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Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 51, 20 February 1880, Page 2

Campbelltown. — In another column we publish some interesting notes regarding the progress of Campbelltown. It affords us great pleasure at all times to give pubcity to such articles as that referred to, as we are anxious to assist as far as possible in the development of the outlying districts. Fire. — On Tuesday af ernoon, imme diately after the up train had proceeded through Foxton, fire was observed to be issuing from the old cemetery, near the Manawatu Herald office. Some persons on the railway platform saw the smoke, and at once ran in the direction of the Cemetery, but before their arrival several persons who happened to be in the vicinity, and had seen the fire, had extinguished it. The grass inside the fence is at present extremely long and dry, and although the fire was burning only a few minutes on Tuesday, a space of about ten feet in diameter was cleared by the flames. Had it not been promptly suppressed, the fire would in all probability have devastated the cemetery in a few minutes, destroyed the railing and fences, and perhaps have communicated itself to the residence of Mr Thos. Cameron. Happily, such a disaster was averted by timely and energetic action. The fire was caused by a spark from the engine. Murimotu.— Constable M'Anulty has returned from his excursion into the Taupo country. He informs us that the journey proved a most interesting one, the scenery being very fine, the hot springs affording great enjoyment, and the natives and settlers being extremely kind and hospitable. He went round per Napier to Taupo, and back through the Murimotu country. This latter he speaks of in the highest terms, as regards the quality of the soil, and its capacity for settlement . Directly after passing the Rangipo desert, working southward towards Rakitepauma, the soil becomes excellent, the land being rich, and covered with light tussocks. The same remark applies to the country which stretches away towards the East Coast. The further south our informant came, the richer the soil appeared to become. The whole plain would make splendid pastoral land, and is fit for agriculture. At Macdonald's station (Mr Moorhouse's) 25,000 sheep were shorn last season. The great difficulty, however, is the absence of means of communication, stores and produce having to be "packed" from and to respectively the township of Taradale, near Napier. At present, the roads to the plains are in good order, owing to the dry weather, but they are spoken of as being literally " awful " in winter. From Marton there is at present a good horsetrack, and our in formant thinks that owing to the shortness of the distance, and the general lay of the country, the Murimotu trade is certain to find its way to Marton, provided a good road is made, connecting the plains with that township. Foxton-Sanson Road. — The Palmerston Times states that the railway manager has given permission for gravel trucks used in metalling the above road to be emptied alongside the railway line. It will be remembered that at last meeting of the Council a resolution was passed, upon the mo tion of Mr J. F. Rockstrow, that tenders should be called for metalling the road in question. It was seated, as an objection to the proposal, that Government would not allow trucks to be emptied at any point except regular sidings or stations, and it was contended that the cost would be largely increased by the cartage of metal from Foxton station to the various points of the line at which it would be used. The action of the railway manager will obviate the difficulties referred to, and should the Council determine to proceed with the work, will enable contractors to tender at a much lower price than they otherwise could. Court Cases. -During the R M Court sittings on Wednesday, a half caste named Collins appeared in answer to a summons by Mr Loudon, who claimed the sum of £13 16s 5d for goods sold and delivered. It was evident from the beginning of the case that Mr Collins was a hard nut to crack. He professed great poverty, but said he might be able to pay £1 per month, as Mr John Cribb owed him some money, and was able to pay. Upon the Magistrate pointing out, however, that at the proposed rate Mr Loudon would not receive the whole of his money until nearly fourteen months had elapsed, Mr Collins cheerfully made an offer to pay two pounds per month. This was too good an offer to be lost upon the Bench, which gave an open judgment, under which Mr Loudon can " stir up " Mr Collins should he delay his payment unnecessarily. Now it so happened that the very next case was one of Loudon versus the particular John Cribb who had been spoken of by Mr Collins, in which plaintiff claimed the sum of £5 6s 6d. On going into the box, Johnny at once admitted the debt. "Are you prepared to pay it?" asked the R.M. "No; I haven't any money." " Why, we have just heard you have a lot !" " Well, if I have, I don't know where it is, unless it's in the bush !" (Laughter.) "Haven't you a contract?" " Yes, but that wont be finished for over a month ; it's for the Government, and they're awful long-winded !" The loud laughter which followed the last remark, showed the spectators appreciated its truth. Eventu ally an open verdict was entered. Honors For Otaki. — We are glad to notice from English papers that on the recommendation of the Colonial Office, the Royal Humane Society's Medal has been awarded to William Jenkins and his boat's crew for saving upwards of 100 women and children from the wrecks of the City of Auckland and the Feiix Stowe, off the coast of New Zealand. As the vessels re ferrod to went ashore near Otaki, and the disasters were fully reported by us, we know sufficient of the circumstances to feel assured that the medal was will deserved. Photography. — In another column, Mr James Kirkwood, photographer, informs the public that he intends paying a professional visit to Foxton about the beginning of March. It is about a year since Mr

Kirkwood last v sited Foxton, and on that occasion he not only received extensive patronage, but also gave great satisfaction, many of the portraits turned out of his studio being excellent. In a private letter received from Mr Kirkwood, he informs us hat he intends erecting a suitable building in which to take portraits, and that this, i connection with improved appliances, wi I nable him to show a great improvement upon pictures done last year. Under these circumstances, his visit should prove most successful. School Committee. — A meeting of householders was held last night, at the Foxton Schoolhouse, to elect a Committee for the ensuing year. Mr Gray was voted to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting of householders were road and adopted. A long discussion took place as to whether persons not present could be appointed committeemen, and eventually it was resolved to allow absent persons to be nominated The following householders were elected a Committee for the ensuing year:— Messrs Gray, Liddell. H. Wilson, Stewart, Thynne, Burgess, and M'Anulty. The attendance was small. Clearing Sale.— A great clearing sale is announced to take place at the Foxton Ready Money Store, beginning to-n orrow. when wondrous bargains are promised. County Council Works.— A meeting is called for Tuesday evening, to consider the action in the County Council of Messrs. Loudon and Rookstrow, re the proposed expenditure of £700 on the Foxton-Sanson road. Tenders.— The specifications for leasing the Foxton ferry and pound are now lying at the County office. Painting. — Mr Stewart is calling tenders for painting the Manawatu Bridge. The Carandini Concert. — It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that the Carandini Operatic Company will give a grand entertainment at the Foxton Public Hall to-morrow evening, beginning at 8 p.m. The company includes some wellknown names— Madame Carandini, Mr Walter Sherwin, and Mr Gordon Gooch (formerly Mr Henry Gordon), besides whom are Misses Marie Carandini (a young lady who, it is said, possesses a most charming voice and style), and Miss Josephine Deakin. To praise the Carandinis is unnecessary, as the name is a household one from end to end of the Colony. We can, however, promise the settlers of Foxton such a treat as they never enjoyed before and we hope a bumper house will greet the company tomorrow evening. School Treat.— A treat will be given this afternoon to the children attending the Moutoa school. Every preparation has been made to make the affair most successful,and a day's genuine sport will doubtless be enjoyed by the youngsters. They will in the afternoon be regaled with tea, cake, &c , and in the evening there will be some amusement.