POLICE SURVEILLANCE IN THE DISTRICT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 25, 26 November 1880, Page 2

POLICE SURVEILLANCE IN THE DISTRICT.

« The matter to which attention is drawn by an Otaki correspondent is deserving 1 of more than passing attention. Briefly stated, the position is this. Several times a year the whole of the country police nre taken from their stations, and the rural districts are in the meantime Kit to the tender mercies of any sot of blackguards, who may choose the occasion to huve a " jollification," with its Bacchanalian yrlls and orgies. It iy true that thti police are not as a rule taken from their duty excepting to pive evidence at the higher Courts or to be on the spot, when a ouse from their particular j district is being tried. Still, as a mutter of Fact, almost every district sends its quot-i to the batch of unfortunates who are tried for their liberty and their character by twelve " yood men and true " at Wanganui or Palmers ton as tho case may be. For a constable to be at his station diiriuir the sit.tincr of the Court is therefore an exceptional state of affnrs. Why it should be so, it would be difficult, to say, but the fact, remains that although the c->uutry police are frequently away from their station at { tin Court for a week or even a. foremghr together, r.o steps are ev\r taken to si'nd a substitute. Common sense would dictate that if the Otaki constable, for instance, is tatan from his home for a week, a Wanganui policeman should be sent down to Otaki to replace him, lha two men in reality changing placp.s temporarily. Constable .Mitchell left his home for the Court last Tuesday week, and did not return to Otaki | until yesterday, and it will readily be seen that evil-disposed persons — either native or European — cou)d easily seize the opportunity to indulge their lawless, propensities; in fact, our correspondent states ihat such ia invariably the case whenever the constable leaves the Otaki district. Our remarks do not apply merely to Otaki, though they have especial force with respect to that township, loxton, Palmerston, and l'eilding are periodically deprived of the presence of the local policeman, without any substitute being sent, and though public feeling is too strong ia them to permit any such outbursts as appear to disgrace Otalu when the constable is absent, the withdrawal of the constable for a week or ten days is really offering a temptation to crime, as well as to drunkenness, larrikinism, and rowdyism. It will be remembered that during the temporary absence of then Conslab'e Purcell some two years ago, the burglary at the Foxton ferry house took place, and it has been a matter of surprise that many other crimes have not been committed in the Manawutu district during the frequent and protracted absences of the various police officers. If a police officbr is necessary al all, he is always necessary, and on behalf of the district we ask that when in future any constable is taken from his station lor more than a day, a substitute may be seat. With reference to our correspondent's Buggestiou that a Vigjl an ce Committee should be appointed to imprison rowdies during the absence of the constable, we think the idea would not work. It would be far hotter it" half a dozen sober and respectable men banded themselves together to take notice of such characters, and lay informations against them in the ordinary way. We feel certain that if this were done find a few of the noisy rascals who disgrace themselves and the people of Otaki during the constable's absence were [ Brought before Mr Ward, be would punish them to such a degree that they would hardly like to run the gauntlet of another Bacchanalian festival during the constable's absence.

The Govebngb. — Our now Governor, Pit A. Gordon, arrived at Aucklttnd in the British warship Dunne on Tuesday evening i last. He made his official landing the fol lowing day, at 1 1 a.m. County Office* — We understand that at i the next meeting of the Co«nty Council, which will be held on December 20, Mr Kobbell intends to move that the County office be cloned from December 25 to Janu > I ary 1, both days inclusive. The motion is

certain to be c-a-ried, as it will afford Mr M'l'nlloch, the County Clerk, a Wfillearned holiday. Ho is a most painstaking mid hard worked oflinial, imd tho respite from work lie will enjoy during Christinas week will be fully deserved. Ministekial.— Another "10 per cent, retrcnubment spccinl" arrived in Foxion lu.t night, conveying the Hon. Messrs Bryco and Rollestim Tho • " special " left Ptilmerston just behind the ordinary up train, jacked up tho Ministors at Folding, and staited thence at 6.45 p.m., arriving at Foxton at 810 p.m , the only passengers being the two Ministers and a youth who bore the appenmnce of a private secretary. Tho " special " would travel altogether 67 miles, and the only advantage gained would bo to lan i two Ministers " sworn to retrench" at Foxton ono hour and fifty minutes earlier than they would have come by the ordinary train ! The Railway Depart ment estimates that each mile of train service costs 3s. Our readers will sco the "special" last night means throwing away ten per cent, off some poor civil servant's hundred a year. If wo remember rightly. Mr Bryce ha< nut hithoito indulged in the luxury of a•• special " on this line. We are afraid Mr Kolle^ton has been leading him astray. Brood Mares.— Mr Oliver, of Montoa, has brought up from Canterbury two liUe'.ylookiiifi bro^d mares, got by the wellhiown racer Knnltinglcy. ExrTKsTox. — The owners of the Jan.; Dou gins announce an excursion to Welling. ton to enable Mnnawntu residents to sco Cole's great circus aii'l the Spring racesReturn fares are 30s, and doubtless the excursion will be well patronised. The steamer will be able to leave Foxton about l> o'clock on Monday evening. Hi on ways Board. — The last meeting of th? Manawatu Highways Board whs held yesterday. The tender of Mr Hoe, as valuator, was accepted for the whole Highways District except Sanflon and Garaarvon. Mr Hedges' tender for valuing those parts o<* the district was accepted. The election of the new Koxton Board will take place on December 18. Mr W. (}. Robinson being appointed Heturning Officer. M.\YOH3.— The Wellington Mayoral e'eclion resulted thus — Hutchison oG!,Youn<> 470, D-ver 191. D wan X.l. W;ingan. i— Witt Ml, Nathan U>. The Tiiain Seuvice. — Tlie railway officials have been worked very hard during the last few weeks, since the wool season began, as consideiablc quantities have been coming down by train, besides a great number of bales from Otalii, the intermediate districts, and the runs in the neighbourhood of Foxton In addition to tho wool, tho timber export has boon large, every steamer leaving port taking a considerable quantity as cargo, while three, vessels lnve been loading up with the same commodity. In fact, tho manner in which the tr»de has set in give 3 promise of this being the busiest season at this port for seveial years paat. Besides t l ie export trade in timber, a lir^e quantity has beep coming into Foxton fur local vu-e, as several large buildings in <!iffiM'e:"it nart.9 of the town und riistr'nt are either in course of erection or arc about to be started. At the Colht. — The coloured man Adilams, who was brought before the Court on Wednesday, and discharged, as will bo seen by the report, appeared to be in a most destitute condition. He was without shoes or stockings, and his clothes were in tatters. He baa been living in this district for a number of years, mostly with the Maoris. At one lime he resided at Moutofl. lie is said to be a boatbuilder, and yjossessvcl of fair education, but is fond of hiding hinnelf inyay for days and weeks together. lie formerly resided about Foxton, an-1 was known as an exceedingly expert diver, lieintf abo to stay under the Water a great length uf tiuu\ Death op Captain' Rcssem.. — Many rt-sidiMits of Manawatu will rep ret to hear of the death of Captain John Ksisseil, of the schooner Com, which occurred at Duned'n a few weeks ago. The late c>iptain was ta'xen ill at Havcluclt. and went down to his home at Dunedin, whore he died shortly afterwards. In Baxkkuptcv. — A meeting of creditors in U>e rst-ite of Mrs Burr, is called for Tuesday, November 3.), to consider thn desira biliiy or otherwise of recommending her discharge. CAMruEiiLTowN School. —In nnoihei column, will be found an advertisement re the erecMon of (he Campbelltown School. We congratulate the settlers on the Dou«hn Block upon this good news. Plan 3 and specifications are lying on view at Anderson & Janson's store, Sanson, and F. Rich. & Go's, Ciimpbelltown. County Couch. — Tho County Council met at noon on Wednesday, and finished all i f fl business by one o'clock. Some amusement was caused in tho afternoon about half -past two. by the advent of Mr Kebbell. several Councillors were sitting round the table, and a couple of reporters were present. Mr Kobbell (this was hia lirat appearance on that day) evidently thought tho business was in progress, and hastily walked to his seat, but when told the business was all finished refused to believe it at first, whilst ono member jocularly remarked that through beiuy late ho hal lost his guinea for expenses. Mr I>ock3trow, who is ono of the Finanre Committee, then chimed in that ho would have to keep his eye on Mr Kebbell'tt next account, to sco that this moetii)£ was not charged for. After a little further explanation, Mr Kebbell took in the situation, ami finding that there was no session of the Council, look occasion to explain to Councillors his recent action at the Otaki meeting in connection with the inlaud road. From what he said we gathered that the natives wish the railway and road to run side by side, but stipulate that they, theii heirs, and descendants are for ever to bo released from the necessity of paying taxes ! This announcement, it is needless to Bay, caused great laughter. CuiCKET. — Some interest is being taken in the approaching cricket match between Foxton and Palmeraton, which is to be played at the latter pl'ieo ou Tuesday next —^t. Andrew's Day. Three good Foxton men are unable to join tho team — Messrs \V. G. Robinson, InKrara, aud Qannaway. The team will be chosen from the following players: — Messrs. I. J. Salmon, Draper, Gillies, Quinn. E. Cox, A. Howp, Burr. Mason, W. Reeve, G. Edwards, Shore, C. Mace, and H. Davidson. Money. — Over the leader will be fonnd a notice from Messrs 0. Pownall & Co., the wellknown Wellington scriveners, announcing that they have large or small sums of money to lend on highly favourable terms, Rvmsey.— Mr Francis Rumsey is himself again, having been released from "durance vile" on Tuesday last, as the jury found him not guilty on both charges. He appears to have gained a reputation at Wanganut as a bush lawyer, and Judge Richmond thought his style of cross-examination proved he would have made a successful member ot the legal profession. It Uto be hoped Ramsey will not go to Court for the

purpose of practising in tho arl, especially as Sir G. otge Grey pr >mi3es us free trade in law. Ruinsey, wo hear, reached Palmerston by Wednesday evening's Lriiiii, and persons travelling in the mmn c.ir:-iag>s noticed that ho and Miss Tiorioii, his ln'u proseeutrix, appeared to be on ve;y friendly terms. Looked pp. — An Italian was looked up lost night by Constable M'Anulty for being illegally on the premises of Ihaka'ra, situated on tho Avenue Road. Court Cash. — Mr Ward, R M , visited Foxton on Tuesdiy niyjht for tho purpose of holding a Court on Wednesday. The only case down foi hearing was a charge brought by a man namod Thomas Adams against a coloured individual named William AddamSjbettor known as William Black, of assaulting him with a slasher. The prisoner had been brought before the Court at Otaki and the case adjourned to Foxton, A.ddams spending his time in Wanganui Gaol. He Avas brought to Foxton on Monday uisjht by Constable M'Anulty, nnd on Tuesday morning brought before Mr Thynne, J.P., but tho prosecutor was not in a fit state to Rivo evidence, the case being in consequence adjourned to Wed nesday. Upon the Court being opened next day, the prosecutor did not answer to his;,nani<\ In answer to his Worship, Con~ stable M'Amilty stated he knew nothing of the ease, as the matter had been thrown upon his hands through Constable) !\!itchnll being engaged at the Supreme Court. He would not ppply for an adjournment, as ho was not aware tho prosecution was in the hands of tho police. His Worship said the information appeared to be a private one, cmd' as the prosecution did not appear, pri soner would be discharged. Prisoner asked his Worship if he could obtaiu hi-t tools, which hud been lefr, inthe.bush. His Worship said most decidedly ho could. The Conrc was then adjournad. Ai'i'KOACinurj Land Sale. — The well known Bainesse Estate, near Foxton, has been subdivided into small farms, ranging from ]<X) to 500 acres, which will be sold by public auction by -Messrs T. Kennedy Miicdonald & Co -v.r 'Monoers, of Wellington, on Monday, 'i '•'■>. December next. As the quality of •■ ■'; lind is well known, being heavy black swamp, well drained, laid down in l«hi<rlish grass, and fenced, it will be a splendid opportunity for those in search of a farm which they will never tire of. One of the chief features of this property is the fact that it is within such easy communication of tho port of Foxton, thus enabling settlers to bring their stock and produce to a good market at a. cheap rate. This feature should never be overlooked, as it is one that, adds n large percentage to the value of the property The auctioneers havo introduced ;i new feature iuto this S'tle, viz., stating the upset p'iee at which it would bo sold, thus dealing fairly with purchassrs. All who cannot attend the sale should communicate with tho auctioneers, who will give their instructions prompt attention. Masonic— Tho name of tin; late .Mr .Tnhn Lazur will be familiar to members of the Masonic body, that gentleman Imviagbeen, we believe, the highest Mason in New Zenlaud. He died a year or two ago aI. llolntik;), -,it. which place he had at one time held the position of Town Clerk, deeply regretted by all ol;is?f3. From our Hokitika filos w« j notice that a few days ago a letter was tei ceived by the Borough Council from the District Grand Lodge of Freemasons, asking the price for a. piece of ground 10ft by 16ft in the cemetery, to erect a monument to the lute Mr J. Ln/ar. A member moved that the ground be yiveu free, us the late Mr Lazar was the first Town Clerk of liokiuka, and t' c ground in the Jewish portion of tho o;>meto y u;\s not very crowded, while the monument cost I'loU. Tho motion was carried unanimously, Vai.uahi.k Estates.— Among the list of English properties locked up in Chancery are the Townley estates. Tho property is . ««i<l to be wurth £100,000 000, urid the ! I Sank of England is supposed t,t> luive over £:3").00O,OU0 in its vaults to the credit of tluse es'.ates, being the accumulated rents of a century. Culouul Richard Townley, List of the iLarla of Clarcncuu, died about one hundred years ago. and being without issue or known next of kin, his estates were thrown into Chancery, pviniing the do termination of the rights of the claimant* The American hr»iis j-,ro rcpios-ciid-d by Colonel Jacques, who, according to a letter received by Jusoph J. Dv J'lMt, of S.-ju Francisco, from his mother Kli/ibeth Dv Prat, of New Orleans, has just taken " possession of the three cst-.trfs I'ownlej', Corby, :ind Ashton, under tho act of .Magna Chartii." Through the taking of this step it is claimed the contesting claimants will now be compelled to assume the aggressive. Mrs Jones. — Mrs Jones, tho landlady of the Glanrowan Hotel, wheto the Kellvs fought the police, and who lu»s been ariusied on a charge of harboring and maintaining Ned Kelly, is alleged to Unvo acted wi h him in preventing the escape of tho3o inside the hotel. She denio* this latter charge, iind states that as her children were wounded mid her houso burned down she has suffered enongli for her conduct in giving the out-' Uwd shelter. An Acied Colonist. — It very rarely fall* to the lot of man, especially in the colonies where people live lit such high-pressuro speed, to reach tliH ago of a hundred years. There is in tho Turakina valley, however, " a luun of the Ciunoron dun," who is still in possession of all his faculties, though he is 102 years old. Mr John Cameron wax born in 1 775, tho eighteenth year of George tlm Third's reign. Georgo tho Third reigned GO yoars, after him ciimo George tho Fourth, and then William tho Fourth succeedfd by Victoria, who has now o< onpied the throne for about forty-three year*, and yot Mr Catumm is ii\ the land of thu living. — Rnngitikei Advocate. Nkw Zkalaxd Siiki.i.s axi> Rabiut Skins. — Aeoording to Ticlih's Coloniul Export Prices Current and Tindo Hoviow for September, it appenrH that there is a stead} demaud in the Homo market for shoHs, or " eiir-shdls," as they ard called ; and tho supply is kept up fioin Japan, tho Cape of Good Hope, California, and New Zenlaut. Tho prices quoted for New Zealand are — Green, 45 packages soil at easy rates; good to fine bold, Is Od to Is ?d ; mixed, pan stule to fuir, Is Id to 1h 4d ; medium, 101 ; small, 8d per dozen. Tho prico paid to shell collectors in tho colony is, we believe, 5s pur 100. — The same Review furnishes the following iv format ion respecting rabbit skins: — On the 12th August, at the skin siile, tho largo quantity of 732 bales New Zealand, etc., was offered There was a good demand, and the bulk was disposed of : winter skins at an advance of 2d ; bur other sorts at last sales' rates to a fall of Id per lb ; average 3-8 to '<: j lb ; from 4'} d to •is 4-id ; one lot 3 16d to 4jd. A Caution to Mothehs. — At a late in- • quest at Mount Roskill, on the body of an iufant who was poisoned by eating the heuds off lucifer matches, Dr Philson informed tho jury that in his opinion two or three vestas were quite sufficient to cause the doath of an inf.mt if no remedies were applied at once. The proper remedies wre ipecacuanha wine to causo vomiting, followed by successive doses of iri!><>n< sin. Castor oil a,nd all other fatty mat tors, should be avoided, as they would only assist tho phosphorus in fulfilling its deadly mission.