The Taranaki Herald. NEW PLYMOUTH, JULY 25, 1868.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 835, 25 July 1868, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. NEW PLYMOUTH, JULY 25, 1868.

When tho Taranaki Association first emerged from chaos, we duly heralded its advent as showing that political feeling 1 was not quite dead amongst us ; and we have from time to time chronicled its doings, being only too happy to promote a feeling of intei'ost in all questions which are conducive to the prosperity of the whole community. We think wo may venture to say that the Association has proved a decided political success, and has filled an obvious void which, for some time, existed in this district, affording an opportunity to young politicians to flesh their maiden swords, and to the veterans an opportunity of rubbing off the rust consequent on inaction. A reference to our reports will show that there has been no unwillingness on its part to deal with small matters, or any hesitation to encounter large ones ; it has never shown any deficiency in pluck, to use a common, but expressive phrase, nothing has been been too hot or too heavy ; and its capacity for bringing forward business has only been equalled by its facility for despatching it. While the Association confine its deliberations to the investigation of such questions as the administration of our waste lands, the financial condition of the Colony, the promotion of harbour works, ard others of a kindred nature, we heartily approve of its efforts, as they are calculated to promote the interests of the community ; but when it proposes by public meetings to discuss tho question of providing for the safety of the out-settlers, a most unwise course of action is adopted, and one which would tend greatly to produce — what we are sure tbe Association does not desire — a feeling of uneasiness among the country people generally. In taking such action as this, the Association is most surely and unwisely stepping beyond the sphere of its proper functions. The power to act in case of any apprehended danger to the subjects of Her Majesty, is by law vested in the Magistracy, and the proper course would be for his Honor the Superintendent, as Chief Magistrate of the Province, if ho thought there was any sufficient cause, to call the Justices of the Peace together in order to devise the best means to meet the emergency. We are glad to see that the Superintendent has declined to call a public meeting of the inhabitants, as suggested by the Association, to do what by law is vested in a properly constituted body ; which has from time immemorial dealt with such questions, and is quite competent to take such temporary action as may be required. We are informed that every precaution has been taken by the Provincial Government to secure the safety of the out-settlers in case of danger, but at the present time, as far as human foresight can determine, there is no apprehension of any in this district. It would, therefoi'e, be most unwise, nay, it would be perfectly suicidal for the people in town to assist to create feelings of insecurity, which at present are, as far as we can ascertain, without any sufficient foundation. Nothing whatever has transpired to show that the natives of this district in any way sympathise with the doings of Tito Kowara and his mob. We hear of settlers restricting their cultivations in consequence of listening to mere rumours of possible disturbance — truly men are gregarious animals — impulse and example is more powerful with them than reason, and there are many who will bitterly regret listening to these timid councils before next harvest. It is well enough to be watchful and prepared for any contingency that may arise, but to cease cultivating because a few, who are unfortunately gifted with more tongue than wisdom counsel this course, is greatly to be deplored, because it saps our very vitality, and would render quite hopeless (if carried out) any revival of prosperity for an indefinite period. The country settlers may feel assured that though no ostentatious display of activity is made to secure their safety, they are not uncared for ; a quiet watch is kept and effective measures are adopted to obtain reliable information with regard to

movements of the natives in those districts where the presence of an enemy would bo first manifested. With these assurances wo think the country settlers, whoso minds have been disturbed, will allay their fears till some evident danger menaces tho security of this district.

Takanaki AGKicut.Tuu.vi. Society. — Tlio usual monthly meeting of this Society will bo held on Saturday next, at 5 o'clock, in tho Tui'Anuki Institute, wheu tho subject of " Importation of Stock" will bo discussed. Taranaki Institute. — Iv consequence of tho inclemoncy of the weather on Thursday last, tho Annual General Meeting of Members of tho Institute was postponed till Friday next, tho 31sfc instant. Tauanaki Association*. — An advertisement will be found in oar front page announcing th-it tho members of the Jetty Committee aro requested to meet iv the Class Itootn of the Turanaki Institute, on Friday evening next, 31st of July, at 7 o'clock, and invites gentlemen who may have plans or models of jetties to utteud. Time Tam,e of Mul Services for August. — We havo to acknowledge tho receipt of tho 11 Timo Table for New Zealand Steam Mail Service for tho month of August," forwarded to us by Mr. E. B. Dicksoo, tho Chief Postmaster. ' New Justices of Peace. — On Thursday last Francis Ullnthorn Gledhill, Esq., Jameß Cragg Sharland, Esq., and Thomas Hirst, Esq., took tho nocessary oaths as Justices of Peace, boforo tho Resident Magistrate. The Patba Railway Reserve. — Tho following are tho accepted tenders for the lease of sections in that part of the Patea Railway Reserve within this Province. Sections 1 and 2, (ton years) Maillard Noake, at Is. por acre ; sections 3 and 4, (ten years) ALiillard Noako, at 9d. por acre ; section 5, (ten years) G. S. Whitmorc, at Is. OJd- per acre ; sections 6, 7, and 8, (ten years) M. Noako, at Is. per acre ; sections 9 and 10, (ten years) G S. Whitrnore, Is. 0 jd. ; sections 12 and 13 (ten years) F. B. Jackson, Gd.peracre ; sections 14 and 15, (seven yoars) T. H. Hurst and J. H. Haigh, Is. OJd. per acre ; sections 16 and 17, (ten years) G. S. Whitmore, 9^d. par acre ; sections 18, 19, and 20, (ten years) T. Bayly, 7d.per acre ; section 21, (ten years) Worsley, 6d. per acre ; section 22, (ten years) E. J. Mor gan, Is. por acre ; section 23, (ten years) 11. Wright, Is. old. per acre ; section 24, (ten years) D. Canning, lOJd. per acre ; section 23, (ten years) J. Rankin, Gd. por acre ; section 27, (ten years) J. Ball, Is. per aero ; section 28, (ton yoars) E. Broadley, Is. 2d. per acre ; section 29, (ton years) J. and H. Williamson, Is. Id. for the first five years, and 2s. for the last five years. The Quarter Returns. — The returns of tlio value of imports for the Port of New Plymouth for the quarter onding March 31, £5,911, against £12,179 for the corresponding quarter last year. From the United Kingdom £2,55 1 was.importod ; New South Wales, £2,838 ; and Victoria, £519. The exports were £255, against £93 for the oorresponding quarter last year. The exports consist of 3 tons of bran, and 2,160 Ib 3. of wool, besides £135 worth of foreign produce. / Our Harbour Master. — 13y tho General G • vorument Gazette we perceive that John Henry Hoi ford has been officially appointed by tho Governor as Harbour Master for tho Port of New Plymouth. Report of the Gaoler. — According to tho report laid on tho Council table last week, wo were informed that the greatest number of prisoners at any period in tho gaol during tho last bi'x months was ton. The average numbor about five. Tho health of the prisoners very good ; and that no medical assistance had been required. ■ The prisoners wore employed at different intervals at the following places : — Hospital Reserve, Market Place, St. Germans Square, Mount Elliot, and in wet weather at the Slaughter Houso. Supreme Court. — Tho criminal session of tho Supreme Court was formally opened on Monday last at 10 a.m., and was adjonrned by the Rogirtrar, H. E. Kenny Esq., until Tuesday next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, in couseqnenoo of tho non-arrival of His Honor the Chief Justice. The Peoples Petroleum Company. — There not being a sufficient number of shareholders present on Monday last to form a quorum, it was agreed to call another meeting on Saturday, when it was thought that many of tho shareholders who resided in the country would be able to attend. It will bo seen by au advertisement in our front page, that a meeting will take place at 4 o'clock on Saturday next. New Zealand Insurance Company. — Tho fifteenth half-yearly meeting of the Ne»v Zealand Insurance Company was held on the 15th instant at the Company's offices, Qaeen street, Auckland, when the report of tho directors for tho half-year, ending May 31st, 1868, was placed before tho mee£iug. A dividend at the rate of ten per cent, per annum was declared, £7,628 18s. sd. was added to tho resorvo fund, a.id £1,060 6s. 7d. carried forward as a balance to tho next halfyear. The affairs of the Company appear to bo in a flourishing condition.— Herald. Tenders for the Erection of the Bridge. —It appears from a list which has been published, that Mr. MoNeil of Auckland is tho lowest tenderer, and as he is a man of some experience in such constructions, and can offor ample and undoubted security for the carrying out of the ooutraot, we suppose his tender will be accepted. It appears that three years ago he erected a similarly constructed bridge iv Auckland, and although we should have been clannish enough to wish that a local man had come iv at as low a figure, yet as suoh has not | been the case wo will wish the successful tenderer prosperity with the undertaking and a speedy completion of the work. — Watigcnui Times. Mr. Wilson, Solicitor of Auckland, Drowned.— We regret to learn that Mr. W. M. Wilson, Solicitor, of Auckland, (Compiler of thj Statutes of New Zealand), has met with his death iv a most melancholy manner. We learn fchac the unfortunate gentleman had been down at Tapn on business for a few days | and on Sunday evening last he had gone out from his place of residence, and was nest discovered by a digger iv a creek, lying in the water. He was removed aa soon as possible to the nearest house whero restoratives were administered anJ applied, but without suooess. Sudden Death of the Third Mate of the s.s. « Airedale.— We regret to learn that Mr. Arthur Buckland, third officer of tho steamship • Airedale,' died under awfully sudden circumstances on the 14th instant in his own house at I Onehnnga. Mr. Buokland had been on board all j day attending to his duties, and was in his usual health, and had returned to his home in tho evening. After tea be sat for some time before the fire, and about 9 p.m. he and his wife retired to bed, ho having previously complained of a slight giddiness iv the head, After being in bed a short time ho said to his wife "Oh ! my head is so giddy," and at once fainted away. Mrs. ( Buckland ran to the next door to call assistance , j and on her return, he was apparently dead. Dr. Purohas was sent for, and was soon in attendance, but found life extinct. An inquest was held on loth at the Royal Exchange Hotel, before Dr. Philson, wheu a verdict was returned of "Died from desease of the heart. Mr. Buokland, who was much respected on board his ship, leaves a wife, but no family, to mourn his sad and untimely loss. Duringthe day all tho vessels in harbonr hoisted their flags half-mast high, as a taken of respect to the deceased. — Herald.