PALMERSTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 107, 22 February 1873, Page 4

PALMERSTON.

(from our own correspondent.)

I have to record the return of the prospectors after an absence of six weeks in the Ruahine ranges. The weather during the latter part of the time was very unfavorable, which, added to the non-dis-covery of any precious metal, would have damped the ardour of most, but our prospectors are bent upon a “ find,” and so soon as their finances are recruited, intend again trying on the Napier side of the hills. Great credit is due to them, as the entire expense is borne by themselves.

During the past week Messrs Dalrymple and Thynne, the candidates for Provincial Council honors, addressed the electors of Palmerston. Both gentlemen had a very patient hearing, but the electors pledged themselves to neither. The friends of Mr Dalrymple are working with a will to secure his return. He is a thorough progressionist, and gives every promise if elected to become an energetic representative.

Hitherto we have been plodding and toiling” in this struggling settlement amidst bush and mud, and yearn sorely for more go-aliead ways than has been our lot to witness as yet. It is io be hoped that if Mr Dalrymple represents us in the Council, lie will contrive to obtain for.us a larger share of provincial favors than has fallen to us hitherto. lam confident that if we only get our just due, we shall not be long in bringing our settlement abreast of the most advanced in the district. It is with great satisfaction I have to report the progress Mr M ‘Neill is making with his contract under the Provincial Government, and he is most energetic. I feel sure he will push on his contract to a satisfactory finish within the specified time. Tenders are invited for the erection of a court-house in Palmerston, and in a few months we shall receive periodical visits of the Resident Magistrate.

The Education Board have sent us a schoolmaster, who commences his duties in a fortnight. The Manawatu Road Board have several necessary works going on in the respective wards, and although the rate money of the district is small I believe it will be judiciously spent. On Thursday evening last the bush around the township was all on fire ; but so far as totara is concerned I think most of it had been cleared off the sections in which the fire raged fiercest.