WAIROA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 187, 15 July 1874, Page 2

WAIROA.

(from our own ooganroNDENT.) Julv 10. Non Ihe Ndpter Conncil has finished its labors, it will be as well to see what benefit Wsiroa has derived this session, or rather what promises have been made for its advantage. It must'be borne in mind that there is but little probability of such a full treasury again occurring, the scramble, therefore, that took place for the erutabs of Government favor was rather palpable aud uiiseemly. Of course it would never do for Wairoa to be com-

pletely left out in the cold again, and so strenuous and unprecedented efforts were made to get rather more than our whack in order make up for past legislative neglect. The Superintendent, however, was too wide awake, and, in a very lucid speech, showed up the motives of the land speculators who are at- the present moment absorbing all the available land in this direction- He twitted us rather too severely, however, where he declared that the only thing we wished for was the Government expenditure in connection with the inland road. The road would certainly never have been used for dray traffic between Wairoa and Napier, but a road for stock is greatly needed and it would most undoubtedly have opened up

a considerable extent of country now utterly useless even at a nominal rent: besides, is hot Government money what everyone else ijj. striving fdr f 'why, even in tlw Council itself, our claims for more public works were openly advocated,, not on there merits at all, but because hen. mem. hers had an 'intereit in, the place. When such views are candidly expressed by our law makers, why should we be blamed for holding indignation meetings and deposing (on paper) in the most off-hand,man-ner possible, Superintendents and other government officials. Attached is a list of the estimates for this place that have passed the fiery ordeal. We liave never had such an array before, and although His Honor, Mr. Ormond, thinks we have had a great deal of government money, it is precious little Provincial help we nave up to now received. I was extremely sorry to see the Volunteer petition disregarded, as they fully deserve some recognition of their services. While on that subject let me add that petitions have been split in to the Otago Provincial Councils from members of Nos. 1 and 2 Companies (City Guards and Dunedin Scottish, respectively,) I trust- they will get a more favorable view taken of their case than their Wairoa brethren have had. The select committee have reported favorably on their claims, so there'seems every likelihood of it.

Although the Napier Council has been pretty liberahle this time, I do not see any vote among,the estimates for remuneration to newspaper correspondents, How is this ? Why is not their claim brought forward? Although a patriot, I could do with' a little Government money myself. , The want of an ordained minister of religion is sadly felt here, and more than that, a movement should be started for the erection of a building suitable for a church. Members of all religious denominations in such isolated localities as this should combine in erecting a house.of prayer, and have stated times at which the different sects might attend. A Post Office Saving’s Bank and Money Oefee Office wraiW-be a great boon to the’ community; I suppose it wants the asking for and no one cares about starting it. Captain Richardson is, I hear, the present Chairman of the Frasertown school ; . I say this, not because the dignity of such a position is great, but because I know you will always bo glad to hear of that officer, who is as popular here with tis as he was erst with you.

An unfortunate man belonging to the Armed Constabulary, named Elijah Mee, was found dead on the road to Waikaremoana, on Saturday last. The deceased hod left To Kapu the day before, intending to reach his station, Okuke, got benighted oh the road, or lost his horse, and sank into the scrub by the roadside, where he was found dead. His body was brought back to Te Kapu, and an inquest held on it,Verdict being—“ Death from exhaustion and exposure in very wet, inclement weather.” Deceased #aS‘ buried on Monday, a firing party of A.C. attending. The event cast quite a gloom over the neighborhood, as Mee was very much respected. The night the poor man was out was bitterly cold. £3OOO has been voted for the coast road to Napier; £2OOO for jetties on each side of the Wairoa river ; £lOO for clearing the river of snags ; £250 for settling land claims, and something or other for improving the roads in the immediate vicinity of the township. A good many members of the constabulary are taking their discharges in preference to joining for the three years term of service. The weather has continued to be very wet; it appears, however] to be holding up for a time, may it continue to do so I