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Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 75, 20 May 1879, Page 2

The Weatheb. — The long spell of dry weather has at last broken, and on Sunday evening a gentle rain began to fall, which continuedwith slight intermissions throughout yesterday. Rain has been badly wanted for some time, as tbe country around has become very dry, and the herbage parched. Many of the residents have also bean compelled, to obtain water from the river, their tanks having become empty. As showing the difference between the climate of Wellington and that of Manawatu, it may be remarked, that while the former place is notoriously moist, there has not been a really wet day in Manawatu for several months past.

DrviNß Service. — The Rev. Mr Newth conducted Divine Service at all Saints' Church, Foxton, on Sunday last, both morning and evening. The congregations were much larger than usual. The rev gentleman also visited iMoutoa in the afternoon. Next Sunday week, when Mr Newth will again visit Foxton, the Holy Communion will be administered.

Carnarvon School.— The Rev. G. S, Harper has been appointed master of thi Carnarvon School.

. Sanson Church. — We understand it is intended shortly to inaugurate a series of sacred concerts, lecture.), &c, in connection with thb Wesleyan Church at Sans6n. The. moneys raised will be devoted to the Circuit Fund.

All Saints' Church. — A thinly-attended meeting of members of the Anglican Church was held at All Saints' Church on Friday evening. Mr Flower presiJed, and explained that although there were at present no properly-elected officials, it had beeri den oided to administer the affairs of the Church as at present until July, when the regular election of a vestry and churchwardens would take place. Regarding the clergyman's stipend, Foxton was expected to Contribute at the rate of £100 per annum, and Palmerston the same, whilst the Bishop would furnish a similar amount. The travelling expenses between Foxton and Palmerston would be paid by the two places. Thid he thought only fair, aa Palme rston s would receive far more of the clergyman' time than Foxton, Mr Newth's residence being at the former place. He further explained that a considerable sum was? in hands, and that that this, with the amount due for seat rents, and the offertories, would bo ample to meet the expenditure until July, when the General Diocesan Fund, recently inaugurated, would come into operation.

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH.— Yesterday morning a small crowd assembled outside Aberdeen Honse, in Main-street, Foxton, to witness a trial of strength. It appeared that a wager of £5 had been laid by Messrs G. Coley and J. Birchley against Mr W. Reeve that neither of two horses hired by him from Harry Hughes, of Awahuri, would be able to draw 5 tons upon a fourwheeled waggon, from Aberdeen House to Liddell's store. The requisite weight was obtained by piling bags of coal upon the waggon, and the animals were successively put to the work. But though they pulled and tugged magnificently, they were able to make very little impression, probably owing, in part, to the dampness of the weather, which must have increased the weight of the load, and also made the road much heavier. After struggling in vain with the load, the drivers began whipping one of the animals — a fine bay horse — at which the crowd cried " Shame !" These trials of strength are very good up to a certain point, but beyond that they degenerate into exhibitions of cruelty and inhumanity. It was so in this case, and when it was seen that each horse, after doing his level best, was unable to draw the load, the drivers should hare been compelled to desist. Eventually the two horses were hooked on, and the load drawn up and down the street with perfect ease. At a later period of the day, Wm. Reeve was arrested, and brought before Mr Thynne, J.P., charged with cruelty to animals, in having attempted to force a horse to draw a heavier weight than he was able. Several persons gave evidence to prove the offence, and the acoused was fined 10s.

The Way to Tell.— During the sitting of the Council, the Chairman related an

incident which shows how complaints regarding the unfair expenditure of money could be proved. He said that several settlers residing on one side of Mackie's line of road, had called upon him, and complained that all the money was spent upon the other side. He was thinking of enquiring into theo matter, when the settlers residing on the other side waited upon him, and made a precisely similar complaint. He therefore concluded that the money had been rightly expended as each party oomplained of the other having received an undue share.

Firewood. — The proprietors of the p.s. Qsprey announce their willingness to Supply mixed firewood at £1 per cord. At so cheap a rate they should certainly be well patronised.

AN EXCURSION. — The Queen's Birthday occurs on Saturday next, and Captain Gibson is determined to afford the residents of Foxton an opportunity of enjoying themselves by taking a run up the river. The Osprey will leave the whaif at 10 a.m., and will steam to the Paiaki, where passengers can go ashore and picnio,&c, returning to the wharf about 5 D.m. The whole trip will doubtless be very pleasant, and we trust will be enjoyed by both the owners and the excursionists >

Medical. — An adjouined irideting of tho Medical Committee will be held at Mr Robinson's office, this evening. We understand a medical gontleman is now on his way to Foxton from Otago, with a view of seeing the district for himself, and consulting with the Committee.

Cattle. — On Saturday laab ft mob of cattle, bound for Wellington, were taken across the Manawatu River* They were a comparatively small mob of about 70, in charge of Mr Crocker, and the cattle came from the vicinity of Palmeraton. They proved the Worst to get over the river that have passed through Foxton for a long while. Being half tame, they would not take to the water, and the drivers experienced the greatest difficulty in forcing the obstinate brutes to swim. As it was, half of them had to be taken otet in tb.« punt. During the endeavors of the stockmen to force the cattle into the Water, ono of the men, who was more zealous than prudent, allowed his horse to go over the bank into deep water, and as the reins were entangled in his fingers, he could nofc get clear. However, another man handed him a pole from the punt, and he managed to grasp it, and was then pulled in, fortunately sustaining uo more harm than a severe ducking. Strange to say, another small mob which arrived at the ferry just as the first were all across, swam right across at the start in one lot, without any trouble whatever. The latter came from the Hon. John Johnston's Rangitikei run, and were in charge of Mr R- Stevens. They were also on their way to Wellington.

Improvements. — Considerable improvements are about being made in the public buildings at Foxton. Mr Easton, the contractor for the additions to tlie Post Office, has started operations, and expects to have his work completed within the contract time — three months. Mr T. Cameron has made a start upon his contract for altering and adding to the police buildings. A neat cottage is to be erected for the constable in charge, and sevev.l other improvements will be effected.

Lawyers.— On Friday last, an overwhelming number of the " legal fraternity ' visited the little township of Bulls, no leas than five lawyer eagles having swooped down upon the small carcase to be found at the sitting of the R. M. Court there. The names of the gentlemen were — Messrs Cash, Madden, Stsite, Prior, and M«Le?n. The township survives, but must be considerably weakened.

What Can He Dbaw.— Whilst the horse-bet was being tried yesterday, an on» looker remarked to one of the crowd, " your horsejwould soon draw it, Tom." "You bet," was the reply. "No, I'm if he. would," said an officious bystander ; "if that bay horse can't do it, there's not a beast in these parts as can." " Oh, yes he can," chimed in the msin's mate, "he can do more than that." " Why, what colour is he ?" said the man. '• Oh he's dark." " What's his name ?" tC The Black Dwarf, sir, and you must have seen him !" " No, I haven't. What does he do ?" " Oh, he works on the railway line. He's an iron horse." Exit bystander.

Committed. — Mr Henry Anderaon, editor of the Wellington Chronicle, has been committed for trial upon the charge of assaulting B. C. Basby.

Local Boabd.— A meeting of the Local Board will be held on Wednesday ne~fc, at 3 p.m.

"New Drivbb. — Messrs Hastwell, Macata and Co have engaged Mr Thos. Maher, a welMmown " whip," to succeed Otto Hasse, upon the road between Foxton and Wellington. Mr Maher has been for some years past a resident of the West Coast gold fields, having lately driven a team between Hokitika and Kumara. Ho also drove for a considerable period between Hokitika and Ohristohurch, which is a most difficult road. Both iv New Zealand and Australia, Tommy Maher is known as a courteous driver and a splendid whip, and Mr Macara may be congratulated upon having secured him for this line.