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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 373, 13 November 1878, Page 2

Judging by reports in the Canterbury papers, there have been some big cattle shows down South, under the auspices of the various Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. The show just hold at V, anganni has been voted a thorough success. There is every indication of the Patea Show being equal to anything hitherto held, judging by the maimer in which entries have been, forwarded. Arrangements have been made for tlio proper cl imposition of stodz nn<l produce on the ground. It is to be regretted that the Committee were unable, on account of the difficulty of procuring timber, to have buildings erected in the manner originally intended. However, the weather bids fair to be good, and in that case, the show is likelyto be a success. There will be a number of visitors from various parts, so it is desirable that as good a show as possible should bo made up. Entries for dairy produce will be received until the morning of the show. Printed lists of the entries will be procurable at small cost, on the ground. Lunch will be ready at one o’clock, and refreshments will be procurable on the ground all day long. There has been some hitch about, the proposed dinner, so we fear visitors will have no proper opportunity of publicly expressing themselves as to the merits or otherwise of the show, or of giving their impressions of the capabilities of the district.

The Albion Hotel, and indeed Patea, was honored by a distinguished visitor on Monday, in the shape of Sir F. Dillon Ball. This gentleman was one of tho very early visitors to Taranaki, having arrived there in 1847, and was, we believe, one of the very few who ventured up Mount Egrnont in the early days. At all events, he was along this Coast in those days, and not having been here for very many years, is said to he astounded and delighted with the changes which have taken place. On his former visit, the land, almost untrodden by white man, was wild and uninviting, and not deemed worth much. Unquestionably the land will now bear inspection, and its productiveness, whether for sheep or cattle farming," or grain growing, having been placed beyond doubt, it can scarcely be wondered that Patea should begin to attract outsiders. We understand that Sir Dillon Bell is so taken up with the appearance of the country, that he has bought out ono of the Whenuakura settlers (Mr Arthur Gower), and thus-secured a leasehold of nearly 1,000 acres for ono of his sons, who will, in due course, settle down amongst us. It only requires men of means and practical ability to settle down hers to still further increase the attractiveness of the country, as may, easily be done by a judicious expenditure of capital and labor. A moderate extent of tree planting is much required at the various homesteads • Messrs W. Derrett, of Whenuakura, and the Messrs Williamson, of Kakaratnea, have set worthy examples in this respect, and their homesteads form charming breaks in the line of travel, and show how much may be accomplished in the course of four or five years. Sir Pillion Bel! and his sou

have thoroughly well inspected the Waimate ■ Plains and country downwards to Patea, tuffl a purchase lias been made at Whenuakura. We have plenty of room for both capitalists and working settlers. It will do no harm for gentlemen of this class to have the opportunity of inspecting Patea, and a better knowledge of our requirements by representative men cannot fail to have influence with the Government to our advantage.

This season will witness a considerable increase of agricultural machinery to Patea; Messrs Williams and Rons were the first to introduce the famed Wood’s reaper and binder. They arc now getting another. Three or four settlers on the Whenuakura Block, having extensive areits in grain, are also supplying themselves with tln-sc excellent .labour-saving appliances. Of tilt; Whennakurasettlors mentioned as obtaining reapers and binders, we have heard named Messrs Newlami, Gower, aiid W. Derrett. Others on the Block are also believed to he about ordering. Mr George McLean, of Hawera, is said to bo getting a reaper and binder, while Mr Dorrctt, of Whonuakura, has been sufficiently enterprising to order a steam threshing machine, which is to be ready for work before harvest. What with double-furrow ploughs, reapers ami binders, threshing machines, and flour mills, it looks as if Patea was going to make a show in the way of grain growing.

The continued illness of Mr T. W. Shalders, Telegraphist and Postmaster at II a - wera, has led to that gentleman resolving to trv change of air. His removal will bo regretted by the many friends ho has made during his stay at Hawera. Sale of Mr Shalder’s effects is announced for Saturday next. . Mr J. Cunningham, late of Taranaki, announces that he has opened with an extensive stock of boots and slices at Hawera, whore he intends in future to carry on business. A Contemporary referring to the halfyearly report of the Bank of New Zealand,' says ; —“ During the past half-year the deposits of the Bank have increased T 1,330,000, while it has been able to extend accommodation to its customers to a somewhat larger amount. An Institution established but 17 years, and dealing with 1U millions of money,having 100 branches in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and England, can only be considered a credit to the colony that founded it.”

A special Cable message to the Press Agency, dated London, 7th November, reads—“ England ami Austria have notified Russia that they have agreed on a treaty to compel her to evacuate Turkey, in accordance with the Berlin t caty. Russia is fortifying Shnmla, Siiistria, and Widdin, instead of removing her troops.” The November issue of the Wellington Church Chronicle, amongst other interesting matter, contains the Bishop’s address on opening the Synod. Messrs lorns and ■ Fergnsson will sell 300 head cattle at Te Nui, Wairarapa, on Friday, On account of Monday last being a holiday, the Patea West Road Board will meet next Monday.

Mr F. R. Jackson will hold stock sale at Haw era on Friday.

Mr W. Cowern will hold stock sale at Kakaramea, to-day. The New Zealander says : —lt may interest some of our readers in this city and cu learn iliat (.lie idurhuota land is going to be individualised.

Wellington telegram says ; —A largo capitalist from England is at present on a visit to Patoa and Taranaki, with tho view of making extensive land purchases.

r Jfhe CliCiirmcLti of the ILurkour Board (Mr G. F. Sherwood) received telegram yesterday,' from 11. Johnston, Esq., of the Marine Department, Wellington, to the effect that the large light intended for Patea Heads, was being tested. A slight, alteration had been found necessary, and the light would be sent on completion thereof.

At the October meeting of- the .Patca Harbor Board on motion of Mr Miiroy, seconded b} 7 . Mr Williamson, £SO was voted to the Chairman as travelling expenses to Wellington on harbor business. Land in Waverle} 7 appears still to have an upward tendency. Mr W. A. Cr. Wincbcoinbe has just sold half chain frontage by two chains deep in Bear-street, near the Bank of New Zealand, oif the main road, tit the rate of '2ss per foot. Patca Harbour Board endowments, situated at Okutiikii, wore auctioned by Captain Wray, District I,and Officer, yesterday. There was a fair attendance. Section 353, comprising 140 acres 2 roods 28 perches, upset price 41508 10s, was bought by Mr William Brewer, Waitotara, at £7 10s per acre. The same gentleman also purchased section 4j3, comprising 48 acres, upset price £192, at £8 10s per aero. Section 401, comprising 112 acres, upset price £448, was knocked down to Messrs Sherwood and Thomson at £7 5s per aero. The Auckland Herald says ;—lt is expected that considerable reductions will be made in tho number of tho Justices of the Peace throughout the Colony during the coming year, owing to the irregular manner in which many of the local magistrates attend to their duties. The number of the great unpaid will also be lessoned from other causes, amongst them being directions which will be issued from the Department of the Minister of Justice at Wellington, notifying that all civil servants who have been gazetted as Justices, but have no judicial duties to perform, will have to relinquish their honors. The Chronicle reports the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show held on Friday last, as in eveiy respect a decided success, and states that the growing importance of the show was made apparent by the regular increase in the number of exhibits which, on Friday, were far in excess of the previous year, while the stock was of a superior description. The renowned Australian horse Painter was awarded Champion Prize in thoroughbreds, Gladiator the winner last year being oiily commended. “Some of the latter horse’s stock were to be seen on the ground, one of them, a yearling colt, exhibited by Mr Capstiek, causing much comment and admiration. There were a very large nnumber of draught horses, the majority of which were in the pink of condition, imd were greatly admired. Cattle and Sheep were well represented, nearly all the pens being full; but the exhibits in swine and poultry were rather poor.” A.and R.Chalmor’s Knockdon wasawasded Ist prize as a 2-year old draught colt. In weight carrying Hacks MrD. Williamson’s Jupiter, came in for 3rd prize. Mr Dune’s pony Chips received a 2nd prize. Patea does not appear to have been largely represented, though it is satisfactory to know that some prizes have been secured.