Weekly Mercury and Hawke’s Bay Advertiser 1877 – Volume II Number 076 – 28 April
WEEKLY MERCURY
AND
Hawke’s Bay Advertiser,
A Journal of Commerce, Agriculture, Sports, Politics, and Literature.
Vol. II. – No. 76. NAPIER, SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1877. PRICE SIXPENCE
Government Notifications.
SHEEP INSPECTOR’S REPORT.
Sheep Inspector’s Office, Napier,
29th March, 1877.
SIR – I have the honor to forward my annual report for the current year, and in accordance with the 5th section of the “Hawke’s Bay Sheep Act, 1874” enclose for publication statement of sheep returns of 1st May, 1876, which exceed those of the previous year by 133,911. The enclosed returns comprise 671,416 ewes, 588,546 wethers and 13,706 rams, or a total of 1,273,668 sheep over six months old in the Province on 1st May, 1876, as against 602,812 ewes, 524, 405 wethers, and 12,540 rams, or a total of 1,139,757 on 1st May 1875. While the net increase thus shown is nearly the largest I have yet had to record, and gives unmistakeable evidence of the increased carrying capability of the country year by year, our exports have in no wise diminished but rather increased, and as there are still large tracts of unstocked country in Poverty Bay and the East Coast district which will draw their supplies from Hawke’s Bay, there will for some years to come be an outlet presented for our surplus stock. As the surface sowing of permanent artificial grasses and subdivision of runs by fencing is becoming more general, we may expect the improvement here indicated to be steadily progressive. No sheep have been introduced overland to Hawke’s Bay since the date of my last report, and with the exception of a cargo of merino ewes, the imports have been limited to sheep for stud purposes, and comprise 390 long-woolled rams, 96 long-wool ewes, 381 merino rams and 128 merino ewes; or a total of 995 sheep during the past twelve months. The exports during the same period coastwise and overland to the neighboring provincial districts amount to about 86,000, and about 130,000 have been absorbed by provincial consumption and boiling down. The lambing of last year was a fairly good one, and averaged about 75 per cent., and the clip a heavy and sound one.
I have again much pleasure in reporting all the flocks still free from scab, and that the double lime of protective fences at the southern boundary are in a thoroughly efficient state, and receive unremitting attention from Mr Munro, the boundary keeper. The very considerable extension of the boundaries of this district so as to include the Patea country, more than ever necessitates an active assistant being appointed to this department with as little delay as possible. Sheep lice proved very annoying to some of the long-wool flocks last winter, but many of the stations are having dips erected, which will be the means of keeping in check these little pests. An autumn dressing of McDougall’s sheep dipping composition, at the rate of 1lb to 10 gallons of water is recognized as a safe and effectual dressing for sheep lice and ticks. A few deaths from lung-worm were again reported in a few flocks last winter. I am glad to report a satisfactory diminution in the number of lame sheep from foot-rot, and that all the flocks are in excellent condition, and have enjoyed an almost total immunity from staggers this autumn.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most Obedient Servant,
G. PEACOCK,
Inspector of Sheep.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Napier.
RETURN OF SHEEP ABOVE SIX MONTHS OLD IN THE PROVINCE OF HAWKE’S MAY [BAY] ON 1ST MAY, 1876: –
NAME OF SHEEP OWNER OF PERSON IN CHARGE. STATION OR LOCALITY. NUMBER OF SHEEP. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENT.
£ s d
Avison, J. Waipawa 2,431 1 5 3 7/8
Atchinson, J. Hampden 516 0 5 4½
Bridge, H. H. Fairfield 18,108 9 8 7½
Bell, M.S. Tautane 11.000 5 14 7
Bee, F. and G. Mohaka 7,600 3 19 2
Bullock, J. Meanee [Meeanee] and Petane 5,2000 2 14 2
Boyle, J. Havelock 1,012 0 10 ½
Buchanan, J. Elsthorpe 5,760 3 0 0
Bennett, J. Omaranui [Omarunui] 1,535 0 15 11 7/8
Boyd, J. Wairoaiti 2,320 1 4 2
Bowden, A. Kaikora 1,616 0 16 10
Bruce and Brandon Waikari 5,360 2 15 10
Bird, J. Wallingford 706 0 7 4¼
Burgess, T. Hampden 195 0 2 0 3/8
Cox, E. Titiokura 5,060 2 12 8½
Collins, J. Patangata 2,880 1 10 0
Collison, E. D. Pukahu 904 0 9 5
Collins, E. Abbotsford 4,892 2 10 11½
Campbell & Meinertzhagen Waimarama 16,357 8 10 4 5/8
Campbell, H. Poukawa 13,500 7 0 7½
Carrol and Richardson Wairoa 5.000 2 12 1
Chambers, J. Te Mata 20,629 10 14 10 5/8
Canning, J. D. Oakbourne 10,000 5 4 2
Condie, G. and D. Redclyffe 1,200 0 12 6
Couper, W. Kauranaki [Kahuranaki], &c. 16,000 8 6 8
Carr and Ellison Petane 6,700 3 9 9½
Carswell, W. Mount Alexander 10,090 5 5 1¼
Cannon, W. Clive 220 0 2 3½
Crail, R. Porangahau 402 0 4 2¼
Chrystal, T. Pukahu 604 0 6 3½
Crosse, T. E. Porangahau 6,210 3 4 8¼
Campbell, N. Kaikora 1,775 0 18 5 7/8
Cable and Drummond Wakamahi 15,349 7 19 10 5/8
Douglas, W. Wakatatara 16,697 8 13 11 1/8
Duff, H. A. Kereru 304 0 3 2
Duff, H. and A. Wairoa 5,660 2 18 11½
Davis, E. Meanee, &c. 2,730 1 8 5¼
Dolbel, P. and R. Springfield, &c. 6,000 3 2 6
Dillon, A. Patangata 3,183 1 13 1 7/8
Evans, R. Kaikora 1,359 0 14 1 7/8
Farmer and Watt, Longlands 12,150 6 6 6¾
Fleming, D. S. Boar Hills 3,266 1 14 0¼
Franklin, S. Wainui 240 0 2 6
Fletcher, S. Ruataniwha 295 0 3 0 7/8
Glenny, W. Kopuawhara 1,658 0 17 3¼
Gollan, D. Mangatarata 19,169 9 19 8 1/8
Gollan, K. Tamamu [Tamumu] 3,012 1 1 4½
Grant, A. Burnside, &c. 12,074 6 5 9¼
Glenny, T. S. Onga Onga 424 0 4 5
Gollan and Drower Eparaima 562 0 5 10¼
Gaisford, H. Oringi 5,200 2 14 2
Groom, M. E. Karamu 724 0 7 6½
Gemmel, J. Maungaharuru 3,130 1 12 7¼
Harding, J. and R. Mount Vernon 18,076 9 8 3½
Hamilton, G. D. Mangatoro 6,044 3 2 11½
Howard, T. and J. Hampden 3,024 1 11 6
Holden, J. Hampden 4,027 2 1 11 3/8
Hill, K. Clifton 15,946 8 6 1 3/8
Hill and Gordon Karamu 6,600 3 8 9
Hunter, D. and W. Papakihaua 38,538 20 1 5¼
Heslop, J. Puketapu 3,000 1 11 3
Heslop, W. and G. Chesterhope, &c. 10,000 5 4 2
Herrick, J. L. Forest Gate 7,169 3 14 8¼
Hutchinson, M. Springvale 3,013 1 11 4 5/8
Herbert, J. Wainui 845 0 8 9 5/8
Herbert, J. and C. Wainui 2,617 1 7 3¼
Healey, J. Porangahau 300 0 3 1½
Hirtzell, C. Porangahau 181 0 1 10 5/8
Hassell, J. Waihua 4,530 2 7 ¼
Harwood, N. Ruataniwha 428 0 4 5½
Hawes, E. Hakowai 1,009 0 10 6¼
Hague, W. Clive 200 0 2 1
Johnston, S. Oruawhara [Oruawharo], &c. 42,550 22 3 2¾
Joshua, J. Kereru, &c. 23,323 12 2 11 3/8
Knight, J. Kaikora 2,200 1 2 11
Kinross, J. G. Mangaware [Mangawhare], &c. 37,535 19 10 11 7/8
Kelly, J. J. Paki Paki 751 0 7 9 7/8
Knapp, J. E. Ruataniwha 692 0 7 2½
Lambert, C. Lambertford 5,300 2 15 2½
Laurence, J. Homewood 5,558 2 17 10¾
Lambert, A. Porangahau 750 0 7 9¾
Leapold, C. Heavitree 472 0 4 11
Lyon, J. Poporange [Poporangi], &c. 16,663 8 13 6 7/8
Lowry, T. Okawa, 20,180 10 10 2½
Limpus, C. Patangata 1.003 0 10 5 3/8
Logan, A. Tamamu 805 0 8 4 5/8
McDonald, D. Pukahu 302 0 3 1¾
Mason, J. Te Taheke 7,446 3 17 6¾
Mackersey, J. The Lake 7,877 4 2 0 5/8
McHardy and Coleman Blackhead, &c. 18,875 9 16 7 3/8
Merritt, G. Farndon 592 0 6 2
McKenzie, H Havelock 658 0 6 10¼
McKenzie, J Tamamu 1,105 0 11 6 1/8
Maney, R. D. Omahu &c. 17,390 9 1 1¾
McLean, A. Tuki Tuki 9,518 4 19 1¾
McLean, P. Pukahu 423 0 4 4 7/8
McLean, D. Maraekakaho 32,040 16 13 9
McKinnon, J. Arapawanui 4,300 2 4 9½
Mclellan and Chandler Pohui 6,002 3 2 6¼
Milne, A. D. Moeangeange [Moenangiangi] 1,909 0 19 10 5/8
McKay, A. Waipawa 700 0 7 3½
McKay, M. Hampden 606 0 6 3¾
McAnanama, J. Wairoa 71 0 0 8 7/8
Mullinder, G. Patangata 503 0 5 2 7/8
Morrison, D. Ruataniwha 402 0 4 2 ¼
McLennan, M. Ruataniwha 413 0 4 3 5/8
McMasters, D. Tahoraite [Tahoraiti] 3,226 1 13 7¼
McDonald, D. Tamamu 140 0 1 5½
McLean, H. Gwavas 18,490 9 12 7¼
Nairn, J. and H. Pourerere 28,082 14 12 6¼
Nairn, H. Te Apiti 6,580 3 8 6½
Nelson, F. and W. Mangateretere 4,620 2 8 1½
Newman, A. Arlington 12,800 6 13 4
Newbold, S. Papakura 403 0 4 2 3/8
Nicholson, J. Kaikora 1,2?8 0 12 8¼
Ormond, J. D. Wallingford, &c. 29,710 15 9 5¾
Orr, W. Clive 1,358 0 14 1 7/8
Orr, J. Papakura 500 0 5 2½
Peacock, G. Brooklands 3,300 1 14 4½
Parsons, J. Papakura 829 0 8 7 3/8
Powdrell, H. Meanee 256 0 2 8
Powdrell, J. Wairoa 750 0 7 9¾
Parsons, W. and T. Willow Brook 2,091 1 1 9 3/8
Peter, W. Whakaki 6,900 3 11 10 ½
2 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
NAME OF SHEEP OWNER OR PERSON IN CHARGE. STATION OR LOCALITY. NUMBER OF SHEEP. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENT.
Paukana, R. Karamu 500 0 5 2½
Peddle, W. Pakiaka 706 0 7 4¼
Pope, E. Motuotaraia 75 0 0 9¾
Richardson & Troutbeck Petane 10,130 5 5 6¼
Robjohns Tutaekuri 1,130 0 11 9¼
Russell, T. P. Woburn 20,186 10 10 3¼
Russell, W. and A. Flaxmere, & c. 22,594 11 15 4¼
Russell, H. R. Mount Herbert, &c. 22,539 11 14 9¾
Rich and Shrimpton Matapiro 12,800 6 13 4
Rathbone, W. Waipawa 3.030 1 11 6¾
Reigner, E. Meanee 1,508 0 15 8½
Rhodes, J. R. Edenham 11,104 5 15 8
Rhodes, R. H. Springhill 4,550 2 7 4¾
Rhodes and Co. Rissington 30,541 15 18 1 5/8
Ryan, D. Porangahau 866 0 9 0¼
Saxby, G. H. Te Kopanga 13,751 7 3 2 7/8
Stokes Brothers Milbourne 26,315 13 14 1 3/8
Spence, G. Wharepanga 4,025 2 1 11 7/8
Smith, H. W. P. Hawkeville 19,230 10 0 3¾
Sutherland, J. Mohaka 4,637 2 8 3 5/8
St. Hill, A. Wangaehu 16,460 8 11 5½
Speedy, W. Wainui 2,000 1 0 10
Speedy, J. Wainui 2,320 1 4 2
Speedy, G. Wainui 1,887 0 19 7 7/8
Sims, D. Wallingford 810 0 8 5¼
Sladen, H. Grassmere 1,770 0 18 5¼
Soley, J. Kaikora 200 0 2 1
Stewart, T. Porangahau 510 0 5 3¾
Sim, J. Mohaka 2,800 1 9 2
Sebley, J. L. Waipawa 244 0 2 6½
Stevens and Clark Kaikora 1,258 0 13 ¼
Small, W. H. Patangata 1,800 0 18 9
Shield [ Sheild ], A. Waikonini 10,020 5 4 4 1/8
Steven, J. Petane 300 0 3 1½
Sutton, F. Mangateretere 1,512 0 15 9
Tiffen, L. A. Greenmeadows 5,880 3 1 3
Takamoana, K. Pakowhai 1,986 1 0 8¼
Tiffen, F J. Elmshill 7,664 3 19 10
Tanner, T. Riverslea, &c. 33,142 17 5 2¾
Taylor, J. Moeangeangi [Moeangiangi] 5,904 3 1 6
Twigg, H. J. Petane 3,000 1 11 3
Towgood, E. Tangoio 14,000 7 5 10
Tucker, E. Sherwood 428 0 4 5½
Turner and Galbraith Clive 440 0 4 7
Tod, J. Kaikora 2,002 1 0 10¼
Tod, R. Kaikora 1,212 0 12 7 1/8
Tait and McIvor Waikare 3,700 1 18 6 1/8
Tuxford. A. Petane 157 0 1 7 5/8
Takamoana, H. Karamu 240 0 2 6
Villers, W. Petane 851 0 8 18 3/8
Watt and Walker Mahia 18,178 9 9 4¼
Walker and Richardson Waikokopu 5,500 2 17 3½
Watts, E. Kaikora 1,610 0 16 9¼
Williams, R. P. Mangateretere 3,620 1 17 8½
Wellwood, R. Karamu 3,122 1 12 6¼
Williams, J. N. Frimley, &c. 48,780 25 8 1 1/8
Williams, S. Te Aute 14,895 7 13 0 7/8
Whitmore, G. S. Clive Range 10,000 5 4 2
Witherow, J. Patangata 1,050 0 10 11¼
Waldrum, B. Waipawa 312 0 3 3
Ward, A. Porangahau 432 0 4 6
White, J. Porangahau 2,975 1 10 11 7/8
White, R. Porangahau 232 0 2 5
Walker, J. Poukawa 4,883 2 10 10 3/8
Warren, W. A. Mangapoka 1,749 0 18 2 3/8
White, T. Glengarry 3,447 1 15 10 7/8
White, J. F. Poukawa 1,086 0 11 3¾
White, W. Kaikora 2,200 1 2 11
Wilkes, J. Waipawa 142 0 1 5¾
Inglis, J. Hampden 258 0 2 8¼
1,273,668 £663 7 4½
[…]
THE WEEKLY MERCURY. 3
[…]
WAIROA
[FROM OUR OWN CORRERSPONDENT]
April 20.
The Manaia will probably get out on Sunday. The bar is still blocked, and a heavy sea.
April 22.
The steamer Manaia is not yet able to get out, there being only three feet of water on the bar.
A County Council meeting is called for the 26th instant.
Considerable curiosity is manifested as to when the Free Press will make its first appearance.
[…]
WAIPAWA
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
April 21.
The decision in the election case is to be given next Saturday. Sydney Johnston will most likely be unseated.
Mr Sheehan made a good speech, and proved that the Ruataniwha roll was illegal, and that great irregularities had occurred in taking the votes. The court was largely attended, and great interest was shown in the proceedings.
[…]
4 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS
There were two errors in our Waipukurau telegram as published last week. The settlers of the Woodville district, through the Chairman of the Board, asked the Waipawa County Council to impose a special acreage rate of 2s, so as to bring up their local taxation to the amount determined by the Road Board, but which had been reduced one half by the Assessment Court. Mr Levy, the Chairman of the Board, and the representative of Woodville in the County Council, in drawing attention to the application, said he did not think it was competent for the Council to grant what was asked for, at the same time the settlers of Woodville were anxious to pay heavy rates in order to get roads. Our telegram would have made it appear that the reverse was the case. The other error was that “12th clause” was printed instead of 78th clause.
The following is the judgment of the Native Lands Court in the application made by Henry Matua for a re-hearing of the claim for a subdivision of the Mangaorapa Block. “The first feature in the case is the omission of the name of Wi Matua from the grant. It is admitted by the Judge who heard the case that the name was omitted through inadvertence. Evidence taken by the Court shows that the grantees in the present grant agree that his name should be in that grant. The first step to be taken is to remedy this error lest worse should come of it. The Court will therefore recommend that a new grant be issued including the name of Matua and of the same date. The land being inalienable, this delay will not be of so much consequence as it otherwise it might be, and will give time to the owners to come to some agreement as to subdivision at a future Court. Application for subdivision is therefore dismissed.” The judgment appears to have given much much satisfaction to all Maoris concerned in the case.
The early train on Thursday morning conveyed sixteen first-class passengers to Waipukurau, no less than six of whom were “dead heads.” There were two Legislative Councillors, two County Councillors, and two newspaper men, all travelling with free passes.
We understand that all the tenders for making the alterations and additions to the Oddfellows’ Hall are considerably above the amount fixed by the Committee as the limit. It is therefore not improbable that fresh tenders will be called for.
It would appear that there is very little chance of a township being formed at the Takapau railway station, the proprietor of the soil, the Hon J. Johnston, having resolved to dispose of no land on more favorable terms that twenty one years leases. The natives own a large block of country in the immediate neighbourhood of the station and they are willing to sell, but arrangements are not yet completed
[…]
Mr. Tully, late marker at the Criterion billiard-room has rented the room at the Empire Hotel, and, we have no doubt, will receive a very fair amount of patronage.
[…]
There has been a very heavy sea rolling into the roadstead all Thursday night and Friday, stopping all progress of the works, and throwing up hundreds of tons of shingle at the back of the eastern breastwork. Beyond this not much damage has been done, though the western mole has sustained some considerable injury. The quantity of shingle at the rear of the breastwork which has been thrown up is something astonishing, it is piled up about four feet above the level of the breastwork, and has completely smothered the tramway along it. The strength of the works has been severely tested, and they have come out of the ordeal in a manner that must prove highly satisfactory to the board.
Mr. E. L. Smith was the successful Contractor for the Galleries to be erected in the Wesleyan Church. His tender was a little over £140.
The Fire Brigade held an excellent practice on Thursday. Owing to a better quality of coal being used, steam was got up in less than seven minutes. The members of the Brigade appear anxious to make themselves acquainted with their several duties, and ere long it is expected they will attain a proficiency equal to the best of the Brigades in the Colony.
We are in receipt of a letter in which the writer mentions that the swamp reclamation works are not proceeding with the energy desired, and further he complains of the few hands now employed in those works. As several of the statements of our correspondent would likely lead to a libel action on the part of the swamp contractors, and not being desirous of figuring before Mr Justice Richmond in July next as defendants, we decline to publish the letter in full. We understand that several of the matters complained of in the letter had previously been noticed by the Municipal Engineer, and that he has communicated with the contractors on the subject.
John Purcell, an old cabman, died on Friday. It appears that he has been for some time laboring from illness. On arriving at his home in Emerson-street on Thursday, instead of going as usual to his bed, he slept for some time in the open air, where he was found by his friends, who, perceiving his state, at once sent for medical assistance, but too late to be of any avail.
There can be no doubt that the harbor improvement scheme is most unpopular at Port Ahuriri, and this was shown unmistakably on Friday evening, when the Sir Donald steam launch was stuck on the bar. The Sir Donald was bringing the passengers of the Wanaka ashore, amongst whom were the Minister of Public Works and the Chief Engineer, Mr Carruthers. When the steamer struck the ground wave after wave swept over the vessel, and with each ducking the passengers received, hearty cheers were given by those on shore, who expressed the hope the Mr Carruthers would be made to realise the value of his scheme for the deepening of the bar.
A deputation consisting of Messrs R. Stuart (Mayor), Smith, Anderson, Newton, and Miller, waited upon the Minister of Public Works on Saturday, for the purpose of ascertaining the powers of the Hospital Board. The Hon J. D. Ormond received the deputation with the utmost courtesy, but informed the members of it that nothing could be definitely settled with regard to the powers of Hospital Boards until after the meeting of Parliament. Mr Ormond, however, suggested that the management of the present hospital should be placed in the hands of the new Board, and stated that the General Government would supply the necessary funds for the maintenance of the institution until something definite was done by the General Assembly.
We are glad to report that our appeal to the public on behalf of the Fire-engine fund was not made in vain. The hon. sec. to the Committee begs to acknowledge the receipt of further subscriptions, and desires us to state that those received have not come from business men, but from persons who have no commercial stake in the town.
The Davenport, Fay and Davies troupe gave one of their performances on Friday before one of the largest audiences that has ever assembled in Waipawa. Several natives were present, who were extremely anxious to learn from Mr. Davenport whether he was assisted by the “taipo.” Notwithstanding assurances to the contrary, the natives expressed their desire to clear away with as little delay as possible.
Persons having business in connection with the Hawke’s Bay County Council will learn with extreme satisfaction that in future all accounts due by the County Council must be rendered by the 2nd of every month, and payment will be made on the 15th. This is as it should be.
We hear that about sixty persons have affixed their signature to the petition being got up with the object of merging the Meanee Road Board into the County Council. There are several ratepayers who, however, object to sign on the grounds that the matter should first have been debated at a public meeting, and they are not fully sure in taking the proposed course they will not be “jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire.”
[…]
The quarterly returns of Customs Revenue for the quarter ending March 31 are now published, and show a total decrease in comparison with last year of £19,705. Napier Customs show a small increase. Major Atkinson, when the House meets next session, will have to account for the deficiency in his estimates – as laid last year before Parliament. Economy must become the order of the day, and it is not at all improbable that the subsidies to Counties and Road Boards will have to be reduced considerably in order to meet the necessities of the Government.
[…]
The following appointments and exchanges of stations will take effect in the Hawke’s Bay police force from the 1st May: – Second sergeant James Robinson, from mounted sergeant at Waipawa to be first-class sergeant at Napier, vice Moffatt resigned. Mounted constable David McGuire, from Wairoa, to be second sergeant at Waipawa. Mounted constable John Madigan, from Havelock to Wairoa, vice McGuire promoted.
The partnership of Messrs Watt Brothers has been dissolved, Mr Archibald Watt retiring from the firm. The business in uture [future] will be carried on by Mr James Watt alone.
[…]
J. T. Thomson, Esq., Surveyor-General of New Zealand, arrived at Ohinemutu on Thursday, from Napier and Wellington, after visiting the Rotomahana terraces.
[…]
THE WEEKLY MERCURY 5
[…]
The Meanee ratepayers’ petition praying their Road Board district may be abolished in accordance with clause 37 of the Countries Act, now bears the signatures of about 80 settlers, who represent more than half the value of the district, and more than one-third of the total number of ratepayers.
The General Government has once again given rebuff to the Volunteers of the Colony, with the object, we presume, of discouraging as much as possible the volunteering spirit existing amongst the colonists. A circular memorandum has been issued from the Native and Defence Department, addressed to officers commanding districts, informing them that for the future no free passes on the railways will be allowed to any person connected with the Militia or Volunteer forces. In cases of absolute necessity members of the Permanent Staff, or of the Volunteer Corps, may obtain a free pass on application to the Department, if the nature of the service to be undertaken by travelling is stated. Had this order been in force last month the Napier Artillery could only have gone into the country for their annual shot and shell practice at their own expense.
The reading-rooms for the Fire Brigade are now completed and furnished, and when periodicals and newspapers are placed on the table will doubtless of an evening become a favorite place of resort for the members. We shall have much pleasure in giving to the person in charge files of this, the neighboring colonies, and England for the perusal of those who visit the reading-rooms.
At the sale of the stock-in-trade and furniture of the Criterion Hotel, held by Messrs Routlege Kennedy and Co. on Tuesday, after the bill of sale and condition had been read out the whole was put up in one lot, and knocked down to the mortgagee, Mr. James Watt, for £3,800.
Mr. Charles Butler, of Taradale, has taken possession of the Commercial Hotel, Port Ahuriri. Mr. Butler is new to hotel life, but possessing a large amount of energy will doubtless make a good trade.
A meeting of the creditors of Mr H. Ford was held on Monday afternoon in Mr Sheehan’s offices, Hastings-street. A. Kennedy, Esq., was voted to the chair. An approximate statement of accounts was laid before the meeting, which showed a large deficiency. After considerable discussion the following motion was carried:- “That Mr Ford should execute an assignment of all his property for the benefit of his creditors.” Messrs. A. Kennedy and J. Higgins were appointed Trustees.
What is the fact? Is a question that may well be asked by the readers of the Herald in connection with the state of the bar at Port Ahuriri. Regarding the grounding of the Sir Donald on Friday evening, the Herald said the accident was “solely due to the shallowness of the bar.” On Monday we read that to prevent a false impression getting abroad with reference to the state of the bar, it is worth while to mention that the Jane Douglas drawing twice as much water as the Sir Donald came in at extreme low water on Saturday morning, and that the Rangatira, drawing between 8 and 9 feet came in that same day, two hours before high tide. In this same issue, in the shipping column, we learn that the Sir Donald on Saturday morning again stuck on the bar. It appears to us that either the Sir Donald is very badly steered, or else that there is not water enough on the bar to float her over.
To the Editor: Sir, – Seeing a local in one of your late issues, relative to a letter in connection with the Swamp Contracts, and the same being attributed to me, I shall esteem it as a great favor if you permit me to deny through your columns any knowledge of or participation in the letter. By doing this, you will oblige. – Yours, &c., EDW. THOMAS, Napier, April 23, 1877.
Mr. Carruthers inspected the Napier Takapau railway on Saturday, proceeding up the line in a special train. He returned to town in the evening, and left for Auckland by the Wanaka. Mr. Carruthers, we understand, expressed himself well satisfied with the condition of the line, and he also gave instructions for the protection of the Ngaruroro banks at those points that are threatened in the neighborhood of Clive.
[…]
The stupid blunder of the Vogel Government in importing rubbishy timber from America for railway sleepers, is now bearing the fruit it was predicted it would. The Oregon pine sleepers that have not been in situ four years are, many of them, as rotten as pears, and are being taken up between the Napier and Spit station.
The services of a qualified engineer are advertised for by the Waipawa Council, to inspect, and furnish a report on all the roads in the County. Applications must be sent in by Monday, 30th inst., to the offices of the County, Waipukurau.
The cricket match between an eleven of the Star Cricket Club and an eleven of the Herald office, which was played at Taradale on Saturday afternoon, resulted in a drawn game. The Press had made 86 runs, and their opponents 65, with two wickets to go down.
[…]
In the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, a native who was charged with drunkenness, but let out on bail, omitted to make his appearance, and his bail money of £1 was ordered to be forfeited. Two other individuals, who on Saturday night were, for stumbling along the road, locked up, were brought up on Monday, but as His Worship thought they had a possibility on Sunday of solitarily ruminating over their errors, they were both discharged with a caution.
We learn that Mr. F. E, Hamlin, for some years Resident Migistrate [ Magistrate ] of Maketu, has resigned his appointment, and comes to Napier, at an early date, to assume the duties of clerk and Interpreter to the Resident Magistrate’s Court here, in the room of his brother Mr. Martin Hamlin, lately deceased.
[…]
It may not be generally known that, under the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, Clause 38, every person of the full age of twenty-one years, whose name appears on the burgess roll of a borough, shall be a burgess of such borough so long as such roll is in force. The names of all owners or occupiers of tenements within the borough, have to be entered in the valuation roll from which the burgess list is complied. Therefore, women are entitled to vote whose names are on the burgess list, and on that for the borough of Napier there are now to be seen the names of fifty-eight females.
Tuesday was the day on which the auctioneers had to take out their licenses. As some misapprehension appeared to exist as to the state of the law with regard to the destination of the fees, and to the limit of an auctioneer’s license, we may say that the laws relating to the scale of fee, and to the limit of a license, are unchanged, that is, the fee remains the same, viz., £40, and the limit extends to the boundaries of the provincial district; the destination of the fee is alone changed. Instead of the money being paid into the provincial treasury, it is now paid to the funds of county or borough for which the license was taken out.
A case requiring the attention of benevolent persons is now before the public. A painter of the name of Holland, residing in Emerson Street, opposite the Provincial Hotel, is now lying ill, and it is feared dying of consumption. He has been out of work owing to illness, for months, and his wife, who is a seamstress, has been unable, owing to having to wait on her sick husband, to obtain pecuniary help to support herself and him. We call attention to the case in the hope that those charitably inclined will render some assistance.
[…]
We beg to acknowledge the receipt of 10s from “C.G.B.,” forwarded to us for the relief of Mrs Holland. We shall be happy receive the further contributions of the charitable.
[…]
There were no criminal or civil cases in the Resident Magistrate’s Court List on Wednesday. The Court bailiff will soon be entitled to the pair of gloves usually presented to Court officials when they day after day present to the justices blank criminal returns.
The Agricultural Statistics for the Provincial District of Hawke’s Bay will be found in our advertising columns. These, compared with those of last year, show an increase under every heading. The number of holdings has increased by 30, and the total acreage in grass and in crops has risen from 267,850¼ acres to 325,515½ acres. The number of holdings is only 581
Captain Newman, of Arlington, Waipkurau, we are glad to report, purposes cutting up his back run of 10,000 acres, into sections of a suitable acreage to the lay and character of the country, and to lay off village sections at Motuotaraia. There is an increasing demand for land throughout the colony, and we have not the slightest doubt that Captain Newman’s valuable estate at Motuotaraia will command a ready sale.
At a special meeting of the Presbytery of Hawke’s Bay, held on Wednesday in St. Paul’s Church, Mr. Patrick Riddle, who has for some time past filled the position of and Evangelist in this district was ordained for missionary work. The Rev. gentleman, we understand, has been appointed to labor in the Marlborough district. Mr. John Stewart who has recently arrived in Napier will succeed Mr. Riddle in his missionary work in Napier.
At a meeting of the shareholders of the Napier Swimming Bath and Skating Rink Company held on Wednesday, Mr G. E. Lee in the chair, it was resolved to wind up the Company, and after paying expenses, to divide the residue among the shareholders.
The carpenter Michael Leahy who, eleven days ago was conveyed to the Hospital for treatment for injuries received through falling from the tower of Mr James Watt’s house, in course of erection, is now recovered, and left the Hospital on Thursday. He speaks most gratefully of the kindness and attention shown him during his stay at that institution.
[…]
We have this day inspected a valuable draught entire Honest Tom. the property of Mr. B. Glass, of Te Kapu, Wairoa. He is just about to start overland. He was purchased from Messrs. Nairn Brothers, of Pourerere, where he has left some very valuable first class stock. Honest Tom was bred by J. D. Canning, Esq., of Oakbourne, and is by Conqueror, dam Jolly, an imported mare form Victoria. He is a very even horse, and has left much valuable stock at Pourerere now working. He is a very creditable horse to the province, and we wish his purchaser every success.
[…]
Mr. Nelson Carrington arrived safely from Napier at New Plymouth last Friday. He was conveyed through the town on a stretcher to his father’s house. The Herald says the invalid sustained the trying passage better than could have been expected.
G.E.G. Richardson, Esq., has been appointed by his Excellency the Governor, to be auditor for the Counties of Hawke’s Bay, Cook, Wairoa, and Waipawa.
Constable Patrick Coghlan has been appointed a Ranger under the Protection of Animals Act, 1873, for the Provincial district of Hawke’s Bay.
The fee payable for a license to kill game during the shooting season, 1877, within the Provincial district of Hawke’s Bay has been fixed at fifty shillings.
[…]
The Inspector of Police requires three good and intelligent men as constables. The pay offered is good, and the billets we imagine, will not long remain open.
At the sale of Mr Witty’s furniture on Wednesday, conducted by Routledge, Kennedy, & Co., there was a large attendance of buyers. The bidding for the various lots was spirited, and the prices realised were satisfactory. We are sorry to report that there was no offer made for the house and ground. The two latter were withdrawn at the reserved price of £4,000. They are however, under offer at present, privately.
[…]
6 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
[…]
Since the departure of the Davenports there have been no amusements in Napier. Mr E. Ashton, the lessee of the Oddfellows’ Hall, returned to Napier on Wednesday from a pleasure trip from the South, and from him we learn that Messrs. Baker and Farren, who are now performing at Wellington will open here on the 8th of next month. Mr John Hall with a burlesque company will follow, and it is not impossible Mrs Scott Siddons will pay Napier a visit before her departure of the colony. The Press of Wellington speak in eulogistic terms of the performances of Messrs. Baker and Farren.
[…]
INTERPROVINCIAL.
[…]
GISBORNE.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
April 25.
The Jane Douglas has arrived from Napier.
A large number of commercial travellers from Napier and Wellington are here trying to do business with our business firms. Trade is dull rather, and orders are cautiously given.
[…]
WAIROA.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]
April 26.
The Council met to-day, and adjourned until Monday.
A resolution was carried. “That in the absence of any auditor being appointed by the Government, Mr. Shaw be appointed to audit the accounts for the last quarter.”
Tenders are to be at once called for the following sections – Tongoio [ Tangoio ] to Mohaka: Mohaka to Turiroa; Turiroa to Wairoa.
The Chief Engineer is to be asked to furnish a report on the cost of improving the entrance to the river.
(PRESS AGENCY)
WELLINGTON.
April 20.
At the annual dinner of the Wellington Rowing Club last night, in referring to the courses most eligible[eligible] for rowing the Colonial Regatta, Griffiths, a conspicuous boating man, said he thought the Napier course would be a very good one over which to row the colonial match. The people there took a great interest in the sport, and the water was always suitable for boating.
[…]
April 21.
The last Gazette contains tables which show that the Custom’s revenue for the colony for the quarter ending March last was £298,039, as against £317,744 collected during the corresponding quarter of 1876; the decrease on quarter being £10,705. The revenue for Auckland last quarter was £49,?19, showing a decrease on the corresponding quarter of £4,954; for Wellington, £44,886, showing an increase of £3,735; for Lyttelton, £49,578, showing an increase of £13.2; for Dunedin, £14,600, showing a decrease of £15,218.
For Napier, £10,035, showing an increase of £329; for Nelson, £8,802, showing a decrease of £3,155; for Greymouth, £9,263, showing an increase of £1241; for Hokitika, £8,158, showing an increase of £1,727.
[…]
April 24.
Arrived – Wanaka from Napier, and Rotorua from Sydney.
Walker, the trance medium, is a passenger.
[…]
THE WEEKLY MERCURY. 7
[…]
BLUFF.
April 23.
Arrived – Ship Fernglen from Napier.
[…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE BAR.
SIR, – Allow me through your medium to contradict a statement that our local favorite, the Jane Douglas, drawing twice as much water as the Sir Douglas, came in at low water. Now, Mr. Editor, the Douglas does not draw 12 ft., but 6ft. 2in., namely, 2in. more than the Donald; and being on board at the time, allow me to inform “Shell Back” that she hung on the bar for over a minute, it being two hours after low water, the sea washing over her stern – only being 1ft. 6in. in the water. Now, Sir, in justice to the captain of the Donald who had not the good fortune to be washed over but further on, I hope you will find space for the above, and oblige
THE MAN AT THE WHEEL.
Port Ahuriri, April 24, 1877.
AD NAUSEAM.
SIR, – I am sick of the Counties Act; I am wearied of Colonel Whitmore’s and Mr. Sutton’s opinions; I wish there were no Councils, no Road, Harbor, Hospital, or Waste Lands, Boards. When shall we have something to read in the papers? It would be a positive relief to see leading articles on scabby sheep, enteric fever, small pox, or rotten ships. Anything would be welcomed after this counties epidemic which now threatens to become chronic. Why don’t you initiate a change, and pitch into somebody, warm up Fannin, or make it hot for Weber? Let us have a laugh and a libel, to take our thoughts from counties and Waipukurau riding elections. Your readers will dance if you pay the piper. – I am, &c.,
A CONSTANT READER.
Napier, April 25.
[If Constant Reader were worth powder and shot, we should feel strongly inclined to make it “hot for him.” – ED. W. M.]
THE BAR AND THE SIR DONALD.
SIR. – The Herald has no doubt found it convenient to maintain a discreet silence on that subject which it raised concerning the state of the bar. To me, however, that subject is of such importance, and of such peculiar interest that I cannot allow it so easily to drop. If it be disagreeable to your contemporary to have the matter raked up, it has itself to thank. If it will make statements one day only to contradict them the next, it must take the consequence.
Now, Sir, the Herald very rightly said that the grounding of the Sir Donald, when that steamer was conveying the Minister of Public Works and Mr. Carruthers from the Wanaka, was solely due to the shallowness of the water on the bar. The Sir Donald was being piloted by the Harbor Master, and as all officials are looked upon by the editor of the Herald as bosom friends – from the dust contractor right away up to the throne of Fannin himself – it followed that the Herald should say that “no blame can be attributed to anyone for the accident.” That statement, toadyism as it was, happened to be true and was probably furnished by some minor official anxious to screen the Harbor Master from possible censure. The young man did not stop to think how such a statement would affect the digestions of the designer of the harbor scheme, and the little knot of worshipping engineers, who, for the life of them, dare not utter a word in derision of the so called harbor improvements. Guess the horror of all these scientific men on reading, in the very presence of the Chief Engineer, that there was not water enough on the bar to float a boat of the size of the Sir Donald! Such an idea could not be allowed to go abroad. It was no longer a question of saving the Harbor Master from censure; it looked too much like having to save the Chief Engineer from ridicule. The Herald, accordingly, was instructed – or ordered most likely – to virtually contradict what it had said, and to give out that vessels drawing twelve feet of water could float over the bar easily, and that at extreme low tide there was plenty of water for the s.s. Jane Douglas to come in, and she was of much greater draught than the Sir Donald.
Well, Sir, as you yourself put it, what does it all mean? Is it all moonshine glimmering from a journal published to deceive at the dictation of any one in the receipt of Government pay, from a Bobby to a Minister of the Crown? Was the bar condemned to save the Harbor-master, and the Harbor-master chucked over-board to spare the feelings of the Chief Engineer, and the Jane Douglas cracked up to damn the Sir Donald? A sort of “this is the house that Jack built” business, for which the readers of the Herald pay twopence, and posters “have the advantage of the use, free of charge, of Dinwiddie, Morrison and Co’s Advertising Board.” – I am, &c,,
MASTER MARINER.
Port Ahuriri, April 24, 1877.
ROAD BOARDS.
SIR, – It has been generally understood that the roads in Meanee and Taradale, as well as the drains, are not in the best of order. Roads and drains require just now a considerable expenditure to keep them in a passable state through the winter. In face of this a movement is on foot to deprive the district of all assistance from the Government – to dissolve the Road Board and get the County to do the work.
It is competent for the Council to dissolve any Road Board upon certain conditions being complied with, but what will be the result?
The County has power to levy general rates over the whole of the rateable property within the boundaries, but it has no power to levy a general rate upon any particular district. Clause 39 gives the County certain powers; but it appears clear that the clause refers only to the financial year during which the merging takes place.
The result I take it, will be that if the Meanee petition is granted, the district will have changed bread for a stone with a vengence [vengeance].
With no Road Board rates, no Government grant, with nothing but small assistance the County can give, it will indeed be a wretched muddle.
There is no provision that I can find for the payment of any subsidy whatever, the dissolution of the Road Board even decreases the subsidy to the County.
Under any circumstances it would be found preferable to retain the Road Boards, as it has been clearly shown that they can do their work much cheaper than Counties, the reason being that whereas Counties require, apparently clerks, solicitors, overseers, valuers of outlying districts, &c., &c. to do their work, the Road Board wardens generally do it themselves.
I am afraid that the present movement has been urged on by persons who are interested in a different sense to ratepayers.
I think the ratepayers should pause before they knock away the plank that has carried them, in a certain sense, in the past, lest they find that they are in a worse fix than ever. The Road Boards have not been able to provide sufficient funds for the district in the past, and I cannot think that those settlers who have agreed to their dissolution were aware for one moment that the effect would be the entire suspension of all works in the district, except a small share of such monies as the council can allot out of its small income. – I am, &c.,
RATEPAYER.
Napier, April 24, 1877
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT
FRIDAY, APRIL 20.
(Before R. Beetham, Esq., R.M.)
CIVIL CASES.
Gray v. Vaughan. – Claim £20. An adjourned case. Settled out of Court.
Gebbie v. Goddard. – Claim £3 for carting. No appearance of defendant Judgment by default for amount claimed and 9s costs.
Hooper v. Carter. – Claim of 15s 6d for a meerschaium [ meerschaum ] pipe sold in December, 1874. Defendant did not appear. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for amount as claimed, and costs 9s.
Scarfe v. Sykes. – Claim £7 6s 8d for groceries supplied. Defendant did not appear. Judgment (by default) for amount claimed, and costs 13s.
Lindsay v. Newman. – Claim £19 15s; Same v. Same. – Claim £87 11 2d; and Newman v. Lindsay. – Claim £30. Cross actions, having reference to a building contract. After the evidence of a number of witnesses had been taken, the further hearing of this case was adjourned until Tuesday next.
JUDGMENT SUNMONS [SUMMONS.]
Margoliouth and Banner plaintiffs v. J Gibson defendant. – On a judgment of this Court given on the 13th February last for £34 15s and further costs 20s, of which amounts, by distress and levy, the sum of £14 8s had been recovered only, leaving a balance unpaid of £20 7s. Evidence having been taken as to defendant’s means and ability to pay, and defendant admitting that he has five shares in the Moauatairi worth about £10 per share, it was ordered that unless the sum of £22 8s 6d, and the costs of the hearing, &c., be not paid by eleven o’clock on the 21st instant (to-morrow), the defendant be committed to prison in the Common Gaol at Napier for two months.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24.
DRUNKENNESS
One F. McKenzie for the above offence was fined, and paid the minimum penalty of five shillings.
CIVIL CASES.
Lindsay v. Newman. – Same v. Same and Newman v. Lindsay. – Cross actions, adjourned from last Court-day after partial hearing, were again further adjourned, pending a possible settlement outside the Court, for a week, viz., until Tuesday, 1st May.
Lyndon v. R. Bell. – Claim of £15, for 6 months rent of eight sections at Hastings, and for recovery of possession of the said sections. Defendant did not appear. The evidence of plaintiff having been taken, it was ordered by the Court that the premises be delivered up forthwith, and that the defendant pay to the plaintiff the sum of £15 as claimed, and his costs, amounting to a further sum of £1 5s.
THURSDAY, APRIL 26.
ALLEGED WIFE BEATING.
An information laid by the police against one Frank Parker for unlawfully assaulting and beating Marion Parker, his wife, was to have come on for hearing this morning, but defendant neglected and refused to obey summons. A warrant was ordered to issue for his arrest.
[…]
8 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
Shipping Intelligence.
PORT AHURIRI.
ARRIVALS.
April.
20 – Wanaka, s.s., from the South. Passengers – Hon J. D. Ormond, Miss Bendall, Messrs Carruthers, Reaz, Clark, C. Thompson, J. C. Williams, and Jobberns
20 – Jane Douglas, s.s., from Awanui and Kawa Kawa. Passengers – Henare Tomoana, and 21 other natives
21 – Rangatira, s.s., from Poverty Bay. Passengers – Mrs Rathbone and child, and two in the steerage.
22 – Columbia, schooner, from Kennedy’s Bay
25 – Rangatira, s.s., from Wellington. Passengers – Mr and Mrs Ashton, Mr and Mrs Chapman and servant, Mrs Pirani and family, Messrs Roach, Irons, and Davies
26 – Kiwi, s.s., from Wellington. Passengers – Mrs Cross and child, and 4 in the steerage.
26 – Rotorua, s.s., from Auckland. Passengers – Saloon: Messrs Beaver, Mr F. C. Smith, Kinross, Mann, Mrs Butler and 2 children, Miss Buckland, Miss Goudy, 6 for Wellington, 4 for Lyttelton, and 15 for Dunedin; Steerage: 7 for Wellington, 1 for Nelson, 5 for Hokitika, and 2 for Dunedin.
DEPARTURES.
April
19 – Rangatira, s.s., for Poverty Bay. Passengers – Rev Father Regnier, Mrs Nash and two children, Miss Collins, Messrs. Collins and McDougall
22 – Wanaka, s.s., for Auckland, via Gisborne and Tauranga. Passengers – Mr and Mrs James Watt, servant and child, Mr and Mrs A. A. Watt, Mrs and Miss Carlyon (2), Mrs Macfarlane, Miss Williams (2), Miss Bourke, Mrs E. M. Williams, Miss Buchanan, Captain Symonds and Native Assessor, Messrs Stewart, Moon, Gibbons, Bradley, J.H. Williams, D. McLean, Upham, Wiremu Hauparua, Master Williams, and 21 from the South.
22 – Rangatira, s.s., for Wellington. Passengers – Mesdames Bendall, Davenport, Morton and 10 children, Messrs Morton, Johnson, Fay, Gibson, Davenport (2), Walmsley, Burn, Fuller, Dowlen, Aldridge, Grant, and a few in the steerage
22 – Tauranga, schooner, for Oamaru
22 – Hinemoa, schooner, for Auckland
22 – Fannie, cutter, for Whangapoua
22 – Waiwera, schooner, for Auckland
23 – Jane Douglas, s.s., for Gisborne. Passengers – Mrs Barry, Mr and Mrs Speakman, Miss Lascelles, Messrs Gibbons and Dewes
26 – Rotorua, s.s., for Wellington and Southern ports. Passengers – Messrs Lesbury, Seale Williams, and Holder
The s. s. Rangitira, Captain Evans, left on Thursday about 4.30 p.m., and arrived at Poverty Bay at 8 a.m. on Friday.
The ‘Frisco mail boat arrived in Auckland on Friday, two days before her due date. She left for Sydney on Friday. Considering this steamer left ‘Frisco one day behind her advertised time, and arrived two days before her due date, the present passage must be considered an excellent one.
The s.s. Sir Donald in coming over the bar on Friday took the ground and remained for some time, the sea breaking repeatedly over her, as the tide made she floated off, and was eventually brought alongside the Breastwork. The position was not at all a pleasant one for the passengers, and although they were all more or less wet, we are glad to learn no accident happened. In going out on Saturday she struck on the bar again but not heavily, she had the Three Brothers in tow at the time, but was obliged to let go of her.
The s.s. Jane Douglas, Capt. Fraser, left here on Friday last at 6 p.m., called at Poverty Bay and landed passengers and mails, left at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and arrived at Kawa Kawa same night at 10 o’clock; remained in Hick’s Bay till Wednesday, left there at 4 a.m. and called off Kawa Kawa and Awanui to embark some native passengers, leaving the latter place at noon, encountered strong southerly winds and took shelter in Tologa Bay, left there at 8 p.m. on Thursday, and arrived here at 4 p.m. on Friday, had light winds, but very heavy sea, especially on coming round Portland Island.
The s.s. Result towed out on Sunday four vessels, namely, the Tauranga. Hinemoa, Fannie, and Waiwera
The s.s. Wanaka was tendered on Saturday last by the Bella, Sir Donald, and Three Brothers, and during her stay about 200 tons of cargo were lightered. The last lighter left at 1.30 a.m. on Sunday, and she steamed for Gisborne at 2 o’clock.
The s.s. Rangatira, Capt. Evans, left at 11.30 a.m. with about 35 passengers, and a full cargo of tallow, wool, and sheepskins, for transhipment to the Rakaia. We notice amongst the cargo two cases of Maori curios to the order of A.A.Watt, Esq.
The Government steamer Hinemoa, on the last trip from Onehunga, made the passage in 28½ hours, although she had a fresh S.E. wind as far as Taranaki.
The s.s. Jane Douglas left on Monday at midnight for Gisborne. She has a tolerably large cargo, and a fair complement of passengers.
The barque Andrew Reid is now due from London. She has about 300 tons of water-works material for the Municipal Corporation.
The ship Fernglen, hence for Invercargill, has had rather a protracted passage. She no doubt encountered the full force of the last southerly gales.
The Manaia is still detained at the Wairoa, and the sea is so heavy on the beach that the Result is detained at this end, as were it possible she would take down several passengers and land them on the beach. The captain yesterday received a telegram from Wairoa, stating that there were a number of passengers there anxiously awaiting an opportunity of coming up.
The s. s. Rangatira, Captain Evans, left Wellington at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday, and arrived in Napier at 6.40 p.m. on Wednesday evening, having experienced very rough weather as far as Cape Palliser, there being a strong southerly breeze and very heavy sea; from thence the weather moderated a little, the wind continuing from the same quarter till arrival as above. Whilst rounding the Cape a heavy sea broke over her and broke open one of the gangway ports, and washed overboard a quantity of deck gear, &c.
The s.s. Rotorua, James Macfarlane, master, cleared Sydney Heads on the 18th April, at 6 p.m.; arrived at Auckland at 6.30 a.m. on the 24th; sailed same day at 4.30 p.m. Strong south-east winds and high head sea throughout from Sydney; light winds and fine from Auckland to the East Cape, remainder of the passage strong head winds and heavy head sea. Left again for the South at noon on Thursday.
The s.s. Kiwi, Captain Campbell, arrived in the Bay at 4 a.m. from Wellington. She experienced fine weather throughout the passage, and called at Castle Point on Wednesday, landing passengers and cargo.
[…]
The brigantine Enterprise, Captain Mundle, from the East Cape, dropped anchor in port at noon yesterday. She has come home in a rather battered condition, and the rough handling she had received by the recent heavy weather is easily seen by her skeleton of a bulwarks and paintless hull. The brigantine is four months away from this port, during which time she had been employed in carrying timber from Kaipara to the East Coast. She made two trips from Kaipara but was delayed a month there each time, and the landing of her cargo on the coast was greatly interfered with owing to a long spell of unfavorable weather. She has had sometimes to slip her anchor and put away to sea, perhaps only a portion of the crew on board, and twice Captain Mundle had to run into Napier for shelter. Altogether her trip on the East Coast had been a hard one, and was attended with all the vexatious delays and dangers incident to working cargo on that rather stormy coast. When at Pourere [Pourerere], owing to the sudden change of wind to the eastward, the port anchor and cable – about forty fathoms – had to be slipped, and the vessel put to sea, Her fore-topmast is also sprung. On Saturday night, the 7th inst., when the brigantine was off Flat Point, a gale from the W.S.W came on, attended with very thick weather, and she had to be hove to. There was a high sea running which frequently broke over the vessel, and on Sunday evening at 8 o’clock a regular green sea came on board. It struck her about the main rigging on the starboard side carrying with it one to the crew who says that he was washed over the side, but was washed back again. A considerably [considerable] portion of the bulwark was carried away on either side. Another sea also came over the stern and did further damage to the bulwark. Her tiller was also carried away, and the vessel lay hove to for three days, when it moderated, and she then worked down the coast with light S.E wind, which continued till arrival. – New Zealand Times.
Some commotion was caused in the port on Saturday amongst nautical circles when a rumor became current that a vessel was ashore in Palliser Bay. Captain Mckay, of the schooner Herald, received a telegram from Greytown, stating that a paragraph in the Wairarapa Standard mentioned that portions of a vessel of about 100 tons had been picked up in Palliser Bay. This telegram was the cause of the rumor. The following is the paragraph referred to as taken from Saturday’s Standard:- “Yesterday portions of a wreck were discovered in Palliser Bay, supposed to be that of a schooner of about 80 or 100 tons. The loss must have been of a recent date, and have happened during the late gales, as the timbers are quite fresh, having no barnacles on them or slime of any kind. One part of the wreck consists of nine planks with chain-plates attached, and another part is composed of six planks of about 14 feet long. Mr. Merson, of the Lake Ferry Hotel has since picked up the gangway of the vessel, and also the companion hatch. The vessel had been painted black over green. We have received no further particulars.” There is no vessel that we know of missing, at least none bound to or from this port, but the probability is that it is one of the large fleet of vessels which trade between Lyttelton, Napier, Kaipara, and other northern ports, and which, during the late heavy southerly weather got blown into the Bay – a position which every mariner dreads, and which in nine cases out of ten ends in the total destruction of the unfortunate craft and not unfrequently the loss of the whole crew, as with a southerly wind a frightful heavy sea rolls in, and the whole coast, with the exception of a few small patches, is lined with shoals of rocks and innumerable reefs. – New Zealand Times.
[…]
Commercial.
MURRAY, COMMON AND CO.’S WOOL REPORT.
Napier, April 20, 1877.
WOOL. – From the commencement of the new year, the course of this staple had been steadily on the decline. It had been hoped, and to some extent expected, that the high rates which ruled towards the close of last November auctions would be tolerably well sustained in the first series of the new year. There certainly was some ground to believe that the decline, if any, would not be great, as it was well-known that consumers were but slightly stocked, and the Eastern Question seemed likely to be pacifically arranged. Prices have however gradually receded, until they now stand about on a par with the preceding August quotations, and the whole of the advance gained in November had been lost. The sorts which appear to have suffered most, are medium, and inferior greasy, and faulty and badly washed wools. Cross-breds which were previously in good demand, are now also somewhat neglected. The uncertain state of European affairs prohibits the possibility of foretelling with any amount of exactness the condition of the market for the immediate future, but everything taken into consideration, prospects are by no means so gloomy as at first sight would appear. In the first place, the woollen industry generally is considered to be now in a pretty sound condition, and consumption has increased. Secondly manufactures and dealers are but moderately stocked, and thirdly, supplies are not likely to be much augmented, as from Australia the increase is expected to be moderate. River Plate production only showing any great additional quantity. Taken on the whole there is so much favorable, that in the event of the disturbances at home soon being settled, there would appear a fair prospect of a steady market. The following statistics will we think prove interesting :-
PRODUCTION OF CLOTHING WOOL.
1876 1875 1874 1870 1860
Austrl’sian 782,950 724,620 661,799 550,007 187,039
Cape 183,888 189.511 181,733 150,383 90,127
River Plate 261,550 251,837 258,937 227,309 50,636
Total 1,228,388 1,165,968 1,102,469 927,699 327,802
The same, in the Millions of Pounds, in the state as Clipped.
1876 1875 1874 1870 1860
Australasian 264 244¼ 222½ 180 60¼
Cape 48 49 49 43¼ 26¼
River Plate 209¼ 201½ 207 181¾ 40½
Total 521¼ 494¾ 478½ 405 127
The same, in Millions of Pounds, with Allowance for Shrinkage.
1876 1875 1874 1870 1860
Australasian 148 136¾ 124½ 104¼ 35
Cape 33¾ 35 34¼ 29 14¾
River Plate 73¼ 70½ 72½ 69 12½
Total 255 242¼ 231¼ 202¼ 65¼
As the season may now be considered over we take this opportunity of thanking the growers and settlers of Hawke’s Bay most cordially for the kind support and co-operation we have experienced since our establishment here. Owing to our premises [premises] at the Spit not having been in readiness until the season was somewhat advanced, we have necessarily labored to some extent under difficulties. We are glad to say however, that notwithstanding the many obstacles we have had to contend with, the result proves eminently satisfactory. We have had the pleasure of passing through our stores for dispatch to the home market, some considerable portion of the wools grown in this province (to date about 6,000 bales), and, as our appliances are now pretty nearly complete, we look forward with some amount of confidence to next season, hoping it will bring us a still greater share of business, which we shall use our best efforts to conduct with the utmost possible attention and dispatch. We may mention that all wools with which we trust to be favoured next season, we intent to ship from this Port direct.
THE WEEKLY MERCURY. 9
Messrs. Margoliouth and Banner report that their sale of wines, spirits, and groceries, on Tuesday, was very well attended, and the prices obtained were very satisfactory, both to the owners of the goods and the auctioneers. The following prices were realised:-In bond: Jameson’s whiskey (in bulk), 6s per gallon; rum, from 3s 8d to 4s 3d; Bagot’s brandy (in bulk), 6s 9d; Planal’s brandy (in bulk),7s to 7s 6d; Martell’s brandy (in bulk), 8s 6d to 9s 3d; sherry, 10 guineas per quarter-cask. Duty paid: Port wine (Sandeman’s), 47s 6d to 55s per dozen.; sherry (Gonzalez), 50s to 55s; Beehive brandy, 40s; Coran’s brandy, 52s 6d; Hennessy’s V.O., 85s to 87s 6d; Hennessy’s bulk, 27s 6d per gallon; Steane’s quinine and tonic wines from 25s to 35s; sauterne, 45s 55s per case; Chablis, 70s to 75s per case; Australian wines, 20s to 27s 6d; Arroll’s ale, 8s per dozen; Byass’ stout, 10 6d to 11s; English hams averaged 1s 5d per lb. Other goods, mostly inferior qualities, realised fair prices.
POST OFFICE NOTICE.
MAILS CLOSE
For the United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, &c., via Suez and Brindisi, by every opportunity to Wellington, where the Mails close on the 4th May.
For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, America, West Indies, United Kingdom, and Continent for Europe, &c., via San Francisco, per Rotorua, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, the 5th May.
Money orders and registered letters will close at 5 p.m. Newspapers and book packets will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, the 5th May.
For the undermentioned places every Monday, and Thursday, at 5.30 a.m. – Clive, Hastings, Havelock[Havelock North], Te Aute, Kaikora, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Danevirk [ Dannevirke ], Norsewood, Tahoarite [ Tahoraiti ], Woodville, Foxton, Palmerston, Wanganui, Taranaki, Wellington and Southern Provinces, &c., Wallingford, Porangahau, Wainui and Castle Point.
On the other days of the week, mails close as usual, at 6.30 a.m..
J. GRUBB.
Chief Postmaster.
Persons desirous of subscribing to the WEEKLY MERCURY can obtain back numbers from the commencement of “Lady Trevor’s Secret.”
H. MONTEITH,
Stock, Land Estate, and General Commission Agent, Waipukurau.
Goods Stored and Forwarded.
Offices and Stores: Near the Railway Station.
JOHN McVAY,
SADDLER & HARNESSMAKER
Hastings-street.
The Cheapest House in the Trade.
Government Notifications.
RANGER UNDER “THE PROTECTION OF THE ANIMALS ACT, 1873,” APPOINTED.
Colonial Secretary’s Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1877.
HIS Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Constable PALRICK [PATRICK] COGHLAN to be a Ranger under “the Protection of Animals
Act, 1873.” for the Provincial District of Hawke’s Bay.
DANIEL POLLEN.
FIXING FEE FOR LICENSE FOR KILLING GAME.
Colonial Secretary’s Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1877.
HIS Excellency the Governor had been pleased, in pursuance of the 17th section of the “The Protection of Animal’s Act, 1873,” to fix the fee payable for a license to kill game during the shooting season of 1877 within the Provincial District of Hawke’s Bay, at fifty shillings.
DANIEL POLLEN
NOTIFICATION.
IT is hereby notified that the following gentleman had been appointed a Member of the Committee of Management for the Hawke’s Bay Hospital, in addition to those appointed on the 24th November, 1876, and 1st December, 1876: –
HENRY STOKES TIFFEN, J.P.
Dated this 24th day of April, 1877.
J.D. ORMOND.
Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 20th April, 1877.
NOTICE has been received at this office under the hand of the Presiding Officer, that at a first meeting of the Rate-payers of Danevirk [Dannevirke] Highway District in the provincial district of Hawke’s Bay, held on the 24th March, 1877, the following persons were elected a Chairman, and Board of Wardens for the said District, pursuant to the Act of the Provincial Council of Hawke’s Bay, intituled “The Highway Act, 1871,”
Chairman – George Douglas Hamilton
Wardens – Alexander Grant
Henry Gaisford
James Allardice
Frederick Elenbranch
George Douglas Hamilton
DANIEL POLLEN.
By order,
G.T. FANNIN.
Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 20th April, 1877.
HIS Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified that a Meeting of the Norsewood Road Board held at Norsewood, on the Fifth day of March last,
OLANS OLSEN NORDBY
was selected Chairman of the said Board, vice Bror Eric Friberg, resigned.
DANIEL POLLEN.
By order,
G.T. FANNIN.
Napier, April 26, 1877.
THE following Proclamation under “The Protection of Animals Act, 1873,” extracted from the New Zealand Gazette, No. 35, is republished for general information.
By order,
G.T. FANNIN.
Amended Proclamation under “The Protection of Animals Act, 1873,”
(L.S.) Normanby, Governor.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS on the twenty-ninth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, a Proclamation was made and issued by His Excellency the Governor under the tenth and eleventh sections of “The Protection of Animals Act, 1873,” declaring the consecutive periods during which it should be lawful to hunt, shoot, take, or kill game and native game within the Provincial district of Hawke’s Bay: And whereas it is expedient to revoke so much of such Proclamation as relates to the hunting, shooting, taking, or killing of game within the said provincial district, and to make other provisions in lieu thereof:
Now, therefore, I, George Augustus Constantine, Marquis of Normandy, Governor of New Zealand, in exercise of the powers and authorities conferred on my by “The Protection of Animals Act, 1873,” and “The Abolition of Provinces Act, 1875,” and in exercise of any other power enabling me in that behalf, do hereby revoke so much of the said recited Proclamation as relates to the hunting, shooting, taking, and killing of game within the said provincial district: And do hereby proclaim and appoint that in the Provincial District of Hawke’s Bay cock pheasants may be hunted, shot, taken, or killed between the first of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, and the thirty-first day of July, of the same year, both inclusive, but only between the hours of sunrise and sunset;
Given under the hand of His Excellency the Most Honorable George Augustus Constantine, Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Mulgrave, Viscount Normanby, and Baron Mulgrave of Mulgrave, all in the County of York, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom; and Baron Mulgrave of New Ross, in the County of Wexford in the Peerage of Ireland; a Member of Her Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council; Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George; Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty’s Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice Admiral of the same; and issued under the Seal of the said Colony, at the Government House, at Wellington, this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
DANIEL POLLEN.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
NOTICE.
Office of Waste Lands Board.
Napier, 8th December, 1867.
TO HUGH McCORMICK, formerly of the 65th Regiment or his representatives.
You are hereby required, within six months from this date, to prove to the satisfaction of the Waste lands Board that you have complied with the conditions required to entitle you to 60 acres of land in the Wakarara District, selected under a Military Settlers Land Order, and if you fail to prove your claim within the specified time, your title to the land will be forfeited and the land be dealt with as the Board may direct.
J.T. TYLEE,
Chief Commissioner.
ACCOUNT OF LAND IN CULTIVATION, AND OF THE [AGRICUL]TURAL PRODUCE THEREOF, IN NEW ZEALAND, FEBRUARY, 1877.
(Taken under the authority of “The Census Acts Amendment Act, 1867”)
SUPERINTENDENT COLLECTOR’S RETURN. – PROVINCIAL DISTRICT OF HAWKE’S BAY.
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS. NUMBER OF HOLDINGS. Extent of Land broken up, but not under Crop. IN WHEAT. IN OATS. IN BARLEY. IN SOWN GRASSES. IN POTATOES. IN OTHER CROPS. Total number of Acres under crop including Sown Grasses. Quantity of Last Year’s Crop remaining on hand when Form was filled up.
Freehold. Rental. Part free, Part Rental. Total. Acres Acres (Sown for Grain Only.) Estimated Gross produce, in bushels. Acres. Estimated Gross Produce of Grain, in bushels. Acres sown for Grass only. Estimated Gross Produce, in bushels. In Hay Acres in Grasses, after having been broken up (including such as in Hay). Acres in Grasses sown in lands not previously ploughed(including such as in Hay) Acres. Estimated Gross Produce in tons. Acres WHEAT, Bushels. OATS, bushels. BARLEY, bushels For Green Food or Hay. For Grain ACRES. Estimated Gross Produce in tons.
CLIVE.
1. Waimarama, Porangahau, & Waipukurau 33 15 5 53 4041 ½ 20 670 97 327 7863 53 ½ 1528 562 522 9842 ½ 81,334 29 ¼ 187 ½ 114 91,817 ¼ 40 650 8
2. Norsewood, &c., 73 8 1 82 2 24 8 ½ 28 1072 1 15 24 17 ½ 192 1503 ½ 52 ½ 191 ½ 1785 ½
3. Waipawa, Ruatanawha and Hampden 87 27 22 136 1164 ½ 23 ½ 441 94 735¼ 22,048 10½ 247 413¼ 630 5345¾ 20,144¾ 91¼ 532 29½ 26,475¼ 85 1060 20
4. Havelock East and West Clive 31 19 12 62 1282 91 3042 128 105 3410 33½ 1100 1162 1720½ 38,261 70½ 493 79 58,497¼ 300 30
5. Kereru and Maraekakaho 5 5 3 13 11 34 830 1 30 31 67 1046 25,678 15½ 38½ 41½ 26,827 360
TOTAL 229 74 43 346 6543 136½ 4177 338½ 1229¼ 35,223 101½ 2920 2192¼ 2957 3583½ 166,919¼ 259¼ 1462½ 264 205,832 125 2370 58
NAPIER
6. Meanee, Taradale, Puketapu, &c., 72 61 15 148 3406 6 160 81¼ 281¾ 2105 7¾ 236 1201 1806¼ 7289½ 85,368½ 162 498½ 140¾ 93,337½ 6 10
7. Tarawera and Pohi &c., 6 4 6 16 275 1 25 25 10 235 7½ 210 37 37 ½ 291 16,132 8½ 53 1 16,076
8. Mohaka, Wairoa, and Mahia 17 8 14 39 889 49½ 6 160 123¼ 348 1509 8306 17¾ 89 18¾ 10,107
Suburbs, Napier 21 10 1 32 2 – 99 32½ 1½ 2½ 8 163
TOTAL – NAPIER ELECTORAL DISTRICT 116 83 36 235 4579 7 185 155¾ 297¾ 25000 15¼ 446 136¼ 2191¾ 9188½ 110,059 189¾ 643 168½ 119,683½ 6 10
TOTAL – CLIVE ELECTORAL DISTRICT 229 74 43 346 6543 136½ 4177 338½ 1229¼ 35,223 101½ 2920 2192¼ 2957 36,583½ 166,919¼ 259¼ 1462½ 264 205,832 125 2370 58
HOLDINGS 345 157 79 581 11,115 143½ 4362 494¼ 1527½ 37,723 116¾ 3366 3555½ 5148¾ 45,772 276,978¼ 449 2105½ 432½ 325,515½ 131 2380 58
I certify that the above is a correct Compilation from the original returns.
SAML. BEGG, Superintendent Collector.
10 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
BIRTHS.
CONNOR – At Napier, on the 18th April, the wife of T. Connor, of a daughter.
STONE. – At Port Ahuriri, on the 20th April, the wife of Mr. S. Stone, of a son.
SCORGIE. – At Napier, on the 22nd April, the wife of Mr. Alfred Scorgie, of a daughter.
DEATHS.
PURCELL. – At Carlyle-street, Napier, on the 20th April, Mr. John Purcell.
FLETCHER. – At Napier, on 21st April, after a protracted illness, Anne, wife of Mr. William Fletcher, aged 68 years.
The Weekly Mercury
AND
HAWKE’S BAY ADVERTISER.
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1877.
[…]
THE advisability of merging the Road Boards into the Counties is now beginning to force itself upon the attention of settlers in the highway districts. Already the ratepayers of Taradale have come to the conclusion that the management of their roads, drains, and bridges, could be as well undertaken by the County Council as by their own Road Board, and the action of the Waipawa Council must have the effect of cutting the ground from under the Road Boards in that County. In the Wairoa County, there being no highway district in existence, on the Council must devolve duties that otherwise would have fallen on Road Boards. Of the three counties into which this provincial district has been divided, that of Waipawa seems the most favorably circumstanced for the co-existence of the Road Board and County Council administrations, but even there it is difficult to perceive the necessity for it. But from the fact of all the roads in Waipawa County having been declared County roads, their maintenance is taken from the Road Boards, which now, having nothing left to do, will die a natural death. Their demise will cause some diminution of the revenue of the County owing to the loss of subsidies to the Road Boards, but this will probably be counter balanced by the levying of a County rate which, falling on all districts alike, will make many pay that hitherto have contributed nothing. The chief obstacle to be over come before the abolition of Road Boards can be viewed with unmixed satisfaction is the difficulty of making just valuations of landed properties. At present, industry and capital expended in the improvement of the soil are heavily taxed, while indolence, leaving the land in a state of nature, escapes almost free. Under this system, the useful and enterprising settler suffers, while his indulgent neighbor, whose elimination from the soil would be a positive gain to the Colony, is a gainer.
IN this issue, will be found the Sheep Inspector’s annual report for the current year together with the sheep returns up to the 1st May, 1876. It will be seen from these that at that date the total number of sheep within the provincial district amounted to 1,271,668, being an increase of 133,911 over the total of the previous year. It has been Mr. Gavin Peacock’s good fortune, for a lengthened period, to be able year after year to make favorable reports of the flocks in Hawke’s Bay and to speak hopefully of the future with regard to the carrying capacity of the runs. His present report is not the least satisfactory of the many he has made. With the annual increase of the flocks, so have improvements been affected that have enabled the country to carry the additional stock, while, at the same time there has always been good outlet for any surplus affording at once a good market, and a good opportunity for culling. The unstocked country on the east coast may be expected for some time to come to absorb all the surplus sheep that are not intended for the boiling-down pot, and the surface sowing of artificial grasses every season will continue to improve the natural pastures of the province.
THERE was a long discussion at the last sitting of the Waipawa County Council on the question of the proceedings necessary to be taken before a resolution of the Council could be revoked. At the previous meeting, Mr Lawrence had given notice of motion in the usual manner, that at the next meeting he would move that all future sittings of the Council should be held at Waipawa. This was in fact notice of motion to rescind a former resolution, and the 78th clause of the Counties Act furnishes the form of procedure, which is as follows; “Any resolution of a meeting of the Council may be revoked or altered at a subsequent meeting, either by a unanimous vote of all the Councillors, or subject to the condition that, seven days at least before such subsequent meeting, notice thereof and of the proposal to revoke or alter such resolution shall be given to each Councillor by a vote of the majority of the Council.” From the wording of the above clause, it is evident that the intention of the Legislature was to prevent undue advantage being taken of the absence of certain members of a Council for a minority to revoke resolutions passed by an absolute majority, and further to prevent constant obstruction to business by one or two obstinate Councillors. The wording of the clause does not appear to admit of argument, it being clearly provided that no resolution can be rescinded except by a unanimous vote of the Council, or after leave has been granted by a majority for notice of motion.
A DEPUTATION, consisting of the following gentlemen 0 Messrs. H. S Tiffen, J. N Wilson, Brandon, Bennett, Grant and Sladen, waited upon the Hon. J. D. Ormond on Saturday, to ask, in terms of the resolution passed at a public meeting on Friday at Meanee, for the services of J. Carruthers, Esq., the Chief Engineer. The resolution referred to was as follows:–“That a deputation be appointed to wait on the Hon. J. D. Ormond, with a view to obtain the services of John Carruthers, Esq., or some other Government engineer, who should be instructed to prepare a plan for the protection of the districts affected by the floods.” Mr Ormond replied that Mr Carruthers was at present too much engaged in business connected with the public works of the Colony to afford time to the object desired by the deputation, but Mr Knorpp, C. E. would be directed to acede to the request of the settlers. In the meantime, the verification of the levels, previously taken by Mr Rochefort could be proceeded with by that gentleman. With reference to the embankment at Roy’s Hill, which, in the opinion of the Meanee meeting, caused much of the damage and destruction to property in the Meanee and adjoining districts during the late flood. Mr Ormond said that he had nothing to do with its erection, but he would cause an enquiry to be made into the effect it had in diverting the Ngaruroro river, and in causing the damages complained of. The deputation then thanked the Minister for Public Works and withdrew.
WE understand that the supposed illegality in connection with the proceedings of the Clive ratepayers yesterday, was due to the impression of a legal member of the Board that the election of wardens, that took place at the meeting, should have been held under the provisions of “The Local Elections Act, 1876.” It will be remembered that some months since the Clive Board proposed the introduction of the Act into their local elections, but in consequence, partly, of the opposition of Mr Lascelles, the proposal was not carried. With respect to the time at which the meeting for the election of wardens had been called, and which Col. Whitmore thought should be held in July, the Acts of last session are silent. But the time at which the financial year terminates is fixed at March 31. Therefore, Mr Sutton, we consider was quite in order in calling the meeting when he did. It would be manifestly unfair for a Board that had but three months to run to arrange the finances of the district for the ensuing year.
THE editor of our contemporary has got into hot water with the Waste Lands Board for reporting conversation of the members during a sitting of the Board, and making their private remarks appear as official statements. For this exhibition of want of taste, the editor, who was acting as reporter, was censured by the Board, and a threat was held out that if such practices were further indulged in, reporters would be excluded at future meetings. We quite agree with the Board in its censure, but we do not think it would be fair to the public if the Board’s proceedings were withheld from publication for an act committed by one journalist. The Board might very properly exclude the offending reporter, but should certainly not deal out punishment indiscriminately. Our contemporary, referring to this subject, hopes that its reporter’s unjournalistic action will have the effect of making the members attend more closely to business, and to indulge less in private conversation. Such a remark comes well from a gentleman who, at the last sitting of the Waipawa Council, so far forgot himself while acting reporter, as to take a lively part in the proceedings, and to enter into conversation with as many members as would speak to him.
THE return of the Customs Revenue at the several ports of New Zealand during the quarter ended 31st March, 1877, is now before us, published in the Gazette. The total revenue collected for that quarter was £298,039 as against £317,744 for the corresponding quarter for 1876, showing a falling off of £19,705. The falling off is chiefly on spirits, wine, ale, and goods. In the duties paid on tea there is a decrease of £714, but on coffee the cocoa there is an increase of £294. There is also a slight increase of revenue from opium, tobacco and cigars. The total revenue collected at Napier was £10,035, of which no less than £3609 were paid on spirits.
No one for a moment could think that Colonel Whitmore had not expended an immense amount of time and trouble in the study of the various Acts of last session, bearing on local government and in the passing of which in their present clear and perfect form he so materially assisted from his seat in the Legislative Council. Not only in their study does the honorable and gallant colonel employ his time, but also in their applicability to the districts in the welfare of which he is more directly concerned, and this is discernable in his writings and in his public speeches. It is, perhaps, true that, as his study of last year’s legislation has proceeded, Colonel Whitmore has had occasion to alter or modify his opinions on the merits of the Counties Act, on the advisability of adopting it in part or in whole, and on the propriety of the merging or otherwise of the Road Boards into the County Council, but we have had the advantage of tracing from his own lips, as it were, the tortuous paths through which his mind had been conducted before arriving at mature conclusions. We should be more correct, perhaps, if we said latest ideas,’ rather than ‘mature conclusions,’ because our own impression is, that up to the present Colonel Whitmore has arrived at no conclusion on any of the most important clauses of the Counties Act, and that he finds it impossible to adhere to an opinion on the subject for any length of time. This state of mental see-saw which the above observation implies is certainly not, we should think, due to any incapacity to understand the Act in question, or to a desire to be “all things to all men,” but to the hopeless fog into which any man must flounder who, in defending the Act as a model piece of legislation, finds it from experience wretchedly inadequate to meet the wants of the country. It will be remembered how zealously Colonel Whitmore, at one time, defended the Act against its enemies, and how, at another period, he did his best to secure its “hanging up” in the Hawke’s Bay county Neither will it be forgotten that, only last week, he advocated either the merging of the road boards into the county, or the amendment of the Act in such a way as to effectually “hang it up” and leave the road boards the sole local taxing power in the country. The Colonel said in his letter to the Herald, of the 20th instant, “Whether by merging the road boards into the county, or by conducting public works entirely through road boards, the result, in one sense, would be the same. There would be but one taxing body in the same district, and for the same, or nearly the same purposes . * * The immediate reason for merging the road districts seems to be the inequality of taxation between road and outlying districts.” This is clear enough; in order to make the outlying districts contribute to the maintenance of the roads leading to them, a general rate over the whole County would have to be imposed. Thus a road district paying a local rate of 1s in the pound, in the event of the imposition of a shilling County rate, would be taxed to the extent of ten percent, a ruinous burden and which could not fail to greatly depreciate the value of property. But, holding as he did a week ago this opinion, we do not understand how Colonel Whitmore can now point to the Clive districts as illustrative of the folly of doing away with road boards. If he was reported correctly he said at the Clive meeting on Monday that “it was known he was opposed to any such project.” Will Colonel Whitmore retract his original opinion of the Counties Act, and, reversing the example of the prophet of old, curse that which became out to altogether bless?
MR. SUTTON at the Clive meeting on Monday was either misreported, or else he made a mistake in saying that the Highways Act empowered the Superintendent to rate any district that omitted to rate itself. The Act permitted the Superintendent, whose powers are now vested in the Governor, to rate a proclaimed Road Board district that neglected to fulfil its function, but the law did not allow any out-lying district to be interfered with. Mr. Sutton was speaking against the merging of Road Boards in the Counties, and he is reported to have said that the movement had arisen because there were so many out-lying districts in which the settlers paid norates [no rates] at all. It was then he suggested that clauses 46 and 47 of the Provincial Highways Act, empowering the Superintendent to rate any district that failed to rate itself, should be made to apply. A glance at the clauses mentioned will show the Superintendent could only rate a district that, having applied to be brought under the Highways Act, had failed after proclamation, to rate itself.
WE hear that writs of quo warranto have been taken out against Messrs. Hollis and Stoddart in order to test the validity of their election on Monday last to seats in the Clive Road Board. The 9th clause of the Provincial Highways Act, 1871, provides that on some day during the month of July in every year a meeting of persons qualified as ratepayers within a highway district shall be held for the purpose, if they think fit, of fixing the nature and amount of the rate for the then current year, and thereafter elect their District Board. The Highways Act has not been specially repealed, and it may be held that the Clive Board election on Monday was consequently illegal.
THE WEEKLY MERCURY 11
WAIPUKURAU ROAD BOARD MEETING.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1877.
PRESENT: – H.R. Russell (Chairman). S. Johnston, W. C. Smith, W. L. Newman, and P. Gow.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
An application from Mr Lyons, overseer to Mr Gollan, was considered for a grant in aid for a bridge over the Tangitaporu stream. The Board authorized the necessary expenditure for the amount asked for.
The following letter from Colonel Lambert was then read and considered:
“Napier, 17th April, 1877.
“To the Chairman, Waipukurau Road Board. – Dear Sir, – I beg to request you to be so good as to bring before your Road Board the desirability of the road being opened leading from the Takapau Railway Station across Mr A. Grant’s and the Lambert-ford runs until it joins the North Road leading to Ashcot and Hampden via Colonel Herrick’s and Onga Onga; also to the deferred payment land between Mungatawai, Tukipo, and Tuki Tuki Rivers. I would point out, for the information of the Board, that the late Superintendent made an arrangement, through Mr Weber, the engineer, that this road should be opened, closing the North Road above where the Takapau Road strikes it. I have to add that about £300 has been expended on the road running through the Lambert-ford and A. Grant’s properties and is available for traffic, only that Mr A. Grant refused to open the boundary fence on his run that the road goes through near the Makaretu River. I will further add that it is believed ere long that the mail will be carried from Takapau to Makaretu and Hampden, by the road alluded to, and that the necessity and convenience of this road to the inhabitants along the line of road will be great, and the value of this road as a feeder to the railway is obvious, as it will bring a great many within a few miles of the railway that now have to go a long round-about way to Waipawa. – I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES LAMBERT.”
After a long discussion, the Board being aware of the importance to the Makaretu settlers that the road should be opened, they having to go at present twenty-nine miles on a bad road to Waipawa, while the road if opened would enable them to come to Takapau seven miles on a really good road, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Smith, “that the Chairman acknowledge the receipt of Colonel Lambert’s letter, and enquire of him and Mr Grant if they are prepared to give a legal right of road through their properties; if so, on what conditions. Further, that the Chairman communicate with Mr Weber, the late Provincial Engineer, and ascertain the present position of the matter, and take any other steps that may be necessary to further the desired object.”
It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Newman, “that this Board disapproves of the resolution passed by the Waipawa Council at their last meeting declaring all roads Country roads, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Council through Mr. Monteith.”
The meeting then proceeded to consider their duties under the Public Health Bill of 1876, the Board having been appointed to Local Board of Health under its provision. As a preliminary step towards getting the necessary returns made out that are required to be sent to the Central Board at Wellington, Dr. J. N. Frood was appointed medical officer to the Board, and requested to fill up the necessary forms.
[…]
THE WEEKLY MERCURY. 13
WAIROA.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
April 21, 1877.
I would not have troubled you this week, but I wish to correct an error that had been repeated so many times in your columns, that I have been seriously thinking of taking writing lessons over again. I refer to the word NUhaka, constantly printed by you as MOhaka, whether the fault be mine or the devil’s – the devil may care – but I have invariably remarked that if I telegraphed to say a native meeting was being held at the former place about disputed ownership of land, it always appeared to be at the latter place: or if I wrote about the non-opening of the Nuhaka road, Mohaka always appeared in print.
The meeting held at Nuhaka was to consider some such point as this. Ihaka Whanga, who died recently, during a long and eventful life, married three times, and had issue by each wife. The third wife is now living. Her father wishes to settle some land on those children of Ihaka’s that are his grandchildren (a very laudable idea, and one you would fancy would have met with no opposition). He therefore wanted the block of land he is interested in surveyed and subdivided, so that his claim therein can be made over to the children of Ihaka’s third wife. Ihaka’s other children (not children exactly, great big men and women) they want a share as well, threaten to and do stop all surveys. One surveyor, Mr. Reay, got ordered off a short time back, and, in their mild way of putting it, these claimants threaten to make cold meat of any more surveyors unless they get what they want.
Next week a native church is to be opened at Whakaki. There is to be a great kai-ho-kai on that occasion, but it is to be select, no waipiro being allowed; so you see all natives are not so bad as Ihaka’s eldest children This conduct of their’s will doubtless grieve Ihaka very much. He is in Heaven now; at least he has a monument erected to him, so he ought to be.
Tenders have been called for the erection of a native school building at Paul’s pah, North Clyde. This building will, when finished, make the accommodation provided both for European scholars and teachers in other parts of the district by the same Government (paternal Government!) appear quite mean and contemptible.
That portion of the Mahia road between North Clyde and the Awatere Creek, over which quite a storm in a teacup had been recently raging, is at length proclaimed “open.” That magic sesame will now do away with any more arbitrary locking up of unfortunate natives for trespass, in which the undignified spectacle was presented of an R. M. acting both as judge and prosecutor.
The p.s. Manaia, our favorite regular trader, has been weatherbound for the past four or five days, a strong southerly breeze having had the unwelcome effect of bringing up too heavy a sea to make headway against. Capt. Smith has been occupying his spare time in removing some of the numerous snags that disfigure and impede the navigation of our noble stream, and in order to lose as little time as possible out of his detention, the skipper crosscuts the snags up and takes them as firewood.
The seal of the Wairoa County Council has arrived. It is quite a work of art. A scroll containing “Wairoa County Council, N. Z.” surrounds a medallion showing the historical cabbage tree, (it would hardly be pictorial New Zealand, unless that vegetable occupied a prominent position), a Maori, and a venerable-looking old boy handing a scroll to the said Maori. In the background a river, a steamer plying thereon, and a range of hills. Malicious people assert it is prophetical of Mr Colenso handing to the last Maori the finished M.S.S. of his lexicon! Really, I don’t think it is intended for that. More likely a Councillor handing notice of overdue rates to a native rangatira and demanding cash on the nail.
Mr Light, the engineer of the Manaia, intends building a dwelling-house here and depot store for native produce, and I am credibly informed that a flour mill is also on the tapis, the natives having guaranteed to place a certain extent of country in wheat the next season. If such be really the case, the progress of the place is certain.
[…]
14 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
THE WAIPUKURAU RIDING ELECTION.
WHATEVER may be the faults or demerits of the Waipawa Council, they can at least claim the credit of working the new institutions in such a manner as to afford an infinity of amusement and instruction to their constituents and to the general public. It is not long since that the election of a councillor for the Waipukurau Riding was set aside, magistrates, lawyers, court officials, witnesses, and crowded audiences having assembled to determine the validity of the election. The Returning Officer yielding to a pardonable instinct closed the poll for half-an hour, while the worn and weary scrutineers went to lunch, and the result was that the election was vitiated, and a new election ordered to be held. Mr. Henry Arrow was appointed as Returning Officer for the second election. This gentleman appears to be a singular compound of ingenuity and simplicity. He managed so to deal with the question in the first instance, as to render it necessary to refer to the Government in Council before a poll could be taken, but he has also so managed the taking of the poll as to render it almost a certainty that the second election will prove as abortive as the first. The reference to the Governor in Council occasioned by the simplicity of the ingenuity of the Returning Officer led to the issue of special regulations extending the time for the election and directing it to be carried on in all its respects as a first election. At this point the ingenuity of the Returning Officer appears to have deserted him, and we see him afterwards, throughout the whole proceedings, in his simple aspect only. He began by notifying the chairman of road boards that he required them to forward to him a list of all persons in their several districts entitled to vote as a first meeting of ratepayers. This demand was absolutely illegal. It appears to have been ignored by the persons to whom it was addressed, and to have been forgotten by the Returning Officer himself. Waipukurau sent in its existing rate roll. Ruataniwha possesses a veteran roll which had been doing duty for an abolished district known as Central Ruataniwha ever since 1873. This roll was again furbished up and sent to the Returning Officer. He had been present in the Court at the hearing of the petition against the first election, and if not devoid of hearing and common sense must have known that the roll was proved to be absolutely bad, and entirely useless for the purpose of the election. However he accepted it, and then set to work to compile from the Waipukurau and Central Ruataniwha Rolls, and form the Electoral Roll for Clive, the name of persons who in his opinion were entitled to vote. In fulfilling this illegal and self-imposed task he removed various names from the rolls sent to him, and decided what persons were deserving of a vote. The best part of the fun was reserved for the polling-day. Mr Arrow took his post at the poll at Waipawa, and sent as his deputy to Ashley-Clinton a youth of the name of Thomas Cowper. Mr Cowper had instructions to allow accumulative votes to the Ruataniwha settlers according to Col. Herrick’s list. Mr Arrow meant to do the same with such of the Ruataniwha people as might come to vote at Waipukurau. But each candidate had appointed a scrutineer to watch the election and these gentlemen were at once taken by Mr. Arrow into his official bosom, and became to him throughout the poll what the counsel for the petitioner very appropriately described as his “Executive Council.” The poll had scarcely been an hour open before doubts of a serious and varied character began to darken the mind of Mr. Arrow’s executive as to the Ruataniwha Roll. As every honest Executive Council should do they described their doubt to the executive head. It was notorious that the Ruataniwha list was not the correct thing, there being no legal rate roll, and they advised that the settlers should be allowed only single votes as at a first meeting. Mr Arrow concurs and only single votes are taken at Waipukurau. Later on various other doubts and perplexities disturbed the conscience of the Executive, and a formal representation was made that as the roll sent in by Colonel Herrick was for the Central Ruataniwha district and there was no such district, therefore there was no roll at all. The severity of this logic was admitted by the conciliatory Returning Officer, and he then determined that for the remainder of the poll he would treat the Ruataniwha settlers as being in an outlying district, and allow them to vote only from the Assembly Electoral Roll. As time tolled on, and the shades of evening began to gather on the picturesque village of Waipukurau, the Executive was again filled with portentous misgivings. Listening blandly to the cogitations of his trusty councillors, the Returning Officer became aware that Ruataniwha was not a road district, and was not an outlying district, and that the settlers of that part of the country ought not to have any votes at all. But, unfortunately, the poll had been closed. Again Mr. Arrow and his advisers went into solemn conclave to discover some means of escape from this difficulty. Let us leave them there for the present and see how matters have been going on at Ashley Clinton. Mr. Cowper religiously adhered to his instructions. Nothing much occurred during the course of the poll to ruffle his temper or to interfere with the placid discharge of his duties. He stuck to his instructions with the fidelity of gum arabic. Every vote from Ruataniwha was allowed to vote accumulatively according to the scale in the Highways Act, whilst the same people polling at Waipukurau were cut down by his conscientious chief to one vote a piece. One little incident speaks much for his orthographical sense of propriety. A voter named Hobin was described on the Waipukurau roll as Obin. Mr Cowper rejected his vote for irrefragible reasons, which, to give in his own words as spoken to the court, “His name was spelt with a ho, whereas it ought to have been spelt with a haitch.” His scrutineers appear to have occupied a higher position that those at Waipukurau. Mr Arrow regarded his scrutineers as his constitutional advisers; Mr Cowper’s scrutineers regarded him as their servant. He proposed, he tell us, to object to the votes of two persons on apparently good grounds, but as he tells us himself, with a frank candour which is perfectly charming. “Mr Russell’s scrutineer pulled a piece of paper out of his waistcoat pocket with their names on, and said they must vote, and they did vote.” Nothing further worthy of comment seems to have occurred at Ashley-Clinton. We will now return to Waipukurau. We left the Returning Officer and his scrutineers in a fog, but their capacious intellects soon suffice to dissipate it. It was resolved to adopt a suggestion of one of the scrutineers – namely, to wait for and waylay the Deputy-Returning Officer from Ashley-Clinton, and to take out from his ballot box nineteen papers (supposed to be the number of Ruataniwha votes) and commit them to a flames. Their luck was, however, against them. Mr. Arrow waited at Waipukurau till all hours, but the Deputy had gone to sleep at Ashley-Clinton, and did not turn up till the next day. Mr. Arrow suggested such a course to Mr. Russell, the defeated candidate, on the following morning, but that gentleman very properly refused to agree to it. And so the matter now stands. The election is appealed against and will most probably be set aside. The public have the fun of reading of the stupid blunders which were made, but they have also to pay the piper. We have only to mention the fact that one gentleman travelled overland from Wellington to give seven votes in favour of his son, one of the candidates, and that his votes are now probably useless, to give our readers some idea of the public and private inconvenience which is occasioned by blunders such as those of which Mr Arrow now stands the admitted father. We hope next Returning Officer will have a mind of his own, and at least as much common sense as will preserve him from making mistakes which would have been apparent to a twelve-year-old schoolboy.
Rumored Gold Discovery.
A CORRESPONDENT writing from Porangahau, states that the natives have given him information to the effect, that a European named Tierney or Kane, has found gold in the district. The gold is of a nuggetty character, and has been seen by Henare Matua and Tipene Matua. Tierney refused to give the natives further information as to the whereabouts of the find, and the natives express anger thereat, as during his prospecting he used their utensils, and the land on which he prospected is native property. The land on which the gold is said to be found, is in a direct line from the Thames country. He informed the natives he had pegged off 100 feet x 100 feet of the land, and intended proceeding to Wellington to put in a claim for a reward. Whether Tierney had been hoaxing the natives or otherwise remains to be seen.
A lady said to a gentleman, who was suffering from influenza, “My dear sir, what do you take for your cold?” “Five pocket-handkerchiefs a day, madam.”
WEST CLIVE.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
April 24, 1877.
The election for members of the Road Board is over and resulted in the return of Messrs. Sutton, Caulton, Bennett, and Stoddart, throwing Messrs Orr and Lascelles out into the cold. The latter gentleman, I understand, looks upon yesterday’s proceedings as illegal, consequently he took no part in the election. That gentlemen who were elected are the right men in the right place there cannot be a doubt; and that they will watch over the interests of the people, and attend to the wants and improvements of the district is equally certain. Therefore the ratepayers of Clive may, if the proceedings prove to be legal, congratulate themselves upon the election of yesterday.
Mr Toop and Mr Allanach are taking active steps towards getting up sports at Farndon, to take place on the Queen’s Birthday. Should they be fortunate in obtaining the “sinews of war,” there cannot be a question they will provide sports of such a character as will induce a number of the city people to patronize them, and keep their holiday on the banks of the Ngaruroro.
Mr McGlashan, of the Waitangi brewery, has started a new industry in the manufacture of arrowroot. I have seen a sample of it, and it would be difficult indeed to detect any difference between it and the real article. In my next I purpose describing the apparatus and the material from which it is manufactured, and also to send you a sample of the arrowroot so that you may be able to judge of its farinacious properties.
Our Mechanics’ Institute is in statu quo, and I fear likely to remain so. Several spasmodic efforts have at different times been made to start this institution, but all resulting in failure. Whether from the natural sluggishness of the people, or petty jealousy on the part of certain individuals, the fact remains the same that we have no Mechanics’ Institute or reading rooms, nor are we likely to have for years to come. This is to be regretted, as at present there is no place but the two hotels to spend the long winter evenings that are now hastening before us. I understand that Mr. W. Caulton is about to make another effort to start a public hall, and it is to be hoped he will be able to accomplish this much wished for desideratum.
Flounders are very plentiful at the mouth of the river just now, and great quantities are taken daily by those who follow the avocation of fishermen. The fish taken realize very remunerative prices, and those engaged in this occupation, appear well satisfied with the results of their labor.
Mr. Baldwin’s boiling-down at the Waitangi is in full operation, and giving employment to a number of men. He has some splendid tallow ready for shipment, and which doubtless will realize a handsome price in the English market.
MEANEE ROAD BOARD.
A MEETING of the members of the Meanee Road Board was held on Monday at the Meanee Hotel.
After the minutes were read and confirmed, the Chairman read letters from Mr. H. Sladen with respect to the Meanee drain, shewing that the proposed alteration would be of great benefit to the inhabitants of the district, and also agreeing to allow the drain to be cut through his property free of cost to the ratepayers.
Mr. Barry, in a most sensible speech, moved, “That the drain be open and proclaimed.”
This was seconded by Mr. Lord, and, after some discussion, carried.
Mr Hallett moved that the proposed deviation of the Meanee drain, for the purpose of carrying off the surface water of the township, as shown on Mr W. Hallett’s plan, be adopted.
Mr Speedy seconded the resolution, which was carried.
A petition with reference to the present impounder was received, but as it appeared the signatures had been obtained from persons interested in an opposition pound, it was not entertained.
After the transaction of some other business, the Board adjourned until Monday, the 7th May.
[…]
MEETING CLIVE RATEPAYERS.
THE annual meeting of the Clive district ratepayers was held on Monday afternoon at Mr W. Caulton’s hotel, West Clive, for the election of wardens for the ensuing year. Mr F. Sutton, the Chairman of the Board occupied the chair. The following report was read:-
The Board of Wardens was elected on the 25th July, 1876. There was then standing to the credit of the Board at the Bank of New Zealand the sum of £62 2s 6d, but the indebtedness of the Board was £118 3s 11d, or £36 1s 5d more than the cash in hand. This was all paid off within three weeks after the board was elected.
The amount raised by rates for the past year has been £262 6s 7d, and the Board has received from the Provincial Government the sum of £200, and from the General Government the sum of £33 18s 6d. The receipts from all sources, including balance in hand, have been £594 8s 7d.
The Wardens have the pleasure to report that the roads throughout the district are in good repair, and it is their opinion that a smaller rate will suffice for the coming year.
It has been the endeavor of myself and those members of the Board who have assisted me that the district should receive substantial benefits from the moneys raised within it, and the incidental expenditure kept as low as possible. The expense of printing, advertising, and stationery had been £17 8s 1d. Collection of rates and other charges, including fees for solicitor to support the valuations, cost the board £13 4s 6d, so that for an expenditure of £30 12s 7d the work of the board has been conducted.
The accounts presented have been audited by Messrs. Beck and Thornton, who kindly undertook that duty at the request of the board. There is a balance of £70 9s 6d now in the Bank, after providing for all accrued liabilities. There is also a sum of £65 11s 7d due to the board in respect of subsidy for March quarter, so that it may be estimated that the new board will have £135 to begin with, and no old debts to pay.
The only liability of the board is on a metalling contract, which has not yet been commenced, this will probably require about £18.
Valuations, 1877, £6636 15s.
Valuation 1876, £7290 8s 6d.
Mr Sutton, in moving the adoption of the report, pointed out that all the roads within the district were in excellent condition; that there were no outstanding rates to be collected, and that the Board had £135 to its credit with which to commence the year. During the past year the Board had spent £493, at an incidental expense of £30. Mr Sutton then compared the economy thus exhibited with the estimates of expenditure of the County Council of Hawke’s Bay which with £1,500 to spend on useful works would incur an expense of £992. He trusted the report would be adopted, and that a vote of thanks would be passed to Messrs. Beck and Thornton, the auditors.
Col. Whitmore seconded the adoption of the report, and, in doing so, spoke in high terms of the administration of the Clive Road Board. He then referred to the heavy expenses to which County Councils were put in order to administer the Act, and stated it was for that reason he opposed the adoption. Before resuming his seat Col. Whitmore said that the proceedings of the meeting, he had been told, were held to be illegal, but he was not aware upon what ground the objection stood; if any had been made.
The report was unanimously adopted.
The Chairman explained in reference to the supposed illegality of the proceedings that he had deemed it his duty to call the meeting on that day, because the financial year was now made to terminate on March 31. He was of opinion that the Legislature never intended the old Board to levy a rate for the coming year.
Col. Whitmore thought, since the matter had been explained, that the proceedings were illegal, and he moved that the election of Wardens be postponed till July.
Mr. Orr seconded the motion, which was lost on a division.
Nine gentlemen were then proposed as Wardens, namely, Messrs. Knight, Sutton, J. P Hollis, R. P. Williams, Stoddart, Bennett, Caulton, Orr, and Giblin. A ballot was taken when the result of the polling was as follows:-Sutton, 99; Bennett, 87; Hollis, 73; Caulton, 58; Stoddart, 53; Orr, 45; Williams, 40; Giblin, 28; Knight, 16. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the ratepayers’ meeting to a close.
The Wardens then held a meeting, and elected Mr Sutton Chairman of the Board.
Hang It! – Brown meeting Jones, his friend, and seeing him look very miserable, said “Hullo, old man, why you’ve a face fit for a funeral!” So I ought to have,” replied Jones, “considering I’ve just had an execution in my house.”
THE WEEKLY MERCURY 15
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LAND FOR THE PEOPLE.
SIR, – A number of working men belonging to this neighborhood have for some time past endeavored to form Small Farm Associations, and so place themselves in something of an independent position, that when the time comes that they are no longer fit for regular daily labor they will derive ample sustenance from the provision made in a time of health and strength.
Now, Sir, as you are aware, the Government, by one of its kindest acts, has provided that land may be taken on deferred payments by associations of men who are willing to do so, and who shall be approved of as reliable persons. So far so good. We are sensible of the kind intentions of the Government, and anxious to avail ourselves of the opportunity so kindly offered; but, alas, we find that the machinery necessary to carry out the wishes of the Government, and the desire on many of the people is unfortunately standing still, and has been for nearly three months past – it cannot be got to move. Now, I think as you are reading this you will say, why don’t they go to the Crown Land Office and get information, and then they can select their land and commence clearing without further loss of time. That, sir, is just what we are all earnestly desirous to do, and what we have begun to do. We have been to the Crown Lands office, and were informed; Firstly – That the rules of the government of Small Farm Associations were in the hands of the Solicitor-General, and until they came back here nothing could be done. Secondly – That out of the thousands of acres of land lying idle in the province none had been proclaimed, and so was not available for the Small Farm Associations, and until it was proclaimed nothing could be done. Thirdly – Our having had to wait so long already was of no consequence, we were no worse off than others; as things were at present, the Waste Land Board could not entertain any application of that sort, for nothing could be done.
A few of us consulting together thought that if the editor of the Daily Telegraph would kindly insert this account in one of his columns, that surely some one of your very numerous readers might be able, and would kindly give us working men a hint what sort of oil to use to get the machine going once more full speed right a-head. – I am, &c.,
LANDLESS.
Napier, April 21, 1877.
DOG REGISTRATION.
SIR, – I see there is a doubt as to whether local bodies can strike a rate for a dog licenses – the Acts read either way. The Editor of the Herald thinks they cannot; I think they can, some have done so. For a case in point, I refer him to the General Government Gazette, No. 23, of 12th March, 1877, page 296, where you will find these words: –
“Notice.
“Provincial Chambers,
“Wellington, 8th March, 1877
“The following by-law has been passed by the Featherston Local Board, and confirmed this 8th day of March, 1877.”
“HENRY BUNNY.”
“BY-LAW.
“That all dogs over the age of six months shall be registered. That five shillings shall be the fee for such registration for one year: such year to commence on 5th April every year.”
Some Councils in Otago have struck at 10s rate. – I am, &c.,
WAIROA.
April 19, 1877.
[…]
Government Notifications.
RETURN SHOWING THE LAND SOLD, AND RENTS AND ASSESSMENTS RECEIVED AT THE CROWN LANDS OFFICE, NAPIER, DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1877.
Date Mode of Sale. NAME. PARTICULARS. AREA OF LAND SOLD. CASH. Rents and Assessments. REMARKS Town. Suburban. Country. Town. Suburban. Country.
1877
March A.R.P. A.R.P. A.R.P. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
7 John Taylor Assessment on his runs for 1876 8 16 3
One years rent of Lot 4. Moeangiangi 2 2 0
8 Rhodes & Co Assessment on their runs for 1876 82 17 7
Application “Rural Sections 6 and 7, Pukititiri Reserve 519 0 0 519 0 0
12 Gulbrand Evensen Land Makaretu Reserve 40 0 0 4 0 0 2nd Instalment
Johannes Olsen 50 0 0 5 0 0 “
15 Rhodes & Co. ..Rural land on their run, Patoka District 1080 0 0 540 0 0
16 Stephen Franklin Town Sections 34 and 37, Porangahau 0 2 2 5 0 0
21 Charles Morton ..Land Makaretu Reserve 200 0 0 .. ..20 0 0
22 William Lyon Assessment on his run for 1876 7 3 1
24 Thorval Bergersen Land Makaretu Reserve 50 0 0 5 0 0
N.P. Jensen 40 0 0 4 0 0
Nicholas Loye 60 0 0 6 0 0
26 James Hallett Assessment on his runs for 1876 44 6 2
One year’s rent on Te Ranga o Tawhao Block 14 11 8
H.A. Duff Assessment on his runs for 1876 36 18 4
J.G. Kinross 74 13 9
29 Duncan McDougall 6 7 2
TOTAL 5 0 0 1103 0 0 277 16 0
RECAPITULATION.
Available. Unavailable
£ s. d.…£ s. d.
Land Sales 1108 0 0
Rents and assessments 277 16 0
£1385 16 0
Crown Lands Office,
Napier, April 6th, 1877.
J.T. TYLEE,
Commissioner of Crown Lands.
[…]
To the Editor: Sir, – Why does not the s.s.Wanaka come into the pot, as the Jane Douglas came in, drawing twice as much water as the Sir Douglas at low water,” the Sir Donald’s draught being 6 feet. By answering the same, you will oblige, SHELLBACK, Spit, April 23,1877.
16 THE WEEKLY MERCURY.
[…]
£900 TO LEND next month on good Freehold security.
J.J. BUCHANAN,
Hampden.
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BEWARE OF VILE AMERICAN COUNTERFEITS.
OF
HOLLOWAY‘S PILLS AND OINTMENT. I most respectfully take leave to call the attention of the inhabitants of Australasia to the fact that Messrs. Henry Curran and Co., Wholesale Druggists, of New York, have agencies in various parts, and that their Travellers are going all over the country vending spurious Imitations of my Pills and Ointment, which they make in New York, and which bear in some instances their trade mark thus
Whilst on other labels of this trash it is omitted , the better to deceive you, but the words ‘New York’ are retained. Much of this fictitious stuff is sold in the Auction Rooms of Sydney and elsewhere, and readily finds its way into the back settlements. These are vile frauds, as I do not allow my medicines even to be sold in any part of the United States; they are only made by me at 533, Oxford Street, London.
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Each Pot and Box of the Genuine Medicines bears the British Government Stamp, with the words “HOLLOWAY’S PILLS AND OINTMENT, LONDON.” engraved thereon. On the labels is the address, 533 Oxford street, London, where alone they are manufactured.
Signed,
THOMAS HOLLOWAY,
LONDON, Feb. 15, 1796
SHAMROCK HOTEL
CORNER OF CHILDERS AND LOWE STREET,
GISBORNE – POVERTY BAY.
Three minutes walk from the Wharfs
ALFRED WALKER,
Proprietor
FOR SALE,
THE Thoroughbred Clydesdale Draught Stallion “YOUNG LORD GLASGOW.” This Draught Stallion, stands about 16 ½ hands high, and is perfectly staunch in harness. Young Lord Glasgow took first prize at the Hawke’s Bay Agriculture Show held in 1874; also a Draught Colt Foal, out of a mare the property of R. Wellwood, Esq., got by Young Lord Glasgow, obtained the second best prize at the H. B. Agricultural Society’s Show of May, 1876.
Young Lord Glasgow is out of Mr Hore’s prize mare Young Lilly, bred by Gibson Brothers, Tasmania. Sire, the imported horse Lord Glasgow, bred by Weir of Cameruth, Lanarkshire, and imported to Melbourne by David Nesbit, and sold to Mr. William Morley (warehouseman) for 600 guineas. Young Lilley is out of Old Lilly. Sire, Benledi, who was imported for the purity of his blood. His Sire, Ben Lomond, was never beaten in Scotland, and is brother to the celebrated horses The Major, the Colonel, and the General, who were the greatest prize-takers for a number of years. Old Lilly is dam of Lilly Cromwell, and Bodock Glos; Lily Cromwell, dam of Heather Jock, whose muscular powers, symmetry and endurance had never been surpassed.
Apply to
JOHN BICKNELL,
Puketapu.
Or
MARGOLIOUTH & BANNER,
Napier.
TO ARCHITECTS REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.
DESIGNS prepared from rough sketches.
Plain colored or etched in first style
J. SPARROW,
Architect and Building Surveyor,
Waipukurau.
WATCHES! WATCHES! WATCHES!
JOHN ROBERTSON, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, Napier,
Draws special attention to his Magnificent Stock of WATCHES, just received direct from English and American Manufacturers, and made Specially to Order, which, for Excellence and Cheapness, are unequalled in the colony.
All Watches sold at this establishment are thoroughly regulated and put in working condition before having the premises, and Guaranteed.
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GRATEFUL – COMFORTING.
EPPS’S COCOA.
BREAKFAST.
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Made simply with boiling water or milk.
Sold only in pockets (tins for abroad), labelled: –
JAMES EPPS & Co.,
HOMEOPATHIC CHEMISTS,
48, THREADNEEDLE STREET, and 170, PICCADILLY,
WORKS, EUSTON ROAD AND CAMDEN TOWN
LONDON.
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Persons suffering from weak or debilitated constitutions will discover that by the use of this wonderful medicine there is “Health for all.” The blood is the fountain of life, and its purity can be maintained by the use of these Pills.
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in his work entitled “The Nile Tributaries in Abyssinia,” says, “I ordered the dragoman Mahomet to inform the Fakey that I was a Doctor, and that I had the best medicines at the service of the sick, with advice gratis. In a short time I had many applicants, to whom I served out a quantity of Holloway’s Pills. These are most useful to an explorer, as possessing unmistakable purgative properties they create an undeniable effect upon the patient, which satisfies him of their value.”
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in his account of his extraordinary travels in in China, published in 1871, says – “l had with me a quantity of Holloway’s Ointment. I gave some to the people, and nothing could exceed their gratitude; and, in consequence, milk, fowls, butter, and horse feed poured in upon us until at last a teaspoonful of Ointment was worth a fowl and any quantity of peas, and the demand became so great that I was obliged to lock up the small remaining stock.”
Sold by all Chemists and Medicine Vendors throughout the World.
On the Label in the address, 533, Oxford-street, London, where alone they are manufactured.
BEWARE OF ALL COMPOUNDS STYLED
HOLLOWAY’S PILLS AND OINTMENT
With a “New York” Label.
[Advertisement]
SAMSON FENCING WIRE
This is an entirely new and superior description, and shows an immense saving as compared with old sorts, a mile of five wires weighing only 10 cwt., versus 17 cwt. No. 8 ordinary Wire. Purchasers particularly note that the SAMSON WIRE is slightly oval in shape, to distinguish it. Each coil has a brass padlock tally and a tin tally stamped “Patent Oval Samson Wire.”
Manufactured by the Whitecross Wire Co., Warrington, and may be procured through any Merchant, Ironmonger, or Storekeeper.
M B R
THE
WEEKLY MERCURY
AND
Hawke’s Bay Advertiser,
TERMS OF ADVERTISING AS PER SCALE.
Standing Advertisements for Three, Six or Twelve Months can be arranged for at a Liberal Discount.
Notice to discontinue advertisements (unless where number of insertions is mentioned on original order) must be forwarded, in writing, addressed to the Manager.
LIST OF AGENTS
NAPIER COLLEDGE & CRAIG, Hastings-st
T. MEEHAN, Port Ahuriri
MEANEE [MEEANEE] – J.C. SPEEDY.
TARADALE – J. BARRY.
CLIVE – J. BECK.
HAVELOCK – S. STONE
WAIPAWA – E. BIBBY.
WAIPUKURAU – MESSRS. SMITH & CO,
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION
£ s d.
Per Quarter, if paid in advance 0 6 6
Per Quarter, if booked 0 7 6
Per Annum, if paid in advance 1 6 0
Per Annum, if booked 1 10 0
Printed and published by EDWARD HENDERSON GRIGG, for the Proprietors, at the Mercury Office, Tennyson-street, Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1877.
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NewspaperDate published
28 April 1877Accession number
741/1365/42718Supporters and sponsors
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