The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 337, 10 July 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1878.

The Hon J. Sheehan, with his private secretary, and accompanied by Major Brown, arrived in Carlyle on Sunday last, about two o’clock. Mr W. Williams, of Cariyle, had accompanied the party from New Plymouth. A large and successful meeting was held at Parihaka, at which Mr Sheehan spoke decidedly as to intentions of Government. The Waimate Plains natives were also seen by the way. Mr ;Sheehan is reported to have told the natives that they had no rights in connection with the Waimate Plains. The land had been apd Government intended at once to commence surveying. It depended very much on the attitude of the natives how they were treated. If they behaved themselves, they would be liberally treated in the matter of reserves. " ' If they attempted to throw obstacles in the way of surveyors, they would simply be set aside. The land belonged to Government and would be surveyed and dealt with by them. Surveyors would first commence, with reserves intended for the natives themselves. After that, blocks would be cut up and sold to Europeans. Tho party left Opunake at two o’clock on Saturday, and stayed at Hawera that night, arriving in Carlyle on Sunday. During the afternoon, a number of natives met Mr Sheehan, and talked their affairs over with

him. 'Early on Monday morning, a start was made for Wanganui, a meeting being held with natives at Whenuakura, short stay being made at Wavorley. We understand that the .meeting knra was equally successful with those held higher up the coast. The following is copy of telegram sent from Opunako, dated sth instant—On Thursday, acconiby Major Brown, Mr {Slieeban left New sfymouth for Parihaka. The weather and the. roads must be imagined, they cannot bo described. The rood-to the settle--ment from the beach, was traversed in the dark. After arrival, the party were very hospitably entertained. Then talk began, and was continued till about one o clock in the morning. The burden of the talk vyas the meeting at Waitara, and a discussion of the important question' as to who was to blame about Waitara in the first instance. Te Wh'ti is satisfied that there will bo no real peace in the Island until lie makes it, under which pleasing and comfortable impression it is as well, to let him remain. This morning, before leaving, Mr Sheehan told Te Whitith.it the real object of his journey along the coast, was to start the survey of the Waimate Plains. Karatiana, Myjjp, and one or two other natives remained behind ns the guests of Te Whiti, who was very hospitable and good-humored during the Ministerial stay. From Parihaka, Mr Sheehan rode on to Opnnake, and thence on 1o Oeo, where he found Titokovvarn awaiting him. Half an hour’s talk took place, and it was ananged to meet at half past ten to-morrow morning, to final!}' settle the survey question. Mr Sheehan then rcturhed to Opunake for the night. Titokowaru was very friendly, and it is almost a certainty that he means to allow the survey to proceed without further opposition.

A Mam.tahi correspondent under date July Bth writes-—Owing to unfavourable weather there was no debate on 27th ult. Thursday evening, the 4th instant, was devoted to a Spelling Bae, music, songs, &c. Mr D. Ginger occupied the judge’s box, armed with a copy of Webster. Six entered for the spelling race. Mr Lee acted as starter, and sent them away well together. This order was maintained for about iwo-thirda of the distance, when one or two dropped back. Shortly after passing the three-quarters, Mr Brown (teacher, Kakaramea), and Mr Dawson had the field to themselves. A close struggle then ensued till Mr Dawson dropped an “1” at “pollicitation” and finally bogged in a “ syrt” (quicksand), leaving Mr Brown winner of a well contested event. Songs, music, &c., concluded the evening. A Quadrille Assembly is arranged for Friday evening, 12th instant.

The mail steamer Australia arrived in Auckland, with the British mails at 7.30 p.m. on the 4th instant, having left San Francisco on the 10th June. The protracted passage from San Francisco to Auckland is attributed to the vessel having a foul bottom. The time occupied by the steamer from San Francisco to Auckland was about 22 days 4 hours.

A Press Agency telegram of the Bth instant, states that—“ William O’Connor, found guilty of attempting to poison William Light, was brought up for sentence this morning. Prisoner made-a long statement, lasting about an hour and a half, with the view of showing that he could not have been guilty, and called several witnesses to testify to his good character, including Superintendent Shearman. The prisoner several times called Heaven to witness that lie was innocent of the crime of which he was found guilty. The Chief Justice after a few brief remarks, sentenced O’Connor to 10 years’ penal servitude. Tenders for felling 200 acres bush for Mr A. Milne, Okutuku, will be received today. ,

Mr W,-Cowern will hold his usual stock sale at Kakaramea to-day.

At the R.M. Court, Carlyle, yesterday, before Dr Croft and 11. F. Christie, Esq., J.P.’s, Alexander Wood, who had been arrested om Monday evening, at theinstanco of Daniel Smith, was charged with larceny of timber to the value of fifteen shillings. Daniel Smith, William Nicol, Constable Shiel, and R. C. Tennent, were called upon in this case. From the evidence it appeared that Mr Smith had lost a quantity of timber, and believing he had sufficient evidence to prove his case, instructed the police to make the arrest. A full hearing was accorded, after which Wood was discharged, on the ground that there was no evidence to prove that the timber in question had been stolen or that it had belonged to-Smith. In the afternoon the following civil cases were heard; Samuel Taplin v W. Aldzorf, judgment summons for £2 2s 3d. To pay at once or take a fortnight in Taranaki Gaol.— Tapliii v Brown (a native), claim £4 4s. To pay amount of account and costs 14s. Tapljm v Honi Roberts, claim £lO. To pay amount and costs 17s,.—Taplin vNgawari, claim £fi 10s. To pay amount and costs 12s.—Taplin v Eaumati, claim £B. To pay amount and costs 13s.—MrWiJliara Williams appeared as Interpreter in the Maori cases and in each the Interpreter’s fee of 21s was allowed.

The Carlyle School Committee appear to have profited by the hints given by Mr Inspector Foulis, on his late visit to the school, The girls’ gymnasium has been removed, so as to be quite clear of the boys’ playing-ground. The gravel walks around the school have been tidied up. Advantage was taken of the holidays to have both boys’ and girls’ schools thoroughly scrubbed. Buildings and surroundings were made clean and sweet,

For the girls’ department, and at one end of the large entrance porch, which is well supplied with hooks for bonnets . and cloaks, three enamelled wash-hand basins and soap-boxes have been fixed, with cans for supply of clean, and receptacle for. dirty water. Monday showed the school and grounds in quite a changed aspect — cleaning warming, and tidy-ing-np, having all been attended to, under the superintendence of Mr William “Altchison, .who appears to he specially solicitous for the Well-being of the school children. It is intended to erect a dividing fence between the boys’ and girls’ playground. On the boys’ side, a very nice cricket-ground could be formed at but trifling expense, the larger portion of the ground being fairly even. Thanks to the Town Board, the footpath joining that onthe Taranaki Hoad, and leading down to the school-house, has been formed and gravelled, and instead of having to walk through damp grass, and over rough ground, the children have - now an even and dry pathway. We cannot but regret the action of the County Council in refusing to incur the trifling expense required for fencing off the hospital ground, the sights and sounds from which, were so well detailed in the School Inspectors’ report.'

Mr D. Jones, of Carlyle, has just turned out a waggon, made to the order of Mr Richard Dickson, which is intended to be used in lifting and transporting boulders from the beach, for the breakwater. The body of the waggon comprises stout cross beams, on which tackle and lifting g'ear have been fixed. The waggon is made to carry six tons. The turn-out is creditable to the maker, and affords another evidence of what local tradesmen can do if the opportunity is allowed. The contractor for the breakwater has, from the first, shown every desire to encourage local tradesmen. Others might take the hint.

The Wellington Chronicle of the 6th instant, says:—“We understand' that Mr Dickson, of Auckland, has thrown up his Patea Harbor Contract, and that other tenders will have to be invited for the work.” Onr contemporary is in error, and appears to have confounded Patea with the, mishap in connection with the Wanganui Harbor Works. If proof is wanting that Mr Dickson has not thrown up his contract, and has no intention of doing so, it may be furnished in -report of Engineer read at meeting of the Harbour Board on Monday. He stated that the works at the Patea Heads were going on well, about 100 lineal feet of the eastern groin, near the embankment of the river, being already laid down. It will also be seen that Mr Dickson is furnishing himself witii locally-made appliances, which will enable the masonry work to progress faster.

At the meeting of the Patea Harbor Board on Monday, the Engineer reported having received from the Chairman of the Board, a mass of memoranda, which had been sent by Sir John Coodc, for specific information in regard to the river. The bad weather had prevented out-door observations being made so fully as required, but all the information would be furnished as soon as possible.

The Mutual Improvement Class idea for Carlyle appears to have taken well. At a meeting held on Monday evening over twenty persons were present, the majority of whom paid subscription, which is but small, in advance. —The Rev P. W. Fairclongh being voted to the chair, minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. —Rules, which had been framed by a committee appointed for the purpose, were read and adopted. It was resolved that the subscription should be 2s Gd per quarter.—Captain Wray was elected President, filr G. F. Sherwood Vice-President, and Mr J. Black Secretary and Treasurer. —A committee was formed asfollows—Rev P. W. Fairclongh, Dr Warren, and Messrs Thoms in and Tregear, the President, VicePresident, and Secretary, being also memhereby virtue of office.—On account of Carlyle Harmonic Society’s concert the meeting for that evening was adjourned.A number of subjects were proposed for discussion, the following three being selected to start with : “ Has England attained the zenith of her Power ?” Affirmative, Mr Fairclongh ; negative, Mr Taplin. “ That adversity has a greater influence for good on an ordinary man’s character than prosperity.” Affirmative, Mr Sherwood ; negative, Mr Tregear. “Woman’s Rights.” Affirmative, Mr Dale ; negative, [Who dare come forward —let him speak"].

To morrow evening the Carlyle Harmonic Society will present to the public Birch’s popular Operetta, “ The Merrie men of Sherwood Forest.” The second part shows a judicious selection of choice pieces. We hope there will be no lack of patrons, and that the result for performers and audience will bo satisfactory. The Auckland JierafcZreports the launching on the 19th June, by Messrs J. and J. Holmes, of a new steamer, the Maid of the Mokau, in which the natives are to have a direct interest. The following description is given of the vessel “ The steamer is diagonal-built, of heart of kauri, coppered and copper-fastened throughout, measuring on the keel 70 feet ; beam, 14 feet; and depth of hold, 6£ feet; and capable of carrying 25 head of cattle and 200 sheep. The machinery is a single high-pressure engine of 14 horse-power, capable of working up to 30, with , a multitubular boiler,

the whole made by Mr Hawkeswood, of Auckland. From the foregoing, it will be seen that the steamer is-tboiougbly adapted for the carrying of stock, while aft, excellent accommodation is provided for housing the crew, &c. She has a slightly’raised poop, and with the exception of one companion, to be used conjointly for the engine-room and cabiii, will be clear of deck hamper, so necessary in steamers that are constant Jy crossing bar harbpurs. She will be provided with a 4-feet- screw, and is expected to make B*knots per hour, on a water draught of 54 feet : when loaded, which will enable her to cross the Mokau" Bar at almost any stale of the tide, as there is nearly 14 feet of water thereon at high water. The steamer will he schoonerrigged, and her canvas will prove an auxiliary to her steaming powers.” At the native meeting at Waitaraon the 29th June, we learn from the Taranaki Harold : “The Mok an chiefs waited on Ministers and asked for a mail to be established between Fiikearuhe and -Mokau, and stated that they would get the mail carried themselves. Tiie Ministers replied that a sum of £3O would be paid for the first year’s service. The chiefs farther requested a subsidy for 'the new steamer to trade; to Kawhia and Mokau, which was granted.”

As to llewi’s demand for the Waitara afthe late native gathering, the Taranaki Herald's special correspondent gives the following explanation : —“ I may state that it was understood that at a previous private meeting it was arranged that Rewi should be recognised as the commissioner to treat on the part of the natives with the Government, for bringing about a final and complete union between the two races. In order that this. should be done, it was agreed that the first cause of difference (which the natives regarded as Waitara), should be symbolically taken to represent the quarrel and separation between the natives and Europeans ; and that: this should be therefore said to be placed for adjustment and settlement in, the hands of Sir George Grey and Rewi, as representatives of the two sides of the dispute—That a public reconciliation having taken place between these two, they should then proceed as friends to adjust the whole matter in dispute, with a view to bringing about fan entire and lasting reconciliation and union. It was to elucidate this circumstance that Rewi explained in Ids speech to the assembled Europeans that the name of th e Waitara had nothing, to do with their lands or possessions in that place.”