NOTES FROM WAIHI.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 464, 4 October 1879, Page 2

NOTES FROM WAIHI.

.(from our own correspondent.) Much dissatisfaction is expressed by business people that the contracts for.supplying rations to the Armed Constabulary, were not properly advertised, as they have been debarred from tendering. There seems to be some hole and corner work about this contract, as the price is much too high, and, the persons who will have to pay the piper have not been considered in the matter. I have been informed that the charge per ration in nearly as much as what the men ffaVe'been paying-when messing themselves ; and there is neither the same quantity of food or the variety now used by the men. Neither potatoes, vegetables, or milk, • not to speak of luxuries, areincluded in the contract ration. I understand the contract commences on the 15th instant, and the contractor has several privoleges which ought to make his fortune, at his charges, in a very short time. There is very little doing at the camp, the force passively pursuing a policy of waiting, for what they do not know—this week’s division may determine. Liout.Colonel Roberts held an inspection of 1 and 2 Companies at Waihi during the week. About 160 men paraded, and presented a smart and soldierly appearance, going through their evolutions with creditable correctness ; but the way they boubled for the paymasters parade, which took place afterwards was a caution. The laborer ui worthy of his hire.