Untitled

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 60, 6 November 1875, Page 2

A deputation of residents here waited on Mr Standish, as one of the members of th e Provincial Executive, in connection with matters affecting this district, on Thursday evening last. The gentlemen present were, Mr F. McGuire, M.P.C., Messrs Gibsou, Southby, Hirst, Gordon, W. Williams. McCarthy anil Ivess. They were introduced by Mr McGuire, as member for the district, arid received with the utmost courtesy by Mr Standish. The first subject brought under notice by the deputation was the Mountain Eoad, and what, in the opinion of tho deputation, was deemed the unfair expenditure on it, at the New

Plymouth cud only. It was pointed out that, owing to this, there had been a difficulty in affording employment to recently arrived immigrants. In reply, Mr Standish said that this had been occasioned through it not beingyet certain what route the projected railway would traverse. If the Executive went on without knowing that, they might make the road over the railway line, and thus the expenditure would bo rendered useless. Till it was ascertained definitely, they did not think themselves justified in going to much expense. The Executive were however very anxious to open up the road as soon as possible for horse and stock traffic, and a gang of fifteen men would be put on at Ketemarae at once, who would draw their supplies from this side. In reference to the expenditure of the £20,000, granted by the General Government for tho location and settlement of immigrants, half of it had been already spent in immigration cottages and employing immigrants on road work. It was not fair to divert the balance from the special purpose for which it was granted. As to expending part of tho remaining portion in settling immigrants in the Patea district, Mr Standish said that at present there was no land in the hands of the Provincial Government. Land had been purchased but was not yet acquired, and was not yet in their possession. As soon as it was, steps would be taken to found a settle - merit like Inglewood. The disgraceful condition of the road between Hawcra and Kctamarac was next brought forward by the deputation, who pointed out also that very recently a saw mill had been put up in the latter locality, but that the timber cut there could not be transported where needed, owing to the state of the road. All that was required was to gravel about two miles that had been already formed, to remedy the evil complained of. Mr Standish said that he would lay the matter before his colleagues, and though, as only one of the Executive, he could promise nothing positively, it would meet with his warm, and, he hoped, successful support, as he considered the repairs referred to of an urgent nature. He added that this province had been very unfairly dealt with, in connection with the grant for roads in the North Island, not having received one penny from that fund, so any outlay on this part must be taken from the Immigrants’ fund. After some further consideration the deputation thanked Mr Standish and withdrew.

The Pate;) District Jockey Club races we Would specially remind our readers, commence on Tuesday -next, and, as we have stated on previous occasions, soup, excellent sport may be looked for. A laigo number of horses have arrived from other parts, in addition to those already in the district, and it is probable that* with the exception of the chief handicap, all the- entries will stait. By the accident to Cornelia, the latter race is narrowed to nine, a very pretty number indeed if all come to the post, which is very likely. lOveii should these be deserters tit the hist moment, enough will show up to make the race most interesting. Every accommodation wo believe will be aiforded by host Lloyd, of Whcmiakura, who purchased the booth sites, with a solo light to eater for the hungry or thirsty pleasure seekers, it is more than likely that the late had weather will then have expended itself, and that two line days will add to the enjoyment of the occasion. Should such fortunately bo the case, there will be a very large attendance, not only of the sterner, but the fairer sex, to whom races here as elsewhere are always an attraction. Thu Albion sweep, on the Jockey Club Handicap, will be drawn on Tuesday, instead of Monday, evening, as previously announced. This will enable visitors to the races on the first day to have a chance of speculation, and, by the payment of half a sovereign, gather twenty-live golden medals, with Her Majesty’s bust thereon. These who take tickets may rely posit ively on the sweep coming off, even if: the full number of subscribers are not obtained, for, in the event of such an improbability, ;i smaller number of tickets would be drawn and the prizes paid in proportion to those advertised.

The weather during- the past week, lias boon exceptionally bud, wind, hail, rain, thunder and lightning, having been abundant. A colder or mure miserable spring, or rather commencement of summer, has hardly ever been known in the district. The weatherwise say that it is the expiring effort of equinoctial influences, and that, with a change of the moon, wo may look fora long spell of line warm weather. Every one must most heartily desire the fullilment of such predictions, and that too at as early a date as possible. During the high winds of the last few days, several fences and chimney tops have come to grief, though no serious damage is reported. Since about Wednesday last, the Maoris may be said to havo occupied this township, and, as far as can be judged from outward appearances, seem to bo enjoying their visit amazingly. The streets, public-houses, and stores, are crowded with natives of both sexes and all ages who have come in in connection with the Native Lands Court business. The large store iu the Resident Magistrate’s Reserve, formerly used for commissariat purposes, was placed at the disposal of these visitors by Major Turner, and a large number of them availed tbemrelves of its shelter. Others were hospitably welcomed at Poverty Flat, ami the whole have found stowage somewhere or other. The result of such an invasion, in our mall township, has been alarming to housekeepers, bread, meat, milk,&c., having fallen short, the demand for such articles having been almost more than the possible supply. The Native Lands Court business is likely to last some days, and the state of siege, in which wc are at present living, will not be raised till then. It is only fair to the natives to say that so far they have conducted themselves well, and that beyond a little noise, having its foundation in antl-teetotal principles, they have given no cause whatever for complaint to the most nervous inhabitant.

The horrible condition into which the road has got, between Hawcra and Ketemarae, has had a most disastrous effect on Mr Wilson’s new saw mill industry, for although it is now turning out splendid timber, and there is a large demand, it is impossible to deliver it. Only a few days ago, a loaded bullock diay, whils convoying timber to Nonnanby for Mr Hunger, broke its pole and became for the time a total wreck. It now waits with its load for a change of wcathci, before it can proceed to its destination. This is only one instance, there arc many more, and timber trade from the mill is paralysed, in consequence of communi. cation being rendered impossible, The new flour mill here is also delayed, solely because material from Ketemarae to erect it with cannot be brought down, and many other buildings are stopped through the same cause. Mr Standish has promised to use his influence to procure an amendment of this state of things. It is devoutly to be hoped that he will be successful in his fforts.

We are pleased to learn that the misunderstanding which has lately arisen among the members of the Patea Cricket Club may now be regarded as practically settled, both sides having agreed to refer the disputed points to the friendly arbitration of Mr FitzherbertAs will be seen in our advertising columns, an extraordinary general meeting is called for Saturday evening, the 13th inst., when Mr Fitzherbcrt’s award and recommendations will be laid before the members. We consider a high tribute of praise is due to Mr Fitzherbert for his disinterested exertions in undertaking to reconcile the opposing interests, and we earnestly hope that his efforts will be successful in preventing the breaking up of our flourishing club.

A sitting of the ResidontMagistrate’s Court was held on Wednesday afternoon last, to hear the case of William Jones* charged with stealing from the dwelling of William Bartlett, storekeeper end publican at Opunake. Prisoner was committed for trial at the District Court, a report of which appears elsewhere. The new Wesleyan Church in this township will be opened to-morrow, and the Rev Mr Kirk, of Taranaki, will hold services at 11 a.m.. and half-past (J o'clock in the evening, The Rev. Mr M Callum,l J resbyterian Minister, has most kindly consented to give up his services in Carlyle on the occasion, and will preach at Kakaramea instead. At the conclusion of both morning and evening worship in the new church, collections will be made in aid of the building fund. The Rev Mr Reeve will preach at Mauutahi, We remind our readers that Mr Cowern commences his monthly stock auction sales at Kakaramea on Thursday next, the lltli lust. Ho will olfer some iirst-class horses aml cattle, ami some very useful sheep. Full particulars appear in our advertising columns.