The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 303, 13 March 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1878.

In issue of Cfch March, we published special telegram from our New Plymouth correspondent, stating that Taranaki County Council had, after examining engineers on the subject, resolved to request Messrs Humphries, Robinson, and Skinner, to draw np a report as to best route for the Mountain Road, and that report be forwarded to Government, and to Patea Council. The evidence given was to the effect that the existing route was the proper one to adhere to. We understand that the reports alluded to, have been received by the Patea Council, but on account of the supposed indignity which the Chairman thinks would bo offered to Councillors, if the information was made public, through the medium of the Press, before it bad first been submitted to Councillors at a Council meeting, the very useful information therein contained, must be withheld until the Council meets in about three weeks’ time. The Clerk having no authority to hand over correspondence for publication, and apparently no discretionary power in exceptional cases, refused permission to allow publication of the reports. Wo, however, publish in another column extract from Taranaki Herald report of proceedings. There can bo no question but that the action of the Taranaki Council was in the direction of helpfulness towards Patea. The testimony of the Hngiueers examined, would naturally

curry great weight ivilh Councillors,, ns w':-’l as with Mio general public, ami should not .be without influence on the General Government. The only matter for regret is, that the action was taken from an entire misapprehension of the feeling of Pa tea County on the question. The question of route, as lately statin! by us, really only affected Normandy settleis. They are mow agreed. The majority of Patea people, including Carlyle, Jlawera, and intermediate townships, as well as ourselves, wen 1 thoroughly in favor of the readiest route being adopted. Colonel Trimble, with all due deference, has failed even yet to gunge feeling here, careful as ho tried to be in speaking within his own knowledge. Unfortunately there is some oxcusc'for the Colonel this time, as the telegram received by him from HuwGra, totally mis-stated the facts. The Council had not determined to make the deviation, and. as was afterwards shown by telegram from Government, had not the power to do sc, though as a matter of fact, the majority of Councillors were in favor of the now used route, and had it been left to them, would have decided exactly the opposite way to what telegram stilted they hud already decided. In regard to the route to he adopted, Taranaki and Patea (including Normanhy) arc in accord, the telegram sent from Hawero, and other statements reported to have been made at meeting of Taranaki Council, notwithstanding. It will be recollected that after Colonel Trimble visited Patea, in February last year, lie stated at a mooting' of the Taranaki Council, amongst other things, “That the people at Patea were beginning to regret that they bad separated from the [TaranakiJ district.” We took occasion to point out that the Colonel was mistaken —that exactly the opposite feeling prevailed, and endeavored to give proof iu support of our view. Generally we did not agree with the ground the Taranaki Council Chairman assumed at that lime, iu regard to Patea. It will bo seen by the report from Taranaki Herald, that our remarks wore construed to be “of a somewhat impertinent character.” Wo of course do not desire to incur the displeasure of the gentleman referred to. Neither do wo consider it right to let wrong statements go unchallenged. The Colonel is reported to have said at the late meeting, that “ There was a foolish notion at Patea County that, by detaining the road for two years, they would have communication with Carlyle itself or with Wanganui by railroad, and with the new Harbor Works at Patea.” We do not like to bo considered impertinent, ami will not say that the statement is arrant nonsense, but will content ourselves with believing that some persons, in no way friendly to this part of the Comity, and with a desire to foster antagonism, have been misleading the Colonel. We have only need to call attention to report of Council proceedings, when it wall be seen that Carlyle and Wavorlcy members were the first to move that energetic steps should be adopted to got Government to allow the Council to take charge of the Patea end of the work, so that it could be pushed through speedily. And again, at last meeting, it was Carlyle and Wavovley members who were first to move the calling of tenders from Patea Hirer to To Itoti. The feeling at Carlyle lis that the sooner through communication is established the better it will bo for Carlyle and the County in general. We trust that the next time Colonel Trimble ventures an opinion on Patea lie will be less wide of the mark. When the Engineer’s reports are published, wo believe every credit will be given by Patea people to the Taranaki Council for the valuable information forwarded. It will greatly strengthen the hands of those on whom will devolve the responsibility of carrying out the work, and who arc favorable to the old route. We are of opinion that the recommendation of the Taranaki Engineers’ will yet bo carried out. It was even suggested at the last meeting of the Patea Council, that besides the small contract agreed to be let from the end of metal on Ohnngi Eoad to Ketomarae Road (Normanby towmship), that further contracts—sonic of the worst parts of the road between Patea River and To Eoti—should also be called for ; and that specifications and all information should bo prepared iu readiness to proceed with the remainder of the work, immediately money was available. That ■would leave only the length between Te Roti and Normanby Township. As there are but n few side cuttings and culverts required to make that a good summer road, and that too within short space of time, wo think pressure should bo brought to bear on Government to allow actually necessary expenditure to bo incurred, so that the coach, and other vcicblcs could travel through to New Plymouth next summer. We would even go further and suggest that, if the Government determine that none of the money voted shall bo spent except on the Gazetted lino, that the. Council undertake the small amount of work required to make that length traffieablc. At the same time bush felling on the Gazetted lino can bo com- ! meneed, and the whole can he got ready for burning next season. There is no need for giving up the Gazetted line. The Government having land on either side, which they are anxious to put into the market, will not bo likely to do that. I But it may fairly be asked that the old route should temporarilly bo made trafficablo until the Gazetted line is available. United action on the part of both Councils, and of the people at both ends, should induce Government to accede to this very reasonable request.

Thxdkus for first section of Patea River Breakwater will close on Thursday (tomorrow’), at noon. Haring the past week a number of contractors from various parts have been inspecting the plans ami the site, of the proposed works, and generally gathering information in regard to the position and prospects of the Harbor Board. It is unfortunate that the mishaps in election matters should have happened just now, as, without explanation of some sort, strangers would bo apt to consider but little enthusiasm is being shown as to proposed works. It will, however, be satisfactory for them to have learned bow much has been accomplished since Mr Camithcrs’ report was first published, and how well, considering the short time the Board has been in existence, the Harbor hao been endowed. The satisfactory completion of the first contract will stimulate tbc Board and people to renewed effort, and further action to amend the Act will result—probably iu securing further reserves, but certainly in the granting of borrowing powers, to enable money to bo raised to continue other portions of the work, and to make other necessary improvements in the shape of wharfage, stowage, &c. Telegraphic and Avritten applications have boon made by contractors so far away as Dunedin. There is little doubt but what the contract will bo taken up, and by thoroughly capable and substantial men.

Next iu importance to the expected acceptance of tenders for the breakwater is the fact that land within the County, for cash and on deferred payments, is about to be offered for sale. The sale of deferred payment land has had to be delayed for a short time for the reason that His Excellency the Governor, being oh a visit to Auckland, it has been found impossible to obtain bis signature to documents connected therewith, and at the same time give sufficient notice thereof. However, the delay will bo but short. The Pater Harbor Board Reserves will be sold as advertised on Saturday, 23rd instant, at Carlyle. We understand that Mr Clime, who, for some months past, has been engaged with a staff of men surveying a portion of the Wliakamara Block, near Manutahi, finished on oalimlay last. The survey just concluded comprises about 4.5U0 acres, same of which is clear, some fern, and the remainder bush land. There is some broken ground, but an excellent line of road has

been laid off, and after the broken ground is passed, the bush band stretches far away ami is almost perfectly level. The block has. been surveyed according to natural features in sections of varying - sizes to suit all classes of buyers. As the Chief Surveyor, at a late meeting of the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, said (bis block would be ready for market at tbc end of present month, we may shortly expect to see it advertised. Work on the Momahaka block appears to bo going on satisfactoriily. A strong staff of assistants are at work, and another surveyor (Mr Fraser, of Carlyle), has also been engaged, so there is every prospect of rapid progress being made. The Otoia-Opaku block only requires a few additional energetic settlers to be located {hero, when the road already cat can bo put into traflicablo repair, and the whole block turned to good account. The site of the new Township of Stratford-oii-Patea, on the Mountain Road, has been burned, and according to present announcement Avill be offered in or about the month of April. Some important land sales arc announced by Mr W. Cowcni. With all these sales there will be any amount of room for now settlors, and with the successful completion Of the breakwater, thus opening reliable communication seaward, for small craft and steamers, with the chief ports of the Colony, every inducement will be offered for the rapid increase of population.

The Assessment Court Avill sit at Wavcrley to-day, and at Kakaramea to-morrow (Thursday). Wc understand that 0. D. Whitcmnbc, Esq., (Chief Commissioner Taranaki Waste Lands) is expected in Carlyle to-day, in connection with certain Crown Lands business. Wo have no doubt he will make the best use of time at his disposal, and by personal examination of various Crown Lands, and communications Avith gentlemen conversant with the requirements of the County, so add to bis knoAviedge of the district, as to be in a position, on his return to Taranaki, to give valuable advice to the Waste Lands Board, and so be the means of securing fairer treatment than in the past.

Carlyle lias been indulging in telephonic experiments —Mr W. Dale having led off on Saturday evening with the home made apparatus, in the shape of small tin cannistors, the bottoms of which were knocked out, and parchment heads affixed, the two being connected with a length of ordinary shop twine. “ Astoundingly wonderful !” was the general verdict. Others have since followed suit, with similar experiments. On Sunday and Monday, experiments were continued with between live and six hundred feet lengths of twine, with very satisfactoiy results. Wo hear that the Postmaster (Mr Prancis Long) has ordered the telephone proper, with magnetic apparatus complete, by which communication can be opened up with various parts of the colony, and that its arrival is expected daily.

A batch of cattle sales are announced for to-day—by Mr Dale and Mr Gowera at Kakararnea, by Messrs Thompson and McGuire at Nonnanby, by Mr Winchcomb at Waverley, and by Mr Courtney at Bell Block (Taranaki). Mr F. Ik Jackson will bold usual cattle sale at Wanganui, at noon to-morrow. Major Atkinson will address Manutabi electors on Thursday evening, and Carlyle electors on Friday evening. From the Argus report of the ordinary meeting of the Yfellington Education Board, hold on ihe Gib .March, we learn that the following gentlemen were announced as having been elected members of the new Board formed under the now Act, by which Wanganui becomes n separate educational district, namely ; Messrs Dalrymplo, Fox, Hanson, Dutiiic, Watt, Ross, Bryce, Williams, and Jones.—The following were elected members of the Wellington Board .Messrs George Beetham, Edward Tooiimtli, Win. Gisborne, J. Paterson, Henry ■Bunny, Win. Hutchison, Arthur .Stock, C. J. Pliarazyn, and Chas. Phara/.yn. The H. Z. Tinies, referring to rumoured appointment of Mr Larnucb as AgentGeneral, says —“A Government that began its career by thrusting into the public service Bakers and Graces at a time when so many old servants wore being, or had recently been, reduced, and which is engaged in barefaced negotiations with a member of Parliament with a view of giving him such a reward as lie himself may think adequate to his political services; —-such a Government would not shrink from sending .Mr Larmich Homo as agent, either temporary or permanent, the more so as the Premier bittcrlv attacked the late Ad-

ministration for appointing ns AgontGcueral tho distinguished gentleman who now holds lho cilice with such credit to himself mill advantage io the colony.”

Papers norlh and south, remarking on

Sir George Grey's stumpin*** tour, while giving every praise to 11 tho old man eloquent,” for his words, rather doubt if the heaps ol! promises made of aid to various places will be fulfilled. id on day evening .several contractor,Si now in Carlyle, Avere gravely and earnestly discussing the - merits of the Harbour specifications, at one of tho hotels, the Chairman of tho Harbour Hoard being present. Imagined difficulties arid obstacles were heaped up until tho pile av.-ks great, and according to the contractors’ account, tho case was hopeless and confusion reigned. The Chairman excused himself himself for a IVav moments. Ho returned in the course of live minutes with a box of HolloAvay’s Pills, doom still prevailed—it was made out that tho difficulties wore too great to bo easily cleared. Without littering a word the Harbour Chairman counted out lon pills, swallowed them, and placing tho box on the table, invited Hu;assembled contractors to follow suit, at the same ii no descanting on the Avoudcrfnl efficacy of Holloway's magic pills, if only used in connection with the equally famed ointment, in removing difficulties, depression of spirits, and doubts of tin; kind the contractors just then appeared lo be seriously afflicted with. Tho pills were taken by all hands with the usual results, and buoyancy of spirits followed.

At the KM. Court, yesterday, before C. A. Wray, Esq., KM., John Johnston, of Whenuakura, was charged by John Burke*, under Tb.o Lunatics Act, 18G8,” witq being- a dangerous lunatic. Dr A. C. Croft, and Dr J. M. Warren, both duly qualified medical practitioners, after examining Johnston, pronounced him not to be a lunatic and deposed accordingly. ' On idle recommendation of Dr Warren Mr Johnstone was received into the Pa tea Hospital for medical treatment.

At the KM. Court, Carlyle, yesterday, there were twenty-two defaulting County rate eases on the sheet. The majority of defaulters paid into Court. In a few judgment was given, and in others sum. mouses not having been served, the time was enlarged.

In the bankruptcy estate of Mnrdo McLean, Waveiicy, the meeting of creditors in which was appointed for Monday, Air David Pcllett, of Wanganui, was appointed trustee.

At meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board held last Week, Hr John Dntbio moved the adoption of plans and specifications as submitted by the Engineers with the exception of proviso as to purchase of steamer. An amendment ay Mr Peat to adopt plans and specifications as submitted was lost, and the original motion carried on division. The specifications were referred back to tire Engineers for alteration, It was also resolved that a superintending engineer should be obtained.

Designs for a new Church, pure Gothic in style of the Transitional or Early Decorated period, arc now on view in Wellington. The Church will scat 1,000 persons, exclusive of the choir ; 800 on the ground floor, and ‘2OO in two light galleries, which being placed in the transepts, entirely out of the line of the nave and aisles, form no obstruction co the view. The internal height of the building is about 40 feet, and acoustic principles have been studied carefully in the proportions adopted.

Court Patca Ancient Order of Foresters, meets to-night at the Town Hall, Carlyle

11. L. Nicholas & Co. drapers and

c lothiers, Hall of commerce, Wanganui have now in course of erection handsome and commodious premises at the corner of Talipo Quay and St. Hill Street. Tory to entering the new premises it is intended lo dear off the whole of present stock at greaf'y reduced prices. Advertisement of particulars arrived too iate fV r insertion in present issue but will appear in the next.

The following query has been sent by a conespondent— ;i! Coming from New Plymouth you will be competent to answer the following question,- which you will oblige by doing through your columns to settle a discussion. What is ilirting ?—and oblige A. B. Z.” [Note —Don’t know. Had no Ed. Mail.] '[’he Wanganui Herald says —The Rev Dr Somerville inaugurated his mission in Wanganui by a service in the Odd Fellows’ Hall on Sunday evening. The attendance was very large, every available inch being occupied. Pis state 1 that there were cpiv ardsofl) 00 | ) eopl e pro sent." Tlie Ch ron id a devotes considerable space* to account of the Evangelist and t,he service.

The Taranaki/Zara/c/, in an article on the Ist March on the Mountain Road question, strongly advocated the adoption at the Paloa end of the old line of road. It says —The additional cost of the road making through raw bush, of say 5P miles, for felling, clearing, logging, and grubbing, to make it ready for forming and gravelling will be at least four pounds per chain, or dose on £2,000;• and how far will the balance go in compensation? But if the money is at once expended on metalling the present road, economy will be combined with expedition and the contracts may be so far advanced by the end of Juno as practically to cover the vote, and thus ensure the completion of the road.”