WAIAPU.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 239, 16 January 1875, Page 2

WAIAPU.

(from our own cobbesfondbnt.) January 9. That “in the midst of life we are in death,” has just been signally verified in this district. On Wednesday morning last, the chief Iharaira Te Houkouma expired at his kainga, Hick’s Bay, after a very brief illness. Till within two or three days of his demise he enjoyed his usual health —which was always good—and took part in celebrating the festivities of the season with his wonted liveliness and good humour. In the absence of medical opinion, the cause of his death cannot be positively stated, but it is supposed to have been disease of the heart. His death, being sudden and unexpected, took people by surprise, especially liis own family and immediate neighbors. The deceased was a most loyal subject, and invariably inculcated implicit obedience to the Government of the country, as well as friendliness towards the Europeans. Ho also took a deep interest in promoting the welfare of the natives, morally, socially, and politically, for yiuspnao tha.xmblipmeeting held at Hick’s Bay in September last, was specially called. He was particularly noted for his hospitality to Europeans, and felt displeased if lie knew of any pakeha passing his house without calling upon him. Great preparations are being made for his funeral, which takes place on Tuesday next, and which is to be largely attended by chiefs, tribes, and. Europeans.

I have been informed that the Auckland Steam Packet Company are willing to allow their steamers to call regularly at Hick’s Bay, Awanui, and Tologa Bay, provided the Government would moderately subsidise them—a concession which some few think would be made were the inhabitants of these parts to petition the authorities to that effect. The Company allege that without a subsidy they could not afford to touch at these places, even although a large share of the local trade should be guaranteed to them. They aim at earning a sufficiency to secure a dividend for the shareholders of not less than a certain per centage, and from this course they wi 11 not, if possible, deviate. Although from its increased, and still increasing trade, the coast demands that steam communication should be placed at its disposal, it is problematical whether the Government would grant a subsidy—seeing that they are so reluctant to aid Poverty Bay, which has greater claims upon them than the localities between Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty. Many are of opinion that the Company might, without any subsidy, and without incurring any loss call at the places named, and thus lessen the inconvenience caused by the uncertainty and tardiness of sailing vessels.

The proceedings of the runanga recently held at Taumatu-o-mihi is being much discussed amongst the Ngatiporou, and the conduct of certain land owners is unscrupulously denounced. It is not, however, apprehended that the matter will lead to what was at first anticipated, namely, a serious feud ; but that on the contrary, unanimity and harmony will be eventually secured. The majority of the land owners are men of honor and probity, and although there are exceptions, there is every probability of an agreement being come to whereby the lands cannot be obtained possession of either by the Government or by private speculators without the full consent of all parties claiming their ownership. One or two gentlemen of means in Auckland are, I hear, desirious of leasing extensive tracts of land in this quarter, provided the natives do not throw any obstacles in the way of their doing so through disagreement among themselves. Good rents are now offered for the lands, and. if the natives are at all anxious to take advantage of so favorable an opportunity for the disposal of their property, they would do well to close, at once, with those who are willing to negotiate with them. Whilst the lands remnin in their own possession the natives cannot, it would appear, refrain from quarrelling about them, and consequently giving unnecessary trouble to themselves and to the Government upon the subject; whereas if they were leased to Europeans, such dissensions would have been obviated.

A Waiapu native, who was returning from Poverty Bay, on horseback, narrowly escaped being drowned in the Waiapn river on the 3rd instant. The stream was in a highly swollen state, consequent upon the heavy rain which fell a day or two previously, aud the man being anxious to

reach home, inconsiderately attempted to ford it at the usual crossing place. The current was, however, so strong as to have washed away both horse and rider, and it was only by dint of great exertion in swimming that the latter saved his life. The horse partially escaped the danger to which its rider was subjected. Had the punt been placed upon the river, as it ought to have been long ago, this and similar accidents which took place lately, would have been prevented. It is, indeed, strange that this river should be the only one on the coast that is without a ferry, especially when it is taken into consideration that the money for the purpose was voted by Parliament many months ago.