ROAD TO MAHAKIPAWA.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume I, Issue 17, 21 March 1890, Page 2

ROAD TO MAHAKIPAWA.

One of the most urgent local works required in this district is a better road between Havelock and Cullensville. Sometime ago our member promised to urge the Government to widen the present track, which is neither one thing nor the other, even unsafe for horse traffic, and we have again tg resort to the old track, which, with its ugly grade of about one in three, gives very little pleasure, but quite the reverse. The Mahakipawa miners and settlers are really a most patient lot of men or they would continually agitate for such a reasonable outlet to connect them with other parts of the provincial district; and as the cost is not a serious item we hope tq record that steps will soon be taken tp out fqoh a desirable work,

WHAT IS THE REASON ?

What are all the banking institutions in the Colony thinking about when they pass over the Pelorus district* which now contains over 2500 people, without opening a branch torepresent their interest. Go where you will on the North Island, or from Canterbury to the Bluff, and we find every little place with nothing to compare in mining and other interests with this county have a branch to represent some banking institution, while Havelock, a seaport town, and geographically speaking, the centre of the district is still without one.

We would remind those interested in making improvements to the Town Hall that a meeting will be held this evening to discuss ways-and means. We hope sufficient interest will be taken in the matter for a large number to be present.

The Havelock School Committee met on Monday evening. Present: Messrs C. H. Mills (in the chair), W. H. Smith, Parker, and Thomas Brown. The head master mentioned that the building required some attention, and the Chairman informed the committee that the Education Board had instructed their architect to report on the best means for providing a good supply of water. It was resolved that some firewood be ordered for the school. Accounts passed for payment —Mr Scott £l, and Messrs Brownlee and Co. £l4slod.

It may not be generally known to those residing down the Sounds that purchasers of land for cash or on deferred payment are now entitled to a refund of the cost of survey. Mr H. Dodson, of Blenheim, exhibited at the Horticultural Show recently held there a bunch of lucerne 20 inches high, the result of 19 days growth. The stuff was cut from a pasture put down in 1879, and this is the fourth crop produced in a year. To show the value of advertising a settler advertised some rams for sale in the Guardian a short time since, and now he informs us |hat he has; disposed of the lot. The settler in question is now a firm believer in advertising. And who are not when once they have tried the experiment, for nearly all the successful business men of the world have made their fortunes through advertising. Messrs Neale and Haddow, merchants, Nelson, advertise is . this issue that they have a variety of grass seeds for sale. Samples and quotations posted to those requiring them.

Attention is directed to the programme of the Manaroa regatta, which is published in this issue. We understand that arrangements are being made for a steamer to take intending visitors from the Pelorus, and we believe there will be a great number avail themselves of the opportunity of having a trip down the Sounds and spending an enjoyable day after they get there. , Some good prizes are offered, and we have no doubt many of our acquatic friends in these parts will compete in the various events.

We are informed that Mr Halliday’s house at Titirangi, mouth of the Pelorous Sound, together with sheds, wool, &c., have been destroyed by fire.

Mr H. Severne and Dr Drury, J.P. ’s, occupied the bench at the. B.M. Court yesterday. The only case heard was that of John Hughs v. John Higgins, contractor, Eai Valley. : This was a claim for the hire of horses and traps of £4 6s 9d. Judgment by default for amount claimed and £2 6s costs. 1 Mr Staite appeared for the plaintiff. A Captain Everest, of Christchurch, accused a certain medical gentleman of improper conduct with his wife* . The doctor laid an information and claimed £I,OOO damages for malicious slander, and the jury awarded him the full amount. From this it would, seem to be a rather unprofitable speculation to accuse a doctor of improper conduct. You are safe to take as much of their medicine as you like, but it is very unsafe to take away their character, In an action for libel against the Wairarapa Star the jury- returned a verdict of one farthing damages for the plaintiffs.

Mr Yarker, who for some years resided in Havelock, and for the past four years in North America, leaves on Tuesday next for Sydney to raise a company, if possible, to explore the great - Antartio -Continent. We wish him much success in his gigantic enterprise.

To illustrate the progress being made with the bm-ket dpedge systenf of mining, it has been arranged to exhibit at the Exhibition the last two cakes of gold obtained at (he Sew Hoy Big Beach Company’s claim, Shotover river. The two cakes weigh 247qz of retorted gold, valued at £951, the result of only four weeks’ work, and by the kind permission of the Colonial Bank will be placed among their exhibits, which stand in the centre of the avenue of the Early history court, close to the dome.

VESTRY MEETING

A vestry meeting of St. Peter’s Church was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening last. Present: Messrs C. H. Mills, A. Maule, Dr. Drury, and the Rev. H. E. Ensor, in the chair. .. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter wes read from the Picton Hospital Board thanking the donors for their .gift of fruit, &c., : for. the patients inithe hospital. . Resolved, That the church, officers request Mr Venimore to inform Mr Jones that unless his contract for painting the church be proceeded with at once, the requisite number of men will be put on at his expense, to com;, plete the work. The Rev. Mr Ensor stated that the Bishop had sanctioned his going to Kaikoura for three months during the winter, and that the Rev. H. P. Cowx, B. A., would take his place during that time.

Eesolved, That this vestry desire to express their sincere sympathy with' His Lordship the Bishop under the gross misrepresentations which have been made about him with regard to the Primacy question. The Chairman announced that restoration services would be held at St. Peter’s Church, Havelock, on Palm Sunday, the 30th inst., when the Bishop of the Diocese would be present and administer the Holy Communion m the morning. Eesolved, That the accounts due be passed for payment.