NEWS AND NOTES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 34, 7 August 1880, Page 2

NEWS AND NOTES.

The natives are still going in large numbers to Parihaka. Napoleon, Hone Piharna's son-in-law, went up on Tuesday, and others are going daily, who were considered to be outside of the Prophet's influence, which appears to be gaining ground, more especially amongst the young men. Luke, a great friend of Manaia's, is amongst those lately arrested, as well as Elian, and others well known on the Plains. We have heard a rumor, to the effect that some change was about to take place in reference to the fencing, but as yet we cannot state anything definitely. A correspondent at the camp informs us that Colonel Roberts will probably vary the proceedings somewhat, but he does not state in what direction. One thing appears certain, and that is, that had the road been taken nearer to Parihaka, and thus avoided the clearings, affairs would very probably be in a more satisfactory state than they are at present. At the same time, we believe that the Road Engineer acted for the best, in keeping the line as far as possible from the seat of the Maori Republic. Te Whiti's object appears to be to tire out the Government, and if the young and the old continue to flock to Parihaka, he appears to have a good chance of succeeding in his tactics. Our correspondent also states that he has heard a rumor to the effect that the Government intends releasing some of the more peacably-dis-posed of those who were first arrested ; out he has grave doubts — and we are inclined to agree with him — as to the wisdom of such a course, in the present unsettled and uncertain state of things.

It has been decided that the Ngaire should be constituted a road disti ict, and a meeting of the settlers will be convened at an early date, at Normanby, by the chairman of the county council, for the purpose of electing commissioners. We congratulate the Taranaki Land Board, and especially the Chief Commission, for having thus promptly brought the subject under the notice of the Patea County Council.

A letter signed " Colonist," in the fourth page, will well repay perusal. He has ably written on a subject to which we directed attention in one of the early issues of the Star.

A special telegram to the Taranaki Herald of Thursday states that the Public Petitions Committees of both Houses refuse to express any opinion as to the legality or illegality of the expenditure incurred by the New Plymouth Harbor Board ; but they state that the Hawera people can have their remedy by applying to the Supreme' Court. It is worthy of note that the Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee in the Lower House is Mr. T. Kelly, the hon. member for New Plymouth.

We understand that what is technically termed the " Proclamation plan " of the land between Hawera and Norrnanby is in the hands of the Minister of Public Works, and we shall not be surprised any day to find a notification in the Government Gazette, setting forth the position through which the line is to be taken. There ought to be no great delay in calling for tenders for the work. It would be the means of keeping a body of men about the district, which is a thing to be desired, in the present unsettled aspect of native affairs.

Amongst the tenders for the position of steward to the Patea hospital was Mr. Sliiels, who has for some time past been stationed, at the Manutahi police-station. Tlie chaivman spoke in high terras ot Mr. Sliiels as a police officer, but the county council did not consider that a sufficient recommendation. One of the councillors remarked that the fitness of a man for one position did not necessarily qualify him lor another. Ten applications were received, at salaries ranging from .£SO to £84.. Mr. Donnelly, who was temporarily appointed at a previous meeting, was the successful applicant, at .£B4 per annum for himself and wife.

Every reader of " Pickwick" — indeed, many who have not even experienced that pi asure will be familiar with it through stage representations — will remember Mr. Sam Weller's examination, in the celebrated case of " Bardell versus Pickwick," but more especially that portion where the junior Sam was bidden by his worthy father to " Spell it with a " Wee, Samivel." During the hearing of the case against Antonio Domingo, on Thursday, while one of the witnesses was giving his evidence, a spectator in the body of the halll, in a stentorian voice, exclaimed — " It's a downright untruth : it's a d d lie." The majesty of the law having been thus outraged in a very unceremonious manner, Sergeant Cahiil quickly ejected the offender from the sacred precincts.

If we mistake not, the resolution passed at the last me ting of the Hawera Town Board, with reference to changing the night of meeting, will have to be rescinded. Under the Taranaki Provincial Ordinances, it is expressly laid down that the meetings of the New Plymouth Borough Council shall be held on the first Monday in the month, and we have been informed that all other local bodies in the province v.re similarly dealt with. We would, therefore, suggest ,that a special meeting should be called to rescind the resolution, or else that the opinion of the borough solicitor should be obtained. At the previous meeting of the Board, when the matter was brought forward, Mr. Winks, the chairman, expressed an opinion that they were bound to meet the first Monday in the month, and so far as we can learn, he was right.

The charge brought by Kate Summers; against Antonio Domingo, of the Wes£ Coast Boarding House, and which was adjourned on Monday, so as to enable the ; accus d to procure counsel for his defence, was brought on again on Thursday ; the presiding Justices being Captain "Wilson and Mr. F. McGuire, J.P.'s. Mr. Parrington, as on the previous occasion, appeared for the complainant, and Mr. G. D. Hamerton came from Carlyle to conduct the defence. The case was heard till nar midnight, as one of the Justices and Mr. Hamerton were anxious to get away. Even then, however, the proceedings had to be adjourned till the following morning. There were three counts in the indictment — the first being of unlawfully assaulting and kicking ; and the second, unlawfully assaultiug and beating complainant with his fist. The third charge being similar to the first, Mr. Parrington did not press it. Several witnesses were examined at considerable length. The Bench dismissed the first charge ; but in the second, a fine of £5 and costs was inflicted ; in default, two months' imprisonment, with hard labor. The length of our report of the Patea County Council precludes us froni giving the evidence in full.

There was a slight "breeze" at the last meeting of the county council. Mr. Gane proposed that Mr. Klink, who had tendered at .£SO per annum for the position of steward to the hospital, should be appointed, as he had excellent testimonials, and was the lowest tenderer. The chairman (Mr. Dale) said he did not believe in these low salaries, as the invariable result was, that those who were •appointed soon became discontented, and, as a rule, applied for higher salaries a short time afterwards. He expressed himself in favor of the appointment of Mr. Donnelly, who had given satisfaction since he had been.temporarily filling the position. Councillor Brewer supported the application of Mr. Donnelly, stating that he did not believe altogether in these low salaries. Later on, the chairman explained that if any of the councillors could prove to him that any of the other applicants were better fitted for the position than Mr. Donnelly, he would support him in preference. Mr. Gane intersected the remark, " It's only bluff." This had the effect of bringing Councillor Brewer to his feet, and in vigorous terms he denounced the imputing of motives such as were implied in Councillor Gane's remark, stating that he had not spoken a word, before entering the room, to any councillor on the, subject. Councillor Homer also gave expression to similar sentiments, saying that they had come there as honorable men to do the best they could, and that such imputations were unworthy of the members of the council. Councillor Hunter came to the rescue of Councillor Gane, urging that Councillor Brewer was unnecessarily severe in his remarks, and that he had not placed the proper construction upon what fell from Councillor Gane. After that, matters went on more smoothly, and the business of the couuoil proceeded.

Mr. W. Cowern, auctioneer, is putting up commodious sale yards at Kakaramea.

Mr. W. M. Thomson will hold a sale of stock, produce, merchandise, &c, at Nornianby, to-day.

A mounted parade, with swords, of the Haweva Light Horse, will be held this aiternoon, at 2.30.

The adjourned meeting of Mr. T. Rogers' creditors will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

We regret to learn that Mr. Prichard, chemist, is suffering from low fever. He has been confined to his bed diving the week.

It is the intention of the Government to call for tenders for working the Greytown branch railway by horse-power.

An effort is about to be made to establish a carcase trade in beef between Napier and Auckland. Our Waitara friends might find it profitable to do the same. They have the advantage of being so much nearer.

We understand that Mr. Barleyman, having completed his labors in Wellington, was to leave last night by the steamer Manawatu. He will probably arrive in Hawera by Monday's coach.

We have heard it rumored that Mr. H. S. Peacock, J.P., Manutahi, intends selling out, and leaving the district. Many of Mr. Peacock's friends will regret to learn that such is the case, and we trust that the rumor has no foundation.

The sxirvey staff under Mr. Foy's command will probably be disbanded very soon, as there will not be much work to do, if, as is probable, the recommendations of the Eailway Commission are carried out.

The Government .is not favorable to the idea of making the county councils land boards. The chairman of the Patea County Council, at the last meeting, stated that Major Atkinson had informed him the Government was greatly averse to altering the constitution of the land boards.

We ne; d hardly remind the ratepayers of Hawera that the public meeting, convened by the Town Board, will be held at Lloyd's hotel, at half-past seven o'clock this evening. The business to be brought forward will be of an important character, and every ratepayer should endeavor to be present.

Mr. Hill, the teacher of the Normanby school, has, we regret to learn, signified his intention of resigning that position. It will be remembered that Normanby was one of the schools which the Wanganui Education Board threatened to take a pupil teacher from, unless the attendance increased. The outcome is that, at least, one excellent teacher has felt compelled to resign a situation in which he has given almost universal satisfaction.

Mr. Churton, of Aranioho, has built, entirely at his own expense, about three and a naif miles up the north side of the Wanganui river, a college for female children of the Maori race. The benefits are not to be confined to any particular tribe, and children from seven to twelve years will be admitted, and allowed to remain until they are sixteen years. They wjII receive a good plain education and practical training, and a small yearly fee will, if found practicable, be charged, so as to give the children a sense of independence. The school has been placed under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Menzies, late of Awahuri.

Mr. M. D. King has received the following answer from the Hon. Major Atkinson, in reply to the telegram sent by the members of the Hawera Town Board : — " Re Town Districts Bill. — Do not understand why you are surprised to see Hawera omitted from schedule. Could not take upon nij'self' to insert Hawera without application of Board. Think there is little chance of Act passing. Shall have much pleasure, however, in getting Hawera in schedule of Act, if, as I understand, your telegram is an official application from Town Board, and should the Act become law."

Business appears to be quite lively in Carlyle just now. There are over sixty of the unemployed working in its vicinity, whilst some of the contracts recently let are about to be commenced. Mr. Milroy's new hotel is rapidly approaching completion ; the painters are busily at work ; and the building will probably be ready by the time that the next sttting of the Licensing Court is held. Mr. F. OS. McCarthy is about to erect another hotel on the opposite side of the river, in a position adjoining the new railway station. The plans and specifications can be seen at Mr. McCarthy's residence, or at Messrs. Druminond and Alexander's, Wanganui.

Embezzlement appears to be a very difficult thing to prove, judging by the opinion given to the County Council by its solicitor. Mr. Hamerton quoted the decision of several eminent English judges on the subject — all tending to show how difficult it was to prove a charge of embezzlement. The opinion was given in connection with dog fees which have not been accounted for by Mr. Winchcomb, who acted as dog registrar for the county at Waverley. Councillor Gane accordingly moved that an advertisement should be inserted in the Mail, asking those who had paid the fees to forward their names to Mr. Black, clerk to the Council. The motion was seconded by Councillor Hunter, and carried.