Taranaki Anniversary

Patea Mail, 2 April 1881, Page 3

Taranaki Anniversary

Writing on the 31st of March the Herald says :—To-day is the Fortieth Anniversary of this Settlement, and we do not suppose that any other district in New Zealand has gone through more vicissitudes—had more difficulties to contend against, or been thwarted so many times in its progress than Taranaki. For thirty years of its existence a fatality seemed to hang over the district, the natives being the chief cause of its progress being retarded. “ Hoping against hope,” almost all the early settlers have remained true to the district ; but now, after many years of waiting, they are beginning to realise the picture —the ideal of which has been for such a length of time fixed in their mind’s eye. For ten years of its existence Taranaki was at war with tire natives, which was a decade wasted, and consequently retardment to the place ; but what the sword could not effect, time and public works has accomplished. The natives are learning the value of peace, and will gradually adapt themselves to the new condition of things. Ten years ago affairs were so dull in Taranaki that the settlers had no heart or money to take holidays, and we had to record that “ with the exception of the flagstaff being decorated with bunting, and the public offices closed, there was no demonstration of any kind.” What a change has been effected in those ten years. Wc were then without roads or railways. The country between bore and Hawera was a dense bush ; and the telegraph had not got nearer than Carlyle. In ten years we have made more progress than during the previous thirty years. The settlers have now a prosperous look about them ; agriculture is slowly but surely, extending; and the resources of the district beginning to be developed. The railway has crept slowly through the bush, and by this time next year, we hope to find it has connected the Fatea district with us. The Harbour has been commenced, and in a couple of years will afford convenience for vessels. The future prospects of the district certainly begin to look brighter than they have ever previously done, and there is no reason to doubt but another ten years will show greater strides of progress than even the last ten years we have passed through.

A Catholic Bazaar to raise funds to clear the debt off the Presbytery Avas held in Courtney’s auction rooms, Ngav Plymouth on anniversary day. As is usual on such occasions the ladies’ had made a first-class display of ornamental, useful, and useless articles, which “ pretty saleswomen” quickly converted into cash. The Rev. Father Grogan, from Hawera, was present, and is reported to have been pleased with the success that had been achieved at the first bazaar the Catholics have ever held in Ncav Plymouth. The father of the settlement, Mr Frederic Alonzo Carrington formally opened the proceedings in an appropriate speech. The amount taken during the first three hours the bazaar was open was £55 14s. The bazaar was to he open for lavo days.

NEW PLYMOUTH RACES. ( Teleyrams jrom our Correspondent.) New Plymouth, April 1. Racing good ; weather perfect. The attendance was largo, and the meeting altogether showed rapid advancement in matters appertaining to the turf, great improvements having been made to the course and surroundings in the shape of buildings for the convenience of the general public, racing men, jockies, and horses. The band of the A. C. Force from Cape Egmont was in attendance. Games of various descriptions were plentiful, and tAvo totalisators AA r ere at work. The results for first day arc as folloAV: Maiden Plate of 50 sovs ; distance, miles. C. Brewer’s Venture, 1: J. Belcher’s Frivolity, 2 : R. Higgie’s Sunray, 3. Handicap Steeplechase of 80 sovs. Distance, about Smiles over such country as the Steward’s may direct. Mclvor’s Chandler Avon easily; Cottier’s Rikorangi, 2; Morgan’s Lady Grey, 3. Harry Honor Avas throAvn from Catch’em in jumping the double hurdles fronting the Grand Stand, and Avas carried from the course insensible, hut soon recovered. Taranaki Jockey Glut. Handicap, £3OO. Second horse to receive 50 sovs from the stakes ; 2 miles. R. Wheeler’s Matau, 1 : W. Walters’ Libeller, 2 ; W. H. Chitham’s Dan, 3. Time, 3 min 41-JjSecs, Taranaki Cup of 50 sovs; second horse to save his stake ; 2 miles. W. Walter’s Libeller, 1; J. D, Powdrell’s Hailstorm, 2 ; J. George’s Resolution, 3. Friday Night. The folloAving are the results of today’s events : Handicap Hurdle Race of 50 soa 7 s. Distance, 2 miles, over 8 jumps 3ft 9in. Morning Star, 1 ; Matau, 2. Autumn Handicap of 120 soa’s ; the second horse to receive 20 sovs from the stakes. Distance, fy miles. King Quail, 1 ; OpaAva, 2 : Libeller, 3. Ladies’ Purse of 40 sovs ; distance, 1 mile and a distance ; Avelter Aveight for age. Gentleman riders. Billingsgate, 1; Hailstorm, 2; Morning Star, 3. County Handicap of 50 sovs; distance, 1-k miles. Resolution, 1 ; Confident, 2 ; Scotch Mist, 3. Consolation Stakes of 30 sovs. A handicap for all beaten horses. Distance, 1 mile. OpaAva, 1; Dan, 2; Hippocampus, 0.