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

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 302, 9 March 1878, Page 2

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

The Taranaki News has again spoken* It appears not to relish the idea of Patca County taking the first step in the direction of obtaining better facilities for’ the letting and sale of Crown lands. It takes exception to the remarks lately made by us, when referring to the gazetted notice of the constitution of Patea County as a Local Land District. It does not think, after all, there was much to cackle about—but, in spite of that, is anxious to obtain some portion of the credit for what has been accomplished, and points out, what was quite well known before, that a similar recommendation had emanated so long ago as March- last year from the Taranaki Waste Lands Board ; and of which, we might add, no good result followed. Inlormation as to laud for sale was just as difficult to obtain as before the recommendation had been made, and beyond the mere passing of the resolution, no means to facilitate sales were provided, and the supposed Land Officer appeared I to be just as much in the dark about land open for sale as the general public. The mistake into which the A r ews is pleased to believe we have fallen, has simply been twisted into a pretext for puffing up the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, and its administration of Waste Lands, in regard to which our contemporary says:—“ From a long and regular attendance at the sittings of that Board, we are able truthfully to say that the Board is disposed to administer the lands fairly at either end of the district.” For cool assurance and for continuous assertion of impossible-to-be-believed statements, ominend us to the Taranaki News. In remarks lately made to a little attention paid us by the Netes, we gave a specimen of its cool audacity on the circulation fiction. il From a long and regular attendance at the sittings of the Waste Lands Board.” It is well known in New Plymouth that for months ami months at a stretch no reporter from tire News ever attended the sittings of the Waste Lands Board; and we do not think any alteration in that respect has yet been made, or, at all events, such alteration can only very recently have been made. We do not blame the News for that it has been unable to afford to send a reporter to attend the sittings of the Laud Board, We rather sympathise, and indeed, feel somewhat envious that it is so favored in the matter of obtaining lengthy reports for two or three years, spite of the fact that no known member of the staff has been present at Board meetings. “ From a long and regular attendance”—“ we can

truthfully say,” &c., and then our co s temporary goes on to say that “ The Mail has sought to make capital out of the fact that Mr A. C. Fookes has been permitted to found a special settlement, while others who wished to follow his example have been frustrated in doing so.” The A 'ews then, acting in the capacity ot apologist for the misdoings of the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, says—“ It was by the interference of the Government that the establishment of special settlements on the Mountain Koad was stopped, and the fact of Mr Fookes being permitted to do so, can scarcely be said to have arisen irom a partiality for Taranaki people, since Mr Fookes bas resided chief 1 3' at Fa tea since he has been in the colony, and has only recently come to live at Now Plymouth.” * The News cannot know much about Mr Fookes, or it would not say be bas resided chiefly at Patea. It is, however, about as accurate as other statements made. Against the fairness with which the Taranaki Land Board is disposed to administer the lands at either end of the district, and to winch, “ from a long and regular attendance at the sittings of that Board,” the News is able •'•'truthfully” to testify, we have simply to set the treatment experienced (and which, unfortunately*, is but too well known to need recapitulation) by Patea applicants for land within the past few months, as against the treatment of Taranaki applicants. It is not, and lias not been, so much against the action of the General Government that complaint has been made, but against the partiality shown by the Board itself, in its readiness to agree to recommend to the favorable consideration of Government applications for land made by Taranaki men, or l>y men who had Taranaki influence at their bock, and the high prices asked and the obstacles thrown in the way of applicants from this end. The assertion, and it is nothing but assertion, of “ long and regular attendance at the sittings” of the Waste Lands Board, which enables the News “ truthfully” to testify, &c., to the fairness of the Board is simply ridiculous, or Averse, in the face of stubborn facts. Patea people firmly believe that if direct application had been made to the General Government, instead of to the Land Board, that one at any rate of the special settlement applications would have been favorably and readily assented to, and that the district would now have been reaping the benefit in considerable additions to its population. The strong antipathy of Patea people against the Taranaki Land Board has been brought about by the Board’s unfair treatment of applications for land from this end. The News says ‘‘ The desire of the editor of the Mail evidently is to sot the people of Patea as much as possible against the Taranaki Waste Lands Board.” The prevailing fooling of Patea people in regard to the editor of the Patka Mail is that his sympathies lean too much towards Taranaki and its people, and that far too much desire to work hand in hand with Taranaki is shown—the statement of our truthful contemporary notAvithstanding. The Neivs , after cpioting the gazette notices as to constitution of land district and appointment of Land Officer, concludes—- “ What Patea has gained b} r the exertions of Mr Sherwood and the astuteness of the Patka Mail ato fail to perceive, except that under the present proclamation the Patea Land District is co-oxtensivc Avith the Patea Comity instead of being confined as heretofore to that part of Patea which is within the Taranaki Provincial District. The Patea Land District is as much under the control of the Taranaki Land Board as ever, and the Patea Mail has found a mare’s nest.” We, Avltli others in Patea, are satisfied, that the constitution of Patea County as a Land District, embracing as it does part of Wellington and part of Taranaki Board Districts, is a step in the right direction. Taken in connection Avitli the remarks made by Sir George Grey at Coromandel Avho said, “ That he proposed to do* atvay with the Waste Lands Boards, which act as buffers, as it wore, between the public and the Government, and substitute Land Offices under responsible officers, in every district, whore everyone could apply for information and take upland,” avc are very hopeful. As to the boast that “ the Patea Land District is as much under the control of the Taranaki Land Board as ever,” avc can simply regret it, and while Taranaki holds the power cannot deprive our contemporary of its gloat. We, however, hope, that while the Taranaki Land Board holds the whip hand, it will act discreetly, and instead of shewing partiality as in the past, Avill endeavour to deal out more even-handed justice. As the lesson which onr contemporary laid itself out to impart, for our special edification, had been long ago learned, and was in fact quite stale, wo must leave readers to judge Avho found the marc’s nest, and lioav far the puff’ up of the Taranaki Laud Board has been a success.

Kakaramea should present something of the appearance of a market day on Wednesday* next, Mr Dale having about 500 shzep to offer, and Mr Cowern 300 choice eAves, and a number of A T akiablc cattle, &c. Letter from Mr Dale shall appear in next issue.

On Wednesda}’’ last some of the Maori Avomcn who had obstructed the survey at Momabaki, made an attack on the bridge late!}’ put up by the surveyors. No resistance was offered, but informations have been laid and the matter will, be brought before the J’.M. at Wanganui. The Assessment Court Avill be hold at Wavcrley on Wednesday, the 13tl\ instant. Objectors co valuations should attend. Mr Adams, of Carlyle, lias now a separate department for the tailoring branch of Ins business, which is now carried on in the shop adjoining the drapery, and lately occupied [>3 r Mr Currie. The windows have been artistically lettered in gold by Mr Dixon.

The Taranaki Herald, of Monday last, say's —The Hon Mr Fox arrived by' the Taiaroa on Sunday', and wo learn purposes to ascend Mount Egmont. Mr W. Colson has now in bis possession a black swan, quite a young bird, winch was lately' caught at Whennaknra. If the lake grounds at Carlyle were laid out with paths and Were useable for recreation purposes, the swan could be placed there Besides the swan, Mr Colson has a number of Aviid ducks Avliieli are undergoing the process of taming, and a cock and hen pheasant avlu’cli were reared from wild pheasant eggs. The lien laid no less than 70 eggs during the season, but gave no indication of desiring to sit. Intimation has been received by telegraph from the Key E. Pertm’s that he wi 11 be unable to hold mass on Sunday, as previously' arranged, on account of having been requested by' the Bishop to proceed to New Plymouth. He Avill bo away' about three Aveeks.

Major Atkinson announces intention of holding meetings throughout the Comity during next week, commencing at Normanby, on Monday evening. Electors, and particularly such as have objections to urge as to neglect on bis part properly to represent his constituents, are especially invited to attend, when the opportunity' of stating objections either publicly or privately' will be afforded. From letter in last issue from Major Atkinson, it would appear that ho is most anxious to learn of bis alleged shortcomings. There should then be no hesitation on the part of electors in speaking out plainly.

Land proposed by the Wairoa Highway' Board, for road purposes in the Okotuku District has been gazetted. Messrs Thompson and McGuire hold cattle salcatNonnanby on Wednesday* next the 13th instant. Mr F. R. Jackson holds cattle sale at Hawera on Tuesday* next. A meeting - of Mr Mnrdo McLean’s creditors, will bo held at the Court House, Carlyle, at 11 n.m.- on Monday. Air G. A. Hurley, of Wanganui, advertises Adelaide seed wheat.

The ketch Argus left Patea on Wednesday, loaded with pigs and bricks, for Greymouth, and will return with a cargo of coal and timber for Mr W, Dale. The s.s. Waitara also left, for Waitara, same dav.

One guinea, the foe paid to Mr G. F. Sherwood for attendance at Court yesterday in the protest against bis election as member for (he Harbor Board, lias been handed over to us for some public institution.

Further additions of valuable horses have been made to Mr F. li. Jackson’s heavy" list which will be offered in Wanganui to-day. See advertisement. Tenders are being called fora iioav Institute building for Carlyle, which Avill be more attractive in appearance as avcll as more comfortable and commodious than the building at present used. Mr W. Courtney, New* Plymouth, announces important sale of dairy cows and other cattle for Wednesday next. A good muster of stock is expected at Gleuavou on Thursday. His Honor Judge Kenny .arrived at Carlyle by coach on Wednesday* morning. District Court sittings were held during the day, and on Thursday His Honor proceeded to Wanganui. We have been requested by the Commissioner of Waste Lands (0. D. Whitcombe, Esq.), to strike out the date in the advertisement of sale of Otoia-Opaku deferred payment land, ami substitute the word shortly. Another date for the sale will shortly be announced.

Wanganui J. G. Autumn Race Meeting.— About three thousand persons attended the first day’s races in spite of the threatening Avcathor, The following arc the results of the various events:—Hurdle Race—Te Whctumaratna, I ; Gazelle, 2 ; Victor, 3. Expectation Avas scratched.—Wanganui Derby*—Foam. 1 ; Sky Blue, 2; Pccp-o’-Day, 3.—Wanganui Sapling Stakes—Gladys, 1 ; Port Wine Hot, 2 ; Chanticleer, 3.—Wanganui Stakes —Mufti, 1; Resolution, 2; Opawa, 3. A protest by Resolution against Mufti was entertained, and Resolution took first place!—Ladies’ Purse— Expectation, L; Kakapo, 2; Jamaica, 3. Flying Handicap—May* Moon, I; Haphazard, 2; Bully-for-You, 3.

the Government be applied to for land between the Court House, and the Council Buildings.” An amendment moved by Mr Dale, seconded by Jlr Kenah, was lost, “That sections Nos. 4, 5, 0, 7, 8,-Block No. 30, Town of Carlyle, be applied for as a reserve for Comity purposes.” The Couueij.then adjourned to 2 p.m. On reassembling, Jlr Davidson presented a petition from settlers around Hawcra, in favor of the old line of the Mountain Hoad. The petition was received. Jlr Sherwood presented a petition from Normanby settlers in favor of Gazetted lino of toad, which was received.

Reports of committees appointed at previous meeting to open tenders for gravelling, anil to frame by-laws for recreation groan Is, were read and received. Both reports were adopted. An amendment moved by Mr Kells, seconded, pro forma , by Mr Furlong, was lost, “ That the Government bo requested to baud over the Waver ley Reserves to Ihe Wavcrley Town Board, or to Local Trustees.”

Report of the Foreman of Works, showing position of various contracts, &c., read and received.

Abstract of receipts and expenditure for Fchiuary, was read and received, showing Receipt—General Kates, £146 8s 7(1 ; Repayment of summons,,and costs, £7 Gsod ; Fees from Government, £1 IDs. Expenditure—General account, £4B 19s lid ; Public Works, £79 17s lOd ; Hospital, £24 10s 6d

Accounts wore passed for payment. Proposed by Jlr Sherwood, seconded by Jlr Kenah, and carried, “ That the Foreman of Works be instructed to report upon the advisability of clearing, and if necessary, forming portions of the roadside, for the purpose of lightening traffic on the metalled road.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Kcuah, and carried as amended, “ That the Foreman of Works’salary bo increased by the sum of £SO per annum, while employed on the Mountain road woik, and (heamount charged to the special vote from--Govern-ment, increase to date from the Ist instant.” An amendment by Mr Sherwood and Mr Furlong for the sal try to be increased to £2OO per annum, was lost on division.— Ayes: Sherwood,Davidson, Furlong, Fridge Foes—Kells, lloneylieh), Kcuah, Dale, the Chairman voting with (he noes. A further amendment on the original motion, by Mr Sherwood, and Air Davidson, “That all the words after per annum be struck out.” was carried. The following words were added on the motion of Mr Kenah and Mr Davidson, “ and that while employed on the Mountain Hoad such addition be charged to the vote for that account.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Bridge jmo forma, and lost on division, “ That action be taken against Mr John Johnstone, for abroach of the third section danse 97 ‘.Public AVorks Acr, 1876,’ viz —digging rip the soil on the County Hoad, running through the town of Carlyle.”— Ayes—Dale. Noes—Kells, Iloncylield, Sherwood, Davidson, Kenah, Furlong and Bridge. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Dale, and carried, “That the chairman bo respectfully requested to write to the Waste Lands Board, Taranaki, asking that the boundaries of tiie township of Stratford-on-Patea, be extended within tin’s County in equal proportions with those within the Taranaki County.” Proposed by Mr Dale seconded by Mr Davidson, and carried, “That the chairman request the Government to allow the chairman of this Council to, frank letters connected with the business of the Council.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Air Sherwood, and carded, “That a reply be sent to a letter dated 11th September, 1877, re the endowment of land for the County, and requesting that an amount in addition to the 20 per cent, of the proceeds of the sale of the Waimato Plains be handed over to the Council.” The clerk was instructed to write to Mr Burke re removing gravel.

Proposed by Air Sherwood, seconded by Air Kcnah, and lost on division, “That in consequence of the probability of the public works to be undertaken by the Council being largely increased, it is desirable that a Public Works Committee be appointed.” Ayes—Honey field, Sherwood, Dale, Bridge. Noes—Kells, Kenali, Davidson, Furlong, and casting vote. An addition that such committee should consist of the whole of the Council, three to form a quorum, became part of the motion. Proposed by Ah’ Furlong, seconded by Air Sherwood, and carried, “That the chairman of this Council write to the Government, asking them to amend, during the course of the coming session, the sixtyfifth section of ‘The Hating Act, 1870/ to enable the County Council to appoint one valuer for tire Count}', such valuation to be adopted by the different Poad Boards within the Comity.” Proposed by Air Dale, seconded by Air Sherwood, and carried, “ That the sum of £2OO bo paid out of the County fund to the Hospital account, and a subsidy of £2OO be claimed from the Government.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Davidson, and carried, “ That the statement of receipts and expenditure on Hospital Deserve to the 28th February, 1878, be referred back to the Town Clerk of the Carlyle Town Board for further information.”

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by , Mr Davidson, and carried, “ That the return asked for re Hospital, by Government, be supplied.’’ The Council adjourned to 7.15 p.m. On reassembling, it was moved by Mr Kenali, seconded by Mr Sherwood, and lost, “ That the chairman confer verbally or by letter with the Carlyle Town Board, and inform that body that the Council desire to erect an Hospital for the use and benefit of the whole county, and will do so in the event of the Board being willing to hand over the Hospital Deserve to this Council. Otherwise they would not feel justified in doing so, as no other land is available for the purpose.” Proposed by Mr Kells, seconded by Mr Davidson, profonna, and lost, “That the Government be requested to hand over to the Council any reserves set apart for Hospital purposes in the Town of Carlyle.” An amendment moved by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Kells, was lost on division, “ That the chairman write to the Government to find out the position- of the Hospital Deserves in Carlyle.” Ayes—Kells, Davidson, Dale. Noes —. Houeylicld, Sherwood, Kenah, Furlong, Bridge. Tenders for bridge painting were considered in committee, and report adopted

—W. Dixon, £9B 17s 6d (accepted) ; W, GL Bassett, £395 (declined).

It was resolved that the whole of the correspondence relating to the Mountain Road should be read before the question was considered by the Council. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr B ridge, and lost, “ That an urgent telegram be sent to the Government asking if it is imperative that the deviation of the Mountain Hoad must be adopted, and stating that there is a strong feeling in favour of taking the old route.” An amendment moved by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Davidson, was carried on division, “ That from the corner of Waihi and Ohangi Roads, the Mountain Road shall rim through the Townshipof Normanby, thence along the Ketemarae Road till it joins Blake’s survey line, and thence to the Batea River by the same line.” Ayes— Moneyliehl, Davidson, Kenab, Dale, Furlong. Noes—Kells, Sherwood, Bridge, The amendment then became the substantive resolution, and on the motion of Jlr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Bridge, was amended on division, as follows—-“ That all the words after Normanby bo left out.” Ayes—Kells, Sherwood, Furlong, Bridge, and casting vote. Noes—-Davidson, Honeylleicl, Kenah, Dale. Proposed by Jlr Dale, seconded by Mr Kenah, and lost, “ That working plans bo prepared for that portion of the- Mountain Road from the Patea River to To lioti, and tenders bo called for the same.” An amendment moved by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Kells, was lost on division, “That until definite information is obtained as to the deviation, no further work be advertised beyond the section through Normanby.” Ayes—Kells,'Sherwood. Noes—lloneyficld,Davidson, Kenah, Dale, Furlong, Bridge.

The meeting adjourned until 0 a.m. on Thursday morning, .Members present on Wednesday were again in attendance on Thursday. It was proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Davidson, and carried, That in the- resolution, passed on the previous day ordering the preparation of working plans for the Mountain lioad, “ That all the words after Te lloti be struck out.”

Proposed by Mr Uurlong, seconded by Mr Davidson, anil carried, “ That tenders be invited for the formation of the road from the junction of the Waihi and Ohangi to the Ketomarac Hoad, as shown oil the Government plans.” The Chairman having sent an urgent telegram to Government on Wednesday evening, of similar purport to that proposed by Mr Sherwood early in the day, asking definitely whether or not Government intended that the money voted should be spent on the gazetted line of road, and no answer having boon then received, it was proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Kenah, and carried, “ Thai the Mountain Poad question be hold over until presently.”

Notices of motion were then considered.

Air Kenah moved, Mr Kells seconded, anti it was lost on division, “ That Mr M. V. Hodge, of Wanganui, he solicitor to this Council.” Ayes—-Kells, Ilonoyliold, Kenah, Bridge. Noes—Sherwood, Dtdc, Davidson, Furlong, and casting vote. An amendment moved by Mr Furlong, seconded by Mr Davidson, was lost on division, “ That the name of Mr l.lodge he struck out, and Koy inserted.” Ayes—-Davidson, Furlong. Noes—Kells, lioueylicid, Dale, Sherwood, Kenah, Bridge.

On the motion of: Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Sherwood, it was resolved, “ Tlmt the Chairman get deed prepared for Manntahi Cemetery Reserve.” It was resolved that tlie Standing’Orders should be suspended to enable the Council to proceed with ordinary business. Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Furlong, and carried, “ That Mr Cowern be appointed auctioneer to sell the lease of the Mokoia and Waverley recreation grounds on the 23rd instant.” Proposed by Mr Kenab, seconded by Mr Bridge, and lost, “ That this Council is of opinion that a solicitor should be appointed for this Council.” An amendment moved by Mr Sherwood, seconded by. Mr Kells, was carrried, “'That when it is the opinion of the chairman or Council that legal assistance bo required, the chairman is hereby authorized to procure such assistance from time to time,”

The Council adjourned to 2 p.m. On reassembling, it was resolved, on the motion of Air Furlong, seconded by Air Kcnah, “ Thattendorsfor works authorized on the Mountain Road, should bo called for, and that the Foreman of Works pro pare specifications and all other necessary Information required. The chairman read telegram received from the Public Works Department, Wellington, as fallows “ Wellington, March 6,

“ Chairman County Council, Patea. “ Carrington’s deviation was specially surveyed as the best line for a main road, and it lias been proclaimed as such. No other line can bo adopted. Although £3,000 is the amount of the vote placed at your disposal, there is an additional vote of £IO,OOO, which will be hereafter allocated as Government may determine over the whole line, John Kmowi.es, Under-Secretary Public Works. rr Standing orders were resumed, and the Council proceeded to consider the Alounlload question, and it was resolved, That the petitions’ of the settlers at Normanby and llawora should be considered. Proposed by Air Sherwood, seconded by Air Furlong, and carried, “-That in answer to the petition of the Normanby settlers, they be informed that the Government have decided that the Mountain Road shall go through Normanby, and that the Council is about to call for tenders for the work.” Proposed by Mr Furlong, seconded _ by Mr Davidson, and carried, on division', “ That tlie further consideration of the Mountain Road bo hold over until next meeting, and the Council proceed with special business.” Ayes—-Kells, HoneyHeld, Davidson, Kcnah, Furlong. Noes—■ Sherwood, Bridge. The Council then adjourned.

A special meeting was then held, for the purpose of electing member for the Patea Harbor Board. Messrs Furlong and Kells moved motion to hold election over until next meeting. An amendment that the election bo at once proceeded with, was carried on division. Ayes—Honcyfield, Davidson, Kenah, Dale, Bridge. Noes—

Kells, Sherwood, Furlong. It was decided that the election should be held in the ordinary manner. Mr Sherwood asked leave to withdraw,’as he did not intend to vote. On the motion of .Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Kenah, Mr G. S. Bridge was elected member for the Patea Harbour Board. The following .orotest was lodged by Mr Sherwood—“ That in consequence of the time having passed for the legal election by the County Council, of a member of the Patea Harbor Board, I hereby protest against such election being held.”

A second special meeting was held to consider motion by Mr Furlong, “That this Council take over the metalled portions of the main line of road between Taranaki and the Town of Normanby.” The motion was lost on division, by the casting vote, as also an amendment by Mr Dale, that the road mentioned should be kept in repair out, of Mountain Hoad vote. It was decided to bold meetings on Wednesdays, resolution to be confirmed at another special meeting.