THE STANDARD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1873.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 92, 1 October 1873, Page 2

THE STANDARD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1873.

“ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

In following up the remarks we made a few issues since on the subject of the Road Board devising some method by which the difficulties at present existing' in the way of their valuator obtaining such correct data as it is desirable, and necessary, he should have in the compilation of his Assessment Roll—may be removed or lessened ; and in which we suggested that that body should provide means for local Registration, we purpose now directing the attention of the public and the Government to kindred matters in connection with those suggestions. It seems to be a small consolation to possess the gratification of belonging to a large province if we cannot enjoy the advantages which the paternity is supposed to confer. This portion of the province of Auckland has been kept too much in the outlying districts of its Government’s consideration for us to be surprised at the continued neglect practised towards us by it, so that we now turn to the General Government, a source to which we should not look in rain. Shortly, then, what we would urge upon it is an increased, means for the registration and transfer of titles and other property transactions in this district. At present the nearest Registration Officer is at Napier, whither all our documents have to be sent causing great annoyance, and tedious delay and hindrance to those interested. Several instances of these have come under our notice lately, the documents connected with some of them having lain for months in the hands of agents and attornies in Napier without being registered, the result of which must be expensive litigation, especially in cases where subsequent transactions have taken place in relation

to the same property —or the necessity of further documentary evidence to remove a flaw which, with reasonable opportunities for doing one’s own business, might have been prevented. We are not, in any way blaming the Registration Office, because, we believe we are correct in stating, that, the production of a Deed in exchange for a receipt from the Registration Officer, is equivalent to registration itself, as far as the priority or order of registration is concerned, although several days may elapse before it can leave that Department ; but that is no reason why greater facilities should not be secured to far off communities by which they can transact the daily business of life, if such can be granted without any or much additional cost to the colony. We would mildly suggest, in ihe furtherance of this object, that the General Government should, take into consideration the growing requirements of this fast-progressing district. During the last two years, the large quantities of land which have been alienated to private holders, and the constant reversion of interests in them, have brought the inconveniences of which we now complain, prominently forward ; and, in the nature of things, we cannot expect them to decrease. Practically, therefore, we are shut out from a direct participation in those benefits which we pay for equally with more favored communities. This, we need not say, is unjust. Our proposal, in the exigencies of the case, would be that some official —say Mr. Skipworth, who, probably would not object to an increase of salary —should have the management of a branch Registration Office in Gisborne ; or, if the Government contemplate appointing a Resident Agent, or Commissioner (which from a political point of view they should do) let him be charged with that duty ; or, if the new Postmaster is not to be electrician as well, tack it on to him, in short we shall be glad of any .means employed, calculated to remove this one among the many disabilities under which the settlers of this rising district at present labor.

Inspector of Brands. —Mr. Meldrum notifies that to prevent inconvenience to the public during his absence on duty, up the coast, the business of his department will be conducted by Mr. BryantMb. Peter Bourke, late chief postmaster at Napier, has, we learn from the 11.8. Herald, retired upon his pension. The gentleman temporarily filling the editorial chair of that paper—and who has had good opportunities of forming an opinion — pays a well-deserved tribute to the late chief postmaster’s “ obliging demeanour when in office.” It gives us unfeigned pleasure also to add our mite of testimony to the uniform suavity of manner which, as a gentlemanlike attainment, so super-eminently characterised the habits of Mr. Bourke’s every day life. With the general blandness of a thoroughly genial disposition in his official work, that gentleman happily blended the charms of a large hearted hospitality, and those personal courtesies which make our dealings with one another not only endurable but pleasant. As of few men we can say of Mr. Bourke, he enlisted “ troops of friends,” without making a single enemy ;

“ And thus he bore without excuse “ The grand old name of Gentleman.”

Thomas Doreen. —A Petition was got up some time since, chiefly we believe, through the instrumentality of Mr. A. C. Pratt, then Manager of the Napier Daily Telegraph, praying for the remission of the remaining portion of a sentence of ten years’ imprisonment passed upon a youth named Thomas Doreen, at the Supreme Court, Napier, in May 1869, for horse-stealing. From the Wellington’ Evening Post we learn that the petition has been generally signed by all. classes in Napier, and its prayer will be supported by by other influence as well. The document has been forwarded to Wellington to be laid before the Governor ; and as the prisoner has already undergone four years and four months of the terrible sentence awarded to him, we trust that, taking into consideration the peculiar circumstances which led to his connection with a band of ruffians who, at last entrapped him—the prerogative of clemency will be extended to him by His Excellency. ’ Mb. A. Ross.—An advertisement in our columns announces that this gentleman has commenced business in Gisborne as Architect and Builder.

The Auckland Disaster. —Many of the principal towns in the colony are setting an example which we certainly (hink should be be copied by the settlers of Poverty Bay. Public meetings are being held with a view to commiserate with the sufferers by the late calamitous fire, and to take measures for raising subscription funds in their behalf. The Mayor of Auckland intimated to the Mayor of Wellington and other towns that a considerable amount of distress exists by many who have lost their all by the fire, and by others whom the disaster has reduced from comfort and plenty to comparative poverty. These demand an active sympathy, and we shall be glad to find a movement set on foot by our leading men here, to let the world see we can and do appreciate the sufferings of them ■ whoseturn it is to bear misfortunes -bub .little removed in degree from those which have visited this district.let us hope for ever.

Strike. —The Napier Telegraph reports a cabinet makers’ and joiners’ strike in that town. At present it would appear to be confined to one establishment. Ten shillings a day are refused, and twelve required. It occurs to us that this “ strike” disease is one for which, happily, a remedy can can be found. Auckland especially is glutted with artizans of this type, and the places of the discontented will soon be filled. Besides, in in justice to that branch of the trade, we record our opinion that according to ruling prices, the demands made by the present “ strikers ” are unreasonable.

Education Rate.—Mr. Edwin Hood having been appointed Collector of the Education Rate for the Poverty Bay district wishes it to be notified that he will pay an early visit to such householders who have not yet paid the rate. Mr. Hood announces by advertisement in to-day’s issue that the whole amount for the year must be paid in one sum, and not by instalments as heretofore.

National Insurance Company. — Fifty-two applications for 970 shares in this new Company were received during Captain Baldwin’s stay in Gisborne ; and, wc believe, many more would have been sent in if the time allowed for that purpose had been extended.

Bricks. —Native, or rather local industry is developing itself in this district in a way which speaks promisingly for our future welfare. Amongst the latest enterprises is that of brickmaking, Mr. Dalziell having just turned out his first kiln of 20,000 which he offers at a price so far below what it costs to land them from Auckland—the source whence our market has been supplied hitherto—as must induce local patronage. We understand that they are superior to the imported article, being- made from a firm, .tenacious clay ; and it is Mr. Dalziell’s intention to keep the market supplied, in so satisfactory a way as will command a trade. We wish him success in his new undertaking.

Veracity. — Under cover of this unveracious nqmfie plume a writer from Gisborne addresses the H. B. Herald on the subject of “ Watchman’s” letter which’appeared in our issue of the 20th September. He also, very unjustly accuses us of endorsing “ Watchman’s ” letter, and, by so doing, (so we read it) exhibited “ ill will ” against one of our much respected settlers.” What “ Watchman ” wrote is independent of, and disconnected with, any expression emanating from this journal. All that we said in reference to his letter was ■. — “If ‘ Watchman’s ’ assertions be true— certainly the causes of his complaints are town talk— the sooner an alteration takes place the better.” Can “Veracity” deny this ? That they were “ town talk,” we might have some hope of proving to “ Veracity ” were he not so morally weak, or so conscious of guilt, as to fear exposing his name by writing to us. Whether “ Veracity ” be correct or not in the substitution of “ petroleum ” for “ ignited spirits” is a matter which rests with “ Watchman,” and is a distinction with so little difference that for our purpose it helps us onward rather than, as “ Veracity” says, exposes an “ill will which knows no bounds ; ” and we do not trouble ourselves now to altercate with an anonymous correspondent who travels so far out of his way to make “ the worse appear the better reason.” For our own satisfaction, however, we have enquired as to the “ experiments some gentlemen ” were making with —well, “ petroleum ’’ be it, —at 3 o’clock in the morning ; and we are perfectly convinced of “ Watchman’s ” accuracy—- “ Veracity’s” doubtful veracity to t)he contrary notwithstanding. If the internal conduct of an hotel permits some of its lodgers to “ experiment” upon others in a way which we repeat has become “ town talk,” it is simply a question for the police ; but if those nocturnal orgies (we call them ) are attended by a risk from fire we have a right, and are expected to speak out in condemnation of them : we merely draw a moral from these amusements. As far as “ ill will ” is concerned, we can only say that we are moved by no such feeling; what we take in hand is done from a sense of duty, which we endeavour to discharge conscientiously ; it is done sometimes reluctantly (as there are some duties which it is unpleasant to perform) but always fearlessly ; and if any bear us “ ill will ” on that account, we must accept it, in Christian resignation, as they make themselves more uncomfortable in keeping that article always' on hand, that they annoy ourselves by its display. For our own part we can candidly say, that there is not a single individual in the community against whom we bear the slightest animosity. Can “ Veracity ” say as much ? New Business. —Mr.,J. Buchanan announces that he has commenced business in his new premises at the corner of Custom-house and Childers-streets as a Merchant and Commission Agent. Australian Mutual Provident Society.— Mr. Thompson delivered his promised lecture to an appreciative audience on Monday evening at the Music Hall. We are compelled to defer an extended notice of it until Saturday.

Ormond Garrick Club. —The indefatigable members of this corps purpose giving a dramatic entertainment in their new theatre at Ormond on Wednesday next the Bth October, on which occasion will be produced “ A Fearful Tragedy at Gisborne,” an interlude consisting of Songs, Readings, and Instrumental Music, concluding with the world renowned farce of the “ Area Belle.” If Madame Luna do but make proper arrangements with Master Boreas for a little nocturnal peace, we - dare say, as the lady will preside on that occasion, that she will draw many visitors to the festive scene.

Road Board. — The number of members present at the meeting on Monday last did not amount to a quorum, so that the sitting is adjourned to Monday next. The Auckland Weekly News says is so scarce in Napier that the children are sent out to gather chips and rubbish along the roads, which they take home to be burnt. The stench arising from the burning nastiness is described as most unpleasant. The Hawke's Bay Herald says that news came by the last Mail of the death of Mr. B. D. Danvers, for a long time resident in Napier.