The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 288, 19 January 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1878.

A few remarks made recently in this journal, as to the action of the County' Council in deciding to send outside the County for the very small amount of printing required by that body, and In which we referred to the Taranaki News —the only tenderer—as “ that undercutting weakly print,” and which by the bye is only known hereabouts as “ the-sixpcnce-an-inch” (its last year’s Government contract price for advertising), appears to have raised the ire of its learned quill driver, who. in a lengthy article, splashes about extraordinarilly. It is a case of the Cockney sportsman, who said “ I inwariably shots both eyes when I takes aim,” and, as a consequence, “ inwariably” failed to find the bird, though serious damage was generally done in other quarters, the expense of which was sure to fall on the shootist. The fact of none of the other papers solicited deeming it worth while to tender, thus showing up the contemptibleness of the “ weakly print,” probably was the cause of the wrath boiling over, and the consequent splash. However, we are content. And, if the current year’s printing bill is no larger than that of last year, even the News will conclude that it was not worth the “bile.” Considering the comparatively heavy charges for carriage of small parcels between New Plymouth and Carlyle, expenses which will be otherwise incurred (postal communication and so on), and the trouble, together with the fact of Councillors being “ unacquainted with the mysteries of the printing office,” and thus completely nt the mercy of the far-off printer, we really do not think ratepayers will have cause to feel grateful at the action of their representatives. Though the oiler first made by the proprietor of this journal has since been proved, by the prices given in the tender accepted, to have been thorougly fair, Councillors mounted the high horse, and refused to entertain the offer, and, afterwards had the mortification of finding but one tender, and that from the “ weakly print,” scut in, and which, to save their dignity, they were compelled to accept. The County pays the cost, which fortunately, can in this case bo but trifling. If it were worth while wo could easily show the fallacy of the line of argument adopted by onr irate contemporary, in regard to local bodies supporting, or otherwise, the mem iieuspapur. XHere arc tew persons bnt are read y to ac-knorrlcdg-e tha ralne of a local organ in advocating local interests. This district was restive for years until it got its local organ. The more support is accorded, the better will it be enabled to stand up for the interests and advocate the wants and rights of the district. Now that Patea lias been constituted a separate County, it is the more desirable that its energies should be conserved, with the view of securing its more rapid advancement. The action of Councillors in the matter referred to, has not been in that direction. Wo are by no means disposed to complain. Public bodies, as well as private persons, are apt to be crotchctty at times. The fit will soon be over. While County Councillors may not have acted in this matter, in the true interests of the ratepayers, we could point out otherpublic bodies, who are just beginning to see differently, and who have decided to work more up to the local organ. The “ weakly” editor has endeavoured to perpetrate a few grim jokes, but the points, unfortunately, are so wrapped in obscurity, that so far wo have been unable to discover where the laugh comes in. This can hardly bo attributed to natural obtuseness on onr part, as other intelligences, previously primed and ready to “ he ! haw !” on reaching the supposed point or points, have, after reading the article, disappointedly looked askance and desired the points to bo pointed ont and explained. Perhaps better success will attend the next effort. Some people stick pcrtinaccously to statements once made, however extravagant they may be, under the impression that it is the surest way of ultimately overcoming the doubts of the incredulous. The Taranaki News says, “ With a circulation at least double that of any of our contemporaries in the provincial district,” &c., which is followed by selflaudation as brazen-faced as the statement itself. The proclamation in regard to circulation has been continued, in advertisement form, over the leading articles, for a long time past. We hope our contemporary is not driven to the straits which some very excessively imaginative people are frequently driven to, and, in the fervent hope of being some day believed, induced to stick to a statement made probably when smarting for want of public appreciation, and which, in its case, wo have reason to believe is chronic. While not ourselves pretending to the circulation of an old established paper like the Taranaki Herald, and which is published in the midst of a much larger population than is at present to be found in the Patea County, wo very much doubt if the News circulation is even double that of the Patea Mail, much loss that of the Taranaki Herald. In any ease we are at a loss to understand how the private business of the

one or other of the papers could have been honorably obtained by the proprietors or editor of the Taranaki News. No fair-dealing tradesman would, oven if by accident the opportunity was presented, overhaul another tradesman’s books, or pry very closely into the extent or nature of business transacted, much less would any honorable or fair-dealing trader or jwofcssional man, by bribe or cajolery, obtain information surreptitiously from employees. The circulation statement either must be a random one or the information cannot have been honorably obtained. The News editor can settle with himself which. We, however, sjftrjhithise with the News. In spite of its sixpence-an-inch, its everlasting puff, and the continued reiteration of the circulation fiction, it has failed to obtain the Government advertising for the current year. Government were not to be gulled, and probably considering' the cheapest is not always best as regards an advertising medium, gave it to the Taranaki Herald, ami at a much higher rate. Hence the extraordinary splash.

Ox account of a circular letter issued by the Utindcr-Secretary, to the Chairmen of the various Education Boards, asking that dates for the election of School Committees should be fixed towards the end of January, the Wanganui Herald concludes that the nominations already made in the Patea County, are null and void. As the committees were elected in accordance with the provisions of the new Education Act, we do not see, how by any possibility, the nominations can be considered null and void. The date in the circular, appeared only to be offered in the form of a suggestion. Committees

having actually been elected in Patea, it could not apply. In regard to nominations for members of the Education Board, the Herald says : —“ The Wanganui Education District embraces the four counties of Manawatu, Rangitikci, Wanganui, and Patea, at present under the jurisdiction of throe separate administrative bodies. His Excellency the Governor, in'Conncil, has ordered that the Education Board of Wellington shall take all proceedings in and about the first election of a Board for the new district of Wanganui, so that the nominations made by the local School Committees, must be sent direct to the Secretary of the Wellington Education Board.”

As from now until the end of March is the proper time for persons to get their names entered on the Electoral Bolls, the proprietor of the Patka Mail lias printed Forms of Application, which will bo distributed gratuituously to all persons requiring the same. Register ! Begister ! ! Begistcr ! ! ! Carlyle bad a few distinguished visitors yesterday, amongst whom may be mentioned ~\V . S. Uom, OuU.U.„ rinn«r.--il diirt riiiunis’ officer ; 0. B. Knorpp, iosq., OJiief Surveyor IdailuAavs ; and lUclwaicl Hardcastlc, Esq., R. M., Wanganui. Boisterous as the weather lias been around Carlyle during the past few days, it has been worse higher up the coast. At Kawera, on Wednesday, the lightning did serious damage, and in addition to the case reported by our own correspondent, we learn that two other persons near Hawcra, were affected by the lightning, though not seriously. It is reported that, at Opunake the storm was very severe, that a portion of the thick wire, connecting the telegraph office with the line of poles, was completely burned up, as also the finer wires in the office, connecting with the instruments. The operator happened to be outside at the time. As Captain Wilson was riding along the road, near Opunake, in company with some natives, the lightning struck one of the telegraph posts as the party were passing, and shivered it. We need only remind readers that the Rev Charles Clark, the world-famed lecturer, will appear at the Carlyle Town Hall this evening. Tickets have sold well, and there is every probability of the Hall being crowded. Tenders for shop for Mr Potto must be sent in to-day. Tenders for earthwork, Tougahoo Road, will be received by the Secretary Patea West Road Board until Monday. In the Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Act, passed during last session, under the heading Public Buildings, £125 is set down to be spent at Hawera. In Class IX., Miscellaneous Public Works, the following items are given in vote 102 —Mountain Road, Taranaki, £3,000 ; Main Road, Stony River to Waitotara, £3,000 ; opening Mountain Road for coach traffic, £4,000. It was agreed that a further £IO,OOO should be transferred from the Land Purchase Fund, to be spent on the Mountain Road—thus making" up the £17,000 for the Mountain Road.

Education Rate and other civil cases down for hearing at the Carlyle Court, on Wednesday and Thursday, were settled by the amounts being paid into Court.

A Shareholder who was unable to bo present at the late meeting of the Carlyle Town Hall Company, is anxious to know what action was taken in regard to insulting letter received from Mr iSouthby, asking that his £5 might be returned, after winch the whole lot colud go to Shareholder had better write to the secretary, when lie will no doubt get reply, as also to the Band query. The Valuation Rolls of Carlyle, and tho Patea East Road Board, may now be in spected in the Court House. Mr D. M. Harris may take credit for the excellent manner in which lie has drawn the rolls up. The value of rateable property iu Carlyle, amounts to about £3,200 ; Patea East Road Board, £3,952. Border’s coach now leaves Carlyle at 8 a.m. instead of at 7 a.m. as formerly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Wanganui Herald reports that scab is prevalent in several flocks near Wanganui, and recommends all owners, infected or or not, to dip their flocks.

A special meeting of the Patea Institute Committee was held at the Institute, Carlyle, on Thursday evening last, to receive applications relative to the sum oi £250 advertised for for building purposes.' Present —Dr Croft (president), and Messrs H. E. P. Adams, Gibson, Holtham, Long and Smith. Offers to lend were received from (Vauganui Building Society, and Mr William McWilliams. On the motion of Mr Gibson, seconded by Air Smith, Mr McWilliams’ offer was accepted. It was also resolved that the books and accounts of the Library bo audited on Saturday evening, the 19th instant, and that] the Secretary draw up report for the general meeting to be held on the 27th instant. Mrs Blake, wife of Captain Blake, in going to Wanganui in a buggy, on Monday last, had to get a fresh ho v se at Waitotara. The horse was not considered a very safe one, but the driver, Mr R. Long, being cautioned, ventured to proceed- After a time the horse turned restive, and upset the buggy, throwing out the occupants, and afterwards made for home. Mrs Blake came in for a few bruises, but Mr Long was considerably hurt. At the half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the New Zealand Insurance Company held at Auckland on the 9th instant, the Directors submitted a report, showing total receipts, including the balance brought forward from last half-year, £150,781 13s ; total expenditure for the same period £126,103 17s Id; this includes £31,363 estimated as sufficient to cover all known losses and averages up to the end of the half-year. There remains at the credit of profit and loss account £24,G77 15s lid, out of which directors declared a dividend of fifteen per cent on the paid up capital, leaving £9,677 15s lid to be carried forward to the next half-year. On a recent excursion from Auckland to Waiwcra and back, Mr Moorbouse, M,ILR., and the Hon Air Sheehan happened to be journeying together. On the return trip there was a master of the excursionists in the saloon, when Mr Moorbouse is reported to have proposed the health of Mr Sheehan, complimenting him on his parliamentary and administrative capacity, and particularly dwelling on the fact that the Native Minister (of whom, notwithstanding political and party difference, ho was a close personal friend) enjoyed the happy position of possessing many personal friends on both sides of the House, and maintaining kindly relations with almost every man iiYit. Although politically opposed to the toasted and las party at present, he, the toaster, believed the day might come when both would be found in the same ranks. Mr Moorbouse had just made a trip in tire Hincmoa The Canterbury Times, referring to the toasting, says—“ From this wo gather either that the member for Christchurch expects some day to change parties himself, or believes it possible that the Native Minister will do so. The reply of Mr Sheehan is left by the reporter to the imagination of readers. It is good, however, to know that Mi Moorhonse can sink political difficulties, involving such trifles as peace or war with the Natives, the expenditure of millions, and the welfare of Now Zealand generally when he happens to be called upon to discuss that far more important matter, a glass of wine. Many will regard this as exhibiting a huge-heart-worthy of imitation, and especially creclitaDie oi.Motcliurc/i. It may perhaps be worth suggesting that a similar sweetening influence might possibly overshadow Major Atkinson or Mr Ormond, it either or both of them were induced to make a trip in the Hinonioa in company with Sir G. Grey. The experiment is at least worth trying, and we have little doubt that they could be kidnapped on board without any very great resistance or difficulty.”

111 SING AND SETTING OFTTiS SUN, BiSE, SET, Sunday 4.4S ... 7.1G Monday 4.49 ... 7.15 Tuesday 4.50 ... 7.15 Wednesday. 4.51 ... 7.14