The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 289, 23 January 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1878.

CoriES of the working plans and specifications of the proposed Patea River Improvements wore received from Wellington by the Chairman of the Harbor Board, on Monday last. The plans are both attested as follows ; “ This is a counterpart of the plan submitted to His Excellency the Governor, and approved by him loth January, 1878. —John Blackett, For the Engineer-in-Chief.” Official intimation has also boon received from Mr John Knowles, Under-Secre-tary Public Works Department, that the Governor had assented to the plans. Mr Ballance (according to promise made to the Engineer, Mr Thompson, who had prepared the plans) saw that they were submitted to the Governor, and was instrumental in obtaining the Governor’s assent. The direction of the groin on the Eastern Hoad, which it is proposed to commence first,and as soon as contracts can be let, will be carried out at a slightly difterent angle to that marked on the original plan, and instead of being formed of rubble only, will be partly rubble and partly concrete. The rabble portion of the work will be started from a point near the cliffs and under the signal station, and will be continued seawards a distance of 840 feet. Another 240 feet will be in moulded concrete blocks, of varying sizes, which will be fitted together in such manner as to pres. Nt the greatest possible resistance to the action of the sea. To enable the work to proceed speedily at the least possible expense, and to save the cost and delay which would result if the Board were com polled to procure a 40 ton crane, as first suggested by Engiueer-in-Chid, it lias been decided, that the largest of

the concrete blocks to be used shall be hollow, and on being placed in position be then filled with concrete and so form one solid mass. This plan will cost much less and be equally serviceable. The plans arc so drawn up that the work can be continued at any time in such lengths ns the funds of the Board will allow. It is considered that the money at present to the credit of the Board, and what will be raised by the sale of a portion of the River frontages, will be sufficient to cover the cost of first contract, and leave a small balance for other imperatively necessary improvements for the accommodation of shipping. The Board will meet to-day, and decide upon calling for tenders. Considering the obstacles which have cropped up through the modification of the plans suggested partly by the Marino Engineer (Mr Thompson), and partly by the Engincer-iu-Chief, good progress has been made with the work. Mr Sherwood appears to have been indefatigable in Ids endeavors to posh ahead. We hope no obstacles will be thrown in the way of further progress. An inspection of*the plans will show the wonderful improvements which it is practicable to make in the navigation of the Patca River. Should the first portion of the work only partly fulfil the anticipations of the Engineers, encouragement will be given to strain every nerve to devise means to complete the whole plan, which would give a depth of between thirty and forty feet on the bar, and would reclaim, sufficient land to pay for the cost of the work.

Charles Allen Wray, Esq., R.M., lias been appointed a Receiver of Land Revenue, to act within the Land District of Taranaki and Wellington, dating from the Ist January last. In addressing a deputation at Coromandel, on bis late visit, Sir George Grey, amongst other things, said —“ Ho proposed to do away with the Waste Lands Boards, who act as buffers as it were, between the public and the Government, and substitute land offices under a responsible officer, in every district, where everyone could apply for information, and take up land.” It looks as if the appointment above mentioned, is a step in the direction of carrying the intention into practical effect. So'far as this County is concerned, the appointment of a local administrative officer, and a local land office, would greatly facilitate the taking up of land for settlement. No one is bettor acquainted with the Crown Lands of this County than the officer whose appointment is mentioned above, and as Mr Wray is in favour of giving facilities for the acquisition of land to lona fide settlors, by offeringland at auction, on the deferred payment system, we have no doubt that, if liberal powers are granted, great good will result to the County, and progress in the direction of land settlement will be rapid.

During last session a select committee was appointed to inquire as to the best means to adopt to encourage the manufacture of Beet-root sugar. It was reported on the 29th August, by the chairman of the committee —“ That, in order to afford sufficient encouragement to the capitalist and manufacturer to enter upon the production of beet-root sugar in New Zealand, a guarantee should be given by the Government of freedom from any excise duty to be levied thereon for a period of ten years from the present time, and that the Customs duty should remain as at present on all imported sugar during the same period.” The following replies to questions asked were received by the committee from Mr J. 0. Cairns, of Auckland, who bad some intention of erecting works for the manufacture of beet-root sugar. Hs pro-posed-to manufacture 600 tons per year. Capital required would be £15,000. Eighty acres of good land in beet-root would be sufficient for the manufacture of 100 tons sugar. Working plant to produce 1,000 tons sugar per annum would cost £24,000.

Late European Cable Messages announce that meetings have been held throughout Great Britain for many days urging neu trality policy upon the Government. The Queen’s speech at the opening of Parliament on the 18th instant, being in accordance with such generally manifested opinion, is reported to have had a tranqiiilizing effect. The opening speech alluded to the proposals for mediation^ and the subsequent appeal to the British Government, which agreed to inquire of the Emperor of Russia if he was prepared to entertain the proposals of peace through the offices of England. Trusts that this will lead to a pacific solution. Hitherto neither belligerents had infringed the conditions of British While that was respected the neutral attitude of England would remain unchanged. But if hostilities are prolonged some unexpected occurrence may oblige England to adopt measures of precaution. As these will require adequate preparation, trusts the liberality of Parliament will supply the necessary means. It will be seen by latermessages that the Address in reply has been agreed to. Earl Beaconsfield in a recent speech, is reported to have said that if British intercstswereinvolvedhc would not hesitate to defend them. Lord Salisbury declared against war until the Russians approach localities defined as affecting British interests.

We understand that a considerable increase in the number of scholars attending the Carlyle school has taken place this week. As school fees are no longer charged there is no excuse whatever for parents having children of school ages—that is between the ages of 7 and 13 years —not sending them to school. It is in fact compulsory that all children of school ages should attend. The larger the attendance during the present year the larger will bo the amount of money _to be spent in promoting education within the County next year.

Mr F. R. Jackson will hold his usual monthly sale at Waverlcy on Friday next) when will also bo offered some valuable horses, pure bred rams, &c. A meeting of members of the Hawera Institute will be held in the Native Office this evening to consider important business.

The ‘ Zelandia,’ with the British mails arrived at Auckland yesterday, bringing details of horrible sufferings of Turks at Plevna. At the Wesleyan Conference sitting in Wellington this week, the following appointments for this coast were made. Sandon —Revs J. Law, and Fee. Patca Rev Mr Berry. The question of the legality of election of school committees has been referred by the Secretary of the Patea Education B*ard to the Minister of Education for his opinion on the matter. Mr W. Co worn (Secretary Education Board) has carefully studied the Act, and is of the opinion we expressed in last issue, that the elections having been conducted in conformity with the Act arc perfectly legal. Reply will be made public immediately on receipt. Mr W. Murray Thompson announces furniture sale at Waibi on Saturday next. The annual general meeting of the Patea Library and Institute will he held in the Carlyle Town Hall on Friday evening next. Attention is called to notice in advertisement by the Secretary. The Rev Charles Clark lectured in tha Town Hall, Carlyle, on Saturday eveninglast, to a large and appreciative audience. The subject of the lecture was “ Charles Dickens ” Mr Clark is reported to have been favorably impressed with the capabilities of the Carlyle. Town Hall as a conductor of sound, and said it was the best Hall for easy speaking he has been in for a considerable lime. The valuation Patca West Road Board District amounts to £6,947 18s lOd. The total last year was £5,727 IGs sd, thus showing an increase of £1,220 2s 5d.At the R. M. Court on Saturday last, before C. A. Wray, Esq., G. i. Potto sued A. fx. Knight for £5 4s Gd. The case was adjourned until the 22nd instant. On Tuesday the 22m1, thirteen cases for arrears of County rates were down for hearing. Four of the defaulters paid the amounts, with costs, into Court. Judgment was given by default, with costs, in the-remainder of the cases.

Colonel Trimble, Chairman of the Taranaki County Council, in reply to enquiry about money voted for the Mountain Road, received following reply from the Undersecretary, Public Works Department : “January 17, 1878—Letters have been waiting return of Assistant Engineer-in Chief, who attends to road matters. Having returned, they' will now be brought by him under Ministers’ notice.” A meeting of Foresters (Court Patca) will be held in the Carlyle Town Hall this evening*.

In return presented to Parliament of officers emplyed by County Councils, there are mentioned five County Councils, which pay Councillors for attendance at ordinary meetings for the transaction of County business. The Thames Councillors received 8s for travelling- if live miles from the Council Chambers, and 8s a’day hotel expenses ; Hutt Councillors under 20 miles £1 Is each attendance —over 20 miles, £1 10s ; Duller, Is per mile, and £1 per day once a month ; Grey, £1 Is each day absent fiom home to attend meetings, and Is a mile each way ; Westland, £1 10s per meeting as travelling allowance.

The new Homan Catholic Church, at Inglewood, to seat about 80 persons, was opened onMonday,the 14th inst, by the Rev Father Pertuis, of Hawera, the Rev Father Lampilia being present with the choir from New Plymouth. Returns just prepared by the Secretary Patea Education Board (Mr W. Cowern), show the highest number of scholars paying school fees during the past quarter to be as follows —Normanby, 25 ; Hawera, 58 ; Manutahi, 23 ; Kakaramca, 32 ; Carlyle, 62 ; and Whenuakura, 19.

We are informed that the greater portion of botli the town and suburban sections in the township of Midhirst (Mountain Road) on the western side of the railway, have been sold at prices ranging from £5 to £ls for the town sections and £2 10s to £4 10s per acre for suburban sections. The bush which lias been felled will be burnt off in March, immediately after which it is anticipated several buildings will be commenced. Reserves have been set aside for the following purposes : Church of England, Wesleyan Church, Presbyterian Church, Roman Catholic Church, Town Hall and Free Reading rooms, Post and Telegraph offices, School buildings and railway station. Beaconsfield Road, which brings ail the traffic from the Special Settlement into the centre of the township, is in course of construction, and will be made a good trafiicable road as early as possible. The next sale of town sections will be held in Patea, probably soon after the burn, and of which due notice will be given in this journal. Owiuo- to the large amount of Government money voted, and just about to be spent in constructing both road and railway through Midhirst, and its very central position on the Mountain Road, some people consider there is an excellent opening for an hotel, for which purpose a suitable site has been reserved from sale, and Mr Fookes is now on the look out for an occupant willing to put up a respectable building. The Taranaki Herald says—Mr Rees, M.H.R,, in addressing his constituents in Auckland, amongst other matters, said—- “ If Sir George Grey’s idea of a railway to Taranaki was carried out, it would effectually settle the Maori difficulty, and would make Auckland the greatest centre ir. New Zealand, anl give it an immense back country. That, amongst other things, would bo attempted by the present Ministry.” Wo only hope that “bir George Grey’s idea” will be carried out, and that quickly, for it will likewise be the making of this district, as well as benefiting Auckland. The Auckland Herald referring to the contemplated visit to England of MiReader Wood, M.H.R,, says:—Rumour has it that Mr Reader Wood will succeed Sir Julius Vogel ?s Agent-General when the latter retires from his post.

The Wellington Argus says that “it is the intention of the Government at the end of the present financial year, to hand over all the hospitals in Municipalities to the County Councils, paying from the Consolidated Fund one pound for each pound contributed otherwise towards their support.” It will be a very poor look-out for the Patea County Hospital, or for hospitals in any sparsely populated districts, if aid is only given in proportion to voluntary contributions

The Thames County Council having £■5,000 to spend on the construction of the road to Ohhlemuri, started a number of Kerikeri natives to drain and form the road between Knpata and Waipapa creeks. Mr R. J. Creighton, formerly of Auckland, but now of San Francisco, lias secured the patent of a now gold-saving machine for the Australasian colonies/ It is called, “ Bennett’s Dry-placer Amalgamator.” It is stated that it will work og wash 100 cubic yards of earth per day of eight hours, and will save gold which is so fine that it cannot he saved by any ordinary process, hitherto known.

By the last mail from England we received a copy of the Commission Agent , a medium of intercommunication between merchants and manufacturers in all countries. It publishes prices current, financial, trading and commercial summaries of all industries. In addition to trade summaries, &c., considerable space is devoted to_ explanations of new and useful inventions, and information is solicited as to raw materials in various parts of the world which, if known to large home manufacturers, might be turned to sources of profit and lead to the establishment in some cases of new industries. In the October issue, is a list under the heading of “ Agricultural Engineering” of new inventions wantedThe Bay of Plenty Times, of the 9th instant, devotes two pages of its space to the speeches of Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, which were delivered on the occasion of their visit to Tauranga. At a meeting of natives the leading chiefs spoke for the tribes they represented on tbe question of the confiscated lands, the establishment of schools, the employment of Maori youths in Government offices, and other matters. In reply to a request that a portion of the confiscated land might be returned, Sir George Grey and Air Sheehan both told the natives most emphatically that not an inch would be given back ; that they knew before they took up arms against Government what the consequences would be, and they must abide by them. Sir George Grey reminded the natives that when Governor of the Colony, he had warned them that if they rebelled they would lose their land.

Returns were lately published in the Sydney Herald , of the acreage in wheat, and yield in bushels, for 1876-7, in the colonics of New' South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and New Zealand. The total acreage in wheat for the four colonics named, was 1,772,000, the average yield of which N.Z.Herald in commenting on the returns says, is just a fraction under ten bushels per acre. The same paper continues — u The individual production per acre in each Colony is as under —Average yield per annum ; New Zealand, 29£ bushels ; New South Wales, IG$ bushels ; Victoria, 13 bushels ; South Australia, bushels. Which colony then carries away the palm? Undoubtedly New Neal and. She produced per acre nearly three times the general average of the whole of the four colonies. She has nearly double the yield of New South Wales ; she gives two and a third times the produce per acre that Victoria can boast, anil almost live and a half times the quantity which South Australia yields.” The Rev Dr Somerville, and his son, Mr W. Somerville, arrived in Auckland by the s.s. Australia from Sydney, on Tuesday, the Bth instant. Dr Somerville was a 'Minister of the Free Chinch, Andorston. near Glasgow, about nine months ago, and resigned his position in order to undertake an evangelistic tour to the colonies. In an address delivered in Auckland Dr Somerville said that he had been forty years in the Ministry, and now in his old age, he had come to the ends of the earth to see if he could be the means of great blessing. He had left his church in the old country desiring especially to rouse Christians. His desire was to build up the people of God —to vitalise the Church. His work was entirely undenominational, and he hoped that all would cooperate with him. It is rumoured that the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company are about to increase their capital by the issue of shares to the amount of £1,000,000, which will make their capital then stand at £3,000,000, This company has been one of the most useful and successful of the numerous joint stock enterprises which have been started by the colonists of New Zealand for trading purposes, and we are pleased to learn that its usefulness is about to be further extended. The company has grown and flourished with the growth of the colony, until it has attained a very strong position in tho London money market, and whilst it has given good and substantial returns to the shareholders who had courage to invest capital in it, it has, in conjunction with other similar institutions, been the means of reducing the exhorbitant rate of interest which _ for years ruled in this colony, when private money-lenders were the only sources to which struggling settlers could appeal. With this increase of capital, with the National Loan Company recently floated, and with the Land and Agency Company just announced, there should be no scarcity of money in New Zealand at a reasonable rate of interest. —Auckland Herald.

HARBOR BOARD AND ELECTION. The following telegrams sent and received by ViL Dale, Esq., of Carlyle, explain themselves : “Patea, January 19th 1878. “ Hon Colonial Secretary, Wellington. “ Patea Harbor Board have not appointed returning officer to conduct election for new Board in February. Understand the reason is, that the Board consider the Government should arrange for the election. “ The Regulation of Local Elections Act 1876,” is incorporated with Harbor Board Act, therefore Board should appoint returning officer. If lam ccrrect, please intimate to Board to appoint returning officer at once. “ W. Dale.” “ Government Buildings, “ January 21st 1878. “ W. Dale Esq., Patea. “■ Hon. Commissioner of Customs instructs me to inform you that by “ The Patea Harbor Board Act 1876 Amendment Act 1877,” “The Regulation of Local Elections Act 1876,” is incorporated therewith, and that it therefore devolves on the Patea Harbor Board to appoint returning officer. “ W. Seed.”