Notes from the West.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 513, 2 October 1890, Page 3

Notes from the West.

[EBOir OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT,! Mabaetaha, Sept. 30. You may possibly remember that in a previous communication I mentioned that access to the Murewai was only to be obtained by traversing an aqueous expanse, which transit entailed inconvenience on pedestrians, and, in a less degree, on all who patronised other methods of conveyance — a hether vehicular or equine. The County Council discussed the advisability of giving freedom of action to the before-mentioned obstructing fluid by opening tho mouth of Murewai river, thus permitting its escape into the bosom of the mighty Pacific. But there were difficulties in the way, and the plan was abandoned. However, in consideration of our susceptibility to cold, the County Council hardened their hearts, and called tenders for substituting sand for the water, which, in course of time, became an accomplished fact under tbe auspices of Mr Jones, of Mw'awhero, who has provided us with a road that answers the purpose excellently, pro tem. How much of the sand will be left there by the end of the summer, it boots not to inquire too particularly—1' Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.” Arrangements have been made, and stakes deposited, for a match at quoits, to be played at Murewai on the eighth instant between a player representing Matawhero, and one who will do battle for the honor of our district. I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the merits of both competitors to pronounce decidedly in favor of either, but the JJatawhero representative will be a good man if he is within five points of ours at the finish. Should he win he can be accommodated with another opponent on the ground, at the same distance or a bit over.

Bushfalling is nearly finished on Wairekaia station, only one section remaining uncompleted, and docking has commenced, the percentage so far being highly satisfactory. On Pakowui the latter process was terminated last week, but I was unable to learn the numbers, those in authority observing a discreet reticence on the subject. Many of the natives have left the pa to engage in shearing operation*, and the attendance at the school suffers in consequence, many of the scholars finding employ* tpent as fieeceohs.

A great slaughter of wild sheep, claimed by the natives, is about to take place at Paraeta, in consequence of orders from the sheep inspector to dip within a fortnight. As all attempts to yard them have been unsuccessful tho whole number, amounting perhaps to three or four thousand, are to be destroyed. This will probably be a source of unmixed joy to Mr Trafford, to whose property they are contiguous, and who has lost several fine ewes from a mob which he recently drove up theie, by the little winning ways of the male l&niferous denizens of the adjacent territory. He sent some pack horses down for wool bales last week, and tbe driver spoke with the greateat enthusiasm about the elegant condition of the road,

In the South Brisbane police court, during the evidence of the prosecuting witness (George Eaves) in the case of sly grog selling against Robert White, a resident of Coor paroo, the defendant appeared to be seized with a sudden paroxysm of madness, for up >n Eaves testifying to having paid for certain drinks he began to gesticulate wildly with his arms, shouting at the same time, “You liar; you scoundrel, I'll shoot you.’’ As may well be imagined, a profound sensation was created in the crowded court, and Senior-sergeant Love instructed the constables present to secure and remove the cause of the dsturbance. This, however, was easier said than done, for White struggled and fought like a madman, and was only taken down to the cells with the greatest difficulty by three policemen. For some time afterwards his yells were audible in court, and one of the constables stated subsequently that be attempted to strangle himself while in the cells. White is considered a very steady man; and his sudden attack of apparent mania was attributed by one of his friends, who was present in court, to his protracted sufferings from fever and ague. In a recent number of the Speaker there is an interesting article on the House of Commons’ smoke-room. Mr Labouchere, we are told, is one of its most constant habitues. Mr Bradlaugh also loves the smoke room, for he can smoke a big cigar and drink very black coffee. Lord Randolph Churchill is as great a slave of the cigarette as Labby, and there was a time when the smoke-room saw him nearly as often ; but now he is more at home in the places where he learns the odds on the “ Abbease de la Jouarre.” Mr Parnell, before he was taken ill, almost lived in the House of Commons for weeks together, and after dinner regularly had a cup of coffee, and a very small and very mild cigar. Sir William Harcourt and Mr Chamberlain are equally remarkable for their love of the cigar. The cigar in both cases is very strong; tbe difference is that Mr Chamberlain always has them good ; while Sir William Harcourt, like the Austrian Emperor, seems to choose by preference the cheapest and the worst. Mr John Morley has a very few mild cigarettes ; but he is not often in the smoke room. Mr Balfour has never been seen there. Mr Gladstone will not give countenance to the weed, which he detests, by even a glimpse into the unokeroom. Ths apparition of Mr Smith is unknown; closure and tha cigar—it is a horrible association of ideas !