PATEA DAILY MAIL. Published every Evening, Price 1d. CIRCULATION nearly 600 DAILY. Average circulation last quarter, 510. Thursday Evening, March 16, 1882.

Patea Mail, 16 March 1882, Page 3

PATEA DAILY MAIL. Published every Evening, Price Id. CIRCULATION nearly 600 DAILY. Average circulation last quarter, 510.

Thursday Evening, March 16, 1882.

Delivemd every Evening by mounted messengers —at Hawera by 7-30 o’clock, at Normanby by 8-15, at Manaia and Waimate Plains by 8-30, and Southward at Waverley (for train) by 6 o’clock.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY. A general desire is expressed to make Friday a local holiday in Patea, on account of the races at Waverley. People who do not care for racing in itself are yet desirous of going to the field for the fnn of the thing, and the pleasure of meeting each other. Banks will be closed; business will be suspended ; and for these reasons the Daily Mail will not be published tomorrow. Friday is St Patrick’s day, 0 and it is perhaps necessary to state that the banks and shops will make holiday to-morrow in affectionate regard for the Saint, and therefore only by accident for the races. The distinction is pointed out lest some worldly persons might jump to the other conclusion.

The sitting of the Revision Court for Patea borough has been fixed by the newly-appointed judge of assessments, Mr G. S. Bridge, for 29th March, in the Court-house, Patea.

The first run of the • new locomotive fitted up at Patea wharf was made yesterday afternoon. Mr Holmes, District Engineer, and a number of Patea residents mounted the engine, and she '* made a run along, the flat and across the bridge, as far as the rails are laid to the gravel-tip, then back to the wharf with full steam on, making a dust and a mighty row, and whistling furiously by way of astonishing such “ natives ” as happened not to know that an earthquake was on the way. “ She ” repeated the short quick run several times, and the trial was pronounced a success. The engine has been handsomely painted by Mr Chisholm, and looks quite gay and coquettish for a “ she ” engine. The rails were found to be smoothly laid, and the run was easy and pleasant. The proprietor of the Kailway Hotel hailed this trial trip as a forerunner of greater things ; and report says he came down handsomely in the matter of drinks for the company to pledge health and long life to the new iron horse.

Shipping trade at Opnnaki is growing, but the cost of landing and of freightage is found to be much heavier than at Patea, for Wellington goods going to Hawera or Manaia.

The Garrick Club is summoned to meet on Friday evening, to consider a proposed entertainment.

As to tenders for the railway contract, Waverley-to-Patea, it is rumored that the three lowest are at Dunedin,- Patea, and Hawera; prices ranging from about £20,000 to £21,500. The tenders are known to be numerous, and the average may be about £23,500. A few days will ease the anxiety of interested parties. There are seven or eight tenders between Wanganui and New Plymouth for this section. Mr W. Cowern invites tenders for lease of 33 acres, Patea suburbs, in two paddocks. The Wakatu steamer sailed yesterday afternoon for Wellington, to be permanently repaired on the patent slip. Captain Bendall went in her, being still in charge as insurance surveyor. There has been talk of the Wakatu changing hands. It is understood that “ something is in the wind,” which may result in a more regular service ot two steamers in the-Patea-Wellington trade. R, Erskine intends running a conveyance to Waverley to-morrow. ,

F. R. Jackson’s usual stock sale takes place at Kakaramea on Saturday.

Patea arrived in Wellington at 7 this morning, will leave on Friday night, arriving here early on Saturday.