The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 384, 21 December 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays ) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1878.

PATRA and Taranaki people are equally aware of the importance —for convenience *'of-trade, fpr the encouragement of settlement, "ttpd even as a matter of- safety and ~ stvategetic blryiigtlr, should any rupture bv chance occur 111* the natives—of the c mipletion of tlm ilou’l} t!i ' n Road lor vehicle traffic. Woik so t*i' Rone lias

enabled horse ndors to. pass along daring a low only of the summer months. Each winter has found the road impassable, and tiie long, weary, and circuitous coast road, with its miles of .horrid beach, and dangerous river crossings, has had to be used by all whose business necessitated travelling to or from New Plymouth. Two years ago it was expected for certain that the mail coach would he enabled to start running that way by last Christmas. Another Christmas is approaching, and we tiro less hopeful that the coach will be got through during the summer than was the case two years ago. We may safely say that this matter has engaged attention, and been agitated for years past, both at Patea and Taranaki. Had but one half of the promises made by Government, past and present, been kept, through communication would have been secured long ago, settlement would have been further advanced ; (lie population, production and wealth of the Patea district would have been more than doubled ; and there would not have been the shadow of ground for the fears .vhieh have in some cases arisen on account of the agitation amongst, and the renellant altitude assumed by, a certain section of the natives through the MoLcanHiroki affair. Mr Macandrew, as Minister for Public Works, has shown in the Tapanni Railway and in other cases, that he is determined Otago shrill progress, even at the sacrifice of parts or of, the whole of the rest of the Colony. If lie cannot get money voted lie will secure land, and not bo particular as to the, how. At any rate contracts must bo given out in Otago, to Otago men, new land must he settled, public works pushed on, and immigrants supplied as required. In lespect of other parts, to the strong whose progress ho is not ardently interested in Mr Macandrew is complaisant, and when pushed compliant. To such places as have vigor, but are not yet powerful enough to compel fair treatment, be is dignified and evasive. The weak he wholly ignores, or mercilessly crushes as was done with Patea. In our case bespoke as if confening a favour, whilst actually taking a further large amount from onrland revenue, to sop other places with, thereby bringing up the toted fleecing to something like 75 per cent, of the total land revenue properly belonging to Patea Comity ; and, as a blind for those not aware of the true circumstances, ho glossed over his want of principle by prating about the “expense of blood and treasure,” by which Patea lands had been acquired, as if making it the lighting ground for the colony, with all attendant horrors, had been profitable to Patea, instead of as was truly the case, a blight and a curse to one of the fairest portions of the colony. A while ago we, almost thought that Mr Macandrew’s injustice had been inflicted through want of local knowledge, and that for his much fleecing- he had dctci mined to make small amends in giving liberal aid to complete the. Mountain Road. Our hopes have proved groundless. Common justice cannot bo obtained much loss liberal treatment. It seems to matter m thing to Mr Macandrew that hiscolleagno, tbs Nr;five Minister, may bo uneasy about ihc stale of affairs on this coast, and anxious for ready means of communication to facilitate, the settlement of Government land, and that a little present help might save much nnxh-ty, and possibly heavy outlay further on in undesirable directions. Patea, to him. is but a small, and as compared with scores of places in Otago, insignificant spot, with few friends, and-near and covetous neighbours on either hand averse to its making too much headway, and whose representatives vote straight. Lot Patea bang itself. Wind raised our hopes lately, was application from the Public Works Department for estimate of cost of completing Mountain Road, indirect promise that portion of main line of railway would he started from Patea, later assurance that surveyors were within the County, and then there was the visit of the Native Minister and the promises made by him. Two years running, A3,000 has been voted by Parliament, for roads between Stoney River and Waitotara. Last year the Patea Com.ty was staved off from its share on the plea that until loan was raised in England money could not be made over. On the Joan being raised other excuses were made and the money held hack. The amount was re-voted last session, and wrilten and telegraphic applications from Patea, reiterated, drew forth

the reply printed in last issue, “ Nothing yet determined as to expenditure of the vote Waitotara to Stoncy River.” The £3,000 referred to was got on the Estimates by Major Atkinson, on application from Wanganui County Council fur a similar amount, which latter was voted same time, and handed over 'vithont delay. Wanganui had and has a friend at Court, and last session easily obtained liberal endowment in land for harbor purposes while I’atea got nothing. .Money voted for the Mountain lioad was held back oir similar pretexts- to that for Waitotara to Stoney lliver. Hope ran high on the 14th November last, when telegram was received from the Public Works Department, asking the Council to prepare detailed statement of the estimated amount required to open the Mountain Road to Patea River. Estimates in deiail were furnished, with request that expenditure would be authorised, to enable tenders to be let and wo rk completed during the summer, and stating that £3,000 would do formation and cnlverting, and that £11,213 would complete formation and gravelling to the Patea lliver, £3,000 has been granted, with strict injunctions for the amount not to be exceeded ; and, in a further telegram sent in reply to pressings from Patea for more money, and which, written as it must have been, with.a full knowledge of the whole circumstances, can hardly bo deemed other than the most scathing sarcasm, the Undersecretary was instructed to remind the Chairman u of the probable largo revenue that will fall to the County by thpsalcof the Waimatc Plains.” This, in the face of the large deductions made from Patea Land Re.venue, is too bad. We could furnish other instances of broken promises, insult, and neglect, but will conclude by reminding readers that in spite of all promises made, and notwithstanding tiro fact that surveyors are well advanced in the survey of the line, that at present there is not the remotest chance of the line being started from Patea. Wo have before pointed put fho profit to Government by starting the lino front Patea, and the advantage to the district. Unless money is promptly granted, it will bo impossible for the Mount a in Road to be made traiiicable for vehicles this summer, and it will be certain that neither horsemen nor vehicles will be abletogetalongin winter. These are matters pertaining to the Public Works Department, of which the Hon J. Macandrew is head. The Comity Council has left no expedient untried to get money properly due and promised. Settlers must bestir themselves to second the efforts of the Council, and by public meetings all over the district, must keep on agitating on these to us vital matters.

Telegram was received from ■Wellington on Wednesday last, directly after the steamer Patea had berm launched at Mills’ • Lion Foim.diy, as follows : “ Your steamer just launched. Went off splendid. Seems a first-rate job. Sits hi the water like a hick.” It. is satisfactory to get such a good opinion of the steamerfrom agcnllcuan who has no property interest either in the steamer or in Oariyle. -Wo understand that the Directors expect the steamer iierc about the first week in January, when every opportunity will ho afforded lor inspection. It is intended to lay her on for an excursion trip to Nelson, from whence the steamer will proceed to Wclington and pick up excursionists on the return trip.

In addition to the pupils in the six different Standards mentioned in last issue as having been examined at Carlyle School, there were four examined for the Scholars Certificate —three in Algebra, and two in Latin, reports of which have not yet come in.

The first sifting of the'Wavcrley Court was bob! on Wednesday, C. A. Wray, Esq.. R.M., ami J-. W. Kennli, Esq., J.P., being present.—W. . Overeiul v Edward Hail, claim ill 9s 2d. Judgment for Plaintiff by default for amount claimed and costs 13s. Two test cases for alleged illegal impounding off the public streets, were heard and dismissed, costs being in each case remitted, Thomas Allan and William Ilarro being plain tilt’s and George Lynch and Harry Lynch being defendants. “ The Public Works Act, 1876,” enacts that any animal tethered on or so that it may ho on a road shall be liable to be impounded. Clause 101, enacts “If any animal is found straying on a road which is fenced on both sides, it shall be lawful for the Board or for any other - person to cause such animal to ho taken to the nearesi Public Pound, whether in or out of the district in which it is found straying, to be dealt with as in the case of animals lawfully impounded.”

From a reliable snreo we learn that £3OOO just banded over by Government to Taranaki County Council for cxpemiiiuro on the Mountain Road, will enable all tiro formation and culverting between Inglewood and Patea Rivers to be completed during the coming summer. There is groat demand for labor, and about 150 men could be readily absorbed in road works, quite apart from the demand for labor for harvesting.

Mr E. Green way has already been apprised of the names of nearly forty persons desirous of joining the Patea Light Horse, and will communicate with Government as to enrolment to day.

The presentation of prizes yesterday, at the Carlyle School, brought the school children out about one o’clock in holiday attire, and being a gloriously line day, they played about on the school ground both before and afior the presenilation, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Several members of the committee were present, Mr Lett and Mr Paterson, assisted by Mr Dyer and Miss Williams, doing the preliminary work of preparing the prizes. The School Inspector (.Mi - It. Foul is) was in attendance, as also a few ladies. All being ready, the children were brought indoors, when the prizes were dist. United by Mrs Wray, who, in commencing', made a few very appropriate remarks, which were well received by the children. The very handsome and valuable book given by Mr H. ii. Dyer, was presented to Master Robert Whelan, who, suffering from a severe cold, was unable to speak the thanks ho felt. Hearty cheering concluded the proceedings.

Wo have been reincrhM to state rlwt Messrs Packer and V.'o.ner ha e bona ah 1 ,d to the Nonnr.uby Sport> Co.amblce, anti ihar. Mr Edward Blake will act as Judge,

The Y/eAryan Hazara - at Hawera will be continued this evening. ■

About ten minutes after one of Messrs Colson & Co’s, horses hod been iniluirne.ss.nl on Wednesday last, sonic one reported that the animal was bleeding profusely from the neck. The horse which bad been left on the green beside the Butchery, appears to have been indulging in a roil, during which the eng:! of a broken glass bottle had penetrated deeply into the neck. The wound extended to within the eighth of an inch of the jugular vein. Had that vein been cut the horse, worth about £25, would have hied to death in about ten miniues.

The s.s. Clyde arrived from Wanganui, on Wednesday last, with a full cargo of merchandise and timber. After unloading she sailed again for Wanganui. A Press Agency telegram mentions that a large Anti-Cninese mooting was held in Wellington on Tuesday las’, the 'dayor in the chair, when a series of resolutions wor > carried, the purport of which was that the Government, should be mem >rialis M to prevent the unrestricted bill us of Chinese. A resolution was also carried expressing sympathy with the seamen on strike. A letter was read from the lion. Mr Ba!lance, expressing sympathy with the object of the meeting. A meeting of ratepayers of the Wairoa Highway Distinct will be held alWa\ erley, this evening, whim the position of tiio Board will bo explained, an 1 the advisability of bringing the Local Elections Act into force considered. We call attention to programme of the Patea Jockey Club Meeting, to tie held on the 20th anil 21st February nest. On Tuesday next the Ilawera Light Horse Volunteers will be inspected by Major Stapp, Officer Commanding the District.

We understand that the Masonic Hotel, Cailyle, will shortly change hands, Mr Beamish having sold out Mr Liugard. Mr John Whelan having male consideralteratious in the premises purchased by him from MrD. M. Warren, and until lately occupied by Mr Ken worthy, lias re-opened with a large new stock of all classes of goods usually kept in a general store, and now invites inspection. The shop has been fitted np to suit the various departments of business to ba carried on, and has been re-decorated inside and out. For the outside trade, and for convenience of visiting country districts, a new spring trap of bigcity stylo, has been procured. The public banquet in honor of Mr Walt, on the occasion - of his retiring from the office of Mayor of Wanganui, after having tilled that honorable position, at the express wish of the ratepayers, for throe successive, terms, was given on * Wed nes lay evening in.the Odd Fellows’ Hall.' There were about 103 of the citizens present. The Chronicle says : —Although all shades of political opinion were .represented, many gentlemen bMug present who have for a long period been consistently opposed to Mr Watt on public matters, all joined in acknowledging His earnest endeavors to advance the interest of Wanganui. Letter from Mr Inkster in type.

The Almanack/season ;h’a3 again come round, ami amoiifst sheets of a" novel jet useful kirn! mayljo mentioned Cameron, Lain# and Go’s.) Australian Calendar, on which is plainlf ’ denoted the times of arrival and departure or the ’Frisco and tehiez maiis, &c.

The Wanganui Herald lias strongly opposed the using of the £250 a year proceeds from the ivecs’ B /quest in aid .or tinsalaiies of teachers lor the Wanganui High School instead of for .scholarships, as first agreed t), and mys—“-The Wanganui School CommiUoc’at the instance or the Llev. Mr Treadwell, and by virtue ot a majority, addressed the Board to this end, and the latter body despite the earnest opposition of.Messrs Jones, Dnthie, and Peake, members resident in, town, and whose opinions : should have had’special weight on such a subject with the country members, and witii Mr W. H. Watt, agreed to cancel their former decision, a.id to apply the revenue ot the fund to supplement salaries. This practically means throwing the Bequest into the common fund, for any addition of’salaries from this source wiil only be of a ■ temporary character.' 1 After some further remarks the article concludes, —“ We have never had to record a more heartless case of robbery, and one so little supported by circumstances. Already as nas been pointed out by our Wellington contemporary, the Industrial School Estate, especially set aside for the children of the poor and destitute, has been misappropriated and used for the benefit of the very class to whose interest the Bequest is now to be applied, ami this too, when Parliament, nor two months back, endowed tins district .with land to the value of £IO,OOO, for secondary education.” At a meeting of the Wanganui County Council, on the 18th instant, the Chairman is reported to have stated that he had applied ■to the Government for a sum of money to he expended in forming a road to the -Miirimotn Plains. lie had got an answer to the effect that the Government would allow £BOO for the opening np of a bridle track, known as Halos’, and as the mad would run through native land, natives were to be employed in making it. The direction of the road must not deviate more than was absolutely necessary from Hales’ track, or else they would get into trouble.

From the Chronicle we learn that at the meeting' of the Wiunynnn o;unity Council on Wednesday, a letter who read from the Patou County Council, complaining that the contractors worfdng for the Wanganui Comity Council were talcing .gravel fruin a pit upon their district. Tim Foreman of

Works having explained iliat the pit had been bought and.paid for, it wan resolved on the motion of Cr I,owes, That the Secretary write (o the iV.teu Comity Council explaining the tame.