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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 103, 8 November 1873, Page 2

R.M.’s Court. —There was no regular sitting of the Court on Thursday last, in consequence of the Court-house being in use for the Election of Superintendent. Anniversary. — The Banks, and business houses in Gisborne will be closed on Monday next in honor of the Anniversary of the Prince of Wales’ Birthday. The Venerable Archdeacon Williams who arrived overland from the Wairoa on Thursday last will (D.V.) hold Divine Service to-morrow evening in the Court-house. Native Schools.—We learn that the buildings intended for the use of the native schools at Waiapu and Akuaku are near completion, and that teachers are to be appointed to them forthwith. Eclipse.—According to the almanacs a total eclipse of the moon took place on Wednesday morning last, lasting from 2.30 a.m. to 4 a.m., rather too early, we fancy, for any but the enthusiastic student to have witnessed it. The night to an advanced hour was very cloudy. The coming Nomination of a member for the Provincial Council will, in case of an election, find the Returning Officer unprepared. Dr. Nesbitt lias received no intimation of the polling places recommended by him having been proclaimed. Rifle Match.—A friendly rifle match came off on Saturday last at the Gisborne rifle range between five members of the G.R.V.C., and five members from H.M.s.s. Basilisk. Owing to a strong wind blowingpfrom the left front the shooting was not so good as might have been expected. The ranges were 300 yards standing, 400 and 500 yards any position, five shots at each range. The total scores were G.R.V.C., 197 points, Basilisks 186, thus leaving the former winners by 11 points only. Excursion to the Big River.—Should the weather be favorable a capital opportunity will be afforded on Monday to many who seldom have the chance of enjoying a short steam Excursion, to see the beauties of the Waipaoa and the equally famed Arai. A more felicitous plan of spending an enjoyable day could not have been devised, and we dare say many will take advantage of it. On account of hitting the tide the Launch Lily will leave the wharf punctually at 7 30 a.m. Deputation.—Several Gentlemen waited upon Capt. G. E. Read yesterday, for the purpose of presenting him with a numerously signed Requisition to allow himself being nominated as a candidate to represent this district in the Provincial Council. Captain Read has declined the honor, not because he does not appreciate the compliment paid to him, but for political and other reasons which he has authorised us to say he will lay before the electors on Wednesday next. J. Woodbine Johnson, Esq., it will be seen, has favorably replied to a similar Requisition, and will become a candidate for Provincial honors. The Superintendency.—There was little rejoicing on Thursday last in Gisborne over the Election of Superintendent. Even the weather frowned, and shed copious tears on the inauspicious occasion. A cold wet South Easter operated largely in preventing country residents from attending, they deeming the importance of the choice, as involved in the issue, not worth the trouble of a disagreeable journey on bad roads to record their votes. Some little excitement, however, was caused at the close of the Poll. It appears that, succumbing to the rather powerful calls of an empty stomach, and a good appetite, the Deputy Returning Officer closed the Courthouse, where the votes were being recorded, from one to two o’clock for the purpose of regaling himself after the diurnal fashion of his fellow mortals. Vulgarly speaking he wanted his dinner and he got it. He didn’t ask leave because no one could give it him, so he took it—continentally. Acting on what appears to be an obvious right a protest signed by some half-dozen electors was handed to the Deputy Returning Officer on his announcing the number of votes recorded for each candidate. We have not apace to notice this further just now; but we certainly think it a serious responsibility for the Deputy Returning Officer to take, as it involves a question, apparently clear, of great constitutional privilege and liberty. The votes stand as followDargaville 43, Williamson 14, Lusk 5. The Punt or rather one of the approaches to it, is in a very bad state; in fact travelling nowadays in that direction is a matter of serious consideration. In the present state of affairs there is every probability of an accident happening some of these days, which will rather astonish the Road Board. Anyhow, there really should be something done in this matter. A long time ago Captain Porter amongst others represented the state of the approaches to the Board, and was promised then that so soon as the Punt itself was done, his suggestions should be taken into consideration. Nothing has, as yet, been done

towards improvement, and the obstruction to traffic, and risk of coming to grief are very considerable. We learn that recently Mr. J. E. Green nearly lost a valuable horse in the mud holes on the south side of the river, and Mr. W. S. Greene also lost several valuable sheep a few weeks backs. We hope these occurrences will wake up the inland settlers to take a more active part in the affairs of the district. Northern Coast Mails. —A resident on the Coast writes to us as follows : —“ lam sorry I have to complain about my letters and newspapers being detained so long at Waiapu. The mail arrived here on the 9th October, and I received my letters and newspapers on the 19th, which detained me from writing to you and other parties, with letters of great importance. If this is not altered, you will have to knock me off your list of subscribers. I have written to Mr. Stubbs, Postmaster, to try and alter such arrangements, which I hope will be done.” [We believe there is much room for improvement in the Coast Mail Service, but as we have always found the present mailman very obliging, we think our correspondent’s cause for complaint is the result of accident; he has, nevertheless, taken a very proper course in attempting to get it rectified. —Ed. P.8.5.~\ Saturday last was a gala day in town and country. The festivities of the previous day were re-commenced with great vigor, and were made as general and complete as was possible in the face of the fact that the Basilisk, with her jolly companions every one, was under orders to trip anchor that night. The day was unexceptionable ; And the early morn saw the cricketers in full fig and costume, preparing, for the road to Mr. Parsons’ homestead, where, as announced, the wickets were to be pitched, for a match bet ween eleven of H.M.s. Basilisk, and eleven of the settlers. All the available horses and traps were in demand, and riding and driving parties were formed with a zest which showed that the settlers threw their whole soul into the work of entertaining their visitors in a way befitting the occasion. Several ladies graced the grounds with their presence, taking favorable opportunities to cheer the victors and encourage the vanquished. Play commenced shortly after 1 o’clock and was continued with good humor and spirit until near 5 o’clock. We have not space to detail the scoring, but the game resulted in one innings thus Settlers 119, Navals 67. Preparations were now made for returning to Gisborne which was reached by 6 o’clock and, awaiting the arrival of Captain Moresby, who had gone inland with Captain Richardson, the usual valedictory fraternizations took’ place, and many mutual regrets were expressed at the decree which took the gallant tars so soon away. On Captain Moresby dismounting, a goodly pressure was brought to bear on him to defer his departure until the following Monday, to give the settlers an opportunity of extending their hospitality to himself and his Officers, but his orders were too imperative to admit of it. The boats were manned, and amid ringing cheers and counter cheers, pulled don n the river about dusk. Captain Moresby will probably return to Poverty Bay ere long and will make a more lengthened stay. Besides the above, a large number of visitors were entertained on board the Basilisk during the day, the Lily being kept well-employed the whole time. A party of Captain Winter’s Volunteers, had a friendly contest with some of the Basilisk’s mariners, the former of whom as will be seen elsewhere were victorious. We must not omit to mention the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Parsons, who, besides placing the grounds at the service of the pleasure seekers, were unceasing in their desire to make everyone welcome. Creature comforts during the play were ably tended by Mrs. Hird, landlady of the Royal Oak hotel; and, altogether, a most enjoyable day was spent.