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Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 7, 16 September 1879, Page 2

Personal.— The proprietors of this journal have received a letter from Mr A. Follett Haloombe, one of the defeated ean-4 didates for Manawatu, in which he demands an apology for reprinting as a pamphlet an article from the Wellington Chronicle, and a gift of £50 to the Church of England at Feilding, as compensation for his wouuded character ! We .shall refer to the matter on a future occasion. Our reply has not yet been determined on, Mr Haloombe having graciously given us 14 days to consider and prepare for our end. Tk> PADUXAsnu Votsß. — As in duty j *

bound, the Feilding paper in Saturday's issue endeavors to prove that Mr Johnston polled no Manawatu votes at Paikakariki The attempt is a lamentable failure, as the only argument is a reiteration of the statement, as follows :— " Wo again say if it.had not been for the Wellington vote Mr ilalcombe would now be the representative for the Manawatu." There is such an effeminute style about this " We again say," that we hardly like to contradict the statement, in case wo may unwittingly be contradicting some female scribbler. But the mendacity of the attempt to make out that Mr Johnston did aot poll a vote at Paikakariki is so flagrant that we give the Gucr dian credit for tho most brazen cheek we ever met. We do not for one moment say Mr Macarthur wrote the reply we refer to. Readers of the journal in question can always tell one of the contributed leadersthere is at least sense in them. But when the staff of the Guardian are left to their own devices, there is an originality and ludicrousness about the performances which remind one of Mark Twain's celebrated attempts to edit an agricultural newspaper. The fact is the Feilding Guardian was cradled in deception. The very prospectus it issued was that of the Manawatu Herald, with only the name altered. It has carried on the same course ever Bince. It steals the telegrams for which other jour nals pay, and it cribs (like a lazy aud igno rant schoolboy), our reports of County Council meetings and Licensing Courts. As this is the character and conduct of the journal, we treat its denial and statements as worthless. Returned.— Mr T. F. Rotheram, the manager of the Patea-Manawatu Railway, returned on Saturday per coach from Wellington, and proceeded to Wanganui by the evening traiu. During his absence. Mr Rotheram attended the conference of railway managers at Chtistchuich. He was also present at the disastrous and fatal Octagon fire in Dunedin. Sanpon Railway Company.— The Revising Officer, Mr Henry Sanson, will hold a Court at Foxton to-day, at 2 p.m., to hear objections to the votera' roll. Wharf Rates.— Mr Rotheram informs us that as the result of the Railway Conference at Christohurch, the classified rates recommended by him some time ago for the Foxlon wharf will shortly be brought into operation. This will undoubtedly be a step in the right direction, as the present uniform charge of 2a 6d per ton is a monstrous wrong. The Monthly Review. — We have received from Messrs Lyon and Blair, the first nun.ber of a sheet, entitled " The Monthly Review." From the introductory notice, we gather that it is intended to bring "before the reading public of the City of Wellington and suburbs, from time to time, a list of the latest published works of tho authors of the day in every department of literature, with original and contemporary criticisms thereof; together with readable and instructive articles on current topics, called from magazines and reviews." If carried on in the broad and liberal spirit indicated iv the article from which we quoto, the Review should be the means of doing great good. It will be gratuitously distributed. The number before us contains Tennyson's poem on the defence of Luck. now, and three articles from the Saturday Review, besides brief notices of several re"-cently-issued works referring to New Zealand. Immigrants.— By the s.s. Stormbird, on Saturday last, there arrived 25 statute adult immigrants, per Rakaia. They were for the most part families nominated by friends iv the district. They left for Palmerston, Feilding and Halcombe (their respective destinations) by the afternoon train. Retirkmunt.— We understand Mr John Purcell has finally severed his connection with the police force, having applied for and received his discharge, together with the sum of £200, as compensation for long service. In chronicling his release from the toilsome and at times unpleasant duties of a pclice officer, we may point out that those duties Mr Puroell performed in the Colony for about seventeen years, thirteen of which were spent in this district. During a portion of that time the whole Manawatu was in his charge, and though the district was so extensive, he succeeded to a surprising extent in repressing crime, and ridding the district of the oriminal class. The conscientious discharge of his duties cf necessity brings a police officer into ill odour with a certain portion of the community. No doubt Mr Puroell is no excep tion to the rule, but we express the opinion of the law-abiding portion of the population whon we say that he at all times did his duty fearlessly and well. We are gratified to know he will remain in the district, and hope to gee him taking an active interest in all matters for the general good, now that he is relieved from the red-tapeism of official life. To a Correspondent.—- We have received a letter regarding the gallant action of those who assisted at the wreck of the Felixstowe, in saving the lives of the survivors. The purport of the letter appears to be, that some recompense should be made {to those who worked so hard upon the ! occasion in question. Our correspondent has omitted to send his name with the letter. We cannot depart from our rule, and publish correspondence the author of which we do not know. Wandering Animals. — A batch of summonses have been issued by Constable M'Anulty, against owners of wandering horses, and the oates will come on for hearing tomorrow, before Mr Ward, R.M. The recent poundkeeping bungle has had the effect of creating some interest in the n-atter of wandering animals. The Manawatu Bab. — When the Stormbird crossed on Saturday morning, she found 7 feet 6 inches of water on the bar. The Mary Ogilvie, which is lying outside, draws ff feet 10 inches. As the spring tides are now making, she will probably be able to get in during the present week. It is improbable, however, that any very marked improvement will take plaoe in the bar whilst the present fine easterly weather lasts. Sheep Export.— The Stormbird and Huia each took away about 200 sheep, for Messrs. Barber, of Wellington. Cattle. — A fine herd of cattle for the Wellington market were driven through Foxton" on Sunday morning, by Mr R. Stevens. Wanoanui-Foxton Railway.— The receipts on the local line for the four weeks ending July 26 were as follows : — Passengers £1220 9s 4d ; goods and live stock, £1,201 17b lid ; total, £2,422 7s 3d. There were 14U tons less of timber sent along the line than during the same month of the previous year, whilst the firewood trade had increased by 7*B tons. We also notice that the returns show 321 tons of grain ax having gine over the line, as against only' Bs during the same month of last year. We are unable to state the receipts at the Foxton railway wharf, as the Government have ceased to .publish them, the wharf revenue being treated simply as part of the receipts of the railway. The Plaque.— We are highly pleased to learn that this distriot is not likely to be plagued any longer with the 'scab Messrs , *

Barber, in whose flock the post was first discovered, having received a clean certificate. Mr G-eo. Hadfiold's flocli is also declared free from the infection, whilst Mr T. Edwards will receive a similar declaration in a few weeks, provided no "cases" manifest themselves in the meantime. We congratulate Mr W. Simpson, Sheop Inspector for the district, upon tho success which has attended his efforts to stamp out this plague. The Osprey.— Mr J. W. Liddell, owner of|the p a. Osprey.is having that vesspl improved and fitted up. A deckhouse has been built over tho engine.and a number of other improvements elfeoted, which are expeoted to make tho boat in every way more suitable for the river trade. .Gazetted.— Theelectionof Messrs Whyte Loudon, Gray, Coley, and T. Easton as Commissioners of the Foxton Local Board is gazetted. Land Tax.— Tho land tax will be due on October .1. Mr G. Innes, Postmaster, Pal merston, is the Receiver for the district of Manawatu. The Antipodes.— On Saturday evening last, a very small boy, with his momma, was strolling upon the Foxton wharf, across which a large number of sheep ttjere being shipped. « Come away, Tommy, or it'll bite you, said the affectionate mater, aa the boy went near an old ewe. But Tommy was undismayed, for going up to the animal, and touching it at the blind end of tho body he exclaimed, " No, mamma, it dont bite here." The spectators richly enjoyed the joke. Otaki ScKooLHotrsE.— From our advertising columns, it will bo seen fresh tenders are called for the erection of the Otaki School-house . The plans and specifications oan be seen at our office after to-morrow. Kowing Club— A sDeciai meeting of the Manawatu Bowing Club was held at the Athentß'jm on Friday last, to consider the position of the finances. After a lengthened conversation, it was resolved to request members to advance 10s of the next year's subscription, to meet pressing liabilities. A boatshed is at present being erected near Mr J. T. Stewart's residence, on the river bank, and it is this work which necessitates the immediate raising of money. \Vt> hear several gent'emen have expressed their intention to join the Club when the new season begins, which will be in October. . Progress.— ln 1869-70 the total revenue of the Colony of New Zealand was £1,257,798 4s Id ; in 1878-9, it amounted to £3,551,814 10s 9d, and had the land revenue been equal to what it reached the previous year, the total revenue for the twelve months ending last June would havebeeu £4 ,268,647 18s Id. Such facts as these show the progress the country is making. Our Hailways.— The railway returns prove unmistakeably the wonderful success of Sir Julius Vogel's great public works policy. Wh Ist the actual net receipts from the railways in 1877*78 amounted to £546,458 12s 10d,.inJ878-79 they reached £755,467 3s 7d, being an iucrease of £209,008 1 03 9d. The profits on last year's working of the railways amounted to £1 12,617: The total expenditure on railways in New Zealand has been £8,057,188, and already the lines pay the interest on fivceighihs of the money. In a few years, when the main trunk lines now in formation are completed, the returns will be far greater, and the profits correspondingly increased. A Coalition Ministry. — A few days ago, the Eveuing Post suggested that a coalition Ministry might be formed in which Messrs J. Hall, Ballance, and others would hold portfolios. Referring to this, the Wanganui Herald of Saturday says : — " When the Post suggested the other day a coalition between Mr John Hall, Mr Ballauce, and others, it overlooked the fact that the time is past for coalitions, which one of the persons referred to has systematically denounced." Fiee at Wanganui.— At 5 o'olook on Sunday morning, a fire broke out in the premises of Mr Wm. Kells, storekeeper, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. The flames spread to Caps tick' a Railway Hotel, but the framework of the building was saved, though the premises were gutted. Mr Kells, with his wife and daughter, escaped unhurt, but saved next to nothing. Mr Capstick lost nearly every thing.but was'insured for £1440, whilst Mr Kells had effected insurances to the amount of £1350. The (origin of th 3 fire is unknown. Nkwb by Cable. — The following specials to the Melbourne Herald appeared in our Wanganui evening contemporary on Saturday, under date of London, September 11 : — The Governor General sends a messago that a strong force of British are advancing in rapid marches on Cabul, regardless of in* sufficient supplies, with the object of inflicting speedy and condign punishment. — The Russian army simultaneously commenced to march on Merv.— The Indian Government officially deny that they were forewarned of the fate of Cavagnari —It is not proposed to appoint a successor to Cavagnari. — The Prince of Wales is waking arrangements to visit Australia, taking measures to provide for the contingency of the Queen's death before his return. Discoveries is Melbourne. — The working men employed on the excavations now in progress at the West Melbourne swatpp have (says the Argus) made some very curious discoveries. We were shown yesterday by Mr Burton, of the Yarra Family Hotel, a gigantic oyster, measuring 9Jin. by 7£in., and weighing 41b. 530 Z., which had been found at a depth of 14ft. embedded iv tho mud. At the same spot was alpo unearthed a large egg, at leust three times the size of an emu's egg, and a quantity of fish bones of very unusual eulibro. Unfortunately, the egg and the fish bones were destroyed, but the oyster was preserved, and will be forwarded to Professor M'Coy, whose report upon the matter will be looked forward to with interest. The Man at the Wheel Checkmated. — The following interesting item is extcaoted from the Glasgow Weekly Herald of May 3rd : — " An ingenious detectoi compasß for the use of masters of a vessel has recently bean patented by a Mr H. A Severn, from Auokland, New Zealand. Tho compass is primarily intended to be located in the captain's oabin, and is ho constructed that it acts as a detective on the man at the wheel. Having ordered the vessel to be kept on a certain course, the captain seta his tell-tale compass, and is warned of any alteration from the prescribed course by the ringing of a bell, which continues till the course has been resumed. . By the aid of this contrivance, a captain can retire to his cabin with the certainty that any failure to carry out his orders, or any neglect on the part of the man at the wheel, will be instantly deteoted, while those left in charge will .naturally be more careful when they know that a detector isj at the .captain's ear. Municipal.— The Wellington Municipal elections that took place on Thursday last, were very close* contests. For Thorndon Ward the two candidates were Or. Newman and Mr Geo. Fisher The latter gentleman won by 1 1 votes, the numbers being — Fisher, 411 ; Newman 400. For Cook Ward the contestants^were Messrs. S. Brown, the well-known contractor, and C. F. Worth, a plasterer, now landlorcLof the Princess Theatre Hotel. The vowa polled were— •> M (' "■ " i

Brown, 521 ; Worth, 519. In thanking the Thomdon ratepayers, Mr Fisher saya : — "Though opposed by money, influenco, caste, power, and a long standing electioneering organisation, the voice of the people has triumphed in my election." A Fohlokn Hope. — The following telegram from Wellington appears in a Southern paper •• — '* It is reported that an attempt will bo made to unseat Mr Walter Johnston, on the ground of bribery. Mr Halcombe is being egged on by tho Government in the hop a of a new election, when tho Government aud their supporters will strain every norve to sjet Mr Snelsoii returned " The Wellington Fiiuj.— All is activity at the scene of the late great fire, several brick buildings being in course of erection to replace tho wooden ones destroyed. Of thead Messrs Graves and Fleming's drapery establishment at the corner of Manners and Cuba streets, is the largest, and Rood progress is. being made with it. The walls of this establishment are over 20 inches thick, and the foundations are very Bolid. The small iron house wnich has done duty as a shop for this firm since the fire was to have •been moved across the street during last night, to a corner opposite the Te Aro branoh of the Bank of .New Zealand, and an obstacle to the more rapid erection of tho new shop will be thus removed. In Cubastreet, alongside' of Messrs Graves and Fleming's block, excavations are being made for the erection of a shop for Mr Brown, cabinetmaker, and in Manners-street another' establishment in brick is goings up for Mr»l'Olelland , bootmaker. The repairs to the bransh bank are also being pushed on with. The roof is now on, aud the inside fittings are in course of progress. For some of the latter we learn that American oak will be imported. The Wesleyan block i« still vacant, as also the site of the Imperial Opera House, and Messrs Eddie and Jack's bottling stores, on the top stories of which the Working Men's Club had their former premijes.— N. Z. Times.