DINNER TO CAPTAIN FRASER AT TAURANGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4487, 31 March 1876, Page 3

DINNER TO CAPTAIN FRASER AT TAURANGA.

\A GOVERNMENT , OFFICER ON THE NATIVE POLICY". The occasion, of Eraser's late visit to Tauranga was taken advantage of by some members of the late Ist Waikato Regiment; and his numerous friends, to give a complimentary dinner to that gentleman, as a slight mark of 'the esteem in which he continued to be held by his old friends in this district. The chair was ably filled by E. M. Edgcumbe, Esq., J.P., supported on his by the guest of the evening (Captain Eraser), and on his left by C. N. Roberts, Esq., Manager of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. T. D. Wrigley occupied the . vice-chair.—Mr. T. D. Wrigley proposed the toast of the evening. He spoke in eulogistic terms of Captain Eraser's personal qualities, and of his readiness at all times to assist by his influence his old friends in Tauranga. Captain Fraser had now sunk the officer, aud came among them as a fellow citizen, but nevertheless he was always ready with his advice ! and assistance to be the friend of the men ; who had formerly served under him. The ! toast was enthusiastically drunk with musical honors.—Captain Fraser, in replying, said that in the old military days, he had, he trusted, always done his best for his men *, he knew, at least, that he had made many enemies in high quarters for the manner in which he had stood up for their rights, but he had his reward in the kindly remembrance shewn him whenever he came, as on the present occasion, to pay a short visit to Tauranga. Others had neglected the opportunities they had had of winning the affections of their men, but he hoped, as far as he was concerned, that by an upright, honest, and proper course of conduct when in command in his old regiment, he had found out the true way of winning the confidence of those who now hailed him as their friend. He was now in a good position, but he might say. that his strength did not lie in the Government from whom he held office, but in the hearts of the people of the Thames. "With regard to his present sphere of action, it was gratifying to him to know that he had the confidence of the miners of the Thames. The same spirit which guided him as an officer now guided him in his position of Warden and R.M. If at a future date lie sought political honours, he had a feeling of confidence that he might look without distrust to the people of the Thames, and to his old friends in Tauranga for their support. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Through the mismanagement of the Native Department, whereby he had been unable to settle upon a sheep run which in former days he had been in negotiation for in this district, at Maungataua,*he had been obliged to become a bread-winner elsewhere, but he hoped that at some future day he might yet come and live in the Tauranga district. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the present of Tauranga, the Native Department was its bugbear; the town was populated but the country was vacant, and until this was altered, prosperity could not be looked for. He could not but see that by the misrule of the Native Department, the wants of the European population had become secondary to those of the natives. Every obstacle was put in the way of wouldbe settlers. Alluding to Captain Morris in the course of his remarks, Captain Fraaer made graceful reference to the efforts lately-zgade by that gentleman to obtain the position' of member for the East Coast, and expressed his regret that they 'should not have been successful. The great obstaclo which the people of Tauranga had to overcome was the land question, and united action must be taken to open up the thousands of acres now lying waste through the absence of the owners. He would say with regard to the land held by himself, that he had determined to throw it open, and would be willing to let it at any price if it would only do good to the district. Captain Fraser here alluded to the natural advantages enjoyed by Tauranga in the excellent quality of its land, its magnificent harbour, its genial climate, and its freedom from floods, and pointed out to the company that | the less the people of Tauranga depeuded on spoon meat in the form of Government 1 money, and the more they looked for success from their own independent efforts, the greater would be their chance of success. (Hear, hear.) He complimented some of his old friends upon the introduction of Good Templary into the district, but warned those who had joined its ranks against giving way to vain-gloriousness, and losing that feeling of charity which was such a distinctive feature of the cause.—The : toast of "The Militia and Volunteers" was coupled with the names of Major Pitt and Mr. Fitzgerald ; in proposing which toast Mr. T. D. Wrigley said, in allusion to the action taken against Major Pitt with reference to the late election, that he only regarded himself as being the moutlipiecc of the bulk of the residents in Tauranga. when he assured Major Pitt of the entire sympathy that was felt for him in his defence against the charge brought against him. He had also a firm conviction that, notwithstanding that Major , Pitt might be resting under a cloud at present, lie would emerge from it with a character as unblemished as it had ever been. Under tiny circumstances, however, even if the result of the Supreme Court trial should be adverse to Major Pitt, he felt sure he could say that the confidence of Major Pitt's Tauranga friends in his integrity and honour would still remain firm and unshaken. (Prolonged applause.)— Major Pitt thanked the company heartily for the compliment paid him, and with regard to what had been said by Mr. Wrigley, time would shew how he would fare in the Supreme Court. His action at Tauranga had been guided solely by the advice of his legal adviser. He could not, howover, refrain from taking advantage of the occasion to thank the people of Tauranga for the kindness they had shewn him. On behalf of the Militia, he returned thanks to the company for the toast they had proposed.—The health of "The Katikati Settlers" was proposed by Mr. Stewart, aud suitably responded to by Mr. Hoyte, who said that the settlers were well pleased with the land they had received, and would do their best with it, and he had no doubt but that in a few years Katikati would be a thriving settlement, and Tauranga the market for its produce.—Captain Fraser next proposed, "The health of the Chairman" ( Mr. Edgcumbe ), coupled with "The Press." He referred to the number of years he had known Mr. Edgcumbe as an officer and a gentleman, though now he was glad to greet him as the representative of the Press in the district. Of the importance of the Press, and the duty of everyone to support it, he had alteady spoken, and he had great pleasure in proposing the health of Air. Edgcumbe as an ex-naval man, a military man, and as the representative in Tauranga of one of the greatest organs of freedom in the world. The toast was received with cheers and musical honors.—Mr. Edgcumbe thanked the company for the flattering manner in which they had drank his health, not only as chairman of this festive gathering, but also as the representative of the fourth estate in the Bay of Plenty district. In a few snccinct sentences, he pointed out the difficulties that the editor of a local newspaper had to contend against. He did not consider it only the duty of the Press to relate what occurred round one's own door, but to tell of the world and things in general. He had doubtless, when writing upon some subjects, given offence to many gentlemen in the district (cries of "No, no,") but he did not think that, as a rule, the district had lost anything by his advocacy. With reference to the remarks of Captain Fraser, relative to the Native Department, he would remark that, though in its entirety the policy of the Native Minister was sound, yet it could not but be evident that, as far as Tauranga was concerned, its local administration was very bad, and considerably retarded the advancement of the district. He had great pleasure in feeling, however, that in many instances his advocacy of the wants, not only of Tauranga itself, but of the other parts of the Bay of Plenty, had been crowned with success— eve* as regarded native matters,.

Tr BOARD. OP EDTTOATiP?f. r T _«. , ; ineefciDgi of j the .Board jvas Haul tain in the chair)/ and the following business dis~ iposed of :— Present:—Dr. Campbell,-Messrs. .H. H. Lusk, D. M. Luckie, Ball, May, and Prime, j MIXUTES. —The Secretaryread the minutes 'of the last meeting, which "were confirmed. : .Reports.—The reports of the Buildings Committee and the Reserves Committee were 'brought up and adopted. ! Bate tor IS76.—The Chairman said that the- subject of fixing the rate to be levied had been reserved for that meeting, and the time had arrived when the matter should be considered.— : There is a letter from the Provincial Government, relating to a provision or partial provision made by the Provincial Government for education, which should be read. It was stated at that Board that the intention of the Superintendent was to appropriate £15,000 with a view to obviate tne necessity of any rate being levied. The question which arose upon the discussion of that letter was, whether if the Board did not fix the rate, the General Government might refuse to pay any rrore money. It would be well to have the letter read.—The Secretary then read the letter, which informed the Board that an arrangement had been concluded at i Wellington' between the Provincial Government and the General Government, by which the latter was to advance £60,000 upon account of the expenditure of the Province of Auckland. Out of this sum, the Provincial Secretary, writing for, the Superintendent, announced His Honor's intention to appropriate £15,000 of the above sam for the purposes of education. [The 'whole of this letter has been published in this journal.] —The Chairman : 1 have before me a minute made by Mr. B. B. Lusk, as to the amount of the last rate received and to be received. From this minute it appeared-that the total" would be about £11,000. This amount was. divided as follows : —Thames, £1250; City East, £450; City West, £1000; suburbs, £2350 ; country districts and towns, £5900. —In a conversation which followed the reading of the above minute, several members said it was important to know that the country districts contributed more than the half of the revenue paid for educational purposes.—The Chairman said that by the last census there were between 10,000 and 17,000 houses in the province.—Mr. Lusk: The political estimate would be something different from the actual result.—The Secretary said there was about £500 out-standing.—A member : There are also exemptions.—Mr. Luckie : Is there any return of the number of exempt tions 1 Who has the power to make them ? —Mr. Lusk : The local committees have the power to recommend persons proper to be exempted, but the Superintendent only has the power to make the exemption.—Mr. Luckie : I think we should have a return of these exemptions. Such a return would enable the Board to. know exactly its position in relation to the collection of the rate. It would also be of importance in estimating the amount of rate that would probably be obtained.—Mr. Lusk : The intention of the Superintendent's letter was to relieve the Board from the necessity of making the rate. But it is a question whether it is any part of our duty to depend upon this source of supply ; whether, in point of fact, it is not our business to fix the rate, and leave the Superintendent to lerjr it, if it should be necessary^—Mr. Luckie: The province would probably have that money (£60,000), but if it were left for general purposes, it was possible the Superintendent might find himself minus the amount .for this Bpecial purpose. That was an extraneous question, and the _ Board, ought not to go into considerations outside its own special sphere of action. The present business was to consider what the duty of the Board was in this particular matter.—Mr. Lusk : The Board ought not to take any action or leave anything undone which j would have the effect of preventing it carry*! ing on the work.—Dr. Campbell moved, : " That in the opinion of the Board the rate ; should be levied as , heretofore until the' Board of Education should be relieved of all responsibility; by ; the action of the General Assembly in providiug the necessary funds." —-Mr. Luckie seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.—Dr.- Campbell also moved, seconded by Mr. Luckie, "Resolved—That under the powers conferred on the Education Board, &c, (in terms of the Act, section 37, clause 4), the rate bo fixed at 20s for every occupier of a house, and for nou-householders 10s."—Carried.

Bombay Settlement.—The schoolmaster (Mr. Ford) of this district -was in atten- ; dance. A letter was read from several settlers in the neighbourhood, requesting the Board to' institute. an immediate enquiry into certain uses to which the' school building and school reserve were put. The general effect of the complaints was that the school was let for dancing, that timber was cut off the reserve, and that certain conduct was beiug pursued, which was "damaging to the oause of education in the district." It was resolved that the Inspector of Schools should visit the district and make the necessary inquiries.

Wade.—lleferring to a petition to reconsider resolution of last meeting, aud to nominate the committee of 1875 to act again for 1876.—The Board declined to alter the resolution taken at the previous meeting.

Ruapeka. —The question of alteration of building was referred to the Buildings Committee.

Otahuhu!—The question' of increased school accommodation and teacher's house was referred to the Buildings Committee.

Hautapu.—Letters were received from Mr. Reid, relative to his tenure of reserve.— Referred to the Reserve Committed.

Opotiki.—A request for an advance of £75,-to increase the size of the schoolroom, was referred to the Buildings Committee. Opahp.ke. —The appointment of a pupil teacher at Papakura was declined.

Tuakau.—Tenders for building the school were referred to the Buildings Committee.

KiuiKiur.—Alteration of timber to be used in this school was sanctioned.

Port Albert.—The suggestions for modification in plan for school building were referred to the Buildings Committee. Kajwaka.—An application from Angus Stewart and Roderick McGregor to have a schoolmaster in their part of the district, aud offering to contribute to the same.—Referred to the Mangawai Committee. Mangawai.—The appointment of Mrs. Needham as teacher of needlework at Kaiwaka was sanctioned, on condition that the teacher should attend Kaiwaka and Wakaru schools. The consideration of an application for desks was deferred for further information..

Pokeno Hill.—The consideration of application for grant of £25 to improve the school building, wa3 deferred for the present.

Te Kopuect.—A complaint that the schoolmaster refused to receive a boy in the school was referred to the School Committee.

Paterangi. —The Board requested further information as to the grant of £10 applied for.

Ruatangata.—The sum of £2 10s was granted for desks. The secretary was directed to inform the local committee that the attendance did not justify the further expenditure a3ked for school buildings. Waipu Central. — Tenders forwarded, with application for £34 10s, were referred to the Buildings Committee. Moxgaxui.—Further information was required by the Board as to the furniture applied for. Whag".—A sum of £5 was granted for desks.

Matakana.—Tenders forwarded were referred to the Buildings Committee, and the attention of the local committee was called to the rules and regulations for their future guidance. Lucas Creek. —Fall time payment to the teacher of this school "was granted. .. City "West No. 2.--Application for an 'Assistant at Hepburn-street was granted. City East.—The were informed that the school is only entitled, to the present staff of teachers, and the Board asked for farther explanation as to the appointment of an assistant teacher.

Jsewkarket.—A letter was read from Bu'ckland, his Jrfeadiness to"waive "His'claim to tfee allotment; hiffed by him,"*arid" to'give is: required. Letter to-be. acknowledged with thanks. * 1"* ~ ■ ! Kewtos". — The appointment of Mrs. Taylor vice Miss Harker, resigned, was approved. Warkworth.—The purchase of a school 'site was approved, but on condition that not .more than £3 of the contributions of the district be appropriated for that purpose. The expenditure of £SO, granted for teacher's house, upon a school house instead, was also authorised. In lieu of rent, £5 was granted for, repairs of school building. * Devoitport.—The schoolmaster to be informed that individual exceptions in respect to house rent cannot be-made. The Board will take into consideration the whole ques:tion of allowance for house rent.

CoROMAJtDEL.—Further information was 'required by the Board, as to the site of the 'Kapanga School. | Aotbjl jNorth.—lt was assented to that I this district should be proclaimed a school , district. - 4 "Waitjkjj.—A sum of £5 was granted for ! out-buildings at Maioro. Opaheke.—Application for a school at Papakura was referred to the Buildings Committee.

PtTKEATTTA, PuKEKOHE WEST, NEWTOJT. The applications from these districts were referred to the Buildings Committee. Mangapai.—A letter, relating to the reserve, &c., was laid before the Board. It was resolved to make further inquiry.

Harapipi.—A letter relating to the proclamation of the district was read and its consideration deferred.

Mount Hobson.—The appointment of Miss Revell was approved.

Pokeno.—An application for a school at Pokeno "Valley, was referred to the Pokeno Hill committee.

Grammar School.—A report was received from the Head-master of the result of his mission to the Chancellor of the University on the subject of thie Undergraduates of the Auckland College arid other matters ; also, a report to the effect that the masters of the Grammar School had been appointed examiners for the matriculation of students for the New Zealand University. These documents were received. • This concluded the business.