The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 306, 23 March 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1878.

Judgin'} by ti c active measures being taken by. the Taranaki Crown. Lands Co.'nrnjf-sions’r. in regard to pakeha cattle running on iho it would .appear that, the Government arc- cL• terra in ed to clear the track of such persons’ ss hare endeavored to obtain a lien over nat ive confiscated. land by treaty with natives who ara deemed to ha ve no right

either to lease or sell. The authority to prosecute trespassers, comes direct from Government, as will be seen by the following telegram received by the Chief Commissioner of Lands, and which was read at the Taranaki Waste Lands Board, on Monday the 11th instant; “ Please take immediate stops to prosecute Waimatc trespassers, and confer with Major Brown. Note that yon must get authority of Board for proceeding, under section IGS of the Land Act. —J. Giles/’ The following is the clause referred to : “ If any person be found in unauthorized occupation of any Crown Lands, or shall knowingly and. wilfully depasture, without authority in that behalf, any cattle or sheep on any such hind, he shall be liable on conviction thereof to the penalties following, that is to say, for the first offence, a sum not exceeding five pounds ; for the second offericc, after an interval of fourteen days from the date of the previous conviction, >a sum not exceeding twenty pounds; and for any subsequent offence, after a like interval, a sum not exceeding fifty pounds. But no proceedings to recover any such penalty may be taken, except by some in that behalf by the Governor or the Board.” The authority to prosecute, was vested by the Board in C. 1). Whiteombe, Esq., the Lands Commissioner, He is now fulfilling his mission. It was by his authority that Captain Wilson, assisted by a couple or so of natives, impounded over 170 head of cattle, on the 1 Bth. instant, which were found depasturing on the Waimate Plains, and which were believed to belong to Europeans, and about which there is now no doubt, as all, except ten head, have been claimed-by a European. The action for trespass will be heard at Hawera, on Monday next. We understand that the attention of the Native Minister was pointedly drawn to the use being made by Europeans, of the Waimate Plains, by noticing, on his visit to that part of the country, a mob of about one hundred cattle, and on enquiring to whom they belonged, being told by natives that the owners were Europeans., It was probably to this sort of thing Mr Sheehan was referring, when, in speaking about the Waimate Plains, to the deputation of Patea Councillors, he said:—tie understood that a number of persons (including licensed Native Interpreters) had interfered with the natives, and made this question difficult to settle, and be intended to give Major Brown full powers to deal with any such persons. He would take the advice of law officers of the Crown, and prosecute, if necessary, and would likewise put a stop to Europeans grazing cattle on confiscated lands in the way it was now being done.” We suppose the present action is the result of advice given by the law officers. At any rate, it looks as if some effort was about to be made to repair what was generally voted at the time to have been an error —that is, the stoppage of the intended survey of the Waimate Plains. Wherever the Native Minister has since spoken to natives in regard to confiscated lands, ho has given but the one reply, which has been to the effect that “ whoever took up arms, or resorted to violence, put himself outside the pale of the law, and must stand the consequences.” The Waimate Plains are deemed to have been fairly lost by the natives, and Government, according to the Native Minister, has determined not to yield one inch of land —though, at the same time, they arc intending to make adequate reserves for ail natives interested. Government will not therefore recognise that natives have any right to deal with such lands. We confess to believing that the Native Minister was .too ready a promiser for much faith to be placed in what was said. As, however. in this matter of confiscated lands, promises hare been uniform in various parts of the colony, and action has been taken in the direction of fulfilling the promises, we are beginning to hope that good will have resulted from the late visit of Mr Sheehan. It would seem that thorough reliance is being placed in Major Brown, who, as Civil Commissioner, lias had chief to do in settling many knotty native questions on this coast. The aid promised by Mr Sheehan, on behalf of Government, is being given. We, some time ago called attention to the fiict that European cattle were being run on confiscated land without legal right, or at ail events without the consent of Government. Preliminary steps are being taken to clear ,the track of obstructionists. The two cases now in hand’ by the Crown Lands Commissioner will no doubt influence others in other parts of the colony. If the decision of the Court should.be for Government, there will be no help for it but for such as have been endeavouring to lay hold of confiscated lands to relinquish their pretensions, or to seek by legitimate means to secure title. Very great interest is being taken in this question, and we believe there is a strong feeling in favor of the action taken by the Government to have the question tried and adjudicated upon in the ordinary way before, the Resident Magistrate’s Court, We regret, but cannot blind ourselves to the fact that many hindrances are put in the way of the settlement of difficult native questions by persons who, from their positions, and the interest they have in tin' genera] progress of the district, ought rather to aid than endeavour to retard ’ the settlement of native difficulties. So far fas meddling public officers arc concerned, we think, on clear proof of obstructive wire pulling being given, an example or two should be made. We shall await the result of present proceedings with considerable interest.

The Taranaki Herald compliments Mr J. B. Lawson, Superintendent Collector of Agricultural Statistics, as being again first in the Colony to publish the return of his district. The area of the County only is included in present return. A portion, of. the Egmont district hitherto included in the return is therefore omitted,‘and willj.be accounted for in Patea returns. As the Patea district was scarcely settled ten years ago, the result of the comparison bjtween then and now will not be much affected. The Herald says —“ Comparing then the general totals published this year, with those of .1867-8, we find that the number of acres under crop (including those down, in grass) has risen from 16,197 acres to 46,349 being an increase of more than thirty thousand acres in the ten years. This, of course, does not include the land broken up that has not yet been cropped ; which in 1867-8 was 938 acres. This,however,is more than counterbalanced, for we find by the return to hand for this year that 1,895 acres are lying ready for cultivation.” In 1867-8 cereal crops were —wheat, 690 acres; oats, 443 acres; barley, 171 acres; in 1877-8 —wheat, 1,586 acres ; oats, 412 acres; barley, 30 acres. In grasses in 1867-8 there were 13,847 acres, against 43,631 now, showing the increase of the thirty thousand acres above mentioned. The Grey and Bell district is of the same area as formerly. Comparing the totals of the two years, as regards the electoral district of Grey and Bell our contemparary finds that there is an increase in the number of holdings of 69, the number last year being 391, and this year 460. Last year the breadth sown in wheat in the Grey and Bell district was 402 acres ; this year it is 799, showing an increase of 397 acres. The gross yield’ last year was estimated at 8,253 bushels, or close on an average of 20£ bushels to the acre. This year we have an estimated yield of 15,445 bushels, or an average of about 191r bushels. In oats, last year this district had 347 acres against 263 acres this year; and in potatoes, acres against 339, showing in both cases a sad falling off. In grass, however, there is an increase of 6,385 acres, the number being last year 25,396 acres, and this year 31,781. For the whole district there was last year 26,636 acres under crop, including of course sown grass, and this year it has risen to 32,503.

The last meeting of thePatca Education Board, piior to the handing over of affairs to the new Board, will be held on Monday at Carlyle. Tenders for fencing grave yards will be received by Mr G. F. Sherwood to-day. Tenders for works’ for Hawera Road Board will be received by Mr J. S. Greig until 2 p.m. to-day. Tenders will be received to-day by Mr J. Davidson, Hawera, for additions to house for G. McLean, Esq. Mr W. Dale will hold general sale at his Mart to-day. The ketch Argus, loaded at Grcymouth with coal and timber on Thursday, and may be expected daily. The Falcon, Agnes, and Clyde are also due. We understand that Mr W. Dale, of Carlyle, has found purchasers for portion of the property of R. E. Mcßae, Esq.) Kakaramea, which' that gentleman desired to dispose of. Messrs Hearn and Kennedy, of Timaru, are the buyers at £ll per acre of 364 acres. The same gentlemen also purchased a small leasehold at Mokoia a few weeks ago, and are now here with the intention of settling down permanently. As both gentlemen are practical farmers) they will prove an acquisition to the district, and will no doubt attract other desirable settlers. Mr Mcßae still retains about fifty acres land and the boilingdown establishment. Mokoia and Manutahi natives had agreed to meet Major Brown at Carlyle to-day, with a view to endeavouring to come to a mutually good understanding in regard to land about which the respective tribes have so far been unable to agree. Momahaki natives assembled in the Court House yesterday. A long talk took place, which not being finished, will be resumed to-day. Consequently tho meeting of Manutahi natives will be delayed. We scarcely need call attention to the very important land sales which are to be held to-day, at Carlyle. Harbor Reserves and other Government land, in tho OtoiaOpaku Block, will be offered in the Court House at noon—as also Kakaramea Town sections. Valuable properties are also advei tised for sale at 2 o’clock by Mr William Cowern —leasehold and freehold. As fair enquiry has lately been made for land, and the sections to be offered have been fairly well inspected, we imagine purchasers will bo readily found.

,- By coach on Wednesday last, a Carlyle resident received a consignment of Prussian carp. They arrived in first-class condition, only three being dead out of about one hundred sent. The carp were immediately transferred to a lake and liberated. As the receiver did not respond freely to hint from our reporter that he was anxious to know all about said carp, direct questions were put, and the following lucid replies given : Where did they come from ? Down the coast.—Who sent them ? An old friend of mine.—What did they cost? No bill sent. —Where have put them ? In a lake.—What lake ? One on the coast.

Water is reported to have been very scarce at Hawera during the early.part of the week—sufficient being scarcely obtainable for ordinary purposes at the hotels. A kind of a raid had to be made on privately owned wellsi Should this occur of ten, an attempt will have to be made to develope artesian wells. .

A correspondent writes from Manutahi : —The usual round of events here, was yesterday (Thursday) varied pleasantly by a picnic, held at the Manawapou, close;, to the beach. There was a large number present, including friends fromivakaramea and Hawera. After justice had been done to the good things provided by the ladies, an attempt was made by theyoungmen to get up a game of cricket. A ramble on the beach, however, proved more attractive, and nearly all took advantage of low water to have a walk along the sands. About 4 p.m., a return was made to the camping ground, where rounders and other games were entered into merrily, while tea was being got ready. ‘ Shortly after six the party broke up; highly pleased with the treat which had been provided by the ladies of Mandtahi. The weather, which had been all that Could be desired during the day, turned out rather wet during the evening, but did not prevent a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen from meeting af the blockhouse, where a very merry dance was entered into and kept up with spirit till the first small hour of the morning, and thus terminated an exceedingly pleasant day and evening’s enjoyment. *

The success attending the visit of the Simonsen Opera Com pany to New Plymouth some time ago, has led to the Royal Italian Opera Concert Company announcing a season of five nights, as will be seen by reference to advertising columns. Such a talented company ought to attract many visitors from Patea County. The arrangements of the Odd Fellows’ Hall, on the first visit of an Opera Company, were highly spoken of by Mr Simonsen. C. A. Wray, Esq., has been Gazetted auditor for Patea under the Education Act.

The number of dogs registered in Patea County up to the present time is 332, which includes all except a few in the Wairoa district, returns of which have not yet been sent in.

We learn from a private source that the Foreman to the Patea Council (Mr Wright) has engaged assistants, and is now surveying the line of Mountain Road between Nonnanby and Te Rod. The road is being laid oft in working sections. No compensation claims will require to be paid, as natives through whose land some portion of the road runs, are quite willing to take land elsewhere for what is required for road purposes.. : A Waverley lady, who some short time ago purchased a quantity of artificial flowers by candle or lamp light, on getting the same home, and looking at them in the daylight, found them to be in anything but satisfactory condition. The other day the traveller happened to call when the flowers were brought out for inspection and the defects pointed out. “ Splendid imitation of nature —beautiful !” quoth the traveller. “ But,” said the lady, “ they are fly spots.” “ Nothing of the kind ma’am—they are simply imitations of nature—the latest novelty.” “ Well,, then,” said the lady, it’s a pity but what the spots had been sprinkled evenly, and not in patches.” A special meeting of the Patea Institute Committee was held on Tuesday evening last, to consider tenders r which' Had been called, for, for the erection of new building, Dr Croft occupied the chair. Only, one tender-that of Messrs Holtham and Warren for £368 was received-the amount of which was considerably in excess of what it had originally been decided to spend. Discussion took place as to what it was most advisable to do. Mr J. Gibson' agreed to become responsible for the amount of the tender in excess of the original sum (£250) which it had been decided to spend. It was ultimately resolved to adhere to the plan, and have the work carried out in accordance therewith. The secretary was instructed to write to the Minister of Education for copies of .the Public Libraries Act,, and also to furnish to the secretary of the Patea .Education Board, a return of subscriptions received from members of the Institute. The , meeting then adjourned.

: The Wanganui Herald , referring to sheep inspection on this coast, recommends that Mr Hickson should be relieved from the responsibility of attending to the shipping at Wanganui, when he would be enabled to attend to the wants of settlers all along the coast to Waingong'oro. Telegram from Australia mentions that tenders have been accepted for fifteen miles of the Stawell railway at the rate of £2,270 per mile, A man named King was lately fined £lO and costs at Gisborne, for supplying drink to an already intoxicated man, and the conviction was ordered to be recorded on the defendant’s license. A “duplex telephone” is the latest novelty. By this discovery, 'two'persons can converse along the same wire from opposite ends at the same tinle, without disturbing the current of conversation. A laborer, named Templeton, resident at Tokomairiro, has been sent to gaol for ten days for non-payment of school fees fof hia children. .

The Rangitikex Advocate of the 19th instant, gives a long account .of a special visit made to the Douglas Special Settlement Block—7,ooo acres of which will shortly be offered for sale on deferred payments. Two hundred acres in the block have bean reserved as site for the township of Campbell. The block is reported to be well intersected' by roads, and lias been drained where necessary,- and “ while all, the land is good, some portions are exceptionally so.” We believe Mr W. Cowcrri has been supplied with plans and particulars.

The following extract from the Wairarapa Register speaks well for the capabilities and good repute of Patea:—The Wairarapa district is nearly drained of every description of about all the store cattle being bought up for the Patea district. A firm of Wellington butchers, Messrs Barber, recently took several large mobs to the West Coast, and immediately after the Tauhorenikau races Mr J. Stevens took away a mob valued here at £1,500 ; while Mr Stewart is just now collecting another mob to go in the same direction. Cannot our local breeders fatten this description of stock for the Wellington nlaiWt ? At present they supply a large number bf stores, which go to Patea to be fattened up, only to be ultimately sent to the same market. The effort should pay well. The Wairarapa Register says —That an ofler has been made by a gentleman in Featherston to advance the sum of £2,000 to the Borough of Masterton at seven per cent, interest.' The Canterbury Times has recently been publishing valuable agricultural articles under the bedding of “ Systems of notation,” The Canterbury Times refeiring to the appointment of Air Stout as AttorneyGeneral, says :—Mr Stout is emphatically a young man in politics. His .career both in his profession and in public life has been brief, but brilliant. Aboitt half a dozen years ago no one had' heard Ins name; to-day lie is one of the foremost lawyers in New Zealand and a Cabinet Minister. Eloquence, liberal views, readiness of resource, familiarity with Parliamentary tactics, general and legal knowledge £the former in an unusual degree) all make up a union of qualities which, it will be encouraging to men of honourable ambition to learn, have commanded success. Mr Stout makes the third member of the Ministry who is young in politics. Nominations forthe Patea Harbor Board, Hawera Biding, were received by Mr F. McGuire, Returning Officer, on Wednesday last. Mr J. Strachan Greig, and Mr J. Gibson were nominated.

The Poverty Bay Herald , in reference to the Ministerial stumping tour, says—When a Minister, to secure his position, is obliged to travel the length and breadth of the country, and to pour out volumes of claptrap, then we say he estimates as very precarious the ‘‘ffice he holds. The systematic manner in which Messrs Grey and Sheehan have travelled the North Island and gushed iu every little township on the reforms they propose to effect in the Constitutional Government of New Zealand is moat undignified, and calculated to lower this Colony in the estimation of the world. Surely these two gentlemen have said sufficient in Parliament and at large public meetings Id enable the constituencies to comprehend their policy, without it being necessary for them to stump the country like the celebrated Weston with his wizard oil, or some itinerant pill doctor, A Mr Wright is now travelling through New Zealand, for the New York house of G. Wright and Co., who intend publishing a commercial and general directory for America and the Australian colonies.

The Napier Telegraph says—A telegram from the Hon. John Sheehan to J. A. Smith Esq., empowers the Hospital Board to employ prison labor in the excavation for the foundation of the new hospital budding, and authorises Mr W. Miller to inspect the erection of the same.

A Press Agency telegram from New Plymouth on the 18th instant, stated that the Parihaka meeting was held on the 17th instant, at which a large number of Natives assembled. Several Europeans attended and were most hospitably received. Numbers of Natives in European, costume amused themselves by dancing polkasquadrilles, etc., to an. accordion played by a Maori. Te Kooti and a large number of chiefs were present. The Natives had expected that the Hon Mr Sheehan would have attended. In a speech made by Te Whiti, he said he was in favour of adopting European customs, except that of drinking; but the land question he said was to be spoken of another time. The Natives appeared to be much disappointed' that Mr Sheehan was not present.