LOCAL INTELLIGENCE AND GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 24, 6 March 1858, Page 3

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE AND GOSSIP.

' Hr. McLean, accompanied by Mr. Cooper, Mr. McCabe, & Mr. Grindell, all of the native department, left Napier for the South on the morning of Wednesday last — intending, we believe, to stay that night at the Hapuka's pah, and to accompany that chief next day on his journey to the interior. Mr. McLean, during his present visit, has, in having restored peace between the native tribes — or at least, having been a chief instrument in so doing — rendered an eminent service to the District. His departure would have taken place at a much earlier period, to meet demands upon his time in other parts of the province, but it has been delayed in deference to a generally expressed wish on the part of the settlers — apprensions being entertained of a further outbreak, should he leave before the final removal of the Hapuku. Mr. McLean purposes leaving Wellington on the 24th inst., by the vessel chartered by Government to convey the members of the General Assembly to Auckland, so that his stay in the south will necessarily be brief. We take occasion to add that the settlers here — so far as we have been able to gather — have no sympathy whatever with the indirect attacks which have been made upon Mr. McLean during his absence, by a section of the Auckland press ; but, on the contrary, regard with contempt the shallow efforts of the individual who is presumed to have prompted them. So far from Mr. McLean being, as represented, an obstacle in the ■way of the Governor, in effecting native reforms, they feel assured that his Excellency fully appreciates the great experience and sound judgment — we might say, sagacity, in native matters, of the gentleman who has been so unfairly yet so insidiouslymade the subject of censure. . The Troops are still located in One Poifco valley ; and, although the building ma.

terials have come to hand, nothing has yet been done towards the erection of barracks. The reason of this is that the barrack reserve is, in the opinion of the officer commanding, and, we believe, in that of military men generally, not only too limited in extent, but in an unsuitable situation, whether as regards water, exercise for the men, or feed for the horses. Waipureku has been inspected, with a view of ascertaining its adaptability, or otherwise, to the purpose of a barracks ; and, from the level land, good pasturage, water etc., we believe that the officers are in favour of this site. But not only is the available land in that locality limited in extent, but the occupation of it by troops would bring the latter into immediate proximity with the natives — native land abutting on the township of Clive. Several other localities have also been mentioned. In the meantime this knotty point has been referred to the military authorities at Auckland, pending the decision of whom, matters remain in statu quo. Although the present reserve has been recommended by Colonel Mould, it will probably be deemed necessary that, for so large a number of men, some other site must be chosen ; but we cannot ourselves see the propriety of pushing forward to the very verge of native territory, and of leaving in an unprotected state the centre of wealth and population. The Natives. — Within the past day or two the Resident Magistrate has issued a notice in the native language cautioning natives from coming to the Port, armed, and stating that any one so offending will be deprived of his gun or other weapon. Crown Grants, at length, are likely to be issued, and an evil of which the inhabitants of this District have long had cause to complain, now likely to be removed. By last mail, the formidable obstacle that has so long stood in the way of those grants being issued and which has been so fruitful a cause of inconvenience to the settlers, | has at length been overcome. And how, reader, do you think that obstacle was overcome ? Why, by forwarding to the Chief District Surveyor (Mr. Tiffen) a certain number of blank forms ! Might not the same have been done months — nay years ago ? Death By Drowning. — Yesterday, a man named William Smith was drowned under the following circumstances. He and two others were going to Pesane in a whale boat, when the boat upset, and the deceased, who is said to have been the worse of liquor, went down, notwithstanding every effort to save him. The two others made a grasp at him in the water, but, unfortunately, only got hold of his cap, which of course came away, and he immediately ! sank. The pilot was on the spot almost ■ on the instant, but he could not reach the drowning man. The deceased was a whaler, j and lately from Hawke's Bay. | The Eastern Spit. — We are happy to learn that something is likely to be at length done towards making the road along this spit — now becoming a great thoroughfare — in a passable state. The Chief Commissioner has been authorised to employ military labour for the purpose — that is, if it will be granted, which we doubt not, from our knowledge of Col. Wyatt's urbanity. We know of no public work that is more wanted. Resignation of J. V. Smith Esq. — In our last we gave insertion to a letter, notifying the intended resignation of our member in the General Assembly. We cannot help regretting that Mr. Smith, in his letter to Mr. Ferguson, should not have been explicit in giving his reasons for this step ; for assuredly it has taken us quite by surprise. Prior to Mr. Smith's visit to this District, there was some doubt as to his being able to take his seat ; but, since that visit, we have fully counted upon his services in the General Assembly — to present the separation petition, and to give it his support. We must say that a feeling of dissatisfaction prevails, which might have been obviated had Mr. Smith been more explanatory. However, we must make the best of it, and look about for a gentleman at once competent to succeed him and able to make the necessary sacrifice of time and mental labour. Who can we get ? Advance Napier. — It will be seen from our shipping columns that, during the past week, no fewer than eight sailing vessels and one steamer were in our harbour at one ' time. This is something like business. The Magistracy. — We observe with pleasure that the name of J. B. Ferguson Esq. has been added to the Commission of the Peace 'for the Province -of Welling.ton.

The General Government surely cannot be hard up, and yet, from their actions now and again, one would really think that such was the case. For instance, not long ago, they authorised an expenditure for the purpose of a whare for the mail-man, of the enormous sum of £2 ; and for the sustenance of the poor foot-sore native, they generously allow one shilling per day ! Then again, they accept the resignation of Mr. Catchpool, the postmaster, and grandiloquently instruct the Resident Magistrate to engage the services of asuccessor at the rate of £25 a year — a sum that wouldn't half pay his rent. Again they talk largely of the overland route, and allow £150 for the portion of the work on this side — an amount that, considering the magnitude of the undertaking, is perfectly ridiculous. Last but not least — that is to say if report be true — they appoint our worthy Resident Magistrate toja seat in the Legislative Council, and, during his absence, deprive him of his salary ! If this be true — which we rather think it is — our General Government friends have reached the climax of niggardliness — to give it no more opprobious erm. t Waipureku. We are glad to learn that a policeman is in future to be stationed at this rapidly rising township. Transfer of License. — On Tuesday last, the license of the Ahuriri Hotel (late Torr'sj was transferred to Messrs. Richardson and Charlton. The Separation Petition is now being taken round for signature throughout the interior. We trust that every settler will feel it a duty to attach his signature, so that a document may go forth bearing unanimity in unmistakable characters, upon its face. Land Sales.— We understand that, since the first of the month, somewhere about £5000 has been paid at the land office, Napier, for purchases. Is it not lamentable to think that all such sums must leave the District — for expenditure, it may be, in the city of Wellington ? The Provincial Council. — We believe that Messrs Gollan and FitzGerald, members for this District, start for Wellington this day by the overland route.