The Aroha and Ohinemuri News and UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 174, 16 October 1886, Page 2

The Aroha and Ohinemuri News and UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

' This above all — to thine own self bo true And it must follow as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.' — Shakespeare.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1886.

The great importance to Te Aroha of obtaining some new and improved form of local government is so surely apparent, as to need no demonstrating. During the past few years more tIiAU one attempt in this direction has been made. Prior to lust session the subject was fieely ventilated, and it was hoped and believed both by residents and outsiders interested in the district that the new Municipal Corporations Act would enable all difficulties that hitherto existed to be overcome, and that Te Aroha, and such like towns could then be constituted Boroughs under the new Act. When, however, the Act finally emerged from the House, to us it appeared evident that whilst the clause defining the requisite number of householders could now be easily complied with, a new clause had been introduced which would effectually debar Te Aroha from the attainment of the object in view, for some time to come ; although several of those interested were of opinion that this difficulty could be successfully dealt with, but we fail to see any good gionnd for the indulgence of such a hope. Under the Municipal Corporations Act, 187G, the borough basis was that two hundred and fifty rosidenthouseholders were necessary within the proposed area, of whom at least one hundred must sign the petition for incorporation. Under the act of 18SG, the basis has been changed to that of rateable value, it being provided that no place can be incorporated unless it has a rateable value sufficient to yield on a three fathing rate on capital value, or a shilling rate on the annual value, an annual income of two hundred and fifty pounds, exclusive of subsidies and grants. Now as the only rate list in existence in Te Aroha is that of the Piako County Council, and .is a three fathing rate on the whole of Te Aroha Riding at present only amounts to two hundred and thirty two pounds (having been reduced by last valuation from three hundred and thirty five pounds) of which sum only about one hundred and sixty pounds would be derived from within the area of the proposed Borough, it; follows that whilst the existing valuation of Piako County Council remains in force, which will be probably for at least another two years, there will be no means of complying with the two hundred and fifty poun-ls necessary for the direct constitution of a Borough. Some fsw are of opinion that because were a new valuation now made with respect to annual value, the basi3 laid down would probably be complied with, therefore they can j on application to Government obtain such new valuation, but we cannot see the slightest authority in the Act for indulging i such a hope, and consider it most unwise to longer delay action in a matter of such great importance to the district. We j are of opinion that the only power of making a valuation recognisable by law is (1.) That derived by appointment of a .valuer by a local body under the Bating Acfc, 1876 5 and (2 ) The Property \ Tax valuation uii'ler the Rating Act, 1882 ; and the only local body recognisable by law at Te Aroha is the Piako County Council, whose valuation list is the only one that can be at present made use of. What then is to be clone ? Two possibilities exist, First, to endeavour to take advantage of the Town Districts Acfc, and have Te Aroha constituted a town district ; and secondly, to go under the Road Boards Act, 1882, and have the whole riding made a Road District, working under a Road Board. We have not the slightest hesitation in strongly recommending the former alternative, if it can be carried out. There may be, however, room for doubt as to whether such a movement would be successful, as, by the new Municipal Corporations Act, the Town Districts Act of 1881, together with its amendment of ]B^3, aro repealed, except so far as existing town districts are concerned.

This repeal, ho.vever, will not take oFfect nntil the first of January, 1887, and there is every roason to hope that as the present Government have at all times shown a most friendly feeling towards Te Aroha, they would grant a petition, if promptly forwarded, for the constitution of Te Aroha as a Town District, in order to give the place an improved form of local self-government, under which many improvements, urgently needed, could be canied out. The advantages of the course suggested are so great as compared with going under the Road Board Act thai we have no hesitation in advocating its immediate adoption. There appears to ! be nn erroneous impression aboard to the effect that a county council can levy I rates whenever they choose upon a town 1 distiict. Jt is true a town district can ; still be rated by the county council, but I this is only as part of a general rate throughout the entire county, and the Pinko County Councillots have shown such a steadfast determination in the past not to rate themselves — there having been only one general county rate levied during ten years, anJ then simply because the county had got so deeply in debt that there was positively no other way out of the difficulty—that there need be no fear of Piako County rating itself to tiie extent of several thousand I pounds, for the sake of levying a rate i which would only produce fewer hundreds in the whole Te Aroha Riding. As to the advantages of being a town district, we may s l ,ate that the difference between a to,yn district and a borough are in many respects more sentimental and speculaive than real. A town district receives and spends the auctioneers" and publicans' licenses raised within it, also the dog tax, pound fee?, and revenue from fines for breach of the byeluws. It is capable of holding endowments from the Government in the same way as a borough. It has also borrowing powers for public works, though the majority of ratepayers' votes neccssaiy to carry a loan in a town district is sometimes difficult to obtain, being two-thirds of the votes on the ratepayers' roll at the time. As to the general powers of a town board, we may state that Parts eleven and t.velve of the Municipal Corporations Act, 187G, are incorporated with the Town Districts Act, 1881, and are read as part of the latter Act, giving equal poweis with regard to the carrying out of general improvements by loan, or otheiwise, levying of tolls, granting slaughter-house and other licenses, making byclaws, etc. As to the mode of procedure to become a Town District, it | is briefly this : There must be at least fifty resident householders, and two- [ thirds of the whole number must sign the petition to tin Governor. The areas of the proposed Town District must be set out, and any other particulars required furnishevl. By the Counties Act ! Amendment Act, 1885, it is also provided that tho consent of two-thirds of the county councillors must be obtained. The matter should therefore be taken in hand at once, there is not a day to be lost, and the petition prepared, signed and presented at the next meeting of the Piako County Council for confirmation and endorsement. We do not think a single member of the Council will stand in tiie way of Te Aroha obtaining local self-government in the manner proposed, but on the contrary be pleased that a measure should be carried whereby many greatly needed improvements could bo carried out, and that in a more satisfactoiy manner, than can reasonably be hoped for from those acting- from a distance, as at present, however desirous they may be to do the best they can. At the last meeting of the Council at our request the representative for this district, Cr Murphy, asked for an expression of opinion on this matter, and all members present signified their willingness to confirm such a resolution if submitted to them. If the Town Districts movement can be carried thiough, there can belittle doubt it will be an immense benefit to the place. In conclusion, ws would urge thoso who have taken the petition for a Borough in hand, and who still hold tho opinion that Government would accept proof other than the existing rate book, to at once, in the inteiests of the resi dents, have all doubt in the matter set at rest by despatching a telegram forthwith to the Colonial Secretary asking whether a special valuation can be made, or if a statutory declaration as to the sufficiency of the present rateable value would be accepted.

Acting Jupon the recommendation of our lo'jal postmaster, Mr Vause, the postal department have now established a morning delivery of letters, etc, in Te Aroha. The delivery will at present be made by the telegraph messenger, who will start on his vounda soon after 9 a.m. daily. This arrangement will no doubt be greatly appreciated by those who are nimble to call at the post office after the arrival of evening mails. Messrs 0. Collins and party are making good progress with their contract on the new M-mngakawa-Waiorongomai road, which is being carried on under the Waitoa Koad Board. Inward 'Frisco mail should reach Te Aroha to-day. Tenders are invited for making an outfall drain at Morrinsvillo. Particulars from Mr F. Pavitt, engineer, Te Aroha.

Te Aroha Club Hotel. —Visitors' list —Mr J B Fisher, Chiistchurch ; Mr B J E^am, Mr W H Oossar, Mr H Allright, Mr William Jagg's,' Captain Anderson, Rev. Mr Runciman, t)r Harrison Smitli, Mr X Brown, Mr Blackwood, Mr Campbell, Mr Bnrt, Auckland ; Mr and Mrs Melhuish, Nelson. Mr Burnett the eminent and very successful temperance lecturer is expected to address one or more public meetings at Te Aroha this month.

On Saturday last considerable interest was evinced with respect to a bout raco which took place in the afternoon, the course being from tlio Maori Pah to the To Aroha railway bridge, distance about two miles. The following were the respective crews r Messrs Brigham (stroke), Burgess, Fitzgerald, and Fraaer, with Mr Whitelmuse coxwain ; and Messrs G ol> d° n (stroke), Quinlan, Lawrence, and Menzies, with Mi Alf. Everitt, as coxwain. Both boats used on the occasion were built by Mr Everitt. The raco resulted in an easy win for the lust mentioned team. To-day another contest is to take place over the same course, with the following alterations in the crews, Mr Pavitt takes Mr Fitzgerald's place and Mr Whitehouse Mr Frnzei's'. The first class Clydesdale horse, Prince Fergus will stand at ITydc Park, Waito-i this stason. This powerful horse as a two-year-old won first prize in the Waikato, and is by Bonnie Prince. The W.iitoa Road Board invite tenders for the formation and metalling of 85 chains of road, and deepening a drain at To Aroha West. Amongst the estates of deceased persons in Auckland district finally certified to, is that of Harry Kenrick, £2407 14s An Exchange 1 has the following : It is stated that the Evening Bell, Auckland has changed hands at £6027. The property, including the Observer and the Bell plant and buildings, was ofteied by tender. The name ot the purchaser is not i known, but Mr Seymour George has beeu mentioned ; whilst another report states that Messrs Jagger nnd Mitchelson are the purchasers. The Tauranga Advertiser states that ! "In regard the Government and Civil Servants, the tiveningPi ess gives publicity to an extraordinary rumour now cunent that the Government intend to dispense with the services of all civil servants of. ' less than ten yeais' standing, and to give them the option of re-entering the service under the Act of 1885. If it is true (sava that journal) it signifies neither more nor leas that the Act of 1886 is to be m ide retrospective, and as far back as 1876 ; that is to say, the Government are to do by an administrative dodjye what was never contemplated by The Legislature, and what the Legislature assurredly would never have assented to. The Illustrated New Zealand News (published at Dunodin) still biwtiiins its reputation as a really excellent illustrated journal, well worthy of liberal support. Last months number (September 27th) recently to hand contains an attractive bird's-eye view of Picton ; sketches of the Dog Show, Melbourne ; sketches at the AgriculturalJSociety's Show, Melbourne ; liuka Falls, W.iiknto river; sketches in the New Hebrides ; Melbourne in the small hours ; etc., etc. The August issue in addition to the usual number of first illustrations, contained a handsome full page supplement in colours entitled " The Kingfisher." Mr W. 11. Ritcheson, who recently disposed of his interest in Ritcheson's Family Hotel, Rolles>ton Street. Te Aroha (formerly known as the Robin Hood and Little John) to Mrs Thompson, late of Morrinsvile, left Te Aroha for the Thames Hospital, by the p.s. Patiki on Saturday morning last, but died suddenly on the voyage down, shortly before the steamers arrival at Thames. Mis Ritcheson was with her husband at the time of his decease. Mr Ritcheson had been in ill health for a long time passed, and /fas .tillering from heart deseu&e and dropsy, and the Doctor's certificate being that this was the immediate cau^e of death, there was no inquest. Deceased, who left no family, was4B years of age, and was interred at Thames cemetary on Tuesday last. An English mail, via Rio de Janiero (per Ruapehu from Wellington on 21st inst.), closes at Post office, Te Aroha, on Monday next at 7.30 a.m. Letters only at 7.45 a.m. Due Plymouth Dec. 2nd. The promise of fruit this season is excollent. The trees in Mr Hugh Ross', niuscry, Waitoa, pre&ent an appearance even thus caily in the season that should gladden the heart of any fruit grower, [ and also spaak well for the quality of Mr ; Ross' stock and his skill as a nurseryman. We recently observed a notice posted up at the Waitoa Post Office, to the effect that the postofllce is noi open from 6.30 a.m. till 10.30. p.m. This no donbt is intended as a gentle hint to the public generally, but more especially to some who probably ! have asked for the delivery of letteis at j unreasonable hours. Several of the settlers in tho Waitoa district recently petitioned the authorities to have a shed erected at Waihou station ; and we are pleased to know that the re- | quest will be promptly complied with, Mr 0. Hudson, District Traffic manager, hav1 ing written stating that a shelter shed would be erected at Waihou in the course of a few weeks. This will be a great I convenance, and vas much needed. We have reason to believe that Government will probably erect a small goods shed at this station also, and there can be no doubt the outlay would bo a judicious one. Waihou is the nearest station to the i shearing sheds of tho Auckland Agricul- | tural- Company's Waitoa estate of some 1 24,000 acres ; on which several thousand | head of sheep are regularly kept ; whilst on Mr Larkworthys estate and others in ; the same neighbourhood largo numbers of sheep are also fed. It is therefore im- ! portant that a goods shed be erected at Waihou, for the convenience of these largo property owners, whose business with the railway should be a very impor- [ tant and profitable one, were freight charges more moderate ; as apart from the despatch of wool and live stock the quantities of artificial manure, seeds, fencing wire, and other farm requsites utilised on tlieso estates must be very great. At present however, the high rates charged for conveyance by rail, prevents the iron road from obtaining more than a very small percentage of the traffic ; the river steamers offering terms mnch more inducive. It is to be hoped the railway authorities sec tho folly of longer continuing to charge such prohibitive ' rates. We would direct special attfention to Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co s advertisement announcing that they will hold their fiibt cattle fair of the* season'afthe Ohaupo yaids on next Tuesday, October 19th. i Already 1200 head of "cattle, and about 1000 sheep have been entered for disposal at this fair 5 and witl-out doubt tho

sale is A. mast important one, and should attract a very large gathering 1 . A<» will be seen by advertisement in this issue a special cheap clearance sale is now proceeding 1 at Mr John Fhitclls, To Aroha. .The goods being offered have just arrived from the leading English Scotch smd Irish warehouses, were specially selected for Mr Farroll, bought at the closo of the London season on specially good terms) for cash, and will | amply repay inspection. Amongst them j will be found the veiy latest novelties in spring' and summer dress goods, millinery and general drapery, marked at the very lowest possible prices consistent with a first clans article. Intending purchasers would do well to call early and inspect these goods. Constable Hinton from Kihikihi has succeeded Constable White at Te Aroha. The entertainment in connection with the Waiorongoniai band on Friday evening 8 inst, in the Waiorongoniai Public Hall, was very largely attended, and a great success. We hear that Mr J. McL. Murray, has this week disposed of one-seventh of his interest in the (Success min°, WaiorongOmai to an Auckland gentleman, at a satisfactory price. The celebrated Clarkes drain has been fenced in by Piako County Council, where it crosses a portion of the public road . On Friday next Mr J. F. Cocks will sell by direction of the Deputy Assignee a J four room house! at Waiorongomai, in the j estate of E. Cookson, bankrupt. Mr J. McL. Mmray has been gazetted a member of the Te Aroha Licensing Committee, vice Mr T. Gavin, resigned. The following boat races have been arranged to take place at Te Aroha this afternoon :—l.: — 1. Starting tit 2.30 : Dingy Race, Frazc v. Randolph and Cocks ; course, Eolleston street to Bridge. 2. Starting at 3 : Sculling Match, Maingay v. Jan. Johnson ; course, Dibsell's Landing to Bridge. 3. Sculling Match, starting at 3.30 : Tierney v. Potts ; course, Dibsell's Landing to Bridge. 4. Four-oar gig Race, starting at 4 ; Crews as already stated ; course, The Pah to Bridge. Messrs Al£. Buckland and Co., announce a cattle sale at Ngaruawahia on Wednesday next. Also usual salo of live stock at Oh.iupo Thursday 2Gth, for this latter sale already 800 head of cattle have been entered. Another boat race at Te Aroha this afternoon. Messrs Comes and West, contractors are making good progress with tho erection of stables and other additions for the Hot Springs Hotel. j The Te Aroha Licensing Committee this week refused §to g.nnt a tiansfer of license of Ritchesons Family Hotel to the new proprietress, Mrs Thompson, the ground oE objection being that she was a married worn in living aw.iy from her husband, the committee being in doubt as to the legality of allowing a mairied woman to hold a licenso under these circumstances. On ncxtFiiday, 22nd inst, and following day, Saturday, return tickets will be issued at all stations (Auckland and New market excepteil) available for 'return up to, and including Monday 25th The Pakuranga Hunt and steeplechase comes off over the EHer^lie race course on Satur day next. Spcci.il Bank of New Zealand holiday on Monday next. Messrs Adam L-^'bonrn and Co , are open to receive consignments of wool for salo on commission, or shipment home for disposal through their London agents. On consifinmants shipped home, liberal advances will be made. Wool growers may with every conlidence entnibt their clips to this old established firm, and rely upon having their interests carefully studied. Mr R. Wiseman, tailor, from Thames is advertised to reach Te Aioha from Thames to day. Mr Wiseman will bring with him a choice selection of samples to choose from, including- latest novelties. Mr 0. Balckos new four room house Lipsey's block, will be completed in a few days. A social is adveitised in the Te Aroha Public Hall forThmsckiy night.