SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1874.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 204, 12 September 1874, Page 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1874.

Now that it has been determined on by the General Government to build a bridge over the Waipaoa and Arai rivers, it is desirable that our own local Road Board should take into early consideration the propriety, or otherwise, of spending any further sum of money in putting the punt at the Ferry Hotel in a condition fit for public traffic. Prom the experience which we have to guide us, it seems to be a perfect waste of labor, as well as an unprofitable pastime, to keep making periodical deposits bf public money in the mud banks of the Big River, for the purpose of imperfectly maintaining a very incomplete and unsatisfactory mode of river transit. From the first, nothing but a constant repetition of breakdowns and accidents—which, in many instances, nearly ended in grief to both passengers and stock—have occurred to illustrate the absurdity of the Board lending any further aid in the prosecution of this useless work.

We make these remarks in consequence of the rumours recently current in the town to the effect that application is to be made to the Board for a grant in aid to put the punt in repair, which, in other words, means the voting of a sum of money to raise the punt fromits presentposition of uselessness, where it lies buried in the mud, to a very doubtful usefulness, and with the almost certain prospect of the first freshet casting her again adrift. Unsatisfactory, however, as it is to maintain the present punt, which, in its best days, was inefficient in carrying capacity, there is still another, and a greater objection to the further expenditure of local funds in putting the approaches in a state of safety and convenience—a work which must be undertaken if the punt is to be placed again in the same position. But we think it needs little argument to shew cause why it should not be undertaken at all. The money that has been already expended in fascine patch work —small though the sum may be —is a sufficient indication of what would be required to form either concrete causeways, on timber structures, capable of carrying heavy vehicle traffic, and resisting the action of the water floods. Besides this, it may be—nay, indeed, is —objected that the present site of the ferry is not the most convenient for travellers, and residents on the southern side of the river, many preferring -- even when the punt was working—to swim their horses at the mouth, and so save the great distance which is lost by a detour from the ocean beach. It would seem, from all points of view, that this is the most suitable position for the punt. Settlers living in the neighbourhood of Pakirikiri would all be in favor of it, of course, while others at Murewai,and Warekaia would offer no objection to a change which, while it offers a security against such man-traps as the water-holes at thepresentcrossing are, wouliialso save some few miles in distance... Thepiouth of the Big River is, moreover,\on the high road to Wairoa and Nppier,\a»d' the removal of the punt' Xvikilr! largely benefit travellers JonX fee coast to and from Gisborne. \lt'cannot, on the other hand, be cqunterobjected, that settlers living further up the plains towards Whakato would be opposed to this course being pursued ; the distance varies but little in their case ; and even supposing it were appreciably longer, that would be

amply compensated for in the goodness of the road, supposing that they choose to take the beach. But, again, there will be no necessity for this as the Arai bridge will lessen the difficulty of crossing that stream; and with the big bridge at the present crossing at Matawhero, the journey into town will be made much easier, while it will also give a more convenient access to the neighbouring districts on the northern side of the Bay. Public opinion, insofar as we have heard it expressed, is greatly in favor of the proposed change; and we trust the important facts which present themselves in connection with this matter, will have due weight with the Board in determining the question, in whatever way it may be brought before it.

The mission of our local deputation to Wellington has met with the most unqualified success, that is, so far as promises are concerned; and we have no reason todoubtthat they will be duly kept. Mr. Handy, Chairman of the Poverty Bay Highway Board, returned from Weldiirgton by the Luna oii^,Wednesday last, whither he had gone in his official capacity to confer with the General Government on many matters connected with the welfare of this district; and he, together with other Poverty Bay Settlers, who also brought their influence to bear on the Government, expresses himself satisfied with the result. ' til fact, rhe impression left on his mind seemed to be in accord with the views we have often expressed, that as there is no recognised link between the settlers and the Government, to represent their wants, it is a matter of some difficulty to become acquainted with what is . absolutely required. And this impression, and these views, have been borne out by a ready acquiescence in the representations made by Mr. Hardy. We have already informed our readers that bridges over the Waipaoa and Arai rivers are to be undertaken at once —the site of the former being fixed at the present crossing at Matawhero ; and the erection of another much-required bridge over the Turanganui river at Gisborne will receive early attention. The main roads are also to be set about; and Mr. Hardy thinks that a tramway will also be laid down to Ormond, while that road is being formed. There seems to be some hitch about the 'Government paddock, as the provincial authorities at Auckland lay some claim to it. Of course they do. Ahabs in spirit and in deed, they covet, and will possess, if possible, all the choice spots in the vineyard. It is satisfactory to know that the Government have given the proceeds of the Patutfthi grass seed over to the Road Board, absolutely, on the condition that the money is spent on public works in the district. The Board has decided to let the land—some 1100 acres —by public auction, notices of which will appear as soon as possible after an early meeting of that body. We understand also that the Government will drain the low-lying portion of the Patutahi Block, which in wet. seasons is covered with water. The sum of £4OOO has also been voted on the Estimates for General Governmpnt buildingssifftrisboriie. This is immensely satisfactory ; and advocating this so energetically as we have done, as a simple act of justice to the district, we now offer our congratulations. These works, to which we hope the completion of the telegraph vrill soon be added, will put Poverty Bay in her proper position. Mr. Hardy also enquired about extra facilities being afforded the settlers in the annual registration of claims to vote, by the appointment of a resident official, to receive the claims up to the 31st March, but this appears cannot be done. So that as there is no help for it, claimants must bear in mind to follow the advice given them to be in time.

Taking the result of Mr. Hardy’s action as a whole, the settlers are under a great obligation to that gentleman for the business tact, and energy displayed by him in the prosecution of the business entrusted to his care; and we hope that while the sacrifice he has made on behalf of the district will be readily acknowledged, the pecuniary cost of it will be defrayed by the Board over which he presides.

By the arrival of the Rangatira the General Government was well represented in the persons of some three or four prominent officials in the service—Messrs. Locke, Bold, and Wilson. Mr. Bold, we understand, is to take charge of the Public Works in the disIrict, and will proceed shortly to inspect and report, on the various roads. Mr Wilson will remain some time to negotiate for the sale or lease of lands from the Natives ; and to arrange for the purchase of the scabby sheep in the possession of Natives on the Coast. We learn by this opportunity that the first sitting of the Native Land’s Court will be held in Gisborne, in November next, over which Judge Rogan will preside. Mr. Locke has also important business on hand connected with the Native Department.

Parliamentary Papers.—We beg to acknowledge a batch of Parliamentary papers. Qtazette, and No. 15 Hansard, from the Government printer Sir Donald McLean.—We learn that the Hon. the Native Minister is expected at. Poverty Bay, en route for the coast and Auckland, about the latter end of next. week. Valuator wanted.—The Gisborne Building Society advertize to-day for a Surveyor ami Valuator. Tenders to be sent to the Secretary up to the sth October next. Mr. PABSOns, the Manager of the Poverty Bay Petroleum Company, arrived at Gisborne by the Luna on Wednesday. Mr. Parsons, accompanied by some of the Directors, started yesterday for the Company’s ground. Earthquake. —On Wednesday morning last about 10 o’clock a tolerably long and smart earthquake visited Gisborne. It lasted several seconds, but did no damage that we have heard of. The direction was palpably N.E. The Auckland Evening Star of the 31st August says : —“ A private telegram states that Mr. R. J. Creighton has been appointed Immigration Agent, and proceeds home shortly. If true this will cause a vacancy for the Eden electoral district.”