The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1874.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 219, 4 November 1874, Page 2

The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1874.

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

It can at all events do no possible harm to follow up the suggestion made by “ Viator” in our last issue, so far as to ascertain what are the capabilities of the Thompson Road Engine, which had been cast aside by

the Auckland Provincial Council ; as, though comparatively- useless in one place, it may be eminently suited to. the circumstances of another. have some recollection that the carter element in Auckland was chiefly opposed to its use, and that body, including the late Mi*. Peter Grace, was not long since a considerable power in the small state of Auckland politics. A formidable array of riders, who used to croud the roads in the vicinity of the city, also lent their aid in dispensing with its services. Most of the work for which it might possibly have been useful, had, before its arrival, already been done by other means, and, doubtless, too, certain demerits existed in the machine in relation to its adaptation to the “engineering difficulties” about Auckland. To these influences can be ascribed the present undignified repose, in the outskirts of Auckland, of the Iron Horse which cost the Province upwards of £lOOO ; nevertheless, its advocates at one time argued in its favor with a considerable show of reason, and we have heard that it has even occasionally been used with advantage.

The country round Gisborne could be traversed by such a locomotive, for several miles in many directions, both during winter and summer ; its broad india rubber, or gutta percha wheels enabling it (as- ’tis said) to travel where a horse dray could not move—consolidating as it goes. Our horse traffic, as it now exists, would not be appreciably interfered with; indeed, for a considerable portion of the year, such traffic is at a standstill outside the [township; and even if opposition did arise in that or kindred direction, the great boon, which the introduction of such a piece of road traction power (supposing it otherwise desirable) would confer on the district, in the present state of the highways, would immeasureably outweigh it.

The question of “ Tramway” is involved in the idea. If a tramway is to be adopted here, it will, in the certain event of steam-power being ultimately used, be obviously necessary to set apart and prepare a portion of our main roads for that purpose. The “T.8.G.,” as it has been facesave'lhe dV’lnj nng "Sown rails, Ac., and in more ways than one be found capable of conducing to the formation of the roads of the district. As far as we see, the matter is worth consideration, particularly now that road meta] is available, requiring only just such a mode of delivery; and should commend itself to the Road Board, who could easily find out from reliable sources, the qualifications, or otherwise, of the Engine. It will be then, in the event of a favorable report, time enough to speak of the mode of obtaining possession, and we opine with “ Viator ” that there is little fear of a “ dog in the manger ” policy interfering with its being procured by this or any other district in the province, in which its services could be utilized.

Prize Firing. —Tlie Colonial Prize Firin will take place at the Thames in January next Mr. James Mackey is in treaty with the native for a suitable piece of land.

Thunder Storm.—A heavy thunder storm passed over this district on Monday afternoon, clearing up the atmosphere and copiously refreshing the thirsty soil, with its accompanying rainfall.

Incautious use of Fire Arms. — Mr. Tutchen called at this office to ask us to inform the person who fired two rifle shots this morning, that he, Mr. Tutchen, had a very narrow escape from being hit by one of the bullets discharged. If such shots are to be, repeated on any necessary occasion, it would be well that the shootist should guard against aiming in any direction dangerous to his neighbours.

Horses for Auckland Market.—M** Richard Kelly started on Friday last with a mob of 75 horses for Auckland. They are adapted principally for light harness and saddle, and appear to be chosen with considerable taste and judgment. Poverty Bay has acquired in the Auckland market through Mr. Kelly’s former drafts and occasional small shipments, a name for the production of serviceable horse stork. It is gratifying to be able to state that that favorable impression is likely to be improved on, by late introductions to the district, of new and excellent blood, both in thorough bred and draught horses. Presbytery Meeting.—A meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Presbytery was held on Tuesday, 27th October, at the residence of the Rev. W. Heviugham Root, Moderator pro. tem. ; the Rev. D. Sidey, Clerk. The Rev. D. Bruce (Auckland) being present was associated. There were also present several members of the Gisborne Committee. The question of moving the Matawhero Church was brought up and after hearing a statement of the case, the Presbytery recommended delay in the matter, suggesting the glebe as a good site, to which it might be removed when removal was considered necessary. Considerable discussion took place respecting the best site for a manse, whether on the glebe at Matavi hero, or on the section next St. Andrew’s Church. After hearing both parties the Presbytery strongly advised building it at Gisborne, and as sooii as circumstances permit. The Presbytery also took up the matter of Church property in Poverty Bay, and ruled that steps should at once be taken to secure it by proper deeds, such deeds to be deposited with the Hawke’s Bay deeds, in the Union Bank, Napier. The Sederunt then closed in the usual manner. (Communicated).

Public Meeting.—lt is to be hoped that lhe call of the Chairman of the Highway Board, which appears in our advertisement columns, will be fully responded to. The want of roads, bridges and public offices, has so long been a. manifest restraint on the progress of the district; and the injuries, inconveniences and annoyances arising therefrom have so come home to one and all; that it

would appear almost unnecessary to back up the urgent appeal of the Road Board, for the attendance of lhe settlers. It may be needful to assure them however, that in this instance, there is no fear that they shall be be-fooled by a draft of useless wheelbarrows or half-a-dozen

[migrants’ cottages, (a petty job created for

the benefit of some seedy Auckland toady) in fulfilment of promises of the performance of Government duties in relation to outlay in the Poverty Bay district. Mr. McLean may be able to come to some tangible arrangement

or at least define the course to some such, on which to base soundly and unmistakeably Hie future of the Highway district: and it will be well to leave no matter unsettled on which «t may be expected that that gentleman may be an authority. The appointment and instruction of a deputation by the meeting, will therefore be of very great importance. The Notorious Sullivan.—Full information has been received of the passage home in the Hindostan and the doings in London of the murderer and informer Sullivan. It appears that his disguise was seen through on the second day out, by a lady who possessed a photograph of him and his associates Levy, Burgess, and Kelly. The passengers urgently required the Captain to put. the ruffian in safe keeping, but Sullivan strenuously denying his identity and threatening action for false imprisonment if he were confined, the Captain thought it sufficient to have him closely looked after. He was not permitted to leave the ship at Penzance with other passengers, but means

were taken to communicate his arrival to the London detectives. Prior to the leaving of the San Francisco mail he was lodging at a coffee house kept by a female, whom, he stated to some members of the detective force, he intended marrying; and he and she take their walks abroad in company, and together have visited the Crystal Palace, British Museum, the Houses of Parliament, and have appeared in no less a place than one of the stalls of the Italian Opera. Sullivan is not comfortable under the attentions of the police, and expresses his purpose of leaving tor Lho, United States.