WAIROA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1158, 3 June 1870, Page 2

WAIROA.

[FaOil OUB OWfi- COSEBSPOKDENT.] Clyde, May 27. lam very glad to be able to tell you thafc the war paralysis with which this otherwise vigorous and healthy settlement; has been so long affected, is gradually and surely giving way to the skilful treatment of late pursued by the Government, and although obvious symptoms of weakness still remain, marked convalescence is plainly observable. Owing in a great measure to the occupation of Onepoto (on the shores of Waikaremoana) by the combined friendly natives under Messrs. Hamlin and Witty, the outlying settlements of Turiroa and Te Kapu are rendered comparatively safe, and irruptions such as those of a year ago made all but impossible. Many of the original Kapu settlers have returned to their homes, after having displayed. in no ordinary degree during the troublous times succeeding the date when they were forced to quit their settlement, that energy and fortitude in difficulty and danger, which pre-eminently, distinguishes the British colonist. Already places of business are going up, and among others whose unabated perseverance deserves success, I notice my old friend Mr. T. Becket, who in the face of apparently unsurmountable obstacles has i gained his end, and is once more with his family reinstated. Clyde is also looking up - three or four more substantial looking stores have put in an appearance, to complete the marine parade, and here and there a very comfortable looking cottage becomes unobtrusively visible, which was not so a year ago. Sections are becoming occupied, new industries inaugurated, and although business is not brisk, there is evidently trade doing, and confidence much restored. News from the Lake, though meagre, is satisfactory ; the native force, consisting of Mohaka, Nuhaka, and Wairoa hapus, pull well together, and are evidently actuated by a desire to brighten their somewhat tarnished reputation. It is a pity thafc Ropata should have taken the huff just at the time he did ; but I am of opinion that Ngatikahungunu under Hamlin are quite equal to their undertaking, and if they cannot command success will try to deserve it. Another and very significant move in the right direction, is the institution of regular Sunday meetings for purpose of public worship. Sunday afc Clyde now, contrasts very favorably with the Sabbath at Wairoa long ago. I was both surprised and gratified to see the large and respectable attendance on Sunday last. .In connexion with these meetings a Sunday school has been established, and is largely attended by the juveniles of the settlement. Clyde, I believe, is mainly indebted to Mrs. Ormond for this and many other educational benefits. I am sorry to say thafc under the head of shipping I have not good news to communicate ; the Why Not got in by a fluke, and has since discharged her cargo, but .the* period of her departure is questionable, there being but two feet of water on the bar at high tide. The Three Brothers arrived off the Wairoa on Saturday morning last, and communicated witb the shore, but finding the bar impracticable, bore up for Long Point. She has since returned and, while I write, is J outside; she will f have to return to Napier, j the river being almost closed. j