NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 307, 5 November 1864, Page 5

NEW PLYMOUTH.

[KUOil OUH OWN COIIHESrONMNT.] November 3. On outlay last the two companies of Forest Hangers marched into town from the camp beneath Mataitawa, where they have been stationed for tho last three weeks. The weather during that period was very severe, raining heavily most of the time, notwithstanding which, however, the party cut a road from the cnnip to Manntnhi, u distance of nearly two miles, through a dense bush. Up to the arrival of the mail of the 2illli, from -Auckland, hopes were entertained that this very useful corps would be kept on, ami a universal desire was felt and expressed to that ell'ect 011 all sides. Saturday,, however, brought the final decision, and on Monday morning Major Atkinson paraded the whole force at the camp, ami read the garrison order ollicially announcing the fact The gallant. .Major then briclly addressed the men in a few manly words, expressing his full appreciation of the valuable serviecs the bush party had rendered to the X 3 rovince since their enrolment, lie saitl that in all probability it was the last lime he would ever address them as their commanding officer, lie stated that Colonel War was also fully alivo to the services the corps had lendert d, and that their indomitable spirit made them insensible to all ditlicultics. l''ur instance, it had been said that they, could not open the road to Manutahi in the time. Now, there was a portion of that rjad yet uniini.-hed, and although this was their last day, lie (Major Atkinson) wished to see it linirlied bjfore they marched into town. He concluded hy saying that he hoped and believed that the services of the Militia and Volunteers would he recognized by the Government by those forces being placcd 011 the fame footing as the military settlers in lel'ercnco to land. His lienor the Supe'.mtcndent was in invour of such a proceeding, ami ho (Major Atkinson) would use his best influence in his placo in the Assembly to obtain for them that which they had so well and justly earned. On the conclusion of his address, the gallant Major called for three cheers for Colonel Warro and the 57th, which were given with a goodwill and heartiness that made tho lovely and silent forest, ring again. After another round of cheers for their own major and oilicers, a large fatigue party proceeded to finish the opening of the rond .0 Manuta'ii and worked with such order aud ehioiiuinos.-, that by noon the woik was completed tiubs qiuntly a p.-n if of the 70th marched down from Mfitaitawa, u distance of about a mile, and relieved the whole of the Forest Rangers, who then inarched into town. About a mile from town t-hoy were met by the Vtlimteer B md, who playul them into Xcw Plymouth. At 801 l ]!leck tho military settlers stationed there were turned out to - greet them as they passed, and 011 approaching tho town, tho road was lined on both sides by tl.e inhabitants, who honoured tho party by loiul cheers :.n.l other demonstrations of welcome and esteem. On arriving in tho square, in the centre of the town, Major Atkinson forme I t!io two ct m'.ianio-, and presented, in a few apprueriato words, tho silver medal awarded to Corporal Hum; lit'ijs for tho host rifle shooting. The Major then called ioi threj cheers for her Majesty the Queen, which were given run a more, and at the suggestion of some 111 c .in tho rank", throe groans were given for tho Governor. The Forest Hangers, who have rendered such vail a >los- rviees to the Province, and who have ch(.eifuli_v fac.'d every description of danger and hauLhips dirng the last lour years, then returned to their seve.al homes, in the proud (ontcimsnoss that they, boih officers and men, had fat' j'ullv done their dui-v, let tae sequtl be what it may. On a a'tawa an cxeel'ent redoubt has le?n built by the',u h, who are now stationed there, There is an Arimt ong gun mounted on the front, and there is little tear of that valuable position falling into the hands ot tho enemy, although it is conlldeutly rep u-ted " that 500 Wanganms aie on the read up to ie-take it." Standing on tho highest point of llataitawa, tho

beholder commands a magnificent and extensive prospect of land and sea. lor miles around the natives have cultivated largely, and tho new fencing they have put up is evidence that they never contemplated losing possession so soon of it. Several names are mentioned as likely candidates to fill Mr. Turton's seat in tho Assembly— amongst whom are his Honor the Superintendent, H. M. Crompton, Esq., Speaker of the Provincial Council, and Arthur Atkinson, Esq., proprietor and editor of tho Herald. If Mr. Brown consents to stand there is little doubt ho will bo the man. Next to him I think Mr. Crompton stands the best chance. He is a zealous public man. If Mr. Arthur Atkinson stands he "will bring great intluonce into the field "with him, and would, no doubt, make a good member. Our harbour improvements are progressing st (r.di Hie Government jetty is being pushed forward, and recently Captain I-lolford's punt has been launched and worked with signal success. It carries twenty tons at a time, and rides over tho surf admirably. It is worked with tho same amount of laboar as the boats, which carry only nine tons.