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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 391, 15 January 1879, Page 2

There is much fogginess about the Harbors Act, passed last session, with which it will be remembered that Harbor Acts previously passed were incorporated. Captain R. Johnson being in communication with Mr G. F. Sherwood (Chairman of the Patea Harbor Board) intimated that no meeting of the Harbor Board could be held until thd Governor had appointed a clay and place. Much searching - of the Act has taken place, several telegrams have been received and sent, and the question has been finally settled by the following, received on Sunday : Wellington, January 12, 1879. G. F. Sherwood, Esq., Chairman of Patea Harbor Board. Xlis Excellency the Governor has, in accordance with provisions of section 52 of “ The Harbor Act, 1878,” appointed Monday, tbe 20th day of January, 1879, at the ollice of Board, Taranaki Road, Carlyle, to be the time and place 'of first meeting of the Patea Harbor Board. Lewis H. B. Wilsox, For Secretary.

Clause 52 of the Harbor Act, enacts that “ Every Board shall hold its first meeting on a day and at a place to bo appointed by the Governor, as soon as conveniently may be after the constitution thereof, for the election of one of its members as a Chairman ; and shall hold an annual meeting for the like purpose on the first Tuesday in each year after the anniversary of the day of the first meeting of the Board. At sucli the i? odvclj majority of the members present, shall elect one of its members to bo Chairman, who shall bold office fora term of one year only, but he shall bo eligible for re-election-In tbe event of there being an equality of votes, tbe election of Chairman shall be decided by lot at such meeting.” It will be seen from the above that the duty of electing a Chairman will he the first business of the present Board, at a meeting to be held on tbe 20th instant. In February there will be an election of the elective members of the Board, when we suppose it will be necessary again to elect a Chairman. From one cause or another the Patea Harbor Board has had its full share of election business for the short time it has been in existence.

Tli e foil owing telegram lias been received by Mr Bridge, in reply to enquiry when Mr Macandrew will be in Waverloy : “ Wellington, January 10th. “ Gr. S. Bridge, Esq., Patea, “ In reply, Minister Public Works hopes to visit Patea before very long. Will give you due notice. “ John Knowles. “ Under-Secretary Public Works.” A correspondent writes —“ I feel sorry the person signing himself ‘ Common Sense,’ in your issue of the Bth instant, should, by his style of inditing, show so little of it. I think little will be Gam'd by it. I would suggest that ho adds the words ‘ want of,’ ” C. A. Wray, Esq, R.M., has been gazetted Judge of the Assessment Court, under the “Bating Act, 1876,” for the Hawera Eoad Board District, Patea West and Patea East Road Board Districts, the Townships of Hawera and Carlyle, Wairoa Highway Board, and the Waverley Local Town Board - St. Andrew’s (Waverley) Presbyterian Anniversary Services and Soiree take place on Sunday nest and following Tuesday. The Rev. James Paterson, of Wellington, a gentleman who lias gained considerable distinction in connection with the Presbyterian body has been secured for the occasion, and will preach morning and evening, a children’s service being announced for three o’clock on the Sunday afternoon. The soiree will bo held on Tuesday, the 2J si instant, on the evening of which the Rev. J. Paterson will deliver his justly popular lecture on “ Home Life.” Apart from the object of the services, the Rev. James Paterson, either as a lecturer or preacher, is well worth hearing. Mrs Basel), of Hawera, has opened a circulating library, which we hear is well spoken of. Tenders for supplying forage to the A.C. Force will be received at Waihi today.

Gazette of tbe 9th January, contains proclamation defining the route and vesting the land in the Crown of a portion of the railway from Napier to a junction with the railway from New Plymouth to Waitara of Sentry Hill (Waitotara contract), commencing at a point on Okelm stream, in a north-easterly direction from north-east corner of section 51 Waitotara Block,

Sections, containing la 32p., Nos 170 171, 175, and 176, Block XII, Wairoa District, have been reserved as a site for a school. Section 162, containing one rood, Waitotara Extension, lias been reserved as a site for a police station. We. understand that Captain Gower, of tbe Patoa Light Horse communicated with Government on Monday morning as to the newly-formed Cavalry Corps. Considering the encouragement now being given to volunteering by the Government, wo may soon expect to hear of the arrival of arms and accoutrements.

A meeting of the Members of the Patea County Caledonian Society will be bold to-morrow (Thursday) evening, to receive statement.

Wo understand that Mr James Bobson has purchased the saw-ini 11, at Kctemarae (lately underlease) from Mr JohnMorrison, and that he has secured 80 acres of bush land containing excellent timber on which lie is about to erect another mill. In addition to the present saw-mill plant, Mr Robson is procuring new machinery for planing, tonguing, and grooving, which will place him in a position better than ever to supply tbe increasing wants of surrounding settled places.

We understand that Mr Felix McGuire has secured a well situated business site in Hawera, and that he intends erecting a double storey building, which in every respect, design and finish, will be a credit to the town, and which, we should imagine, will stimulate some of the traders there, who, in business and land transactions have simply being coining money, to follow suit —leave their present, well, not very elegant structures, and display themselves and their wares in new premises. Messrs Strang and Scarfing are the architects. Wc may mention that this firm has just completed at Carlyle, the largest business premises yet erected in the County, for Mr J. Gibson. Carlyle has long been a laggard in the matter of new buildings, but we do not think the building just completed will he beaten yet awhile. The frontage extends parti}' along two streets, in all nearly 100 feet, 8-1 of which comprises large sized show windows,divided into compartments for different classes of goods. The workmanship is a, credit to the builders. Since Mr McGuire has taken up his residence at Hawera, he lias shown Ins confidence in the place in a marked manner. Wo may just hint to other monied men—that it will bo quite safe to follow suit.

A correspondent writes—One of the Hawera townsmen was the victim of a very amusing joke the other day. I give it as told to me. Two or three of the leading men of the township hearing of the quantity of eels that were being caught at Mr Caverhill’s lakes, made up a party to go on a fishing expedition. So they armed themselves with all the necessaries generally used by fishermen, and about half-past 6 p.m., they started. They arrived, and immediately baiting their hooks and dropping them into the water, they sal on the banka of the lake, and speculated as to the luck they were going to have. While they were chatting, a gurgle and grunt was heard to proceed from one of the party, who, on investigation was found to have a very line eel on his line. The fish being landed, there was of course a great deal of talk about the weight, &c., &c., and then it was given away to a Maori, and for a lime forgotten. The fishers had been sitting for about half-;m-hour, watcljiniT their lines vein’ attentively to no purpose, when a happy idea struck one of the party. He mysteriously disappeared for a few moments, and returned very silently with the dead eel, which he had borrowed from too Maori. After looking round to sec that nobody had noticed him, he inserted a hook into the defunct eel’s mouth, and dropped it gently into the water. Then turning to the gentleman who had first caught the fish, remarked that ho would like to bet drinks round that he would catch the next fish. He was taken up by the deluded being, and the next moment our worthy friend began tugging in a frantic manner at ins line. Of course there was a rush to his assistance, and the dead eel was landed for a second time, the Maori (who had been let into the joke) rushing up and dancing a war-dance on it with all his might. For the second time the eel was discussed—the gentleman who had first caught it observing that, in his opinion, it was a shade larger than the one he had caught—in fact, about 21 b heavier. He acknowledged ho had lost the wager, and the party returned to town to drink the result. Afterwards, they coolly informed the victim how he had been sold. I have since heard that the unfortunate gentleman lias had his head shaved for fear his hair should come out by the roots. I cannot vouch for the latter part of the story though. The adjourned meeting in connection with the formation of a Cavalry Corps was held at the Albion Hotel, Carlyle, on Saturday evening, and was well attended. Mr Fj. Tregear was voted to the chair. It was announced that 53 names of persons desirous of joining had been handed in. Officers were elected —Alfred Gower, to be Captain ; 11. I. Davis to be Ist Lieutenant; W. Derrett to he Sub-Lieutenant; James Lett to he Sergeant. The election of Sergeant-Major was allowed to stand over. It was decided that the name of the corps should be the “ Patea Light Horse.” The uniform to be blue-black cloth, tunic and trowsers with red facings, trowsers strapped with its own cloth and with leather at bottom, twine of blue-black cloth, cap of blue cloth with peak and red band. On motion of Mr J. Lett, seconded by Mr Walter Derrett, it was resolved, “That Captain Gower should be requested to forward to Government a letter imforming them of the name, uniform, and strength of the Corps.” On request the captain consented to act as Secretary,

From a Wellington contemporary we learn that the usual fortnightly meeting of the Wellington Waste Lands Board was held on Thursday last, when a letter was read from the Under-Secretary, suggesting an alteration re the sale of land at Waiioa. It was resolved that the sale should take place at Wairoa, and that it should be conducted by Mr Wray.

Mr James Davidson and Mr William James Furlong having resigned from the Hawera Town Board, nominations for candidates for the vacant seats will be received on the 23rd instant.

At a meeting of t!ie Taranaki County Council Tuesday the 7th instant, On the motion of Air Syme, it was resolved, ‘‘That so soon as the Engineer can prepare plans and .specifications i'or the several contracts on the Mountain Road, tenders be called for, to be sent in for tiie same, so as to be dealt with by the Council at its next meeting ; also that part of the Mountain Road between the Junction Road, Inglewood, and Waiougona River. The Taranaki Herald says—On the Bth instant tiie Rev. F. W. Isitt was presented by his friends with a purse of sovereigns. The presentation was made by Mr Burton, in a private way, on behalf of a number of friends and well-wishers, .and was accompanied by a complimentaiy letter, signed by the contributors. The Taranaki News says ,£20.000 is the estimate put upon the .yield of tins seasons grass seed within the County. About 200 Maoris from Pukitapu, AV'aitara, White Cliffs and the Waikato district arc assisting the Europeans in the eastern parts of the settlement.

Patea County is now being favored with a visit from a genuinely good Dramatic Company if wo may judge by the glowing critiques f.om the many places where Mr H. E. Walton lias performed. Though the company is not so strong as is to be met with in larger places, there is no room to doubt tiie quality. Mr Walton who had a long and successful season in Melbourne, is thus spoken of by the Melbourne Punch , the Age, and other papers of good standing being .equally lavish in praise:— “In bidding good-bye to the Metropolitan stage for a while Mr Walton has done well to take his leave in one of Ins biggest triumphs, his Conn, and we heartily wish Mr Walton success in the neighbouring colonies. We have followed Mr Walton’s career in Melbourne with infinite pleasure, have been annoyed with his Digby Grant, sighed with his Henry Shore, stirred with his General Di Lucca, startled into fear by bis Wah-ho-teo, almost wept at the troublesome days of his Terry in tiie Lottery of Life, and revelled in tho magnetising influences of his Felix O’Cailaghau, and wo regret that a gentleman (before and behind the curtain) of Mr Walton’s high attainments should leave the city boards. However, travel will not hurt him, and we shall look with interest upon the opinions of our fellow and distant colonists, when courted by the wily and sinister tones of Digby Grant Esq.” Mr Neville Thornton and family are well known and deservedly popular amongst colonial players, and are themselves no mean addition to any dramatic company. Wo hope to bo aide to report full houses. At Carl vie to-night. At Hawera to-morrow and Friday.

A Press Association telegram dated Tauranga, January 10, says,—Yesterday tho Tepuke survey was stopped by Kgatiwakana ami lhaia. Captain Gold smith bad to fight for his theodolite, which was broken in the struggle. lhaia wants more money, and the Mgatiwhakana want a reserve.

At the Carlyle Court on Monday, before Dr Croft, J.P., Srrgeant Whelan summoned P. Quinn for a breach of the Municipal Police Ordinance, 1862, in using profane and obscene language. Pined lU.s and costs os. On Tuesday, before G. A. Wray, Esq., iL.vl.l Constable Shiel, sunimoned E. Buck’y : foi-allowing the chimney of a cottage used as hospital to catch fire, he being- in charge, of the building. Pined ss. A charge of vagrancy was adjourned. At riawera, on Monday, before C. AWray, U.M., and Captain Wilson, J. P., two natives wore charged with drnkenness, and fined as usual. One European was also lined for drunkenness. The charge against T. Lloyd for breach of the Taranaki Sale of Liquors Ordinance, in allowing card playing on I lie premises on the 2drd December, was withdrawn by the police. Pour dc-bt cases wore either settled out oi: Oourt or <Jei'erred. The “ Chinese Question” will come on for discussion at the Carlyie Improvement Society, to-morrow evening, after arrangements for the coming session have been made. In our advertising columns will be seen an announcement by Dr Percy, of bis intention to settle down in Patca. Mr Allan C. Lees, now on a visit to England, to whom Dr Percy is well kown, writing to a friend at liawsra, after mentioning that lie had recommended the doctor to try this coast, says, “it is only necessary that Dr Percy should be known by settlers, and I am sure he will very soon be a popular man amongst yon.” We call attention to the .fuller particuof sale of property by Thomson and McGuire on the 18tli instant. This being a sale to close a partnership, all desiring to secure sections in either Hawcra or or Nonnanby should prepare. The collection of information under the Land Tax Act, appears to bo no easy task. People don’t or won’t understand what is required of them. Even where willing and ready with the information no inconsiderable amount of time is taken up in the classification thereof. One owner purported to own half an acre of ground, and calculated that there were about sixteen miles of fencing on and around it ; iho quality of the land was good, but at present bore only a splendid crop of thistles. Pilled in opposite the query “Trade or Occupation” were the words “ God only knows.” One owner estimated the capital value of his section at £SO, and desired to deduct therefrom for improvements. £ll6. We must admit the form to be filled in is anybut clear. Many have written across the form that they do not understand it. In such cases it would be well to leave it blank till the Collector calls. The Napier Telegraph referring this matter says : —“ The valuation papers —if they can bo called by that name—which under the Land Tax Act have been lavishly distvibuted to owners and occupiers of dwellings, are wonderful puzzles. There are few, indeed, who can foi m any idea of the proper method of filling up these letters, and we fail to discover anything in the Act to compel them to go to the trouble of finding out. The value of these papers may be estimated from the fact of the valuators being instructed to be in no way guided by the information contained* in them. After making every allowance for the difficulties in the way of initiating the imposition of a new tax, we cannot but think that more than ordinary bungling has characterised the initiation of the tax.” Mr G. W. Williams, Deputy Inspector of Surveys, from Wellington, and Mr W. Williams, of Carlyle, started on Tuesday for Waitotara, whence they will proceed up the river to inspect several blocks of native land lately purchased by Mr W. Williams for Governmen. Altogether 1,060 Reapers and Binders have been landed in Lyttelton this season.

In the Cricket Match, Taranaki v. Epsom Remuera combined, played at Auckland on Tuesday, the latter’s first innings were 54 ; second innings, 49. Taranaki, first innings 133. The match with the Thames resulted in a victory for Taranaki by 46 runs. A cricket match will be played (weather permitting) on Saturday next, the 18th instant, at the Hawera Ground, between the Carlyle cricketers and the Hawera Second Eleven, play to begin at 10 a.m. We trust our cricketers will be able to give a good account of themselves, though we understand from one of the Team that they are placed at a great disadvantage to their opponents, the latter having a capital ground, whilst-the Carlyle' ground is in very had order, and so lumpy as to discourage any attempts at practice unless with the prospect of an accident. The Carlyle team will be chosen from tho following-—Messrs Fraser, Jacomb, Fetch, Arundeli, Baggett, Tennent, Contts, Dixon, Dasent, Tapiin, Simpson, Black, Cowern, and D. Williams. Under the beading of “ The Journalistic Comet,” the N.Z. Sun says—The following was picked up in the editorial sanctum of the Patea Mail Ivess’ a vipor Full of woes ; Starts a paper, Busts and goes.