The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1880. SUBSIDIES AND TAXES.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 510, 21 April 1880, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1880. SUBSIDIES AND TAXES.

Local bodies in the Patca district will have to consider the propriety of taxing for local purposes all buildings upon the Government reserved land. The policy is clear. If the Executive Government cut off all contributary subsidies hitherto voted towards local purposes in town and country districts, it will become necessary for the local bodies to obtain by local taxation the whole amount recpiired for local works. That will have to be done by taxing all property in land and buildings within each district. Government buildings and land reserves ought to contribute pro rula with the taxation on other property. We cannot perceive any principle on which a claim for exemption could be equitably based. Looking for a precedent in Britain, our politicians will find that the exemption of Government property was long a disputed question between the Executive Government and the local bodies, but was eventually settled by a complete surrender on the part of the Government to the claims of local bodies. There was no logical standing-ground for claiming exemption. The Government in this colony holds large buildings in one or two towns, and small properties in others, and the pressure on the local taxes for maintaining such property would be very unequal. The only sound principle is to tax all property alike. Exemption in one class of property leads to endless claims, under all sorts of pretexts. The principle of taxing reserved lands held by Government may not bo so easy to determine as that of taxing buildings, for where lands arc “ reserved” in the sense of not being yet sold, they can hardly be treated as property. Mineral lands which remain unworkod are wealth in a sense, but they are only wealth in jiosse, and cannot bo taxed as wealth in esse. Lands held by Government, and not yet brought into the market to the extent of being sold for beneficial occupation, could hardly bo treated as taxable property hold for beneficial use or enjoyment. Buildings, and land-plots intended for buildings, should be taxable, we think, whether held by Government or by individual owners.

Parliament will meet at Wellington on the 28th May for the despatch of business. More Unemployed arc being shipped from Wellington to Wanganui. About 30 arc expected there to-day, per the Huia. Major General Stoddart, of Katikati, Auckland, has called his creditors together. His liabilities are stated at £l,OOl, and assets £I,OOO. An Increase in the Post-office revenue for the colony is shown in the returns for March quarter, £12,000 more being received than in corresponding period last year. Official Auditing. —Mr W. B, Yaldwin is appointed Government auditor to numerous public bodies, including County Councils, Harbor Boards, &c. Volunteers. —Lieut.-Colonel Pearce is appointed to command the Volunteers in the Wellington district. The Portland, barque, from London, reached Wellington on Saturday, with passengers all well and full cargo. The Cuzco, Orient steamer out from London, touched at Adelaide on Saturday.

Sydney Exhibition dosed yesterday, which was observed as a public holiday. A Heavy Failuue is reported from Sydney, Messrs Cohen Bros, having filed their liabilities at £37,000, with assets estimated at £40,000. The Football Season will open next Saturday in Carlyle, a scratch match for all-comers being arranged.

Overdue Shir. —Considerable anxiety is felt concerning the ship Iron Duke. She is now 11G days out, and there are no signs of her arrival. She left London on the 21st December for Melbourne.

The Receipts at the Sydney Exhibition amounted during the season to £42,462. This will cover only a small proportion of the expenditure voted by the Legislature. The Garonne, Orient steam line, arrived at London from Melbourne on the 16th. The Australian cricketers were on board.

DrMirback is laid np with a sprained ankle, at Foxton. His horse stumbled and threw the doctor, who was on a visit from Wellington.

The Taxation of Government Buildings in Wellington for municipal purposes is now mooted, in consequence of the discontinuance of subsidies to local bodies.

Pipes for the waterworks at Wellington were shipped from Glasgow a few days ago, to the extent of about 500 tons weight.

Land in Wairarapa has just been sold at good prices for agricultural purposes. The same acres wore offered at auction in January, but a reasonable bid could not bo thou obtained. A Small Difficulty with Maoris has occurred at Potoue, where some natives dug a trench and put up posts across the road leading to Mr Gear’s works. Mr Gear intends prosecuting the offenders.

The New Railway Station at Wellington is to cost £2, 290. Mr A. Reese being the successful tenderer, out of 12 tenders. The building is to be of wood, the Government having refused to alter the plan, although contrary to the city bye-laws. It is said that when Mr Macandrew was Minister for Public Works, lie was asked whether the Wellington station should be brick or wood. His reply was laconic: “ Wood, and as plain as possible.” Wellington politicians say that as their city is not Dunedin, nothing could be too plain or too shabby for the empire city—in the opinion of Mr Macandrew. Lahrikins arc to be civilised by a new process of gentle suasion. A number of big boys who lounge at streetcorners in Wellington have been induced to attend a meeting of the Young Men’s Christian Association, and were addressed on Saturday evening by several gentlemen as to the folly and mischief which result from dissolute companionship, and from the vices of smoking and drinking.

“ Stocks have Fallen.” —This was the purport of a cablegram wired from London on the Ist April. The defeat of the Beaconsfield Government was supposed to have sent a panic through the London Stock Exchange. Persons who were made uneasy by that panic message have since discovered that the Ist April is All Fools’ Day ; and being also assured that Consols arc still at 98i, they are venturing to breathe freely.

Sxa William Fox opened his election campaign in the Rangitikei district with a speech at Bulls, and avowed himself a warm supporter of the present Ministry. He attacked the Liberal party, and said they followed the democracy of France, while the Constitutional party with which he was connected followed the American principle of democracy. Speaking of native affairs, he said there was no probability of another disturbance. On being asked if he would accept office if elected, he said he did not desire office, and it would be only in extreme circumstances that he would accept it. A vote of thanks to him for his address and for his coming forward as a candidate was moved, when on being put 30 voted in favor of the motion and none against it. About 150 persons were present. Mr McLean lias not yet come fanvard to contest the seat.

Football. —The annual general meeting of the Carlyle Football Chib was held on Saturday evening, at the Albion Hotel, the following members and others being present Messrs H. Sinelaire (in tbe chair), Norris, Powell, H. Chadwick, Contts, J. Kitchen, W. Dasent, Adamson, J. Chadwick, O. Haase, S. Hunter, Flood, Foster, and Pringle. The balance-sheet shewed funds in hand amounting.to £3 7s Gd. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Mr H. Contts, captain ; Mr J. Chadwick, secretary Sc treasurer; Messrs Pringle, Norris, Kitchen, Turner, Powell, and Sinelaire, the general committee ; and Mr Pringle, auditor. It was also resolved that the colors of the club be red and black, and that the secretary ascertain cost of uniform, and submit result at first meeting. A number of new members were elected. A meeting of the general committee was then Held, and Messrs Turner, Powell, and Contts were appointed a match committee for the season. Footballers should now study the rules of the game thoroughly, as by acting up to the rules there will bo fewer “ accidents,” heavy busters, torn guernseys, broken collar-bones, and those numerous mishaps peculiar to the exciting and complicated game of football,

An Cld Settler, Thomas Waters, formerly of Wanganui, has died in England, aged 68.

A Cathedral foundation-stone was laid in Melbourne yesterday by the Governor. Mr W. J. Clarke gave £IOOO, Mr Armitage £SOO, and Mr Payne £SOO. The Homeward Mail via ’Frisco closes to-morrow, at 2.30 afternoon, from Carlyle. Electoral Forms for registration of Parliamentary voters in the Egraont district, will be issued gratis with next Saturday’s Mail. A Painful Accident happened yesterday to the son of Mr G. F. Sherwood. The youth, aged 11, was starting to school on his pony, a quiet animal which he used daily, and in passing through the gate the poney shied and threw him. The boy fell on his left shoulder, and the severe concussion fractured the socket of the arm. Dr Croft attended to him speedily, and sot the arm. The young patient is in a favorable condition.

The Harmonic Society’s Concert, to be held this evening, promises to be a musical entertainment of unusual interest. The subject poem to which the music is written is at once dramatic and highly imaginative, the English translation being a vigorous and idiomatic rendering of the Gorman poet’s powerful verso. The “ Lay of the Bell” is a subject peculiarly German. The casting of a great boll at a village foundry is treated as a lively and picturesque event, the poet’s imagination conjuring up various episodes associated with the bell in its future uses—the ringing for a marriage, for a burial, and the like. Andreas Romberg’s music is of the same powerfully imaginative chat actor as the poet’s pictures of human life. The Harmonic Society’s interpretation of Romberg’s difficult scoring is an experiment which wc hope will prove successful beyond expectation.

Volunteer Inspection. —The annual inspection of Carlyle Volunteers was made by Colonel Leckic, on Monday, at the Emigration Barracks. The Cavalry assembled in the afternoon to the number of 22, and wore put through the sword exercise and cavalry evolutions in the Barrack square. The inspecting officer complimented the men on their soldierly appearance and smartness. The Cadet Coups was inspected afterwards, these soldier-boys mastering to the number of 38, only a few being in uniform, as their military clothing is not all ready. They were put through manual exercise by Captain Black; also marching past, wheeling, extension motions, and the general salute. Colonel Leckic spoke some kindly encouraging words to the Cadets, telling them they looked well, and were a promising corps. The Cadets have been enrolled about seven months. The Rieles were inspected in the evening, about 40 being present from the two companies. They fell in as one company, under Captain Trogear, and the inspecting officer being received with a general salute, the men were then put through the manual, platoon, and bayonet exercises; they then wheeled into half companies and sections, formed fours, marching round the shed, which was too small for other infantry evolutions. A squad was also put through the bayonet exercise. Colonel Leckie expressed satisfaction at meeting so fine a body of men. and said Lc hoped they would fee I nr> interest in their drill, and a soldierly liking for it, instead of regarding it as uninteresting drudgery, for drill was a very important part of a soldier's duty. They were fairsized men, and made a good appearance. Instead of the company drill, he des’Ted them to give more attention to the bayonet exercise, which was so important to infantry. Colonel Leckic added that ho had been pleased with his visit to Patea!

Amalgamation of the two .Rifle Corps in Carlyle has been under discussion. A meeting of No. 2 Corps was hold on Monday, after the inspection, at the Immigration Barracks, and a proposal was made that the Corps do not amalgamate. This led to discussion, the general opinion being that it would be preferable to have one strong Corps rather than two weak ones. An amendment in favor of amalgamation was put, and carried by a good majority. A meeting of No. 1 Company was called for last evening, to consider the same question ; but the muster not being large, the question has been adjourned for a fortnight.

II in’ M? Shooting. —A rifle match between two Volunteer teams, Married v. Single, came off at the Carlyle range on Saturday. The shooting ranges were 200, 300, and 400 yards; any position ; target, 6by 4; centre, 2ft by 2tt; bull’s-eye, 8 inches. The scoring was as follows :

Married. Single. J. Black ... lis H. Chadwick... 12 G. Harden ... 13 T. Kells ... 11 T. Eyton ... 38 AV. Uascnt ... 11 J. Jackson ... 3(5 E. Tregcav ... 10 A. Black ... 33 A. King ... 3!) F. M. Chapman 31 H. Locker ... 38 He G. Fraser... 33 J, Smith ... 37 M. Carey ... 32 It. M. Pringle... 37 G. Pearson ... 32 J, Kitchen ... 31 J. Johnson ... 32

308 310 One man in the Single team did not show up, and it was agreed to credit him with the average of 38 points. Adding this to the total, the result was that the Single team beat the Married by 29 points. This is the second match between these teams, which now stand 1 and 1.

Carlyle Branch Railway.—Tenders are called for a portion of the roadmaking of this branch line, up to a point where the lino must diverge to one or other side of the Patca river, accordingly as the Station may be fixed on the town side or the other. ’

An Apparition. —While the City Councillors were engaged in hot discussion last night the door suddenly opened, and a tall, portly figure, dressed in a dark uniform and wearing a splendid crimson sash, entered and quietly proceeded to take his seat at the table. The councillors appeared somewhat appalled at the apparition, and it was apparently not until they heard the genial tones of councillor Voting's voice proceeding from the uniform that they recognised in the distinguished stranger an old comrade who had been attending a meeting of the Wellington Guards.— Post.

A Famine exists in Wellington ! It was stated at a meeting of the City Council that there was no cement in the city, and probably none could be obtained in the whole colony. There was one tender for the supply of cement, and a long discussion arose as to whether this should be opened. By the casting vote of the Mayor, it was decided in the negative.— Post.

India Rubber Insect. —An insect, which produces a species of India-rubber, has been recently discovered in Yucatan, Central America, by an explorer. It belongs to the Cocous family ; feeds on the mango tree, and swarms in these regions. It is of considerable size, yellowing brown in color, and emits a peculiarly oily odour. The body of the insect contains a large proportion of grease, which is highly prized by the natives for applying to the skin on account of its medicinal properties. When exposed, to great boat the lighter oils of the grease volatilise, leaving a tough wax, which resembles shellac, and may bo used for making varnish or lacquer. AY hen burnt this wax,<it is said, produces a thick semi-fluid mass, like a solution of Indiarubber. Pork Poisoning. —An outbreak of what was believed to be typhoid fever occurred amongst the boys on board ono of the ships which norvo as reformatories under the Home Office in England. The Home Office was induced to give authority, with the consent of the relatives, for one borl} 1, to be exhumed, and for an examination to take place. The cause of death was then apparent in the number of trichinae which tilled some of the muscles. The boys on board the ship were fed, it appears, on stated days on American pork, and it is believed that to trichina:'taken in the stomach in this food, and which must have retained their vitality in spite of prolonged boiling, were due both the death which occurred and the other cases of illness which presented so many symptoms of a typhoid character.

The Camtso, a Dunedin ship which foundered in collision on the homeward voyage from Dunedin to London, was insured' in this colony as follows; Standard Company, £3OOO ; Union, £3000; Victoria, £SOOO ; South British, £4OOO ; Colonial, £2OOO ; Batavia, £SOOO ; Pacific, £IO,OOO ; United, £112; Globe, £2OOO. Total, £42,112. The cargo is valued at £87,000. The balance is insured in England.

IX T E J I X ATT 0X A l Ploughing is tlie latest contest good up as a test between Colonial and Home ploughmen. A Geelong paper says the matter is only in its initial stage but is in the bands of a good representative Victorian farmer, and some of the most influential men in that district have promised support. The promoter of the movement is Mr John Dailey, of Bellarine, an intelligent man, who has for upwards of twenty years been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and taken numerous prizes, including champion medal for his skill as a ploughman. Some two or three years ago be went Homo, and from what he saw then in the rural districts of England, Scotland, and Ireland, he has no donbt that such a team as he will select, with such colonial-made implements as they will take with them, will travel through the three Kingdoms with an eclat equal to that which attended our riflemen and cricketers in the old country. The team is expected to leave Melbourne about Juty.

Choice Fish. —An old native of Devonshire, and a resident for many years both in that county and Cornwall, says there is a fish in the south-west of England much better in quality than salmon —salmo salar, or salmo frutla —which there has been so much fuss about acclimatizing here. It is a fish worthy to grace the tabic of the veriest epicurean, and cause his stomach to respond with throes of delight. To be caught in plenty ; easy of transfer ; will readily propagate in these Northern parts of New Zealand. Lot the Acclimatisation Society look to it. The “ Whitehall,” he calls it. —Free Lance.

Teetotal Explorers. —When a party was lately organised to explore the difficult region between the head of the Lake Wakatip and Martin’s Bay, it was carried out on teetotal principles, and one of the party who has lately returned, and who since his first trip to Martin’s Bay has taken a second trip, under canvas, lasting four weeks, tells us that he and his mate each gained about 201 b in weight on a diet of Maori hens, damper, and tea. Of the latter the usual allowance was six or seven pints daily. Per contra, a medical man has given his opinion to one of these Alpine tourists that his stomach—in virtue of the large quantity of tannin contained in the tea—is by this time very much of the character of shoe-leather, most probably of the kind known as “ calf-skin.”

Tin: Hot Spiungs cf Mauuia, about forty miles from ltcefton,are beginning to attract attention. They are said to contain all the curative properties of the famous hot springs of this island. 'Foreign Complications. —An uneasy feclingcontinucs respecting the probability of European complications. An article, semi-official, in the North German Gazette , has demanded the reason for extensive fortification on the Russian frontiers, and accused Russia of merely waiting till France was ready, and that their military preparations proved that both powers were determined on an aggressive policy towards G-ermnn}'. Banks paj' extravagant prices for build" ing sites. The Bank of Australasia have purchased a corner section in Main-street, Foxton, for £425. The section contains one-eighth of an acre.