The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1882. European Flax Culture.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 651, 1 June 1882, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1882. European Flax Culture.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.40 p. m. j

About four months ago we drew attention to the highly beneficial results likely to follow the cultivation of European flax. Since that time the subject has been attracting considerable attention in several parts of the colony, more

especially at Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, where European flax lias been grown, experimentally, with the most gratifying results. We learn from the JVatroa Guardian that Mr John Davis, of Wairoa, has succeeded in producing fibre, samples of which have been pronounced excellent by some of the most competent judges in the colony, Mr Murphy, secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, expressing the opinion that the specimens submitted to him were the best he had seen. Wairoa is, however, by no means the only place in the colony at which European flax has been successfully cultivated. The subject is just now exciting some interest at Temuka. In the last issue of the local paper appears a letter from a Mr Edward Pilbrow, who says that the growth of European flax and its manufacture into oil, oil cake, and coarse lint suitable for the production of the best twines, superior rope, sail canvas, etc., etc., has been receiving his attention for some years past. Mr Pilbrow is entitled to be heard on the subject, for it has occupied a good deal of his attention. To his exertions the colony is indebted for the offer by the Government of a bonus of LBoo for the first 800 gallons of linseed oil manufactured in New Zealand from New Zealand grown seed. A portion of his letter is well worth quoting. “ To make farming a reliable source of income,” says Mr Pilbrow, “as many saleable products as possible should be grown, by which system overstocking our markets with any one is checked, if not entirely prevented, and the deficiencies in one are made up by the better prices of others. Among these, flax struck me as being of great importance, having grown it in small quantities for some years, and witnessed its luxuriant growth and extraordinary productions of the finest samples of seed I have ever seen. My leading idea at that time (three or four years ago) was the production of linseed, either for shipping to England, where it had been steadily rising in price for some years (owing to tire great falling off in the Russian supply), or, on some of our splendid streams, for co-operative bodies to erect mills for the manufacture of oil, the enormous quantities of which requiried for painting in these colonies annually, would ensure a good return for capital invested. I know that such mills could be adapted for flour and oil conjointly, and thus guard against probable short supply of seed for a few years, as well as working up to advantage the bran which would be required for the oil cake. The fibre from the straw was then a secondary consideration with me, but still, I thought it might be manufactured to advantage for sack twines, material for bags, etc. Since my first idea of growing flax occurred, a far greater stimulus to the undertaking has come to light. I refer to the binding of our crops with twine, which has raised the price of all kinds of fibre in themarkets ofthe world.” The importance of the last matter —the rise in the price ot fibre, caused by the demand for twine for binding purposes, will be apparent when we state that it is estimated that the Christchurch merchants alone spend 1.25,000 per annum on twine to supply to farmers. The subject is one deserving of careful consideration. As our Wairoa contemporary puts it : —“ The establishment of the flax industry does not mean the acquisition of wealth by one or two persons ; it means the employment of a large number of men, women, and even children ; it means an increased industrial population, the influx of foreign capital, and consequently an increased trade in all branches. One hundred acres of flax prepared for fibre alone is worth, at a low computation, L,2,i00. If half of even this amount goes to the grower and half to the working classes, subject to working expenses, would it not mean more working men and constant wages ; more stores and a larger trade; more ploughs and horses to cultivate the land, and more steamers to carry away our produce ? 'I he blacksmith, the shoemaker, the carpenter, baker, and butcher would not then have to complain of “ bad times,” and an era of prosperity would dawn upon the district. For if it pays to grow 100 acres for fibre alone, it follows naturally that it will pay better still to grow for seed as well. Then there is the tow also to be taken into account.” We observe that a company has just been floated at Patea for the cultivation of European flax. The necessary capital for a company, to ensure success, is estimated by Mr Pilbrow at LB,ooo.

’Frisco Mail.—The Ashburton portion of the ’Frisco mail arrived in Ashburton per special train at midday io-day.

Ashburton Hospital. The hospital returns for the month of May are as follows In the hospital at the beginning of the month, 8 ; discharged during the month, 0 ; deaths, 2; in the hospital at the present time, 7Evangelistic Services. —On Tuesday evening the second of a scries of weekly evangelistic services was hold in the Town Hall, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. Hcott and John Nixon. The attendance was very good, the body of the hall being well filled. The united choir, under Mr Weeks’ leadership, was again present, and rendered several of Sankoy's hymns in a creditable manner. At the conclusion of the service a meeting of the Committee was held. It was decided to carry on the services once a week for another month, in the Town Hall, and endeavors are to be made to obtain the aid of several prominent and talented ministers from adjoining places—the names of the Revs. Messrs Watson (Episcopalian), Gordon (Riosbyterian), and Rest (SVesleyan) being mentioned, amongst others.

Entertainment at Waterton. A concei t and danco was hold in the Waterton Library Hall on Tuesday evening last and was a decided success, the Hall being filled to overflowing. Everything wont off most satisfactorily, several of tho singers being encored. The Eiemington singing class, under the leadership of Messrs Dunn and Wheelo*, acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner considering tho short time tho class has been in existence, and also tho short notice they had to perform at this tho first of a series of concerts, which arc proposed to be held monthly in the hall. Songs were also given by tho following ladies and gentlemen : —The Misses Osborne, Mr and Mrs Dunn, and Mersra Wheeler, Dakors, and Osborne. A few congratulatory ramarka fell from Mr T. Taylor, and the National Anthem and the customary vote of thanks to tho chairman closed tho concert. The room was then cleared and dancing was spiritedly kept up till about two o’clock yesterday morning, when all dispersed to their several homes well pleased with the night’s enjoyment.

Inchoated Hotel Acco.w.mocation. — At the Chiistchuich South Licensing Meeting to-day, four new licenses were granted.

Vital Statistics. —The following are the vital statistics of Ashburton for the mouth of May:—Births, 33; marriages, 3; deaths, 10. The FiiisTOPTBE Season. —The fuv-t quadrille assembly of the season at Tinwald is announced for to - morrow evening.

Captain Jackson Barry. —The veteran Captain Jackson Barry, whose exploits “ on the backs of whales,” and hobnobbing in London with “ docks and hearls,” has gained him a wide Colonial reputation, is at present lecturing in Auckland to moderate audiences. The Court. —There was no business at the Court this morning. Yesterday afternoon an unfortunate was brought up before Mr Thos. Bullock, J. P., suffering from the effects of drink. He was charged with “ lunacy from drink,” and sent up to Addington gaol for eight days for medical treatment. Te Whiit and the Peace Preservation Bill. —ln the House of Representatives to-day, Mr Macandrew presented a petition from Wi Parata, who holds an authority from Te Whiti, asking that Te Whiti may be heard by counsel from the bar of the House with regard to the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill. A Shout’ Illness. —A man named Liddle, lately in the employ of Sealey Bros, of this town, died at the hospital at two o’clock this morning, it is supposed from typhus fever, from which he was suffering at the time of his admission to the hospital. Liddle was a single man, and about six and twenty years of age. He was working in town on Saturday. He bore an excellent character, and was known as a steady and industrious man. A Playful Larrikin. — A playful larrikin at Auckland the other night, just by way of improving the shining hour, lay down on the Ponsonby road and waited for a vehicle to come along. As soon as ho heard one, he rose up with a yell that caused the horse to bolt, the buggy to capsize, the occupants (a Mr Porter and his son) to be thrown out and half killed, the buggy to be damaged, and the horse so much injured that he will have to be shot. This is a night’s work which any larrikin might feel proud of. A Quarrel and its Consequences.— A squabble took place between the “young ladies ” employed at Dampier’s drapery establishment at Auckland the night before laat, when mutual recriminations wore indulged in by the fair ones. As a result it came to the proprietor’s ears that several silk dross pieces were then in the hands of the dressmaker, having been abstracted hy one of the young ladies aforesaid. The young person was thereupon arrested for larceny. If wa wore not ladies’ men in this office wo should think the old saying apropos —that when certain people fall out, honest men get their own.

Mount Somers.— A special meeting of ratepayers of the above district was held on Thursday last to consider the advisability of closing the unused portion of road running through Mr John Boyle’s farm, near Valetta. Mr I. E. Taylor w*s voted to the chair. The chairman put the motion to the meeting, and it was unanimously resolved—“'lhat, in the opinion of the meeting, it is expedient that the road from the western boundary of rural section 23,615 to the south-east corner of rural section 17,056, at its junction with the Valetta road, and marked green on the plan, be closed.” A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Annual Meetings op Licensing Committees. —The annual meetings of licensing committees take place (his mouth For the Ashburton County the dates are as follows :—Mount Hutt (only the Methven Hotel in this district), 2nd June; Borough of Ashburton, 6th ; Ashburton, 7th ; Upper Ashburton, Bth ; Mount Somers, 9th. The Ilakaia licensing committee will meet on the Bth. The Upper Ashburton licensing district contains no lioansel house at all as yet, but the Commissioners will have to hear applications, etc., all the same. If the day should be wot and the roads to Westerfield muddy the committee who have to sit on nothing, will have reason to bless the new Licensing Act.

Ashburton Men Suffer by a Christchurch Fire. —Shortly after seven o’clock last evening an eight-stalled stable, with living rooms attached, situated in a lane between Cashel and Hereford streets, caught fire, and was soon lying in ashes. Messrs Scott and Welsh, cabmen of Ashburton, we regret to learn are heavy losers by the disaster. It is believed that some harness belonging to one of them was saved, but Mr Scott lost a cavalry saddle and bridle, and both had all their clothes and some other property consumed. Mr Lodge, who occupied the dwelling-house, is a loser to the tune of LIOO. He was uninsured. The building was owned by Mr Cooper, landlord of Collins’s Hotel, and was insured in the Northern for LSOO. How They Got Rio of Him. —Ah Sin, a Chinaman, was committed to the Lunatic Asylum at Dunedin yesterday by the Resident Magistrate. Some suggestive disclosures came out in the evidence taken. Mr Colin Ritchie, second officer of the s.s. Southern Crross, deposed : The vessel left Napier on Friday last, at two o’clock, the accused being a passenger. He was brought on board by a person whose name Ido not know. This person said he was a policeman, and he had police trousers on. The pilot also told me that ho was a police officer. He paid Ah Sin’s passage, and gave me the sum of 10s, to give the accused when he lauded in Dunedin. The captain offered him the money, but ho refused to accept it. He was sent there because they said ho had a number of friends there. It looks to mo that ho was seat to Dunedin to get rid of him. Last night he put a light into the ship’s hold and said it was to light the ghosts. If he had not been looked after he might have set the ship on fire. I saw in the paper at Napier that one Ah Sin had been charged with vagrancy, and was remanded for medical examination. While on board ho threw his clothing overboard. The medical men in Dunedin pronounced him unfit to be at largo, and lie was accordingly committed.

Wesleyanism at Wakanux. —A meeting of those interested in providing a place of worship in connection with the Wesleyan denomination at Wakanui, was held last night in the schoolroom. The Bov. 0. 11. Standage presided, and the -Lshburlon circuit stewards were also in attendance. The chairman laid before the mooting information relative to the church at Seafiold, the tenor of which was that in consequence of the cause being so feebly supported in that locality, it was thought d 'sirablo to move the building to a more populous place, and where there were more members or adherents of the Wesleyan Church. If the Wosleyans at Wakanui would take over the responsibility, the building taken into that neighborhood. After a long conversation it was resolved that Messrs Leadley and Trevurza endeavor to raise, by subscription, the amount required, viz , LnO odd, and that another moct’ng bo held in about a month, when the matter would bo thoroughly gone into. Mr Leadley having offered gratuitously an acre of ground, and other circumstances being favorable, those present were unanimous that if erected in the vicinity of Mr Leadley’s residence, about three miles from the school, a good congregation would attend. Definite action was, however, deferred until after the next meeting.

Cable Messages. —The revenue netted hy South Ausi.a'ia from cable messages asc year was L 30.000. Unclaimed Letters. —The following is a list of letters received at the Ashburton Post Oitico f om places beyond the colony during the month of April and remaining unclaimed on Ist June : Broadfoot, E.; Hobson, W. 11.I 1 . (4); Uolihan, Richard ; Meredith, John ; Quirk, Michael ; Risdonj J.; Sewell, G. 11.

Ashburton Cheese and Butter Factory.—lt is notified elsewhere in this issue that the directors of the above company, having decided to offer the balan.ee of unallotted shares to the public, applications will be received for same. Existing shareholders will have the preference. The company is advertising for a secretary at a salary of LSO per annum,

Buggy Occident. —A buggy accident occurred last evening in East street. Mrs Wilkie was driving with her married daughter and son up the street towards the Post Office. When passing the Now Zealand Clothing factory or thereabouts, a man who was driving down the street towards the bridge, drove right into Mrs Wilkie’s buggy, breaking the axle, a wheel, and doing other damage. The occupants of the vehicle were most fortunately uulmrt. The man, whose carelessness caused the action, drove straight on, not stopping to enquire whether anyone was hurt. His name is not known.

The Fire Brigade Property Tampered with Again. —The Fire Brigade mot for its usual practice last night, when a length of new hose was found to have been completely cut through near the joint and rendered absolutely useless. The damage can bo easily repaired, but what if a fire had broke out and the Brigade had been hampered by having to fix a new hose 1 Tea minutes delay when a lire is raging may be fatal. The work is evidently that of one who “knows the ropes.” There are now four lengths of hose waiting at Captain Dolman’s place to be repaired. They have all been cut through in the same way, and evidently by the same hand. Why is not a public meeting called and a reward offered for the discovery of the perpetrator of such an atrocious act 1

Revolting Cruelty.—A story of revolting cruelty has come to our ears. On Sunday afternoon a party of youths visited the river-bed, leading an aged horse by a rope. The unfortunate animal had broken its leg, and had been brought to the river-bed by its conductors to be shot. The shooting was performed in a manner as novel as it was humane. A revolver was loaded, and five or six times discharged up the horse’s nostrils. The last shot severed the rope by which the wretched animal was held, and it plunged away up the river-bed to die a lingering and horrible death. The gentle youths, with the revolver, were highly tickled with the agony of their dumb victim, but thought it a pity that the rope was shot away. It was cutting short such excellent sport. This incident is not over-colored. It was witnessed by a number of people, and we have the names of several of the young men concerned in this piece of atrocious cruelty. We shall not make those names public, but will merely say that the persons mentioned to us as being implicated in the affair ought to have known better. Anyone ought to have known bettor, for the matter of that Such conduct would disgrace Queensland savages.

Servantgallsm at Wanganui. —ln an article entitled “ Suburbs of Wanganui,” one of the series of papers published in the Otago Witness, occurs the following description of the “servant gals” of Wanganui :—“lf one may trust the lady employers—and who dare impugn such testi-mony--the females of Wanganui are the most utterly impracticable and useless of their kind. They are flighty, impudent, idle, demand the very maximum of wages, and do the smallest minimum of work. But they have one good point— they are very religious, painfully so. They go to church on consecutive Sundays, once at the least, indeed, some conscientious creatures cannot exist without paying their devotions twice a day. They are an amorous race, too, and have their young man, or young men, as a matter of course. They aspire also to be autocrats, and ‘ the missis ’ who had the presumption to sot foot in the kitchen would certainly run the risk of a snubbing. Nor do they care to be too closely con lined in the evenings —they like a walk by moonlight. There are so many delightful little parties, with an occasional ball or so, which they are obliged to patronise, that really there is little time to do anything after tea—there is no danger in their case that too much work will make them dull girls—l bog pardon, young ladies. Whilst as to remonstrating with them, that was worse than useless, for they simply ‘ give a week’s notis, an’ you can suit yerself, m’ra.’ ”