting of persons interested in proposed sports for Christmas, was held in the Albion Hotel, Carlyle, on Saturday evening last. Mr James Lott was voted to the chair. It was decided to hold sports on the Patea Cricket Ground, on Doxing day. Officers and committee were elected as follows: Judges—Messrs R. E. Mcßae and C. Symes ; Handicappers —Messrs R. C. Tennent and W. Cowern ; Committee—Messrs James Lett, G. W. Gane, S. Dixon, 13. Dasent, H. I. Davis, W. Colson, and D. Dickie, with power to add. Mr H. I. Davis was appointed starter, and Mr C, Hargreaves was elected Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. A subscription list was opened in the room, and the sum of £7 XOscollected. Helpfrom all quarters will be welcomed.