NEW PLYMOUTH.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 184, 13 September 1845, Page 111

NEW PLYMOUTH.

By the Carbon we have received from our New Plymouth correspondent a summary of the news of that settlement for the last six months, from which the following particulars are extracted.

On the 15th of March the foundation stone of the first church in New Plymouth was laid by Captain King, police magistrate, in the presence of a large number of people. Mr. S. Oliver has just had prepared, by a stonemason named Williams, a second pair of stones for his mill. The first pair, which have been at work some months, grind equal to any French burrs. Mr. Williams offers to cut a pair for the Nelson mill if required.

The members of the New Plymouth Agricultural Society meet monthly, to discuss subjects relating to agriculture. On the 1 8th August the question for discussion was — What is the best food to grow for cattle ? when the preference was given to swedes, carrots, and parsnips. It was believed that swedes would average 40 tons to the acre ; and one settler stated that he had grown on bush land 130 tons to the acre. Swedes were considered best adapted for bullocks, carrots and parsnips for cows. The next subject for discussion is the best remedy for cattle that have eaten tutu. The meetings of this society are held at the Seven Stars, a house recently fitted up at a considerable expense.

The agricultural prospects of New Plymouth are most cheering. Cultivation is being rapidly extended both by farmers and labourers ; the natives alse have sown wheat to some extent.

Sixteen tons of potatoes to the acre were grown last year by the Rev. H. Groube, from English seed.

Several valuable beasts have been killed or seriously injured by falling into the old potato pits of the Maoties, whuh are very numerous in the Taranaki district.

On the 23d of July a fire broke out on the premises of Mr. W. Bailey, at Mongarakia, and consumed a barn containing 200 bushels of wheat, a mow of wheat, a quantity of agricultural implements, besides other property. It is supposed the fire must have been the work of an incendiary, r s the proprietor had removed to land within the belt, taken in exchange for that on which the property stood, and a reward of £10 has been offered for the discovery of the offender. About a fortnight before the fire took place, a number of natives broke into the barns of Mr. Bailey and other settlers in his neighbourhood, and stole property to a considerable amount. Application was made to the police magistrate for a search-warrant, but before it could be executed a great part of the property was returned. An applicaI tion for a summons to bring the offenders to justice was refused. Messrs. Gledhill and Thompson are making preparations for the manufacture of leather, on the extensive premises lately occupied by Captain Davy. The population of Aw Plymouth is fast increasing, notwithstanding^ m«y persons

have left during the past year. The number of births is truly wonderful.

On Sunday, August 17, the Primitive Methodists opened a chapel at Weekston. The building was raised by voluntary contributions, the land having been given by Mr. V. Harrison.

The yard of R. Chilman, Esq., at Weekston, was lately plundered of a large number of fine ducks and turkeys, it is supposed by Maori dogs. The whaling has not been very successful at Taranaki this season, only two whales having been taken.

There is still several tons of flour at New Plymouth ready for exportation.

The following is the retail price of goods at New Plymouth : — Best flour, Is. 9d. per 121b5. ; seconds, Is. 4d. ditto; wheat, per bushel, ss. to 65. ; pork, 3d. per lb. ; butter, Is. 6d. ditto ; potatoes, £1 per ton ; bread, 41b. loaf, Bd. ; eggs, 6d. per dozen ; boards, 10s. per 100 feet ; wages, mechanics, 4s. to ss. per day ; labourers, 2s. 6d. ditto.