The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 294, 9 February 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1878.

Election of mcmders for tlie Patea Harbor Board for Otoia and Hawera Hidings, takes place on Monday. No person having been nominated for Wavcrlej, there will be no election for that riding until another day has been fixed and nominations made. Six candidates in all were nominated—three each for .Hawerli and Otoia Ridings. Except Mr Sherwood, neither of the candidates have thought fit, by public meeting, or detail address, to inform ratepayers of their proposed line of action. The nomination of Mr Soutliby on the one hand, and Messrs Dale and Morgan on the Other, has been assumed, whether rightly or wrongly, as a challenge, and that the election of either one or the other, would be a practical protest against-the past action of the Harbor Board. Mr Morgan lias retired from the contest. It is as-sumed--of two of the candidates, that tht-ir-known opposition to the Chairman of I bo Harbor Board, not only as such, bnt in connection with' other public bodies and public business, would, if elected, and the present Chairman still remained id the Board, render future

harmonious working impossible, and •that .arrangements so far entered into for proceeding with construction of Harbor works,' would be’severely shaken, if not entirely upset, by the tactics which, judging from the. past action of the candidates, and from hearsay, would be pursued. It is a pity but the candidates referred to, had either issued detail addresses, or had had the moral courage to have attended the meeting convened by Mr Sherwood, when they could have rebutted any incorrect statements made, or given explanations which would have shown matters, possibly, in their favour —that they were not actuated by feelings of personal jealousy, but from motives ol public good. Mr Sontiiby is so well known throughout the County, and conforms so little to the courtesies which representative men who desire to carry weight, usually do conform, and is withal, such an over-the-traces-kieker, that wo shall be surprised if he finds many backers. He is too impatient to be useful in any public capacity, and his forte is opposition. Mr Dale, who is favorably known, has been some time before the public, in various capacities, and had he but taken the trouble to explain his intended course of action, would no doubt have won many friends. As it is, cadi elector is left to torm his own opinion, so far as any public utterance is concerned, as to what he may or may not intend to do. Certainly, if elected, and the. present chairman obtains a seat, it will mean opposition to that gentleman, and through him to the Board. Mr Sherwood has been so connected with the Harbor scheme, and Harbor Board, and Harbor doings, that it is al-

most impossible to think or speak of the one, without thinking or speaking of the other. Whether it is in praise or condemnation, Mr Sherwood's name is sure to crop up. This close alliance chafes foes, while it affords supporters pleasure. Members of the Board have relied much on Mr Sherwood, and have shown the greatest confidence in him. The elect ion will show whether or not friends sufficiently appreciate his efforts, as to take the trouble to vote for him. Though it was open to Mr Sherwood to be nominated, he has elected to test public opinion in regard to himself, and to the action of the Harbor Board, by being returned as an elective member, or rejected, as ratepayers choose to decide. The result of the poll will tell whether indifference, or active sympathy and appreciation rule. Mr Gibson has been equally reticent with Mr Soutliby. He is, however, well known as a successful business man, and from the interests lie has at stake, should be earnestly desirous of aiding the progress of Harbor works. Mr Greig is a ijew aspirant, to public life. We are of opinion that but little fault can .be found - with .the Harbor Board as at present constituted. Nominee Board though it may be, the members may be taken as fairly representative men, and for most part having large lauded and other interests in the County. It is questionable, such is the indifference in thin and scattered communities, if the principle of election will improve the character of the Board. Time alone will show. Much depends on the result of the present election, and we hope that every ratepayer will feel it his duty to vote for one or other of the candidates. Only a short time ago, the idea of improving the navigation of the Patea River was looked upon as visionary. The report made, after inspection by Mr Carrutbcrs in 1875, put new life into such as bad asserted the practibility of the work, a.id aroused hope, and attraetd the attention of others previously sceptical, Then the doleful urged that it would be impossible to raise, in their generation, the enormous sum of £4.000

I which it was estimated would be required for first portion of proposed works. These who had faith worked on. The interest and active sympathy of Major Atkinson, the member for Egmont, was secured, which was followed, through his instrumentality and promptings of the .zealous, by the passing of a Harbor Act. Considerable endowments of land were made over for harbor improvements, the Board was constituted, had its first meeting in March last, and has worked steadily on. Advantage was taken of the visit of Major Atkinson to Patea in : May last to press on his attention the claims of Harbor Board, and what was required to ensure success. The result was an- Amended Harbor Act, with further endowments, and at the express suggestion of the Board itself, the introduction of the elective principle. The stigma of a nominee Board can no longer attach. Borrowing powers were asked, but not granted. The Board was however put on a workable footing, and through Major Atkinson’s influence, assistance was rendered in various ways, which has helped to place the Board in the good and advanced position it at present occupies. What has been done by the Board since it has been placed on a workable footing is too well-known to require recapitulation. A Marine Engineer, highly recommended, and who has given evidence of ability and industry, has been secured. Tenders are called for. Preliminary steps to secure cash to cover cost of first portion of the work and to meet contingencies which may arise, have been taken. The one important matter now is to secure funds to show intending contractors that the Board is in a position to pay for the work for which tenders are called, and if possible, to be ready to continue. A slight howl; has been made that the Board should have affirmed the principle of sale of certain reserves. “ Nemo” explained that view very clearly . Enquiry showed, and “ Nemo” acknow-

ledged.that he had been misinformed, and had misunderstood the intentions of the Board. There is no intention of selling river frontages which are likely to be required for harbor extension. The up-river frontages can only be valuable to people whose properties they adjoin, and will fetch equally as much in the course of six or seven months, when the groin work is properly under-weigh, as a few years hence. It is desirable that no hindrance should be placed in the way of the policy and plans of the present Board. Tin; hint given by Major Atkinson, on bis visit to Patea, should be borne in mind. He said “He had no doubt if the Board went steadily to work and did not look far enough ahead for difficulties they would get a harbor.” We think so too, and trust good use will be made of present opportunities of progressing, and that no efforts will be spared hi the future to get further amendments in the Harbor Act, and further endowments. Judging by what has been obtained and done in a comparatively short time, there is great encouragement for the future. Go-ahead should be the motto, and don’t look too far ahead for difficulties. We trust that every ratepayer will see the necessity for voting for one or other of the candidates, as the only opportunity they wid have of showing how much or little they care for what, if successfully carried out, will double the value of property, stimulate trade and agricultaral industry, and quickly make this County populous and -wealthy.

At the last meeting of the County Council, an urgent telegram was sent to the Government, on motion of Mr Sherwood, with a view of ascertaining if Government had taken any action in reference to application by Council, as to spending the money on the Mountain Road. Before the Council separated a telegram was received from-the Undersecretary, Public Works Department, to the effect that no decision had been come to, and the granting of the money depended on whether or not the proposed loan, £2,500,000 was raised in England, and which, on account of the threatening aspect of European affairs, appeared doubtful. A definite reply could not, however, he given until the respousiole minister had been consulted. On inquiry the following day, if definite rejly had been received, the Clerk of the Council replied in the affirmative, bat on being asked to allow a copy to be taken for publication in the Mail, he refused, on the ground that permission to do so, had not been granted by the Chairman, and that some of the Councillors had objected to information being given to the Press, ox - g’exxeral public, until it bad been first made known to them in Council. The Chairman, we know, considers -it not treating the Councillors with proper respect, to allow information to be made public before it has been laid before them In Council. As a rule, every facility is afforded to the Press by public bodies for the acquirement of information of general public interest. During the past month, some important correspondence took place with Government relative to the County Hospital, which, though of special public import, was not available for publication, for the reason that the Clerk had not obtained permission. All know the groat interest which is taken throughout the County in any scrap of information relative to the Mountain Road. Yet, no discretionary power is given to the Clerk to hand over for publication anything be may receive. The Chairman if the Council resides at Wavcrley, and cannot conveniently be consulted, and holding the opinion lie docs on this matter, would not bo likely to grant the request oven if asked. The old Provincial authorities availed thern- ! selves very readily of the opportunity afforded by the Press, of making public items of general interest. We do not see why the County Council should desire to be so straight-laced on this poin*. It would bo mutually advantageous to the Press and the general public, and we scarcely think the dignity of the Council would suffer, if some discretionary power were vested in the Clerk, in the matter of handing over for publication, items of general public interest, and generally for obtaining information. The Clerk (Mr J. Black) has ever shown himself obliging, but of course will not over-step the limits of his instructions. In regard to the telegram re Mountain Road, being unable to get permission from the Clerk to publish it, we sought the aid of one of the Councillors, any of whom, we believe, have a right to read or copy correspondence. Mr Sherwood was kind enough to copy and hand over the following telegram received from the Public Works Department, Wellington, dated Wednesday :

811. Could not obtain Minister’s directions until late last evening. Minister very anxious not to delay Mountain, Road. As soon as Engiueer-in-Chief returns, which will he in a few days, you will be authorized to call for tenders for a part of the Mountain Road, to the extent of three thousand pounds, and should the loan be raised within three months, it is possible the Government may then be able to increase the grant. Minister will write you on Mr Blackett’s return fully as to mode of payment and conditions of specifications.

John Knowles, Under-Secretary Public Works. Considering that £IO,OOO of the money to be spent on the Mountain Road, is not a grant from Government, but simply a transfer from money held by Government for the Purchase of Native Land in Taranaki, which transfer the General Assembly assented to, we do not see why Paten’s portion of that amount, together with the £3,000 now promised, should not be handed over for expendi-

tore at the same time. The two amounts would make a respectable sum, and would enable useful work to be done. We trust any deputations whidh may wait on Mr Sheehan, on his. arrival in the Comity, will nbtjie back ward impointing. out the injustice of Guverurpenthanging, on to the £l0j ! 0'00 until# bah "-be seem whether or not a loan can he raised' in: England.

A resolution was brought forward at the last Town Board Meeting by Messrs Aitchison and Coutts, which wecotisider, deserved a better fate than that accorded it. The resolution was in purpose to ascertain, on the authority of an Engineer, the best method of commencing a system of town drainage. Considering the urgent necessity which exists for works of that nature being undertaken—a more reasonable or more important step than that embodied in the resolution—can scarcely be imagined ; and why a majority of the members could vote against it, is more than any “ Fellah" can well understand. It was not a resolution to commence any particular section of work, of even to get an estimate of any particular section, but simply an endeavor to get afc the proper planto adopt, and how. best to begin, or in the words of the resolution ‘“the best system of beginning,” Great blunders often arise from wrong beginnings.

Election of Harbour Board members for Hawora and Otoia Ridings take place on Monday. The polling hours are from 9 a.m. to G p.ra. Mr Morgan has retired. Mr Dale’s address will be seen in advertising columns. A telegram was received by Sergeant Whelan yesterday, from Sergeant Cahill, Hawera, that a man had fallen down in a fit on Thursday, and was paralysed and speechless, and asking for his admission to hospital. Assent was given, the man to be forwarded. Capital idea. The pound keeper, Carlyle, has a few head of cattle given to prowling around in town gardens at night. Sergeant Whelan summoned the poundkeeper for breach of the Impounding Ordinance. Fined 2s 6d a head apd costs. A gentleman in Carlyle was clever enough lately to impound one of las own horses. Mr William Cowern, Carlyle, has been gazetted auditor of accounts for the Patoa County Council. A line accidentally transposed in last issue, made a portion of our remarks on: steam navigation company, rather foggy. The printer’s d had been about. Tenders for bush falling on JoII Road will be received by the Secretary Patea West Road Board until noon of Monday. The privileges of the Patea Race Course will be offered at auction to-day by Mr William Cowern. The very general interest which is being taken in the coming races should draw a good price for piivileges. All interested in the .formation of a Steam Navigation Company for Patea County are requested to meet at the Albion Hotel at three o’clock to-day. We trust there will be a large attendance and that arrangements for floating the company will be taken. ;

A special general meeting of the Hawera Cricket Club, and all interested will be held on Monday evening, in the native office, at 7 p.m. In regard to letter ill "last issue as to the, difficulty and expense people may possibly incur in having to travel from Hawera to Carlyle to the [registration Officer, wc find on inquiry that such trouble and expense is quite unnecessary, as at almost all the stores in the county forms for registration can be obtained on application, Ail necessary to be done is to fill them in and forward by post or in any other way. A meeting of the committee of thePatea Caledonian Society was held at the Albion Hotel, Carlyle, on 2nd February. R. 0. Tcnnent, Esq.; was elected President; R. E. Mcßae, Esq., Vice-President; Mr M. D. Harris, Secretary ; and Mr 0. Hargreaves, Treasurer. The following were agreed to as portion of committee (to consist of 15 members) —Messrs Mcßae, Hunter, Hamilton, Hutchison, W. Dixon, C. Dasent, K. 0. Tiunent, d. W. Gana, S. Dixon, C. Hargreaves, and D. M. Harris. A sub-com-inittec was elected as follows—Messrs Hamilton, G. W. Gane, W. Dixon, Hunter, andC Dasent. The secretary Avas instructed to write to various Societies in other parts of the Colony for copies of rules, and to call a sub-committeo to consider the same on arrival.

We Avoukl.call the attention of gentlemen in search of suitable farms to Mr McGuire’s iisav advertisement of the sale of property near New Plymouth, and in doing so Ave are glad to hear that Mr McGuire is not only recognised as. a successful laud agent IbCally, but at a distance. Since lie commenced business as a, land agenthehasput severalblocks andwaluable allotments through, his hands, and Ave Avish him every success in the future.

Mr A. 11. Pye, of Carlyle, has enteredon a new branch of local Industry in the shape of the manufacture of corrugated iron tannks. Two to hold 600 gallons each have been turned out of hand, the workmanship of whicn will bear the closest scrutiny. The tanks a.ie light, yet strong, and moderate in price. The result of the polling at New Plymouth on the 6lh February for a Borough loan of £25,000 was in favour of raising a loan, the majority being 131. From the January* number of “ The New Zealand Country Journal,” a record of information connected with agricultural, pastoral, and horticultural pursuits, and rural sports in New Zealand, published by the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and; Pastoral Association, we learn that the first year’slabors have met with such success as to warrant the more frequent publication of this very useful journal. A wide circulation has been secured, and valuable contributions received from all parts of the Colony, including Taranaki During the present year there will be an issue every two months, the price being 2s postage extra. Next y T ear it is hoped the publication will be monthly, and still at the same price ; 10s per year. We can confidently recommend the “New. Zealand Country Journal” to all engaged iii the pursuits above named Every farmer should become a subscriber. i

The Wellington Argus says.:—The Hon John Ballance, Minister for Education, will address his constituents in Eangitikei in a couple of months from, date, and as the Ministerial programme should be pretty well matured by thattime, we may expect id have it put before the country in a more concrete form than hitherto

' VWe hear that the addition to Carlyle "school is expected to be. Ximshccl next week, but the new part will not be of much use until the desks are fitted up, which We believe are not yet commenced. -There are now 33 girls and 47 boys attending the school, with more coming.