OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 109, 30 April 1881, Page 3

OPUNAKE.

(from our own correspondent.) Opunake, Wednesday. The township is steadily growing larger each day. Mr. Petfcicren has commenced building a receiving store at the bay, which was much needed, as hitherto there has been very indifferent accommodation in this way for storing goods landed, "for Manaia" especially. The steamer Samson called on Saturday last, en route for Manukau, and is again expected to-morrow. I learn the Government have promised Wiremu Kingi (Matakatia) to build him a residence at Opua. The timber will be landed here. Certainly, the old chief is deserving of some consideration for his past services. A public meeting was held last evening at the Telegraph Hotel, its main object being the formation of a Lighter Company. On Mr. Breach being voted to the chair, he said, in addressing the meeting, that it was highly essential for the residents of Opunake to endeavor to provide a better boat service for the place than the one in existence, and for that purpose, chiefly, the meeting was called. After discussing the matter at some length, ifc was proposed to wire to the Government, asking protection for the company (about being formed) for a stipulated term. The required sum for purchasing plant was there and then guaranteed. A resolution was also passed to communicate with boatbuilders in Auckland and Wellington, with a view of ascertaining the cost of a six-ton surf-boat ; and also urge upon the Government the necessity of providing a mooring buoy, for vessels calling at the port. Surely, this little concession will be made, considering the growing importance of this district, and the considerable disadvantages the public are laboring under through not being provided with the proper means of landing their goods. As an instance : The Samson, on Saturday last, having a large quantity of bridge timber for the Government, lost her cable, and consequently had to put to sea without landing her cargo, there being no mooring buoy for the port. This alone should be sufficient to warrant the Government doing something for the place. A severe accident occurred a few days ago to a man at Oeo. It appears while climbing a tree to obtain honey, he fell a distance of about eighteen feet, injuring himself seriously. On Tuesday Hone Pihama's man came here to seek assistance for him, and report to Captain Morrison. His name is unknown, but he belonged to the ship Adamant, and only recently came to Oeo. A petition, signed by the residents of Opunake, has been forwarded, praying the Government to alter the time-table of Mr. Prosser's coach line to that of the New Plymouth time, so as to establish a through communication between both towns. The Maori prisoners are expected here daily. ____________

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