The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1877.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 282, 29 December 1877, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1877.

A Wklbinoton paper lately stated that the lion J. Sheehan would soon visit Paten to settle about the Waimate Plains. Other authorities fixed the date for the sth January. It was reported from Auckland, after the Napier demonstration, that Mr Sheehan had gone with Sir George Grey to Kawau. Yet, on Saturday lust, Mr Sheehan was in New Plymouth, having landed for a few hours from the steamer which was proceeding to Auckland, Mr Sheehan is reported to have stated at Now Plymouth that he and Sir George Grey wou'd-visit that place together some time in January, and that a Cabinet meeting would shortly afterwards bo held in Wellington, when not only would the Waimate PI aius question bo considered, but that of the Mountain Road, land for settlement, and the general policy of the Government. The Grey Government are great on vague promises, and in a flonrisli-of-trumpots sort of way, first in one place and then in another, manage to keep the public at large in a state of expectancy. It matters not how insignificant a’place may be, if only the wirepullers can get up a show—draw a crowd—the “stars” will appear. Then the precedent-for-all-time performer will say bis piece, and bo backed up in grandiloquent strain by bis young and glib-tongued protegee (Mr Sheehan). Many people see through this show business, and count it at its proper value. We have amongst us one of those gentlemen dame nature occasionally manufactures, sometimes of one color, sometimes of another, who is respected by all who know him. We refer to the Maori chief, Tanrna. He is gifted with far-seeing shrewdness, and lately exhibited it in a manner which Europeans might well follow suit in. The Grey Government wire-pullers have been at work on this coast, and have striven hard to get up a show. So far, they

have not succeeded in drawing a crowd, hence the appearance of the 11 star” performers has been delayed. Perseverance will no doubt be yet rewarded, Soon after the Grey Government attained office, Karailana addressed a letter to tin* native chiefs of this coast, in which he expatiated on the many groat and good intentions of the new Ministry in general, and of Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan in particular, and urged the chiefs to invite the Premier and his colleagues to visit them. The reply ot Taurua was— “ New Governments(Ministerics) always promise very much. What they'perform is very much alike.” We cannot say that definite promises have been made so far by the present Government to settlers here, though, in a vague sort of way, great expectations have been raised. Thu most “promising” Government this district ever had was that of His Honor P. A. Carrington. That, however, if now dead, lot it therefore be buried. But the present Government has duties to perform, if it lias not yet definite promises to fulfill, which affect onr interests materially. Indications so far are not reassnring as to the views of the Government on what is at present a question of material importance to us—that of the confiscated lauds. The survey of the Waimato Plains has been suspended some weeks and there arc no sif/ns of it heiny resumed. Pakeha stock is depasturing there under agreement with the natives. Pakeha stock is also depasturing on the confiscated land inland of Momakaki, under native leases. There is but one conclusion can be arrived at, and that is that Sir George Grey has determined to let the balance of the confiscated land slide back into the hands of the natives. It is possible that he cannot legally hand it back, but practically, it amounts to the same, if ho allows it to be dealt with by lease to Europeans, and vested rights to be initiated,which will surely tend to complicate the question and prevent the land being dealt with as it has been, and is now being dealt with, under Mr Civil Commissioner Brown, from Patca to Waingongora. ?Ve have nothing to say against those gentlemen who arc taking advantage of opportunities, presented by Government, to enable them to make advantageous bargains with the natives for the depasturage of stock upon those lands. In fact, we look upon it as part of the programme of the Grey Government, who are ever trumpeting forth their desire to serve the people, while actually playing into the hands ot the rich. In the same way as, for want of a restrictive resolution, speculators were lately enabled to buy up land at the low prices before the new Act came into force, so we look upon the present delay in regard to the Plains survey, as an invite to their friends—the money ring and land grabbers —to secure and acqniie all they can, and thus further complicate the confiscated land question, and afford an excuse for letting it slide altogether, and leaving the natives and speculators in undisturbed possession. Wo deplore a policy which hands over the finest portion of our country to run holders under native leases instead of settling it with small farmers. Mr Bnsseuclen with Captain Blake was lately in the district. Wo hear they arc again about. Are they one with the policy or tin outcome of each other ?

We undeistand that Colonel Trimble, as Chairman of the Taranaki County Council, lost no time in applying to the Government asking when and how the money voted for the Mountain Road would be spent —whether by the General Govern-' ment, under one Engineer, or by the County Councils of Taranaki and Patea, under their respective Engineers. The desirability of at once proceeding with the work, or placing the money to credit of the County Councils, was strongly urged. On the Taranaki side, a careful estimate has been made, and it is feared there will bo only sufficient money to make good the worst parts of the road, and that, too under the most judicious management. It is therefore desirable that theio should bo neither waste nor delays. On the bare probability of the money being spent, levels on the Taranaki side are being taken, and the road marked in suitable lengths for letting in small contracts. We understand that, after some hesitation, the Chairman of the Patea County Council has ventured to write to Government on this urgently important matter. Now Plymouth people are fully alive to the importance of getting the road formed and gravelled to meet the railway line, and for the most part are anxious (to save time) to see the work started at both ends. An influential deputation is being organised to wait on the Members who again will interview or communicate with the Government on this matter. A petition from Patea sent to the Members of the Assembly for the district as to the necessity for immediately starting this work, would no doubt carry weight with the Government, who are shortly expected to hold a Cabinet meeting, when this and other matters will be decided upon. Unanimity above all things is required. The lino of road, so far as Normanby is concerned, should be left ontiiely for an engineer or Government to decide. Squabbling about the matter would probably afford a pretext to Government to delay the spending the money.

Members of Patea Kilwinning (Masonic) Lodge meet at the 'Town Hall, Carlyle, on Wednesday next, at 7.30 p.m.

As New Year’s day happens on Tuesday, the Patea Mail will be published on the morning of that day, in order to enable our staff to enjoy themselves after the manner of other folks. Advertisers and contributors are, therefore, requested kindly to forward all favours as early on Monday as possible. Midhirst town sections offered for sale at New Plymouth fetched from £6 to £ls per quarter acre section. F. M. Chapman, Esq., the purchaser of Messrs Gane Brothers’ farm, has arrived at Patca, and will we believe accupy from the Ist January. Tenders for the erection of a Wesleyan school house at Nonnanby will bo received up to the 2nd January. Mr W. Dale will bold clearing sale to-day commencing at twelve o’clock. Lunch provided. The Banks at Carlyle will be closed on the Ist and 2nd ot January. llaphel’s Star Troupe is now returning from a successful season at Now Plymouth, and will perform at the Town Hall, Carlyle, this evening. The performance is a varied one and should suit all tastes. The Hawcra Sports will bo held on New Year’s Day. The committee have been eminently successful in canvassing for funds, and every exertion has 'been made to ensure a successful day’s sports. The high money prizes arc sure to attract the best men in the district, besides which enterics for some of the chief events have been made from New Plymouth and elsewhere. Under the heading of (i Strange Bedfellows,” the Wanganui Chronicle says : The Hon John Sheehan, the new Native Minister, and Captain Blake, of Ilawora, are said to bo old schoolfellows. Simple people, however, would hardly see in this any clue to the Waimato Plains embroglio, or, think it sufficient to account for the practical censure of an old and tried officer like Major Brown, and the relegation of bis important duties to the erstwhile schoolmate and his fair adviser. The following is cop}'of letter sent by the secretary of the Hawera Road Board (Mr J. S. Groig) to the lion the Minister of Public Works* Wellington, and dated Hawera, 21st December —“Under instructions from the Hawera Road Board, I am directed to ascertain from you the course of the Mountain Boad (as has or will be determined by the Government) running through Nonnanby towards New Plymouth. The foregoing information is urgently required, as the Board is desirous of expending a considerable amount on such road, and before proceeding with the work deem it expedient to learn from you the foregoing information.” If the information sought is obtained it will help to settle a question which has _ agitated Normanhy settlers for a long time past. We believe a reply was desired by the 2nd January, and have no doubt the secretary will promptly make known the reply on receipt of answer. We understand that Mr David Johnstone, well and favorably known in the Hawera and Nonnanby districts, has arranged to take over the Old Ketomarao Hotel, at present owned by Mr Felix McGuire. Mr Johnstone, will take possession on the 2nd January. Mr W. Dale, of Carlyle, will act as valuer for Mr McGuire, and Mr J. S. Gneig for Mr Johnstone. The new proprietor will immediately commence the erection of new and commodious premises.

Mr J. S. G.ioig, is the II aw ora agent of the Australian Mutual Provident Society. We call attention to the altered advertisement of Messrs J. S. Groig and Co. It will he seen that the business of general storekeepers has been added. The following extract from report of a cricket match, played in South Australia, is from the Adelaide Observer of the 3rd November. The gentleman referred to is well known in Patoa. “Mr Garwood, the New Zealand player, who has thorepntation of the Lion hitter, next made his appearance. He immediate caused hopes and fears in the minds of some of the spectators, by looking to see if there was plenty of space to square leg—his strong point, but unfortunately for Garwood’s debut, Beavan was at the other end, and his missing the ball, made the loss of his wicket.” Rather caustic.

All wishing to join the Hawera Cricket Club are invited to meet at the Native office, on Friday night, at half past seven o’clock. Mr F. R. Jackson, of Wanganui, lately purchased land at llawcra for the purpose of crcccting cattle sale yards. It will be seen by advertisement in another column that Mr Jack.son is intending to hold monthly sales, the first of which will take place on the Bth of February. The Carlyle Meat Bazaar presented a showy appearance on Monday morning last. Messrs Mcßae and Nicholson may take credit for having supplied their Carlyle establishment with splendid specimens of locally reared and fed cattle, sheep, &c., whilst the Manager (Mr W. Colson) is deserving of praise for the excellent taste shown in displaying the attractive Christinas fare. One bullock weighed IJOOlhs, another 900-Hbs ; calf 220 lbs ; two sheep each 110 lbs ; two lambs each 70 lbs ; and four fine sucking pigs. The shop was tastily decorated with evergreens flowers, &c., besides which a little in the shape of bunting was displayed. The children’s treat in connection with the Wesleyan Church, Carlyle, took place on Wednesday last tßoxing Day). Conveyances and horses were kindly lent by Messrs Waller, Smith, Davis, Paterson, and Major Turner, and a start with the children was made from the Church for Mr Paterson’s farm at half-past nine o’clock The large waggon belonging to Mr Waller was gaily decorated. Arrived at the farm children enjoyed themselves immensely, and the adults found sources of enjoyment. Dinner and tea were provided on the ground. There were a large number _of visitors from Kakaramea and surrounding districts. The Wesleyan school children’s treat may now be counted as a regular Christinas institution. The public subscription liberally, and the management committee desire to return thanks for aid given them to give the children such a treat. The balance on hand will either be used to start a library or will be distributed in prizes to the scholars. Over 200 children and adults were present.

The via San Francisco English mail arrived at Auckland yesterday. Sports will be held at Kakaramea on New Year’s Day. The committee are in hope of having a good day’s sport, and a good muster of visitors, as Kakaramea is within convenient distance of both Manntahi and Carlyle. Amounts of prizes will be found in advertisement. On Saturday last, the ketch Falcon, 37 tons, Captain P. Leslie, (late owner of the ketch Jane Elkin, which vessel was lost off the Palca River, on tho 14th October last), arrived in the Patea River with a load of timber for Mr J. Miiroy. The ketch is reputed to bo one of the smartest little crafts that has ever entered our river. She is fitted with a centre board, and has a comfortably fitted up cabin for passengers. Captain Leslie has been fortunate in securing a vessel so well suited for the present capabilities of the Patea River. We give him hearty welcome back, and trust that he may long bo counted amongst the regular traders to Patea. On Tuesday (Christinas Day) afternoon last, Captain Leslie entertained a few friends on board the vessel, when congratulatory toasts wore offered, and heartily drunk.

The first annual report of the Rangitikei Building Society presented on Thursday, 20th instant, showed that the operations of tho year had resulted in a net profit of 29 p*er cent, of which 8 per cent had been carried to investing members’ accounts, leaving 21 per cent to the credit of the Guarantee and Contingency Fund for future distribution ; that application for advances had been received to lire amount of £9,200, out of which £5,575 had been granted ; and that 1,195 investment shares had been taken up during the year, representing 106 shareholders.

The British mail via San Francisco will close at the Patea Post office on Friday tho 4th January, at 1 45. p.m.—F. Long, District Postmaster.

KAKARAMEA SPOUTS. The following handicaps were declared on the 24th instant:— 100 Yards Pace.—C. Nicholson, scratch; T. Copeland, 2 yds, R. Sangster, 3 yds; H. Chadwick, 3 yds; J. Lyttle, 3 yds; A. Sergeant, syds; J. Adamson, 5 yds; A.Church, ( j yds. 'Quarter Milo Race. —J. Smith, scratch; T. Copeland, 10 yds; R. Gangster, 10 yds; H. Chadwick, 15 yds; J. Adamson, 20 yds; J. Lyttle, 22 yds. 220 Yards Hurdles.—R. Sangster, scratch; T. Copeland, 7 yds; J. Adamson, 8 yds; Gr. Nicholson, 12 yds; A. Sargeant, 1G yds. Half Mile Race.—R. Sangster, scratch; W. Songster, 20 yds; J. Adamson, 25 yds; J. Lyttle, 35 yds. Milo Race. —R. Sangstox and T. Copland, scratch ; W. Sangster, 40 yds; Hillock, 40 yds; 11. Balis, 40 yds; Adamson, GO yds; j. Lyttle, 80 yds. Milo Walking Match.—J. Adamson, scratch; H. Chadwick, 20 yds; W. Signal, 40 yds; Little, 35 yds. R. E. Mcßae, Handicapper.

HAWERA SPORTS. The following list of handicaps for chief events to bo competed for at Hawera on New Year’s Day, lias boon furnished by the Secretary (J. S. Greig, Esq.) First race to start at 10 o’clock. Quarter Mile Flat Race.—J. Russell and W. Dixon, scratch; B. Dougherty, 4 yds ; J. Dawson, G yds; J. M. Byrne, 15 yds; W. Adamson, 15. Half Milo Flat Race. —J. Russell, scratch; B. Dougherty, 7 yds; B. Corrigan, 10 yds; W. Dixon, 11 yds; J. Dawson, 12 yds; W. Adamson, 30 yds. One Milo Fiat Race. —J. Russell, scratch; B. Dougherty, 10 yds; B. Corrigan, 10 yds; J. Dawson, 30. One Mile Walking Race.—W. Dixon and B. Corrigan, scratch; W. Adamson, 50 yds. 220 Yards Flat Race. —W. Minninex and W. Dixon, scratch ; J. Russell, 5 yds ; T. Dawson, 5 yds; J. M. Byrne, 10 yds. Quarter Mile Hurdle Race. —J. Russell and W. Dixon, scratch ; J. Dawson, 10yds; J. M. Byrns, 25 yds.

Daniel McL Dowie, | p[ an qi ca ppers Stephen Adamson, ) 1

HAWERA ROAD BOARD.

A meeting of the above Board was held on Saturday, 22nd December. Present: Messrs J.Winks(chairman),Goodson, Cowper Muir, and Wilson. Minutes of meeting held on the 20th October read and confirmed. Report of committee on works required to be undertaken in various parts of the district read and approved. Proposed by Mr Goodson, seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried, “ That the Government be requested to intimate the Board the proper course of the Mountain Road running through Kctemarac towards New Plymouth.” Proposed by Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Goodson, and carried, “ That J. S. Greig, be elected valuator to the Board, for the valuation of property for tho next year.” Accounts passed for payment —John Twigg, £95 7s 6d ; John Troweck £75. Proposed by Mr Cowper, seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried, “ That this meeting stand adjourned until the 12th January, 1878.”