TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1880.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 52, 24 February 1880, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1880.

The Meetixo Tonight. — According to announcement, a meeting will be held at the Athenaeum this evening, to consider the proposed expenditure of money upon the Foxton-Saadon road. So far as we can learn, the object of the promoters is to protest against the expenditure. Our own opinion is that Mr Rockstrow never seriously contemplated the expenditure of £800 on the road referred to. We watched the discussion in the Council closely, and noticed that he repeatedly said that though tenders were called, the Council would not be bound to accept them, nor would he pledge himself to agree to their acceptance. If there were any prospect of getting a well metalled road from Foxton to Sanson we would heartily support tin 1 , proposed expenditure ; but there is no such prospect, and therefore we believe it would be simply throwing money awny to metal two or three miles of it. The meeting will probably inform the representatives of the Hiding where the lr.oney should be spent ; bat over this thera is likely to be great diversity of opinion. Almost every ratepayer will doubtless bring forward some special claim } and the whole affair will probably end in the representatives concluding that the ratepayers do not know what their wonts really are. However, the meeting will bs an important one, and th.re should be a large attendance. Tub Registraksiiip. — The Registrar-Ge-neral may be an able man, but he certainly has not of late treated Foxton with very great consideration. .As our readers are tiwarn, Mr J. F. Rockstrow has for a considerable time held the position of Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, but some months ago (so we aro informed) he resigned the office. To his letter of !re!'i<jnfttion, no reply whatever was received, and he therefore continued to hold the position. A month or two ago he again resigned, and informed the Registrar-General that he had closed the office, and taken down tho board from his door. This surely should have elicited some response, but still no answer was received from the Government, nor the Registrar-General. Nevertheless, during the interval th« Registrar-General wrote to a resident of Foxton to the effect Mint tho Government intended to immediately appoint the Clerk of the Court Registrai 1 in place of Mr Rockstrow. A letter to that effect was shown to tho writer of this paragraph on January 31, and wo therefore published the information in our issue of Tuesday, February 3. Notwithstanding the above positive statement, up to last Saturday mornin?, Mr Rockstrow had not received the slightest acknowledgment of his letters, nor had Mr Uaker heard anything of his appointment to the office. This state of affairs is most unsatisfactory. Mr Rockstrow having absolutely resigned his office, and removed the board from hia doer, has had grave doubts whether he could legally register either births or deaths, and on the other hand Mr Baker has been almost incessantly waited upon by persons who were anxious to fulfil the requirements of the law. The consequence will be, thnt several persons who have been unable to effect registration will be compelled to pay the fine of 5s before the Registrar can make the necessary entry. Thiit this is a hardship is evident, as they have been quite willing to carry out the law, but through the laches of Government or its officials have been prevented. The discourtesy with which Mr Rockatrow has been treated by the Registrar-General, in neglecting to notice his communications, is only equalled by the unpardonable delay in makinsr de finite arrangements for the work of tho office. Wo trust Mr W. R. E. Brown will immediately sgo to the matter. [Since writing the above, wo learn that by Saturday's mail Mr Baker received the necessary warrants, &c, appointing him Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for the Foxton district.] Sale at Keildivg. — Attention is called to a salo of property at Folding, owing to the bankruptcy of Isaac Gricc. H. Brown's Estate.— Mr Lnudon, trustee in tho estate of H. Brown, makes a notice of interest to debtors in the above/ estate. Tesdeus. — The District Engineer invites fresh tenders for tho clewing of the Itfoutoa drains. Tenders are also called by him for the oonvnyanca of 12,000 sleepers from Foxton to Waitara. Water Tank.— Although Host Batchelor, of the Royal Hotel, Palmerston, is not a disciple of Sir Wm. Fox, he is- a believer in water. Great curiosity was manifested on Saturday last, ou the arrival of tho Jane Douglas from Wellington, as to the des lination of an enormous tank. Upon enquiry, we learned that it was to be erected at the Royal Hotel, Palmerston, and was intended to hold the main water supply for that building. The tank was of enormous di raensions, and taxed the skill of the railway ofli ials in getting it properly fixed for its journey from the port to tho inland township. However, the task was successfully aooomplished, and the big tank started on its journey yesterday afternoon. We are informed its capacity would be about 3000 gallons. The Hydrabad.— We understand a further attempt to launch the Hydrabad will be made during the ensuing week. Considering that shois now quite embedded in the saud, we fear there is little hope of success . The Weather. — The drought which has so long prevailed in the Manawatu district still continues. On Saturday afternoon the clouds gathered in an ominous manner, and many expressions of thanksgiving were heard at the prospect of rain. The hopes of the settlers were disappointed, however, for simply a few drops fell, and an easterly breezo springing up drove the rain-clouds out towards the sea. On Sunday, the appearance of clouds all round the horizon again created hopes of rain, but again ended in disappointment. As we write (noon of Monday) the atmosphere is very oppressive, and though there are a number of clouds hanging about, we fear there is no immediate prospect of rain. Should the drought continue much longer, (he settlers will be put to great inconvenience, for not only is the

water supply almost exhausted, many per sons üßing riv r water for domestic pur-poso-5, but the country is becoming very parched, and tho pasture in some districts is almost entirely burnt up. Yesterday afternoon, a slight shower occurred, but not sufficient to do any good. The Line Down. — Upon the reaneotive operators touching their keys on Sunday morning, it wa9 found that telegraphic communication was interrupted somewhere between Mirton and Foxton. The linemen were at onca despatched from each end to find out tho cause of t!:a stoppage, which was discovered to bo in the Sandnn bush, where a larzo treo had boen dropped across the line. The work of repairing took several hours, but w»8 completed towards evening. The strain from the fall of the tree mu3t have been very groat, as we of the wires was found to be broken about half a mile from the scene of the aecMent, a second was broken at the place where the treo f<)11, whilst the third and fourth were badly stretched, one being drawn out some three feet, that length beine; taken out, and the wire spliced. The object of the treo b;>ing felled in the manner discovered is d'fh'cnlt to account for. It is extremely doubtful whether it stood on private land, and therefore whether auy person had any right to fell it at all. Then, again, it was cut in such a way that it must have fallen either on to the line or in the opposite direction, most probably the former, whereas it might have been just as easily dropped parallel with the wire. On the whole, wf are in- | dined to think that the stoppage of communication was the result of .a stupid prac tical joke, and ,that tho authorities should use every effort to bottom the affair. Cricket Ci.cb. — A meeting of the Foxton Cricket Club was held on Saturday evening last, at Whyte's Hotel, Mr iox was voted to the chair. The Secretary rend a statement of tho finances of the Club, which will show a small balance on the right side when two or three outstanding amounts are paid in. It was resolved to make the subscription for this season os, on account of the late period at which cricket had been started. A motion was also carried, asking Mr A J. Whyte to bo come President of the Club. The appointment of officers was next proceeded with. Two names were mentioned in connection with the captainship, but no decision w;is come to, the matter being left over for the committee to wait on one member who was not present, aud to report to another meeting. '.I ho retiring Secretary signified his willingness of acting agaiu in that position, which was accepted. The committee elected/ consisted of Messrs A. W. Howe, D. J. Cox, and J. Russell, with the Captain and Secretary. The question of the challenge from the Otalci Club was neyt discussed, the Secretary explaining that tho reason he had not replied to Mr Siinisox's letter was that owing to the Club not practising he was in a quandary, and was waiting for v few weeks to see if any of the Club would turn out fjr play. After consideration, the challenge was accepted for Saturday week, the 6th March, and tho Secretary was instructed to write to tho Otuki men in accordance with 4 he above. The meeting then adjourned. DrocEMX Ff-vD.— At All Saints' Chuch, on Sunday last, the Rev. J. A. 2fewth announced that on Sunday next, February 29, the Veil. Archdeacon Thorpe, of Sl. Paul's-, Wellington, will conduct Divinu Serviw, both morning and evening, and will aUo during his visit make arrangements for the collection of moneys for tho Diocesan Fund, j of which the Archdeacon is Organising Secretary. Archdeacon Thorpe will make a tour throughout the Diocese upon the same mission. Rosika Live. — The appearance in Foxton of the Caraudini ompauy, reminds us that we have in the district a standing tribute to the popularity of one member of that highly talented family. It is now about ten years since the roadie in the Carnarvon distnet were laid off. Whilst tho surveyors weiv engaged in their work, they had a, " spell, " during which tiiey took a trip to Wellington, where they heard the Curandiuis. So delighted were they with Miss Carandini (i.'osina) that upon their return they de terruined »o name a lino of road after her, and to this day it is called "Rosinaline." The above information is not generally known, but wo can vouch for the truth of it. It is iudoed a high compliment to the popularity and ability of Madame Carandini's eldest daughter. CuiCKET.— We are glad to see that the Foxton *' knights of thft willow " arc d. Itermined not to allow tho season to pass without giving some signs of life. A wellattended meeting was hVtd ou Saturday night, at which a large amount of energy and spirit were shown. " Better lute than never," and we hope that tha successful meeting of Saturday last will be but the prelude to similar successes in the field. At the same time, we wish to impress ou the men the absolute neoessity of practising on every possible occasiou. Tho Otaki men, whim they decided to meet on March 6, are cricketers not to bo held too cheaply, and if the Foxton men wish «o come off victorious, they must utilise every passible ; occasion for practice. CABTiyrs. — Mr Wm. Reeve announces his willingness to cart goods to Otaki at £2 5> per ton. Timueb. — Now that labour is so cheap, landholders would do well to attend Messrs Thynne, Linton & Co's sale on Saturday nuxt, and purchase the timber with which to iTt ct hous-s. The timber to I c auctioned is of tho best description, being from the Paiaka sawmill, and having been cut (so the auctioneers inform us) during the best j season, should bring good prices. Doubtluss with the b ginning oflhe public wurlvs at Foxton, there will bo a large influx of population, and housebuilding should therefore prove a most profitable " spec " at prosent. Further particulars will be found in the advertisement. To a Cohrespgxdent — We have rec< ived a letter front OtaUi signed " Subscriber." The name of the writer not having been forwarded, we cannot publish tho lottd 1 . Wo may also add that apait from tl:o fict mentioned, the style of the letter U of su'-m a character that we would bo compellol to refuse it insertion. Wanted, iiepairs. —We hava been requested to draw the attention of tha County authorities to the present dangerous condition of the culverts on the Foxton Sundon road. Our informant states that hero and there along tho entire road, the culverts have been broken in by the traffic, leaving latfie and dangerous holes. Nenr the five mile peg there nro two in this state within about four chains of euch other. On Sunday evening, a couple of horsemen met a* ' that spot. One man hid alighted from his horse, as if an accident had actually taken place (our informant did not stay to enquire), and called out, " Look out for that hole just in front of you !" " Tiiank you !" said the man addressed, " and you look out for the one just in front of you !" The man was heard imploring blessings on the Foxton roads, as our informant cantered on towards town. School Fete at Motjtoa.— A very successful fete was held at Moutoa on Friday last, in connection with the State School there. A picnic was held for the children dnring the day, a plentiful supply of eatables being provided, and the various pas.

times usual on such occasions were entered into with great gusto, not only by the children attending the school, but also by visitors from Foxton and adjacent places. The weather being favorable, contributed to its success in no small degree, and the various ladies resident worked with a will to Recm o the thorough enjoyment, by the youngsters of their holiday. In the evening, an adjournment Was mado to the schoolhouse, which had been cleared of desks, &#., r;>ady for dancing. An awning, or teat, had been improvised at the rear of the building, and in this refreshments wew laid oud. Shortly after eight o'clock a reinforcement of visitors arrived from town, and dancing wns commenced, and carried ou with great vigor until daylight. Everything passed off iv a highly successful mauner, and tl-o Comtuitteo are to be complimen'ed on the able way in which the affair was conducted. The original intention was t«> have hell it during the recess, and distributed prizes to the successful pupils at tho recent examination, but it was delayed so long that the Committee decided to allow the matter of the prizes to stand over until next yoiir, when steps will be taken earlier. A meed of praise is due to the teacher (Miss Urace), and the other ladies who took under their charge the providing of refreshments, and whose efforts were orowned with such success. All present expressed their satisfnotion with the arrangements made for their entertainment, and there was a total absence of that feeling of ennui which is sometimes noticeable in such gutherings. Choral Society. — The usual practice of the above Society will be held nt tho Hall to-morrow evening, and it is hoped there will be a good atteudarce. Three choruses from "Maiitaiia" will form a part of tho programme for next concert, including " Sing pretty maiden." the " Angolus," and " Oh, what pleasure." It is probnblo that selections from this favorite opera will form the first pirt of the programme for next concert, which will be given in about six weeks' time. 'Meetino at Moutoa. — The meeting of householders held in the sf:honlhou<e at Moutoa on Thursday lust, for the purpose of elecMug v Local School Comniiitee, was very fairly attended, aud resulted in the election of the following gentlemen. Messrs W. Howe, John Carter, Edmund Tiuiey, James Suunders, John Smith, J.-ime» Rousell, and Robert Edwards. Mr Howe was elected chairman, and Mr Edwards appointed to countersign cheques. J~Wovtoa. Road. — -Now that there is a 'Tialiiuee to the ciedit of this riding, we would direct the attention of the Council to the condition of the above road. Even in the present fine weather, thn roud is almost impassable for a loaded vehicle, and as the bad season of the year is approaching, something must bo done or traffic will be scopped altogether. A specimen of the effeot passing over if, has ou vehicles was observable on Fiiday last, when a spiing cart owned by Mr H"diliT broke down, owing to the jolting it got in bpiugjdriven out to MoufcOH, and had to be abandoned for the timo being by the occupants. The road is much used, and we think the Moutoa people have a right to expect that it will be put iv better order than it is at present. Rowintj Oxrn. — A meeting of the Manawatu Kowing Club was held on Friday evening, at 7 o'clock, at Whyte's Hotel, Mr Liddell in the chair The object of tho meeting was to consider" ways and means," re the proposed visit of a. crew to Vv'anganui. A lengthy discussion took place, during which a su-jjjestion was offered that a levy should be made upon the members, to be returned to them if the club's boats were successful. This suggestion w<is not accepted, it being felt that as the Club would compete principally for tho credit of Foxton, a strong claim to public assistance could be put forward. These views prevailed, and it was resolved to open a public subscription list, to defray tho expenses of the crew. Si.y Urog Selling. — Mr Thos. Sen! t, o^ the Lower Uitngitikei Ferry, w«3 summoned to the Marton Police Court yesterday, charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, in having sold liquor without i\ license. Police Chances. — The following polico changes will take effect immediately after the close of the iippro-tchiug sittings of the Licensing Courts, viz.,: — ConsUble Co}le, of Otaki, to be removed to Marton ; Con stable Campbell, formerly stationed atMxrton, to succeod Constable Coyle ; Constable M'Cluskey, of Marton, to bo removed to Tauranga. School Committee. — At the close of the meeting of householders on Thursday evening last, a meeting of the iiewly elected Foxtou School Committee was hold, when Mr E. S. 'Ihynne was chosen Chairman. Some other business of a purely routine character was transuotod, after which the mooting closed. One More Uxfouitnwte. — -A rumour is floating about, to the effect that .Mr A. M'Minn, recantly editor ot the Kan»itikei Advocate, intends to stuit a paper at Bulls. Heing well knowu and highly esteemed in the Rungitikei district, we have no doubt Mi- M'Minn would receive whatever support the people of the district had to give, but wo should supposu that with the Rungitikei journal so close at hand, any gentleman (be ho ever so popular) starting tt paper at Hulls, would have heavy work, unless, indeed, which is not impossible, many of the Advocate patrons were to secede and subscribe alle»ianco to the new journal. Should Mr il'Minn decide to start h paper at Bulls, we have no doubt it will be a credit tv the district. KiMnoLTON Eoad —In accordance with a resolution of tho County Council, Messrs. Mucai'thur, Halcombe, ;md Hayns (County Engiueer), opened tenders at Feilding on Wednesday last, for metalling three mites of the Kimbolton road, in one mile sections. For section one, six tenders were received, the highest being £4i 8s per chain, and tho lowest that of E. Jackmann and Helfitt for £2 lo's, which was accepted. For section 2, only two tenders were received, the lowest bein» tint of Joseph Ucid, £4 8s per ch.iin, accepted ; the other tender was Is (id per chain higher. For section 3, five tenders were received, the highest being £4 93 Gd per chaiu, and the lowest that of L. R. Bnaut, at £3 17s 6d per chain, accepted. Tho contracts let not covering the unvjunt voted by the^ Council, tenders were called for an additional mile. These tenders were to dose yesterday. Tho result has not yet reached us. Harvest Operations. -—The crops in Canterbury are being harvested rapidly, the yield in most cases fully equalling the most sunguino expectations of the farmers. If the five weather contiuties for another fortnight, the bulk of the wheat will be harvested. It is nnticipatod that fully 10U,000 tons of grain will be shipped sit Lyttelton during the season, as aguiust 40,000 tons last year. Pastor Chiniquy. — Pastor Chiniquy was introduced to the Canterbury Presbytery a few days ago. Replying to the address of wtlcomo by the Moderator, he said — I thank (iod for all his goodness to me, and feel much pleased at your kindness, dear breth ren. lam a Presbyterian, a true Presbyterian, but I grieve to see so many divisions in the Protestant Church. When I was a priest of Koine I could always point the finger of scorn at the many sects in the Pro-

testant Church. When I was lod to the light of JeMis Christ, and had not joined any branch of the Protestant Church, a deputation waited upon me representing the Episcopalian, Presbyteiian, Wesleynn, and Baptist Beets, and they urged me to join with one of them. I told them to go and join themselves into one, and then I would "join them. I cast in my lot with f h.j Presbyterian Church, not to prmch its " ism, 1 ' but the Lord Jesus Christ } and I have navcr had any reason' to regret Joining that, branch of the Christian Church. 1 again thank you for your kind welcome. Irish Rdliek.— Tho Government are carrying free of chnrgo all gtiiin given for the objects of the Irish Kelief Fund Association. HAitn to Pj.eask— lt is stated that Madame Patti his insisted on a further lowering of the pitch of tho Royal Italian Opera to the normal diapason. One ground of belief that Madame I fttti is not serious ili this matter is, that a few nights after the late Mr Gyo lowered the pitch slightly at her request she insisted upon a sons being transposed half a tone higher— of course, to display the brilliancy of her voice. There is no objection to lowering the pitch, although it must necessarily disturb the in lonation of both orchestra and vocalists. But when the prima donnn, after lowering the pitch, insists upon it being raised half a tone higher for one so.ig in order to show off the brilliancy of her voice, it is, to say the least, mere pbiying at music, besides being hardly fair to the other singera.— j English paper. Paper 1-uom Wood. — Tho manufacture of paper from wood is attractingconsiderable attention in son>c countries. In connection with the Norwegian timber trade, fully twenty mills arc now engaged in making paper. This is an industry deserving 1 some attention in this colony. A Pow.crfi'l Engine. — On Monday an nxhibitiou of locomotive power was given on the Lyttelton line which eclipsed anything of the kind yot recorded npon any of tho New Zealand railways. The engine used was No. 101, one of the recently imported American goods engines, and was driven by James Orr. Seventy-six loaded waggons were brought through the tunnel from Port, the ste'atn guage registering loOlbs at the start, and falling to llolbs on the up grade between Lyttelton and Heathcote. Springfield colliery coal was used. Thirty-one more loaded trucks were then added, making a train of 107 waugons, and the whole were drawn to the Christchurch depot at a speed of ten miles an hour. Thkiug an average of 3J tons for the weight of each waggon, and 5 tons for th« contends, the aggregate weight of the train would be 901 1 toils — a moderate- sized shipload. — Canterbury Press. A Modern' Miser.— The death of Miss Kennedy, of "Rosereu, Ireland, has revealed a hoarding of riches almost unparalleled in that district. A box containing ±7000 in gold was found in her chamber, and several thousand pounds in bank notes were iilso discovered, some of the latter being of a very eld date. Miss Kennedy lived a very austere life, and none of her neignbors believed she had any wealth. She lived i<r several years by herself, and, it is stated, almost "denied her* -If the necessaries of liln. She willed ail hir money to wealthy friends. Railway Accident. — Soon after tho train left Dunedin for Clinton on Mond.iy evening, the driver missed the fireman, Johii Leonard. T!:o train stopped, aud he was found along the line insensible. Ho is supposed to have gone out on the stage, and missed his hold, falling backwards. He whs removed to the Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from concussion of tho brain. Natioval Dehts. — The national debt of Great Britain is £777,781 ,59U; France, £9(J7,'354,'-i80 ; Germany, general debt, £2,54-i,OS{ ; Germany, railroad debt, £ 13,8b'2,650. Gazetted.— The accounts of the I'oxton Cemetery are published in l;:st Thursday's Uazjtte.