The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 304, 16 March 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1878.

The Taranaki Neivs of the 9th instant, in an article on the Mountain Road, in which it takes this County severely to task, commences by saying:-— u The action taken by the Patea County Council with respect to the deviation of the southern end of the Mountain Road, has provoked considerable indignation at Hawera and Now Plymouth.” The News then refers to the relative merits of the two routes, to the past isolation of Taranaki on account of the imperfect maritime communication on the one hand, and want of roads on the other, and the hopefulness with which they had looked forward to the completion of the Mountain Road, as a moans of deliverance from that isolation. Colonel Trimble, speaking on Monday, the 4th instant, at the Taranaki Council meeting, said that he had received a telegram from Hawera on the previous Thursday, stating “ that the Patea Council had determined to make the deviation, and that such deviation would cause a delay of two years.” It is for this supposed action of the Patea County Council that our contemporary is irate. The facts are, as stated by us in our last issue —that the Council had not so decided — had not in fact then met —and in any case would have decided (if allowed) exactly tlie opposite way. Taranaki Councillors, as would be seen from extracts ot report of proceedings published in our last issue, taking the cue from their chairman, who based his remarks chiefly on the telegram which he had received, spoke in a manner that could not do other than create in the minds of Taranaki people, a very strong feeling of dislike to residents in Patea. It would appear that the work which Taranaki people had been so earnestly anxious about, and bad for years been striving to accomplish, was likely to be thwarted, or at any rate indefinitely delayed, by the stupidity, selfishness, or roguery of Patea people, as represented in their Comity Councillors. The Taranaki News, no doubt very much influenced by the remarks of Taranaki Councillors, says—“ As seen from our stand point, the object of the Patea County Council seems to be delay in the completion of the line of communication in order that commerce may flow into Carlyle, a piece of consummate selfishness which the Government should be called upon to frustrate,” Under the circumstances, we cannot blame our contemporary for the warmth shown in reference to this matter, though we regret that it should have been led to re-echo the absurd opinion of the Taranaki Council Chairman. The statement in the above extract is in no way correct. Carlyle, bidding fair to be ahead of Taranaki in regard to Harbor Works, will benefit largely by the speedy completion of the road, and as a matter of fact, being unaffected by the particular route, has been indifferent as to the direction the road might take, so long as through communication was speedily established. The News concludes by saying—“ Whichever way we look at the action of Patea Council it looks unpromising, unjust, and unwarranted by any considerations of economy or justice, and we can only hope that the Government will decide on having the old road at once formed and metalled, and rendered fit for traffic.” In another portion of the same issue the following telegram from the “ Own Correspondent” to the Taranaki News, was published, having been sent from Hawera on the previous day (Friday)—“ Great public indignation that Government have determined to practically close the Mountain Road for years by adopting a deviation route in the face of recommendations by the Patea and Taranaki County Councils, and also of the report of Chief Surveyor Humphries, and Engineers Skinner, Robinson, and Wright, who are all in favor or the old route. People imagine that some interested persons are moving in the back ground.” We suppose that the article was already in type before the telegram was received. At any rate wc trust that the action taken by the Patea Council, now that the facts arc known, will have allayed the large amount of illfeeling which was so undeservedly aroused, and that credit

will be given to Patea for being equally anxious with Taranaki to open through communication with New Plymouth by the readiest route. We regret that Hawera, with its go-aheadism and desire for progress, and with its leaven of practical business men, should be afflicted with such a mischief making meddler as the sender of the telegram to Colonel Trimble has proved himself to be, and trust that some one of mature judgment will in future undertake the responsibility of informing the outside world (when it is necessary to do so) of matters material to its welfare, and so prevent the possibility of similar injurious misunderstandings arising.

The following is the Wanganui Herald's view of the Mountain Iload question—“ It may be asked why have the Government authorised a deviation from the old line ? and the answer is simple and direct. The new line is the best from an engineering point of view, it can be made and maintained at less expense, and it moreover opens up a very large block of country immediately available for settlement. These were the reasons that caused the deviation to be made, and it must be admitted they arc sufficient powerful. In making a main trunk line the Government have to consider more than the present. They must look to the future; and it is patent that the proposed deviation line will tend to the permanent interest of the district. While the formation of the new road is proceeded with, audit can be made more expeditious then the old line in consequence of its contiguity to the metal, traffic may be maintained by the track skirted by the telegraph poles. It is not in good condition, but temporary repairs can be made in order to keep it open till the new road is completed. These facts are not unknown to the settlers in the Hawera district, and therefore we decline to accept the statement that great dissatisfaction is expressed.”

We understand that a considerable number of tenders tor tho Bieakwater, Patea River, have been sent in. A special meeting of the old Board will be held on Monday at three o’clock, when tenders will be opened. Notification of appointment of members of the Carlyle Town Board, as Trustees for the maintenance of the Carlyle Cemetery appeared in the Gazette of the 7th MarchThe reserve comprises 39 acres.

We are indebted to a Manutahi correspondent for summary report of Major Atkinson’s Manutahi speech, which will be found in another column.

The Wanganui Herald says -The Government engineers arc now upon the Waitotara section, completing the survey for the extension of the Patea railway from Kai Iwi to Waitotara, and tenders for the formation will shortly be invitech The question as to the most convenient sites for railway stations crops up, and on this point we urge the settlers to give us their careful attention. Wc find two stations are allowed between Kai Iwi and Waitotara, and on the merits of the sites chosen we have now to speak. One is at the Maxwelltown cross road, and, therefore* may fairly be termed convenient, but the other is nearly opposite Mr Pharazyn’s private house, set down in the middle of his property with no means of access to it. Mr Whitaker addressing his constituents at Waikato, said—As to the through railway to Wellington, thatitwas animportant subject, lie believed it could be done from Wellington to Taranaki. Sir George Grey was sanguine that he could succeed in bringing it from Auckland to Taranaki. He sincerely hoped Sir George Grey would succeed, but he confessed to having some doubt upon the matter.

Mr Stafford* Mr Larnach, and Sir Reynolds havingresigned their respective seats, fresh electionsfor the several constituencies represented by them will shortly take place. It is expected that in two of the three cases, supporters of the present Ministry will be returned. Mr Larnach has not only resigned his seat for but his portfolio also, and there is therefore another vacancy in the Grey Cabinet. Rumor says that Mr Gisborne is not unlikely to be the fortunate man who is to succeed Mr Larnach. — N. Z. Times.

A Press Agency telegram from New Plymouth, of the 12th March, says—The following are the agricultural statistics fo r the County of Taranaki ;—Holdings, 632 ‘ land broken up, 395 ; acres in wheat, 1,586 , in oats, 412 ; in barley, 30 ; in grasses, 43,631 ; acres of potatoes, 464 ; other crops, 226 ; total number of acres under crop, 46,349.

The Government Gazette of Thursday, the 7th instant, contains notification of the proposal of the Borough Council of Palmerston North, to borrow £IO,OOO, the principal sum and interest to be secured on the general revenue of the Borough. A poll was taken on the question, when 58 persons voted for the borrowing, and 1 against. The money is proposed to be spent as follows : —For making streets and footpaths, estimated at £4,000 ; for clearing and forming bush section roads, estimated at £1,500 ; for road to Botanical Garden and Racecourse, estimated at £SOO i for Square improvements, estimated at £SOO ; for Municipal buildings estimated at £SOO ; for sewerage and drainage estimated at £3,000.-

Mr Whitaker, of Auckland, member 'of the late Ministry, has been strongly in favor of separation, and was also a provincialise Addressing his constituents in > tlie Waikato, he is reported by the Auckland Herald as follows Having referred to the history of the abolition question, he said, these were now finally abolished. Sir George Grey, at one time, was in favor of restoring tho provinces, but hehadfiOvV accepted the position, and that question was definitely Settled. The provinces might at one time have done good service, but that time had passed. There was now one Government, and it was the duty of electors to see that the Government was beneficially carried on. Sir George Grey was a separationist; he (Mr Whitaker) felt that it was impracticable. There was, however, in the session before last, an arrangement of a financial nature, to which he was favourable. He gave that arrangement his support, because it seemed that its financial character was practicable, but-, in the attempt he with others had made, they failed. But now there was to be only one Government. It was probable that in th« future a single and general Government would be more beneficial.”

An anonymous communication has been received from Hawera, entitled “ A Simpel Tail,” in reference to the late Harbour Board election, written in most curious fashion, objecting considerably to the expense which re-election will incur, and vowing to vote for same man again. The writer omitted to enclose name. We call attention to altered advertisement of Messrs H. L. Nicholas and Co., of Wanganui.

At last meeting of the County Council a resolution was passed to be forwarded to the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, asking that the boundaries of proposed Township of Stratford-on-Patea should bo extended within Patea County in equal proportion's to the boundaries within Taranaki County. On Thursday last the Chairman of Patea County Council (G. S. Bridge, Esq.,.) took advantage of the presence of the Taranaki Lands Commissioner, and interviewed that gentleman on the subject. Mr Whitcombe stated that there had been some hitch about the site, but the matter being now settled, the half of the township on the Patea side of the river would bo surveyed, and would probably be sold about March next year.

Mr W» Dale will hold general sale at his mart to-day at two o’clock. Balance of money on Block 26, Hawera, duo on Tuesday, the 19th, and will be received By the auctioneers, Messrs J. fc>Greig and Co.

Tenders for the erection of building for Carlyle Institute will be received until Tuesday next.

A clean certificate for the whole of Lis flock has been granted to Mr J. Christie, Manutahi, by Mr Sheep Inspector Hickson. Another auctioneering firm is announced for Ilawera —Messrs McLean and Broadbent, whose first sale will be held early in April.

It is reported that the famous Maori chief Tito Kowaru, met with a serious accident on Thursday last on the road between Oeo and Opunake. It appears that he was riding in company with other natives, when the horses got restive, and the one ho was riding got kicked by another, which resulted in Tito Kowaru being thrown and seriously injured. The natives adopted their usual remedy in such cases and placed Tito in a running stream, where he will be tended.

We understand that Major Brown (Civil Commissioner) andC.D. Whitcombe, Esq., (Chief Commissioner Taranaki Waste Lands) proceeded to Wanganui yesterday* in connection with intended prosecution of Mr \V. Wilson, of Whenuakura, for running cattle on confiscated land at Momabaki. Mr J. Winks will also be prosecuted for running cattle on the Waimate Plains.

At the R.M. Court, Carlyle, on Wednesday last, before H. F. Christie, Esq., and F. C. Baddeley, Esq., J.P.’s, Constable Shiel charged Thomas Jones with being drunk and incapable at Carlyle on the 12th instant. Fined 5s or 24 hours imprisonment. For a second charge of resisting his arrest and assaulting the constable) a further fine of LI or 48 hours was inflicted. Three cases for debts set down for heating yesterday, were paid into Court, In appeals under the Rating Act, at Kafcaramea on Thursday, before C. A. Wray, Esq., Judge of the Assessment Court, all the objections were disallowed.

The Hon W. Fox* M.H.R., passed through Carlyle by coach on Wednesday last, having come overland from New Plymouth. During his stay there the hon gentlemen gave several temperance addresses. The intended ascent of Mount Egmont had to be deferred on account of unfavourable weather.

Major Atkinson addressed the electors in the Town Hall, Haweraj on Tuesday evening last, between one and two hundred persons being present. J. B. Lysaght, Esq., occupied the chair. General remarks made were similar to what have already appeared in address at New Plymouth. After the address a number of questions were asked and replied to, when Mr James Davidson proposed a vote of confidence which was seconded by Mr George McLean and carried unanimously.

■ A meeting to consider the advisability of constructing a branch line of railway from Bull’s (Manawatu) to the main line passingthrough Turakina and Marton, is about to be held.

Mr Frahcis Long, Telegraphist and Postmaster at Carlyle, having obtained leave of absence, for the purpose of visiting friends in Australia, a new appointment has beeti made f&r Carlyle. Mr S. W. Luxford, the gentleman who succeeds Mr Long, entered on his duties yesterday. Major Atkinson arrived in Carlyle yesterday morning. In the evening he addressed electors in the Town HallReport will appeaV in next issue. We understand that the Major leaves again for New Plymouth this afternoon.