NORMANBY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5824, 28 November 1879, Page 3

NORMANBY.

(FROM OCR 1)11'.; L'OmiIISI'OXDENT.) November 29,

That “ no new.; is good newY is one yf those consoling rules that has its exceptions, and applies strongly to this district at present. The fact however that the murderer Hiroki is so far emboldened by the forbearance of successive Governments as to take longs walks out from Parihaka towards Opunake is the subject of much comment. That individual was seen and recognised two days ago by residents of Normanby, and had any reward been in exist ence for him he would have been captured ; indeed the unemployed here would eagerly risk their lives to catch him, if a thousand pounds sterling were offered by Government. I am pleased to note that our claims to public buildings are now recognised. Tenders are called for a police station, dwelling house, and all surroundings. Doubtless the next thing will be the erection of a Post Office by the Government, for which we have three times petitioned ; also the railway station, which it is hoped will be erected in the “proper place,” Our handsome church was opened on Sunday last, the Rev. Mr. Torry officiating to a fall congregation. It is matter f t regret that services are only held fortnightly. Normanby would do much to support a minister, and should any unsectarian preacher, in search of health and an addition to a personal income, put in an appearance, he would be probably welcomed by the residents. The stream of visitors constantly pouring through this district is surprising—people from all par* rof the world. I had the pleasure of a long conversation with a gentleman from Home, the burden of conversation being the lamentable state of affairs generally, and the VVaimate Plains in particular. The old story of such rich laud lying waste when at the same time there are plenty of buyers “ at a price” and the colony hard up, is characterised in very strong language as folly. The expensive uselessness of a large body of armed men too is perplexing to all. It is argued that they must be intended for some work—one stranger suggesting they must be intended to prevent settlers from seizing the land by main force, after the manner of the present state of affairs in Ireland. The force is, no doubt, now well drilled and better conducted. A shooting tournament held on the Prince of Wales birthday was not a success ; the weather was bad, aud the management ditto. A large amount of money, however, and valuable prizes, fell to the lot of the Constabulary Force. As a matter of course, the chief topu is the “ Financial Statement.” It is generally approved as a thorough, clear, and exhaustive exposition of the position into which the financial matters of the colony have drifted ; but regret is expressed that it should be necessary to impose new taxes in “ these hard times,” and that beer has got off "soot free.” “All drinks are sixpence there is, therefore, a great margin between the cost, say 2d., and fid. in a glass of beer. The publican should be made to bear some portion of new taxes, the small impost being put on the brewer. It is hoped the Treasurer will remember this before he taxes tea aud sugar, as a tax on these necessary articles will he very unpopular—at any rate, throughout this district. I believe, however, there is no need of taking so gloomy a view of the position, for with a “ Liberal land law” that would settle the country, this part would rebound like a well-directed football, aud with more settlers we should have less individual taxatiou. The volunteers are determined to be ready and to “ dress up the tailor has “ taken their measure,” and when they are all rigged out they will present a formidable appearance, and will take a deal of beating, moat of them being extraordinary good shots. It is a hardship, however, that unemployed men should have to pay £4 10a. for their outfit, when the late paternal Government provided so bountifully good clothing aud blankets for Maori prisoners. Well-informed parties say that a move will be made by the A.O. Force on to the Plains in a few days, and as Captain Marshall has been summoned to Wellington to-day by telegraph, we hope that this time the information will prove correct.