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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 13, 28 December 1872, Page 2

Wandering Minstrels.—We are sorry that the space at our disposal, is inadequate to the festive occasion, and the circumstance, and ability of our fellow townsmen who, for the nonce, and delectation of patrons, catered on Thursday evening with eminent success. The school-house was lent for the occasion, so as to prevent disappointment to the minstrels who had promised,, and the public who expected, a performance in the new Hall, now near completion. A neat little stage was improvised, and the most made of a small space. Contributions of paraphernalia, scenery and stage proscenium, from the Gisborne Musical Society (which name reminds us that we should like to chronicle a performance of theirs very soon) and the Ormond Dramatic Club, lent an effectiveness to the mise en scene which heightened the pleasure of the performance in an appreciable degree. A little unsteadiness was perceptible at the beginning of the first part of the entertainment, which, with amateurs is generally the difficulty, difficult to surmount; but on confidence being restored more harmony resulted. During the first hour, song, wit, and dance followed each other in quick succession, which answered their purpose of keeping the audience in a good humour. One good local hit was made in the shape of a con. which we repeat in the hope that it was original, “ what sea is it that has the most sharks in it?” Their “dull asses will not mend their pace by beating,” so they “ gub it up,” and find that it is the “ A.C.” Very good Mr. Julious, but fishy! Comparisons, it is said, are odious, the odium of which fell to the lot of Opheus, in his search for information, in instituting an affinity between the Standard and a shoe black. It appears that they both “polish peoples’ understandings.” Well we are obliged for the compliment and will take our stand hard upon this, that so long as the implemonts are supplied, we’ll undertake to do the polishing. We have taken advantage of the interlude to explain this, so we proceed to "the “ Spanish pole dance by a talented amateur.” Herein the programme stated correctly, for the artistic display which very agreeably diversified the entertainment, we were not prepared to find ready made in Gisborne. This gentleman went through a finished performance of very difficult feats which stamp him as anything but a tyro in the study of ealisthenic exercises. We take the liberty of connecting Mr: Chandler’s name with the above as it was announced from tho stage that we should have other opportunities of witnessing his performances. The “Stump speech by a political celebrity ” was wittily and readily rendered by the gentleman languishing in expensive color under the sobriquet of Bones, and made numerous local hits, but bon-y. The scena between Jake and Caesar was, as intensely absurd as it was intended to be, and sent every one home grinning immensely. Our friends will forgive us taking the liberty of recommending them to give their attention to the harmonious rendering of their parts; nothing wearies so much as unison singing; still the bass and some portions of a tenor were noticeable at times, which, when time was kept, notified a more pleasing effect. We say this, having an interest in our minstrels, and with a hope that we shall soon see more of them. Art Union. —Nasmith’s Art Union lottery was a great success. The drawing for prizes took place on Tuesday evening as announced, and, we believe, gave general satisfaction. A little more publicity beforehand, as to what the prizes were to have been, would not have caused so much suspense ; but success was the principle object, and we congratulate the distributor on the attainment of it. Our next issue will appear on the Ist of January next, and henceforward (D.V.) on every Wednesday and Saturday. A funeral cortege passed through the town yesterday on its way to the cemetery. Mr. Robert Read, late brother of Captain Read, has been declining for some months past, and after) trving change of air and scene, at last succumbed to" a general break up of the constitution. Mr. Read was one of our earliest settlers, whose hospitality was proverbial and extended in the palmy days, anterior to the settlement of Te Kooti-ism in the district; but no more earthly trouble will reach. him in the long-looked-for bourne, whither he has gone. “ May he rest in peace,” is the united prayer of those who are about to follow. Mr. Lysnar read the Church of England burial service at the grave. Registration or Dogs. —We understand that a supply of Dog Collars has arrived from Auckland for the Road Board. Sergeant Shirley will, we believe, carry on this duty so soon as the necessary authority is received from Colonel Moule. Ferrymen.—ln a recent Provincial Government Gazette the appointment of Andrew Park, in charge of the Ferry at Gisborne, and of George Young, in charge of the Arai Ferry, are Gazetted.

Mak ARA KA Sports.—These amusements so well planned, and ably conducted, were supported on Boxing day by a numerous gathering, bent on pleasure and holiday making. The day one of a number running up into weeks of intense, dry, heat, was painfully fine—a day on which we sigh for coolness unattainable—when the unslaked thirst has an appetite for unknown liquid quantities, whose capacities comprise glaciers, icebergs, snow-balls, or any other article from the neighbourhood of the arctic regions. The “ hart,” we read of never “ panted for cooling streams,” more earnestly or ineffectually than did the perspiring crowd yesterday, but they were not to be had. Host Dalzielf’s beer was very good. Hird’s lemonade was ditto, but partook of that limpid humidity, which suggested “hice” to the mind of a neighbour, who audibly expressed himself to that effect. We thought of McMurray’s baths both for men and bottles, where a tropical heat can be tempered from the constantly flowing fountains of an artesian well; and beg, in our turn, to suggest “ hice ” to our fizzing friend at Matawhero. But to return. The sports began punctually at 11 o’clock, and the programme was faithfully adhered to with the following results : —The foot race, 100 yds.: Was won by Mr. Breingan, Atara, a native pushing him hard and landing second. Putting the stone, was moved to a distance of 25ft. by R. Mackie, for which he got £l. A height of 4ft. 9jin. and 4ft. 8) in. was attained by Wi Mackey and Cassin, who respectively won the first and second prizes in the standing high leap. The triplet, hop, step, and jump, took the winners, Cassin and Burnand, of the first and second prizes 35ft. and 34ft Bin., away from the spectators. The hurdle race (without horses) was keenly contested for between Wi Mackey and Burnand who were duly rewarded with £2 and £1 each for their trouble. The caber, a formidable looking implement in the hands of a giant, a sort of iron bolt that Vulcan himself would not consider a toy, was “ tossed,’* if that’s the correct term for lifting about one-sixth of a ton, by H. Tarr, and a jolly tar he proved himself, for he kept his humour capitally under what we should have considered a punishment. It was a pound well earned. Wi Mackey came again to the front, in the flat race of 200 yds.. Carroll gave him a warming though and ably seconded his efforts to maintain first place. Captain Winter, threw the hammer with the muscle of a Hercules 51ft 9in, at the rate of a fraction under 3s. sd. afoot, and afterwards lowered his price by hurling it 6ft further for a wager. The empty sacks for pedestrians were ably filled by Messrs. Atara and Whitehead for first and second prizes. Whitehead and Carson shewed a preference for running on three legs between them and won the pound set aside for wheelbarrows. There were twenty-four entries as exhibitors of prowess in the “ ring ” tournament. Good horsemanship was displayed in most eases, but the pace was rather slaw in same. Mr. Cameron won the first prize, and Mr. C. Davis the second. The 600 yds. foot race concluded the sport s, this was well run in by Wi Blackey first and Carroll second. Everything passed off quietly and satisfactorily. A parly of the Armed Constabulary occupied the field during the day, but their services were not required. The Government have received a communication from the Victorian Government enclosing copies of correspondence with other colonies regarding the proposed postal conference. A very acrimonious feeling appears to exist between Victoria and New South Wales in connection with the position assumed by the former, and it is now suggested that the conference should be held at Hobart Town, in order that the discussion may take place on neutral ground. The Victorian Government state that they will not be a party to the establishment of any service from Galle, unless the terminus is Melbourne, but that they will give loyal consideration to other services in which other colonies have a direct interest. This expression is supposed to bear favourably on the New Zealand contract for the San Francisco service. New South Wa’es objects to Hobart Town as the scat of the conference, but South Australia, Tasmania, and and Victoria are agreeable to it. The consent of New Zealand is asked. All the Chinamen on the Clutha railway, have been discharged, not being worth their wages. Cameo indulges in some tall talk in the 'Weekly News of the 7 inst. in which he makes a meal out of the very small fact that newspapers “ feed” on each other in this colony, and is down rather heavy on the Waikato Times for republishing “ a story of mine ” as coming from the Charleston Herald. That is infinitely preferable to extracting without any acknowledgment at all which some papers, we could name are in the habit of doing. Such may have been an oversight, and Cameo should have remembered this, and not take advantage of it to advertize his own authorship. We are informed that Miss Minnie Parker (daughter of W. Parker Esq., of Gisborne), who behaved with conspicuous bravery during the massacre at Poverty Bay has been recommended to receive the honor of the New Zealand medal. By proclamation in the Gazette the District Court of Hawke’s Bay will be abolished from and after the 31st inst. This includes Gisborne. Commutation of Sentence.—We understand says the Napier Telegraph that the sentence of death passed on the prisoner Maaka will not be earned out. This determination will meet with the approval of the public. The prisoner is a man of no importance, and his execution, unlike that of Kereopa, would have no effect on the native mind. Compensation Meeting.—An advertisement herein, calls a meeting of the committee for to night at the Albion Hotel at 6. 30.

New Settlers.—We have much pleasure in welcoming, an old and universally respected settler from Hawke’s Bay, who, has cast in his lot amongst us. Mr. Breingan, with his wife and family, arrived in the Columbia a few days since, and purposes “ going in” for some of the fat things hereabouts. Mr. Breingan Jun., is already located on a run, in company with Mr. Hargreaves (also from Napier) some distance from Ormond, and they give glowing accounts of the country in that direction. This is the type of settler we want, and have accommodation for. The true, hardy, yeoman stamp. The man whom fear will not deter, nor hard work dishearten. The man who looks hopefully to the future and on the past with satisfaction. The man who having had to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow, knows how to husband the profit s of years, and assist in developing the wealth of a new district with the vigor and sagacity of early days. The man who brings husbands for our daughters, and wives for our eons; such is the man we are now welcoming and we are glad he has come. Native Meeting at Waiohiki, PawhaKAIRO. —The Hon. Native minister met the Maori chiefs at Pawliakairo on Saturday last. The principal subject discussed was that concerning the settlement of the claims of the Ngatikahungunu to the Patutahi block, Poverty Bay. Mr. M'Lean offered them £3OOO to liquidate their claims which were refused, they insisting on having their share of the block. It having already been agreed that the Ngatiporou should receive 10,000 acres, the Hawke’s Bay natives requested a grant of land of a similar extent. It was explained that a preliminary survey of the land was now being made, and that a Native Lands Court Commission would shortly sit at Poverty Bay, when the block in question would be equitably divided under the direction of S. Locke Esq., who would act on behalf of the Government in carrying out that and the various other land questions which required immediate settlement.— Napier Telegraph. We beg to call attention to alterations in this issue in the “race” and “drill” advertisements. New Blns. —Mr. J. P. Hamlin, who has just returned to Napier, succeeded, during his stay, here, in obtaining two or three large tracts of land from the Native owners to be used as sheep-runs. Messrs. Skillicorn and Clark have secured a fine piece of country between the Ripongaere lakes and Mr. Kempthorne’s run on the West side of the Waipaoa river. We have oftened wondered why this tempting piece of land was not taken up before, and we congratulate the lessees on their success. We believe they hold it on favorable terms. Two or three others have also been obtained on the coast line by experienced men from the South. We believe” the extent of country adapted for settlement of all kinds, in this district, is but imperfectly known, and we gladly recoi*d these facts which are small volumes in a great history.