The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1879.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 448, 30 July 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1879.

It was said on Saturday that the debate on the Address in Reply would terminate early on Tuesday (yesterday), botli sides having agreed to divide then. Whether the Government would have the moral courage to walk the plank in accordance with this wise and virtuous resolution, was of course doubtful. However, by reference to onr Parliamentary telegrams it will be seen that the division was taken yesterday, in favor of the Opposition by a majority of fourteen. Who is to blame for the delay that has taken place is evident to any one who has followed the debate. On two occasions the Speaker, after a long pause, rose to put the question, but on each occasion a Minister came to the rescue—once Mr Gisborne, and once Mr Thomson —and kept the barren debate alive. It was supposed that a few Ministerial supporters were expected, and were being waited for. What else the Government hoped to gain by letting all the small fry in the House occupy night after night in vapouring, we cannot imagine. It was purely a ease of talking against time. This has been a weakness of the Greyites, in power and out of power. We can hardly think that the autocratic demagogue thought that to prolong the debate would load the country to regard the Opposition with disfavour, as wasting valuable time. Yet it is certain that the Imprest Supply Bill was postponed, and public servants kept without money, in the hope of attaching the blame to Sir W. Fox and bis party. When the Bill was brought in on Friday, Sir William explained that he had arranged with the Hon Mr Macandrew ten days before to let the Bill pass without obstruction. It appeared that when Mr Macandrew went to Sir George to get him to. go to the Governor for authority to proceed with the Supply Bill, Sir George refused, probably snubbing his colleague. Mr Rees was distinctly of opinion that it was the duty of the leader of the Opposition to have proposed the introduction of a Bill of Supply ! We have no doubt that when the Opposition leaders find themselves on the Treasury Bench they will perform the duties of their office, la the meantime they know their places.

The Zcalandia, with the ’ Frisco mai arrived at Auckland yesterday.

Mr W. Dale will hold a sale of freehold land, &c., at his mart, this day. The adjourned meeting of shareholders of County of Patea Land, Building, and Investment Society, will be held to-morrow evening.

We have to acknowledge the receipt from the Government Printer of a batch of Parliamentary Papers ; also, Hansard No. 1.

Only one mail a day is now despatched to Wanganui and intermediate offices, which closes at 9.30 a.m. The tri-weekly mail to Hawerahas also been discontinued

In another column will be found the programme of an entertainment to bo given at Hawera on the Ist August, in aid of the Hawera Institute. We understand that no trouble is being spared on the part of those entrusted with the management, to make the entertainment a success, and we trust that the funds of the Institute will be largely augmented. We have received a letter from Waverley signed “Town Hall Director,” but as it is almost a repetition of Mr Mason’s, which will be found elsewhere, we have not inserted it. Two letters from Manutahi, bearing on the Volunteer question, are also to hand, but we doubt if the trouble taken to make them presentable to the public would repay us; therefore we consign them to the waste-paper basket. At a political meeting held at New Plymouth on Saturday last, the action of Major Atkinson and Mr Kelljr was approved of, and that of Mr Carrington condemned, the latter for stating in the House that he would support the present Government. The Maori ploughmen arrested at Bell Block and Huirangi (Taranaki) have been sentenced to two months’ imprisonment in Dunedin Gaol, and were bound over to keep the peace for twelve months—each of them in, £600, and two sureties of £3OO each ; or in default, to be imprisoned for twelvemonths. Those captured at Tikorangi were committed to Wellington Gaol. The mob meeting held by Sir George Grey in Wellington on Thursday evening, was anything but a success. Not a'resolution was passed, or committee appointed. The conduct of the audience was bad even for a mob, and its wit below the low average of mob wit. We could not wish our “ dearest foe ” a worse reception than that accorded to the speakers. Even Sir George’s speech was interlined with interjections which must have proved anything but soothing to that gentleman’s feelings. Gazette of the 24th July, contains the appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel John Mclntosh Roberts as a Resident Magistrate for the district of Upper Wanganui ; also, appointment as Commander of the Colonial Forces within the Provincial District of Taranaki. 1

A granite cross, ten feet high, is being erected at Balmoral, in memory of the late Princess Alice.

A Bill has been introduced by the Hon the Premier, which will dispel some doubts and set at rest many existing jealousies in the affairs of local governing bodies, and stir up many fresh ones. It is entitled “ The Plurality of Votes Act,” and is intended to limit to one vote the power any person may have in election of members of local governing bodies, where such local body is subsidised by the colony.

From the Gazette published on Friday, wc learn that the postal revenue for the financial year ending June 30 has increased from £113,358 to £129,906. The land revenue for the quarter amounted to £ 103,843, of which £51,046 were derived from land sales. The railway receipts were for the quarter £’234,974. The total receipts, including the public works account amounted to £2,716,859 for the quarter. The expenditure for the period was £1,972,567.

On Friday Captain Fraser proposed a singular cure for the unsatisfictoiy condition of Maori matters, a remedy not indeed wholly novel, but one which has been in desuetude since the unsuccessful trial b}' Mr Fawkes two or three centuries since. The Government, said the gallant captain, should put a barrel 'of dynamite beneath the Native Office, and lot it, with all the fungoid growth of iniquities that bad sprung up around it, be blown up into the tether.

During the last twelve months the British and Foreign Bible Society circulated 8,3-10,995 copies of Bibles, Testaments, and portions. Since the Society commenced (1804) it has issued close on eighty-five and a half million copies.

MANUTAHI. (from a correspondent.) July 25. Major Noake inspected the Mamitahi Volunteers on Tuesday last, thirtysoyen members being present. Arter parade the Major addressed the company, ami stated that ho could not accept Captain Ginger's resignation on the grounds mentioned, and that he fully approved of his action in appointing his non-commissioned officers. Any dissatisfied members had their remedy in resigning. Several took the hint, and others left the corps on account of the time lost in parades, &c. The two letters published last Wednesday hardly deserve comment, but the string of enigmas propounded by one were fully answered by the Major on Thursday; and the wild statements of both may be treated with silent contempt.

“ Fair Play ” showed an intirc ignorance of the fact’s of the case.

WAVERLEY. (From our own Correspondent.) July 2G. The adjourned public meeting- took place on Saturday ; Mr Bridge in the chair. . The Chairman having explained the object of the mooting, Mr O. Hawes brought forward the question of the arms supplied to the Volunteers, and proposed, “ That the members for the district, and Major Atkinson, bo requested to urge the Government to at once arm the Waverley Rifle Volunteers with {Snider rifles, with sufficient ammunition to begin ball practice.” Seconded by Mr Fookcs, and carried. Proposed by Mr Kenah, seconded by Mr Davis, and carried, “ That in the opinion of this mooting, the security and prosperity of this district depends on the prompt and permanent settlement of

native affairs on this coast, and it them

fore trusts that the Government will at once take such steps as will restore confidence, and effectually put a stop to native aggression.”—Mr Kenah spoke of the necessity of keeping this question constantly under the notice of Government.

Proposed by Mr Fortescno, seconded by Mr James Aiken, “ That in the opinion ot this meeting, the most reliable means of securing settlement and permanent peace on this coast, would be the early completion of the contemplated through line of railway ; that this meeting would therefore press on the Government the necessity of immediately proceeding with the different sections of the work, not only as providing benefits to the country at large, but as a means of securing the presence of a large number of men who are at present leaving through want of employment, and whose presence is desirable /or the defence of*

that portion of the district between the Waitotara and Patea Rivers ; and would therefore urge that the work of completing the line which is now surveyed between the two, be forthwith taken in hand,”—

The mover would remind the meeting that Hawera settlers had taker a determined step in sending a deputation to Government, with the x’esult that 300 or 400 men should be employed on public works. Hawera settlers were a pushing lot, and not likely to stop half way in anything they undertook, and it was pretty certain that they would do their best to get as large a proportion of work done at their end of the district as possible. This was quite right, but it also behoved Waverley end to try and get a share. The northern settlers had a number of Constabulary to protect them in case of neccessity. At this end there were none, which made it so much more desirable to keep as many working men in the place as possible.—Mr Kenah also spoke to the motion, giving it his full sympathy, and feeling sure that it would have the concurrence of every well-wisher of the district.—The resolution was carried nem, con,

Proposed by Mr Kenab, seconded by Mr D. McDonald, “ That resolutions Nos. 2 and 3 be embodied in a petition to be presented to the House of Representatives, and that the senior member for the district be requested to present it.”—An amendment was proposed by Mr Fookos, seconded by Mr Hawes, “ That copies of resolutions 2 and 3 be sent to the Government, and the members for the district.” Mr Fookes thought that the getting up of petitions, obtaining signatures, &c., took up too much time, and the object was to have something done as soon as possible. Amendment carried.

Proposed by Mr McFarlano, seconded by Mr Mason, and carried, “ That the Minister lor Public Works be reminded of his promise re the Wavcrley section of railway.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

PAT LA DISTRICT JOCKEY CLUB. The half-yearly meeting of the above Club was held on Saturday afternoon, at (lie office of Mr W. CWern. Present — Dr Croft (in the chair), Messrs Chapman, A. Gower, Powdreli, Mcßae, and the Secretary (W. Coworn.) Dr Croft was re-elected Hon. Treasurer, and Mr Co worn Hon, Secretary. Messrs C. Dnrie, Morecroff, Mcßae, A. Gower, W. Symcs, Chapman, 11. E. Adams, and Dr Croft, were appointed as Stewards ; and Messrs A. Gower, Powdreli, Taplin, Mcßae, Chapman, Adams, and Dr Croft, a Working Committee. The Treasurer produced his balancesheet, which was accepted. It was resolved that a Spring Meeting bo bold on the 30th and 31st October next, and that the lessor of the course receive notice to that effect. The programme was then arranged as follows ° FlliST DAY. Hurdle Race, of 40 sovs; 21- miles ; weight, 1 st over weight for ago scale; entrance, 3 sovs. Patea Derby, of 100 sovs ; acceptance, 5 sovs ; closed with four nominations. Plying Handicap, of 40 sovs ; 1 mile ; nomination, 1 sov; acceptance, 2 sov. Carlyle Cup, of 40 sovs ; 2 miles ; weight, for ago; entrance, 3 sovs. Hack Race, of 5 sovs ; entrance, 10s ; 1 mile. Ladies’ Purse, of 30 sovs ; 14 miles ; weight for age; winner of the" Cup to carry a penally of 7 lbs ; entrance, 2 sovs. SECOND DAY. Handicap Hurdles, of 40 sovs ; 2 miles; nomination, 1 sov ; acceptance, 2 sovs; 8 flights of hurdles. Hack Hurdles, of 10 sovs ; 1 mile and a distance ; entrance, 1 sov. Maiden Plate, of 30 sovs ; 14 miles; weight for age ; entrance, 2 sovs. Patea District Jockey Club Handicap, of SO sovs ; 2 miles ; nomination, 2 sovs ; acceptance, 3 sovs. Hack Race, of 5 sovs; 1 mile; entrance, 10s. Forced Handicap, of 20 sovs ; entrance, winners 2 sovs, losers optional at 1 sov ; 1 mile.

A RACE CLUB FOR WAVEULEY AND WAITOTAKA. An adjourned meeting to consider the advisability of Forming a Jockey or Race Club For the Wavcrley disliicl, was bold at Ballam’s Hotel on Friday evening last, and was well altended. Mr James Dnrie was voted to the chair, and explained the object of the meeting, stating at the same time that ho felt certain that there would not be the slightest difficulty in getting np a good race meeting annually in the district. It was. then proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously, “ That a Club be formed, to be called ‘The WaverleyWaitotara Racing Club.’ ” Resolved, “That the subscription be fixed at two guineas, members of the Club being free to all the privileges of the course.” The following resolutions were also carried unanimously : “ That the rules of the Wanganui Jockey Club be adopted by the WavcrleyWaitotara Racing Club ; that the same bo road and considered seriatim at next meeting, and be subject to such alterations as the members of the Club think fit to make.” “ That a committee—consisting of Messrs J. Dnrie, D. Wilkie, Anthony (Waitotara), Ballam, Hogg, T. Watson, G-. Newland (Wavcrley), J. Chadwick, A. Drake (Patea), and S. Baird (Wanganui)—be appointed to receive names of persons willing to become members of the Club ; and that they meet at Ballam’s Hotel, Wavcrley, on Saturday, 9th August, and report at a meeting to be held on that date what they have done.” “ That a meeting of members and persons wishing to become members of the Club, be held at Ballam’s Hotel, Waverloy, on Saturday, 9th August, at 7.30 p.m., for the purpose of electing stewards and other officers, arranging programme, date of races, and other business.” After the close of the meeting, the names of over forty persons had been added to a list of subscribers of £2 2s. Several donations were also promised in the room, and judging from the spirit manifested in racing matters, a repetition

of the many pleasant gatherings held on the VVaverley racecourse—old and new—may be witnessed, although carried out under the auspices of a club composed chiefly of members from Waverlej* and Waitotara districts.