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Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 October 1942, Page 4

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OLD WELLINGTON PAPER ISSUE OF 185'6. REFERENCES TO WAIRARAPA. The departure of the Seringapatam for England direct with a full cargo of wool and other produce grown in the settlement afforded a subject for an editorial of the “Wellington Independent” of March 8, 1856, a copy of which has been left at the “TimesAge” for inspection by Mrs S. F. Beard, formerly of Masterton and now of Hokianga. Mrs Beard, who has reached the ripe age of 87 years, is on a visit to Masterton.

The editorial, which deals with the trade and economic position of the colony, states in part: “The facilities for access to the remote parts of the district are every day increasing. The great Road over the Remutaka range, communicating with the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay plains, will be open for drays in less than a month and will, when completed, be a work which would do credit to the oldest and most wealthy states of Europe.” The Seringapatam was described in a shipping notice as a fine Al frigatebuild ship of 800 tons. Its “accommodations are first class,” the notice states, “in proof of which it may be mentioned that she v/as recently taken by H.M. Government for the purpose of conveying his Excellency, Sir George Grey and suite to the Cape.” She, sailed with a full cargo of wool, etc., valued at upwards of £15,696. Another shipping announcement of interest is an advertisement stating that the first wool ship from Lyttelton for London would sail positively about the beginning of March, 1856. Under the heading of shipping intelligence is news of the arrival on March 7 of the schooner Sea Serpent, 60 tons, T. Hosking from Wairarapa. Passengers, Mrs Martin, one native, Levin and Co. agents, 88 bales wool. In another column mention is made of the expedition which has been used in loading the Seringapatam. “The vessel has been loss than forty days in port, onefourth of which was occupied in discharging her inward cargo and in the remaining portion has been loaded and is now ready for sea.” An extended account is given of a public dinner to James Smith Esq., at Swinbourne’s Commercial Hotel, previous to his departure for England, and there is a detailed report of the proceedings of the Provincial Council. Among the overseas news is reference to the war with Russia, in which the Allies had succeeded in capturing 270 oxen, 3,450 sheep, 50 horses, 10 camels, and 20 vehicles. Among the advertisements is one inserted by the Small Farm Association, Wairarapa, reading: “The Committee beg to notify members that the rural land on the Taratahi Plain will remain open for selection for two months from this date, after which period it is intended to open the same to the public generally. A few town acres and suburban sections in both townships remain unsold. The plans can be seen at the Land Office and at the office of the undersigned. By order of the Committee, W. Allen, chairman.” (The reference to town acres and suburban sections in both townships refers to Greytown and Masterton). Fine flour is quoted at £34 to £3o per ton, wheat 12s to 12s 6d per bushel, beef and mutton from 5d io 8d per lb., lamb 7s 6d per quaiter, turkeys 9s to 18s each, geese 6s to 9s each, ducks 7s to 8s per couple xowls 6s 6d to 7s per pair, eggs 2s 6d per dozen, fresh butter Is 4d per lb, salt Is per lb, cheese Is 6d per lb, ham and bacon from Is 2d to Is 4d per lb, apples 8d per lb, plums Is per dozen, poaches 2s per dozen, cabbages ls per dozen, onions 6a per lb, potatoes new, 5s per cwt, boards 18s to 24s per 100 ft, scantling 18s do, shingles 28s to 30s per 1000, bricks 65s to 70s do., lime 2s 9d per bushel, firewood 42s per cord. .