THE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. "The spirit of the times shall teach me speed." KING JOHN, ACT IV. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1874.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 163, 28 March 1874, Page 2

THE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES. "The spirit of the times shall teach me speed." KING JOHN, ACT IV. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1874.

His Honor, tiik Supebintekdent took his departure for Wellington, accompanied by Mr Tole, Commissioner of Grown Lands, on Monday last. The object of bis Honor’s visit is not exactly known, but we may depend upon it that it is in the interests of the public that he has gone. Amongst other matters which have induced his Honor to visit the .Empire City is the all important one to we of the Bay of Plenty—the taking over from the General Government for special settlement purposes of confiscated lands in this district, and to make definite arrangements for the location of immigrants in our midst. According to the A gent-General’s last telegram “ twenty-four vessels are to bo despatched within the months of March and April and it is, we believe, his Honor’s determination to bring before the Cabinet the great desirability of a considerable number of these immigrants being located in the Bay of Plenty immediately on arrival. We believe that the recent visit of his Honor and his energetic Executive along the East Coast will prove of incalculable benefit to us. We know that ho is greatly impressed with the suitability of our lands for immigration purposes, and wo confidently look forward to a large addition to our population before many weeks have passed over. His Honor, according to the “ New Zealand Herald,” has also in view to ascertain what relief is to be given to the province from the money voted for the purchase of land in the North Island ; to adjust the debt due to the province for the work which has been done towards the construction of the railway, the sum due reaching a considerable amount; to ascertain w hat assistance the province is to receive to relieve it from its present impecunious state. His Honor’s influence at the seat of Government is known to be very great, and we have little doubt that when ho returns we shall hear that his visit has not been in vain, and that much he has asked for will be acceded to.

The General Government are about to make some alterations in the present method of obtaining information of the state of the winds, the sea, and bars on the coasts of the colony, and establish central branch offices, where daily reports will be collected and studied with the view of obtaining a forecast of the weather and issuing storm warnings and signals. The management will be placed in the hands of Commander Edwin, ICN.

‘A Thavelxes ” through the Bay of Plenty sends us the following ; —“ At Maketu the few natives who are guarding that settlement express themselves hopeful for the future. At To Matata the natives are on the qui vive for Messrs Davis, Young, and Mitchell, who Slave long been expected to complete their land negociations. It would appear that the crop of potatoes this season has been a failure with them ; still their otlier crops, such aa maize and kumeras, are above the average. The natives have also planted somewhat more than usual of the- tara vegetable, which is a great delicacy. Though once a very dissipated class of people here, there are signs of a better state of affairs. A gentleman from this place recently visited them and addressed them on the evils of intemperance, and pointed out a way for their escape by joining the temperance movement, the result being that no less than 70 came forv a.'d at the close of the meeting and signed the pledge. The principal chief, Adam Clarke, presided, and was the first to join the ranks. This is a move in

the right direction. At Whakatano little was to be seen except a large body of natives engaged in carving a large building ; other portions of the natives of this river are diligently prosecuting their contract in making a Government road across the swamp to Te Teko Redoubt. lan told that these unfortunates, working up to their middles in swamp water, will not earn more than three shillings per day, and if bad weather sets iu before completion they will be losers. A new public school has been erected under favourable auspices, and is placed under the charge of Mr Stuart, late of Waikato, who would appear to be giving great satisfaction. The principal chiefs were absent when I passed through, in company with the Resident Magistrate of the district, Mr drabant, as a deputation to the Haubau Iluihui m the Uriwera country. There is a large powerful dax mill erected here, but, I am sorry to say, from some cause or other, it is not much used —still they were working the mill last week, and otherwise preparing for more active enterprise. The new bridges approaching to the main river are well constructed, and a great convenience to the traveller. The telegraph, which crosses the river, is a fine span of some 700 yards and about 140 feet high above the river. Ohiwa is much the same, with the exception of an accommodation house or hotel kept by Mr Rashton, who has also charge of the ferry, which is a most important duty, as it requires the greatest caution in crossing and re-crossing so wide and dangerous a ford. This fine harbour is likely to come more into notice, inasmuch as it is about to receive a quantity of stock cattle, a drove of which from Napier, were put in a few days ago. A company is also about erecting a large establishment for the purpose of purifying the sulphur on White I Island. The Arawas, under the chief William Marsh, have a settlement on the South Head, and to all appearances are improving the lands set apart to them. They have been fortunate in securing a first-class teacher for their school, the children of which are satisfactorily progressing. The Waiotahi river is still a source of danger and terror to the traveller. The bridge has been contracted for, and, doubtless, will shortly be constructed. The telegraph line to Maketu was commenced at Opotiki under the auspices of Mr Floyd, and was rapidly progressing, when that gentleman was called to other duties at the North. The delay has arisen from a multiplicity of causes which will doubtless be now removed, and the line completed very shortly. On reaching Opotiki the spire of the late Mr Volkner’s church attracts the attention of visitors, and brings to the mind a sad tragedy of events, which are for ever passed and gone. A new road from the beach leads you through the delightful estate of Mr William M.H.R., on to the Opotiki river, the bridge for which is about being erected. To describe Opotiki as it is and what it was a few years ago shall be my task on a future occasion.

The Wairoa Bridge—the contract for the erection of which was obtained by Idessrs Sutherland and Smith, of Grahams town—will be commenced almost immediately. We learn that the contractors are acl ively engaged in procuring the necessary material, and that the first cargo of timber may be expected shortly. The new Government Buildings will also be “ proceeded with without delay.” Such are the terms of contract.