WAIAPU.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 402, 23 September 1876, Page 2

WAIAPU.

(from a correspondent.) 14th September 1876. Active measures are still being carried on by Sergeant Armstrong and his staff, in order to unravel the mystery of the late fire at the Awanui, it is believed that a clue has been obtained which may lead to the problem being solved, upon the arrival of our worthy R. M. (at present, in Wellington) doubtless an investigation into the facts of the case will be held, when, if as presumed the fire was the work of an incendiary, it is to be hoped that the law will assert itself and mete out that punishment due to so dastardly an act. Mr Walker has returned from Auckland and in a truly plucky manner has already commenced the foundation for another building even largerthan the one so recently destroyed, this action will supply a want much needed at the present time, there being no other Hotel at the Awanui for the accommodation of the traveller. The Native School here has recently been closed on account of the apathy shown by the natives in the locality. The Government have directed the master there of to open a school of a similar nature at the Wai-o-matitini he has done so, and secured an attendance of some 35 children and more daily arriving, under the able supervision of Major Ropata, this school cannot but become a success, and the means of elevating the Maori generation. I have every reason to believe that the Parents of the children attending the school appreciate it as such. The native school at the Kawa-Kawa is progressing in a most satisfactory manner the pupils, numbering between 30 or 40, are making good progress. Mr and Mrs Curtis appear to have hit upon a happy method of imparting instruction to their youngsters. They deserve to be encouraged, having, in conjunction with other masters on this coast, numberless difficulties to encounter, and are virtually debarred from other intercourse than the Maori.

Of the Aku-Aku school I may state that it still maintains its prestige for efficiency —it numbers some 50 scholars— tis a pleasing sight to observe the children, day by day, travelling great distances in order to attend school with punctuality, this of itself is sufficient proof that Mr and Mrs Browne are deservedly popular. During the last fortnight quite a fleet of vessels have been lying in our roadstead, windbound, for Auckland, doubtless the owners of such believe their boats have suffered the same fate as others in the recent gale, in order, amongst other reasons to obviate such a conclusion I make bold to advocate the extension of the Telegraph to this thriving District, a District that possesses land, equal to any other part of the colony. Large blocks have recently passed through the Native Lands Court and more extensive depasturing country is already surveyed awaiting only adjudication ; when these facts become known, capatalists from the sister colonies cannot fail to take advantage of this outlet for their surplus stock, thus opening up large tracks of country and securing good revenue. Further ; the Pre- . mier recently in Parliament expressed Ul'Sliauudj' the wire to Mongonui in the north, although as he stated, not, commercially speaking, a good speculation, yet he looked upon it as of colonial importance—that of uniting by wire—the whole colony; if such is the Policy of our Premier—then I say he has utterly ignored our District again. Important Government Despatches often await transit a fortnight in Gisborne and solely have to depend upon the usual overland route, thereby retarding the efficiency of the Public Service.