HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 522, 20 May 1880, Page 2

HAWERA.

Tun Wrathkr daring the last few days has been very boisterous and rainy, but the farmers, although not particularly in want of it, do not grumble at the heavy rainfall. Mn Mackenzie, sheep inspector, has been hero inspecting the flocks. I believe he lias found all that he has so far seen free from scab. Ploughing is going on vigorously, and I hope to see a good many acres in grain this year, and thus encourage Messrs Webster and McKollar for their large outlay in building mill-bonso and importing machinery. Their building is approaching completion, and Mr Webster informs me he hopes to be in full working order by the end of the year., • Tim Railway Commission arrived hero on Sunday, and proceeded to Normanby by coach at b o’clock next morning, much to the disappointment of the inhabitants ofHawora, who bad intended to interview them re the Waimate Plains railway. When the Commissioners arrived at Noimanby, they intimated to one or two gentlemen that they would be willing to take evidence re the Railway site. After going over Hone Pihama’s site, they repaired to McGregor’s Hofei. Mr Bate pointed out to the Commission that as no notice had been given of their intention of faking evidence, ho happened to be the only one present who was interested in the Normanby Extension site. Mr Gibson, being sworn, stated that the inhabitants of Normanby required the Railway Station and Post and Telegraph offices on Hone Pihama’s site, as it would bo near to the business places in the town ; that (he Extension was simply a speculation ; that people in the old,township had laid out largo sums to improve the town.. .-Mr E. H. Brett also gave evidence in favor of Hone Pihama’s site, stating that a trial survey had been made for the branch line to Waimate from thatisite, and was found the best; that the Extension site was a swamp; that Mr Re.es, who recommended the site, had sections there. Mr Bute, who was next sworn, stated that lie, in conjuction with many others, had bought sections in Hie Normanby Extension, giving long prices on the faith of a letter from the Government accepting the site; and he pointed out that both.townships wore private, speculations, and the Extension site would suit more people in both townships than Hone' Pihama’s. Ho read aTetter from the Public Works Office refusing to accept any other site than the Extension. Mr Quin stated ho had.given large prices for land in the Extension, on the faith of a letter from Mr Macandrew, whom he Jiad known for many years, which was road at the sale; and he hoped that the Government having once accepted the site would not now play into the hands of speculators. Mr Allen wanted to give evidence, but the Commission stated they knew all cbout the question ; and they then proceeded on their road to Stratford.

If the Railway Commission is a fair sample of other Commissions, I am very sorry for ..the country.. It Is bad enough-to have, tp- pay the piper for these gentlemen galivanting about the colony, without having our district-ig-nored. . There ,is an angry . suspicion hero that they will try to play into, the hands of the Now Plymouth people, by rocommondingthat the branch lino from Opnnake should join at Stratford, and not nt sqrmanby,:as*\vas first-intended;; so tliat 'this' district'would' be again robbed, as it lias been robbed before, by that political cormorant, New Plymouth.

The well lined before winter sets in. It is well stocked with papers, periodicals, and books; but lam sorry to hear that the Library is not wellsnppofted.

Mu W. M, Thomson has been selling, for the last three dnys, the stock that Mr I. Bridge had, in his store. There was spirited bidding right through, and satisfactory prices were obtained. Everything in the shop was sold. The 1I mx the last week or so has made the Mountain Hoad so bad, that Hie coach seldom catches the train at Stratford. I have not been able to learn what Tc Whiti said to liis followers, last Monday, but no doubt the usual inspired madness. Messrs Brett and Johnston, of Normanby, have found it necessary, since the coach changes at their hotel, to add to their stabling accommodation, and arc busy now erecting additions. A great many strangers arc in town at present, looking out for land, but arc rather shy in buying, as they hope to get a hit on the’Whimate Plains. But at the rate Government are going on settling the matter, we cannot expect the land to be in the market much before this time twelve months.