The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 313, 17 April 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 1878.

It "will be recollected that tbe Hon Mr Sheehan, on bis visit to this coast in February last, spoke very plainly to both Natives and Europeans, as to intentions of Government in regard to confiscated lands, and said, that while not one inch of land would be yielded, ample reserves would beset aside for natives to live upon. He stated that interference with surveys by natives would not be tolerated ; that Europeans in unlawful occupation of confiscated lands would be prosecuted; that natives and Europeans must alike look to tbe law for redress of wrongs ; and that unlawful acts by either would be punished, Results have shown that, tbe Native Minister meant what he said—action having been taken on several matters then mentioned. In other parts of the colony, Mr Sheehan has been equally, and even more plain spoken. A heap of knotty native questions have long been awaiting settlement at the Thames, and the Native Minister had been considerably badgered both by the local newspapers, and by deputations, for the seemingly unnecessary delay. Amongst tflher questions of pressing importance

, 1 i." iiiO f 'Hii.i.l on, of a- road ; dm Tnm.r.es Vaik-r, ucros^hind j „ .vm.ata, connecting with Oiiinnm.u’.i. Except one native, -whohad Snnd aloof at the time, tire .'block was . passed through the Land Court, all former owners had signed deed conveying the land to European purchaser. Tukukino, who was not satisfied with the decision of the Court, prevented occupation, and the construction of main, line of road through tiro block, by, settling down on the land with bis people.. The Thames Advertiser gives full report of meeting between the Hon Native Minister^ at Koranta, Upper Thames,* and the Iviri'iveraF, who assembled within, the cultivation, where Mr Alley had put nis sheep some time ago. Alter preliminaries, Mr Sheehan explained the object of bis visit, end slated that, other engagements had prevented him iron) responding to a previous invitation. AV e quote irom report.

Mr Sheehan said — (> I may say that, as th c responsible M mister to Barliament, I j-pm-Mtj-jnt the Governor and the Queen in native matters, and I am here to-day in that capacity. I have heard your conversation with Mr Brodie regarding the men who have been making thc road surreptitiously.. I do not take Mr Biodics side, neither do I take your side. lam here it) the capacity of judge, and will support what is right, and will uphold the law, i e., thc law of Queen Victoria. The law says the Native Minister can make roads through Maori lands, but I would only exercise that power after consultation with you as to the direction of the road, in order that I may meet your wishes as far as I can. If the road goes through your cultivations I will have it securely fenced on both sides, so as to prevent cattle from destroying your crops. I would also compensate you for the land taken for thc road.

Tukukino ; I do not want the road ; there is the river, which is the road God lias given you. Thc Hon Mr Sheehan ; I must have the road ; and, if moral suasion fails, I will take what the law allows me. If injury is done, or blood is shed, the parties doing it will be amenable to the law. It would be better to consent graciously, because as certain as wo are here the road will be made. I only ask you to do this because it is for your benefit as well as the pakehas’, and will considerably enhance the value of your lands. Tukukino said : I do not want the road. The Hon Mr Sheehan : That is no reason. I must have a reason.

Another native explained that Tukukino obstructed the road-making, because he considered an injury had been done to him, through the land havingbeen passed away without his consent, by the Land "Court, and that applications for re-hearing of the case had been refused. Mr Sheehan then stated that the matter had been enquired into by Sir Donald McLean, Dr Pollen, and Mr Whitaker, who were all of opinion that an injury had been done to Tnknkino. As the time for re-hearing had lapsed, Mr Sheehan, in order that justice might be done, said that Government would appoint a commission to elicit information, and report to Parliament next session. Mr Sheehan, when at Waitotara, told the natives if they had any special grievance, that they should petition Parliament, and their petition would roceivc every consideration. It will be seen that Mr Sheehan still preserves the attitude first assumed on this coast, and encourages the natives to appeal to the law, or to Parliament for settlement of grievances. Interference with necessary surveys, or with road-making will not be allowed. If natives obstruct, they will be set aside, and must abide by the consequences. If blood is shed, the responsibility will lay,not with Government, but with the Maoris. Government will do whatever the law allows. Many of the troubles in regard to Native Land, have been brought about through the natives themselves, who would not respond to, or heed invitations, to establish their claims. Tnknkino has been one of the stubborn ones, and is now painfully aware of the mistake made. As the case was somewhat exceptional, the Native Minister promised to take the only steps open to Government, to grant redress, which was by Parliamentary commission. The great firmness shown by Mr Sheehan in.dealing with this, and other native questions, cannot but have good eflecct on the natives, whilst at the same time giving confidence to Europeans who are settled on or near disputed territory. Anything in the shape of obstruction, recoils on the natives themselves, as was lately so clearly proved to the Momahaka natives. The Native Minister appears anxious to support the natives in anything to which they can lay legal claim, and where desire is shown to arrange disputes amicably, liberal treatment is accorded. From the manner in which Mr Sheehan has acted at the Thames, natives on the Waimate Plains can judge of how they will be treated. They must submit to the law, or petition Parliament for the redress of grievances.

Tii ?. Cricket Match to be p iayccl al , Ca.'ljle, on Easter Monday—Married v Sing's of the Falea County—is likely to be the most interesting game that has been played this season, as the best mettle from each of "*the Clubs will no doubt be chosen. The teams are to be selected from the following list, namely—Messrs Beresford, Johnston, Stewart, Hamilton, Peacock, Foreman, Butcher, Dudley, Mason, Thurston, Fraser, Tapi in, Dixon,.. Baggett, Baddelcy, Jacorab, IMddiford, F., Bayly, G. Bayly. T. Mason, Corrigan, Fetch, Coutts, Kitchen, F. T. Horner,' Helps, Wanklyn, Fookes, and Lukas. It will scarcely be necessary to remind readers that the entertainment at Kakaramea, in aid of the Town Hall funds, will take place to-morrow (Thursday) evening. The entertainment is somewhat novel and will be a treat—singing, recitations, a little speechifying, and plenty of dancing. It will be no breach of trust to say that the pick of amateur singers from Carlyle will be present. The second part of the evening will be devoted to dancing. The committee are working well together, and as the cause is a really good one and money’s worth is being provided, there should be a large attendance. Those who cannot conveniently attend for the first part can show up for the second. Doors open at seven o’clock, halfpast.

We understand that the land purchased by Mr Peter Campbell, at Saturday’s auction sale, was originally granted to that gentleman by Government, t but was reported as being so rough, as to be unfit for occupation. Another adjoining piece flatter was therefore granted instead. Mr Campbell gave £2 5s an acre, for 63 acres of land, which but a few years ago was rejected as unfit for occupation, and it has been asserted that he would not now part with it, for three times the amount of the purchase money. Applications for land on deferred payments in the Otoia-Opaku Block, were received at the District Land Office, Carlyle, on Saturday last, up to four o’clock. The following sections were taken up. Section GO7, ..Richard Clifford, 59 acres, at £1 15s per acre ; section Gl4, John Gordon, 79 acres, at £1 15s per acre ; section 620, Patrick Hurley, 320 acres, at £1 15s per acre; section 621, F. and E. Shaw, 320 acres, at £1 15s per acre ; part section 622, Pochard Adams, 191 acres, at £1 10s pdr acre ; section G2G, Robert Gordon, 186 acres, at £1 10s per acre. Section 359, Patea District, 53 acres? upset price £2, put up at auction, was purchased by Peter Campbell, Manutabi. The Carlyle Banks will be closed for the Easter Holidays Friday, Saturday, and Monday next. It will be seen by advertisement that a chemist and druggist is going to test requirements of Hawera. The con venience will doubtless be appreciated by town and country settlers. Mr John Harre is the proprietor of the establishment. An inquiry has been made, with request for publication through columns of the Mail, as to expenditure of funds raised by the Harmonic Society. We have no doubt, on the annual meeting taking place, that a balance sheet will be published, when members and patrons will have the desired information.'

. At the R.M. Court, Carlyle, on Saturdaylast, before H. F. Christie, Esq., and Dr Croft, J.P.’s, M. A. Warren summoned W. Odgers for wages, £2 9s. Defendant pleaded that amount was not due, he having advanced money to pay passage from Wellington. Mr Adams appeared for plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff for amount and costs 14s and solicitor’s fee £1 Is.

Some of the successful applicants for deferred payment land in the OtoiaOpnkti Block, applications for which were received on Saturday, have lost no time in locating oh the land. A start for occupation was made on Monday, and the work of bush falling will be immediately commenced. It is estimated that fully 1,200 acres of hush will* he felled around Wood yille on the Otoia-Opaku Block during the coming winter. That will mean an addition to the working population, and of lona fide settlers. Miss A. Leaf and Mr W. H. Reed, announce their intention of appearing at the several townships within Patea County, commencing at Waverley on Saturday evening. The Herald , referring to the second appearance in Wanganui, says— The merits of the whole performance are undisputable, for in addition to the excellent singing of Miss Leaf, the instrumental display of Mr Reed is most creditable, and the programme is made up to afford the varied attractions of good music, good singing, and comicalities without number. Mr Reed’s personalities occasioned great amusement on Saturday night, and, at the conclusion of the entertainment, in announcing that there would be another appearance, be stated that other local personages would be taken off, and a fresh programme submitted. In the Patea Steam Navigation Company, 42 shares have already been taken up. Of the number allotted for Patea County 18 remain to be taken up. Forty shares have been reserved to be offered in Wellington, Nelson, Wanganui, or elsewhere. There is little doubt but the remainder will be quickly taken up now it is known they are available. „

Nominations of candidates for the Waverley Riding 1 of the Pniea Council were leceived by-the ■'■ Returning Officer' (Mr John Black) at Waver!ey, yesterday. Mr Wilson Milne was nominated by Messrs G. S. Bridge and Charles Thomas. Mr W. A. G. Winchcomb was nominatedby Messrs Donald Dickie" and F. Brice After the papers had been given in, it wasfound that one of; Mr Wiachcomb’s nominators- —Mr Donald Dickie—was not a duly qualified elector, his name riot appearing on the County Roll. According to the Local Elections Act, where persons are in partnership in respect of any property, the leading partner only has (he right to vote. As Mr Alexander Dickie’s is the leading name in a partnership, Donald, has no vote, and was therefore disqualified from nominating any candidate. Under the circumstances, Mr Winchcomb, to save further trouble add expe'nse, withdrew his name as a candidate. Mr Milne has therefore been declared elected. This instance shows how necessary it is for the Returning Officer to at once let it be known who are the nominators and seconders of candidates. Ollier Returning Officer's within ; the County, acting under the provisions of the same Act, have refused to allow the nominators’ names to be known. We ; hope no obstacles will in future be thrown i in the way of full publicity being given, if only for the sake of saving the trouble and expense which might afterwards be incurred in the. attempt to unseat infonrially elected members. A Press Agency telegram dated Alexandra, April 13, says ; —There is very small chance of Sir George Grey meeting , Tawbiao, as at present there are so many dissensions amongst the natives, it Would hardly be judicious for the Premier to attend. Te Wheoro has gone up this morning to the King. It is now said that Rewi intends to pursue a separate course altogether, independent of Tawbiao. The Advocate says the Sandon Flour Mill is full of wheat,, containing at the present time, not less than 8,000 bushels. As soon as everything gets into thorough working order, it is expected that the mill will be able to turn out a couple of tons a day. Under the provisions of the Charitable Institutions Act of last session, the Colonial Secretary lately addressed a letter to the leading Municipal Corporations throughout the colony, offering to hand over the hospitals to the Borough Councils on certain conditions. The arrangement proposed by the Government was, that the municipalities should assume entire control and management of the hospitals and charitable institutions ; that the Government, relieved of the burden, should pay over the subsidies in full, and should ] further subsidise, pound for pound, all monies devoted to charitable purposes from private subscriptions and borough . funds. The proposition does not. seem anywhere to have .found favor. The Auckland Star in trying to account for the non-acceptance of the Government offer, concludes that “ (hero is a veiy strong suspicion, and not without reasonable grounds, that charitable institutions will be much more enduring than Government subsidies, in short, that the Charitable Institutions Bill is a cunningly devised means of throwing upon local bodies the cost and responsibility of charitable aid.” The Star is of opinion that the hospitals and other local institutions of a charitable* character do not yield the amount of revenue which mighl.be derived from them, if friends who are able and legally liable to contribute towards the support of inmates, were .in all casesforced to bear their full responsibilities.

CRIC'KE T MAT CH AT MANUTAHI. [By ONE WHO WAS PRESENT.] The return cricket match with Patea (less 3 of their cracks) and Manutahi, came off on the ground of the hitter, on Saturday last. The ground was in very bad condition, which would have resulted in some broken heads, if the bowling had been fast. Taplin was elected captain of the Patea team, who sent his opponents first to the wickets, captained by Peacock.

-The score of Manutahi, first innings, was 32. The Patcas went in and made 57.

Manutahi in their second innings put together 52, very creditably, making a grand total of 84, leaving Patea 28 to get to win, which number was got with 5 wickets down, thus leaving them again the victors' by 5 wickets. The only double figure obtained on either side was by "Wilson 11, part of which were got by a beautiful clean hit off Kitchen, over his head for 4. Harris’s leg hit for 5 was greatly admired. Kitchen put up a well got 9 very quickly, 3 twos and one 3. F. T. Horner 9, not out, in the second innings, was just getting set, when game was called. Mr George Bayly, umpired for Manutahi, and his brother Fred for Pateaj who both gave general satisfaction. Usual cheers were given by both teams, when a very enjoyable day was brought to a close.

irritaating to be met by a pack ov the ugly craytnrs the darkies delight in raaring. I frequently had to give the laadcr a shmall taste oV my blackthorn shillaleh) which I cut wud my ouwn hand from a hedge on the road to Dtmlavin, when, more than thirty years ago, I went courting Biddy. .But, sur, what I mane yon to understand in reguard to thim Mouri dogs, is this—that they are gintlemen entirely, compared wid the mangy, mongrel, snarling, snaking, nndaacent, useless brutes, that saam’to be supported, owned 1 , and loved, and maintained, by the so called civilisation of this great Pakehea pa. We find sur (that is Biddy and me) that it is raaly dangerous, on account of thim Pakea dogs, to vintufe out fpr a bit of sugar and tay, let alone to enjoy the beauties of nath'ure, for you niver know the minit you are to hear a snarl, and the next to enjoy the ineffable delight of having the teeth of one or the darlints met in the thickest part of the eg—which wid me is convenient—as I always wear knee breaches, slitickihg to the good ould custom 'ov my fathers, having always felt contirnp’t for convintionalities. Now, sur,-in the face of this, do you consider the oitizns of this rising and important township, shew advanced and refined tastes in keeping, to the great danger and anoyance ov their neighbours, an army of ugly brutes they call dogs, but Biddy and me call them wild baast's ?

Whare are the police doing duty? Is it at the top of Egmoht ? What is the Inspictor of Niiicahces about? , Is not this a great nucience, fifty times greater than the closet one ? I intind to send you a few laadihg particklers, taken down in detail, during my rambles one avcning, after taking the precautionary measure to Wrap a good hay rope round my legs, for rasons stated above but, meanwhile being deeply engaged in land speckulations, I roust let the varmin snap away for a bit yet, till I can altind to them praperly, only I would recomind all good 'citizns of this pl.ise, Who wish the town to progress, to consign their cannine pets to the tinder care ov the salt say, and that in at least twinty fadom of wathev, wid a fifty ton boulder daasently souldred to their purty heads, —Yours sincaarely’, PAT DOWLINGI.

PATEA HARBOR IMPROVE- ’ MEETS. The following letter appeared in the Wanganui Herald of Friday last : <£ Sin—Patea being the natural outlet for the Hawera and Waimate districts, some account may be interesting to your readers. Unlike some rivers on this coast the principal difficulty is at the entrance of the Patea : there the prevailing winds and sea heap up the sand forming a spit and bar, but after this is passed the water deepens, giving from 1:? to 20 feet at ordinary tides.

The object of the harbor works is to protect and straighten the entrance, thus preventing the formation of the bar, and giving vessels a straight run in. This will be accomplished by means of two piers running out from the heads into 20ft water completely sheltering the entrance, and allowing the river to run straight but to sea. They will also have the effect of guiding and concentrating the current, caused by the ebb and flood tide, into a permanent channel about 400 ft wide, instead of allowing it to wander lor 1,500 ft from head to head at the mercy of every gale. The contract which has just been lot, is for the construction of 600 ft of the south pier ; part of the work near the shore will be formed by the large rubble stones found on the beach; the remaining portion being constructed of hollow blocks of concrete in tiers six feet wide (almost like boxes without top or bottom placed on lop of each other). the centre portion being afterwards filled up with strong concrete, thus binding each row into one solid mass— the outer block weighing 7C or 80 tons For the next contract it is probable that the Board will provide a powerful crane able to set solid blocks, as it is not expected that the method of construction used in the present instance would be applicable in deep water. The thanks of Patea County are clue to Mr Sherwood, the Chairman of the Harber Board, for his perseverance in pushing everything on, the present state of affairs being mainly due to kis energy. —I am, &c., A,” RAILWAY STATION SITE, NORMANBY. The following is copy of a letter forwarded to the Minister of Public Works, and speaks for itself:— “Normanby, 11th April, 1878. “ The Minister of Public Works,

Wellington. Sir, —In the interests of the public of New Zealand generally and of the settlers and residents in and around the township of Normanby in particular, I, the undersigned, am induced to offer gratuitously to die Government, ariy quantity of land, not exceeding three (3) acres, for a railway station, the said land being any part of rural allotments Nos 10, 11, and 17, district of II aw era. County of Patea, situate on the line of railway, that may be found suitable for the purpose. As the neucleus of the Township of Normanby* 'has formed itself at the junction of the road known as the Mawhitiwhiti Road with the main line of road and railway to New Plymouth, it will bes’een by a glance at the map that this is the most advantageous site that could possibly be chosen. ■ Trusting you will give this your imniediate consideration, as an early answer would oblige.—l remain, &c., • (Signed) F.H. BRETT.”

WAIBGA HIGHWAY BOARD. Tun ordinary meeting of the above Board was held on Saturday, 6th April. Present ; Wardens Bridge (chairman), Lupton, Fleming, and McLean. Minutes read arid confirmed. . Treasurer’s balance £390 6s 2d. Correspondence—Letter from the Secretary to Treasury, covering duplicate of voucher for second instalment of subsidy. -—From J. Riddell, drawing the attention of the Board to various matters connected with the road to his land. Resolved, “ That Mr lon be requested to attend to this road at once.”—From Thomas Allan, applying to have the middle Mangitangi crossing repaired and improved. Resolved, “That the Chairman employ labour to repair the embankment and have it fenced.” —From Thomas Harris, applying to have the road to liis land improved. Resolved, “ That tenders be invited' for the required work by next meeting of -the Board.”--From Mr Tylee, applying to have a cutting made through the. hill opposite his land. Resolved, “ That tenders be invited for the same by next meeting'.”

Resolved, —“ That the rate book he made up at a rate of 9.d in the £, and that a special meeting of the Board be held on 13th instant, for the purpose of signingthe rate book, previous to its being inspected by the ratepayers.” Resolved, —“ That the contractor's for the Kohi Bridge shall give seven days rietice to the Engineer arid to Mr McLean, of the day they intend putting the bridge into tlie water.”

were opened as follows - Watson’s and Axup’s road—Manning and Bream £37 10s—-accepted ; H. Dudley £59, J. Dudley and Rolfe £SO, J. Hughes £43 ss, J Bowie £3B 15s,—declined. ■ Okutuku cutting—J. Bowie £2B—accepted ; J. Brophy £53, Manning and Bream £39 19s 6d, Whelson and Stewart £9O. J. Dudley and Rolfe £3 per chain — declined.

Waitotara road—J. Dudley and Rolfe £29—accepted ; H. Dudley £42, J, Brophy £37,—declined. Kola Bridge—Davis and Co. £75 —accepted. Upper Mahgitangi road—J. Hughes, earthworks £23, gravel, per chain, 6s 9d — accepted ; J. Bowie £l23 —declined". Accounts passed . and paid—Davis, £l3 Is 9d ; Rolfe; £4 13s 6d ; Waverley Town Board, £22 19s ; Bank of Australasia, £2 10s 3d ; Hunt; £7 ; Mrs Price, £2 ; W. Milne, £2O 13s 9d; The Board adjourned.