WAIAPU.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 185, 8 July 1874, Page 2

WAIAPU.

(from oub own correspondent.) Although this district may, upon the whole, be regarded as a very peaceful and loyal one; yet, to place it upon a level with other isolated parts of the colony, principally inhabitated by natives, it requires a datachment of the Armed Constabulary—a protection which the most intelligent portion of the native residents deem necessary, and in favor of which they have, I believe, repeatedly expressed themselves. As the strength of this corps seems now to be quite adequate to the requirements of the North Island, it, is not unreasonable to suppose that the Government will be disposed to accord such a boon to this part of the East Coast. I think that wherever there is a Resident Magistrate stationed there should also be a requisite number of European police officers to aid him in the performance of his public duties. A Court-house is also urgently needed here — the Resident Magistrate's private house being the only building in which nearly all the business appertaining to the Magisterial Office has been transacted during the past eight years. This is not only an anomaly which is attended with inconvenience to the Resident Magistrate himself, but one of which the public complain; for an inhabited house, of limited dimensions, is not a suitable arena for litigants. The Maoris are also solicitous for the establishment of Native Councils, to which their differences could be referred. Several additional runs for sheep-graz-ing have been lately leased in this quar-

ter; and there is every probability of the whole of the available land between the Bay of Plenty and Tologa Bay being shortly taken up in this way. Some of the runs are said to be admirably adapted for the purpose for which they have been rented. This acquisition of territory by leasehold, and consequent investment of capital by men of enterprise—as I believe some of the lessees are—will greatly benefit the district, in a twofold manner, namely, by increasing its European population, and by augmenting and stimulating its traffic. Although our oil springs have been available for sub-letting for the purposes of their production, for several months past, nothing has been yet done to utilize them. This proves that enterprise is at a low ebb amongst us, and that a more progressive. state of affairs is io be devoutly wished. According to a scientific and comprehensive report furnished to the Government on the 15th, September, of last year, by Mr. William Steuart, the Waiapu Springs are apparently more promi sing than those of Poverty Bay; and this accords with what Di” Hector thinks of them. How far northwards these springs extend it is not yet known, but it is supposed that they <Jo jjpt terminate at the Waiapu valley. ‘ j There is a growing derive on the coast for the establishment of a better class’ of steamers between Auckland and Napier than those now plying; and the Auckland Steam Packet Cpinpany-wopld do well to give due consideration th this matter, with the view of lessening existing dissatisfaction, The laying on of an additional boat-of larger tonnage and greater passenger accommodation than the Pretty Jane would obviate the inconvenience that is frequently complainod of, as well as secure to the Company the whole of the trade of the coast, which is steadily increasing. Towards the end of the year there will be considerable quantities of wool to ship at some of our bays ; and the settlement, in the Bay of Plenty, of -Mr. Stewart’s hundred immigrant families from the north of Ireland, now on their passage to the colony, will, of course, create additional traffic. If the utilisation of the oil springs should be undertaken —and it is to be hoped it will at no distant day—the trade which must necessarily accrue from such an extensive branch of industry may fairly be estimated at £2OO a year at least. The Superintendent’s message to the Provincial Council, at its last session, set forth the necessity of connecting the various settlements on tlie East Coast with Auckland, by frequent and regular steam communication ; and to the effectual carrying out of thia project we all look. Now, then, is the time for the Company in question to put forth increased exertions in this direction. Notwithstanding the well known salubrity of our district the services of a medical man are to its welfare ; and the inhabitants, who number nearly a thousand, including Europeans and Natives, are desirous that a Doctor should take up his abode amongst them. Where there is so large a population it may well be. supposed that, even in the most ordinary state of their health, medical attendance is frequently needed ; which aid is, however, as at present, unprocurable, except at Gisborne—a distance, in many instances, of not less thaq 120 miles. The district, therefore, presents an opening for an active disciple of Esculapiusof unquestionable equestrianic capabilities. He would, doubtless, have to be guaran. teed a certain annual income—an arrangement which could, I believe, be easily effected. In addition to this the Government would, in all proliability, upon representation being made to them to that effect, subsidise his salary, and also supply medicine, as they ’ do at present, through the Resident Magistrate, on the ground that this part is principally inhabitated by natives. I am sorry to notice that you are incessantly troubled with complaints from country subscribers as, to postal irregularities in the receipt of the Standard. Such irregularities form, jpdeed, a source of no small grievance to both the proprietor and the subscribers. Reference having been made, in your issue of the 20th inst., to the Waiapu Post Office, in this matter, I would just ramark that the promptitude with which the gentleman who is in charge of that office, invariably acts, is such as could not' be surpassed ; and that all correspondence posted or received at it, receives the most careful attention.