MR GRAY'S DISQUALIFICATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 70, 27 April 1880, Page 2

MR GRAY'S DISQUALIFICATION.

Subjoined is a letter from Messrs. Conolly and Pitt, of Wellington, regarding the alleged disqualification of Mr A. Gray, as a Commissioner of the Foxton Local Board. It will be seen that the legal firm appealed to fully sustain the views we have expressed on this matter, and give the opinion that Mr Gray is " certainly disqualified." The course for the Local Board now to adopt is to appoint a new Chairman, and take the necessary steps to have the vacancy caused by Mr Gray's disqualification filled. The: following is the letter received by Mr Palmer : — " Lambton Quay, Wellington, April 23, 1880. R. G. Palmer, Esq , Clerk Foxton I .ooal 3o:ird, Foxton. Dear Sir — Wo have to acknowledge re. oeipfc of your letter of the 15th inst., which wnuld have been replied to earlier, but both members of onr firm were absent from Wellington when your letter arrived. Our opinion is- asked as to whether or not Mr Alexander Gray, the present Chairman of the Foxton Local Board, is disqua'ified from beinsr a Commissioner of the said Hoard by reason of his receiving a rental of 20s per month for the use of his section No. 237, as a right-of-way till a proposed ex chaniro is effeoted l>y the Government (such arrangement to date from the Ist April. 1876), or a month's notice being giveu Mr Gray by the Ghainnau of the Board terminating tho arrangement. We are referred to the ICth clause of " The Local Boards Act." We are also informed that the arrangement is still existing, and that Mr Gray is still receiving the said rent. We are clearly <<f opinion that this " arrangement " is a contractbetween Mr Alexander Gray and the Foxton Local Board, and that bo long as the contract exists Mr Alexander Gray i-< im apa'ole of acting as a Commissioner of the Board, and indeed that he has ceased to be a Commissioner. The amount of the contract does not make any difference in the matter, the principle being the same whether the amount is £12. or £ I per annum Wo have no hesitation whatever in saying that in our opinion Mi Gray is certainly disqualified. Yours faithfully, CONOT.LY AND PITT.

The New Wh a -p. —There are two fea tures in connection with the proposed new wharf at Fox ion that are rather disappointing. Ono is, that n>> provision is made for curfs to tro alongside the breastwork. This point we hnvo several limes referred to, and it is one <if imp'ufcmce to traders in Foxton. No reason can be shown why a -torekeeper who owns a cart should not go down to the steamer's side aud receive his goods, instead of beiug compolled to take delivery at the sheds, and pay an extra \a per ton to the Railway Department for doing what he himself is willing to do if Government will allow him, viz., receiving his goods The second matter is, that no arrangements avo, proposed in the now plans for the stacking? of timber for shipmant. and as v conseqm nne there will bo the same outcry iigainxt the vexatious charges 'for handling. That there will be a large export trade in timber at the port of Foxton is 'certain, and it is to be "egretted the G- „-- vernment do . not seem inclined to arrange their wharf so that the charges will fall lightly on the producers. It would have been quite possible to have left sufficient room between the first and second lines of rails on the new wharf to afford ample accommodation for stacking timber, which could easily have been passed over the rails for shipment, without further expense. Land S.u,b. — At the sale of Mr Louion's land, by order of the mortgagees, at Wellington, on Fridt.y last, by Mr J. H. Wallace, the properties advertised were all bought by the mortgagees, the sum being over £2000. Accident to the Coach.— Ou Friday last an accidont occurred which delayed the up co.ich about an' hour, and thus prevented the mail from going through to Wanganui that evening. It appears that about hulf a mile beyond Hartley's one of the axles broke in a sand cutting, and the coach capsized. Fortunately Mr Baker, who was travelling towards Horowhenua, shortly afterwards rode up, and at once kindly returned to town and informed the ferryman that the coach hud broken down and another whs wanted. The spare coach was at once despatched by Mr Why re, and the mails and passengers reuched Foxton about an hour after the traiu had left.

Catholic Church.— A notification appears in another column to the effect that members of the above Church will meet at Foxton in future on the second Sunday in the month, instead of the first Sunday, as formerly. Mass will be celebrated on the next occasion on tho 9th of May. Death op a Valuable Bull.— We regret to record the death of the valuable pure bred Duchess bull Wild Frenchman, at the Carnarvon Instate, on Friday last, at 11 a.m. Tho animal in question. which was worth 300 guineas, was recently imported from the home couatry, having arrived at Wellington in December last per ship Bebington, and reached Foxton on the last day of the year. The immediate cause of death was violent inflammation, the animal being taken ill only 36 hours before its death. Wild _ Frenchman was one of the best bred bulls in the district, and wes a very promising youngster two years old. His death is to be greatly regretted, as there oan bo no doubt he would have introduced a really fine strain of blood into this district. .Boats.— After the sale of Norbiton on Saturday last, Messrs. Thynno, Linton & Co., auctioned two flat-'ottomed boats recency sent down from Palmerston. Each of them sold for £3, 0110 to Mr J. \V. Liddell, the other to Mr Wm. Shore. Noebiton.— The long talked of sale of Norbiton took place at Mejsrj Thynne, Linton & Co.'s sale rooms on Saturday last. There was a large attendance of the public, but the bidding was very slow. The following lots were knocked down at the prices named: — Section 1, £f)5, G. W. Uussell ; section 2, £50, Chas. Hulke 5 sec'iou 0, A. Gray, £50 ; section 7, A. Gray, £5-5 ; section 9, N. Nasb, A'so The auctioneer (Mr Thynne) announced that the remaining pioperties would be open for sale On deferred payments by private treaty. We hear that sections 19, 20, 25, and 26 have been taken up privately by Mr Flower, at the upset price. The Kairanoa Block. — Mr George Nye, Public Works Department overseer, has kindly furnished us fuller particulars regarding the effect on the Kairanga Block of the recent disastrous flood. In a recent issue we referred to certain state men ta which had been inado impugning the desirability of the Government offering this block for sale, on account of the extent of water which settled upon it during the late flood. We stated that it had been reported to us that part of the Taonui section was 14 feet under water, and that tho Government should cause a careful enquiry to be made before they decoyed people ou to this laud We leara from Mr Nye that the statements made to us on this matter were somewhat exaggerated. The real fact appears to be that at the south-western corner the block slopes down into the Taonui swamp, and when the flood was at its highest seven of the sections in that part of the block were flooded On the highest ground there were only about 2 inches of water, the depth gradually increasing as the slope was descended, until at the boundary line between the swamp and the block there were about 10 feet of water. We would particularly impress the fact that the flood affeoted only seven sections of the block, and these all iv the south-west corner adjoining the Taonui swamp. Also, it should be borne in mind that the flood was unprecedently high, being Sift (tin higher than any known before; whilst Mr Nye assures us that the system of drainage now being carried out by tho Government will have the effect of relieving the Taouui swamp of the back water at a much faster rate than it can make away at present, thus materially lessening the chance of the seven sections refarred to buing flooded iv future. There was of course during the heavy rams 1 hat caused the flood a quantity of storm water flowing acoss the block, but this will be prevented from ocourring iv future by (he system of drainage now being 1 carried out. We furnish the above information with great pleasure, as it sets at rest any doubt as to the desirableness of the Kairanga Block for settlement purposes. Having vjsited the block during the flood, Mr Nye is thoroughly competent to give a decided report on the matter. The opening of the Kairanga will srive a grand impetus to the township of Palmerston, the land being of the finest quality, well watered, and absolutely free from flood (excepting the one corner referred to.j There can be no doubt that immediately itis thrownopen, ii will be eagerly sought after. School Reports. — In the present issmis published the Inspector's report on the remainder of the schools in Manawatu, the first instalment having been inserted in Friday's paper. On the present occasion we feel it our duty to erpress an opinion that Mr Foulis' report this year shows a very marked improvement ou its predecessor. Last year we unsparingly criticised certain features of his report, because it was cvi dent such a course was necessary. In the report before us we are pleased to notice a firmer tone, and a mor> evident determination to " hit out " where necessary, than characterised that of last year. The twelve months of colonial life have evidently not been lost on the Inspector. The report before us gives a fair idea of the condition of education in the district, though, as Mr Foulis points Out, " until we have uniformity in the conducting of examinations by the several Inspectors, we shall not be able to form a fair and impartial estimate of the state of education in the various educational districts of the land." On a future occasion we will endeavour to collate various facts of interest from the report. Awaiicu Buidge, — We understand seve" ral of the owners of property near the Awahou bridge. Main-street, Foxton, nre noxious to have the proposed culvert • erected with out delay, and the footpath carried aloig over the gap. As an indication of their fepling on the matter, they have started a subscription lUt, which is being fieely responded to, over i'l2 having been contributed by the owner* of adjoining properties. It is intended to press the matter en the attention of both the Council and the Local Board, the former body having in its charge the road, whilst *he duty of forming and maintaining to footpaths falls on the Board. It will be remembered thpt last year tho sum of £120 waH placed upon the County Council estimates for the work referred to, but so far no steps have been taken to expend tho money. The erection of a culvert and formation of the paths would be yreat improvements to the principal street of the township, and wo hope the efforts now being made will lead to something being done in the matter. The Bank opAustuala.su. — The officials of the Bank of Australasia are displaying commendable activity in gettin? things under weigh for tho erection of their building. It is only a fortnight since we announced the purchase of the /and from Mr Whyte, and now we have to record that on Friday last the Bank Inspector, Mr Morrah, accompanied by Mr F. de Clere, the ■wellknown architect at Feilding, visited Foxton, for the purpose of giving the necessary instructions regarding the now premises. Tha building to bo erected will be both haudsoine and commodious, and will include quarters for the popular agent, Mr Cox, whom we shall be glad to see comfortably housed. Mr de Clere is to prepare the design, and from the skill and taste he has diplnyed in the various buildings erected in this dwtiiet under his supervision, we feel certain the new bank will be a credit to the

institution and nn ornament to thin township. Tenders are to bo called for immediately the plans are approved. Apology.— Wo have to apologise to our Otaki subscribers for the non-delivery of their pipers last Friday. The error occurred purely through an oversight, which we regretted the more because of knowing the Otaki people would be particularly anxious to sse the HeH.yt/d on Friday. Metalling.— Mr Fowell, the contractor for forming and metalling the road from Mr J. Symons* corner towards Mr C. Symons' house, is pushing on with the work, and expects to have it finished in a fortnight, provided no delay occurs in procuring tlie gravel from the County pit. Price Current. — The usual monthly number of tho. above useful publication has readied us. It contains a large amount of information. Local BoarD. — A. meeting of the Foxton Local Board will be held to-morrow, Wedncsdiy, at 7 p. in., at the Athemeum, when a rato of one shilling in the i' wilt be struck. Foxtos-Otaki Koad. — Wi understand tho*tion. John Johnston has intimated his willingness to allow as much of his land as is necessary to be* tiken for n road from the Tramway to No. I Line, to connect with the F»xton-Otaki road, on condition that the County Council fences the roadway on both side 3 and pays him at the rate of £80 per aero for the land taken. This offer appears reasonable, and we trust at its next meeting 1 the County Council will accept it, and push on '.he formatio of the road, as it will bo a great boon to settlors in the south end of the town to be able to reach their homes without passing the ferry. Houses. — Messrs. Thynne, Linton & Co., announce a sale by auction on Saturday n^xt, when 18 horses will be submitted. The animals belong to the well-known Moutoa native Hemi Warena, -who is compelled to dispose of his horses on account of tho recent flood havinsr destroyed the feed on his land. Some bargains may therefore be expected, and we expect to chronicle a most successful sale. The Agricultural Statistics.— ln another column we publish the agricultural statistics for the Counties of Manawatu and Uangitikei for the years 1879 and 1880, the statistics for the present year being prblished in this issue for the first time A glance at the retnrn will showt mos gratifying progress in Manawntu, for whilst in the neighbouring County of Kangitikei *he number of holdings has increased by only 5, the holdings in Manawatu this year number 91 over last year. As regards the exteut of ground broken up but not under crop, Manawatu shows the enormous increase from 777a,in 1879 to 6,302 am 18S0 In the production of wheat, Munawatu shows a falling off amounting to 33,381 bushels under the previus year ; whilst of barley there were 577 bushels less raised in IHBO than in 1879. In oats, there was an increased production amounting to 19IJ8 bushels ovpr last year. Thero are this year 4534 acres more broken up land in Manawatu sown in grass, than last year ; whilst of land grass sown, but not ploughed, thero is an increase of about 12,000 acres This, taken together with the falling off in wheat, wouM seem to imply that the settlers in this Couuty are devoting themselves more to grazing than agriculture. Iv po" tatoes there is an increased production of 489 tons. The totals furnish valuable information regarding the condition of the two Counties, for whilst the total number of acres under crop, including sown grasses, wan iv Manawatu '7.oC4 in 1879, and had increased to 100,357 in. 1880 ; in Rangitikei, the number was 103,1^3 in 1879, but receded in 1880 to 100,575. The returns as a whole are exceedingly interesting, as affording indubitable proof of the progress of M mawatu, and we are pleased to have this early opportunity of laying thrm be" fore our readers. New Butchery. — Mr Purcell gives notice in another column that he intends to apply for a license to slaughter large and small cattle 0.1 No 9 Bloc\, Moutoa Road. We understand that this step is preparatory to the opening of a butcher's shop, by Mr Purcill, which will take place as soon as die license is obtained. It is Mr PurcelFs intention to sell at a substantial reduction ou present prices. Accident to the Manawatu.— An acci' dent of a very serious and unusual nature befel the paddle steamer Mnr.awatu while on her way from Wwganui to this port on Tliursd iy morning, and it is really marvellous that those on board were not blown up at sea witlnufc a soul be ng left to tell the talc. We have not been able to gather any particulars worth speaking of from the agents of the vessel, their information being only second hand, but by comparing what little they were in a position to tell us with a report kindly furnished us by a passenger we are enabled to give the following facts : — The steamer left \Vansanlli on Wednesday night with fair southerly weather, and got nlong as UMial until about eight o'clock the next morning, wlion she was near Kapiti. While the passengers were at breakfast the engines came to a sudden standstill, and upon inquiring what was the cause. Captain Doile found that the boiler l\ad collapsoj, the top having completely fallen in. No time was lost in preparing the vessel for the emergency. The floats ol the paddles wire taken off, sail was set, and a course shaped for the shelter of Kapiti, where she was a ••chnivd. A boat was then sent ashore with Mr White, tho purser, who travelled to Otaki, the nearest telegraph station, about twelve miles away, on foot, and sent a meesHgo to the Foxton agent of the company, asking him to instruct the Jane Douglas to come to the assistance of the Manawntu. As the Jane Douglas had left, a mounted messenger wa» dispatched to the Heads, and h* succeeded in communicating with her. The Jane Douglas arrived in port at 8 a.m. yesterday with the Manawatu' s passengers aboard. The cause of the accident will not be explained until an inquiry is held, but it is understood that tiie bidler could only collunse through being alloweil to become perfectly dry. The Raneatira left last night to tow her in, and should return during the forenoon — N. Z. Times, of Saturday .