Weekly Mercury and Hawke’s Bay Advertiser 1877 – Volume II Number 077 – 5 May

WEEKLY MERCURY
AND
Hawke’s Bay Advertiser,

A Journal of Commerce, Agriculture, Sports, Politics, and Literature.

Vol. II. – No. 77.   NAPIER, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1877.   PRICE SIXPENCE

FREEHOLD ESTATE.
HOMEWOOD – KAIKORA.
The Undersigned is instructed by Mr. Robert Evans, of Homewood, Kaikora, to offer for Sale, or in convenient lots,
1,000 ACRES RICH AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL LAND. This property has frontages to the Waipawa River, from the bridge downward, a ring fence around the remainder.
This property is divided into two large divisions, one of these portions containing three small paddocks, about 30 acres, under artificial grass, two whares, sheep-yards, &c, with or without 1500 sheep now depasturing thereon.
Price moderate, and a considerable portion of the purchase money remaining on mortgage.
M.R. MILLER.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE.
7000 ACRES Freehold, Crown Grant, 24 miles from Napier
23,000 acres Leasehold, 18 acres to run, low rent with
9,000 Sheep, 40 head Cattle, Horses, Bullocks, &c. Good home improvements, and 2000 acres fenced into paddocks: the whole will take grass seed readily, is well watered, and easy access from town.
11,000 acres Freehold, Crown Grant, with
2,000 acres Leasehold, excellent pastoral lands, 40 miles from Napier, well bounded, over 30 miles fencing, 25 paddocks, good houses, woolshed, and all necessary improvements, with
10,000 Sheep, few Cattle and Horses
3,920 acres Freehold, rich pastoral land, Wairoa, with
800 Sheep, and 100 head Cattle
900 acres Freehold Agricultural and Pastoral Land, Wairoa
4,677 acres Freehold Agricultural and Pastoral Land, Wairoa, with
3,000 Sheep, and other necessary working improvements
3,000 acres Freehold, Southern Seaboard, improved
1,220 acres Freehold, Southern Seaboard, improved
400 acres Freehold, Southern Seaboard, improved
2,500 acres Freehold, Southern Seaboard, with
2,000 Sheep and 250 head Cattle
4,200 acres Freehold Agricultural and Pastoral Land, Poverty Bay
11,000 acres Leasehold, Pastoral, Poverty Bay, with
3000 Sheep and few Cattle
1,600 acres Leasehold, half interest, Poverty Bay
14,000 acres Leasehold, excellent country, Tologa [Tolaga] Bay,
8,800 acres Leasehold, excellent country, Tologa Bay, with
3,000 Sheep and good improvements
1,100 acres Freehold, rich land, Opotiki, with
1,000 Sheep, and all necessary improvements
33,000 acres Leasehold, Pastoral, 26 miles from Napier
150,000 acres Leasehold, Pastoral, 30 miles from Napier with
10,000 Sheep, exclusive of Lambs
55,000 acres Leasehold, Pastoral, 70 miles from Napier, with
5,000 Sheep, and 50 head Cattle
9,000 acres Freehold, Agricultural and Pastoral, Seaboard,
14,000 acres Leasehold, valuable improvements, and
15,000 Sheep, few Cattle, Horses, &c.
1,639 acres Freehold, near Greytown, with
1,040 acres Leasehold, all fenced and subdivided, and
5,000 longwool Sheep, 120 Cattle, few horses, and every improvement necessary. The coach road passes through the property.
M.R. MILLER,
Stock and Station Agent.

SHEEP FOR SALE.
1500 MERINO EWES, 8-tooth
800 Merino Ewes, mixed ages
600 2, 4 and 6-tooth cross-bred Ewes
2500 cross-bred Ewes, mixed ages
200 cross-bred Ewes, 8-tooth
700 6 and 8-tooth cross-bred Wedders
100 Merino Rams, best Sir Donald McLean’s.
M.R. MILLER.

FOR SALE,
MR. EVAN’S Draught Stallion, “LORD NELSON,” by “Sir Colin Campbell,” dam “Blossom,” etc.
Liberal terms.
For further particulars apply to
M.R. MILLER.

RURAL SECTIONS, WOODVILLE.
On Deferred Payments.
For particulars, apply to
M.R. MILLER.

COUNTRY RESIDENCE.
FOR LEASE.
MR. GRANT, the purchaser of the Pakowhai Estate, has instructed the undersigned to Lease for a term the very substantial and commodious Dwelling-House, lately occupied by Mr. McHardy, with the well-stocked Garden, Orchard, Shrubbery, and a small paddock adjoining; with part of the offices, a Coach-house, Stable, &c. This is situated within easy drive of Town and the Farndon Railway station. To a good tenant the rent will be very moderate.
M.R. MILLER.

TARADALE SALEYARDS.
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1877,
At 12 o’clock sharp.
MARGOLIOUTH AND BANNER,
Will sell by Public Auction on the above date,
DAIRY COWS
Heifers
Steers
Pigs
Horses
&c.,   &c.,   &c.
N.B. – This sale will be held on the above date, owing to the fact that several mobs entered for last sale were not yarded in time.
Entries will be received, as before, by Mr McDonald at the Taradale Hotel, and by the undersigned, up to the hour of sale.
The special features of these sales are the settlement of all account sales directly after the close of the auction.
MARGOLIOUTH & BANNER,
Auctioneers.

GLASS SHADES, CLOCKS, PARIAN BRONZE FIGURES, TRICYCLE HORSES
Ex “HAKAIA” FROM LONDON.
MARGOLIOUTH & BANNER
Have been instructed by Mr. Dinwiddie to offer for private sale
6 DOZEN GLASS SHADES of every shape and size. Imitation ebony stands for same. Gilt and Velvet do. very handsome Gilt.
Drawing Room Clocks
Ditto   Bronze Library Clocks
Ditto   Black Marble Clocks
Parian Marble Figures
Bronze Figures
Toy Tricycle Horses
The above goods, all of the best quality were purchased by Mr. John Dinwiddie himself
from the best Parisian houses for cash, and were very carefully selected from very large stocks, consequently the prices marked on these goods are very far below anything offered in Napier before.

SHEEP FOR SALE.
4000 MERINO WETHERS, 8-tooth; in lots to suit purchasers
1400 Fat Cross-bred Wethers, 4, 6 and 8-tooth
300 Merino Ewes, 8-tooth
500 cross-bred Ewes, 8-tooth
RAMS FOR SALE
50 Lincoln Rams, 2-tooth and upwards, by imported Rams, out of bred Ewes
150 Merino Rams, 2-tooth and upwards, by Dowling and Currie Rams, out of pure pedigreed Ewes
8 Cotswold Rams, 2-tooth and upwards
BULLS FOR SALE
10 Young Bulls of this season, bred by Hon. H.R. Russell, the produce of his celebrated bull Crown Prince, out of seven-eight bred Abbott cows
2 Bulls, by Knight Templar and Duke.
J.J. TYE,
Stock and Station Agent,
Waipawa.

FOR SALE,
A THRASHER AND ELEVATOR
Also,
A Three Horse-power Thrashing Machine
Apply to
J.J. TYE
Repository, Waipawa.

SALE AT HAVELOCK.
TURLEY AND BRATHWAITE
Have received instructions to sell by Auction at Mr. Thomas Reynolds’ Yards, Havelock,
ON TUESDAY, THE 8th OF MAY, 1877,
At 12 o’clock,
40 HEAD OF MIXED CATTLE,
And
Several Hack And Harness HORSES.
Entries will be received by Mr. J. Reynolds, Havelock, or at the offices of the Auctioneers, Napier.

FOR LEASE, A
DAIRY FARM,
AT TARADALE,
About 2 miles from Town, consisting of 95 acres of well-grassed land and Artesian well; with Purchasing Clause.
109 ACRES LAND, known as “Park’s Island,” lease 14 years to run.
Also,
30 Milking Cows
Horses, Carts, and
Dairying utensils
The business is capable of giving a large return, and is at present yielding £1,000 per annum.
For further particulars, apply to
TURLEY & BRATHWAITE,
Auctioneers.

LAND SALE AT KAIKORA.
SECTION 6, containing 1 rood 10 perches,
Section 7,    “   2   “   26   “
Sections 133, 134, 135, containing ¾ acre, with 3 roomed Cottage, with Garden well stocked with fruit trees, Stable, Stock yard, &c.
WOODVILLE RURAL – Section No. 3, containing 40 acres, with Cottage.
For further particulars apply to
TURLEY & BRATHWAITE,
Auctioneers.
N.B. – The Auctioneers are making perodical [periodical] sales to Taradale, Hastings, and Havelock.
ANY Person found trespassing with Dog or Gun upon the Longlands property will be prosecuted.
ROBERT FARMER.

NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS.
Public Works Office.
(Constructed Railways Branch)
Wellington, 23rd April, 1877.
TENDERS are invited for supplying the Railways at Auckland, Napier, Foxton, Wellington, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Picton, Westport, and Greymouth with COAL from the 1st July to the 31st December, 1877.
Specifications and form of tender can be seen at offices of Railway Managers. Tenders, addressed to the Hon the Minister for Public Works, and marked outside “Tender for Coal,” will be received at the offices of the undersigned up to Noon of FRIDAY 25th May. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
FRANK B. PASSMORE,
Superintending Engineer.

WAIPUKURAU.
POPULAR LECTURES.
The First of this season’s Series of Popular Entertainments will be held in the Schoolroom, on TUESDAY EVENING, May 29th,
And the succeeding meetings will be held Monthly, on TUESDAY evenings during the winter season.
The proceeds will be applied for building a Chimney in the Schoolroom.
Waipukurau, April 27, 1877

IMPOUNDED AT WAIPUKURAU.
By A. Lyons, Mangataratu.
ONE red and white Bull, branded JB conjoined off rump.
One yellow and white Cow, calf at foot, same brand as last.
One yellow and white Cow, calf at foot, same brand as last.
One spotted Cow, calf at foot, branded J on off shoulder.
One brindle and white Cow, calf at foot, branded N on off rump.
One red and white Steer, white horns, branded H on near side.
One white Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One white Steer, branded J on off shoulder.
One brindle Steer, down horns, no brand visible.
One strawberry Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One red and white Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One yellow and white Steer, no brand visible.
One red and white Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One strawberry Steer, no brand visible.
One dark red Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One red and white Steer, branded JB conjoined on near rump.
One red and white Steer, branded J on near shoulder.
One red and white Steer, no brand visible.
One red and white Steer, branded JB conjoined on near rump.
One dark red Heifer, branded J on near shoulder.
One dark red Heifer, branded J on near shoulder.
Will be sold this day fortnight, at noon, unless redeemed.
A.SCRIMGEOUR,
Poundkeeper.
Waipukurau, April 27, 1877.

NOTICE.
ANY Person found trespassing with Dog or Gun upon the Greenmeadows will be prosecuted.
H.S. TIFFEN.
30 April, 1877.

MISSING.
WANTED KNOWN – The whereabouts of RICHARD HARRIS; Good news has been received for him from home.
Supposed to be in the Otago District. Any person giving his present residence addressed to the Daily Telegraph Office, will be rewarded.

2   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

[…]

WAIROA.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
April 27.
The surf on the bar has greatly subsided. Hopes are entertained of the Manaia getting out by Sunday.
The petition re separation of the Mohaka Riding from the County is not being generally signed at Mohaka itself, where the bulk of the ratepayers reside.
An old soldier named Murphy got two months imprisonment this morning for obtaining goods under false pretences.
High wind; heavy sea; bar worse than ever; river rising; flour ditto.

[…]

THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   3

[…]

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT
FRIDAY, APRIL 27.
Before R. Beetham, Esq., R.M.

DRUNKENNESS.
Samuel Bell, who met with a friend he had not seen for twelve years before, and who got into such a state in consequaunce [consequence] that he had to be “taken care of, paid 10s. to save further trouble about the matter.”

THE WIFE BEATING CASE.
Frank Parker was brought up under warrant, charged with assaulting and beating Marion Parker, his wife. He pleaded guilty of the offence and promised amendment. His wife who was desirous that the case should not be proceeded with, told the Bench that the ill-treatment she received from time to time at the hands of her husband, was caused by drink. Mr. Scully stated to the Court that defendant’s treatment of his wife was very bad indeed, and he had repeatedly assaulted and beaten her. Defendant was ordered to be bound over to keep the peace for six months, himself in £25, and sureties in a similar amount each. The recognizances were entered into during the course of the day.

ABUSIVE LANGUAGE.
An information, under the Vagrant Act, against Thomas Harvey of Port Ahuriri, Constable, for using abusive and insulting words towards one Charles Thompson, on the 25th instant, in Waghorn-street. The words complained of and alleged to have been used by Harvey towards Thompson, were “You’re a rogue and a swindler.” Defendant denied using these words, but admitted that under some rather peculiar circumstances, he did say – You are trying to swindle me, but you won’t. The evidence of Thompson and his witness Mr. Jessop, was heard for the prosecution , but the testimony was on several points rather conflicting. The cause of any unpleasantness at all appeared to have been that Harvey’s name had been entered in Mr. Jessop’s books for a dozen of stout, 9s, and Harvey had been dunned by Thompson (who described himself as traveller for Mr. Jessop) for payment, whereas Harvey had never had any beer or stout from Jessop or his servant, and also had had no dealings with him at all. It appeared also that Thompson had been to Harvey’s wife and asking her questions about the said dozen of stout, which after all was admitted to have been “entered in error.” Harvey was nettled, and wanted to find out why and by whom his name had been put as a debtor in Jessop’s books, and some few high words were the consequence. Evidence for the defence was taken to show that Harvey made use of no further expressions that what he himself admitted. The information was dismissed.

CIVIL CASES.
Gilmour v. Wilson. – £15   11s   8d. Adjourned to 29th May to allow of evidence being taken in Dunedin under the 1870 Act.
Caldwell v. Clifton. – Claim £17   10s. No appearance of plaintive. Case struck out.
Smith v. Pene. – Claim of £8   11s.   11d. Judgment confessed.
R. Neagle v. A. Jones. – Claim £1   3s, a pound fee case. Judgment for the defendant, with costs.
Jeffares and Gordon v. Robjohns – Claim £70   15, balance on a building contract. Adjourned after partial hearing until to-morrow at eleven o’clock.
Several other civil cases had been settled out of Court.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
Sarah Hate, a particularly stout woman, with a child in her arms, aged about six months, appeared in the dock charged with being incapable and drunk in Hastings-street, yesterday. In reply to the Bench, the woman stated that her husband was a flax cutter residing at Puketapu, and she got a little drunk now and again. She had no money to pay a fine or means of getting back to her husband.
His Worship: What are you going to do?
The prisoner made no answer.
Sergeant Moffat stated that the woman had previously been before the Court. On this occasion she left her baby in the Government buildings.
His Worship dismissed the case, but said he would consult with the Inspector of Police after the Court was over.
It afterwards arranged that Mrs. Hate should be kept in the custody of the police until the train left for the country this evening, when she would be despatched to the tender care of her husband.

WAIPUKURAU COUNTY ELECTION.
His Worship then gave judgment in this matter, a full report of which appears elsewhere.

TUESDAY MAY 1.

FOUND DRUNK.
John Gamble, not a particularly interesting looking individual was charged by Constable Harvey with having been found drunk yesterday at Port Ahuriri. Gamble pleaded guilty to the soft implication. The police stated it was his first offence, and he was fined 10s, with the option of 24 hours imprisonment.

SUPPOSED LARCENY.
John Gamble. the man previously convicted of drunkenness, was charged with having stolen a pair of boots, the property of a man named Harvey, employed on board the Mary Ann Hudson.
From the evidence it appeared that some person had forcibly made his way into the chief cabin of the Mary Ann Hudson on Saturday night, and during his stay had become possessor of a pair of boots. Suspicion fell on the prisoner, and during his detention in the lock-up on a charge of drunkenness, Constable Ryan, who had been informed of the theft, inspected the boots then worn by Gamble. The result was that he called in the man Harvey, who had lost the boots, and he swore from a certain mark that the boots were those he had lost from the Mary Ann Hudson. The prisoner, however, called as a witness a man named Wallis, a labourer, and a new-chum,  who alleged that he saw the prisoner on Saturday night purchase the boots from a man at Port Ahuriri for 5s, but he would not be able to recognise the party again from whom these articles were purchased.
Constable Ryan applied to have the case remanded so as to produce the man from whom it was alleged the boots were purchased.
His Worship said there was a loop-hole in the case, and the police should have made their request for a remand at an earlier period of the proceedings. He would give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt, and dismiss the case

WAIPUKURAU RIDING ELECTION APPEAL.
ELECTION DECLARED VOID.
THE Resident Magistrate on Saturday delivered his judgment on the appeal made against the validity of the last Waipukurau Riding election. His Worship said:
l see no other course open to me but to declare this election void on the grounds that irregularities have occurred tending to defeat the fairness of the election.
The petition discloses four rounds on which it is sought to set the election aside.
First, that the roll of the Centre Ruataniwha was not a bona fide roll.
Second, that while cumulative voting was accepted by the Returning Officers deputy at Ashly Clinton. The returning officer at Waipukurau only allowed single votes to those voters on the Ruataniwha portion of this roll.
Thirdly that the Makeretu Highway District was treated as on outlying district, and that the votes of these persons liable to the payment of rates in that district were refused.
Fourthly, that persons voted who were not entitled to vote or gave more votes than they were entitled to give.
The irregularity which tended in my opinion to defeat the fairness of the election is shown in the second ground.
The Returning Officer is placed in a very peculiar and unfortunate position as regards the roll upon which the election must be conducted under the Local Elections Act. A roll must be forthcoming or the election cannot take place under that Act – clearly it cannot take place under any other. The Returning Officer is left entirely to his own resources as to the way in which he will procure this roll. The Act says nothing whatever about it. I think he adopted the best means of obtaining it, by applying to the Chairmen of the various Road Boards for a copy of their rolls. Had it been shewn that fair and even voting had taken place upon a roll however obtained, giving the names of these persons entitled to vote, I should certainly not have disturbed the election.
There does not seem to be any magic in the word “centre” as prefixed to the Ruataniwha roll which would prevent the names on that roll being taken by the Returning Officer to form a portion of his roll, so long as it could be shewn (as from the evidence of Colonel Herrick it seems to have been), that such roll included the names of all persons entitled to vote at a Road Board election.
But when, the roll having been taken by him, and a copy of it sent to his deputy at Ashley Clinton with instructions to allow cumulative voting the Returning Officer decides after the commencement of the poll at Waipukurau to allow only single voting himself – an element of unfairness at once presents itself, which undoubtedly rendered the fairness of the election an impossibility. If a voter possessing five votes presents them at Ashley Clinton they are recorded; another voter possessing the same qualification can only register one vote at Waipukurau.
In dealing with the Clive election, I have already expressed my opinion that cumulative voting was contemplated by the Act. I see no reason to alter my opinion. Therefore a scrutiny would not meet the requirements of this petition, as it merely gives the power to strike off votes, whereas here the dead men must be brought to life again.
So far as Makaretu is concerned, I think it was rightly dealt with as an outlying district. In the interpretation clause of the Counties Act we find that an outlying district means any part of a County which is not included in a Road District. A Road District means any Road Highway or other district with the Jurisdiction of a Road Board as herein defined, and a Road Board is defined to mean the Council, Board, trustees, or the persons or body, as the case may be, having the management, control, or care of roads or highways. There was no such Board, therefore there could be no Road District. With respect to the fourth ground, I suppose it refers to cumulative voting, a subject which has already been dealt with.
I cannot but attribute the failure of this election in a very great measure to the extraordinary action taken by the scrutineers on the polling day. There appears to have been not one Returning Officer, but three Returning Officers, and the result has of course been utter confusion. The duties of a scrutineer are quite distinct from that of a Returning Officer, and they certainly should not be permitted to interfere in the conduct of the election inside the polling booth. Clauses 24, 26, 30, and 34 of the Local Elections Act are explicit enough upon the point.
In this case I see no reason to saddle the costs on either candidate. The election will therefore be declared void, without costs.

[…]

4   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

By this mail, we learn from a private communication, that Mr. Thomas Tanner has written to Archdeacon Williams to inform him that that he (Mr. Tanner) had interviewed the Bishop of Down, and the Reverend J.H. Deacon, of Trinity Church, Belfast, for the purpose of ascertaining something of the antecedents of the Rev. S. Robinson, late Curate of St. Johns, Napier. Mr. Robinson was curate of Trinity Church, Belfast. Mr. Tanner writes: “They (the Bishop of Down, and the Rector of Trinity Church, Belfast) both prove that Mr. Robinson has told a gross falsehood, as he never has been Priested. And Mr. Deacon further says that he used to copy other people’s sermons when he was with him, but he did not object to it after he heard him preach one of his own.”

The master of the Napier Hospital, Mr. C. Raven, begs to acknowledge the receipt of £1, from Mr. Thomas Thorp, for the benefit of the institution. We are permitted to say that since he has been in the colony, Mr. Thorp has made it a rule to subscribe £1 annually to the hospital of the locality in which he might be living at the time. Mr. Thorp is a labouring man, and has recently taken up his residence here, and, we add, that if everyone offering a similar outlay would exercise the same charity, our colonial hospitals would be in a very different position to that in which they are.

The following gentlemen have taken out licenses to shoot cock pheasants viz: – Messrs. J.N. Williams, F. Sutton, G.K. Goudy, K. Hill, H.W.F. Smith, W.A. Neale, J. Joshua, C.B. Winter, J.L. Herrick, J.D. Canning, G. Pilcher, E. Morgan, J. Warralow, F. Bishop, R. Brathwaite, and R.P. Williams.

Six auctioneer’s licenses were taken out on Tuesday, and the fees paid to the Collector of Customs. For the Borough of Napier, Messrs. Routledge, Lyndon, Magoliouth
[Margoliouth], and Miller; for the County of Waipawa, Messrs. Turley and Tye.

Capt. W.R. Russell, M.H.R., we learn from private sources, purposes leaving England for this colony on May 3rd, by the Suez mail steamer, which leaves Southampton on that day.

[…]

We are requested by the Secretary of the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society to state that the annual general meeting of the members will be held at the Criterion Hotel on Wednesday May 30th, at 11 am. Some important business will be brought before the meeting, not the least of which will be the appointment of a new Secretary, Mr. J. Barnett having determined to resign.

Last Tuesday being the Borough licensing day for cabs and carts, Mr. R. Williams, the Cab Inspector, was employed in the duties of his appointment, and taking notes of the condition of all licensed vehicles. There are now in Napier forty seven cabs licensed to carry passengers, and about fifty carts.

A meeting of the Ploughing Match Committee in connection with the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held on Friday in the Criterion Hotel. Mr. Bennett stated that he had received two offers for the use of a paddock, Mr. Condie, of Redclyffe, offering his paddock at Bluegums, and Mr. R. Wellwood offering his paddock at Hastings adjoining that in which the match was held last year. Mr. Wellwood’s offer was accepted. The match will be held on May 24, when there will also be a show of draught and thoroughbred foals.

Pheasant shooting commenced on Tuesday, May 1, and it would be as well if we were to state that by clause 27 of the Protection of Animals Act any person found trespassing with gun, or dog and gun shall prima facie, be deemed to be in pursuit of game, and subject to the provisions of the Act. No person is permitted to use a swivel gun. All penalties created by the Act shall be recovered in a summary manner before Justices of the Peace, and any offence against the provisions of the Act shall be punishable on conviction by fine not exceeding £20, and one-half of any fine recovered shall be paid to the person instrumental in the procuring of such conviction.

An inmate of an almshouse at Ashley Park, Mrs. Nellie Smith, has just died at the age of 103½ years.

We learn that the petition being got up for the separation of the Mohaka district from Wairoa has ended in failure, owing to the division of feeling amongst the settlers regarding the movement. We understand that Mr. McKinnon, the member for the district, contemplates resigning his seat in the Wairoa County Council, he being of opinion that his views on local subjects and that of his constituents are not in consonance.

A meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Acclimatisation Society was held on Friday, the Hon. Colonel Whitmore in the chair. The following resolutions were carried: – That Thomas Alexander Hayes be appointed a Ranger by the Society at a salary of £20.” “That the names of the Rangers appointed by the society be notified by public advertisement.” “That in addition to the reward provided by the Act, the Society shall give £5 bonus to any Ranger procuring the conviction of any person for offences against the Animal Protection Act, 1873.” “That the Australian minahs [mynahs] arrived per Rangitira be sold on Monday next, by public auction.”

We notice that Brewster-street, from the Post Office corner to the gate of Saint John’s Church is being formed and metalled. This road is very little used by wheel vehicles, and the expense was scarcely called for, considering that there is a large amount of traffic between the Oddfellows Hall, and foot of Milton-road, and Carlisle-street, across the grass. That part of the town is left in a state of nature, while a lot of money is being spent in curbing footpaths that are scarcely required.

We (Post) observe by the Wairarapa News of Saturday that the alleged bigamy case has assumed a new phase. When last brought up the lady – Agnes Robinson – was, in the absence of any evidence for the prosecution, discharged. On that occasion it appeared Cheesman, the first husband, had written a letter positively declining to go on with the prosecution. He is said to be willing to take the lady back. Robinson, the second husband, has now in turn been prosecuting “Agnes”. On Friday, in the Resident Magistrate Court, Featherston, Mr. Stedman, on his behalf, applied to Mr. Wardell for a Warrant for the apprehension of Agnes. Mr. Wardell, the R.M., rather demurred to granting the warrant, but ultimately said he would take time to consider the application. From what transpired in court it appears that the fair but fickle lady was originally called Agnes Williams, and that she married a person named Cheesman in England. The, somehow or other, after coming out here, she went to the Wairarapa, leaving Cheesman, and in November last, according to the charge against her, married a labourer named Robinson at Tonui. The position of the case at present is: – Robinson is tired of Agnes, and wishes to be quit of her: hence he prosecutes her for bigamy. Cheesman, on the other hand, is full of love and forgiveness. He evidently desires to clasp his beloved Agnes once more to his manly breast, and all thoughts of prosecuting have fled from his mind. It is quite an affecting little drama, and might all end happily but for the action of the hardhearted Robinson. We wish the fair Agnes well out of her troubles

[…]

At a meeting of the Fire Brigade held on Thursday evening after practice, Mr. P. Colledge was elected a member of the Brigade. A vote of thanks was passed to the manager of the TELEGRAPH for his courtesy in furnishing Colonial newspapers to the Fire Brigade Reading-room, and also to Mr. Tuxford for his offer to provide hat hooks, &c., for the use by the Brigade.

A committee of the Volunteer Artillery, who were appointed at a meeting on Friday, canvassed the town for prizes on Saturday to be fired for on the morning of the Queen’s Birthday at the Tutaekuri range. They were most successful, few people objecting to give something towards the object. The prizes will be distributed in Clive Square after the feu de joie.

There is to be seen at the Masonic hotel a chronological tree of New Zealand, on a sheet measuring fully eight feet by five, the whole being an etching by Mr. J.M. Meek. In the centre of the sheet there is an excellent drawing of a Kauri tree, on the trunk of which with wonderful neatness, and accuracy, the historical events of the colony have been so written as to represent the bark of the tree. Round the edge of the sheet, the history, and resources of each province have been written within handsomely designed medallions. Maps of the islands of this colony, of Australasia, and of the World are with much taste placed in appropriate positions on the sheet. The chronological tree is a fund of useful and interesting information of the past history of New Zealand, and no school, reading room, or Athenaeum should be without one. The subscription is one guinea, for which two engraved copies, reduced in size can be procured.

Mr. Clareburt’s trap horse fell over the Bluff on Friday, and was found dead on the beach by the owner on Saturday

There was a special meeting of the Municipal Council on Saturday at 11 a.m. Present: His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Lyndon, Vautier, Swan, and Tuxford. The meeting was held for the purpose of revising the Burgess Roll for the year 1877 78. His Worship stated there were no “claims” or “objections” to it, and requested the council to appoint two of its members to sign the Roll in conjunction with himself. Crs. Lyndon and Vautier were appointed for this purpose, and the Roll being approved of and signed, the Council adjourned.

Mr. Nancarrow, the inspector of Steam Machinery, arrived by the Wanaka from Auckland on Saturday.

Major Goring, Inspector Armed Constabulary, and who has been recently stationed at Opotiki, is now in Napier. He proceeds to Waikaremoana by the first opportunity to take charge of the Constabulary stationed in that district.

[…]

Another of the painful cases of destitution that occurs sometimes even in this favored country has just come to our notice, and we mention it to enable those who are able to enjoy the pleasure of doing good and giving, to do so. It is that of a woman of the name of Snowsell, whose husband died at Clive on Sunday, leaving her and four children, the eldest barely five years old, in a state of destitution. The unfortunate man formerly worked for the neighbouring farmers, but had been laid up for some weeks before his death, and his family are literally without food or clothing. Some of the residents are doing their best to supply the necessities of life, and endeavor to procure the widow the means of livelihood, and any contributions of clothing, money, &c., will be thankfully received by Mr. Hardy, Schoolmaster, Clive, Mrs. Lascelles, Clive, and at the offices of this paper

A very painful report is currently respecting the whereabouts of Mr. Collie, the well-known bookseller and photographer of this town. Some three weeks ago, Mr. Collie took passage in a steamer bound for Auckland, with the object of being landed on White Island, with the purpose of taking views of the crater. He and a boy were duly landed on the Island with a supply of water and provisions, and on the return of the steamer the adventurers were to be picked up and brought back to Napier. When, however, the steamer called in on her return, no signs of either Mr. Collie or the boy could be found. It is hoped that Mr. Collie has been brought ashore by Maoris, or by a coasting vessel, and landed somewhere on the shores of the Bay of Plenty. That little terra firma of White Island is extremely treacherous, and the uncertainty of Mr. Collie’s whereabouts has created a painful feeling regarding his safety

The Rev. I. Leighton preached in St John’s Church on Sunday Evening, taking his text from the first chapter St Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, 13th and 14th verses. In a long and impressive delivered extemporary sermon, the reverend gentleman traced the stages the Christian passes through till the final redemption; there he divided into four viz., “the hearing,” “the believing,” “the sealing,” and “the waiting.”

Mr. Nancarrow, Chief Inspector of Machinery, paid a visit to the Napier Fire Station on Saturday and expressed himself much pleased with the new steam fire engine, lately imported, which is the only one in the North Island. With the manual engine, together with the whole station and plant Mr Nancarrow was well pleased, saying it was a credit to Napier to possess. While on this subject, we may add the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade informs us that to attend at the Spit, should a fire occur there, he has had a break [brake] fitted to the steam engine, so that no time will be lost in taking it down the Shakespeare hill. Indeed, the engine could be taken down to the Spit with steam up ready for immediate action as quickly as an ordinary passenger vehicle can get to the port

We notice from our Wellington files that sash weights, and other articles which can be manufactured in this colony, are being largely imported. This may be due to the fact that the local press is wanting in noticing local industries. As it may not be known that coffee roasters can be as well manufactured in Napier as at home, we have much pleasure in calling attention to a coffee roaster now on exhibition at the shop of Mr. A Manoy, for the use of that firm. The frame ironwork is done by Mr. Faulknor, and the cylinder and other work by Mr. Peter Gillespie. The manner in which the work is altogether completed reflects great credit on Mr. Gillespie, and we hope will be the means of inducing Napier people not to send orders for such works out of the district

[…]

THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   5

[…]

The Harbor Board met on Tuesday. Present – Messrs Kinross, Chambers, Kennedy, Smith, Vautier, Newman, and Rhodes. On the motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Vautier, it was resolved that that portion of the harbor reserve between Waghorn-street, section 457, Hardinge-road and Battery-road be reclaimed , as per engineer’s report April 15. Mr. Warnes application to take shingle from the beach at the back of Messrs Kinross and Co’s stores, Port Ahuriri, was refused. A letter was read from the Secretary of Customs suggesting that the light on the western mole should be the same colour is that on the eastern. The reminder of the business was of no public interest

On Tuesday about 11 o’clock some surprise was expressed in town by persons desirious [desirous] of obtaining a cab that there was not a vehicle to be obtained. Complaints of this state of affairs soon reached the DAILY TELEGRAPH Office, and a reporter was sent out to make enquiries. He found that cabmen were all virtuously indignant at the action of the Municipality in attempting to make a cab stand in Browning-street behind the Municipal Office, and away from the main thoroughfare. Our “Jehu’s” determined to hold a meeting to discuss the matter among themselves, and for the purpose had adjourned to the Provincial Hotel. When congregated together, the cabmen elected Mr. Cotton to the chair, and appointment Mr. Anderson secretary. After some discussion, it was agreed that a respectful petition be drawn up addressed to the Municipal authorities respecting the cabstand, and that the meeting adjourn until the next day, when such petition should be laid before the meeting for approval. In the mean time it was agreed that cab licences should be paid and other matters left over for consideration at the next meeting. To ourselves it appears the height of absurdity for the Municipal Council to attempt to force the cabmen to take up their position in a bye-lane, which would be as inconvenient to the public as to the cabmen.

[…]

A correspondent has handed to us the following extract from the Ohio Farmer, requesting us to publish the same, believing the dairies now supplying milk to Napier may profit by it:      – “Cowy Milk: I have read a great deal about “animal odor in milk,” but when my dairymen give me milk that smells “cowy,” I say, “Use more water in washing your cow’s udder. Wash it – wash it – and wash it again.” The next morning the milk is not “cowy.” I am thoroughly convinced that the animal odor which milk sometimes bears is from no other cause then the cow’s udder is not sufficiently cleansed before milking.”

We understand that the Georgia Minstrels, the only true and real “nigger” troupe in the colonies, and now playing in Auckland, will likely appear in Napier on Saturday the 17th of May, and will play here for one week only. They are, as our readers are aware, engaged by Mr. De Lias, who brought Mr. Emmett to Napier, to make a tour through New Zealand.

Mr. Stevens, bricklayer, of Napier, has just completed the erection of a safe vault for Mr.  Vautier at Port Ahuriri, which is without doubt an excellent piece of workmanship. The vault is altogether 12 x 8 feet, and 14 inches in thickness. It has two entrances, and is so erected that in the event of fire, it is impossible for its contents to suffer. The vault appears to us one of the best and safest, at any rate in this part of the colony, and is well worthy the inspection of all interested in such matters.

Mrs. Neill’s concert at Waipukurau on Friday evening was fairly attended. The concert itself (we learn from our correspondent) was a success although one gentleman who had promised assistance was not present. The gem of the evening was Mrs. Neil’s rendering of “She wore a wreath of roses.”

There were no buyers for the Australian minnahs [mynahs] offered for sale by Messrs. Routledge, Kennedy and Co. on Monday. The birds have been sent up to the gaol to be set at liberty in one of Mr. Millers aviaries.

Mr. Merton, Messrs. Murray Common & Co’s Hawke’s Bay wool-buyer, has at his office, Port Ahuriri, samples of various wools in the first stage of their manufacture into cloth, their technical name being “tops.” The wool is first thoroughly cleansed, and then repeatedly combed, until it is drawn out in the form of a long hank, some seven feet in length, having a beautifully soft texture. A good “top” is worth about six times as much per pound as wool in the fleece. When the tops are made they are coiled up in tin cans and forwarded to the manufacturer. It is Mr. Merten’s intention to procure a top from each of the clips purchased in Hawke’s Bay by Messrs. Murray, Common and Co., and from the samples thus obtained of our provincial wools, the very best judgment can be formed of their individual commercial value.

The want of a pillar box at the railway station is much felt. Some how or other the convenience of the Hawke’s Bay public is not nearly so well studied as it is in other parts of the colony. In a town the size of Napier the public is certainly entitled to more than one post box.

A lively scene took place on Tuesday, about 9 o’clock, on the beach, nearly opposite Mr. Palmer’s stables. From what we can learn between 30 and 40 larrakins [larrikins] had congregated together to watch the “sad sea waves.” At that hour some persons, equally anxious to watch the effects of the tidal wave, were knocking around, and perceiving the larrakins, determined to have what they termed a “lark.” They used language to the youths, which we cannot here repeat, but the effect was that the young New Zealanders made up their minds not to be beaten, and turned on their assailants, and thrashed them most thorougly. The beaten parties complained to the police, but if what we hear to be true, we can only say, they richly deserved the whipping they received.

At a meeting on Wednesday at the Provincial Hotel by the cabmen, it was resolved to sign a petition to be presented to the Municipal Council at the meeting that evening. The substance of the petition is to the effect: – That cabs be allowed to stand in Emerson and Tennyson streets; from the gate at the General Government Buildings to the Post Office; in Browning street from Campbell’s corner to Large and Townley’s store, and  that not more than four carriages at one time should be at the above suggested places, and then not within one foot of the pavement. Should the pavement at the stands be full, it is suggested that all unemployed hackney carriages shall take up a position in Browning street. The matter was fully debated, and after some discussion the petition was agreed upon. The request, we consider, in a small town like Napier, to be a reasonable on, and should find favour with the Municipal authorities.

We are pleased to learn that the Napier Brass Band have decided to enrol as an Artillery Band. A number of the members of the band were sworn in as Bandsmen to the Napier Artillery Volunteers on Saturday night. The battery has limited the number of musicians to 13, including bandmaster. The Artillery Volunteers are sending to London per the outgoing ‘Frisco mail an order for uniforms for the band. The tunic and trousers will be the same colour and pattern as the gunners of the corps, with the exception that the binding will be white instaed [instead] of black, and in lieu of a busby the bandsmen will wear a shako with red drooping horsehair plume in front. A few additional gunners suits of uniforms are also being ordered by this opportunity.

On Tuesday two of our cabmen had an “argument” on the beach as to the why and the wherefore a cab-stand should not be made near Mr. Palmers. The sea at the time was exceedingly high, and further parlance was put a stop to by a high wave, which completely bogged one of the cabmen, and his adversary was so nonplussed when he was picked up as not to know Watt [what] was the real cause of the quarrel.

We are requested to direct attention to the 108th clause of “The Public Health Act, 1872.” – “Every parent or person having the custody of any child, who shall neglect to take such child or cause it to be taken, to be vaccinated, or after vaccination to be inspected, according to the provisions in this Act respectively contained; or who shall refuse to let the Public Vaccinator to remove or retain a reasonable quantity of vaccine lymph from the arm of such a child according to the provisions of this part of this Act, and shall not in any of the said cases render a reasonable excuse for such neglect, shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding 40 shillings.”

Most amusing scenes are reported to have taken place in the Government Buildings, Wellington, in consequence of the new regulations not allowing the usual half hour for luncheon. Some of the clerks bring down coram populo [popular fryingpans, saucepans, and toasting forks, together with all varieties of eatables and drinkables, and one large department, the head of which will persist in smoking has been solemnly reported to the Government by the head messenger, for cooking red herrins [herrings], onions, and beef-steaks on the fire-tongs!” The harbor outside the buildings is further said to be covered with empty bottles.

The Hospital Committee met on wednesday, but their proceedings were not of public interest.

[…]

The returns of traffic on the Napier Takapau Railway for the four weeks ending April 7, are as follow [follows]: – Passengers, £1036   5s; goods, £985 15s 1d; total, £2,022 0s 1d.

[…]

We have reason to believe that the Oddfellow’s have decided not to make any alterations in the Hall for the present. Several members object to incur further expense until there is a return for the money already invested.

The Ringarooma from Melbourne, sailed for the Bluff with the Suez Mail on Monday evening last.

Wesleyan service will be held at Hastings on Sunday evening at 7 o’clock.

[…]

6   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

[   ]

INTERPROVINCIAL.
GISBORNE.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
May 2.
The s.s. Go-Ahead, on getting out this morning for Napier, got aground inside the break. She lies in a critical position and doubts are entertained whether she will get off until the spring tides make. She has her signals flying warning the Jane Douglas not to come in. The Douglas has been outside the bar since yesterday morning, with very bad weather to contend with.
May 3.
The Go-Ahead is still fast on the ground she lies on a bit of rock, but not in a very dangerous position at least the weather turns bad. It is now moderate. The vessel is still being lightened.

[…]

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2.
The Council met at 7 30 PM.
Present – His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Williams, Swan, Tuxford, Neal, Vautier, and Lee.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.
A petition from the Napier cab proprietors was presented in reference to the bye-law regulating cabstands. The substance of the petition we published in Wednesday’s issues.
Cr. Swan moved, “That the prayer of the petition be complied with, and that a regulation be drawn up in terms of it.”
The motion was seconded by Cr. Neal and carried.
The progress report of the past month of the Municipal Engineer was read and laid upon the table.
A letter addressed by Mr. H.S. Tiffen to His Worship the Mayor was read as follows: –
“Sir, – As it appears to me that the completion of the reservoir, near my premises, would be productive of imminent danger to me, I beg to give you notice that if the work is continued on the present plan I shall feel compelled to take proceedings in the Supreme Court for the protection of my property. I am willing to meet the corporation in a fair spirit, and shall at any time be prepared to confer with you in order to devise some mode in which the work can be completed without risk to myself and others.”
His Worship stated that on receiving the letter he had handed it over to the Public Works omeCommittee for their consideration, but it had been by them referred to the Council.
Cr. Lee said the Council could not do otherwise then receive the letter, and would advise that its receipt be merely acknowledged. He contended that Mr. Tiffen knew perfectly well where the reservoir was going to be built before he went to England. There was no evidence before the council to show the reservoir menaced Mr. Tiffen’s property, and therefore there was no reason to stop the work simply on the recommendation of one landowner. Mr. Tiffen should have taken action in the matter before the work was so nearly completed. Cr. Lee then moved that the clerk acknowledge receipt of Mr. Tiffen’s letter.
Cr. Swan seconded the motion.
Cr. Tuxford said it was perfectly true Mr. Tiffen knew before he went to England where the reservoir was to be built, but he could not have foretold that it would show signs of weakness just as it was nearly completed. He (Cr. Tuxford) was always of opinion that it was absurd to build the reservoir on the edge a rotten bank.
Cr. Neal moved that the report of the engineers, and also that of the Municipal Engineer, be read, and taken in conjunction with Cr. Lee’s motion.
The Engineer’s Report was then read.

“Napier, April 16, 1877.
“In accordance with the request of your Council, conveyed to us through the Town Clerk, we have examined the reservoir, now in course of construction for the Municipality, and beg to submit the following report thereon. The several constructive works in connection with the reservoir erection have been carefully examined, and so far as possible, the strata exposed on the hillside below these works. We have further been supplied with the information descriptive of the nature of the stratum in which the foundations are immediately laid. The reservoir, we consider, is safe so long as the work remains water tight and the hill slope below remains free of slips of a serious character. But we are of opinion that if it leaks from cracks, or porosity of the concrete in the walls or floor, take place, there will be risk of accident by probable slips undermining the eastern end of the work. – We are, &c.,
“JAS. R. DAVIES,
“JAMES ROCHFORT,
“EDWARD H. BOLD.
“TO HIS WORSHIP the Mayor,
“Municipal Council, Napier.”
Attached to the above was an account for $31 10s, for the work performed in connection with the inspection of, and report upon, the reservoir.
“Municipal Engineer’s Office,
“April 30, 1877.
“Sir, – I have the honour to report that on the 16th inst., the reservoir adjacent to the Cameron-road, including the inside plastering in cement, was completed by the contractors, Messrs. Mills and Oxenham.
“This reservoir was constructed, as you are aware, in two compartments, the smaller one being calculated to hold 160,000 gallons, and to be kept constantly filled, so as to be available for the extinction of fires in the town; and the larger one calculated to hold 320,000 gallons, being intended to be used for the supply of the houses in the Shakespeare-road, the Cameron-road, the Coote-road, and other parts of the borough which cannot be supplied  from the present 4-inch main, direct from the wells in Raffles-street.
“I have had in view, in the construction of this double reservoir, the possibility of any serious earthquake, such as might cause a fracture in the side walls or in the bottom of the reservoir, and in order to guard against any danger from this source, I have expended a far greater amount of labour and material in the construction than I should otherwise have done, so that I may say that if I had not kept this possible danger in view this reservoir would not have cost more than one-half of its present cost.
“I have therefore constructed the concrete walls of much greater thickness than is usual in works of this nature, and I have also constructed an exceptionally massive stone retaining wall at the southern end, together with an embankment of well-rammed earth and clay, 11 feet in thickness, between the retaining wall and the reservoir wall, so that should any fracture or leak take place, by any possibility, at this end, the water could do no damage, as it would inevitably be stopped at once by the mass of earth and clay between the two walls. I am particular in calling your attention to this point, because I am aware that some doubt exists in the minds of a few individuals, who apprehend danger from the source, but it is certain that any competent engineer, who has had any experience in the construction of reservoirs, would be able to set at once at rest the fears of such individuals, having in view the enormous strength and solidity of construction of this particular part of the reservoir.
“Messrs. Weber and Davies reported to me on the 26th January last that “all portions of the work are substantial in every respect, and I can only refer you to their published report on this respect
“But as some doubt then existed as to the retentiveness of the sub strata, I beg to inform you that if any proof were wanting of the retentive of nature of the bottom, it is to be found in the fact that after the unusually heavy rains which took place two months back (when 14 inches of rain fell in three days) a large body of water, to the depth of about three feet, accumulated in the excavation which was then sunk to the bottom of the intended reservoir; and that after remaining in it for about a week, with very little signs of diminution or infiltration, the contractors had to rig a siphon in order to get rid of the water, to enable them to proceed with their work.
“The proof is, in my opinion, quite conclusive as to the soundness and retentiveness of the strata underlying the bottom of the reservoir, and I particularly called the attention of the gentlemen who were appointed to report on the safety of the reservoir to this very important point, and which I have no doubt they will have duly considered in their report.
“For my own part, I am perfectly satisfied, both as to the soundness of the foundation, which has already been thoroughly tested, and as to the soundness of the work comprised in the concrete walls and bottom of the reservoir, the latter of which is 12 inches in thickness in the centre and 15 inches at the sides, exclusive of about of an inch of cement plastering.
“I have no hesitation, therefore, and stating that, in my opinion, not the slightest fear need be entertained as to the perfect soundness and stability of the reservoir, as a whole the workmanship of which has been executed to my entire satisfaction, and under my constant supervision.
“I have, &c.,
“FRED S. PEPPERCORNE,
“Municipal Engineer.
“The Chairman Public Works Committee.”
Cr. Swan expressed the astonishment he had felt on reading the leading article in the DAILY TELEGRAPH of that evening. The article showed that that journal was well informed on a subject which should never have been disclosed till the Council met. With regard to the report of the Engineers, he was by no means satisfied. When the report was ordered it was intended, and hoped, that a proper report would be furnished. The report obtained was most meagre. He himself had no doubt as to the safety of the reservoir, and if he were the lucky owner of Mr. Tiffen’s property, he would go to sleep perfectly assured of the safety of the work.
Cr. Tuxford suggested that the engineers report be sent back for further details. He was inclined to think that professional etiquette might have restrained them from condemning the work of a brother engineer
Cr. Lee deprecated such remarks. He was of opinion if the work was unsafe the engineers would have said so without consideration for the work of the Municipal Engineer.
Cr. Neal desired that the council should in replying to Mr. Tiffen express confidence in the Municipal Engineer, but that in deference to one or two individuals, three engineers had been employed to report on the reservoir, that they had done so favorably, though meagrely, and that the council was perfectly satisfied with the safety of the work.
Cr. Lee then moved, and Cr. Williams seconded “That the clerk be directed to acknowledge the receipt of Mr.Tiffen’s letter and inform him that the Council, having taken into consideration his letter, the report of the municipal engineer upon the reservoir, and also the report of Messrs. Davies, Bold and Rochfort, to whom the question of the stability of the reservoir had been referred, have every confidence in the stability of the structure.”
This was carried, and the matter dropped.
The Town Clerk read the Municipal

THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   7

Solicitor’s opinion respecting the position of the Railway and West Quays, Port Ahuriri. The legal opinion was that the quays belonged to the Harbor Board, and that the Corporation had no right to keep them in repair.
On the motion of Cr Neil, seconded by Cr. Swan, it was ordered that a copy of the opinion be forwarded to the Secretary of the Napier Harbor Board.
In reference to the lighting of certain proposed gas lamps, a letter was read from the Secretary of the Gas Company stating that the company would be prepared to make the connections from the main to the foot of the lamp-posts. That the company declined to incur the expense of laying down piping to supply two lamps in a street where there was no main.
Cr. Williams thought it was rather mean of the gas company.
The Mayor suggested the propriety of referring the matter to the Public Works Committee.
Cr. Tuxford did not think that would be any good as the Company had quite resolved on its course of action.
Cr. Lee thought it had better be referred to the Public Works Committee, and in the meantime it could be ascertained whether the law would not compel the company to light any lamp the Corporation chose to erect for the public convenience. The Gas Company had its privileges; it would be well to ascertain its duties.
The matter was ordered to be referred to the Public Works Committee.
A return furnished by the Municipal Engineer was read showing that there would be a deficiency of material in the Corporation reserves for forming the roads and reclaiming the land in the swamp of 69,440 cubic yards.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.
The following report from the public works committee it was read:-
“The Public Works Committee of the Municipal Council having met, pursuant no [to] notice, on Monday, the 30th April, 1877, beg to forward the following documents for the consideration of Council, viz: –
“Letter from H.S. Tiffen, Esq., re the state of reservoir; report of the Board of Survey on reservoir: report of the Municipal Engineer on completion of reservoir; letter from T.R. Cooper, Esq., re proposed alterations at Boylans; opinion of Municipal Solicitor re quays on reclaimed land; tenders for supplying and fixing 36 lamp posts (iron) complete; letter from Secretary of Gas Company relative to laying of pipes, &c.; letters of auctioneers as to terms of selling leases of reserves; tenders for cartage of waterworks plant ex Andrew Reid; tenders for lighterage do., ex do. tenders for rebuilding stone wall, Shakespeare-road; estimate of Municipal Engineer of cost of roadway, Lever-street; letter of Municipal Engineer re road metal; return of Municipal Engineer showing material of Town Hall reserve, &c.; estimate of sums necessary to complete waterworks; progress report and recommendation reports of Engineer; opinion of Solicitor re steps in Shakespeare-road; opinion of Solicitor re pounds; vouchers, expenditure borough fnnd [fund] account, waterworks account, and swamp reclamations account for April, 1877.
“Your committee would recommend the Council to give effect to the following: –
“1st. That with regard to Mr. Cooper’s letter (4) the Municipal Engineer be directed to give him the permanent level, but that no alteration be permitted, either in the footpath or in the curbing.
“2nd. That Mr. Garry’s tender to supply and fix complete, 36 iron lamp posts for the sum of £9   5s each, be accepted.
“3rd. That the offer of the Napier Gas Company to light and keep in order the lamps of the Corporation for the sum of £10 10s per lamp, be accepted.
“4th. That the offer of Messrs. Turley and Brathwaite to sell the leases of the Corporation reserves for the sum of £2 2s be accepted.
“5th. That the tender of Messrs. Garrett, Murnane and Co., to cart the waterworks plant, ex Andrew Reid, at 3s 11d per ton, be accepted.
“6th. That with regard to the tender for lighterage of the said plant, there being only one tender, and that informal, that fresh tenders be invited.
“7th. That with reference to the tenders for the stonewall in the Shakespeare Road, the tender of    be accepted.
“8th. That tenders be called for forming the roadway in Lever-street, on reclaimed land.
“9th. That tenders be called for supplying the Corporation with road metal, at so much per cubic yard.
“10th. That with reference to the quantity of leading piping and bib cocks, as shown in the engineer’s estimate of sums required to complete the waterworks scheme not being now necessary, that the whole of the piping and bib cocks be sold by public auction, with a reserve to be fixed by the Public Works Committee.
“11th. That with regard to that portion of the Engineer’s recommendation report which recommends the widening of the road opposite Mr. Ormond’s gate, that the same be not authorised, but that with regard to his recommendation as to Thompson-road that the same be authorised at the rate mentioned by him, and the work proceeded with as soon as possible.
“12th. That with reference to the opinion of the Municipal Solicitor (herewith) re pounds that the council take the course as suggested by them.
“13th. That the vouchers for the expenditure during the month of April, 1877, now before the Council be passed, and ordered to be paid.
Clauses 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. In reference to clause 4, it was stated that Messrs. Turley and Brathwaite’s tender was the lowest received at the time of the sitting of the Committee and its acceptance had been recommended in consequence. Since then, no time having been specified for the reception of tenders, a lower tender had been sent in by Messrs. Routledge, Kennedy and Co. After some discussion that firm’s tender was accepted.
The remainder of the report was adopted.
Cr. Swan moved and Mr. Tuxford seconded the following motion, which was carried:-“That a petition be presented to his Excellency the Governor, in accordance with clause 30, part 2, of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, praying that all that portion of the swamp bounded on the north by Carlyle-street and Hyderabad-road, on the west by section No. 42, and on the east by the Town Hall reserve, a plan of which is herewith attached, be included by proclamation as being within the boundaries and forming part of the Borough of Napier, and the same be added to the railway reserve.”
A discussion then ensued in reference to the leaking of Committee business, which, as it could possibly lead to nothing, was not in the least interesting.
Cr. Williams moved: “That the Public Works Committee be requested, at their next meeting, to take into consideration the desirability of making a road along the beach, and of erecting a retaining wall for the protection of the road, to extend from Byron-street to the end of the White-road.”
Cr. Neal seconded the motion, which was carried.
The Council then adjourned.

[…]

We cannot insert the letter of “Ratepayer” on the matter of the reservoir until he furnishes us with his name and address.

8   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

Shipping Intelligence.

PORT AHURIRI
ARRIVALS.
April
26 – Star of the South, s.s., from Auckland. Passengers – Mrs. Harford and family (3), Messrs. Gould, Hayward, Bugler, Fraser, Jamieson, Brown, and Young
28 – Jane Douglas, s.s., from Gisborne. Passengers – Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons, Mr Solomon, and four prisoners
28 – Wanaka, s.s., from Auckland via Tauranga and Gisborne. Passengers – Mesdames Power, Walsh, Thomas, Little, Broadbent and 3 children, Messrs Munn, Loisle, Ferguson, Upham, Hamilton, Harrison, Webb, Goring, Hamond, Dewes, Gibbons, McGuard, O’Brien, Nancarrow, MacShane, McBain, Wilson, Axup, 5 in the steerage, and 10 for Southern ports
29 – Opotiki, schooner, from Poverty Bay
29 – Orpheus, schooner, from Mercury Bay
29 – Acadia, schooner, from Mercury Bay
30 – Spray, schooner, from Lyttleton.
May
3 – Rangatira, s.s.,from Wellington.  Passengers – Miss Thompson, Messrs. Pearson, Field, Ferguson, and Dransfield

DEPARTURES.
April
27 – Rangatira, s.s., for Wellington. Passengers – Mr. and Mrs. Somerfield, Messrs Common, Hastie, Rochfort, and 4 in the steerage
28 – Wanaka, s.s., for Wellington. Passengers – Mesdames Williams, Riddle, and Ched, Rev. W. Riddle, Messrs. Moss, Miller, T. Williams, Thompson, Davies, Common, McKenzie, the Hon, J. Ormond, and 10 original
28 – Kiwi, s.s., for Wellington, via Castle Point. Four steerage passengers
28 – Star of the South, s.s., for the Thames. Passengers – Messrs. Henderson, Hennely, Anderson, Burgess, and Brittle
30 – Jane Douglas, s.s., for Gisborne. Passengers – Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson and 2 children, Messrs. J. Williams, Skelly, Horsfal, and a few in the steerage.
May
3 – Columbia, schooner, for Lyttelton

The Star of the South, Captain Carey, arrived in the Bay on Thursday, and was brought to the Breastwork at 4 o’clock on Friday. She was the bearer of the ‘Frisco mail, she having been the first steamer to leave Auckland since its arrival. Captain Carey reports heavy head sea and wind after passing the East Cape. Had it not been that the English mail was on board, Captain Carey would have put into Happy Jack’s. The Rotorua passed the Star off Poverty Bay.
The s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Holmes, is at present engaged on her fourth trip with store sheep from Littleton to Raglan, to the order of Mr. Studholme. We hear Captain Holmes has been very successful in landing nearly the whole of his different cargoes of livestock.
The s.s. Jane Douglas, Captain Fraser, returned from Poverty Bay on Saturday, having made the passage in 10½ hours.
The s.s. Wanaka is in temporary command of Captain McGillvray, [McGillivray] and Captain Andrew as her chief officer, Captain Malcolm having gone on a visit to the hot springs from Tauranga. The Wanaka had a pleasant passage, having had fine weather, with light southerly breeze and southerly swell. Her cargo is estimated at about 15 tons for this sport. We are indebted to the purser for the following dates: – left Auckland on the 25th, at 5 p.m; arrived at Tauranga on the 26th, at 8 a.m.; left same day at 4 p.m.; arrived at Poverty Bay on the 27th, at 2 p.m.; left at 8 p.m., and arrived at Napier on the 28th, at 5 a.m., and left again at 3 p.m. Amongst the passengers in the Wanaka, we noticed Mr. Nancarrow, Government Inspector of Steamers, who is on his regular tour of inspections. He has examined the Result, Sir Donald, and Fairy, and extended their certificates, and his report on each steamer is very creditable to the respective engineers.
The s.s. Wanaka left on Saturday for Wellington direct, after discharging about 15 tons cargo into the Three Brothers. She had a fair complement of passengers amongst whom was the hon. Mr. Ormond, Minister of Public Works.
The Kiwi left for Wellington via the coast on Saturday.
The s.s. Star of the South took aboard on Saturday 500 fat sheep for the Thames, and left for there and Auckland in the evening.
The Columbia left on Saturday, but returned to the anchorage on Sunday.
Three schooners arrived on Sunday, all timber laden, viz., Opotiki from Gisborne, the Orpheus and Acadia from Mercury Bay.
The schooner Spray arrived in the Bay on Monday and the pilot tried to get out to her on Tuesday but could not manage it
Several gentlemen who have been wanting to go to the Wairoa in the Result have gone overland, the bar at Wairoa being still bad, with a heavy sea on the beach.
The s.s. Rangatira, Captain Evans, was brought inside on Thursday, at 9:30, and berthed at the Breastwork. She experienced some difficulty in getting over the bar, which is very shallow at present. The following is a report of her voyage:- Left Wellington wharf at 5:30 on Tuesday evening, and arrived at the anchorage at 7:30 last night. The Rangatira, on leaving the wharf, went alongside the ship Pleione, and towed her round to the Patent Slip; left the ship’s side at 7 p.m., and experienced a strong southerly breeze and heavy head sea as far as Cape Palliser, thence till arrival variable southerly winds. Passed the Kiwi a long way out to sea off Cape Turnagain, beating to the southward.
The s.s. Result went out on Thursday to tow in the schooner Spray, but as the captain had lost an anchor he would not come in.
Mr. Vautier’s new vessel, the Silver Cloud, left Sydney last Wednesday week for Newcastle to load coal for this port. While in Sydney she was docked and underwent a complete overhaul, being newly coppered. Captain Ball, late of the Maggie, is in command, and writes in terms of great satisfaction with regard to his new vessel, saying that there are few like her in the colonies. By last accounts the port of Newcastle is crowded with vessels waiting to load, and consequently she may be delayed there sometime, but we anticipate a speedy run down for her when she starts.
In attempting to bring out the s.s. Go Ahead on Wednesday at Poverty Bay, she took the ground and stuck on the bar. The agents here, Messrs. Watt Brothers, have been advised by telegram this morning that it will be necessary to lighten her before she can be got off.
The ship Grandee, says the Argus, was taken into the Alfred Graving Dock for examination, in consequence of having been in collision with an iceberg. At first it was thought she had escaped without sustaining serious damage, but on careful survey it was found necessary to strip and calk her, and then put on new metal. The Grandee turned out her cargo in excellent condition.

[…]

BIRTHS.
MORICE. – At the Manse, Hokitika, on the 5th April, the wife of the Rev. George Morice, formerly of St Paul’s Church, Napier, of a son.
MILLER. – At Oamaru, on the 6th April, the wife of M.R. Miller, Esq., of a son.
McKNIGHT. – At Hastings, on the 6-7th April, the wife of Mr. J. McKnight, of twin daughters (all well.)
MOORE. – On Sunday, the 8th April, at the old Bank House, Mrs. E. Moore of a daughter.
O’SHANNASSY. – At Napier, on the 10th April, the wife of Mr. J. O’Shannassy, of a daughter.
WATKINS. – At Carlyle street, on April 10th, the wife of Mr. Rees Watkins, of twins (son and daughter.)
PARSONS. – At Matawero, Poverty Bay, on April15, the wife of Mr. S. Parsons, of a daughter.
SCRIVENER. – At the White road, Napier, on April 15, the wife of Thos. Scrivener, of a son.
BURKE. – On the 17th April, at Napier, New Zealand, the wife of W. Ulick Burke, Esq., of a son.
CONNOR. – At Napier, on the 18th April, the wife of T. Connor, of a daughter.
STONE. – At Port Ahuriri, on the 28th 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.
STEVENS. – At Mohaka, on the 26th April, 1877, the wife of Mr. Bartlett Stevens, of a son.
POLLOCK. – At Auckland, on the 26th April, 1877, Mrs. James Pollock, of a son.
COHEN. – At Hastings street, Napier, on the 2nd May, the wife of Mr. H.P. Cohen, of a son.

MARRIAGES.
CAPPER – HARDING. – On the 1st of March, at Edith Grove Congregational Church, Manchester, by the Rev. J. Morgan, Samuel Capper, Esq., agent for the Canadian government, to Laura, fourth daughter of John Harding, Esq., of Mount Vernon, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. No cards.
PELHAM – SHIRLEY. – On 18th March, at St. Peters Church, Wellington, by the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, Thomas, only son of Mr. Thomas Pelham, of Wellington, to Ellen, youngest daughter of Mr. James Shirley, of Napier.
COLLEDGE – GREEN. – At Whitfield, on March 26th, by Rev. Dr. Stuart, Joshua Colledge of Dunedin, to Emily Judith, seventh daughter of the late James Green, of Mount Eden, Auckland.
WILLIAMSON – HARDING. – At Wellington, on the 31st March, by the Rev. James Patterson, James Williamson, of Kiatoki, Seventy-mile Bush, to Miss Eliza D. Harding.
SMITH – THOMS. – At Dundee, Scotland, on the 5th April, by the Rev. Archibald Watson, D.D. David Smith, Edinburgh, to Ella Gellatly, eldest daughter of William Thomas, Esq., Dundee.
LORY – JACOBS – At Napier, on the 7th April, by the Rev Mr. Berry, Hannibal Line Lory, to Mary, relict of the late Mr. Jacobs.
DAFAUR – FRANKLIN. – On the 21st April, at the residence of Mr. W.F.Crawford, Gisborne, Poverty Bay, by the Rev. E. Williams, Frederick Dafaur to Amelia Dunville Franklin.
LAURENSON – EBBETT. – At the residence of Samuel Begg, Esq., Napier, on the 28th April, by the Rev. D. Sidey, Mr John Laurenson, to Miss Jane Ebbett. – Dunedin papers please copy.

DEATHS.
GUILLIARD. – At Napier, on the 6th April, Ethel Mary, infant daughter of Henry and Eliza Guilliard.
DRIBERG. – At Napier, on the 6th April, William Simla, infant son of William Driburg.
SIMON. – At Port Ahuriri, on April 8th, Charles Simon, aged nineteen and ten months.
PALMER. – At Napier, on the 11th April, after a short illness, Clara, second daughter of Mr. Charles Palmer, aged 3 years and 6 months.
WEBB. – At Gisborne, on the 13th April, Frederick Charles, infant son of Mr. H.E. Webb, aged six months.
BROUGHTON. – At Napier, on the 15th April, Francis Henry Joseph, only son of Mr. Frank Broughton, aged 4 years. Wellington papers please copy.
PALMER. – At Te Aute, Hotel, on the 18th April, Louisa, eldest daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Palmer, aged 7 years and 10 months.
PURCELL. – At Carlyle-street, Napier, on the 20th April, Mr. John Purcell.
WATKINS. – At Carlyle-street, Napier, on April30, Sarah, the beloved wife of Rees Watkins, railway guard, aged 29 years.
FLETCHER. – At Napier, on the 21st April, after a protracted illness, Anne, wife of Mr. William Fletcher, aged 68 years.

[…]

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 of Europe, &c., via San Francisco, 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, Te Aute, Kaikora, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Danevirke [Dannevirke], Norsewood, Tahoarite [ Tahoraiti ], Woodville, Foxton, Palmerston, Wanganui, Taranaki, Wellington and Southern Provinces, &c., Wallingford, Porangahau, Wanui, [ Wainui ] and Castle Point.
On the other days of the week, mails close, as usual, at 6.30 a.m.
J. GRUBB.
Chief Postmaster.

Government Notifications.

NOTICE.
Office of Waste Lands Board,
Napier, 8th December, 1876.
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.

JOHN McVAY,
SADDLER & HARNESSMAKER
Hastings-street.
The Cheapest House in the Trade.

The Weekly Mercury
AND
HAWKE’S BAY ADVERTISER.
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1877.

It is to be hoped that it will not be long before the government proceeds in the matter of the settlement of the negotiations entered into for the purchase of native lands on the East Coast. The importance of settling these negotiations may be judged from the fact that there are somewhere about a million acres under the treaty of some kind or another for purchase, or upon which deposits have been paid by the government to the native owners. The action of the Government with respect to these lands takes it out of the power of private individuals to deal either for their lease or purchase. The consequence is, that an immense area of country is locked up from settlement, or occupation, to the injury of the colony generally, and of the natives in particular. Because, in a weak moment, a native owner may have accepted half a crown as deposit, or earnest of purchase, of a block of many thousands of acres, by the government, the other members of the tribe are debarred from dealing with the land for sale or lease to any but the Government. This, at a time when there is very great demand for land, and when land too is realizing exceptionally high prices, is felt to be an injustice by those native owners, more especially, who never consented to dispose of their estates to the Government. The Crown is considered by the natives to be the very worst market to which they could take their lands, and the system which has been pursued to a very great extent on the East Coast, has tended to a remarkable degree in the strengthening of this opinion amongst the Maori tribes. It will be remembered a distinct pledge was given last session of the General Assembly, that the Government would

THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   9

buy no more land from the natives after that which they were in treaty for at that time was purchased. This was regarded as a satisfactory commencement of a much needed reform in the Native Department. It was not then, however, generally known, or if known, not sufficiently appreciated, that the Government, through their Land Purchase Commissioners were in treaty for the acquisition of millions of acres, largely representing that landed estate for the North Island on the purchase of which the Native Department based its claims to be deemed a useful and necessary institution. It is now seen, through certain disclosures made since the prorogation of Parliament, that the negotiations for the purchase of much of these lands are of such a nature as to render it almost a hopeless task on the part of any one [anyone] who may be appointed for the purpose to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion. What, for instance, can possibly be done to conclude the purchase of a block of land up about 800 acres on which a deposit has been paid, in the Poverty Bay district, over which there are between two and three hundred grantees, of all ages, and both sexes, whose signatures must be obtained, and who for the most part have not been considered to sell; but, if they did consent, many of them are legally disqualified from signing by reason of non age, or other disqualification. Yet this is not a solitary case. We believe we are not exaggerating when we state that that is the position of about a million of acres [million acres], in various blocks, in the East Coast district, for the purchase of which the Government is negotiating. On some of these blocks, a merely nominal deposit has been paid, such as from half-a-crown, to £50 pounds; but all in all, a high judicial authority has stated that £20,000 have been paid away in that district as earnests of purchase, and for which the government has absolutely nothing to show. A Native Lands Bill, it is understood, is now in preparation for presentation at the next meeting of the Assembly. It is to be hoped it will deal with the rights of the Maoris to the soil in such a way as they shall not be a legalised barrier to the further settlement of the country. It is an extremely difficult task to deal with, and none the less so through the mischievous legislation of previous years. It is absolutely imperative, in order to the maintenance of our present friendly relations with the natives , that the Government should abandon its right to the purchase of those lands on which such small deposits have been paid, as that they may be considered but mere ruses to restrain the freedom of action of the Maori owners. Where the native owners are willing to repay such deposits, they should be permitted to do so. Up to the present time, however, the Government have declined to give up any claims they may possess through the payment of a paltry deposit to the sole right of purchasing lands. The action of the Government is absolutely detrimental to the best interests of the colony in the East Coast district, for while there is abundance of capital and numerous settlers for the profitable occupation of the lands there, any one dealing for their lease or purchase merely bring on themselves an action at law with the Government.

[…]

SOME little time ago, the Napier correspondent of the Canterbury Press telegraphed to that journal as follows: – “It is feared that the harbor works will not be a success. The only benefit gained so far is that the bar is being removed further into the bay, while the rush of water is so great that it is almost impossible for vessels to come in while the tide is going out. Practical men say that the works will do more harm than good, and that £75,000 is thrown into the sea.” There is absolutely nothing in the above telegram that is in the least exaggerated either as regards the fears entertained concerning the result of the harbor works, or as regards the effect they have already had on the entrance, the current, and the bar. The Herald, however, in eluding to the telegram, is pleased to say that “it was with the view simply of counteracting the mischievous effect of such telegrams and articles that we thought it desirable to remark that the Jane Douglas had come in at extreme low water and the Rangatira two hours before high water over the alleged impossible bar.” Now it will be acknowledged that a case must be very bad indeed that requires to be bolstered up by deliberate and intentional falsehoods. Our harbor cannot be made either better or worse by any such applications, and the most mischievous effects can only be expected to follow when an ordinarily respectable journal informs the colony of the system it pursues to support, and maintain a wrong impression with regard to a local public work. In Saturday’s Herald we read that that journal thought it was “desirable” to tell a falsehood concerning the state of the bar, and generally to absolutely contradict the telegram that had been published in the Christchurch Press. In this same issue of the Herald from the shipping intelligence we extract the following: – “The s.s. Rangatira, Captain Evans, discharged her cargo yesterday. She cast off from the outer wharf at 4:15 p.m., with the current running in at the rate of about eight and a half knots. She made no headway against it for three-quarters of an hour, but eventually she made a grand rush and made her way through it.” The s.s. Kiwi, Captain J. Campbell, left the breastwork at 5 p.m. When steaming out, the tide, which was rushing out with terrific force, caught her bow, and drove her on the edge of the boulder bank, where she remained for a quarter of an hour. A rope was then taken ashore and made fast to a pile on the harbor works, and the steam winch was set to work, and in a short time she was got off. The current was found to be too strong for her to make any headway against it. She was therefore taken back to the breastwork and made fast.” We think the above extracts from the Herald are sufficient to show that the Napier telegram with which fault was found, was a perfectly truthful statement. We strongly recommend the Herald that when next it thinks it desirable to counteract the effect of an unvarnished statement of fact, not to tell a falsehood in one column and expose the naked truth in another.

[…]

THE Municipal Council sat on Wednesday when the most interesting portion of the proceedings was that relating to the water-works and the upper reservoir. There is likely to be some plain speaking about the reservoir by the Councillors, and there is likely to be some plain language used by the ratepayers, ere long, on the same subject. In deference to the fears of one or two residents in Tennyson-street, the Council lately resolved to have a report on the strength of the reservoir. That report has been made; it has cost the Borough over £30, and the value of the document may be guessed when it is learned that it is, in effect, as follows: – The reservoir is perfectly safe if it does not leak. As much as that was known, or at least might have been surmised, without going to the expense of employing professional men. The reservoir is either perfectly safe, or it is absolutely unsafe; there is no medium condition in which it can be. If the Council has no confidence in the Municipal Engineer it is the duty of that body to discharge him; if, on the other hand, the Municipal Engineer is one in whom every confidence can and ought to be placed, then the ratepayers have a right to complain at the Borough funds being frittered away to satisfy the fears of one or two nervous gentlemen. We have heard during the last month or two a good deal about an injunction being issued to prevent the use of the reservoir, and the idea of the Corporation being engaged in litigation has alarmed some few of the burgesses. We shall not think much of the injunction should it ever be served. The Corporation has ample powers under the Municipal Corporations Act, and the Public Works Act, and if the reservoir is safe, the waterworks scheme is not at all likely to be abandoned by the threat of a dozen injunctions. The rate-payers, at all events, look to the Council to carry the scheme out in its entirety.

A HIGH tide and heavy sea caused no little consternation on Tuesday from the unusual height to which the waves broke on the beach. Towards sunset, the sea was rolling into the bay, and breaking on the shore in grand form, and as the tide made, the sea got higher. At about 7 o’clock the tide was at its full, and it was then the waves appeared piled one above the other, and the breakers were hurried onto the crest of the beach. Several waves smashed against the line of houses extending from the New Zealand insurance office towards the Maori Club, tearing down the fences, and invading the premises. Two cottages, one on either side of Mr. McSweeney’s house property, were thrown off their piles, and the brick chimney of one of them was broken by the shock of the waves. Large masses of water poured between the houses, capsizing small out-buildings, and carrying tin cases, pumice stone, and the accumulated rubbish of years stored on the beach, into Hastings-street, from whence the streams found their way by the open channels into the swamp. Many of the stores and shops on the eastern side of Hastings street, had from six inches to a foot and a half of water in them. Some idea of the force of the waves may be gathered from the fact that a heavy block of limestone, at the corner of the New Zealand Insurance office was forced from its position, and driven towards Mr. Palmer’s stables. The stone weighed fully five hundred weight. The substantial fence in front of the Court House was smashed down, and a considerable depth of water entered the building. It was a most fortunate circumstance that a north-easterly gale was not blowing at the time, or there would have been no knowing the extent of mischief that might have ensued. As the tide receded on Tuesday, the sea went down, and the residents along the beach then took the precaution of raising earthworks in front of their dwellings for fear of another invasion at the morning tide. No further damage was done, however, but, although such a thing may never occur again, it is to be trusted that the Corporation will amend the plans for the formation of the Marine Parade, and make that proposed roadway a sure protection against high tides and heavy seas.

[…]

THE Bye-laws of the County Council of Hawke’s Bay are now published. Bye-law No. 1 regulates the proceedings of the Council, and refers to county officers

10   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

&c.; No. 2 refers to Reserves, and Places of Public Recreation; No. 3 to the licensing of Peddlers and Hawkers; No. 4 to the licensing of public and private slaughterhouses; No. 7 to Pounds and Poundkeepers, Nos. 5 and 6 we presume are still in nubibus. No. 2 Bye-law contains excellent regulations for the behaviour of visitors to public gardens, so much so indeed that we can only regret there are no gardens within the county to which they can have any reference, No, 3 Bye-law relating to Peddlers and Hawkers will embrace within its clutches commercial travelers, for it includes “any itinerant trader, who goes about from place to place, carrying with him and selling wares.”

IF a Borough Public Works Committee-man, on taking office, was bound by an oath of secresy [secrecy] not to disclose anything that might transpire in the committee room, we might have been enabled to have appreciated Mr. Swan’s astonishment at discovering that the Daily Telegraph was well informed on measures which were not supposed to be public property until fully communicated to the Council. But there is nothing that we can find out, in the nature of a seat in the Public Works Committee, calculated to alter human nature and a Committeeman, feeling inclined that way, is at perfect liberty to chat over matters of public interest with his friends. To the fact of certain Committee business having come to the knowledge of this journal, there was a large and respectable audience at last night’s sitting of the Council, and the public attention was drawn to one of the very few meetings of that body worth reporting. So satisfied are we of the desirability of informing our readers of that which is to come before the Council that we shall endeavor on future occasions to make known all important matters referred to in the Public Works Committee’s report to the Council. Such disclosures will then be removed from the region of astonishment, and placed in that of the matter of course.

[…]

THE report of the three engineers on the safety of the reservoir was read before the Municipal Council on Wednesday and was in character much what we described in another column. At that time however we had not had the advantage of seeing the report, and we based our comments on mere hearsay. A careful perusal of the report, apparently, discloses the suggestion of the necessity of making the bottom of the reservoir sufficiently strong to resist, and the whole of the inside of the work perfectly imperviable to, infiltration. The stratum on which the reservoir is built is a substance of an absorbent nature, the consequence is that the safety of the whole work is dependant on the imperviability of the cemented bottom of the reservoir. The report appears to be based on this view.

AT the meeting of the Waste Lands Board on Thursday there was a full attendance of members. After the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, several minor matters were considered and disposed of, the Chief Commissioner read a letter from Mr. Neil Thompson asking the reason why the members of the Victoria and Mill Bush Special Settlements Association were not placed in possession of their lands. A very long discussion ensued on the subject amongst the members of the Board, from which we gleaned that the land set aside for this settlement had not yet been purchased from the natives, or in other words the native title had not been extinguished over the block, and was there for not open for selection. The fault rests it would appear all together with Mr. Weber, the Provincial Surveyor who, when the question was put to him by the Board at a previous meeting stated that the land in question was free and open to selection. The Chief Commissioner pointed out that it was possible that the error made might be soon remedied, but the other members of the Board did not appear to wholly coincide with the Commissioner’s views. Eventually Mr. Baker was called in and he produced maps, from which it was suggested that three blocks of land should be set apart for small farm settlements, one containing 10,900 acres, in the Puketoi district, and two others in other districts. Mr. Baker stated that the blocks he had pointed out were good land and easily accessible. Col. Whitmore suggested that portions of these reserves should be set apart for sale by auction, so that it would afford an opportunity for capitalists to settle in the small farm districts. When our reporter left the Board was engaged discussing what amount of land should be so set apart.

NEWS OF MR. W. COLLIE.
The following private telegram was received on Sunday from Mr. W. Collie, whose whereabouts was the subject of such painful reports on Sunday, and to which reference is made in another column: – “Tauranga, April 30. Was picked off White Island this morning, by the s.s. Pretty Jane, proceeding to Thames and Auckland, then return Gisborne.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT
TUESDAY, MAY 2.
(Before Richmond Beetham, Esq., R.M.)

CIVIL CASES.
No fewer than thirty-seven civil cases were set down for hearing, a great number of them being for small amounts such as two or three pounds. Nearly half of this number were withdrawn, settled out of Court, or the date of hearing extended.
Lindsay v. Newman – Same v. Same – and Newman v. Lindsay. These cases were again adjourned, on the application of the solicitors for the parties concerned, until May 15.
Barry v. Kenny Topia – Claim of £33 8s, amount of a promissory note dishonored . Defendant did not appear. Judgment by default, for amount claimed and costs and expenses incurred amounting to a further sum of £9 1s.
Topping v. Douglas – Claim of £11 1s. 9d. Nonsuited; with costs to defendant £2 7 6d.
Gibbes v. Montecimo. – Claim of £4 15s 6d. Judgment, by consent, for plaintive, with 9s. costs.
Gibbes v. Chester. – Claim £4 11s 6d. Judgment, by default, for amount of claim, and costs 12s.
Gibbes v. Murray. – Claim £2 6s. Judgment, by default, for amount claimed, and 12s. cost.
Gibbes v. Willis. – Claim £5 12s. 6d. No appearance of defendant. Judgment for amount claimed and 16s costs.
Tuckwell v. Smith. – Claim £1 3s. for boots. Defendant did not appear. Judgment for plaintiff with 9s costs.
Scarfe v. Roberts. – Claim £43 11s 1d, amount of a promissory note dishonored for £39 17s 1d, and for flour supplied £3 14s. Defendant did not appear. Judgment, by default, for the amount claimed, and 25s. costs.
Barry v. Golds. – Claim £4 for ten weeks rent at 8s. Judgment confessed.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2.

CIVIL CASES.
Wall v. Dyer – Claim £47 9s 4d. A deal of evidence was taken in this case. Judgment was entirely given for plaintiff the amount sued for, and costs 50s.
Guy v. Dyett. – The plaintiff sued as trustee in bankrupt estate of R. Jeffares, for recovery of possession of the old Clive hotel, of which the defendant had entered upon, and for £5 on mein profits. A lot of evidence was taken, and the case was adjourned until the 4th inst.

THURSDAY, MAY 3.
(Before Edward Lyndon Esq., J.P.)

DRUNKENNESS.
Joseph McCabe, charged by Constable Irwin with the above offence, was convicted, and fined in the minimum penalty of 5 shillings, with the alternative of 24 hours imprisonment. He went for the alternative.
Michael Rooney, introduced by Constable Ryan, on a similar charge was fined 5 shillings.
George Jackson was charged by Constable Harvey with having been drunk yesterday at the Spit , add further on a second charge with

INDECENCY
in exposing himself in Waghorn-street, being a public place. He was convicted and sentenced to 14 days imprisonment.

[…]

NOTICE.
I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4TH of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the PAKOWHAI Highway District, at the Farndon Hotel, at Farndon.
The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Farndon Hotel, at noon, on 6th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

NOTICE.
I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4TH of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the PUKAHU Highway District, at the Mechanics Institution, at Havelock.
The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Mechanics Institution, at Havelock, at noon, on 7th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the KAKIRAWA [?] Highway District, at the Homestead of Thomas Tanner, Esq., at Mount Erin. The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Homestead of Thomas Tanner, Esq., at Mount Erin, at noon, on 8th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the RAUKAWA Highway District, at Moroney’s Hotel, at Paki Paki.
The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at Morooney’s [Moroney’s] Hotel, at Paki Paki, at noon, on 9th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

WEST WOODVILLE HIGHWAY BOARD.
I HEREBY notify that the Rate Book will be open for inspection, and the rate for the current year payable at Mr. Horrock’s office, Woodville, on and after the 16th day of May, between the hours of 10a.m., and 4 p.m. daily.
H. MONTEITH,
Chairman West Woodville Road Board.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the HAVELOCK Highway District, at the Mechanics Institution, at Havelock.
The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Mechanics Institution, at Havelock, at 2 p.m., on 7th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the PETANE Highway District, at the Ferry Hotel, Western Spit.
The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Ferry Hotel, Western Spit, at noon, on 11th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the completion and public inspection of the VALUATION LIST of the OKAWA Highway District, at the Homestead of J.N. Williams, Esq., at Appley. The List will be open for inspection until 4th June proximo. Objections to the said List must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, at Napier, on or before noon on 5th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Homestead of J.N. Williams, Esq., at Apply, [Apley] ] at noon, on 12th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

I HEREBY appoint FRIDAY, the 4th of MAY instant, for the Completion and public Inspection of the Valuation List of Awatoto, and Whareomaranui, and Patea outlying Districts, at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, Napier. The lists will be open for inspection until the 4th June, proximo. Objections must be lodged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Napier, on or before Noon on the 6th June proximo.
An Assessment Court for the hearing of such objections will sit at the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Napier, on the 14th June proximo.
RICHMOND BEETHAM,
Judge of Assessment Courts.

TO THE REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS, IN THE PROVINCE OR DISTRICT OF HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND.
I JOSHUA ROWBOTTOM, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries of London, now residing in Tennyson-street, Napier, do hereby give notice that intend to apply to you, one month from this date, to have my name placed on the Registry of Medical Practitioners in the Colony of New Zealand. I hereby deposit my Diplomas in your office for public inspection in the terms of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1869.
May 1st, 1877.

Education Board Office,
Napier, Feb. 13th, 1877.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Education Reserves will be offered for Lease (21 years), by Public Auction at the Provincial Council Chamber, on TUESDAY, May 15, 1877.
Section 70, Town of Napier   1 rood, upset price, £10 per annum.
Section 298 B, Town of Napier, 1 rood, upset price, for £20 per annum.
Suburban Section 90, Lot 5, Town of Napier, 1 rood, upset price, £15 per annum.
J. RHODES,
Chairman of Education Board.

THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   11

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12   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

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THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   13

[…]

POISON WATER.
Poisoning by water is now so common an occurrence that any experiments which throw light upon it will be welcomed. The latest discovery is that the water itself in course of time deposits the poisons on the sides of the cisterns; especially lead compounds. It is easy, therefore, to avoid this cause of illness and death, a clean system will not contain lead.

[…]

Mr. Henry Gordon, of Napier, has found it necessary to file his schedule for the benefit of his creditors.

[…]

14   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

HASTINGS.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
May 1, 1877.
THE preliminary steps for the reclamation of the swamp are now completed, and it is anticipated that the necessary operations will be commenced forthwith, which will give employment to a number of men during the next five months, and will have the much desired effect of giving an impetus to business, which at present is somewhat dull.
Mr. Kelly has commenced business in his new premises, and the Church is fast drawing towards completion, which speaks highly of the liberality of the inhabitants as well as of the indomitable perseverance off the Rev. Mr. Marshall, who has spared no exertion in bringing this good work to a successful termination
The return of Mr. Tanner is anxiously looked forward to, as it is anticipated that he will bring out with him the necessary plant for starting a woollen factory. Should such prove to be the case, there cannot be a doubt that it will be the means of advancing Hastings with unprecedented rapidity. As to a site for such an industry, it must be admitted Hastings, situate as it is in the midst of the wool growing district, is admirably adapted for carrying out this project and in the face of the probable reduction of wool in consequence of the unsettled state of Europe, there is every probability of the venture proving highly successful, particularly if started at the present critical juncture of European affairs. However, whether Mr. Tanner is successful or not in starting this new industry, the time is not far distant when something of a similar character must and will be started at Hastings.

WOODVILLE.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
April 28, 1877.
A MEETING of the ratepayers of the West Woodville Road District was held at the Woodville Hotel on the above date.
There were present Messrs Horrocks, Fountaine, Sowry, Thomas, J. Monteith, Ross, Bevan, H. Monteith (Chairman of the Board), and a number of other ratepayers.
The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said: – “Gentlemen, my object in calling this meeting is to obtain an expression of opinion from the ratepayers with regard to striking a rate for the current year. The present Board have been elected under Hawke’s Bay Highways Act, which provides that any rates must be struck by a vote of the majority of the ratepayers, which portion of the Act has been repealed, and as no doubt many ratepayers at the time of the election were ignorant of the power to strike a rate, without reference to the ratepayers, conferred on the Board by the Rating Act, and under the impression that the rate would be struck in the usual way, I consider that it would be unjust to take advantage of the position, and the Board have agreed to be guided by a very considerable extent by the wishes of the ratepayers. However, before leaving the matter in your hands, I wish to point out certain difficulties of our position. If we strike a high rate, the council might also do so, and the burden of taxation will be heavier than the district can bear; on the other hand, if we strike a low rate, and the council do the same, we will probably be in the unpleasant position of having our roads neglected by them, while unable to maintain them ourselves. We have already seen what the Council are capable of when a difference of opinion arises among them, and I think it would be injudicious to rely altogether upon them for our local requirements. I will recommend that a moderate rate be struck for three or six months pending what action the Council may take in the matter. There is, however, an objection to striking a rate for a short period, that is, the trouble and expense in collecting it.
Mr. Sowry remarked that he concluded with the chairman in thinking it injudicious to rely upon the Council for keeping their roads in order, and after considerable discussion, Mr. Sowry proposed, and Mr. Thomas seconded: – “That this meeting is of opinion that a rate of sixpence in the pound on the rateable value of the rural sections, and one shilling in the pound on the townsphip [township] sections, will best suit the requirements of the district for the current year,” which was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.
At the subsequent meeting of the Board, the above rate was struck, and other ordinary business transacted.

WAIROA.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
In order to be in readiness for any extraordinary vacancy that may occur in the Council, Mr. John Blake has been busily engaged in canvassing for the above purpose. Mr. Blake has already held meetings at Clyde, North Clyde, and Te Kapu; after explaining his views at each place, he received such unanimous votes of confidence and offers of support that he now expresses his determination to stand for the Assembly, and in his own nervous diction states that, if we return him, “in he’ll go, room or no room, he’ll make room! The following extracts from Mr. Blakes’s speeches will partly explain his wonderful success in wooing the favor of the free and independent. Mr. Blake thought the government wanted waking up; the Council wanted waking up; and the people wanted waking up; he was there for the purpose of waking them up. Look at the river now, see the quantity of water running to waste! Well, he would see such did not happen if returned. Never mind how, only return him, and he would do it – he’d bet he’d do it. Now, as regards sheep farmers , we had too many of them; he would do away with them, and in their place have cattle farmers; we had too much mutton lately and wanted a little beef. Regarding insurance, he advocated that, when a man insured his house, the company should there and then pay him in full and not wait till he had burnt his house down. Such a course in his opinion would save a great many fires. Touching the native question, he considered that, if you wanted a native’s land, you should take him out and fight him fairly for it, not take him in by selling him blankets and things and then summonsing him. As to Road Boards, make the roads first, then there would be plenty of time to think about the Boards. He was strongly opposed to Immigration. If they wanted to increase the population, let them “make ‘em, – squash Immigration! His idea was “Get a good sized lump of land,” build a house on it, put the people on, and feed them on the sheep farmer’s scabby sheep. With respect to taxes, he would have no taxes; let the Government find the money; if they could not find the money, let them make room for people who could, he would jolly soon find it if he was Government. Talk about ferries, the ferrymen should ferry people over for nothing, and look precious smart over it too. As to police, it was an insult to the people to suppose they wanted police – squash them! On the subject of divorces Mr. Blake was equally stringent. He would do away with divorces altogether. How? By doing away with marriages – that would stop divorces. With respect to the dog tax, everybody ought to have a dog – to be allowed a dog. Those who have no dogs ought to pay for those who have  – Vive Blake!

[…]

THE WIZARD OF THE NORTH.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PERHAPS you are not aware there is at the present moment a veritable wizard in full practice in this colony. I have not seen him myself, but I have both seen and spoken to people who have, and who relate most incredible reports of his supernatural powers. They are natives, and I need hardly say fully believe all they assert, probably a good deal more. Several natives of high standing in this district have lately been visiting this remarkable man in order to avert his threat of bewitching them with the “evil eye,” unless they paid their respects to him.
One Maori assured me that, while talking to him, the wizard changed color several times, the truth being, I imagine, that such happened to my informant through his inordinate fears.
Another (a lady this time), who was taking a present of £100 to him, but had told nobody of her intention, was astounded at being accosted with, “Well, Mere, where is that £100 you are bringing me?” He took the money (it was in notes) and returned it the next day in sovereigns, saying he had plenty for his wants. An old and infirm woman who traveled a long and painful journey to sit at the feet of this great master to get cured also had £8 to present him with. Her, likewise, he accosted with the demand for “that £8.”
To another Maori he showed a large building stored with gunpowder and cartridges. Handing this man a gun he bade him sample the cartridges, saying, “I see you doubt if they are good. The Maori tried and they were very good. Five pakehas work day and night, according to this Maori, burning charcoal for gunpowder, and making cartridges in obedience to this wizard.
The wizard further ordered his visitors to bathe – to follow him and bathe. They did so, they followed, followed, for miles and miles, up hills, down valleys, across creeks, and as they journeyed they heard plainer and plainer the sound of a mighty roaring. They were exceedingly afraid, but by the advice of a woman attached to the suite of the wizard they still kept on. At last they arrived at a secluded spot, where behold the water rushed up with a great noise, instead of down. Striking his rod in the ground a chair appeared, in which the wizard sat, and commanded the party to bathe. The woman again advising them, they did so, and immediately the waters grew calm, ascended up to their necks, but no higher. After the bath they return feeling much strengthened. The party in question were for some time the guests of this professor, and he did a great many more wonders before they returned home.
The old gentleman’s name is Te Kooti, and his address Te Kuite [Te Kuiti]
I give publicity to these foolish yarns now current among the natives in this district, as they show that Te Kooti is still regarded with awe, and his command obeyed by these Maoris. At the same time I would observe that it is rather a foolish proceeding allowing emissaries to visit him. About a dozen have been to see him of late from here alone, these yarns are the result.

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THE WEEKLY MERCURY.   15

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COUNTY COUNCIL HAWKE’S BAY
SPECIAL MEETING.
FRIDAY, APRIL 27.
A special meeting of the Hawke’s Bay County Council was held this morning, at 11 o’clock, for the purpose of amending certain bye-laws, passed by the Council, but which the County Solicitor was of opinion were ultra vires.
Present: Messrs. Tiffen (chairman), Brathwaite, Williams, and Bennett.
The bye laws relating to dog taxes and slaughter-house licenses were amended.

HAWKE’S BAYS STOCK AND STATION REPORT.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL, 1877.
We have had a very favorable season for feed, and the demand for stock of every description during the year has been in excess of the supply, consequent on our carrying capabilities – from new country being broken in, and large additional surface sowing – having increased in a greater ratio then the natural increase of our stock; besides which we have had a large demand on our stock for Poverty Bay and East Coast, arising from the same good cause; our settlers have thereby been enabled to cull their flocks again pretty freely; and from this and the higher class of rams now used, the clip from this district must yearly realize higher values. It is satisfactory to report that both in merino and longwool, brokers report that the improvement is marked as to quality, and the weight of clip has increased considerably; indeed the average weight this year per fleece maintains the character obtained the previous two seasons of being the highest in the Australasian colonies; this is most encouraging to those settlers who have spared neither capital nor energy in improving both their flocks and their lands. There are still amongst us owners who have the opportunity, in comparatively unimproved thousands of acres, of following an example, the good results of which are so patent – who could make country, not carrying very limited stocks to carry, by surface sowing, which our lands take so readily within a few years, from three to four sheep per acre. The additional land surface-sown this year amounts, as per superintendent collector’s returns, to 58,268 acres. Wool and tallow pay here so much better and take so much less trouble in raising, compared with cereals and root crops, that we have only 3161 acres cropped. But the very considerable addition of 11,115 acres has been broken up for cropping for the ensuing year. Our lambing for the past season has been good – 390,900 from 508,390 ewes, giving fully an average of 77 per cent.; and the net increase of the provincial district, after deducting numbers exported, boiled down, home consumption, and mortality (the latter a shade under 5 per cent, average over the whole province), leaves a net addition to our total flocks of 212,220 sheep, equal to 18¼ per cent, general increase – a most favorable result after supplying demands for other districts, boiling down, consumption, and mortality, amounting over the twelve months to 279,680. Our perfect freedom from scab or any other disease will continue to make this the most desirable market to draw stock supplies from. In cattle there is but a small increase to our total number; our local consumption is getting considerable, considering the small herds in the province. This description of stock is much in demand for improving country – so much so that the prices of store cattle are much higher relatively then those of fat stock. The present month’s quotations are for: –
Cattle: Fat, 22s 6d. to 25s per 100lb. Stores, mixed ages and sexes, £4 5s to £4 15s; steers, for individual ages, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years respectively, £3, £5, £6 5s, and £7 5s; female stock, same ages, range from £2 10s to £6   10s each; dairy cows, £8 to £12 each.
Sheep. – Fat merino; wedders, prime, 6s  6d to 7s, demand limited; store do., aged, 4s; 6 and 8-tooth, 5s to 5s 6d. Crossbred wedders – fat, 10s  6d to 13s, according to weight; stores, the market bare; 2, 4, 6-tooth, have been largely sold, at from 8s 6d to 9s 6d. In ewes – merino, scarce, 2, 4, and 6-tooth, 9s 6d to 10s 6d, sound 8-tooth, 5s to 6s; culls, nominal; cross-bred ewes, 2 and 4-tooth, 10s to 11s 0d, 6 and 8-tooth, 8s to 9s. At these rates large sales have been effected.
Rams – operations in these may be said to be completed for the season, though I am advised of a small shipment of Mr. Joseph May, of Auckland, to Messrs. Rich and Shrimpton. In longwool rams our importations during the year have been of the highest class from England – fortunately ample before the prohibition of importation of stock now in force. We have also had selections from the best breeders of other provinces – Mr May and Messrs Jackson and Russell of Auckland; Messrs. Sutton, Southland, and Mr Threlkeld of Canterbury. In merino rams we have had importations from the flocks of J.L. Currie, Thomas Dowling, and Sir Samuel Wilson, Victoria; A. Murray, of South Australia, Studholme Bros., of Canterbury; and F.D. Rich, of Otago. Our local breeders, Mr. Hugh Campbell, of Poukawa, and the stud flock of the late Sir Donald McLean, have also been largely and satisfactorily drawn upon.
Horse Stock – there is but a small amount of business altogether done in this description of stock, and our market very limited, medium draughts may be quoted at £30 to £35, and heavy draughts, £50 to £60, serviceable hacks range from £15 to £25; weedy, light do., of which there is abundant supply, offered at nominal prices.
Station Properties – A great deal of attention has been turned to our squatting properties here from the satisfactory results to investors, but from the critical state of matters at home buyers have been lately more than cautious, and I have less business to report as being completed during the past year than during the years preceding, but enquiries continue numerous not only from the Australian colonies and the Middle Island, but also from England and America, and this hitherto comparatively overlooked fine basin of country – so much of it only growing a waste of rich fern, from the bulk of it being held in too extensive acres for the individual owners to develop speedily, this requiring not only capital but competent overseering – will, there is no doubt, with the aid of more capital and labor, become one of if not the most largely remunerative province in the colonies. Land may still be obtained from the Crown here from 10s to 40s per acre; good land, easy access, £7 to £10 per acre; the richest alluvial plains, highly improved and productive, from £15 to £25 per acre according to locality, and returns of annual yield, many giving an average of £6 to £7 for wool and tallow per acre. For information of those who only receive my annual circular, I again quote sales of properties since October: – Mr. Balfour’s Mohaka run, 376 acres freehold, and 9740 acres leasehold (rent to Crown £11 annually for 8 years) with 800 sheep given in, to Mr. W. Smith, for £1700 (this run capable at present of carrying 3000 sheep), Mr. John McKinnon’s Arapawanui leasehold of 5000 acres, 16 miles from Napier, on the seaboard, rent £40, with 2000 sheep, to Mr. E. Towgood, for £2500, 400 acres Mr. Todd’s Homewood land, 3 miles from Kaikora Railway Station, to Captain Howard, at £7 per acre, Mr. McHardy’s Estate, about 8 miles from Napier, the improved homestead block, 856 acres, to Mr. A. Grant, for £15,470 (this estate now capable of carrying a minimum of 7 sheep to the acre), to Mr. G. Peacock for £6700, making an average for the whole estate of £15   10s per acre. I have also sold the Tutira Lake station, a leasehold of Mr. Towgood’s, containing 20,500 acres, rent £150, 17 years of lease unexpired, with 4000 sheep to Messrs. Stewart and Merritt, for £4000, and in small blocks of 242 acres on Puketiritiri (land reserved for settlement) for £355. There are also several properties for negotiation.
Wool. – There is little fresh information from home respecting the course of the world market. The latest advice by letter indicates a very sensitive condition of the trade, and the last telegrams state “Wool inactive.” We will have to wait patiently for the opening of the May sales, and only hope that present value may be maintained if not improved upon. in this market about 3000 bales have been sold at very satisfactory prices: –
d   d
Fast-class greasy   10 to 11
Medium   8½   9½
Inferior   7   8
Good clean pieces   6   8
Good clean locks   3   4
Washed first-class    15   16
Washed medium   12   14
Washed inferior   10 to 11
Good pieces   9   11
Good locks   5   6
Scoured merino   16   18
Scoured medium   13   15
Scoured pieces   10   11
Scoured locks   6   7
The prices quoted are mostly for Crossbred wool, which is the bulk of the produce of this district. Latterly prices have weakened in sympathy with home account, but, those who sold here have good cause to be satisfied with the result. There appears to be a good prospect of an increasing business being done on this side, as buyers have operated with considerable spirit, and where satisfactory prices are to be had, it would seem wise to take a certainty here, rather than run the risk of a fluctuating market in London.
I have again been favored by the Collector of Customs, the Superintendent Collector of Agriculture Returns, the Chief Inspector of Sheep (Mr. Peacock), also by his valuable  assistance in compiling, and by the courtesy of the merchants of the Port furnished with returns enabling me to give my annual statistics connected with the pastoral interests of this Provincial District for the year ending 28th April, 1877.
Total acreage of province, 3,050,000; under compensation, or partially so, 1,500,000 acres; surface sown or laid down in artificial grasses (1875 76), 264,482 acres; ditto (1876-77), 322,750 acres. Increase in 1877, 58,268 acres. Number of acres in wheat, oats, root, and other crops, 3054 acres.
Estimated Sheep shorn, 1876-77   1,172,668
Increase, 1876 (lambs)  390,000
Export for whole year   86,000
Provincial consumption and boiling down   130,000
Mortality and casualties   63,680
279,680
Less accounted for from my past annual report till shearing as exports, consumption, and mortality   101,000
178,000
212,220
Net total sheep at date   1,383,888
Sheep imported for stud purposes –
Merino rams, 381; ewes, 128; longwool rams, 390; ewes, 96   995
Cargo merino ewes   1,139
2,134
Total sheep at date   1,287,022
Great cattle, 23,000 head.
Wool shipped from April 30, 1876, to April 30, 1877:
Bales   £
Hawke’s Bay to Britain   11,140   222,800
Coastwise to Wellington, &c.   9,678   191,560
Coast stations direct to Wellington   1,980   38,370
23,098   452,730
Tallow, direct   1196 casks – 359 tons   12,600
Tallow, coastwise   1050 casks – 263 tons   8,879
Sheepskins direct   188 bales   2,687
Sheepskins coastwise   85 bales   1,140
Hides direct   617 bales   530
Total volume of exports   £478,561
(Wool in transit or in store not included in above.)
The wool shipped gives an average for the number of sheep shorn, 1,172,668 (after deducting allowance for lambs shorn not included in returns) of 6lbs  14ozs per sheep; large as this seems over a whole province, it is certainly within the mark, one settler alone from 17,000 sheep, longwool and crossbreds, having an average of 9½ lbs over the whole number. Mr. Peacock estimates that three-fifths of our flocks are longwools and cross-breds, the remaining two-fifths Merino. The mortality from death does not quite reach 5 per cent. per annum.
M.R. MILLER,
Stock and Station Agent
Auctioneer, &c.
Napier, N.Z., April 27, 1877.

[…]

16   THE WEEKLY MERCURY.

WAIROA.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]
April 22, 1877.
THE following resolutions of great importance were passed at the meeting of natives held at Whakaki on the 24th April. About 800 were present altogether.
1.   The rangatiras of each hapu shall endeavor to promote religion in their respective localities. (An excellent resolution, the framers of which, however, forgot to mention how religion was to be promoted).
2.   That the chiefs of hapus should be appointed to officiate as preachers or deacons so as to promote that interest necessary for the general welfare of the native tribes and obedience to the laws. (Another excellent idea, with my knowledge of the characters of some of the chiefs of hapus, I can fancy the kind of deacons they will make).
3.   That the native tribes included in this County should endeavor to work together and be of one mind – that is in reference to subjects that are for the general good. (Be of one mind! All Maoris are of one mind, and that is mindful of opening the pakeha’s eyes).
4.   That the Maoris shall be (aroha) kind to the pakehas and the pakehas to the Maoris. (On the principle you scratch me and I’ll scratch you).
5.   That the tribes shall bear in mind and act up to the precept of their late rangitiras Kopu Pitchera, Paoru Apatu, Ihaka Whanga, and Sir Donald McLean; that they be attentive to the laws of the Church, and firm and true to the Queen. (Practice is however better than all the precepts of defunct rangatiras).
6.   That the native assessors and European magistrates at this meeting shall recommend to the Government such of these resolutions as the Maoris may make for their interests. (Very hard indeed on those officials to know what the Maoris really do mean).
7.   That drinking be prohibited. That taking liquor in pahs be prohibited. (Very thoughtfully they have not prohibited drinking in public houses. Even this sudden accession to virtue would not be proof against such a strong temptation. N.B. This resolution was not carried unanimously).
8.   That Maoris and pakehas having assembled here for a good purpose, shall avail themselves of this opportunity to make such resolutions as will benefit the public welfare. (Very nice and milk and watery. This is the kind of humbug got up at these “friendly” meetings. Old Testament and water, diluted missionary sort of feed this, very goody goody to read about, but the public must bear in mind that the most eloquent speakers (Maori) on the teetotal question are also the best hands at polishing off their liquor. Anyhow, I suppose they find it goes down. Query liquor)?

WAIROA COUNTY COUNCIL.
A meeting of the above Council was held at the County Hall, Wairoa, on the 26th April.
Present: Councillors Bee, Cable, Flint, Parker and Smyth.
Owing to the absence of the Chairman, Cr. Cable was voted to the Chair.T
The minutes of the previous meeting were then read, and on the motion of Cr. Smyth, confirmed
Among the correspondence that was laid on the table was a letter from Hon. J.D. Ormond stating that the Government would pay subsidy on rates received up to 30th April and a letter from Secretary for Crown Lands stating the Government would take into consideration the wish of the council to stop surveys of native blocks until the disputes as to ownership were settled.
A letter from Mr. S.D. Powdrell of Meanee [ Meeanee ] applying for remission of rate erroneously paid by Mr. J Powdrell was referred with all other accounts to Finance Committee for full report to be brought up at adjourned meeting to be held on 30th inst.
On the motion of Cr. Smyth seconded by Cr. Parker, it was resolved that owing to no notification of the appointment of the government auditor for the county having yet been recieved, Mr. W. Shaw be asked to kindly audit accounts for the period ending 31st March.
Cr. Bee proposed and Cr. Flint seconded, that tenders for the maintenance of the following sections of roads, viz.: from Tongaio (from where the road leaves the beach) to Mohaka, Mohaka to Turiroa, and Turiroa to Wairoa. Carried.
Cr. Parker proposed, and Cr. Flint seconded, that the bridge approaches opposite the Post Office, Wairoa, be metalled.
Cr. Smyth considered it unnecessary.
After some discussion the resolution was carried.
Cr. Parker then proposed that the lease of the Wairoa Ferry be put up to auction.
Cr. Smyth moved as an amendment that the Committee on Ferries bring up a further report on this Ferry.
Amendment seconded by C. Flint and carried.
Cr Flint proposed, and Cr. Parker seconded, that the Chairman be requested to communicate with the Government as to the possibility of procuring a report on the feasibility of improving the entrance of the Wairoa from a Government engineer.
Cr Smyth moved, as an amendment that the consideration of this motion be postponed for a future meeting. He ridiculed the idea of a county so poor as Wairoa being able to do anything to improve the mouth of the river. He would be glad to see it done, but could not see how it was possible, and therefore trusted the Council would not commit themselves to any such resolution.
Cr Flint replied, showing the necessity for doing something to the bar.
On the understanding that, even if a report were obtained, the Council were in no way pledged to undertake the work, the original motion was passed.
Cr Flint proposed, and Cr Smyth seconded a resolution ordering tenders to be called for the erection of a bridge over One Tree Gully on the Turiroa Road; and T. McGowan’s contract for cutting on the same road having also been passed, the Council adjourned until Monday, 30th April.

LUCAS & HUMPHRIES,
WAIPAWA.
BUILDERS, CABINET-MAKERS,
AND
UPHOLSTERERS.
Building Materials of every description
Always on Hand.he
Estimates given for Works.

NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS.
NAPIER – TAKAPAU.
TIME TABLE.

DOWN.
WEEK DAYS.   SUNDAYS.
A.M.*   A.M. +   A.M.   P.M.   P.M.
Spit, depart   7.40   11.0   3.40
Napier arrive   7.50   11.10   3.50
Napier depart   6.45   7.55   11.30   4.10   2.30
Farndon depart   7.10   8.20   11.55   4.35   2.55
p.m.
Hastings, depart   7.35   8.45   12.20   5.0   3.20
Paki Paki arrive   9.5   5.18
Paki Paki depart   7.53   9.13   5.20
Te Aute arrive   8.32
Te Aute depart   8.35   9.55   6.5
Kaikora depart   9.15   10.35   6.45
Waipawa, depart   9.35   10.55   7.5
Waipukurau arrive   9.55   11.15   7.25
Waipukurau depart   10.0   11.30
p.m.
Takapau, arrive   10.50   12.20
* On Monday and Thursday only.
+ On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

UP.
WEEK DAYS.   SUNDAYS.
A.M.   A.M.   P.M.   P.M.   P.M.
Takapau, depart   2.20
Waipukurau, dep.   7.10   3.15
Waipawa, depart   7.30   3.35
Kaikora, depart   7.50   3.55
Te Aute arrive   8.13
Te Aute depart   8.33   4.35
Paki Paki, arrive   9.10   5.15
Paki Paki, depart   9.12   5.22
Hastings, depart   9.32   1.0   5.42   5.20
Farndon, depart   9.57   1.25   6.7   5.45
Napier arrive   10.22   1.50   6.32   6.10
Napier depart   7.20   10.25   3.0
Spit, arrive   7.30   10.35   3.10
*Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only.

Passengers are requested not to enter or leave the carriages while in motion.
Season tickets issued to and from all Stations. Apply to the Manager.
To ensure despatch, Parcels should be booked fifteen minutes before the starting of the Train.
W.J. MILLER,
General Manager,
Napier, March 8, 1877.

FOR SALE,
THE Thoroughbred Clydesdale Draught Stallion “YOUNG LORD GLASGOW” This Draught Stallion, stands about 16½ hands high, and is perfectly staunch in harness. Young Lord Glasgow took the first prize at the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural 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 Mr. 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; Lilly Cromwell, dam of Heather Jock, whose muscular powers, symmetry and endurance has never been surpassed.
Apply to
JOHN BICKNELL,
Puketapu.
Or
MARGOLIOUTH & BANNER,
Napier.

[Advertisement]
£900 TO LEND next month on good Freehold security
J.J. BUCHANAN,
Hampden.

Watches! Watches! Watches !he
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 leaving the premises, and Guaranteed.

TO ARCHITECTS REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.
DESIGNS prepared from rough sketches.
Plans colored or etched in first style
J. SPARROW,
Architect and Building Surveyor,
Waipukurau.

[Advertisement]
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.
The same people are circulating a report that my business is about to be formed into a Company which is UTTERLY FALSE.
I most earnestly appeal to that sense of British justice which I feel sure I may venture upon asking my kind countrymen and countrywomen in their distant homes, to assist me, as far as may lay in their power, in denouncing this shameful American Fraud, by cautioning their friends lest they he duped into buying villainous compounds styled “Holloways Pills and Ointment” with any New York label thereon.
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

[Advertisement]
GRATEFUL – COMFORTING.
EPPS’S COCOA.
BREAKFAST.
“By a through knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors’ bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame.” – See in the Civil Service Gazette.
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.

[Advertisement]
CURE FOR   ALL NEVER DESPAIR
THE GREATEST WONDER OF MODERN TIMES!
HOLLOWAY’S PILLS
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.
SIR SAMUEL BAKER,
in his work entitled “The Nile Tributaries in Abbyssinia,” 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.”
SIMPLE, SAFE, AND CERTAIN!
HOLLOWAY’S OINTMENT
Is a certain remedy for bad legs, bad breasts, and ulcerations of all kinds. It acts miraculously in healing ulcerations, curing skin diseases, and in arresting and subduing all inflammations.
MR. J.T. COOPER,
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]
SHEEP SHEARS. JOHN SORBY & SONS,
Spital Hill, Sheffield, direct the attention of Flock Owners and Shearers to their Improved New Pattern, No. 69 Shear, which for quality, style, finish, and adaptability to the requirements of the Australian and New Zealand markets, cannot be surpassed. The main features are – great extra width of steel in the blades, accurately ground, long shanks with narrow grip. Procurable at the leading Ironmongers’ Warehouses throughout Australasia.
Look for this Trade Mark in blade.

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 – 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, MAY 5, 1877.