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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 10, 7 December 1872, Page 2

Native Schools.—We hear that the Native School at Whakato, under the tutorship of Mr. Carrington, was opened last week. Mr. Parker the particular protogee of Colonel Russell has, we hear, been relegated to the school building at Tologa Bay. We have not heard whether there is any likelihood of pupils being added to that local establishment; but its no matter, “ The screw's the thing In which w’ell catch the conscience of the - Colonel. Gisborne School.—We notice that Mr. Sullivan’s report on Provincial Schools, has been submitted to the Council. We are curious to know if mention is made of the School here which has been in operation for the last 17 months, ns the Inspector has not yet taken the trouble to visit us. Cheap Steam Trips.—The N.Z. S.S. Company offer a capital inducement to travellers and tourists during the holidays, by a reduction of fares to one half during the months of December, January, and February.

Scarcitv of Provisions amongst the Natives on the East Coast.—Under this head the Press Association says : —“ The Luna took 30 tons of flour to Poverty Bay.” So she might, but if she did she took it '.way again, as the natives here, are not at so low an ebb. Some few ‘old identities,’ we believe, were rather hard up at Tauranga ; but if any distress does really exist we conclude it to be their own fault, arising from their habits which are compounded of a vicious civilization and bone and sinew laziness. The Natives on the Coast road between this and Waiapu, refuse to work on the terms offered them by the Engineer, Mr. Winter, i.e. by contract, but if it is necessary to feed them thus, by all means make them do something in return.

Our Oil Springs.—We have been favored with a sample bottle of the petroleum oil which abounds in the district some 30 miles West and North of Gisbornsf’on land recently occupied by Captain Real. It is somewhat dirty in appearance, and burns, in its primitive state, with a sharp, lurid flame, emitting an unpleasant odour. We have confident hopes of this industry being added to the increasing products and wealth of the colony before long, as the purification of oil, by process known to the trade, could easily be accomplished. We do not see why a company should not be formed to raise the capital necessary to this end.

Mahunga Bridge.—Our attention has been called to the bad state of the Mahunga bridge just above Ormond. Our informant says that it is in a very dangerous condition, and believes the outlying settlers would be willing to cooperate with the Road Board with a view to put it in repair, or to build another on the proper line of road.

Church Services.—Services were held .last Sunday, according to the Rubric of the Church of England, at Ormond and Matawhero. The Ven. Archdeacon Williams while officiating at the latter place, during - the full blaze of a summer afternoon, fell fainting in the rostrum. Mr. Meldrum rendered timely assistance, and the service was concluded. In the evening the Bishop of Waiapu preached at Gisborne to what in larger communities would be styled a “fashionable and attentive congregation.” It is exhilirating to sit at the feet of this patriarchal Gamaliel, and hear him descant on sublunary trials, and our being buoyed up in their endurance bv hopes of happiness beyond the grave. The Bishop concluded his peroration with an exhortation to his hearers to be active in the good work; and feelingly alluded to the necessity thatrests upon us to be watchful for the coming of the last scene of all, and in the meantime so to act as will conduce to our preparation for it. Christy Minstrels.—Ourdarkie amateurs are vigorously practising, we believe with the intention of giving a concert in the new Hall, which it is expected will be completed by the end of the year.

Education Act.—We have to acknowledge the receipt of a draft of the Education Act, now before the Provincial Council.

Patutahi. —Tenders are called for, for the survey of the external boundaries of the Patutahi Block.

Garrick Club.—The members of the Garrick Club at Ormond, have an attractive bill of fare for Monday night, with which to re-ojxjn their confortuble little theatre and to commence the festivities incidental to the coming season. The arrangements made by our friends should guarantee them a bumper house, and we wish them one.

Windfall.—The General Government have been both liberal and wise in recouping the Road Board the amount of money spent by them on the three contracts which have completed the road from Gisborne to Ormond. The circumlocutionary method of its coming, induced a belief that it might not come at all, and we congratulate the Board on the timely replenishing of its funds which must have been at a low ebb, as no assessments for the current year have yet been collected. The Chairman informs us that he received a cheque for the amount (£334 3s. 6d.) by the last mail. Pound.—An advertisement in this issue notifies that on and after Monday next, the Impounding Act will be put in force in the town of Gisborne. We believe the Road Board have applied to have the boundaries extended, some hitch having occurred in Auckland in getting out the present proclamation. Waipaoa Punt.—We are informed that as some misunderstanding exists as to the terms of Mr. Goldsmith’s offer to sell the punt, the Road Board have decided to accept his offer to cancel the agreement. The tenders called for last Saturday will not, therefore, be required.

R.M’s. Court.—No business was transacted at this Court on Thursday owing to the absence of Dr. Nesbitt at Napier whither he proceeded by the Rangatira on Wednesday last. A notice appears posted up in the town to this effect. It will be remembered that the. Dr. and Mr. Skipworth had to attend the Supreme Court at Napier some few months ago, as witnesses against Shuker. To obviate public inconvenience, Dr. Nesbitt took the only course open to b ; m (having no telegraph at hand by which he coi ' get instant authority,) and made provision for the business of the Court to go on uninterruptedly during his absence. The expense incurred thereby has been a subject of the most unseemly recrimination, (as far as the Government is concerned.) between the authorities and Dr. Nesbitt, and payment has been refused to the written request of the Magistrate, throwing it back on him to satisfy the demand himself. This is the reason why the Court is now at a stand-still.

Volunteer Inspection.—The Hon. the Defence Minister inspected the Poverty Bay Mounted, under Lieutenant Kempthorne, and the Gisborne Rifle, Volunteers, under Lieutenant Daly, during his stay here. There was a small muster at each parade, which was to be regretted as the opportunity was a good one in which to “ improve the occasion.”