MATATA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2224, 13 March 1871, Page 3

MATATA.

I HAVE nothing much of importance to communicate since my last with the exception of noticing the heavy rains which we experienced on the 23rd and 2-ith, which in one of the inland creeks, viz., that at which the Richmond Flax Company's mill is situated, caused a fresh of quite a serious character, and which I am given to understand at one time threatened injury to the mill; fortunately however, the rain ceased just in time to prevent any damage being done. S"o extraordinary rise was perceptible at Te Awa o te Atua at Hatata. I hare not heard of any mishaps, so presume no loss has been incurred. Things are very quiet here at preheat, and the flax mill at Xe Amuiiika not being at work prevents U3 from experiencing any benefit from that quarter. I hear that vert shortly Captain Simpson intends making arrangements for starting the mill, employing Ifaori labour, which perhaps by not being so cosily, may enable him to prepare flax at u remunerative rate.

No less than nineteen Europeans passed through here yesterday, creating quite a stir in our usually quiet township, among them a mail accused of horse stealing, in charge of two troopers of the A. C, on his way to tlio court at Opotiki. The census papers -which ware left about a fortnight ago, are to bo col.lected to-d.iy, but in a community so constantly moving about it will be almost impossible to hare secured anything like a. reliable return, especially when we consider the perfect indifference with which many of the labouring class view the census. We have an increase in population since the last census was taken, and I believe Wlialcatane and Opotiki can say the same. This proves that we are progressing, if but slowly. I am happy to be able to inform you that the Whakatane flax ruili is likely to commence operations in the course of a few weeks, the only obstacle to its starting, the want of a drying ground, having been overcome by a promise from the lion. D. McLean that a sufficient space of ground suitable for the putposeinthe vicinity of the mill shall be submitted to auction, in order to give the proprietors an opportunity of obtaining what they so much requiiv. This happy termination of a difficulty will doubtless induce others to erect mills in the reighbourhood, which by the amount of labour they emploj, and the expenditure necessary in such estabmishmeuts would do much to develop the resource* of the country at large, and increase business generally in this district. I hope ere long to be able to chronicle the progress of tlio Whakiituue, and in the meantime wish them every success in their laudable undertaking. I have very little native news. Everything seems quiet, and although a report that Tawhiao was in the vicinity of Tauranga caused some speculations as to his intentions, a later report stated that he had advised friendship to the pakehas, and general pacific conduct on the part of the natives has reassured everyone. I hope this state of aifairs will long continue, and enable all who are iuvesting capital in the East Coast district to receive some return for their money. Quite an excitement prevailed at Maketu some ten days ago on the occasion of the marriage of llr. Burnett, a well known resident of that settlement, to Hiss Bodgers. Numerous ihvitations were issued, and even friends from Opotiki and Whakatane made a point of being present at so interesting a ceremony. Festivities were kept up two or three days, and everything passed off pleasantly. By a future opportunity I hope to bo able to announce the arrival of the Bella, as she is expected shortly with a cargo for Mr. Macpherson.—[Correspondent.]