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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 60, 11 June 1873, Page 2

Quarterly Inspection.—The Commanding Officer’s quarterly Inspection parade of Militia and Volunteers is advertized in to day’s issue. Tenders. —Tenders are called for the erection of a House and Store for Mr. P. Barrie at Ormond; for sundry works for the Road Board; for the erection of an Auction room, and for fencing the Native School ground Turanganui. Band Instruments.—We are glad to learn that a timely addition of fine new instruments was made to the band by the last boat from the southward ; they consist of a Bassoon, Euphonium, and Tenor Saxhorn. The members are in full swing of practice, and we are promised an early musical treat. From Christchurch We learn that the Provincial Council have passed a resolution for the Superintendent to place £1,700 on the estimates for the establishment of a College in that city; and that thirty gentlemen have subscribed £598 towards establishing a free public library there. Mr. G. Gould heads the list with £lOO. Nominated Immigration.—lt will be seen by a reference to our advertizing columns that the General Government are taking up points of observation, one by one, in Poverty Bay. Another important step has been taken in the appointment of an agent to conduct the nomination of immigrants in the district. Mr. Webb has been accredited with the agency in connection with the Annuities Department of the Government for some time past; and, in common with all other Government agents, has been requested by the Commissioner to undertake the duty of receiving proposals from any one who may wish to nominate persons to emigrate to the colony. We shall take an early opportunity of publising the regulations affecting the same. Another Commission. —Mr. Karaitiana is working hard and so far, successfully, in the direction of forming a deputation of natives who will wait on the General Government, .at the forthcoming sitting of the Assembly, to urge the appointment of a Commission to sit in'Gisborne, for the purpose of considering the land grievances of their brethren in Poverty Bay. From what transpired before the Commission in Napier, there may be some shew of reason in acceding to such a request. But of course much will depend on the subject matter of the report which the two Judges have yet to present to Parliament. By all nieans let the natives have justice done to them, but under proper restrictions, which will prevent the money of the colony being wasted, and the valuable time of our officers trifled with.

Patutahi Block. —It is gratifying to learn that Optain Porter has been successful in his negotiations with the Ngatiporou natives for the sale by them of their portion of the Patutahi block to the Government. There are also favorable indications of a consent to sell being obtained from the Ngatikahunus, ere long; but as their interests are more varied, and the owners themselves more scattered, it requires the exercise of great tact and perseverance to accomplish that object. We have also heard a rumour of another block being about to be brought into the market, but are not at liberty to say anything definite about it just now. The Government should give its best attention to the . question of purchasing land in this district, as the possession of .a territorial estate would soon cause s large influx population to the. Bay.

( The Hsribe’s Bay Boiling Down Company have sold thsfr premises and plant for £1,250. Gisborne Town Lands.—Advices from Auckland state that the Auction Sale of Gisborne sections realized the sum of £675. Contracts.—We may, perhaps, be taking a liberty in suggesting to -toe Road Board the advisability of calling for tenders for the renewal of contracts which will expire on the 30th of the present month; but we do so with the best intention, quite irrespective of what some may take to be interested motives. The Pound, notably, is among the number, Mr. Dalziell, we learn, having decided to adhere to the terms of his original tender.