The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 290, 26 January 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1878.

A full mooting of the Paten. Harbour Board decided on Monday night last, to at once call for tenders for first portion of proposed river improvements, about 600 feet of the eastern groin. The general public can but hail this decision with satisfaction. It means progress, and we are pleased to record that the decision was come to unanimously at a full meeting of the Board. It Mill be seen by report of meeting that tenders will be advertised in the leading centres of population throughout the colony, as well as locally. The wide publicity thus given will not only be the surest way of ensuring the attention of capable contractors, but will also be serviceable in directing tbe attention of outside capitalists, and persons on the look out for land, to tbe bright future opening out in Patea County. Of tbe land itself nothing need be said—its capabilities for grazing and agricultural purposes generally being well and widely known. The fact of a ready outlet for products being about to be provided cannot fail to attract desirable settlers. In connection with* this it is satisfactory to know that the survey of several lots of Government land are now approaching completion, and that within a. short time portions will be advertised for sale. It will also he seen by reference to report of meeting that initiatory steps for an election under the Amended Harbour Act have been taken. It has been objected in some quarters that an out-going Board has no right to enter into new engagements or commit (possibly a new set of menj to a certain line of action. We do not agree With that view in the present case

There can scarcely he two opinions as to the desirability of starting—without any delay—the proposed works,. The Board and the general public are agreed on that point. Plans have been prepared by a competent Marine Engineer, who has had the advantage of the advice and assistance of the best engineers in the Government service. The plans have been approved by Mr Carrnthers (Kngi-necr-in-Chief) who, in the first place examined the liver and designed the plan of operations —and the assent ol His Excellency the Governor has been obtained. Through the representations of the present Board, important amendments were made last session in the Harbour Act, errors were corrected, additional endowments granted, and the Board placed on a workable footing. Until the Amended Act was passed the idea of entering into contracts could not be entertained. Preliminaries, however, were fully arranged. All the present, or any other Board, can now do, is to push ahead with the proposed works. A change of one or two members cannot affect the object in view, and is not likely to affect the manner in which it has been decided to proceed. Although the Board is at times sneeringly alluded to as a nominee Board, collectively its members have done good work, whilst individual members—notably the Chairman— have worked with a zeal beyond all praise. A fresh election is not likely materially to affect the constitution of the Board. For the most part the nominees are popular, and should any offer themselves as candidates at the coming election, will stand a very good chance of being returned. No good is to bo gained by delay, whilst there is much to lose. We therefore thoroughly endorse the action of the Board in calling for tenders, and hope that ratepayers will be careful to vote only for such men as are in favor of carrying on the work which has been so well forwarded by the retiring Board. Unanimity of opinion amongst members of the Board is above all things desirable at the present juncture.

We may mention in regard to letter which appeared in last issue signed “ Nemo,” that the Board has no intention whatever, nor ever had any intention, of offering reserves there referred either for sale or lease. Even if the Board was willing it has no power to sell reserves from Milroy’s wharf to the bridge. It is river frontages above the bridge and for several miles up the river which the Board desires to turn into cash, to ensure payment for works to be contracted for.

At the last meeting of the County Council, Mr J. Davidson proposed that a certain portion of the County rate received from the Town of Hawera, should bo expended in improving the main line of road through the township. Mr W. Dale, who was strongly in favor of the proposition, desired that the amount to be expended should be not less than £BO, and moved an amendment to that effect, at the same time pointing out the exceptional circumstances of the case, and stating “ that the course proposed by him was the only one that could be adopted—tiie road, not being a County one, the Council could not allow its officers to work on it.” Both proposition ard amendment were thrown out. Mr Davidson, with the view of again bringing the subject before the Council, gave notice of motion as follows:—“ That £IOO of the rates and fees collected within the Town of Hawera, be given to the Hawera Town Board, as a grant-in-aid for widening and improving the main line of road passing through the Town of Hawera.” The Hawera Town Board has since passed a resolution requesting the Patea Council to hand over the sum of £IOO, for the purpose of assisting in widening the main street through Hawera. The request might have been more courteously and clearly worded. No harm would have been done thereby. The justice of the request cannot, however, be questioned. The main or County road passes quite clear of the business part of the township, and with the continuation of the main road leading to Normanby, which strikes off at right angles from the main road proper, forms a kind of outer boundary of the township of Hawera. There is but little through traffic by the coast road to New Plymouth. Most of the through traffic is in the direction of Normanby. The bulk of travellers—by foot, on horseback, or with vehicles—from the south, for Normanby or anywhere in that direction, seldom keep wholly to the main line of road, but take the road next before coming to the branch of the main road, and pass through the centre of the Town of Hawera, and so on again to the County road. The coach from New Plymouth, instead of turning off by the main branch road on approaching Hawera, continues on its course to the next turn, and passes into the town by the road travellers from the south invariably take, and which has to be maintained by the Hawera Town Board. The road leading to, and running through the centre of Hawera, forms two sides of a right angle, which, with the. continuation of the main trunk road and branch main road towards Normanby, forming the other boundary of the township, makes a square. The traffic, instead of keeping to the county road, which forms the outer boundary of the township, passes along the other two sides of the angle, and right through the centre of the township. A considerable length of County road is, therefore, but little used, while the Hawera Town Board road gets, not only its own legitimate

traffic, but also that of every person, animal, or vehicle, passing from the north or the south to Normanby, or anywhere in that direction. It is but reasonable, therefore, that liberal aid should bo granted by the County Council to the Hawcra Town Board authorities, for the purpose of widening the metal on their main street, and keeping the same in repair. In all other townships in the County, (he main road runs through the centre, and as a consequence, is maintained by the County Council. Hawcra is exceptionally situated, and should bo exceptionally treated, and we trust, at the next meeting of the County Council, the vote asked for by Mr Davidson will be passed unanimously. We may point out that the Hawera people, or rather Mr Dale, judging by the statement made, has a tall opinion of the amount contributed by Hawcra town to the County funds. Ho mentioned that nearly £4OO had been obtained from licenses and rates. From enquiries made, we have been given to understand that the total contribution from the town of Hawera amounts to about £277, whilst the total contributed by the Hawera Riding, (which includes that contributed by the town) is something like £744. Whilst seeking information on this matter, we were informed by a Comity Councillor, of an omission on the part of the Hawera Town Board to furnish returns to the Government, which is having the effect of keeping the Council out of some £BSO of subsidy. The return referred to, should have been furnished to the General Government in May last. Though repeated application has been made, the return of about £7O odd, has not yet been sent in. The County Council is therefore unable to obtain £BSO from the General Government, which would otherwise be available for general purposes—besides which interest at the rate of 4 per cent, for nearly seven months (which the County obtains for money lying in the Bank) has been lost, and on account of certain contracts now nearly completed, an overdraft will likely be required, which means the payment of interest, at the rate of seven per cent. All which would have been saved, had the Hawera Town Board done its simple duty. Yet there is scant courtesy in the resolution of the Board asking £IOO grant-in-aid. We however trust that the amount asked for, will bo ungrudgingly granted.

Acting on the powers granted in the 24th clause of “ The Land Act, 1877,” five new Land Districts have been established, and Land officers appointed in Otago. Clause 24 enacts that the Governor, by proclamation in the Gazette, may establish and define, abolish, alter, o> - re-constitute local districts for the sale or disposal of land, and appoint Lane' officers or other persons for conducting sales of land in such local districts, and for receiving applications for the sale, letting, disposal, or occupation of Crown lands, and generally for carrying out the provisions of the Land Act. Any local district may overlap the boundaries of any land district, and embrace within its limits portions of different land districts. Acted upon the clause would exactly meet the requirements of this County. We trust that the appointment of a Receiving officer for Land Revenue, noted in last issue, will be followed by the establishment of a local land district. Some time ago we pointed out the great need for local office and officers for sale and administration of Waste Lands. The Hon J. Sheehan will shortly be here, when we hope an influential deputation will be in readiness to press this important matter on his attention. In connection with proposed harbour works, nothing will so tend to advance the interests of the County as facilities for the acquisition of land.

Mr Bryce, M.H.R., addressed his constituents in Wanganui, on Wednesday, after which a vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously carried. Referring to the railway towards Patea he said : —“ It was within his knowledge, from a most reliable source, that the Atkinson Government had no intention of proceeding further than the vicinity of Mr Pharazyn’s house, a distance of some half a dozen miles beyond where it at present terminates. The present Government, however, were determined to proceed with the line, at least as far as the Waitotara River, and in the course of five weeks from the present date tenders would be called for the work.” Ho also stated that Sir George Grey had offered him a seat in the Ministry, which honour he had declined for the reason that “ having recently changed sides in the House, he would not put it in the power of any man to say that he had changed because of the prospect of any personal ad van* age. ” A private letter received in Carlyle mentions that the Hon Native Minister (Mr Sheehan) may be expected to visit Patea in the course of a few days, when the Waiinate Plains difficulty will be considered. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan were expected to be in the Wairarapa on Thursday last. The natives on and about the Plains are reported to have been most successful with their grass seed harvest. Daring the week the new thresher purchased by Titoko Warn from Mr James Davidson, of Hawera, has been at work. Instead of horses being used the natives themselves apply the motive power. Notices of election of members for Patea Harbour Board, for the Waverley, Otoia and Hawera Ridings have been issued.

A treat is in store for the several townships in Patea County next week. Baker’s renowned Ilibevnicon and Panorama of Ireland, will be at Hawera, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Carlyle, Thursday and Friday, and at Waverley on Saturday. The s.s. Clyde arrived in the Patea River yesterday. A considerable amount of merchandise for this district now lies in Wanganui. The steamer may therefore be expected here again on Tuesday morning. She loaves to-day with a full cargo of wonl. .

Fine weather appears now to have set in, and high hopes are entertained as to successful harvesting. The outcrj is for labour. We are pleased to report favorably of the American Heaping and Binding machine, which is now regularly at work. It does its work well.

It will be recollected that tho now threshing machine purchased by Mr J. Stevenson and others, for use in the Patea County, gut upset in coming down the hill on the Whcmiaknra side of the Patea River, on Thursday the 10th instant. Though the internal arrangements of the machine wore uninjured by the turnover, several wheels and protecting cast-iron boxes, fixed in different places on tho outside of the thresher, got smashed. Mr D. Jones.blacksmith, of Carlyle, was entrusted with the repairs, and on Wednesday last, had steam up and gave the machine a trial, when it was found that everything worked smoothly and well. Considering that the breakages were all of cast iron, and that they have been replaced by wrought iron work, credit is due to Mr Jones for the efficient and quick manner in which he has effected the repairs.

At the Wesleyan Conference held in Wellington during tho present week, the annual address was read showing the number of accredited Church members to be 3,594, communicants 7G2, catechists 339. The Sunday school department is in a flourishing condition; eight'nativo candidates were under training during the year for tho Ministry at the Three Kings. Tho Rev T. G. Hammond, who had successfully fulfilleddut.il s as a probationer, and passed examination, was unanimously received into full connection, and with two other successful probationers was ordained on Wednesday evening. The Rev Mr Crump was elected President. The Rev G. W. Russell tendered his resignation as a probationer, but was requested to remain in charge of his circuit until April. Racing men and all interested are reminded that general entries for the Patea District Jockey Club Races, which take place on the 21st and 22nd February, will be received by the Hon Secretary (W. Cowcrn, Esq.), on Tuesday evening, sth Febiuary, up to 8 p.m. The meeting of the Hawera Town Hall Company, convened for Monday, has been postponed until the 7th February, to enable fresh directors to be nominated.

From the Postmaster (Mr Francis Long) we learn that the next British mail via San Francisco, will close at Patea on Monday, the 28th instant. The outgoing mail via Suez will close on Wednesday the Gtls February. Messrs Holtham and Warren have, been the successful tenderers for the new double storey premises about to be erected by Mr Potto. Judging by the plans the new building will be a handsome addition to the town. Mr F. K. Jackson’s sale of Eassow Brothers’ Lincoln sheep, will take place at their farm, Marton, on Tuesday, the 29th instant. Mi W. Dale will hold general sale at Carlyle to-day. The mail steamer Zoalandia which arrived in Auckland on Tuesday last, was four days and three hours ahead of contract time. The Wanganui Herald of Wedncsilaj-, reports very fully the judgment given by E. IlardcasUe, Esq., H.M., in the second hearing of the case Hogg v, Wallott. lie said— i£ This is the second hearing of a case in which the evidence is so absolutely and materially contradictory, that no judgment can bo given for cither party, without assuming that perjury has bom committed in the opposing evidence, and in ease of a judgment for plaintiff, perhaps also forgery by the defendant. It is therefore a matter of grave regret, that, arising from whatever cause, the plaintiff failed to crossexamine the defendant and his witness when giving evidence at New Plymouth. Cross-examination was almost the only agent that could be used to break down falsehood in that testimony, audits absence raises the question, whether or not the plaintiff should be again non-suited until 1m takes the proper course to defeat and expose what he alleges in his rebutting evidence to be not only : a proof against him, but a crime against law.” He then proceeded concisely to remark on special features in the evidence, and concluded by stating that he considered the matter required the attention of the police. Mr Hutchinson for plaintiff, stated that he had come prepared and that two informations for perjury would be filed in duo course.

MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES. The meeting of chairmen, or represen' tatives of the School Committees lately elected in Patea 00111113', which Mr Bridge suggested should be held for the purpose of taking united action in nominating and electing members of the new School Board, was held at Carlyle, on Wednesday last. Representatives were present as follows— Mr 0. E. Gibson (Normanby), Mr R. B. Hamilton (Manutahi), Mr H. Williamson (Kakaramea), Mr W. Williams (Carlyle), Mr R. Horner (Wlienuakura), Mr G. S. Bridge (Waverley), Mr J. W. Kenah (Kohi), and Mr T. Kells (Waitotara). A telegram was received from Mr Middlemas (Hawera), stating that he supposed on account of circular from the Education Department, fixing a later date for the election of School Committees, that the meeting proposed by Mr Bridge would not take place, hence his non-attendance, but expressing willingness to be present at any future meeting it should be decided to hold. Mr Bridge was voted to the chair. The various parts of the Education Act, bearing on local administration, were considered, which appeared to load to a general good understanding in regard thereto. There was an evident desire on the part of the representatives present uo work in harmon} 7 , and a line of action was unanimously agreed upon. Of gentlemen who had been solicited to allow themselves to be nominated as candidates for the School Board, the following had assented: —Messrs Duthie and Peat (Wanganui), and Major Turner, G. F. Sherwood, and W. Williams _ (Carlj’le). After discussion on the matter, it was prodosed by Mr Williamson, seconded by Mr Hamilton, and carried, “ That a ballot be taken to decide which two of the following gentlemen who have consented to be nominated, shall be nominated'by the committees in the Patea County—Messrs Dufhio,

Peat, William's, Q. F. Sherwood, and Major Turner.” Proposed by Mr Kenah, seconded by Mr Williams, and earned, “ That tho chairman of this meeting have a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote.” The ballot showed five votes for Mr Duthie, and four each for Mr Sherwood and Mr Williams. The chairman gave a casting vote for Mr Williams, who was therefore elected. After other matters in reference to the provisions of the Education Act, had been discussed, the meeting adjourned, _ Mr Bridge being empowered to communicate with committees throughout the Board District, with a view of securing to outlying districts a share of representation, and expenditure of funds. NORMANDY SCHOOL COMMITTEE. A meeting of the above committee was held on Monday evening last. Present— Messrs Budd, Finlayson, Hunger, Inkster, and the Chairman. The minutes of tho previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence—Letter from D. Peat declining to be nominated, on the grounds that he had consented to be nominated by the Hawera school committee ; from John Duthie stating that lie had consented to bo nominated by the Hawera committee, but presumed that it would suit the Nonnanby committee equally well } from G. S. Bridge, chairman Waverley school committee, re meeting of chairmen of committees to bo held at Carlyle on 23rd instant. Proposed by Mr Budd, seconded by Mr Inkster, and carried, “ That the chairman be empowered to attend the meeting called by Mr Bridge, at Carlyle, on 23rd instant ” The meeting then adjourned until tho 24th instant. KAKARAMEA SCHOOL COMMITTEE. [Communicated,] A meeting of the above committee was he'd on Thursday evening last. Present; All the members. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman reported result of meeting of chairmen of school committees at Carlyle, last Wednesday. Proposed by Mr Mcßae, seconded by Mr Chapman, and carried, “ That this committee endorse the action of its chairman, re nomination of candidates of Education Board.” Proposed by Mr Mcßae, seconded by Mr' Paterson, and carried, “That William Williams, of Carlyle, and John Duthie, of Wanganui, be nominated to Wanganui Education Boaid by tho committee, and that the clerk write to the secretary of Wellington Education Board to that effect. The school returns to end of December, 1877, were filled in and returned to Wellington. The meeting adjourned sine die.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS. The following telegrams in reference to the above explain themselves: “ Patca, January 21. “ Department Board of Education, Government Buildings. “ Wanganui Herald says the recent election of school committees by this Board is null and void. Clause 17 the Board look at as basis of operation and elected committees as per Clauses GO, Gl, and G3, and appointed meeting vide Clause G9. Boundaries vide Clause 37 will be advertised after next meeting of Board. Is election legal?” “ W. C'OWEKN, u Secretary Patca Board.” “ Government Buildings, Jan. 23. u W. Cowern, Esq, Patca, ‘‘ Please send copy of Wanganui Herald referred to. Upon its receipt Law Officer will advice.” “ 11. G. Fountain.” Considering that Mr Ballance is Minister of Education, and will no doubt be referred to on this question, it does seem rather rich that a copy of his own newspaper should require to be forwarded before an answer can be given.