The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 277, 8 December 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1877.

At the meeting of the Paten, County Council held on Tuesday, Cth November, on the motion of Mr Honey field, seconded by Mr Bridge, it was resolved, u That the clerk write to various printers to ascertain on what terms they would be prepared to do the printing for the Council.” A copy of the resolution witli request for reply before next meeting of the Council was received by the proprietor of this journal. As at the mooting of the County Council held on Wednesday (the 28th November), replies were received from two newspaper proprietors at New Plymouth, two from

Wanganui, and also one from Mr Willis, of Wanganui, it may be. inferred, that a similar communication had been received by the respective writers as that received by the proprietor of the Patea Mail. There was no sort of explanation as to what kind, or what quantity, or the probable annual value of the County Council printing bill. A resolul ion passed in May, on the motion of Mr Middlcmas, ordered that it should be the duty of the clerk of the Council, immediately after every meeting of the Council, <£ to transmit to the Foreman of Works, and other officers employed by the Council, copies of every resolution passed at such meeting, which has reference to tbeir respective duties ; the same to be considered the orders or instructions of the Council.” It may be that the clerk, having this resolution in view, feared that the giving of any explanation might be construed into overstepping the limits of bis duty. At any rate no intimation of the kind, quantities, or probable annual value of printing required, was given. The replies read at the late meeting from the respective printers, showed that they were individually in a state of fog in regard to the resolution —they could not tender on such a vague request. As from the resolution passed in May last, the Council must have considered itself fully competent to give clear and definite instructions by means of resolution on any subject in reference to which it was necessary to give instructions, tve presume they felt, in passing the resolution in regard to tenders for piinting, quite up to the mark. There would be no sort of doubt that they were getting out of their depth, or that a little information or special knowledge would be of service. Councillors may take credit to themselves for having fogged the printers. With but one exception, each printer applied to wanted further particulars. Of course it would not do to say the Councillors themselves were fogged, and neither knew what they wanted, nor how to explain what they wanted. Certainly not. They required something, and though unable to explain the particular what—that was the printers’ look out, not theirs. It is evident that in this case tiro Patea County Council wanted something out of the common. We may mention, by the way, that the total value of the printing done for the Council since Ist January to end of November months), amounted to £l2 os. The magnitude of the sum may startle some readers. The majority of the Councillors evidently consider this too large an amount to be absorbed by one printing office, and arc anxious that outside printers should get a share of the work. Hence the time spent in discussing this important matter. A few hours talk at two or three meetings, the passing- of a few resolutions, a few hours time spent by the Clerk in writing to printers in various centres of population (stationery, postage, delays, &c.), might actually lead to the saving of a few shillings on the minting bill. The heavy—that is, profitable—work could be sent out of the district, the light casual jobs could be given to the local office, and so the Council would make itself known and felt outside its own boundaries, and other papers would got a share of the work, mid the County would save well, certainly not much. The following is a copy of a letter sent by the proprietor of the Taranaki Herald , in reply to application from the Patea Council for tenders for printing:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 12th November, requesting me to tender for printing required by the Council. Were there no printing office in your district, I should be happy' to submit a proposal for approval; but seeing that the Patea Mail is published there, and should be .able to do all the work required, I think the Council arc hardly doing justice to themselves or the district by seeking to send away from Carlyle the work they may want done. Should there, however, bo any printing that the local establishment could not do, then I would be most happy to supply you with prices, but fooling that newspapers in country districts require all the support local bodies can give them, and which support is no doubt relied upon when commencing the enterprise, I must respectfully decline to compete with them. Looked at calmly by Councillors, there is a fund of instruction in the above letter. The writer evidently understands the expense and difficulties of working a country newspaper profitably, and would rather aid and encourage, than greedily rob a struggling paper from what should he looked upon as its legitimate nourishment—the printing work required by its public bodies. It is undoubtedly true that the support of local bodies is relied upon in venturing to establish, or take over a newspaper, in a country district. If that support is not accorded, there is little inducement for anyone to undertake the task of conducting such risky enterprises. In withdrawing oven the trifling support which the printing account referred to comprises, the Council is acting in a manner discreditable to itself, and in a way which will ultimately prove injurious to the County. It is simply encouraging that petty spirit which prompts many persons to send away for every box of candles, few pounds of tea, treacle, or such like, which may bo required for homo consumption, instead of giving orders through local tradesmen, and so enabling them to buy largely and at first hand, and thus be in a position to retail at low prices. There is no encouragement, while such practices prevail, for tradesmen to launch out in defined lines of business, and so place themselves in a position to do well by the general public. They are forced to dabble in almost everything to eke out a living. The result is, "in Carlyle, we have business places which are really not a credit to

the County town of a rich and important district like Patea. We fear that until this desire to reach outside for every petty requirement is ended, there will bo little improvement cither in business or business places. The same may be said in regard to the local newspaper. If an important public body like the Comity Council encourages that petty spirit which would reach outside to supply its wants, by sending the printing, and possibly the advertising, out of the district, the local paper cannot thrive, and be of that service which liberal or even fair treatment would ensure. Outside newspapers and outside men cannot be relied upon to heartily advocate the particular interests of Patea Comity. Each paper and public man is interested in the advancement of its, and his, own locality. "With Taranaki stragglinghard to push ahead, with New Plymouth for its central point, on the one hand, and Wanganui straining every nerve to centralize power, trade, and public bodies, and institutions within itself, and where able to check the growth of possible rivals, it is suicidal for this county in any form to waste its strength. The aim of all within its boundaries should be to strengthen its public institutions, its several townships, and increase its trade by encouraging its local tradesmen. Until more of a county feeling is worked up this district will be a plaything, to be tickled and bled, by its more powerful neighbours, whoso strength is better conserved. We certainly feel grateful to the proprietor of the Taranaki Herald for the generous consideration shown towards ourselves, and trust that the County Councillors instead of tooling insulted, by the letter, as some were inclined to be, will carefully consider and profit by it. The letter referred to is in marked marked contrast to the following which was scut to an officer of the Council, and marked *'•' private.” Of course wo withhold the name of the sender:—■ I am in the habit of allowing 10 per cent, off my usual prices for printing and stationery to officers of Hoards, and shall be happy to allow you the same. I wish yon to understand that this makes no difference to the Boards themselves, as they arc charged no more in consequence. When you remit me any cash, please, therefore, deduct your commission.

We almost need apologise to readers for making so much of what on the face of it, is such a very small matter ; but the conservation as against the squandering of County strength and resources is a matter of vital importance to all interested in the immediate future of this important district. If local bodies do not set a good example by supporting local tradesmen, the general public are not likely to do so, and thus progress will in many ways be retarded, and the miserable order of things which has hitherto prevailed will continue, and the district will be kicked and culled by whoever wills.

Press Agency telegrams report that on the second reading of the Loan Bill being moved in the House on Thursday, Sir G. Grey asked authority to borrow £4,000,000, and said, “ Within eighteen months £1,500,000 would be required for public works and immigration, £500,000 for provincial liabilities, £300,000 to icpay advances from the public works account, £1,000,000 to banks, and £833,000 inTrcasmy Bills; in all, upward of four millions was required.”—“ Major Atkinson declared the conduct of the Government in asking such powers on such vague statements was unprecedented. He denied the existence of half a million of provincial liabilities. Those so called were mere speculative estimates from Otago, -which, if recognised, the rest of the colony would have a right to demand at least half a mil lion more. He opposed borrowing more than £2,000,000. —Discussion followed, and the amount to be borrowed was ultimately fixed at £2,500,000, the Premier remarking that “ Government thought £4,000,000 should be given, but would take what the House would give, and make the best of it.”—Government appears to give way on any and every point, and do the bidding of the House like veritable slaves. —The following schedule in the Loan Bill was agreed Works and Immigration, £1,400,000 ; Provincial Liabilities, £300,000; redeemingguarantecd debentures, £BOO,OOO. Total—£2,soo,ooo.

British Mails via San Francisco close at Patca bn Monday the 10th instant. Mails via Suck close on Tuesday the 11th inst. —Francis Long, Postmaster. Another opportunity of securing desirable building sites atllawera will bo offered by Mcssis J. Strachan Greig and Co., on Saturday, the 19th instant. The land comprises the ten-acre block adjoining that lately sold opposite the residence of T. Middleman Esq. Intending settlers in the rising township of Hawcra should not fail to inspect the block. Mr J. Lyttlc, of Kakaramea, who was kicked on the back of the head whilst shoeing a young horse lately, has recovered sufficiently' to be enabled again to tackle work.

As a sample of the kind of stock raised in this district, we may mention that three heifers have been slaughtered by T Mcßae and Nicholson during tho pa»t fortnight, two of which weighed l,ooolbs each, and the other was considerably over 9001b weight. As it is imperative that Patea Pdver Improvements should be put in hand quickly, so as, if possible, to get the work well advanced before tiie approach of winter, the first object was to secure the services of an efficient engineer. The Chairman (Mr Sherwood) therefore placed himself in communication with Mr John Thomson, the Government Engineer, who lately reported so favorably on the practiability of the proposed work, and whose credentials are a guarantee of the ability' and suitability of that gentleman as engineer, for carrying out the work. Mr Thomson left Wellington for Patea on Thursday' morning. McDowell and Co. close their drapery sale to-night.

Yesterday’s Court cases, Carlyle, held over

Election of member for Manutabi Cemetery takes place at the Blockhouse at halfpast seven o’clock this evening, At twelve o’clock to-day, Mr W. Dale, will sell on the premises, furniture, &c.,the property of A. North (sen), Esq.

Tenders for building house on Whenuakura block, will bo received by Mr W. Gowcrn, up 1.0 4 p.m. this day.

Tenders for earthwork for Patea West Road Board will be received by the Secretary (.Mr W. Dale) until noon of Monday. Press Agency telegrams received yesterday state that the Governor and Sir George Grey have had animated discussion on the question of dissolution. Correspondence will be printed. Sir George tried to bounce the Governor into granting dissolution. Tiic (xovornor opjectci!.

A valuable retriever dog belonging to Mr Slaiterly, a carder between Wanganui and Hawera, while passing through Cailylo, on Thursday, was pounced at by another dog, and ran under the wheel of conveyance, and had afterwards to be killed. The dog had twice saved Mr Slattorly’s life, when lost in the bush, by fetching help. The loss is therefore irreparable. A gentleman writing from Normanby fears that the Small Farm Association will fall through, on account of the action of

the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, in limiting the area to very small dimensions, ami in having allowed a private application from Taranaki man, to be entertained. Our remarks lately 011 the above Board were by some considered too strong. People ai this end can now judge for themselves.

At the last sitting-of the County Council one of the Councillors stated that the Kakaramca Culvert would carry ten tons, and thought there was not much need to as regarded new culvert. The Foreman of Works (Mr Wright) said the culvert had carried four tons hut it would not cany ten tons, and he would not g’urantec the culvert lasting a single day. A wagon load of wool was taken over yesterday and bent the structure. Shortly afterwards the coach from Ilawera passed over and the culvert caved. The Foreman of Works, being; warned was quickly on the spot, and had temporary repairs effected, which were completed Just in time to allow the coach from Wanganui to pass over without being delayed. A well attended meeting was held at the Wharncliffe Hotel, Kakaramca, on Tuesday evening last, to arrange the preliminaries for sports to be held at Kakaramca on New Year’s Hay, Mr C. Syincs was elected judge; Mr F. Mcßae, handicappcr; Mr H. Chadwick, Hon. Sec and Treasurer. Twelve gentlemen were proposed for the committee. On a ballot being taken the following were elected:—Messrs P. Wilson, H. JO. Mcßae, T. Haywood, lb W, Foreman,W.Williams, Jun, J. Adamson, ami A. Hunter. Twelve pounds was collected in the room. Members of the committee, are requested to meet at the Wharnclilfe Hotel to-night (Saturday) at S p.m. to arrange programme.

£II,OOO FOll MOUNTAIN HOAD. Mr C. F. Gibson, of Normanhy, has kindly forwarded for publication, the following copy of telegram received by him from Major Atkinson, on Tuesday last;— “ Government have kindly, upon my recommendation, placed £B,OOO on the Supplementary Estimates for the Mountain Hoad. This makes a total of £II,OOO. (Signed) 11. A. Atkinson.” Should the above sum bo sanctioned by the House, wc trust that no time will bo lost before a start is made at the work. The formation and metalling of the road through Normanhy should be first put in hand, and continued towards the Patea Hiver so that the whole length to Inglewood would be quickly mads passable for coach traffic. As soon as the Mountain Hoad is made passable the coach will run through to llawura from New Plymouth three limes a week.