PAGE FROM THE PAST.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 10358, 22 April 1930, Page 3

PAGE FROM THE PAST.

TAURANGA 50 YEARS AGO

The Editor of the Bay of Plenty Times in the So’s. (the late Mr Geo. Vcsey Stewart) apparently did not have a high opinion of Mr Parnell, judging by the following paragraph from the issue of April 17th., 1880: “After doing America thoroughly Mr Parnell will proceed to New Zealand and Australia. He is one of tlx emost shameless humbugs living, and .it is hoped that his reception in Auckland may prove so “warm” as to deter him from proceeding further. The object of his visit will be (obstensibly) to collect subesriptions for the Trust Distress Fund. In reality al llhtf man cares about is to feather his own nest and stir up sedition. The genuineness of his harangues about the injustice of Irish landlords may be gathered from the fact that on his own brother’s estate which he lias for many years managed, the tennats have had little or no rent and arc ground’ down most grossly. Parnell left Dublin seriously in debt, in fact, it has been openly stated that reasons of the most practical character induced his sudden departure, for America. Thds is not the sort of man to trust subscriptions to, and Irishmen who love their country, will do well to snub him, as thd Americans have

done.” Here is a boquet 'in the' same issue for the Secretary of the Mechanics’ Institute:—

Mr William Walmsley, has posted ; the following notice in the reading room:— 'Members are informed that ;thc present quarter is now due, all | payments being made in advance.' '■■ The lettering of this notice was exej cutcd by Mr Walmsley, and is quite ; a work of artistic skill. He appars !to have very happily reached the dulce et utile in his work, for whilst ) the notice forms an attractive picI ture, it also reminds members that ( thev should 'pay up.' " I W" find also on that date one of I the first references to a chart of | Tnurauga harbour: — j Admiralty -charts of Tnuranga hari hour, also the chart of the recent ; survey of a portion of the harb'»i r J made by Mr T. Peshamq, for lite ; Marine Department, enn now b<' objtainrd at the Custom House."