WAIMATE PLAINS.

Patea Mail, 31 August 1880, Page 3

WAIMATE PLAINS.

f F K 0 3t 0 U K C 0 II U E SI’ONDE N T.] Hawcra, Monday. It is understood that the Government intend erecting a lighthouse at Cape Egmont forthwith, and keeping an armed force there a as check on Farihaka. This is a work that lias been urged upon the Government for some years past by residents on the Coast as a maritime as well as a strategical one. Farihaka is directly inward from the Cape. There are rumours flying about that some decisive steps are to be taken in order if possible to stop this continual arresting of prisoners : and color has been given to the rumour from the fact that the redoubt at Normanby will be evacuated early this week, the sergeant in charge having received orders to march his men to V r aihi. Mr Bryce is expected hero on Tuesday, when he will receive a deputation from Normaiiby urging upon him the necessity of at once forming a road from Normanby to Mania township, by way of Mawhitiwhiti road. Several strangers arc about spying out the laud, particularly the Plains, and many enquiries arc made as to the probable date of sale. Various estimates are given as to the price this land will fetch, varying from £5 to ;£lO per aero, but it will bo much to' be deplored should persons lose their heads and give fabulous prices for this unimproved land. Far better for all parties concerned that moderate prices should be given. It is to be hoped that the powers that be will not follow in the footsteps of the Taranaki Waste Lands Board in putting on land such extreme prices as to pauperise parties who would

otherwise ho good and useful settlors. Stratford township is a glaring instance of this high pricing. It is reported that a Constabulary camp is about to be established at Kapoukanui at oncej so as to afford confidence to the intending settlors on the Plains.