NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 38, 22 March 1879, Page 2

NEWS AND NOTES.

Apology. — At a late hour last evening we received a letter upon " Babbits," which we regret we are compelled to hold overIt will, however, appear m our next. The County Council. — The adjourned meeting of the County Council took place yesterday, but as the sitting had not concluded at the departure of the train, it is impossible to publish its proceedings m this issue. Erratum. — In our report of the cricket match, Palmerston v. the Ramblers, m the second innings, the line with Mr. P. Warbur* ton's score of two was accidentally omited. As the total score was correct, it will be seen that the omission was purely accidental, for which we wish to apologise. Soap and Candle Company. — All those interested m the formation of a Soap and Candle Manufactory are invited to meet at the Public Hall, on Tuesday evening, at half past seven. The project is one that is well wosthy -of consideration and support, and we trust a good attendance will be secured, m order to take the initiatory m the establishment of such a desirable local industry. "The Bamblebs" Come to G-bief. — After scoring wins against both Feilding and Palmerston, |he career of the wanderers has been cut short at Marfcon, where they have lost the match by the same number of wickets as they won with when playing Palmerston. The game appears to have been a very tame affair, the only feature of note being the scores of Anson, for Marton, who made 44 and 11, being not out m both innings. The FEiiiiiNa. Coubt House. — The erection of the much-looked, for Court House is still being, .proceeded with— if that be any consolation — and suitors look forward through' the dim vista of futurity to J;he> time when litigation will not necessitate a visit to Palmerston. On the last Court day the majority of the cases heard at Palmerston by Mr. Ward were from Feilding, and this without being the slightest benefit to the one, is a very great hardship to the residents of the other town. We have been informed by a. .number of persons m Feild- i ing, that pending the opening of the local Court they prefer to chance payment, rather than incur loss of time and risk failure, beside a journey of twenty-two miles. A Note op Warning. — We have again ! to draw the attention of those whose names have not been put upon the roll to the fact, that but little over a week remains for them to do so. As we -have secured the necesBary forms from the Regristration Officer, those who have not taken the necessary steps, can be furnished with the means by application at this office. It will be seen that his Worship with commendable foresight has called a meeting for this evening at seven o'clock m the Town Hall, at which ! all those interested m the matter of regis- | tration are earnestly invited to be present : Although it is necessary that every one wishing to vote should be on the roll, there is just such a thing as over registration, the effects of which will be explained at the meeting. Polios Protection pob Halcombe. — It will scarcely be credited that notwithstanding the fact that the population m the immediate vicinty of Halcombe Town is now close upon 700, the district is absolutely without protection. There is one Constable stationed at, Feilding,. who also h&a to. do duty at Awahuri, -but even had he the time to visit Halcombe; there is no "opportunity other than by the railway. We certainly think this is a matter which Mr. Inspector Goodall should bring prominently before the Commissioner -in the report.. Since hit -appointment to the West Coast he has been most energetic and painstaking m placing' the district over^rhich he has charge upon an efficient footing, and if he has not already — although we are inclined to believe he has— brought, this most pressing want under the notice of his superior, he should certainly do. so without delay. We I trust we shall have no occasion to again advert to the matter. "Open Up the Country." — This is a cry often heard, and one that it is necessary to repeat, even to the risk of wearing out the patience of some people with weak nerves. Mr. Bruce brought the subject of making a road on the south side of the !Manawatu Biver before the Highways Board at its last meeting. He informed the members that Mr, Rutherford and the settlers above the Fifoherbert Block had promised between them a sum of nearly £600, provided th& Board would take some ' action m having :the road on the south side of the river opened through to their land. Very general regret. was expressed that the Board could not do, anything m the matter, and there seemed to be a general concurrence of opinion that the making of the could not fail to havaa beneficial effect upon the entire district, bqt more especially upon Palmerston. It wa.a decided that the Minister of Public Works should be com-, municated with, and that a grant m aid should be asked for towards the formation of the roads. Pepper v. Brandon. — Mr. Ward de» ltvered judgment m the case of Pepper v. Brandon, on Th\*rsday, m favor of the de» fendant — a yerdict which all who read the evidence and considered the characters of the respective witnesses, must heartily en,-, dorse. It would appear, however, that the plaintiff is not yet satisfied, as Mr. Staite has -applied for a re-hearing of the case.; We'taust admit that the grounds for the application are perfectly .legitimate, and while the magist^te readily granted it, Mr. Maclean made no. demur. It may be recollected that one of plaintiff's -witnesses, a man namsd Maxn-ell, could not be found to give evidence. It is alleged that he was a most material witness for Mr. Pepper, and although every effort was made to procure him, it was of no avail. During a recent visit to Wanganui Mr, Pepper saw him, and as he is prepared to give his evidence, a re

hearing was applied for. On the other hand, Mr. Maclean stated, while assenting to the case being re-opened, that he too was prepared with further evidence which would entirely put plaintiff out of Court. In granting the application, Mr. Ward intimated that he did so upon the distinct understanding that he should reserve to himself the right to assess costs to defendant for the delay should a second judg; ment be given m his favor. It was arranged to hear the case on the 10th of April, and to accept the evidence already given. An Amazonian m Feilding. — The residents of Feilding had quite a treat prepared for them on Wednesday morning by Constable Price. It seems that this guardian of the peace, with the aid of two stalwart Maories, tried to induce a member of the gentler sex to visit the police quarters. She, however, forcibly declined to do so, as she appeared to have a regular aversion towards proceeding m companywith constable Price's two aids-de-camp. Indeed, at one portion of the journey, she grew so intimate with the Constable himself as to ask him to put his arms around her, which favor he was ungallant enough to decline. This aroused her indignation to such a high pitch that ; she absolutely refused to go an inch further, and flung herself on the street, opposite the Denbigh Hotel. The' Constable invoked the aid of the driver of a spring-cart which happened to be passing by, but some excuses were given, and the assistance, sought for was refused. Gentle means were then resorted to, and persuasive eloquence employed, but all to no purpose ; there she was, and there she intended to remain. She would not debase herself by proceeding m such questionable company, and stoutly refused the embraces of the two Natives. There was no alternative left— the two arms were entrusted to the care of the Maories, whilst the Constable secured the feet, and m a swinging, jog-trot fashion, a la John Chinaman, she was conveyed to the lock-up, where she indulged m some terrible threats against the life and character of the worthy police office. The termagant is a recent inportation from Wanganui, and gives her name as Leafield ; but she is known to the Wanganui police under the aliases of Atkinson and Morris. It would be 'Just as well to pend her to the care of those gentlemen as soon as possible. If Constable Price had a few more of the same stamp to look after, we fear the Colonial Treasurer would have to find some other official to act as land valuer, for that officer would not have much spare time on his hands. Who is m Fault ? — A resident of .Woodville informs us that about six or seven weeks ago he forwarded som.e goods from Wellington by the Jane Douglas to Foxton. He sent several times to ttie Palmerston station, and wrote three or four letters to « Foxton, seeking to have them forwarded, but all to no purpose. On Wednesday last he determined to get the goods himself, bo he rode m from Woodville, and took the train from Palmerston to Foxton. On making the usual inquiries at the goods-shed, he was informed that there was nothing stored there, addressed as he stated. The gentleman referred to persisted, and would not rest content with anything less than a personal investigation. After a short time, he discovered the goods carefully, stowed away m a corner, concealed by a quantity of other merchandise. Surely, there must have been gross carelessness, to say the least of it, when a person is compelled to leave his business m Woodville, and go all the way to Foxton, because he cannot otherwise have his. goods forwarded. If a merchant's or private carrying firm's business were conducted m the same loose manner, they would : soon find that their customers would seek some other channel for their business. If the offiials at the Foxton end have too much to do — and we are much inclined to think .that Mr. Batt, for- one, has a very large responsibility I thrust upon his shoulders — then it is the \ duty of the General Manager to increase ! the number of hands' ; but on no. account should the public hare to complain m the same manner as we have alluded to, ■ There ought to be efficiency, even if it cost a littl* more to secure it. • - SicxNEsa m Feilding. — We have been informed that diarrhoea is very' prevalent m Feilding just now, five or six very severe cases having occurred. As usual, the water conies m for all the blame ; but some are inclined to think that the oating.of unripe fruit, and the large consumption, of flesh meat, as well as the close, muggy weather which has lately prevailed, may have, a good deal to do with the sickness. It would be well, however, that water should undergo the process of boiling and filtering whereever it can be done, and people who are hard at work should be always very careful against taking large draughts of.coM water, thereby giving a severe shock to the stomach. : A correspondent informs ijs that an excellent remedy for diarrhoea is to be found m taking a teaspponfuP of powdered charcoal m a glass df tepid water or tea two or three times a day. It can always be had at the chemist's, and if not at hand, can always bo manufactured by taking a few pieces of charcoal and" pounding them, with a flat iron or mallet. Of course, those who are near a medical man wiH always find it to their advantage to call m his aid, as verydifferent causes produce the disease. But our correspondent informs us that the simple remedy he suggests has been seldom, known to fail, even m severe oases.. More-. Pedestrian ism. — Those who visit Feilding on. Wednesday for the pur-, pose of investing at the land sale will he treated to a kind of athletic entertaiment, which will take place m the afternoon. The first ev«nt we have already described, being a contest between Debney and M'lvor, the, well-known owner of race howes, for £200 a->side; followed by a Ten Miles' against tim.e by the former^ windings, up with another, struggle for fifty yards between man and beast. The event, m which Delaney will essay to run the ten miles within the hour, will be one well worth wit-, nessing, as it has never bsen attempted m the Manawatu. Although not taking the fir3t place as a. short distance runner, he ha 3 $ever been beaten m races from ten mile 1 * and upwards,' one of his feat 3 being- running fifty miles under the eight hours. Fium a number of scraps m our possession we find

that lie has not only accomplished, the, feat before of racing the ten miles against time, but many of a more difficult nature. We learn that a trophy hus been subscribed for by the people of Feilding m recognition of Delaney's pluck and gentlemanly conduct since he has been m the district. ! Wab Against Btramr.— Our local bodies appear determined that bunny shall neither represent the Manawatu, nor be allowed to lire m peace therein; At the meeting of. Highways Boird, on Thursday last; the sub-« ject of the rapid increase of the pest m Pal- < meraton occupied the attention of the mem. bers for about half an hour. Various remedies were suggested — one being that a half a-crown should be offered for each one killed m the district ; but it was pointed i out that this might lead to an importation from the Wairarapa m order to secure the reward. Mr. M'Ewen said he had heard that kerosene had prored very effectual m swamping them ; but some members thought that it would be only clearing one man's land at the expense of his neighbors. At length, it was decided that the chairman ■hould write to the Mayor and the Chairman of the County Council, m order that joint action might be taken by the three bodies so as to prerent the further spread of the rermin. A Police Babbacks job Feilding. — We are no advocates for the perpetration of crime, but certainly if ever incendiarism were justifiable, it would be m the wilful destruction of the police quarters at Feilding. Constable Price has the misfortune to be a married man, and Constable Price has positive proof of his Benedictine state m the possession of sundry olive branches. Under ordinary circumstances those encumbrances would be most acceptable, but. when the worthy constable, his better half , and the aforesaid responsibilities are compelled to seek shelter, not comforfc^in a habitation possessed of sufficient accommodation to house a couple of Aztecs, the branohes alluded to become a sort of equivocal blessing. But bad a8 is the matter of accommodation for a growing' family, it is "of small importance when taken into consideration with. the ; nature of the building m which he is compelled to dwell. The police quarters are built upon that approved plan to which we alluded some time ago — the constable and his charge being under the same roof and upon the same floor. Undesirable as this would be were the gaoler a single | man, it. becomes positively shameful m the case of jone with a family. We have so lately pictured its monstrous effects when referring to the proposed Palmerston buildI ing, that we do not deem it necessary to recapitulate our arguments against it. Marton is getting proper quarters' for- its constable i Palmerston has been equally lucky ; and it certainly is not too much to ask that Constable Price shall: he put upon an equality with those m charge elsewhere.. We think we may Jake some little credit for obtaining the erection of the proposed building m Palmerston, and what we hare obtained for Constable Gillespie, we pledge ourselves to relax no effort to obtain for Feilding. We can do this with the greater zest, inasmuch as we consider the 'case of Constable Price as by far the worse. Con- • stable Gillespie, having no police residence was free to live where he pleased, but m Feilding the officer m charge is necessitated to bring up a young family within earshot of the blasphemous obscenity of every imprisoned drunken brawler. As a case m point, we have only to ceiier to'the language used by the woman whose apprehension we note elsewhere. Her oaths, execrations, and blasphemies were sufficient to make the strongest shuddery