THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." (Established November 13, 1861. DUNEDIN, TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1867.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." (Established November 13, 1861. DUNEDIN, TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1867.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO

Mr Price, Warden of the Okarita district, on the West Coast, reports that during the month of March 2240 ozs of gold were shipped from that port. The population of the district may be estimated at 520. The track between Bruce Bay and the Haast is completed, but it is not fit for horse traffic in consequence of the steepness of some of the hills, which cannot be avoided except by a circuit of some eight or nine miles.

There was lately a great gathering of the natives in the Hawke’s Bay Province. The chief matter for settlement of which the conference was called was the much vexed question of confiscation of Native Lands on the East “Coast. That certain lands were to be taken by the Government had long been an accepted fact; but the precise localities had to be determined, and conflicting interests adjusted hence the meeting. In describing the meeting, and the preliminary feast, a correspondent of the “ Herald ” says:—“ For many months past the natives on the Coast, more particularly those of the Wairoa, have been making preparations in the shape of procuring food for the expected visitors; provisions of every description were collected in great abundance; and Maori hospitality was never more profusely exhibited. I should say that LIOOO would scarcely cover the expenses incurred for provisions alone, of which our late respected friend Kopu contributed not less than L3OO. In addition to this, two houses, in the old native style of architecture, were erected purposely for the reception of visitors—-one' by Hamana Taiepa, of the Ngatikurupakiaka people, and the other by Kopu. Each house is 60 feet in length by 20 feet wide, and each beautifully ornamented with scroll work in the good old native style, which to be appreciated must be seen. That erected by Hamanaa at his settlement (te Uhi) is called Poho e te Rangituanui after an ancestor of the Ngatikahungunu tribes. It has an image surmounting the door with outspread wings—somewhat in the form of those mystical beings we are in the habit of denominating angels (albeit the expression of his countenance is scarcely angelic). In that erected at Te Hatepe, the village of Kopu, there is also a figure of a most respectable lady, as large as life, at the base of a pillar facing the entrance, of most benign aspect and exceedingly well executed. These two houses did not cost less than Ll5O each.” The attention of our readers is called to a very interesting paper in the March number of the “ Intellectual Observer,” to be seen on the Athenaeum table, on the “Vegetable Sheep of New Zealand," and inviting residents here to forward to the care of Messrs Groombridge, London, some of the achenes or seeds of this curious plant and some flowers in a perfect state. We understand that the General Government having taken the management of the Harbor into their own hands, the Provincial Government have thought it necessary to appoint a Provincial Harbor Master. Captain Thomson has accepted the position, declining to respond to the General Government invitation to enter their service.

The plans for a new Criterion Hotel, for Mr P. Barker, have now been completed by Mr R. G. Stratton, architect; and they provide for an establishment much larger and more conveniently arranged than was the wooden building which was so well known. . . .