Untitled

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 54, 21 May 1873, Page 2

Pattttahi Block. —The survey of this block is -now completed and the plans have been .forwarded to the Government. We understand that no time will be lost in bringing pending negotiations with Che native owners of what is known as the Ngatiporou portion to a definite issue, and submitting the land for settlement. GIBBORNE Locr-ur.—We are informed that. ‘ the Government have placed themselves in communication with the Resident Magistrate (Dr. Nesbitt) with a view to ascertaining the altera<tions necessary to put the building, known in .formerdays-os the Block-house, into * state of irepair end efficiency. Mr. Skeet, the Engineer to the Read Beard, has reported on the work, and, we believe, has recommended are-building, -of the whole fabric, utilizing so much of the present structure as is possible to do. A portion of it stands upon the street; and in many other ways does not answer the growing requirements of the town. A plan and estimate of the cost of alteration have also been made, which, -<f adopted, will add both to the security of prisoners and the comfort of the Police force.

Divine Service.—The Ven. Archdeacon Williams purposes (D.V.) - administering the Sacrament of the Holy Communion en Sunday afternoon next, at 3 o’clock in the School-room, and will officiate at the usual evening service at 6.30. Church or England. —We haw been requested to state that the subscription list towards the erection of A place of wonhip in Gisborne for members of the Church of England, foots up to the sum of £l5O. It is expected thaj £3OO will be required for the purpose, ana the desirability of not losing of this work is necessary to be held in mind, i Rifle Match. —The loyal festivities, incidental to the yxfl* include an friendly match .between, sides Of 8 members each, representing the Armed Constabulary<and the Poverty Bay Mounted Rifle Volunteers. For convenience sake it will take place an the 23rd at the Gisborne range.; an members will be guests at the Volunteer Dinner and Ball in the evening. Garrick Club. —Qur friends at the Camp are on the list again as •caterers for the amusement of the public. The members df the Garrick Club purpose giving a theatrical entertainment at the Ormond Theatre on Monday evening next, and we have no doubt that their desire to commemorate the anniversary of an auspicious event will receive -the reward of !a hearty response. t , The Registration of Brands. — Mr. Meldrum has requested us to draw the attention of the public and others interested, to the necessity devolving upon all such as have Ear and Fire brands to register the same without delay. An advertisement appears in to-day’s issue announcing the •same both in English and Maori. The Act prescribes distinctly that any person neglecting to register any brand or distinctive mark in use shall bn conviction forfeit any sum not exceeding fifty pounds. And any .person using such brand or distinctive mark before the same shall have been registered shall on eonvictionforfeit any sum not exceeding twenty pounds. Immigration.—st will be remembered that some time since the settlers at Tauranga set the people of Poverty Bay a good example by taking the question of the location of immigrants in their district -into their own hands.. Captain Skeet represented the inhabitants, -and wrote to the Government enclosing a memorial from them, urging their claims to -afevorable. consideration. The Hon. the Native Minister replied to the effect that the Government “ j repose to locate from 250 to 300 immigrants in the Tauranga or Bay of Plenty district.” From private sources we now learn that Mr. J. A. Wilson, an accredited agent of the Government, intends shortly to pay a visit of inspection in the direction of Poverty Bay, with a view to negotiate the purchase of the Motu Block from the natives. This block was reported on by Mr. Simpson to Captain Turner, some time since, and from him to the Government, as admirably adapted for settlement; and it is, we believe, on that recommendation that the Government are acting in the matter. The advantage of small centres of population on this line of road will do more than anything we could name to open up the country for settlement and the road itself for general traffic, to say nothing of the social and political importance they will be to the well being of this

portion of the island. 'Messes. Watt Brothers, we hear, have made arrangements for the building of a steamer at home for the Auckland trade. She will be similar to the Star of the South, but about thirty feet longer and two feet broader in the beam. She will be fitted with compound engines, and will be calculated to go at the rate of ten knots an hour. First-class accommodation will be provided. She will have berths for thirty saloon passengers. Captain Holmes will probably set out for Great Britain at an early date with the view of having her fitted out and bringing her to New Zealand, after which he will take the command. She may be expected • here-about November next. — Hawke't Bay Herald.