OHINEMURI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 44, 27 November 1871, Page 3

OHINEMURI.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) November, 25. The old saying that “still water runs deep ” has been exemplified since the departure of Mr Macky, as, although there has been less excitement, it is plainly to be seen that things have not fallen hack into the old groove. The other day a native named Paora Matutaera departed this life. lie had been very ill (probably from tlie effects of “ drowning dull care ” in Sliortland), and wished to sec his relations here. He was accordingly brought up in a boat to Te Moananui's settlement, hut died a few hours after landing. The deceased lately led his “ mob ” from Coromandel to Whangapoua and was defeated by Molii and party at the “ Battle of the Logs.” He little anticipated at that time that lie would soon be overcome and taken prisoner by General Death in the last struggle—the “ Battle of the Styx.” After the tangi, food was distributed od libitum and as usual on such occasions, the leading topics of the day were discussed. The “waea” was the principal subject brought forward, and the unanimous opinion was in favor of allowing Mr Mack ay to commence operations at once—the sooner the better. Te Hira and Holiepa to Rauliihi took part in the discussion, which fact will doubtless remove the gloomy forebodings from the mind of tlie Editor of your contemporary. By the way, I notice that that sapient individnal informed the public that two cutters had left for Ohinemuri “ with general cargoes —-probably a supply of flour and sugar for the natives, etc.” If he had taken the trouble to enquire he would have discovered that tlie general cargo of boats from the Thames is—ballast. Such at anyrate was the case with the two cutters referred to. They merely came up to load hay from Mr Thorp’s farm. Such a mare’s nest! I don’t know, of course, what his motives are for constantly croaking about the expense and probable results of tlie late meetings, but it seems to me that lie is trying to “damn with faint praise” Mr Mackay’s efforts to complete the telegraph, and is also doing his best to throw cold water on Ohinemuri altogether. There is an under current of jealousy working agaiust the flood-tide of Mr Mackay’s success which is a greater obstacle than the native difficulty. Certain parties are doubtless annoyed at finding themselves thrown into the shade, and consequently are doing their utmost to obstruct Air Mackay in every way. They do not care for the good of the country, and would rather see things in statu quo than that he should succeed where they have failed. This jealousy is showing itself in various wavs. The latest little game is just played out, hut I have no doubt that they will soon try it on some other way. It is a great pity that some means could not be devised to stop these gentlemen from playing at fast and loose with the best interests of the country for their own ends. The following is a specimen of their way of working. It became necessary the other day that Air Mackay should sond an important message to the East Coast. Certain parties (taking a mean advantage of his tempory illness through over exertion) contrived to get hold of the messenger, made him drunk, and kept him out of the way for some little time. However, when he at length turned up, he was shipped on board a boat and brought up here as quickly as possible. The parties referred to immediately despatched an emissary in another boat, hut were a little too late, By the time this wolf in sheep’s clothing arrived at Unahi’s settlement, the other man was “ over the hills and far away.” astride of a good horse. Our wolf set up a very plausible tale to the effect that Air Alackay was seriously ill, and that he had been sent in consequence to recall the messenger. When he heard that he was by that time half way to the East Coast lie was struck all of a heap, and I looked sheeqiish enough. He, however, ! decided to await the messenger’s return, j probably with the intention of getting hold of the answer to the message by fair means or foul. (I have heard that a : bribe of £2O was offered for the message itself, —so that money seems to be no ob- | ject in the affair.) " The messenger arrived from East Coast to-day, and was duly provided against all perils of the road, a boat being in readiness to convey | him to Sliortland. If our wolf does not feel too sheepish he may write himself down an ass for his pains. I need not disclose his name, as doubtless many in ' Sliortland already know him. I leave him i to the tender mercies of the Thames pub--1 lie. The sooner such mean tricks arc put a stop to the better. If these gentlemen cause Mr. Alacky to fail, they themselves will not succeed and the public will suffer, i The completion of tlie telegraph will he a j grand step towards opening the country—--1 hut, I forgot, your contemporary says

that the people of tne Thames don’t want this district opened for mining, so I will say no mcjre about it. A meeting of persons interested in getting up races, was hold last evening at the Imperial Hold. A committee was appointed and a subscription list opened. Judging by the subscriptions already promised, it is expected that there will be a good day’s sport —probably on Boxing day.