CARLYLE. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3138, 3 June 1879, Page 2

CARLYL E . [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Mat 30. — I regret that the aspect of naive affairs with us, as with yourselves, is again the all absorbing topic. Threats have been freely circulated from Maori sources at Waitot ara for some time past of brewing mischief. The surveyors liaving been withdrawn from the Momahaki block, ostensibly because of the near approach of winter, but in all probability ou account of warnings given, has left no excuse for outrage as regards the Momahaki block. The boundary survey of the Kaitagatawhenua block, up the Waitotaro River, has been completed, and the surveyor? are returning to their homes — thus leaving the whole of the interior free from occupation in any form by Europeans. Yet a Waitotara native, name 1 Kereopa, who.se antecedents are of the blackest, has been parading about armed with a double-barrelle I gun, boasting of his intention to shortly use it. It is also said that natives up the Patea River have grown ominously reserved. Tauroa and his people have been very dissatisfied ever since the Blake-cum-Mackay affair, as regards proposals to Te Whiti and the Plains natives. The disposition of Tauroa is to be friendly, but, having suffered in so many ways through war, and from no fault of his own. or desire to fight, he feels very sore at the liberal treatment proposed by Government through Captain Blake to the very natives who have been the cause of all the trouble in the past, and who have wholly escaped consequences.

A public meeting was held at Carlyle last night, the lai'ge side wing of the Council Chamber being crowded, although only a few hours' notice was given of the meeting. Resolutions were passed as telegraphed. The speaking was very pointed, and the tone of the meeting exactly accorded with your own c litorial remarks, as to the Oakura affair, on the 27th May. Sir George Grey's reply to Mr. Kelly's message was scarcely other than expected, but still raised feelings of indignation in all who heard the gist of the reply. It is felt to be hopeless to look to him for protection or redress iv case of murder or other outrage by natives ; and a determination is setting iv for settlers to take the matter into their own hands, and meet outrage by retaliation. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan, from whom at one time much was hoped, is now as much distrusted as Sir George Grey himself. Some curious disclosures will probably be brought to light ere long of the action of Government in regard to affairs on this coast, of which the Mackay-cum-Blako Commission, and the double-dealing in connection therewith, will bj trifling.

The only source of congratulation is the wonderful improvement to the navigation of the Patea River, which the further" progress of the Harbour Works have secured. The channel is now perfectly straight out to sea across the bar, aud with a good and increasing depth of water. The channel is also widening, and the large sand bank Avhich formerly lay on the western side has been washed away. The pilot is so satisfied that the channel will never revert to its old course, that he has applied to remove the old guide pjsts. I have it also on the best authority, that the Rangatira and similar sized boats will be permitted to enter at spring tides. Oar own little steamer now comes in on all ti les, and is paying fairly well. The Oreti, drawing as she does so little water, might vjuture here at any time, except iv case of high gales and heavy seas, when, of cour.se, no craft would b 3 allowed in.

Iv your issue of the 21st May, you gave an account of the new steamer Oreti. Having travelled in her, I can supplement your remarks by stating that the steamer is as comfortable in fact as her appearance led you to infer. She is well officered iv every respect, aud, while she appears to have large cargocarrying capacity for her size, her saloon accommodation for ladies and gentlemen is everything that could be desired. Unlike most small steamers, her saloon is forward of the engines ; consequently the working of the machinery can scarcely be felt. A large trade is likely to spring up with Auckland from the Patea District, once regular and direct communication is established. There is every reason to believe it would pay the owners to let the Oreti call here (say) once a nunth. As the Mountain Road will ba inipissable during winter, she would secure some considerable share of the passenger trade, while, if arrangements were made with Auckland merchants, their travellers could so arrange their visits here as almost to ensure full cargoes at least once a month. In case oE a native disturbance, the ready accessibility of the Patea River to steamers of the class name I would bo of immediate advantage.

Wonderful progress has been made in Carlyle of late ; aud, if only a better supply of timber could be obtained, the building trade would be brisk all through the winter. I cannot now enumerate the m-niy buil lings in progress, aud for which tenders have been accepted aud plans are being prepared. Another twelve months will see the place completely transformed. Financially Carlyle is sound, and though money is not abundant, still, fiero is not the pinching and scraping ami dread of collapse which unfortunately prevails elsewhere.