The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 275, 1 December 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1877.

<i> ThoPatca Education Board met at Carlyle yesterday, as a preliminary to passing out of existence, and resigning educational matters to the tender mercies of aspiring Wanganui. A telegram, however, received from Government gave them a new lease of life. It was to the effect that Boards, under “The Education Act, 1870,” continue in existanee by the new Act as amended and passed, until a new Board is elected. There was a full attendance of members. Report shall appear next issue. A patient sent in from llawera was admitted to the Patea Hospital yesterday, and is now under the care of Dr Warren. As one or more patients have been in the Hospital now for the past six months, we think it is quite time stops were taken to provide a more suitable building. A meeting will beheld at the Wharnclilfe Hotel, Kakaramea, on Tuesday next, to arrange sports for New Year’s Day, Time for receiving tenders for eightroomed house, Whenuakura Block, has been extended lo the Bth instant. On Monday and Tuesday, the Town Hall [?] will be occupied by Raphel’ Star Troupe. We call special attention to advertisement in another column. McDowell & Co, of Wellington, arc opening out a largo stock of drapery for public slaughter in Carlyle. See notification -

The telegraph wire to the South was in bad working order last night, and telegrams could not be sent through until late.

Barlow’s Circus is exhibiting in Wanganui and will shortly visit this district, Mr John Lyttle, of Kakaramca, met with a nasty accident on Thursday afternoon last, lie had been shoeing a young hors ;, and when finally rasping one of the fore feet, the animal reared, and si nick him on the hack of the head with its lore foot, inflicting a scalp wound about two inches long. Mr Lyttle was for soma time insensible and on recovering consciousness found himself very sore from the shaking. At night it was deemed necessary to send for Dr Warren, and that gentleman was called out about half-past one o clock. Examination showed that beyond the scalp wound no serious injury had been sustained.

No late cable news direct from England has arrived. The latest news viu Melbourne is to the 13th November, and corroborates cable messages published in the colony a week ago, that the Russians were gaining ground in almost every quarter. A Cricket Match was played on Thursday between the Carlyle and iVavcrley Teams —eleven on each side, the latter winning by eight runs. Mr Mason captained the Waverloy team, and Mr Jacomb the Durlylc team. On the Wavorlcy side double figures were obtained by Mason 16, I* ookes 10. On Carlyle side Jacomb made 14, Retch 28, Tapfin 12, the latter carrying out his bat, and was also carried off the ground shoulder high us a mark of appreciation. A most sumptuous repast was provided for the visiting team at Mrs Prices’ Wcicoinc Stranger Hotel, which was partaken of at one o’clock. Carlyle men speak in the highest terms of praise both of their treatment by the individual members of the Wavericy club, and also of the arrangements made for their entertainment and comfort, and the excellent manner in which the worthy hostess attended to the part entrusted to her care. Besides the dinner there was plenty to eat and drink all day long on the ground.

Tenders for SO yards gravel will be received by Mr E. Payne, Kakaramca, until Tuesday next. Tenders for the office of valuer to the Wairoa lligvvay Board to be sent in today. We learn by private telegram from New Plymouth that the Taranaki Land Board has acceded to tiie application of H. F. Christie, Esq, for block of land on the Mountain Hoad, for special settlement purposes. Mr CL F. Robinson, the ranger appointed by the Board to value the land, has reported very favorably as to the good quality of the land. We should expect no time will be lost in getting it into the market. Our own correspondent telegraphed last night as follows—“ The Waste Lands Board met this morning, and application of Air Christie was granted, and the price per aero agreed to at 255. Conditions same as Fookcs Settlement. Mr Christie leaves at once for Patea.”

The expected start at surveying the Waiinatc Plains is exercising the minds of natives who arc in favor as well as those who are averse to the survey. Mr Williams, who, as a private interpreter, appears to have his time pretty well occupied, is reported to have attended a meeting of natives on a plantation a few miles from Nonnanby on Tuesday last, at which the survey question was discussed—at first warmly, and afterwards in a peaceable way. Natives who accompanied Mr Williams wore favorable to the survey. Others who were present at the meeting held strong opinions on the other side. Tito Kowara, a by no means unimportant personage as regards this question, desired a fair hearing for both sides, and successfully used his influence to obtain it. The line of argument used by Mr Williams and natives who accompanied him was that in every case of fighting the Maoris had got the worst of it, and their chances of success now were small indeed. It would be better for them to help the survey, as the survey could not take away the land, but would only make it easier for themselves or the Government to deal with it. By conciliating the Government by means of petition they would bo most likely liberally treated. By obstructing and lighting they would only be spoiling their own chance of obtaining large reserves. Tito Kowam appeared well inclined to the survey idea, and it is said ho also showed himself very friendly to Mr Williams and party, and as a warranty of mutual trust proposed an exchange of watches, which Mr Williams agreed to. While good feeling lasts the watches (both valuable ones) will be held as now. Should ill feeling arise the watches will bo again exchanged. Altogether the mooting may be looked upon as favorable.

SMALL FARM ASSOCIATION. We learn that there was a very large attendance at the meeting of the Ketcinarac Small Farm Association hold at Normanby, on Thursday. A representative (Mr Campbell) was present from Wanganui. Before the general meeting' commenced, the committee met to draw up a report for presentation, at the general meeting. Finally it was agreed to read report of committee who had inspected the land.

Mr W. Williams, of Carlyle, was votod to the chair at the general meeting and Mr McGuire was elected Secretary. Mr J. S. Greig was also proposed as Secretary. It was announced that about 200 applications for membership had been received, and that Mr McGuire had received over £22 from applicants in 5s which, however, had not been paid over to the Treasurer, Mr McGuire stating that he had promised to return lo the applicants money received by him in case the Association was not successfully floated,. This statement was followed by a very hot discussion, and the right of Mr McGuire to make such promise or retain the money on such pretext was denounced in no measured terms. It was contended that the 5s deposit was intended to cover preliminary expenses, and that all applicants should pay whether the objects of the Association should be finally attained or not. After some time Mr McGuire handed the amount over.

It was mentioned that a report had been received from the Taranaki VV asto Land Board, to the effect that there was only about 6,000 acres of good land in the block applied for, and of that quantity the Association would be allowed to take up only 4,000 acres. After the general meeting considerable dissatisfaction was expressed at the action of the Secretary in regard to preliminaries, and a number of members withdrew their names.

A committee meeting was afterwards held, when farther resignations was given in. Considering there arc 200 applicants, the resignations will not effect the progress of the Associatio. The Chairman was instructed to telegraph about another block of land ;u what is known as the Valley of the Patea River. This block is about 10 miles long by 2 miles wide, and is said to be of excellent quality. Four or five persons were appointed to inspect and report and also to look at other suitable land.

COUNTY COUNCIL. A meeting of the above Council w r as he’d in the Council Chambers, Carlyle, on Wednesday last. Present—Messrs Sherwood (chairman), Dale, Kcnah, Davidson, Livingstone, Iloneyliold, Bridge, Furlong, and Kells. Mr Furlong’, who had been elected a member of tiie Hawcra Hiding in place of Mr Middlomns, was introduced to the Council by Mr Davidson. Minutes of last ordinary, special, and commiLce meetings were read and confirmed.

Correspondence—From J. Woon, Wanganui, re license fee of Waitotara Hotel, and declining to take further action ; front Major Atkinson, re petition New Plymouth Harbor ; from J. Knowles, re Spence Hoad, giving decision of Minister of Public Works thereon ; from J. Barleyman, New Plymouth, stating that Geo license fee had been transferred to Patea County fund ; from J. G. Ginger, stating that trustees of Manntahi Cemetery reserve would put up dividing fence ; from Wanganui Chronicle , asking- further information about tender for printing ; from G. S. Cooper, acknowledging copy of resolution re management of reserves ; from same, stating that auditor had been instructed to proceed to Carlyle ; from J. It. Somerville, Wanganui, asking if the County receive fees for registration of brands ; from A. D. Willis, stating that he would do printing at the lowest rates ; from Wanganui Herald , asking for particulars of printing required ; from Collector of Customs, Wellington, re auctioneers licenses; from Taranaki Herald , declining to tender tor printing, and informing Council that it would be to the benefit of the district if Hie local newspaper office were supported. Abstract of receipts and disbursements read and adopted, for the month to 27th November, as follows: —Receipts ; General rates, £493 14s 3d ; registration fees, £1 IGs ; license foe from Oco, £ls ; deposit on contracts, £lO. Total, £520 10s 3d. — Disbursements : Public works, £O3 13s ; general account, £42 11s 9d ; Hospital and destitute, £3l 17s Id ; deposit account, £lO. Total, £154 Is lOd. Accounts were passed for payment.

The Council adjourned for ten minutes, previous to the annua! election or Chairman. On re-assembling, Mr .Sherwood moved the motion standing in his name, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and carried unanimously— 11 That Mr Bridge bo the Chairman for the ensuing year.”—Before leaving the chair, Mr Sherwood thanked those who had stood by him through his term of office, which had been anything but a pleasant one. He hoped the newly elected chairman would receive that support duo to the position he had been chosen to occupy. lie (Mr Sherwood) woidd have resigned some time ago, but thought lie would not be doing justice to the County, as he believed by doing so, affairs would have been thrown into a worse state than they were before he took cilice. Tic believed that those who opposed him, did so not because they considered ho was in the wrong, but simply because they determined to oppose him from the first. He contended that a man should not be judged by his actions, but by his motives. They could not have perfection, and he honestly believed ho had done ids duty by the ratepayers. YvTiatcver might be the opinion of oilier members of the Council, lie could not but look back upon ids term without taking a little credit to himself for tiic present good management of County affairs. Mr Biidge then took the chair, and thanked the members for the honor they had conferred on him. He considered that Mr Sherwood deserved great praise for the manner in which he had conducted the business of the Council.

Mr Kenah wished it distinctly understood chat he had only on one occasion opposed the late chairman, and if he had known fully the circumstances of the case at the time, ho would not have taken the action he had done.

Mr Kelly said if Mr Kenali referred to the Waver!ey Reserve, he did not agree with him, and still considered Mr Sherwood had acted oi’licionsly. lie should adhere to the motion and action previously taken. As to the conduct of business generally, lie could bear willing testimony that the late chairman had carried out the wishes of the Council with great credit. The Overseer reported the roads as being in good order. —A lengthy discussion ensued as to whether reports should be “ received ” or • ‘ adopted,” but nothing definite was arrived at. The Council then went into committee to consider tenders, and Mr Livingstone, on taking the chair, requested strangers to leave the room.

The Council resumed at 2.30 pan. The following tenders, considered _ in committee, were reported to the Council — Kakaramea culvert —J. Stevenson, £43 15s (accepted). For providing and depositing gravel, No. 8 contract —J. Johnston, £l4O 2s 6d (accepted) ; J. Stevenson, £199 15s (declined). No. 9 contract—J. Johnston, £147 10s (accepted) ; Johnson & Aikman, £l7B 2s Gel ; J. Stevenson, £2lo—(declined). • Tenders for insuring County Buildings —W. Dale (National), 20 per cent (accepted) ; .1 Hirst (New Zealand), 20 per cent; J. Gibson (South British)) 25 po r

cent; \Y. Cowern (Standard), 30 per cent; S. Tapi in (Union), 30 per cent —(declined). Proposed by Mr Davidson and seconded by Mr Furlong, That the report of the committee be adopted.—Mr Dale proposed as an amendment, seconded by Mr Honeyfield, That fresh tenders be called for the Kakaramca culvert, tiro mover and seconder giving it as their opinion that the tender was too high.—Other members spoke on the subject, contending that the work should be proceeded with at once, otherwise the Council might be plunged into greater difficulties through the present crossing giving away, and some serious accident happening.—The amendment was then put and lost, and the report was therefore adopted. Proposed by Mr Kenah, seconded by Mr Dale, and carried—“ That the time for completion of contracts 10, 12, and 13 be extended to 31st January, 1878.” Proposed by Sir Livingstone, seconded by Mr ' Davidson, and carried, “ That schedules and copies of papers required for use in the County Council Cilice be forwarded to tiro different printers, asking terms per 1000.”—An amendment moved by Mr Dale, and seconded by Mr Furlong, That the question of obtaining prices for printing be held over for the present, was lost.—The following members spoke to the question: Mr Dale was strongly in favor of the local newspaper office and local tradesmen being supported. Mr Sherwood while ho would like the local office to get the printing still thought printers in other places should be asked to compete, to ensure the work being done at reasonable prices. Mr Furlong considered It would not be worth while to send the printing out of the place, the quantity required being so very small. Sir Davidson thought charges at the local office were too high, and that outside newspapers should got a share of the woik. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, and seconded by Sir Livingstone, “ That copies of schedules bo forwarded to the Taranaki News, Taranaki Herald , Wanganui Herald , Wanganui Chronicle, Patea Mail, and Mr Willis.” On the motion of Mr Davidson, who considered the letter scut by the proprietor of the Taranaki Herald an insult to the Council, that paper was struck out, and the proposition as amended was carried.

Proposed by Sir Livingstone, seconded, by Mr Davidson, “That the Chairman] write to the receiver of auctioneers’! licenses, Wanganui, requesting that one-' fourth of license foes paid by Mr Jackson,; Mr Chadwick, and Messrs Barnes audj Wilson, be paid to the Patea County. —Ait amendment moved by Mr Sherwood, and, seconded by Mr Dale, was carried, “ Thatthe Chairman write to the Colonial Trea'r surer re apportioning the auctioneers’ licenses to this county.” The Chairman was instructed to make arrangements with the proprietor of the Patna Main to get the bye-Jaws now in force printed. Mr Livingstone moved the proposition standing in ids name, That owners and occupiers of land on main road should dear furze growing in front of their properties. Mr Sherwood seconded, and it was carried.

Mr Livingstone moved proposition standing in his name, That now culvert bo placed on top of bill east side Patea River to cany off storm water. Mr lloiioyliold seconded and it was carried. Mr Dale moved motion standing in his name, That tenders bo called for painting Tougahoc and Mauawapo Bridges. Some of the Councillors thought it rested with the Foreman of Works to report on state of bridges. An amendment moved by Air Davidson, and seconded by Mr Sherwood, was carried, That specifications should be prepared and estimates furnished before next meeting of Council,_ for painting Tougahoc and Mauawapo bridges. Mr Livingstone moved, Air Davidson seconded, and it was carried, That the County Buildings be insured for the sum of £IOO.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by

Mr Dale, and carried, That the Collector bo instructed so take immediate action to recover ail outstanding rates. The Council adjourned until Wednesday, the 2nd January, 1878.” ORIGINAL CORE EC PONDENC E. lI\WELIA V TIKOHANCI CRICKET MATCH. {To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Siu, —Upon reading your Special Reporter’a account of the llawera v Tikoraugi match, we were very much surprised to see statements made which have no foundation whatever, am!, if allowed to pass uncontradicted, might lead to a slur being cast upon our Club. Reference is made to a member playingin our team who, your Special Reporter, assorts, is not a lona fide member. we certainly must contradict, as the person* referred to was a member of this Club the) whole of hist season, and upon his leavingthis part of the district a month or two ago? elected still to belong to our Club, and hast paid this year’s subscription, thus showing’ your Reporter to he clearly in error ; and if ho had only taken the trouble to enquire of any one of the committee or myself, he would have obtained correct information, instead of being guided by the outsidestatements of a person who may not even be a member of the Club —or supposing hot is, has probably no knowledge as to who| our members are. And again your Reporter? carefully omitted to state that the three) bits made by Mr G. Cunningham, for six) • ims each, were lost balls, and certainly? would not have averaged more than three,? if the grass in the paddock had not been? rather long ; and finally he complains of want of courtesy on our part in not inviting him as a guest to the dinner given to : the visiting team. We certainly do not think that it is customary in country districts, where Club funds are, as a rule, rather short, to further increase expense; by issuing free invitations to newspaper reporters,—l am, &c., > W. G. WHITE, Hon Sec Hawei’a Cricket Club.

Ilawera, Nov. 2G, 1877. [Note. —Wo are credibly informed that Hawera Club last year refused to allow Mr Kilgour to play with Carlyle team (the latter being a man short) under exactly similar circumstances. Mr Kilgour had, as a matter of fact, loft the district, yet at the time of the match was still a member of the Club.—About the lost balls. Taranaki men, all strangers to the ground, did not allow a single ball to be lost. Hawera, according to its Secretary,

had three time to cry lost ball. Readers can -judge where the credit lies.—Hawera team had the ground carefully rolled,;; before commencing play in both first| and second innings. The Taranaki team| played after, in each case, without thef ground being re-rolled. A member of the Taranaki team complainedf that for the second innings, on being made that the ground bo rolled." Hawera representative would neither do it nor allow Taranaki men to do it for themselves. —In regaid to courtesies to to the Press, it is evident the Secretary of the Hawera C.Ch has much to learn. The fear of incurring expense need not; have prevented an explanation, when the “ expense” difficulty could no doubt have been easily over-come. — -Your Special Reporter.]

S.S. WAITARA. {To the Editor of the Patea Mail.)

Sir, — I notice in the loading article published in your issue of the 24th instant, that you state I may claim the honor of having been the means of inducing the s.s.. Waitara to visit Patea. Not having been the moans, I must disclaim any honor that may attach to the matter. With reference to your remarks about the Government subsidising a suitable vessel to the extent of £3OO per annum, on condition that ■sailing vessels should be towed in at a certain rate, I consider the Patea Harbor Board should make such a recommendation to the Government, if it is resolved to make the request. About two years ago I succeeded, through the member for the district, in obtaining from the Government a subsidy of £3OO per annum, for a proposed Patea Steam Navigation Company, which was, unfortunately, not floated, only a small number of shares being applied for, the deposits on applicacaiiou for which are still in the Bank of New South Wales, the provisional directors not having been got together to decide what to do with the money. —I am, &c., W. DALE.