SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1883. Te Aroha News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 9, 4 August 1883, Page 2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1883.

Te Aroha News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

'Thie above* all — to thino own-solf bn true And it must, follow hs the night tho riny, Thou canst not then be talsu to any innn.' — Whakeajieare.

The idea of connecting Te Aroha and YVaiorongomai by tramway is by no means a new one, but, till recently, the future of the miners has hardly been so .insured as to justify (he expenditure (hat such a work would require. At the present time, however, the value of the mines, though not absolutely proved by large or continuous crushing, is so positively ascertained that there cannot lie the slightest doubt in the minds of even the most sceptical,' and on the completion of the nunifiir tramway to feed the battery, a wholly new era will begin in the district. It is not worth while telling again an oft told tide, or going into details in support of our assertion. If there are unbelievers let them p^o up the hill and judge tor themselves, and. if an inspection of the claims doi^s i\ot convince t:iem, all we can say is tliat they know nothing whatever of mint's or, mining prospeeis. Though the date cannot be specifically fixed, owing to the great difficulties that have beon encou'ntereJ ia M»e formation, the mining tramway will be in operation, it is hoped and believed, certainly within two months. :wd consequently a very much increased population, as well as a great deal larger go^ls i.'tiiliv 1 , will be t.»e result. r i\ie«

railway too will be finished in nine 1 or ton months, anil will swell both in no .smili degree. At the present tiirie win 414 1 d traffic may lie said to be almost closed between here and Wuiorongomai, thougu it is likely that iv a few weeks it may be resumed if the weather takes up finally. Still at the best times in the year dray traffic is both expensive and unsatisfactory as compare J with that of, a properly laid down tramway, whilst for passenger accommodation coaches or other vehicles, no matter how good, cannot for a moment be compared. All things considered, we think our reaaerfe will have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the construction of a l ram. line between here and Waiordngomai would certainly be a great public boon, whilst looking at it from a promoter's point of view it seems to shadow out an excellent speculation presuming that the County Council, in the first place, will grant certain concessions, and in the next that it will not be attended by any very heavy cost. With respect to the first, there is every ron,s<jv to suppose that the Council would amfir the same privileges that other and far larger bodies have extended to the promoters of tramways in other parts of the colony, though, as a natural consequence, they would lay down fair and equitable con iitions on which consent would be given to use the roads : or other parts within their jurisdiotio i. With reference to the cost, a professional man, wnose opinion may be fully relied on, has kindly furnished us with an approximate estimate, which we subjoin. In the first place, the length would be, roughly speaking, about three miles, t.ioug.i that is a little over the real distance. The tramway would start from and connect with the railway station, so goo Is and passengers could go straight to Waiorongonui without difficulty. T.ie gradients on tie proposed line are very easy, and but litth cutting would be require 1. The cost oi the earthwork is calculated at about £1000. The rails would only need to be light, 201b rails being cousidore I sufficient to meet the requirements of the traffic for some time to co no. The cost of these is estimated at £ 1 2b'0, and their laying, <fee, £032 irure. Ballast is put down at £168, and the expense of sleepers, £U)\). Holliiv stock, including a steam motor, is calculated at £1000 in round numbers, the whole amounting to £4510. Evon adding on £490 to maki' up an even £SJOO, there should be no difficulty whatever in getling a small company fornuil without the least delay. Wita the improving weather that may" fairly be shortly expected, the work could be done in some two months, and be ready, if commenced forthwith, almost as soon as the mining^ tnjmwo^ begins work. Without the least doubt there is money in the speculation, for in the summer time at all events boats cannot go up to Wiiiorongomai, and even if they could tue residents theie must pay for a mile's haulage, for half of which in all probability tiiey could have their goods landed at their doors by a tram line. Were one or two leadingmen of the district only to take the matter up, the scheme conld be launched with the greatest ease, and in the Thames and Auckland we venture to say the balance of shares would be readily taken after those? that local men would secure. The facilitation of intercourse between this township and the mines is of the greatest moment to each, and by no moan? could it be brought about so rea tily a.s by a tramway. We trust that this selfevident fact will induce some of those, who aie so deeply inti'ivsted in tie advancv of the To Aiolia District, to ta\e the question into their early consideration, with a view lo taking early action, and executing a work t'tat viil! at once be a vast public benefit and oi the same time u must profitable inventmom.

Our brief reference to the con ii lion of the cemetery hero, shoeing how scandalously neglected it had Wen, tins attracted tiie attention of many persons who are scan 'alised at it being permitted to remain in such an unprotected condition. We have been asked for information respecting legislation on tne subject, <»nd therefore nive a brief abstract of the Cemeteries Act passed last year, which will srive all that is required. The Governor is authorised to appoint trustees of cemeteries, and the said trustees have power to hold lands and property vested, in them. Trustees are authorised to borrow money, at interest not exee.eling 8 per cent., for the purpose of laying ova and cemeteries in proper order. They must also publish rules and regulations and the scale of fees. The trustees must enclose the land comprised in all cemeteries in a proper way, and may lay out and ornament witii walks, avenues, shrubs, &c, as to them may seem fitting and proper. They have various other powers and duties, amongst others may make any new loads to the cemetery or widen and improve any existing roads. How greatly required this is heie sad and recent experience proved. On the application of the governing body of any church or denomination a part of every cemetery may be set apart for Hie exclusive interment of the bodies of members of' such church or denomination, and such portions may be consecrated aecor ling to the rites of each. There are a great many other functions and powers given to trustees^ that require- no special'reference to now, it is what bears (>h our own 1 ' mutters that is uf - present import/mce. We now come to the responsibility of local bodies The following is the $6Vn Clause : " It shall be the duty of every local authority '(o p.rovide a suitable come , tery for the juU»nneutoi the cioad, w'mao

sufficient provision is 'Hot otherwise made f<ir thai- purpose," The 'italics are our own, but by what follows our readers will lie able to form a shrewd guess as to what the Legislature deemed a " suit-r able " cemetery, } The local authority bore, we may say, ;in the absence of a Borough, is the Piako County Council. Local bodies are ex ojjicio or may be appointed trustees. Now comes a section bearing specially on the duties of trustees, and how far the Council have fulfilled those, briefly compiised in the 51st section of the AetJ all wiio'have visited the To Arohfr . Cemetevy know. , It is short and runs thus : " Every, part of a cemetery and burial ground shall be enclosed by -walls or other sufficient fences." Again the italics are ours, but it is clear that gieat neglect of duty as well as decency has been shown in this respect, to say nothing about an actual offence against the law. Tne following clause enjoins that all fences and buildings shall be kept in good repair, and powers are given to trustees' to make all fteoes"s^iry drains and sewers. Clause 60 empowers the Colonial Secretary from time to time to direct the inspection of cemeteries to ascertain their state and condition, as well as to find whether they have been kept in accordance with the regulations of this Act. Were such a visitor to drop down at Te Aroha, he would be greatly surprised in the first place, and the Council would no doubt hoar from him on the subject. The following, the 61st, will show the ex ojjicio trustees that they are in danger. It runs as follows : "If any trustee, manager, guardian, or other person having the care of or employed in sucn cemetery or burial ground subject to such cemetery or burial ground regulations, shall violate, or neglect, or fail to conform to, or ob;y, or to enforce any such regulations, he shall on conviction bcfoie any two Justices, forfeit mid pay a sum not exceeding ten pounds." Should tne Inspector fin.l any cemetery in a state of neglect he may cause fences or other requirements to be done forthwith, and tue cost be recovered from the trustees, w net her appointed or ex ojjicio. Tne owners of ( stock of any kind trespassing upon the ground of a cemetery are liable to a penalty per head of not less than £1 or more than £5, though actual damage may , not be proved. Whether stock strays on our unfenced cemetery we cannot say, i but the penalties are fixed as above. Altogether it is very clear that the County Council, probably through ignorance, iave greatly neglected tue duties that ; their position entails, and we would suggest th;it a memorial be sent to thorn on tue subject asking them eittier to act tiemsi'lves or else recommend to His Excellency the names of local men, with i request that he siould appoint them trustees in accordance with the Act. The County Council woul 1 thereby be lvheved of all responsibility, and th:>. present cemetery scandal speedily put an und to.

It is proposed to form a company for the investment of capital in mining shares in our goLlfield. The promoters, believing that fehe scrip and shares of the several companies are at a nominal value at the present time, and also that many men of limited means, and others (especially our country friends) have not the opportunity of investing generally in the field, and by thab means sharing in the '_;ood things to come, propose to form an Investment Company wherein all who are desirous may participate. The capital to consist of £1 shares, payable by instalments of is per week per share until the &\ is paid up, so that there may bo few, if any, but can take some interest, however small, if shoy wish to do so, the directors to be appointed by the sharehol lers to sanction all purchases anl sales of shares. All details will be arranged at a public meeting to be called for Saturday next, the llfch inst., by which time all concerned will have fully considered the proposal. It the company is to be forme 1 no time should be lost, so that shares can be purchased before further rise in the market, which is certain to take place shortly. , The Public Library Cozumitfcec will hold a meeting this evening aud all members are specially re ucsted to attend. We are glad to hear that the prospects of the new institution are very good, and in a short time it will be firmly established. There is no doubt what-,-ever that the £6000 grant to public libraries, voted by Parliament last year, will be renewed this session, and Te Aroha will, withoutdoubt, obtain a fair proportionate share of it. The new Native Land Bill, drafted and revised by Chief Judge Macdonald, is now before the House. The changes are not to be as was at first reported. It is a most conservative measure, its chief tendency being to put a stop to transactions in native land until the title has been ascertained by the Court. .For u breach of its enactments no penal clauses are to be provided, as was at one time reported, but heavy pecuniary fines are provided for. With regard to its provisions, the chances are strongly in favor of its passage this session. A meeting of persons interested in the •"ormation of an Oddfellows' Lodge in Te Aroha district was held at Walker's Palace Hotel, at half-past 8 on Saturday evening last. There was a goodly number present, mostly old members of the Order. It was proposed that Messrs Harris and Ahier, res- i peetively, be chairman and secretary of the i meeting. After some preliminary business had been gone through a committee was appointed to make all the necessary arrangements required for the establishment of/ a Lodge in Te Aroha, and the meeting then adjourned till this evening (Saturday), when the report of the committee will be considered. Messrs P. and D. Duncan last week made a successful trial at the Bacecourse of their improved disc harrow ([says the Lytelton Times,) •.he novelties in whioh they have proteoted by letters patent. Of these the first that may be noted is the substitution of shafts for a polo, uliuh lessening the weight to be dealt with by vhe horses, which they also prevent ,' backing upon the knives or discs; another ittiproveuieut is an arrangement for connecting the I > iwo rows, of discs, which while allowing the ' see-saw motion, at the same tim& allows .ijhopi, to'aqse arid' fall independently of each other' is the . introduction of a iiall and so'ol&t joint, allowing the draught ttlaitc.s.iouoscr^vyed together . perfectly rigid .viU|orit jamming on the sojkeb, by which' oaoji set of disoa can accommodate itself , to ihemivluln-fciorn of Uie %faan t, a/il be fKr to ael/U any duturea augie; yo« uuouutu.' nu-

provement is the attachment of an axle to the shafts for the purpose of fixing wheels to transform the harrows into a vehiole when the machine, not at work, has to be moved from' one place to another, in which case the discs are unshipped, and laid upon a frame at the baok of the shafts. The various improvements, it will be seen, are of considerable value, and the manner in which they have been oarried out reflects great credit on the invention and skill of the proprietors. The following additional horsed have been scratched for the , Melbourne Cup :— King Charles, Spread Eagle, Guesswork, Achilles, andEedbank. The next payment is to be made on the 7th inst., and it is expected that a large number of horses will then drop out. A great many people nominate animals, though they have no intention whatever to go further than paying the nomination, solely for the purpose of enhancing -their value in the eyes of the public whether they are stud horses, or are for sale. Amongst the above scratchings there is only one real racehorse, Guesswork. The informer, James Carey, who saved his neck by turning Queen's evidence, though apparently ono of ,the worst of the Phoonix Park murdering gang, is reported as haying been killed at Port Elizabeth, Natal, on board the steamer Montrose, by a fellow passenger naraod O'Oonnell. 1 The murderer has been arrested and will probably be hanged, as the case is clear. Mr H. Kenrick, Warden and B.M. for the Thames District, returned from his month's holiday on Tuesday last. He will hold Courts nere on Tuesday next. We have been favored with a copy of a paper entitled the Boston Daily Globe, dated January Ist, 1981, or one hundred years in advance. It is a full-sized paper, printed in small type, and contains many very amusing articles relating to aerial trains and other presumed advances in science. The journal i in question, however, is another proof of the advertising ingenuity of our American cousins as in reality it is only a new mode of puffing Jacob's Oil, a majority of its contents having some reference to this medicament. | Very recently a petition was sent down by a number of residents in the Waikato praying for the removal of Mr Northcroft, B.M. for that district. In opposition to that the Harai ilfcon Borough Council heU a special meeting on Monday last at which resolutions, expressing biie Council's entire and unqualified dissent from the allegations made in the petition were carried unanimously. They further stated the thorough satisfaction members of the Council felt both in the demeanor and the decisions of the gentleman in question when on the Bench, and it was resolved to at once telegraph a oopy of the resolutions arrived at, for the information and consideration of Parliament. It is a good sign to find that residents are putting up new buildings in every direction or adding to old ones. At the present time carpenters easily find full work in the district, and as the supply of timber is well maintained by the local mills there is little delay for those who wish to erect new houses. It is probable that in a short time building will be Btill more extensive, and already sections for business sites in this township anl at Waiorongomai have greatly risen in value. Mr William Buck, of Piako, has sold the Phoenix Hotel to a new comer from Canterbury. As a proof of how property in the district is improving in value, we may inatance ; this sale. Mr Buck purchased it for £1000 ! about a year ago, and, after doing a very good business in the interval, has sold it now for ' £1800, thus clearing no less than £800, in addition to any profits that have aocrued from the year's trade. Bradley and Co. have just completed a new range of stabling next to the Palace Hotel. The present building contains fourteen stalls and three loose boxes, but they propose to shortly add the same number of stalls, as well aa to build a spacious coach-house. The stall floors will all be cemented, and effective drainage be provided for. An office, which will also serve as a saddle and harness room, is pat up adjoining the stable, and the premises when finished will be complete and convenient in every respect. The firm is well known to keep good stock for those who may require them, and in addition to saddle horses, single and double buggies are constantly on hire. They will start the daily coach to the Thames again on the first of, next month, and are now making all necessary arrangements for the purpose. The new stables are a great addition to the township, as well as a convenience to travellers, and we wish the proprietors all success. Mr N. Ferguson takes charge of*the sstaole department, and will do it nil justice, whilst Mr Bradley will do the outside business. In accordance with a memorial presented to the Chief Postmaster nt Auckland, and very numerously siguci, an alteration in the time of mails leaving here for Hamilton and vice versa has been rmule. The mails from here now leave at 7.30 a.m., and a<j 7 o'clock from Hamilton, the time taken being about 8 hours on the road. This has been found a great convenience to business people. The Auckland Postmaster sent the following reply to tho memorialists, noting the change: — "To Messrs Wells, Soutter and others signing the memorial. — Gentlemen. — I have the honor 1 to acknowledge the receipt of your memorial of the 18th inst. (July), asking that the time-table of the mail service between Hamilton and Te Aroha be altered during the months of August and September, in consequence of the present condition of the road. I beg to inform you in reply, that I have decided, after careful en juivy, to comply with your request ; it is, however, to be regretted that this road has not beea maintained in a state of repair, and that the mails should be delayed for 17 hours at Hamilton from this oause." We heartily 'share in the Postmaster's regret, but cannot compel the Piako Council. The only consolation is that those members who attended the last meeting here had an excellent if piumul proof of the so-called roads entrusted to their care. Had they to make a monthly pilgrimage over them, we venture to say that their condition would be promptly improved. The scavenging done on the occasion of the last storm was not confined to Te Aroha, but the same happy effects were experienced throughout the district. It is a long time since the ropris have been in so good a condidition, especially between here and Shaftesbury as they are at the present time. Countless tons of mud were literally washed off the face of the roads, an'l places where there was a foot or eighteen inches of adhesive dark mud are now washed quite clean down to the solid earth. At the same time there are several yawning gulfs left at intervals along the various routes, which have been rather deepened than otherwise by the heavy rain, and travellers must be very cautious in trying their depths. Surely the County Council might throw a few loads of gravel into these, and so put an end to any danger from them. On the road to Shaftesbury, from Waiorongomai, just after the turning from the latter, a culvert has been choked up, being utterly insufficient to carry away the volume of water that came down. The consequence is that there is a break in the road of from twelve to fifteen feet in width and three or four feet deep. This compels people on horseback lo make a tolerably long detour to get round or .to do a little steeplechasing by jumping it. The attention of Iho authorities should be drawn to it without delay. At the E.M. and Warden's Courts, to be 'teid n? xt Tnfifciav, there arc one <v two cases, of inteiudu uo ue heard, tv the ii.AI. Court

Mt B. Montague sues Mr McLiver for the return of a deposit of £1(30 for the purchase of the Premier Hotel. Mr Cotter, of Auckland, and Mr Cuff appear for the plaintiff, and Mr Miller, of the Thames, will be for the defence. There are other unimportant cases also for hearing. In the Warden's Court the same, plaintiff sues Mr Ashley for £100 for breach, of contract in refusing to- complete the sale of the Premier Hotel, Waiorongomai. The case is brought in the Warden's Court, as the title to the land is in dispute, it being built on goldfields lands, and held under 'a business license. Another suit is brougtit in the Warden's Court, Colebropk v. Kiliaa and Ehrenfried, in which damages to the amount of £200 are claimed for the rescinding of a contract for the erection of a building. It would seem that value attaches [to properties at Waiorongomai when legal talent from Auckland and the Thames is imported to assist the local members of the profession. A death occurred at Shaftesbury on Wednesday laßt, the wife of Mr Thomas Thompson having on that day succumbed to consumption. The Hot Springs Hotel is being vigorously proceeded with, and will probably be completed by the contractors within the time of. their contract, notwithstanding the roughhandling they had at the outset owing to the bad weather which culminated in the storm. We referred to their promptitude on that occasion ■ ■in repairing damages, but designated* tlie firm Penk and Co., whereas the proper tf title is Penk and Allen. During the storm of last week the Shaftesbury residents did not by any means escape scofc free. In addition to levelling several fences, a brick chimney at the rear of" Mr Eoche's House at Ohineroa was blown down, as also one at Thompson and Harris. Mr •Squiirell suffered in a similar way, and a cottage belonging to Grant and Forster, occupied by a laborer named McLeod, was completely unroofed, great damage to the contents from the pouring rain lieing the result. Some of Mr Cox's outbuildings were also damaged, but we do not know to what extent. On the whole, however, this portion of the district came off better than either Waiorongomai or Te Aroha. Another of the old native chiefs, Aperahama belonging to Te Aroha, has passed* away, having died at Puriri on the 27th ult. The deceased was one of the few loyal Hauraki, and who throughout all the troubles stuck staunchly to the European cause. He had embraced Christianity, and for about twenty years was a lay reader of the Church of England amongst his countrymen. He owned considerable property on the Thames goldfields, and was greatly respected by both Maoris and Europeans. Natives from all parts of the district have gone to his tangi, and others are going to-day. He leaves two sons, Aihe Pepene and Beha. His loss will be greatly felt amongst the native population, and his place amongst them will not be readily filled. It is somewhat surprising that no steps have been hitherto taken towards the establishment of a hospital in the district. Every one admits ifcsuaecessity, but what is everybody's business is nobody's business, and no one will set the ball rolling. There is no doubt that^everyone would assist in the good cause if a start were only made, and it is to lie hoped that one or two public spirited residents will call b, meeting to discuss the subject, The new school having been quickly restored to its proper position, from which it was shifted by the late storm, was formally opened on Wednesday afternoon last by Mr. James Lavery, chairman of the School Committje,?»vho in a .«hort and very appropriate address congratulated the inhabitants on obtaHiing so suitable a building for the purpose, and on having the long felt need at last supplied. He also impressed upon **p^»«mts the necessity of sending their children regularly to school and other duties in connection with the training of the young. Messrs Lawless and Ferguson also addressed the meeting. Mr Cocks and others attended from Te Aroha. Almost forty children were present, for whom a bountiful supply of good jjhings were provided. After this Mrs Lawless favoured the company with several choice ♦selections on the piano forte, kindly lent for the occasion. The meeting then adjourned till 8 o'clock, when about twenty couples and many onlookers were present and they kept up the dancing till midnight. Mrs Lawless kmdly provided the music by presiding at the piano, indeed much of the success of the ailair is due to!Ker. It is we believe the first social gathering' of the kind that has taken place in Waiorongomai, and seemed to be greatly enjoyed,"especially by the ladies. We would add our congratulation to the inhabitants of the township on obtaining a school at last. But we hope to ere long to see a proper school house erected, suited to the requirements of this rising district. The present number of scholars will at once fill the temporary school, which, with the early influx of population that is certain to take place shortly, wilt- be utterly inadequate to afford sufficient accommodation. The Public Hall Company are,, we are glad to say, making several needed improvements in the building. In the first place they are making the approaches better, have a^ded steps to the stage from the body of the -Hall, and are taking measures to obviate the dranghts that caused so many to shiver at the last performance. The next thing they will have to do, we fancy, will be to greatly enlarge, indeed if they double the existing structure, it would not long be too extensive. < In connection with the establishment of a Choral Society here to whioh we recently referred, we learn that negociations have been opened with Mr Dew.ar, of Paeroa, and he has consented to act as conductor, if he can get together a tonic-sol-fa class, so as to pay therewith the travelling expense to which he would be necessarily put. We hear that between twenty and thirty members can readily be obtained, so that there is little doubt of the Choral Society being established. Mr G A Burgess has been most active in the work, and should the society be successful the chief credit of its formation will be due to him.