[from our own correspondent.]

Carlyle, March 31. — The sale of the Patea Harbour Reserves on Saturday was well attended. Section 74 was purchased at the upset price of £7 per acre by Mr. G. F. Sherwood. A por tion of river frontages, section 75, 76, and subdivisions 1 to 13, and section 131 were withdrawn pending the de cision about the route of the branch line of railway. Prouse bought nine acres at the upset price of £12, and ten acres at the upset price of £11. Sec tions on the main road were well com peted for by local men. Dr. Percy bought four acres at an advance of £7 on upset price ; two acres at £65 and £75 respectively. The remainder sold at £28 Coufcts ; £55' H\ S. Adatns ; £56 Dale ; £33 A. F. James ; and £31 Felix M. Macarthey. Carlyle, April 1. — Tho presence of Captain Blake in this district, as a trusted agent of the Govern ment, is creating uneasiness, es pecially as the Government are so slow in deciding on their course of action, coupled with tbe indifference or ob stinacy of Sir G. Grey. Blake has large interests at Parihaka and his advent to power would, by the majority here, be looked upon as a dis aster. The settlers do not feel alarmed, bat are fearful of Sir George Grey and his Pakeha-Maori following, and should the Government revert to temporising, a feeling will be very strongly expressed and it is not unlikely that tbe settlers will take such action as will force the Government to retire in favour of men who will not hesitate but be prepared for the emergency if necessary. Tbe armed force which arrived on Saturday has not yet left.
