Maraetaha Notes.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 648, 18 August 1891, Page 2

Maraetaha Notes.

[FBOM OUB OWN COBBESPONDENT.] August 14. The pathetic incident related in your issue of the 13. h instant deeply affected tho readers thereof in this community, bnt as I am sure you would not desire to draw forth the tears of sympathetic persons on fa’se pretences allow me to correct certain inaccuracies which might lead to misapprehension. To begin with, Pera Titonga is not 100 years old—he never was, and it is long odds he never will be. Indeed it is doubtful if he has attained his sixtieth year. When Mr J. W. Johnson first cams to reside here, little over twenty years ago, Pera was in the prime of youthful manhood. He was ih-n possessed of immense strength and earned for himself the title of Mr Johnson’s packhorse, by carrying on his baok across the Katawa river—then unbridged—a portion of Mr Johnson’s wool press, weighing something over 4 cwt. His action in entering Mr Trafford’s whare at Paritu, an! stealing the sum of three pounds ten shillings and sixpence, was one of base ingratitude on his part, as he is that gentleman's debtor for many acts of kindness. The detection of the theft- -for no suspicion whatever was attached to him—was due to an immoderate worship at Mr Crawford’s shrine, and the return of .he stolen notes was due rather to policy than to the promptings of conscience. Let us hope that the lesson may prove a salutary one, and that he woat do so again—till nex> time. It is but fair to state that the natives generally viewed bis crime with disgust. Population is proc reding rapidly among ths fleece-bearing denizens of the rising ground in this district, and, favored by ths fine weather we have lately been enjoying, the tallies at docking lime should bs satisfactory. It is stated that negotiations for the purchase of Messrs Ring and Co.'s interest in the Paritu block have almost reached a conclusion, and it will be a source of gratification to koow that so large an area will no longer remain unproductive. Should Pakowai be sold shortly we may have some money spent in road making, as the want of roads is urgently felt here during the winter months. It is to be hoped that the Assets Company will sea their way to cutting that yun up into moderate sized holdings on the principle of the greatest good to the greatest number. With regard to its suitability for such subdivision there can be no question, The area is about 5000 seres, and I am informed that an offer of £17,000 has recently been refused for it.

No sudden deaths have resulted from alarm at the near presence of the great sea'serpent, and I am in a position to contradict the rumor that the G. S. 8, has bitten the nose off Young Nick's Head. [A former letter from out correspondent appears to have been mislaid,—Ed. J