WAIPIRO BAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1980, 16 January 1907, Page 2

WAIPIRO BAY.

(From our own Correspondent.) Nowadays, although all eyes are turned in the direction of this coast, and the possibilities ol' its future are discussed by all and sundry, there is very little occurs that is likely to awaken the interest of the inhabitants of this district and also of the public at large. Hence probably the lack of Waipiro news in the columns of your rapidly advancing paper. The advont of a new policeman—a European—in our midst has, however, provided cause for discussion that is not likely to subside as a “nine-days’ wonder.” Constable Taaro To Kata has filled the bill as policeman here for something approaching twenty years, and the' fact of his being literally turned out of his house and homo to make room for a new-comer at a day’s notice, is evidence of cither a huge blunder at headquarters or a large amount of undue ..local officialism. Wherever the fault, the fact remains and Constable To Rata has now perforce found sleeping accommodation at the Maori pah, and his family scattered amongst the neighbours. As an outcome of the extraordinary treatment meted out to him, it is rumoured that he has already tendered his resignation. This is apparently of little moment perhaps, generally; but local people will have ample cause to regret such a move. This district is peopled chiefly by Maoris wlio make their home practically wherever they may travel, and the information at the disposal of Constable Te Kata respecting the allocation of the individual Maori has been such that no European policeman could ever hope to obtain. It is undoubtedly safe to assume that no blame in this matter can be attached to Constable Baker (tile new arrival), who lias probably only acted under orders from headquarters in coming here; however, the esteem ill which Constable Te Kata bad been held all along the Coast will be sufficient to assume a proper investigation in this case. It lias long been held that a courthouse at Waipiro Bay is an absolute necessity on account of its central position; and it is probable that the changes made are with that end in view, but, however urgent the matter may be considered it is not justice to anyone, whether European ,half-caste or Maori, to summarily eject them from their home without making proper provision and giving reasonable notice beforehand. Let us hope t-liat the fullest enquiry will be made, and a satisfactory settlement arrived at.

Tlie New Year lias brought us anything but the best prospects so far. The weather seems to have got mixed up cosiderably—heat, rap'n, '" line weather, and the inevitable Coast mud seem to be so hopelessly commingled that the far-famed PJiiladephia lawyer would have a hard time as a weather prophet. The Waipiro people are evidently made of good stuff, judging by the way they turned out to attend Messrs. Fisher and Wilson’s entertainment on Thursday last, several of them having travelled a good many miles in the steady rain to he present. ,1

BOROUGH COUNCIL. An ordinary meeting of tlio Gisborne Borough Council was held last evoning. Present: The Mayor (Mr. Townloy), Councillors Whinray, Webb, Lysnar, Roes, and Miller. Tho Town Clork read the minutes of the last meeting, which wore confirmed. A FENCE The Town Clork read tho following letter from tho Gisborne Gas Company : “Bear Sir, —Wo are in receipt of your communication of 9th iust., relative to fence erected by us at the foot of Grey street, and asking us to erect a swing gato or turnstile thereon, so as to give the public free access. In reply wo would respectfully inform you that at very great expense wo have reclaimed a large amount of ground at the point mimed and where a considerable erosion iiad and was taking place, and which was in a most unsightly condition. We have protected the bank with a substantial breastwork,. have had the bank laid out and planted with shrubs, and have in our opinion very materially improved the end of tho street. In regard to tho fence it is sightly and of a substantial character, and has two swing gates thereon which are not locked, and have never had provision made for being locked or secured in any way that would prevent a child from entering. Our main object in erecting the fence was to protect tho work dono, and also to a certain extent check undorsirable characters from using the bank for illegal or immoral purposes, as in the past. Wo have also with these objects in view erected at our own expense and are maintaining a lamp at' the end of the road for lighting this locality. Wo should he very pleased if the members of your Council would 'inspect tile site, and feel sure that the work dono by us will have their unqualified approval.” Cr. Webb suggested that a turnstile instead of a gato should be put at the place named. Tho gate was always shut.

Tho Mayor: They can .push it open. \ Tho Mayor: Take a note of that, Mr. Little. THE INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS.

Tho Mayor had received the following comunication from tho District Health Officer: —“As there is a tendency to multiply tile above in unsuitable cases, and eventually bocomo a nuisance, I recommend that all proposed installations be submitted to you for permission, and referred by you to the District Health Officer.” AVATER SUPPLY.

The committee appointed to go into the question of supplying water to residents along the line of main from To Arai, met' on Monday, 14th January, 1907, at 3 o’clock, there being present the Mayor and Councillors Bright and Whinray. After some consideration the matter was left to Mr. Hay to arrange. Cr. Lysnar objected to the matter being left to Mr. Hay to arrange. He moved that the report be not approved. Mr. White should have water supplied on the same terms and conditions as anyone else in the town. Cr. Roes seconded. Cr. Whinray said that the question of riparian rights was never likely to arise. Tho resolution was adopted. Cr. Lysnar moved that Mr. White be supplied with water on the same terms and conditions as other people, and under tho control of the Council. Cr. Miller seconded, and the motion was carried. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

Tho Engineer reported as follows: —I have the honor to report progress of work to date as follows— Roebuck Road bridge: The contractor for this work will very shortly commence driving the piles. A considerable number of them have been prepared, together with headstocks, bracing, etc. I have bad to verify the alignment of tlie centre pegs and get a now. one driven in the river bank on the town side as a starting peg. Waihirere Reserve: I have marked out tho track for the tram line to the site of the quarry and partly chained it; as soon as I have levelled and plotted the section, I shall ho able to proceed with the formation. Stone at quarry: _ln accordance with my instructions, I have allowed Messrs. White and Co. to- take what stone they require at 2s 6d a load.

TENDERS. The Mayor opened tenders for the roofing of a cottage in Cobden street. The following were the tenders:— £ s. d. Wade and Gray 3G 10 0 Clayton Bros 35 0 0 Wade and Sons 40 0 0 F. Hall and Sou ... 35 10 0 Messrs. Clayton Bros.’ tender was accepted, it being tho lowest. THE WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY. Tho Mayor proposed Thursday as the day oil which shops should be closed under the Act during the present year. Tho motion was duly seconded and adopted. The Council decided to pay half cost of a culvert in lleLautour road, in accordance with a previous resolution. Tho Council then adjourned.