OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 138, 10 August 1881, Page 3

OPUNAKE.

(from our own correspondent.) Opunake, August 6.

Since receipt of registration forms, which you have kindly supplied, the residents here have availed themselves the opportunity of being placed on the roll of the Electoral District of Egmont. At the coming general election, our honorable representative cannot expect much support from Opuuake, unless he should see the advisability of extending a little consideration to the people of this district, whose interests he appears to have overlooked. As an instance of how little faith is placed in him, imagine the Opunake people appealing to Sir George Grey to redress their wrongs. On the Major's last visit to the district, he was interviewed by the settlers, laying before him their grievances, one in particular, the establishment of a school, as there were over seventy children deprived of the advantages of a primary education. This he expressed surprise, saying he would give the matter his attention on arrival at Wellington ; but I suppose the New Plymouth High School was of more interest.

On the same occasion, we asked for a better surf-boat, but it was refused, on the grounds of retrenchment being the order of the day ; but immediately afterwards, when Opunake was able to provide for itself, we were informed that the Government had given orders for the building of a suitable surf boat, to be employed in lauding all goods for the port, at a rate of 6s. per ton, which clearly shows the disinterestedness of the Major in the welfare of Opunake.

Now, considering the large amount of money realised at land sales for sections in this township, together with the rapid influx of population, will not the Government do anything at all towards the establishment of a school, now that there are over eighty children awaiting tuition. Some suggest that the Minister of Education be petitioned to inquire how the funds of the Taranaki Education district haA - e been distributed. If this should be done, it will be seen that the Taranaki Education Board has been most partial in dealing with the funds.

At a meeting of the Opunake School Committee, held to-day, it was resolved, that in consideration of a large and increasing number of children in Opunake being unable to obtain the benefits of a primary education, the Board's (munificent) offer of ss. per week towards the rent of a school building (or rather shed) be accepted, and that the balance of rent be raised by public subscription. Now this is a case of extreme hardship, which no doubt will be chronicled in the history of New Zealand as unprecedented. "Whilst some are crying out about the cost of education, others have to pray and beg for the small pittance of ten shillings per week to provide a building, and which, as you know, was refused.

Some complaints are being made agrinst the Native Commissioner by some natives in this locality of the partiality shown to a certain Maori. A petition has been forwarded to Major Te Wheoro, M.H.K., in which it is stated that the native who murdered Brady on this coast, has beeu awarded 50 acres of land, while to those remaing loyal throughout little or no consideration has been shown. The member referred to has addressed a letter to Wiremu Kingi, where he handles. Major Atkinson very roughly, and also stating the Commission has done nothing towards settling matters.

It is rumoured frotu'Rahotn Camp that a first-class sergeant some time ago induced a certain constable to join him in the purchase of a billiard table, which the constable did, and carried on business for four months, of course dividing profits after expenses were paid. It now appears there had been no writing between the parties. The serjeant, thinking a good line was on, it is stated, repudiated the constable's claim, thereupon forcing him to sell his share at a considerable loss. I believe the matter will be bronght before the commanding officer, when it is to be hoped, if such conduct on the part of a non-commissioned officer can be proved he will be severely dealt with.