NORTHERN NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7759, 4 October 1886, Page 6

NORTHERN NEWS

KAWAKAWA. The mohthly meeting of the School Com I mittee was held on the 11th September. The principal object of the meeting was to receive and read the inspector's (Mr. J. R. O'Sullivan) report, whioh was most satisfactory. The report stated that there were 135 pupils present at the inspection, seventy-five of whom were primary scholars in the various standards, which he inspected and examined. Eighty per cent, passed, which he considered satisfactory. The inspector also reported , that the pupils were well taught, and the i general state of the school was good. Infermation from the Board was received that Miss Taylor was recommended as assistant teacher in place of Miss Beale. which was approved of by the committee. Visitors were named for the ensuing month, whioh con oluded the business. The action of the Government, under Mr. Kirk, in taking steps for the opening of a School of Forestry and Agriculture at Whangarei, and not making any movement for that objeot in more suitable localities in the Bay of Islands, has caused much discontent and considerable comment among the settlers, not that they envy their more fortunate neighbours, but from the different reports all so favourable to the soil and climate farther North, in contradistinction to the locality now commenced on. From the reports laid before Parliament we find the statements in every instance agreeing as to the inferior quality of the soil at Kiareroa, and its unsuitablenese for a farm of forestry or agrioulture, and the far better soil and position in the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, and Mangonui is neglected. Professor Kirk in his report says:—"A Bite at the Bay of I Islands seems to offer certain advantages especially with regard to experiments, in the introduction and testing of sub-tropical economic plants." This, J. suppose, was the principal purpose of the said t school and model farm. Agitin, Professor Kirk states that he had not time to see other localities, and the one he did see was too small for a combined school and farm—only two hundred and fifty acres. This seems strange, where in the three Northern counties there are soma six to seven hundred thousand acres of land in the hands of the Government, the greater portion of which, more particularly in Hokianga, is of superior soil, and in every respect more suitable for sub-tropical trees, etc. The settlers of the Northern counties do not wish to interfere with the action or movement at Kiareroa, but why not try a more favoured locality as to soil and situation, or even to spend a small portion of the fund devoted for tho purpose in a smaller establishment in one of the throe counties, and await the result.—[Own Correspondent.] HOKIANGA. We are about to suffer a great, and in many respects an irreparable loss, owing to the Government having decided to remove Mr. Von Sturmer, our respected Resident Magistrate, from this district to Masterton. For nineteen years he has been amongst us, discharging his duties faithfully and diligently, thereby gaining the esteem and confidence of Europeans and natives alike; and while congratulating him upon his well-earned promotion, we generally regret his removal from Hokianga, and not alone do we regret the departure of Mr. Von Sturmer, but the departure of Mrs. Von Sturmer will be very keenly felt, especially by those of us who know her amiable and kindly qualities. We wish Mr. Von Sturmer and his family God speed. Masterton's gain is our loss. Since the Government have decided to remove Mr. Von Sturmer to Masterton, where no doubt an experienced magistrate is required, we hope this district will not be left to the tender mercies of Justice's justice. It is very well known that in oat districts such m these, many of the J.P's. are storekeepers, or are mixed up in business with the people in such a manner that it is almost impossible to get an impartial hearing. Selfinterest, or human nature, or sometimes party spirit, which frequently runs high, is often liable to warp the judgment of illtrained or ignorant persona, to whom the Government.,, from motives of false economy,a entrust certain powers whioh are not alway used as it is intended they should be. Surely a district like this, with a very large Maori population, and a fast increasing European population, will not be left without a competent Resident Magistrate, who, if not stationed here, would at least pay us monthly visits, and if his visits were only to be periodical, it would be necessary to have a first-class clerk of the court.

The County Council are building a small punt, whioh they intend to place on the Punakitere River, near Te Taheke. It will be a great convenience to intending settlers who have been fortunate enough to secure sections on the Arawhatatotara blook, part of which is known as the Onehunga and Parnell endowments. I presume a bridge will be erected in due time, should the number of settlers increase. The Rev. T. G. Hammond, Wesleyan minister, paid us his usual visit on Sunday last, when he preached at Herd's Point and at Te Kohnkohu. He also paid a visit to the Hauhan settlement at Upper Waihou on the Sunday previous. Mr. Hammond's visits are highly appreciated.—[Own Correspondent, September 22.]