THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 33, 16 December 1879, Page 2

THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT

, +■ — ■ Pressure upon our space has hitherto prevented reference in our leading columns to the Public Works Statement, and even now we can merely refer to the points which affect this district. The remarks on the District Eailways are gratifying, inasmuch as they point to the strong probability of the Government taking over and carrying outthe Foxton-San-don line. That the prospects of the line have been somewhat obscured by the heavy depression from which the Colony has suffered for sometime, cannot be denied ; but we firmly believo that even if the Government do not take over the undertaking, it will sooner or later be carried to a successful issue by the Company ; nevertheless, considering the tightness of money, it is gratifying to read the 1 following paragraphs : — 1 Some of these branches would form use ful portions of our railway system, and with [ regard to these the Government propose to take power to treat with such companies as have begun work and are unablato complete | their lines, and, in the event of satisfactory : arrangements being made, to purchase I them for the colony. As the residents in the districts interested have shown their faith in the remunerative character of these lines, by laying themselves under an obligation to submit to the rating of their properties if the railways do not clear working expenses and interest on the cost of oust ruction, it may I think, be assumed that there is every prospect of the lines proving commrcially successful. As the rating power is intended to be retained by Government, the risk will be reduced to a minimum, ' the Government being already liable to pay interest at 2 per cent per annum. The interests of the Sandon line may be safely reposed in the hands of our member, who will, we believe, secure for us similar advantages to those proposed to be conferred on the South Island district lines. In connection with the same subject, we may congratulate the district on the fact that the sum of £5,000 is on the Estimates towards the construction of the branch line from Greatford to Bulls. This is another most important step. With the Sandon line completed, and the railway to Bulls, there would remain only about four miles of line to be made, to connect the two townships. The th jpugh line via Sandon would then Be ai certainty. So far as the junction question is concerned, the Statement • appears to regard it as already fixed at] Foxton, the line to Palmerston being referred to incidentally as follow|s : — A line from Palmerston to join tue Wellington and Foxton line is also being surveyed. J It is matter for regret, however, that a distinct promise is not given to push on the work of construction at the Foxton end. However, the fact that the junction question is practically settled should give a miner toner to business in this portion of the district, and enhance the value of landed property. Whilst admiring financial prudence, we hope the Ministry will not exhaust their stock on this particular line. Compared with the money to be spent on South Island lines, we are amazed at the quietness with which the Wellington people submit to a paltry £55,000 as the whole share to be expended on the line from Wellington to Foxton, out of the £2,808,700 devoted to railways construction. It is now too late in the session to prevent this injustice, but when we think that nearly two and a-half millions of money are proposed to be voted for railways, we are astounded at the calmness with which the Wellington people accept their small portion of the- loan. The importance of the work on Colonial grounds has nevei been questioned, whilst to Wellington and Manawatu its value cannot be estimated. We feel disappointed at the small progress to be made with this important work, but trust that now the junction question is finally settled, the settlers at Palmerston and Feilding will unite with those at this end of the County in urging on the Government the importance of pushing on with the work from Foxton. .

The Holiday. — We have to apologise to oar readers for the bareness of oar report of the school committee meeting. The committee some time ago passed a resolution to the effect that notice of all meetings wab to be sant to this office, but in the present case this was not done, A brief re* port has, however, been obtained from some of the committee, and from the minutes. A discussion took place on the recent closing of the school owing to the Church of England school treat, which was referred to In condemnatory terms by us. The

committee passod a resolution approving of the school being closed, but requesting the Chairman to grant no more holidays without consulting them. Thk Late Sale.— We are requested to call attention to Mr Loudon's advertisement in another column, relating to the sale of unclaimed goods. More bargains may be looked for on Saturday next. The Road Prom Foxton to The Beach.— We are glad to learn that the natives have so far relented, as to agree that the above road shall not be closed until Fobruary 1. The County Chairman, Mr Maonrthur, arrived in Foxton yesterday morning, nnd held a conference with the ohief natives interested. The Rev. Mr Duncan, who ig highly esteemed by the natives, kindly assisted Mr Maoarthur, and interpreted. The natives at first were very determined, but having been assured no injustice would be done them, and that tho whole of the expenses to which they had been put would be recouped them, they consented to delay the closing of the road until January 31. Meantime, the County Chairman will lay the whole matter before fche Government, and ask that an officer of the Native Department may be sent up to arrange the matter with them. We trust this wi!l be done, ami that no further 'rouble will occur. The natives am deter mined, however, thnt they will not surrender the road without a considerable payment in money. Mr Maoarthur is to bp commended for his early action ia thf matter, and the Rev. Mr Duncan deserve* fhe thanks of the district for bringing hi* influence to bear upon the natives. TBLEOKAPHrc— Tel^srrnphio communication is now open with Woodville, the office opens to-day News Fob The Girls. — We are pleased to learn that Mr Foulis speaks in high terms of the quality of the needlework done by several of the girls attending theFoxtou school. He informs us that in some in* stances girls would havo failed to pass in their respective Standards but for the proficiency they dtsploved with the needle He considers thnt this class of industrial work should be encouraged, and therefore bas endeavoured by the means mentioned, to slimulttie it throughout the d'striet- W«« also understand he intends to hold an exhibition at Wanganui of needlework executed in the Education District, probably next December, prizes being awarded by competent judges for the best specimens. Choral Practice. — We are requested to draw the special attention of members ot Choral Society to tbe-fact that a rehear sal for the concert to-morrow night take* place this evening, in No 1 parlor, si Whyte's Hotel. A member will wait at the foot of the stairs to show the way. The rehearsal takes place at 8 p.m. Pbogbess. — One of the be3t indications of the progress or retrogression of a district is found in the decrease or increase of it? schools. Measured by thia standard, Manawatu is exhibiting signs of most rapid progress, as Mr Foulis informs us that nearly all tne country schools are literally blocked to the doors, increased accommodation being absolutely necessary in most cases, 'whilst the towns all show a gratifying increase. The work done in the schools is also highly Bitisfactory, there being an improvement of nearly 50 per cent., that is, taking the average throughout the district. Such facts are highly encouraging. Chorali Society Concert. — In another column will bo found the programme for the Choral Sooiety Concert which take* place at the. Foxton I'ublic Hall to-morrow (Weduesday) evening. Several members of the Society thought that owing to the Hall being occupied for two evenings previous to the concert, it would be better to have it postponed, but after full consideration the Committee determined to have the concert on the night announced, in order that it might be got off before the Christmas holidays. The programme is a wellselected one, comprising a number of old favourites, in addition to a host of new pieces, and from the assiduous manner in which the members have practised, an excellent concert »s certain. We tnereforttrust the public will show their appreciation of the efforts made by the Society to entertuin them, by giving the members the iojpi'iting sight of a bumper house. Himatangi Races. — Wo notice Mr Andrew Whyteis determined the racing spirit shall not die out in Foxton altogether, and with the view of restoring its former energy has started a meeting to take place on the Himatangi ground.a few miles from Foxton. A similar meeting was held last year at the same place, and though only a small affair was very successful, good sport being enjoyed by all who attended. This year it will be slightly more ambitious in its character, and. the fact that Mr Whyte has taken it in bund is a guarantee that no effort will be spared to make it a thorough success. Subscription lists and programmes ar« lying at the principal hotels in the dis Tamff Alterations. — The House of Representatives has made the following changes in the rates specified in the resolu tion proposed by Major Atkinson when do livering his Financial vtatement on November 18 : — Fresh fruit to bo free ; salt, free ; patent and proprietary medicines to be same as drugs, 15 per cent., ad valorem, instead of 25 per cent., as passed by the House ; Australian wines to be 4s per gallon, being an increase 'of 40 percent, and making the duty the same as before the reduction j candle*, other than tallow, lid per lb, being an in crease of per lb. The above rates came into operation on Saturday lust. Sand. — The attention of the Foxton Local Board might with great advantage be directed to the sand cuttings on the east side of Mainstreet,near Mr Howe's Hotel. At the point referred to the recent easterly winds have driven a quantity of the sand on to the footpath, and unless some other means of securing the sand is adopted, a great unpleasantness to pedestrians will be perpetuated, and the footpath in the vioiuity spoiled. School Turat.— On Saturday last the Chairman of the Foxton School Committee (Mr Gray) took round a subscription list to obtain prizes for the successful scholars, and also to give the youngsters their annual treat. When we sa>v the list early in the day, it had a very satisfactory appearance The treat will be held on Friday Timbeb Trade. — We notice a slight improvement in the timber trade, the schooner Falcon having left on Saturday with a cargo of 25,000 feet, whilst the Amaranth will probably leave to-morrow with a further cargo of 43,000 feet. Both cargoes are from the Kairakau Mill (Freeman and Wylds') and are for Messrs Montgomery & Co., of Lytteltou. The Obprey.— Wo regret to learn that owing to some delay in the receipt of her cetificate for extended limits, the Osprey could not bring up a cargo from Otaki, notwithstanding the fact that a full load was waiting for her. In working a trade with Otaki and Rangitikei the little steamer may do good work, and we hope the necessary certificate will be received in a day or two. • CovnT. — L flitting: <oi. the R.M., Court will be held at Foxton before Mr Ward, R.M., to-morrow. The prinoipal buiiuess

will consist of civil oases and a fewjjoharges of breach of the Local Board byelawa. ! Relieved— Constable MoAnulty is about to enjuy a well-earned holiday. Constable Draper, who relieved Constable Giltespie, will be temporarily in charge of Foxton. Weston's Pavilion Party. — The above company gave a short performance at the Public Hall last night, but owing to the accompanist not having arrived, appeared under great disadvantages. The objection stated has, however, been remedied by the engagement of a professional, who will arrive per train today, and wo hope the 'roupe will ractive a good audience to-night, at their entertainment. Congratulation — Before business was oroceeded with at the District Court yesterday, Mr M'Lean, on behalf of the Bar of the district, congratulated Mr Hardcastle on nis elevation to the Bench. His Honor suitably replied. In the evening the gentlemen of the long robe entertained the | fudge at dinner at the Royal Hotel.