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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 411, 26 March 1879, Page 2

The Wanganui Chronicle of Thursday last, contains a letter from one signing himself u A-Settler,” in which the writer evidently thinks lie is sheeting it home, to make use of a vulgar expression. The letter commences thus —“ Having lost (?) its editor, and obtained the services of a Macaulaylean writer, who is ambitious to distinguish himself in the Press as well as in the Pulpit, our Patea paper is trying a new line, and while almost dumb as to local news and local wants, is dosing its readers with Sherc AT (sheer nonsense), India, Transvaal, and other ‘furrin’ parts, about which very few take much interest, and would sooner read of in schoolbooks and magazines.” The last few words are very 7 suggestive, as the writer might be able to supply the articles named. The tone of the letter is so familiar, that it has not surprised us in the least to find such a mean composition appearing in the Chronicle. We say mean, because a man having the interest of Patea at heart, as the writer of the letter in question professes to have, would not be ashamed to append his name to such an outburst of indignant feeling on behalf of tbe people. But the start of the letter volumes ; and we are of opinion that it is not the omission of local news from our columns

that has risen (ho bile of “ A Settler,” but the loss of the editor. Wo should not have taken much notice of the letter hart it not commenced in such a remarkable strain. Have the writings in the Mail, since the calamity spoken of, become too substantial for the narrow minrt of “ A Settler?” or does ho wish to dictate to us —“You shall do tin's, or you shall do thatBecause we have not stirred up the old fire and harped on the taking of our land revenue to help make the New Plymouth Harbor, and also because we have not thought fit as yet to say anything about' the manner in which the line of railway from the Mountain Hoad to Opnnnki is to be constructed, has been the pretext for “A Settler’s” mailing into print. He speaks of Wanganui as a sort of fellowsufferer with Patea, when he is perfectly well aware that Wanganui would only be too glad if she were in New Plymouth’s place, just to do us out of a little of what this Comity is justly entitled to—viz., a fair proportion of its land revenue. The idea of calling upon Wanganui papers to support our claims has not been found to answer; but perhaps “A Settler” receives payment at so much per column for contributions, for which reason we are dragged before the public anything to make news. When we have something tangible to work on, then will we speak ; but it is not our wish to say tilings that we should be sony for afterwards. We do not profess to being great in iho land, but certainly have never shrunk from giving local news when it was to be found ; nor have we been backward in proclaiming the wants of the district. A scarcity of news is often experienced in the life of a paper, so we may bo excused for not inventing some old woman’s tale for the sake of pleasing “ A Settler,” or perhaps his friend.

Thes.s. Patea arrived from Wellington on (Sunday morning last, experiencing a strong head wind and sea on the passage up. Captain Gibbons reports 8 feet of water on the bar. The steamer was overhauled while in Wellington, and some slight alterations made, which have proved a great benefit. The forecastle lias been lengthened B feet, in order to give more accommodation to the seamen ; an extra 3 feet has been added to the funnel, to create more draught. A wooden bulkshead has been put 4 inches from the iron one in the main hold, to lessen the heat in the event of stock requiring to be shipped. A very material alteration has been made in the outward appearance of the Patea, for it will be remembered that she had a nasty dip forward, and by adding 8 inches, this ugly droop has been removed, which tends also to keep the vessel much drier. To-morrow, Mr F. R. Jackson will hold a large sale of stock, agricultural implements, &c., at Warren Gate Line, Wanganui.

Messrs McLean & Co.’s Hawera stock sale takes place at their yards, to-morrow. Professor Fraser lectures at Hawera, tomorrow and Friday evenings, in the Town Hall.

Hawera Light Horse parade for halfyearly inspection, on Saturday 7 nest; and Patea Light Horse on Monday 7 . Saturday next, at the Court House, Carlyle, is the day on which Patea Harbor Board Reserves are to be sold. Tbe sale has been advertised for some time, but for tbe information of those who may not be aware of the locality of the land, wo give following particulars s—Section5 —Section 74 is situated at tile back of Mr Sherwood’s private residence ; 75 takes in the rivet frontage of what is known as Southby’s flat; and 76 fronts Mr Chapman’s. Section 131 subdivided starts from Ferry Reserve point, and takes in all the river frontage to Pronse’s; sections 133 and 134, commence at Prouse’s, and continue along the river to Hakatere ; section 132 sub-divided commences at White’s brick-yard, taking in all the road frontage to the Whenuakilra side of Mr Coutt’s gate. On Saturday next Mr William Cowern will offer for sale by public auction, the land and premise's occupied by Messrs Jacomb and Co. as a grain warehouse, together with the stock-in-trade.

Mr D. M. Warren, having made the necessary 7 preparations in his new photographic studio, has now commenced business in earnest. Mr Warren has secured all the newest inventions connected with the business, and from some views, &c. f Just turned out, we should imagine no one would be afraid to trust themselves in his hands. The studio is a comfortable apartment, and a cozy 7 waiting-room has been set apart for the use of ladies, who can step out on the balcony and take a survey of the town.

The plan of the branch line of railway to Carlyle, was shown us by Mr Sherwood on Monday last. The line crosses the river at Soothby’s Flat, and continues along Harbor Board Reserve on the other side, through Ferry Reserve, across the road Just in front of the Patea bridge, and on to Captain Wray’s property, where the terminus is supposed to be. Owing to the railway going through the centre of section 131, we believe some members of the Patea Harbor Board wish to withdraw it from sale on Saturday next, but we do know as yet, whether it has been done or not.

We mentioned a short while ago that Waverley was going ahead, and there is no doubt but that it is. Sufficient inducement having been offered, a coach factory is now in full swing, and we understand that the work turned out is of the best class. This is a step in the right direction, and we trust that not only Waverley, but all our flourishing townships, will see the benefit of supporting local industry. Mr McLeod has gone to considerable expense in erecting a suitable factory, and the least the settlers of Waverley can do is to help him along. We refer our readers to notice in another column. We would call attention to Mr M. D. King’s new advertisement in another lumnTwo more new business places have lately been completed in the town of Carlyle —that of Mr J. Kenworthy and Mr W. Dale. The former gentleman has for some time past been carrying on business in very limited premises, but now that he has gone into more commodious quarters, goods can be displayed to better advantage. The building is a two-storey, and has a neat outward appearance, as well as being comfortably finished inside. Mr Dale’s new premises adjoin tlie old auction mart, and have been divided into two shops—viz., saddlery and general store. The building stands on the corner opposite to Mr Gibson’s store, and although not such a massive structure, adds greatly to the beauty of the town. This is also a two-slorey building, the upper part being used for dwelling purposes.

Owing to indisposition, the Rev. Father Ryan was unable to conduct services in Carlyle Church ••yesterday, as advertised, but wo have been requested to stale that all his other appointments will be fulfilled. The cricket match on Saturday last, between the married and single, resulted in favor of the former, who beat their opponents in one innings with several runs to spare. Advance Patea. —We understand that Messrs Skelle}' and Co. arc about to open a new drapery establishment in Carlyle, with a new and choice selection of winter goods. We have every reason xo believe their undertaking will prove benelicial. We wish them every success.— Advt,