MR ROLLESTON AT THE UPPER THAMES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3506, 20 March 1880, Page 2

MR ROLLESTON AT THE UPPER THAMES.

. __^ .—. (Peb Pigeon Expeess.) (feom otjs otsjn coebespondent')

[The following message should have arrived in time for last night's paper, but our winged messenger did not turn up till this morning :—] Paeroa, 2.55 p.m. Mr Rolleston was driven by the Mayor to Hikutaia, the first bugjjy that has ever been over the road so far. The party called at thePuriri Spring and tasted the water. Mr Sorter called the attention of the Minister to certain lands he wanted set apart for school reserves, and Mr Holies, ton promised to do so if it was within his power. At Hikutaia refreshments were taken, when the irrepressible County Chairman took advantage to propose, in flattering terms, Mr Holieston's health. Mr Eolleston thanked the Mayor for the drive out, and the attention paid him while in the district, and said he hoped the next time he visited to ride by iron horse. He expressed surprise at all he had seen, which had quite dissipated his former impression of the place, and said such would certainly be for the benefit of the district. From Hikutaia the party proceeded to Paeroa on horseback.

At the Puke Mr Austin invited the party in, and supplied milk galore with rum for: those, who liked it. Both Mr and Mrs Austin urged upon the Minister and Mr Maginnity the necessity of a telegraph station, the construction of a road through the Komata, and the railway.'

Mr A. amused the party by telling how a leading morning journal tried to improve a local poet's contributions by an alteration of a verse where " Star " was men« tioned first, but the necessity of the leading journal taking first place, had to give way both to metre and sense and rhythm. Some remarked that a certain peculiarity of the editor was conspicuous. The deputations are waiting at Paeroa.

Races.

The first race was won by Golden Crown easily, Matlock second^ and the hurdle race was won by Venus easily. Golden Crown took the Ohinemuri Cup.

[Bx Telegkbaph.]

Waitoa {via Hamilton), •> This day.

Deputations waited on Mr Kolleston at Paeroa yesterday re lands of settlement, and also to ask if Government would ensure freehold of the agricultural leases. Mr Rolleston stated that the land was not yet owned by the Crown, but when such was the case the matter would be looked into. He refused to promise, saying that if men took up lands under certain conditions, he considered they should fulfil the same.

The road and telegraph to the Thames were referred to, but Mr Kolleston, after an interview with Tukukino, could hold out no hope of an early settle* ment of the question. The old chief refuses to. give way, and wantg £1000, which he said was promised by Mr Sheehun. The. party left Paeroa at 5, reaching Missen's Hotel 2£ hours afterwards.

The Minister intends seeing the land to-day, but so far expresses disappoint' ment.