The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 4, 1901 HARNESSING TE REINGA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 98, 4 May 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 4, 1901 HARNESSING TE REINGA.

The report given by Mr Steuart on the subject of harnessing the Te Reinga Falls for the generating of electricity is a model of conciseness. It is in marked contrast withthe unsatisfactory methods that are being adopted in regard to the water supply scheme, the engineer for which is finding at odd intervals that he requires data, the necessity or otherwise of which should have been known at the outset. For a very modest sum Mr Steuart has prepared a report that presents the subject of electricity from Te Reinga in a form that can be understood by anyone. There is no bewilderment by imposing scientific phrases ; the whole thing is given with a simplicity that makes it readily understood. Whatever may be thought of the opinions expressed on the data presented, the report must be described as admirable, and we congratulate the Council on having been so well served in this matter. Unfortunately the data is not sufficiently complete to enable a definite opinion to be given, but it is sufficiently so to make it essential that the Council should carry out the recommendation made by Mr Steuart. That is to the effect that during the summer months, when the river is at the low level, records of the flow should be kept by an expert and trustworthy officer. Without that information, it is not possible to test the real value of the Falls. We have been informed by a gentleman whose opinion is entitled to considerable weight that there is a grave doubt as to whether the summer flow is sufficient to generate the power required. That test the Council should at once decide upon, and make arrangements accordingly, or rather affirm that such arrangements will be made at the proper time. There are setters in the locality who would, we feel sure, give the Council every assistance in the matter. There are some points in Mr Steuart’s report that should be discussed even though they may not be challenged, but ft would be useless to 'go further into the subject until the question of the summer flow is decided. Mr Steuart has, at least, shown that there is no impracticability about the supplying of Gisborne with motive and lighting power from Te Reinga.

THE PREMIER’S SPEECH. It was anticipated that the speech made by the Premier last night would have disclosed the Government’s policy measures for the future. But the speech is rather to be classed as a record of the past. Mr Seddon had a cheerful tale to tell, and he told it well. No doubt his heart would swell with pride, as after completing the “ record reign,” as humorists have termed the Premier’s long tenure of office, he was able to tell, the" people that there was a surplus of over £500,000, notwithstanding that during the year substantial remissions in taxation had been made. The Premier went further, and stated that there would be still further remissions. That, indeed, is the main part of the speech. In all departments there was a bright tale to tell.

Messrs AYyllie and Mason have several auction notices in this issue.

The annual installation ceremony in connection with the Turanganui Masonic Lodge takes p'ace on Monday evening next, at tire Masonic Hall, Childers road. The following additions have been made to the Telephone Exchange : Mr F. Crammond, private residence Stout street, Whataupoko, 174 Mr A. W. Rees, Ormond road, Whataupoko, 175. Mr and Mrs F. Heeney desire to express then gratitude for the many acts of kindness and appreciation shown by their many friends, whom they wish long life, health and prosperity. The Wairarapa Star says:—lt is rumoured that Mr A. W. Hogg, M. H. R., the member for Masterton, is to be called to the Upper House and mado the representative of the Ministry in that Chamber.

aues.s. weita, which left for Napier yesterday afternoon, took 100 sacks of maize and 20 sacks of oil-cake, shipped byMessrs Williams and Kettle, and 12 sacks of beans, shipped by the Loan and Mercantile, and 20 bales of wool. Tho American Publishing Companyhave to hand a choice assortment of the very latest musio, also a fine collection of musical instruments. - Several shipments of first-class and up-to-date literature are also being opened this week. A very successful practice for the Ascension Day services was held at HolyTrinity Church last night. The assistance of a number of additional ladios and gentlemen have been obtained, and no effort will be spared to make the services attractive.

The first case set down for the Supremo Court to-day is that of the Ivaiti Road Board v. William Henry Tucker, claim £l2 10s for rates. The divorce case John Dixon v. Rebecca Dixon (respondent) and Hare Robson (co-respondent) is also on the list for to-day. Tho football season opens to-day with a match at Tucker’s paddock. An exciting game is anticipated. As well as being the first game of the season, it will be the inauguration of the district scheme, which it is expected will infuse new life into football this year. A mob of 260 bullocks was brought into town yesterday from the Waihuka station for the Gisborne Freezing Works. This is the biggest mob over sent to the freezing works in this district. There is also a mob of over two hundred bullocks coming from Opotiki for the same works. < The annual training camp of the East Coast Mounted Rifles has been authorised for the 16th May. Tho equipment for the camp, including tents, etc., has arrived. The choice of site will be settled at a committee meeting to bo held this evening. The company parade on Tuesday evening for ordinary drill, after which a meeting will bo held to make final arrangements for the camp. The County Council’s proposals with regard to the imposition of a wheel tax arc causing a great deal of discussion throughout the county-. One resident of Ormond writes, stating that he would not pay the wheel tax on any account, neither will ho satisfy the Council by altering the tyres on his vehicles until he has had the matter decided in a court o( law. He expresses his willingness to pay for the maintenance of the county roads in any other way-.

In another column Mr A. Robertson, family and retail grocer and provision merchant, has an advertisement to which attention is directed. In addition to a first-class supply of groceries, Mr Robertson keeps in stock a choice assortment of the Gisborne Freezing Company’s preserved meats and soap. These local products command a large sale, both in the colonial and foreign markets, the demand at the present time far exceeding the supply. The City and the Huia football teams will meet at Tucker’s paddock to-day, and a fine game is anticipated. The kick-off takes place at 3 o’clock sharp. T-lie players selected are :—City team : Fullback. Gillespie; three-quarters, Burns, McDowell, Beatson ; five-eighth, Glennie ; half, Holland; forwards, Queen, Steele, Feeor, Duggan, Jones, Davidson, Webb, Dixon, and Harley : emergencies, Courtayne and Samson. Huia team : Fullback, To Reiua; three-quarters, Baker, Kere, and Leah ; five-eighth, Ball; half, Gibson; forwards, Caulton, Swan, McGrath, Blair, Riddell, Evinson, AVitters, Ngawini, Cookery, Scott: emergencies, Symes, McCredie, Cl Gibson, and Hatea. At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Mr AV. A. Barton, S.M., heard three cases of breaches of the Borough bye-laws. George Grant was charged with riding a bicycle at night without a light. He pleaded guilty, but urged that the police should use discretion. On moonlight nights, town lights were not lighted, and he did not see why bicy-clists should be compelled to carry lights. His AVorship said there would be complications if the police were permitted discretion, and whilst the bye-law was in its present terms he had no option but to inflict a penalty. Defendant was fined 10s, costs 7s, as were also AV. Robertson'' and A. Rainbow for similar offences. A charge against R. Bryant, jun., of driving a trap without lights, was, upoty the application of Mr L. Rees, adjourned till the 10th inst.

Mr H. F. Gush, proprietor of the Gisborne Cycle Works, has just completed a bicycle of his own manufacture, which ho had appropriately named “ The Federal.” The machine is one of the prettiest that has come under our notice, is beautifull y finished, and nothing but the best material has been used in its construction, It is a road racing machine of a most durable and servicable kind, the weight being 241 b. It is fitted with the B.S.A. fittings, and has the best English Dunlop make of tyres, Brook saddle, and half-inch pitch gear-. Mr Gush has disposed of the machine to Mr F., Pettie, and he has already received several orders for similar machines. A large number of cyclists have inspected the machine', which is at present on view at the depot in Peel street, and one and all speak of it in'terms of the highest praise. The price of the machine is extremely moderate, and a two years’ guarantee is given. Turanga Church Services.—Waerenga-a-bika (with Holy Communion) 11 a.m.; llakaraka (with Holy Communion) 3 p.m.; Ormond 7 p.m.—Canon Fox. Roman Catholic Church Services, Sunday next—Gisborne, Mass S and 11 a.m., Vespers 7 p.m. : Jlakauri, Mass 9 a.m.; Patutaki, Mass 11 a.m.

Wesley Church Services, Sunday next— Gisborn\ 11 a.m.; subject, So did not I, and Fear was the Cause of it ” ; 7 p.m., “ Do Dreams Ever Come True? Most Certainly, and we c m Prove it.”—Preacher, Rev. B. F. Rothweli.