The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 297, 20 February 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1878.

Harbor Works— sale of Harbor reserves and other Crown Lauds—constitution of Pa tea County as a Local Land District. A flairs in these parts are beginning to look healthy. Tenders are now,/being called for River improvements ; sale of Harbor reserves and other Crown Lands in the Otoia-Opaku Block, for cash and on deferred ’‘payments, are announced ; and a proclamation has been issued by the Governor of New , Zealand, constituting the area within the boundaries of Patea County, a Local Land District —a Land Officer has been appointed, and a Land Office for the County established at Patea. All those matters indicate progress. It was in October last that we called pointed attention to the necessity for Crown Lands within the County being put into the market, to the almost studied neglect of Patea bv the Taransld Waste Lands Board, and to the necessity for the establishment of a Local Land Office, or at .any rate, for the appointment of a Board, of Advice as to Crown Lands within the ■ County, which it might bo advisable for the Land Board to put into the market. stated that ; bitheP/tlie :: Taranaki Waste Lands Board knew, or cared nothing, about the requirements of this district. An irregular public agitation almost immediately commenced. The treatment which the Ketemarae Small Farm Association, and other applicants for land from Patea, received at the 1 hands of the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, in contrast 'with the treatment accorded Taranaki applicants, showed unmistakably the need for local administration of waste lands, ami aroused a

considerable amount of feeling. Private and public efforts were directed to the attainment of the desired., object. Wo repeatedly, in one form or another) Urged its importance. Mr G. F., Sherwood, whose visit to Wellington in December last, was stated and understood to be on private and not on public business (although really very much public business, locally of great importance, was transacted by him) also worked in the direction of endeavouring to obtain local administration of the land. The idea was no( new to him, and the working then, was simply a continuation of previous effort. TheMth section of the Land Act,passed on the 11th of December last, provides that “ The Governor, by proclamation in the Gazette, may from time to time establish and define, abolish, alter, or reconstitute local districts for the sale or disposal of land, and in like manner from time to time may appoint Land 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 for generally carrying into effect the provisions of this Act, Any local district may overlap the boundaries of any land district, and embrace within its limits portions of different land districts.” This danse was seen exactly to meet the case of Patea, the boundaries of which are partly within the jurisdiction of the Wellington and of the Taranaki Land Districts. Personal and written application had been made to Government, with a view of obtaining fer Patea, either a local Land office or Board of advice. On clause 24 of the Laud Act coming under notice, Mr Sherwood immediately applied that it might bo put in operation here. The result may be seen in letter from the Assistant Under-Secretary, which we reprint in another column. A copy of the letter there referred to, would have been printed on Mr Sherwood’s retarn, but fearing that a strong opposition would be raised in Taranaki, it was deemed prudent, until it was known what action Government would be likely to take, not to publish it. The appointment of Captain Wray as Deceiver of Land Revenue last month, was looked upon as a step in the desired direction, and especially when taken in connection with remarks made by Sir George Grey to a deputation at Coromandel, when ho stated “ That ho proposed to do away with the Waste Lauda Boards, who act as buffers, as it were, between the public and the Government, and substitute Land Offices under responsible officers, in every district, where everyone could apply for information, and take up land.” The wishes of Patea settlers have been acceded to —a Local Land Officer has been appointed, and a Loral Land Office established. All who have aided in the attainment thereof, may flatter themselves that they have nut worked in vain. The extensive knowlogo Captain Wray has of Crown Lands within the County, and the desire, as judged by communications to the Taranaki Land Board, of making liberal provision for sale of land on deferred payments, should make that gentleman eminently fitted for the department lie lias been put in charge of. The advantages to the County in the increased facilities thus given for obtaining information, and for the purchasing of land, and with an officer favorable to the disposal of land on the easiest possible terms, should stimulate sales, and as one-third of the purchase money will be available for road making, settlement should proceed rapidly. We regret that the Land Act will not allow of a lower upset prico than per acre for bush land, and that the upset price of deferred payment land should be still further increased by the compulsory addition of one half on the upset prico for cash land. That is a drawback which the administering officer has no power to alter, and which must be borne with, until the Legislature agree to amend the present Act. We ate now chiefly concerned for the sale or the Harbor Reserves in the Otoia-Opaku Block, most of which, fortunately, are of good quality, with road line already cleared, or having river frontages, any of which reserves may bo immediately occupied. Several of the Harbor sections are near to the Woodville township. The Otoia-Opaku Block lies as the crow flies from the main road about four miles from Kakaramea, and about the same distance from Manutahi, and has a road hue laid off, which will join the road running through Wliennaknra Block. The upset prices may, by some persons, be considered high. In respect of the deferred payment land, there is no help for it. In the case of Harbor sections—quality, accessibility, and the immediately good prospect of increased value, through commencement of Harbor Works, will no doubt be taken into consideration. Wc believe all the land offered will find ready purchasers, and that the increased facilities for sale of land within the County, together with other advantages previously referred to, will attract many outsiders, and compel the Local Land Boarcl authorities to hurry on the survey of other blocks.

A telegram was received yesterday from Waverley as follows : “ The Maoris have stopped the survey north of the Moraahaki, and attempted to seize chain. A meeting of settlers is called for Saturday night.” Judged by the above telegram the Hon Mr Sheehan’s words have had little deterrent effect on the Waitotara natives. Pie spoke plainly to them. We shall now be anxious to see how he will act. We hear that a very large number of natives have assembled, many of whom put on a bold front. It is likely the meeting called for Saturday evening will be well attended.

Race horses, jockeys, owners, betting men, and visitors of all descriptions, have been showing up in Carlyle since Sunday. The weather since Saturday has beon of the best—hopes of iff continuance run high —and there is every prospect of a successful meeting. It was rumoured on Saturday that through some misunderstanding with the lessor the raceconrsewouid not be available. We learn from the secretary (W. Coweni) Esq.), that the supposed difficulties have all been overcome, booths are beingerected, and so far as possible every convenience will bo provided for visitors. South of Carlyle—Whennakuva, Waverley, and Waitotara, the greatest interest is being taken in the. races, which are to take place on Thursday and Friday. Kakaramea and Manutahi are sure to bo well represented. We also hope to see Hawera show up well on the occasion. Owners of horses and others entitled to free passes are requested to interview the secretary. From alteration in Mr Thompson’s auction advertisements, it will be seen that that gentleman lias entered into partnership with that energetic and successful land agent, Mr F. McGuire, of Hawera. Mr Thompson, as a stock owner in the South Island, brings a large experience to bear on the special line of business lie has entered upon, which experience will no doubt be available both by parties desiring to buy or sell stock, and be mutually advantageous. If good credentials are of any value, Mr Thompson should succeed. Mr McGuire, as a smart business man, is well known.

On Friday evening last a settler at Kakaramea was riding beside another horse (not a very good tempered one) when it kicked out, and striking him on the leg just below the knee, broke it. The injured man was taken to a settler’s bouse, where Dr Croft attended and reset the broken limb.

It will bo seen bj r reference io advertisement that two additions have been made to list of candidates for the new School Board. Committees who have sent in voting’ papers will now require to make fresh elections, the instructions respecting which arc being forwarded from Wellington by the Secretary of the Education Board (Robert Lee, Esq). The omitted candidates are—Henry Lacey Peake, Kai Iwi, and James Durie, Waitotara. Now is a favorable opportunity of clearing oat the drain running from past Unthanks Road to the Lake. The channel is almost dry. IE the Town Board would undertake this work before the wet season sets in, it coidd be done at comparatively little expense, the contcntratcd essence of perfumes would bo avoided, and thehealthiness of the town improved. A total eclipse of the moon took place on Sunday night, commencing about nine o’clock. The moon being at full, the night beautifully clear, and the hour early, very general attention was directed skywards.

The s.s. AVaitara is expected from AVa 1tara to-morrow on an experimental trip t° Potea River. She is open for freight or charter by Mr Dale. The Taranaki Herald's report of Waste Lands Board pioceedings, 11th February, mentions “ that a letter was read from Captain AVray enclosing request from Chairman of Patea Harbor Board that the unsold sections in the Otoia and Opaka block, sot apart as endowments for the Harbour Board, be offered for disposal at the next sale at Carlyle, as funds would shortly be required to meet engagements in connection witli their harbor works. Arrangements for the sale of the block referred to were then made ; as also the unsold sections atKakaramea. 11 was resolved that the sale be held at the Court House, Carlyle, at noon, on Saturday, March 23rd, and that the sale bo publicly notified.” See notification in another column of the Patea Mail. The Banks, Carlyle, will be closed on race days Thursday and Friday, from eleven a.m., thus allowing one hour each day for the transaction of necessary business. The boundaries of the Patea Land District were gazetted on the 14th instant. Prohibition against impoitation of stock into New South AVales has been removed. Proclamation bringing “ The New Zealand Consolidated Stock Act, 1877,” into operation has been gazetted. George Elliot Barton, solicitor, lias been elected member of the House of Representatives, for Wellington City. The following is the result of the poll : —Barton 50G, Pearce 4G2, Hutchison 263. On Saturday evening last a meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Brass Band, met at the Albion Hotel, Carlyle. Mr A. Black was elected Secretary pro. ism. After the question had been considered in its various aspects it was proposed by Mr Dixon, seconded by Mr Connolly, and carried unanimously, “ That steps be taken to form a Band, and that it be called 1 The Patea Brass Band.’ ” On the suggestion of Mr Connolly it was agreed that the Secretary should write to AVellington, as to prices of instruments. A committee was appointed consisting of Messrs Connolly, Rhodes, S. Dixon, and the Secretary, with power to add. Liberal contributions were promised by two gentlemen. The committee will receive the names of those intending to join the Band, and application should be made at once. The next meeting will be held, on Monday the 25th.

Messrs J. Strachan Greig and Co will hold their usual monthly cattle sale at Hawera to-day at noon. Tenders will be received by the County Council for gravelling up to 2 p.m. to-day. The adjourned meeting of chairmen of school committees will be held at the Council Chambers at 4 p.m. to-clay. Mr W. Dale will sell on the Patea Race Course, on Thursday, the thorough-bred entire Brigham Young and the draught entire Black Prince. The date of Mr P. E. Jackson’s Hawera stock sale has been altered to Tuesday, 12th March, on account of the Wanganui Races. Two cases set down for hearing at Carlyle yesterday had to be postponed to the sth March, on account of the illness of solicitor who was unable to leave Wanganui. In the case of D. IT. Williams v J. Cheyne, for-damagodonc to horse at the Waverley Agricultural Show, the adjournment expenses for witnesses, &c, amounted to £8 55,-

Patea Rinkers are a little gloomy just now—incensed would probably be tho more correct term. It,is said that last year about £4O was paid to the Carlyle Town Hall Company for.the use of the Hall as a Skating Rink. No objection was looked for by the skaters in obtaining the Hall for the coming season. Objection has, however, been raised by some amongst the directors who are rather inclined to plume themselves on desiring to provide innocent and healthful rrcreation for young men, apart from tiic seductive influences of the public house. Yet they are the first to sit upon what has proved to be a strong ■ attraction to the public bouse. We hope the kcrew-a-few-more-pounds-out-of-them principle will not prevail when the rinkers’ application comes to be considered at meeting, of the Directors. Encouragement should rather be given to any innocent and healthful amusements. It is quite certain there is little enough entertainment of any kind in Patea. Kinking nut only affords pleasure to those actually engaged, but also to numbers of the friends of members who. as visitors, are permitted to attend the Hall on practice nights. An especially good finish to the enjoyment on both race days will be afforded at Carlyle Town Hall in the shape of Baker’s famed Hibernieon and Panorama of Irish Scenery, with its talented company' of performers and singers. All who missed the opportunity' of attending this first class instructive and pleasing entertainment on the occasion of Mi Baker’s last visit, should not fail to present themselves at the Carlyle Town Hall on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The Auckland Herald says —Mr T. W. Gudgeon, of Grahamstown, will shortly have issued a book entitled “ Reminiscences of the War.” Mr Gudgeon has had special opportunities of becoming - acquainted with the facts of the expeditions which were carried on against the Maoris in different parts of this island, and has put permanently on record many matters of interest and importance which otherwise would have been fo.tgottcn. The Auckland Tlerald says—We arc informed that Mr O’Connor is desirous of negotiating for the purchase of 500,000 acres of land in the King country for a special settlement scheme, and that he would prefer it at Waikato. Mr W r . L. Rocs, barrister and solicitor, has left Auckland to practice In's profession in Napier, lie has been in Auckland over eight years, and was elected member of the Assembly for Auckland City East, in 1876.

Waikato coal is now in great favour on the railway, though on its first being used, the stokers and other officials had great prejudice against it. A ton of Waikato coal now lasts as long as a ton of New South Wales coal. Waikato coal is supplied to the railway at 5s per ton. In reply to deputation in New Ply mouth, on Colonel Trimble mentioning the Council’s inability to tax Maori lands, Sir George Grey said he was touching on the most difficult and vexed question of the day. They were not taxed for fear of giving rise to Native disturbance. He be-

lieved in a few years Natives would pay rates just the same as Europeans.

An exhibition of wonderful natural curiosities, oil paintings and beautiful stereoscopic views is announced for Saturday at Carlyle. Chadwick’s Sweep bn the Patca Jockey Club Handicap will be drawn to-night, at the Carlyle Town Hail.

Only seven persons attended at Carlyle to consider the hospital question, from which it may be inferred how much private effort will do in the way of supplying funds.