SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1883.

Te Aroha News, Issue 6, 14 July 1883, Page 2

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1883.

As far as is at present known there seems to be no intention on the part of the Government to grapple with the very important questions of Hospital maintenance and Charitable Aid generally, during the present session. It is true that the Colonial Treasurer has enunciated a scheme of general insurance which is to avert pauperism, it has met with but scant scant support in spite of his advocacy, and is gefterally condemned as Utopian and impracticable, Even presuming that it would fnaw,er, all the ends aimed at some more immediate aid for present requirements is nee^d, and the present system of grants from year to year might, with very great proAJ prietv be.abolished, and some far more, preferable jnode of support'^ We are led to these rtmarkg by the fact that although jfehe Ttf "district lias f been opened for -some year^now,.and h|as the certainty df developing into a large centre of both mining and agricultural population, there is, up to the present

time, no provision whatever within its limitsfor the sick or*needy, and in case of, 'thejlatter, the 'County Council must be the 'only almoners. The sick it is j true are generally taW down to the Thames, and no donbt there meet with all the care and attention that their ailments require, but it is out of all reason that a journey of such length should be needful to obtain both. As yet no steps have been taken to provide hospital accommodation in the district, but it must be patent to every one who will give the subject a moment's reflection, that the time has fully arrived for movement in that direction. Already the population here is steadily increasing, and permanent settlement may be reasonably expected to greatly take place, whilst so far nothing has been done to establish one of the most necessary as well as noble institutions, a properly-equipped hospital. It is true that the district is exceptionally healthy, and anything like epidemics are h'therto unknown, bit as the community increases the same immunity can hardly be expected, and with the impending opening up of our mines, and the great stimulus that will thus be given to persons to settle in the neighborhood, more accidents and illness may of course be looked for. There are at present numbers now, who have no means of procuring proper care and attendance in the event of their being prostrated by sickness, and these, as the mines are developed will naturally be very largely added to. It must be apparent that it is time for the residents to look to this, and not delay any longer in making the necessary provision. A very little expense will supply all that is urgently needed, and trifling liberality meet the present requirements of the case. It is to be assumed that on proper representations being made the Government would at least lend some substantial assistance towards the erection of a suitable building and its furnishing. After that, should there be no change in the existing system, the County would be looked for to subsidise the institution, and the Government would give £ for £ on all subscriptions gathered from all sources. Not only is this afforded on direct voluntary contributions, but the nett results of entertainments given in aid, of whatever kind, of charitable subscriptions gathered at churches or other, and we are sure that this district would readily assist in such a good cause. A local committee, elected by subscribers, would as in other places, manage the internal arrangements, and these are elected annually. As a matter of course the gentlemen composing the said committees give their services gratuitously, and the only expenses at starting would be a wardsman and the medical officer. As the duties of these officers for some time would probably be light, their salaries would not be a large item, and, as patients increased so would subscriptions in a like ratio. Miners and others subscribing to the funds, as it were insure themselves against a bad day, for they can then demand admission in case of serious illness, as a right and not a charity. In nearly every district in the colony of equal importance and population such an institution exists, and in all are they well supported. In mining centres where mishaps of greater or less consequence are frequently occurring, the establishment of a hospital is a paramount necessity, and in a very short time it will be so felt here. It is to be hoped then that the question will meet with the consideration to which it is entitled, and that, ' before Parliament prorogues, steps will be taken to carry it out, for it is pretty certain that endowment will be granted if asked for. We commend the matter to the earnest thought of all, with we trust, the happy result of a Te Aroha district hospjtal being established before much longer time has gone by.

That there is a conflict of opinion between the residents in Te Aroha, and a large number of those of Waiorongomai, in relation to the advisability of establishing a Municipality was certainly shown at the meeting held at the latter place on Thursday evening last. That a fear of being in some way wronged, or sustaining some injury, if the Borough were established, is at the bottom of the WaiorQUgornai rtpppsition there can be no §psty, andJfris not to be wnndere 1 "jfj.^ft^V beingso liherally dealt with by County Council, people should ,<nafcurAlly, be averse to change, though that involved direct local self-^overn-raent by local members elected by themselves tyer&tfce' Pit^tfpountil in a position to'befte,fit the,golcifields, as they j have done in ill© pa^t, there^ would no I doubt lie reason in hesitating to I ' ' J S VjJ (

bring about any su.ch small social resolution as the formation of a Borough would entail. But that is just where the rub conies in, and that is a matter into wliich all in Te Aroha, Waiorongomai, nurl other contemplated portions of the projected municipality should especially enquire. IE we are not strangely misinformed it will be out of the power of the Piako Council to afford this district any longer the great and liberal assistance, that lias formerly hcen granted, and further it is the desire of at least a large section of that body to let the inhabitants at this' end of their boundary run alone. At the present time it is not our intention to re-open discussion in any form on the matter, but we would suggest that, at the coming monthly meeting of the Council, which will be held in Te Aroha, on Friday next, a deputation should wait on that body and ascertain definitely and conclusively what their view's are and, what probable aid they are likely to give in future to that indispensable work, the tramway. If they can Extend the same liberal hand, till thaj* has been completed that they have held out hitherto, then things will be materially altered, but if they cannot, the new Borough, having no other than local responsibilities and works to consider would have far more power to find the funds necessary to complete the work. Be this as it may, it would surely be well to ascertain beyond all doubt, what the Council can do, and will do, and this can easily be accomplished by such a deputation as has been suggested. Even leaving the Borough, for the present, an open question, surely when the full Council is sitting, at our very doors as it were, when they can consider and decide at once on what they will or can do, itwould be foolish in the extreme for the residents here to throw away such an opportunity of gaininginformation of such importance. The question i* one on which both advocates and opponents of the Borough cannot possibly disagree, and we sincerely hope that a Wantage will be taken by those most materially interested to hear an explicit and unquestionable statement from councillors as to what they can and will provide for the future of Te Aroha district.

p j The Post and Telegraph Offices have been shifted to the nevr and much more convenient quarters in Bewi-street, but unless the Government do something in making approaches access will be altogether cut off in wet weather. Although the removal in question is of such importance, and a fact of which every local resident shouH be apprised, the Chief Postmaster of the district, 1 iving at the Thames, refused to notify it by the ordinary channel of advertising. We therefore give the news gratis to those who may have business at either office. We need hardly say that the new quarters are very much more spacious and convenient both for the /public and the fr The Piako County Council notify a rate of three farthings in the £, which is to be levied fin outlying districts. """ There is a great chance of a Blue Bibbon Army invasion, the Bey. Mr Bull having communicated with the head-quarters in Auckland, inviting them to send a detachment to Te Aroha. Whether we are worth reforming is as yet a moot point. Possibly the number of recruits is not likely to be large enough to justify active warfare in Te Aroha. A drover named Joseph Hedley lost his life recently under peculiar circumstances in the Hawke's Bay district. Deceased and two others were engaged in crossing a mob of sheep over the Waipawa Biver. It was a bitterly cold day and a high wind was blowing. The sheep were exceedingly troublesome, many of them having to be carried. The men were working from 5.30 a.m., and it was 3.30 p.m. before the last of the sheep were got over. Deceased (Hedley) then fell exhausted into the river. The lower part of the body was quite congested when it was recovered. He was carried to a hotel at Waipawa, and medical assistance instantaneously obtained, but without avail. The culture of the olive bids fair to be another vast source of national wealth to New Zealand. On this subject the N.Z. Herald of Monday last says : — " The growth of olive tices in the province is slowly but steadily extending. In many different places a few trees, which may have been planted years \• > re one by one beginning to bear fruit. If the habit is persisted in for several years to come of putting in a few olive trees around the homes of our settlers in country districts, the time would come insensibly when a very large number of bearing trees would be found in every district. If care in the meantime were taken to preserve the name of the different sorts planted, the means of extending olive cultivation, in suitable districts, would be at the disposal of our settlers, without incurring the annual trouble of paying nurserymen for the trees they require. The other day we received from Mr James McGregor, Coromandel, a specimen of the olives- grown in his garden there. The trees he has are part of "those brought by Mr McLeod, from Italy, some dozen years ago. Unfortunately he has lost their names, but they are Doth of the oil-producing varieties. The berry of one appears to be very much larger than the other/ but both would no doubt yield oil in abundance, if care were taken to crush the berries and extract the oil. He has informed us that the crop this season is a very large one, and that bushels have fallen off as they became dead ripe. In the course of time these, olive trees will become sources of wealth, but 1 they require to be planted in greater numbers*" An inqueßt was- held on Saturday last &i Waiorongomai on the remains of the Maori found at Wairakau, particulars of which appeared in our last issue. No new facts were brought forward, and a verdict of found dead, without any evidence to show how deceased came by his, death, was returned. Mr C. S. Stafford, J.P., conducted the enquiry. The new bridge recently erected by Mr Boche on -his property at Ohineroa has already proved a great convenience to settlers and others in the distriot, and the thanks of the public are fairly due to that gentleman. We have received the first number of a new publication, entitled " The New Zealand and Australian Bee Journal." It is devoted exclusively to treating on subjects connected with bee culture, and contains a large quantity of matter respecting this industry. It is edited by Mr Hopkins, who is a high, authority k on all bee matters, and' published by Mr Hayr, of Auckland. It is well got up, and contains a large amount of information most useful to all interested in thii pursuit. Theß iy x 6i Plenty Times says that, hares have so ncre'tisecl in the Tauranga district as to havt become a positive nuisance) and

suggests that the farmers should take action for their destruction. A man name 3 Morton, engaged in the' Sugar Company's works at Dcv import, fell ' overboard from the ferry steamer on Saturday last and was drowned. Tho Melbourne Cup handicapper has put such excessive weights on the New, Zealand horses that it is doubtful whether either will start for the great event. Bundoora has already been scratched. A rather curious, and by no means pleasant importation of scorpions has been recently made by the sohooner Pirate, which recently arrived in Auckland from the Islands. The attention of the Mayor has been drawn to the fact. A New Zealand Babbit Skin Exchange has been opened in Dunedin ; to purchase any quantity of skins to supply orders from felt manufacturers in Glasgow, London and Brussels. The new gaoler in Auckland, recently transferred from Lyttelton, has revolutionised the management of the gaol. Prisoners are compelled "to salute" the gaoler and chief warder, but are not required to % do the same towards clifcgymen, whether o£ their Oivn denomination or otherwise. Mr Cocks, draper, has now fully entered in his new premises in Whitaker street, where ho will be happy to meet his friends and customers. Owing to delays that were unavoidable he was unable to complete his building for occupation till this week. The fittings, <fee, of the shop are all that can be desired, and a large stock is ready for inspection. The contractors of the farmstead and buildings about being erected for the Bank of New Zealand at Manawaru, are making good progress, and the buildings will very shortly be ready for occupation. The property recently belonged to Mr Carr, and will now be turned to very profitable account. | Some little prospecting has been recently going on, as far as bad weather permitted, on j the Te Arofta side of the hill, and though ! nothing special has resulted, the indications have been of a most favorable nature. A suggestion has been made that the townspeople ehould each subscribe a small sum weekly, in proportion to their moans and business, for the purpose of carrying on prospecting on an organised system if even on a small scale. The proposal seems to be a reasonable one, for there is scarcely a resident who cannot spare a shilling or two a week. Should anything good come of it all would benefit, and were it utter loss, the amount spent would not be felt amongst a whole community. One person in large business has volunteered lo collect the money weekly without fee or reward, and all subscribers would have a say as to how the money gathered should be disposed of. We hope something may come of it for as surely as the sun shines, one day or other the reefs on this side as well as in other parts of the mountain will prove in the highest degree payable. f The connection by telephone between Te Aroha and Waiorongomai has now baen thoroughly and most satisfactorily established and the convenience to residents at both places has been very great, more especially in the recent bad weather an 1 the consequently infamous condition of the road. A number of experiments with the recent means of communication have been triei with the greatest success, and the tones of tho?c conversing together are as audible to each other almost as if they were in the same room. The office at Wa ; orongomai is at Mr SoppetS's store, wheie every possible accommodation has been afforded by the proprietor for facilitating intercourse, and at the same time preserving the necessary privacy. The telephone is a great boon, and as time goes on its value will be still further appreciated. The contract for conveying seven tons of plates and rails for the connection between the New Find Company, and the tramway was taken by Mr Dennis Murphy at £7 10s per ton. When the Bonanza Company stopped working, it was thought, and is thought still by many of those most qualified to form an accurate opinion, that, by driving a hundred feet further, payable stone would be struck. That idea is still held by some of those who should be well acquainted with the ground, and it is proposed by a few of these to form a small company of Te Aroha residents to further prove the claim. We hopo the proposal will be carried out, especially as so small a sum is required. The very bad weather that has prevailed the whole week has had the effect of making business of all kinds, whether mining or otherwise, exceedingly dull. It is no use saying more about the roads, as no amount of protest seems to have the slightest effect. They are now worse than they have been this winter, and accidents of one kind or another are constant. The Hamilton ccach has not been able to get through in one day, and indeed the only wonder is how it has got through at all, for the mud for miles is axle deep, and m some of the worst parts the liquid slush fairly touches the bed of the vehicle. In the early part of the week strong winds prevailed, but latterly heavy rain squalls, occasionally accompanied by thunder and lightning, have occurred. Up to the time of writing the weather continues unsettled, but it is expected to take up, and that a fine week may reward us in some degree for the wretchedness of the past one. The infamous libels on the present Native Minister, Mr Bryce, published by 1 Mr Eusden in his History of New Zealand seem fated to bring their author to serious grief. In the first place Mr Bryce has resolved on going home at the conclusion of the session to prosecute the defamer, and, as an addition, Mr J. B. Whyte, member for this distriot, has tabled a motion in the House of Bepresentatives that His Excellency ha requested to place a sum on the Estimates to meet any expenses incurred in the suit. There can be little doubt that the House will carry the resolution, for if public men, holding high offices under the Crown, are to be so vilely traduced and receive no protection from Parliament, it would speak ill for our representatives. The case will excite the most intense excitement both in England and the Colonies, for without doubt Sir Arthur Gordon was one of the sources from which Mr Rusden drew some inspiration and he may be placed in , the witness box to substantiate his statements. r~We specially wish to remind our readers that a concert in aid of the Church of England fund at Te Aroha, will be given at the Hall on Tuesday evening next. Owing to a variety of cau&es, chiefly bad roads, the attendance has been scanty of late, and the offertory has so suffered that enough has not been gathered to provide for the minister's stipend and currjent expenses. In order to supplement the funds, this pleasant way has been resolved on, and ladies and' gentlemen have most readily offered their services. These are not only confined to the district proper, but some welcome volunteers are even coming from the Thames and Paeroa should the weather be at all favorable, and both yooal and instrumental musio will be provided by them. The weather will in all" likelihood be'favourable, as it is fairly to be presumed that the stormy elements have > exhausted themselves,* and in addition there will be a good moon to light home those who may attend from a distance. l Full particulars appear in our advertising'oolumns, as well as programme, <fe,c. Unions the weather be bad, we feel quite sure that irrespective of the intrinsic attractions of the ooncert itself, the good cause in which it is given will enlist the

! sympathy and support, of all denominations,' j who, in the colony at least, to their' credit be it aa,id, always unite, harmoniously in lending helping hands to each other at the time of need. As will be seen "by announcement in another column, a meeting of subscribers to the Te Aroha Publio Library will be held this.evening, (Saturday) for the purpose of signing the deed of incorporation. " We' are! glad to say that this* undertaking seems to show every symptom of robust life, and should be at once a great success and a credit to the .township and those who have inaugurated it. The for preparing a large number of the County rolls throughout the colony has been extended until Monday next, the 16th inst., and the inspection till the 31st. The time for the rolls to come into force after being duly corrected and signed is the Ist of September. This is in consequence of the alteration of boundaries in several of the ridings of various counties, amongst others those of Piako, Waitoa, Matamata, and Taotaoroa ridings. The adjourned meeting at Waiorongomai to consider the advisability of forming a municipality in the district was held on Thursday evening at Lawless' Hotel, Mr G. Brown in the chair. Messrs Taylor and Lawless spoke against the proposed borough.', the latter saying that the Piako County Council had looked after their interests so well that they should take no other steps without the Council's written sanction. Further, the latter moved " That this meeting protests against Waiorongomai or any other part of the goldfields being included in the proposed borough, and is of opinion that the interests of all parties will be secured by remaining in Piako County as at present." Mr Soppett seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. In reply to questions by Mr Taylor, Mr Well" explained that the County Council would still have the same interests in case of a borough being established, and again urged that the people of Waiorongomai would not regret taking such a step. Mr Lawless give as his opinion ! that the proposed division into wards would be of no use to Waiorongomai as regarded representation. After that meeting had j closed another was initiated, the same chairman presiding, its objects being to elect a Waiorongomai committee to watch over the interests of that district. Mr P. Ferguson was the leading speaker, and proposed that the following gentlemen be appointed such committee: Messrs Lawless, Baskett, Smardon, Applegate, H. H. Adams, H. McLiver, C Brown and himself. The committee to collect information and watch over the interests of the district. This was seconded by Mr Hunt and carried. It was further resolved that the Committee should call a public meeting if any action was taken regarding the formation of a borough or anything in which the interests of Waiorongomai were concerned. This concluded the second meeting which then adjourned. The contractors for Mr Coleman's new hotel have lost no time in setting to work. A large quantity of the timber is on the ground, the debris of the late fire is being rapidly cleared and the site levelled ready {for the buildtng. The work is to be completed in ten weeks. An ordinary meeting of the Arizona Company will be held at the Company's office, N.Z. Insurance Company's buildings, on Friday, the 27th inst., at 2.30 p.m. A meeting of shareholders in the Golden Hill Licensed Holding, No. 1, will be held at the Eobin Hood Hotel on Friday next, the 20th inst., at 7.30 p.m._ A first dividend in the estate of T. W. Carr is announced to be payable on the Ist August next. The regular monthly meeting of the Piako County Council will be held, as previonsly announced, at Te Aroha on Friday next, the 20th inst. The business is to strike a separate rate for Te Aroha riding, and to transact such other business as may be brought before the meeting. The condition of the street in front of the Post end Telegraph Office ia simply disgraceful, and almost impassible. Surely the local officer-in-charge of public works would be justified in laying down a few fascines and putting on a little gravel, so that people could cross without getting over their boottops in mud. As the Eesident Magistrate, Mr H. Kenrick, is on his holiday, the Bench at the Court to be held on Tuesday next will be occupied by Messrs Wells and Stafford, J.s'P. As yet the business set down is light, and as there is not much chance of anything very serious happening in the meantime, the task of the honorary justices will be a light one in all probability. There will be, as we sta ted in our last, no Warden's Court till the 7th of August next.