Untitled

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1103, 23 November 1869, Page 3

Mr. Mackay, the Native Commissioner, is now a partner with the Maoris at the Thames, trading under the firm of Taipara, Mackay aud Co. •" The whole of their business," says a correspondent of the Daily Times, "is the collection of rents and miners' rights, the profits being about £30,000 per annum, and that too for land almost valueless two years back. Not a shilling of this large sum is returned to the Provincial Government for roads, wardens, gold fields management, &c., a great hardship on the inhabitants, as roads are very much required." Flax Gum. — The Engineer, a -London, journal, has the following : — *' It is stated that the thick tough soap found in large quantities in the leaves of the New Zealand flax, may be converted into a gum for sealing envelopes, which, when dry, unites the surfaces of" papei* so thoroughly that no process of steaming ov soaking will permit them to be separated again. For this reason it is now being used in largo quantities in England in the preparation of what are called Safety Envelopes." An Insolvent Maoki. — We mentioned a short time ago that a Waivarapa Maori, named Wiremu Mahupuku, had filed a declaration of insolvency. The Wairarapa 3fercitry, mentioning the affair says : — " His liabilities amount to £683,-including £400 due to the estate of J. M. 'Taylor & Co. ; his assets are 1 horse, valuo £5, and 2 foals, value £20. A Wellington contemporary noted the event as the advance of civilization ; but the richest part of the affair is that he is one of the wealthiest landowners in the Valley, but the creditors cannot touch the land as if; has not gone through the Land Court. The yearly rents received by him amount, we are informed, to no inconsiderable sum." A Takgi. — Piripi's child died lately, and thevMaoris from all parts of the valley assembled at Moiki, last Sunday, to hold the usual tangi. The following is a list of provisions consumed on the occasion : — 1 bullock, 13 sheep, 1 ton flour, 1 ton sugar, 2 kegs butter, 2 hogsheads draught ale, containing 126 gallons, 3 cases gin, G cases brandy. The body of the child was in a coffin with a half glass door, and military honors were paid by Ngairo firiug off two pistols over the body. The effect of the spirits and beer on the natives was to bo witnessed the following day, most of them being beastly drunk. — Wuirarajia Mercury. Caegohs op Flax. — A Melbourne contemporary informs us that an uncomfortable feeling seems to have existed lately amongst the underwriters and shipping agents, in reference to the supposed hazardous character of New Zealand flax as cargo. It has been asserted that under certain conditions it is liable to spontaneous combustion, and tho emigration officors have intimated that it should not bo allowed to bo carriod in ships coming under the Passenger Act. It is understood that; the underwriting companies have decided, under the circumstances, not to accept risks afc ordinary rates when flax is carried, and that it is considered to be undc- , suable cargo, especially with wool, unless • thoroughly dry and well packed.