NORMANBY NOTES.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 474, 8 November 1879, Page 2

NORMANBY NOTES.

My notes last week gave nse to considerable speculation as to tiie writer, and in order to allay any suspicions which have been directed against one respected townsman (Mr C. E. Gibson), it is my duty to acquaint him of the authorship—at the same time, I cannot imagine why that gentleman should have been fixed upon as the writer. Many compliments have been passed upon the Maii. by men of the A.C. Force for the fairness with which your columns have, spoken of them, and while they have grievances which require ailing, there is no means by which they can directly ventilate them unless they look to the Press representatives to enable them, to do so. The remarks in my last, as to their pay being reduced by fines for tri\ ial charges, has been warmly appreciated, and I am assured that offences which would not be recorded against any school-boy are made subjects of high justice, much to the disgust and discouragement of men who deserve better treatment as defenders of the country. Decisions have been given in cases which would put to the blush the judgment of the notorious Jeffreys, and the men have no redress ; so that if public attention is directed tlnough the Press, the men may be treated like intelligent human beings, who have not given up their civil rights in entering the seivice. This is my excuse for trespassing on delicate ground. A report was current a few days ago that a band of armed natives had crossed the Mountain Road en route for Parahaka. If so, they wore not numerous. It is also currently rumoured that notice has been given to the natives that the Government propose at once surveying the Waimate Plains, preparatory for selling ; and as the Surveyors are about, there is probably some truth in the report. It is proposed to hold some sports on the Prince of Wales Birthday, the principal of which is a contest at the Waihi range ; also some athletic sports, the prizes for which will be delicate articles of wearing apperal. A concert was held in the Town Hall, Hawera, last evening, in aid of the funds of the Catholic Chapel, The attendance was good, and the performance creditable to those who kindly gave their services. Nows is as scarce as gold coin in the town, so my notes are brief. SAINT MUNGO. Nov. 5, 1879.