The Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 182, 11 December 1886, Page 2

The Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

' This above all — to thine own self be true And it must follow as the night the clay, Tlion caust not then be false to any man.' — Shakespeare.

SAT U II DAY, DECEMBER 11, 188G

OHINEMURI INDEBTEDNESS. Ik our columns to-day will be found a leading article which appeared in last Saturday's Thames Advertiser, and which we reprint desiring to make a few remarks respecting it. At the outset we distinctly state that we do so in no spirit of opposition to our contemporary whatsoever, but because we think the article most uncalled for, most unjust, and as disphwing a disposition to exult in the temporary embarrassment of other*. In fact seeing the article is published in a Thames paper as representing the feelings of those who have come out victorious in the recent arbitration award, whereby Ohinemuri is stated to bo £2000 in debt to Thames, the sentiments expressed only add insult to injui'3' ; because, whilst no fault can be found with the auditor appointed who had ceitain fixed laws to abide by, still it is an exceedingly great hardship that a young county like Ohinemuii should be so terribly handicapped at the start, and for what reason, because Thames County were in debt to the tune of £GOOO at the time separation was granted, and OhhiGmurt must take over a third of that liability — no matter apparently though the indebtedness might have boon incuned in connection with works entire!/ outside the Ohinemuii boundaiies. In the article refei red to the position of Ohinemuii is said to be " pitiable in the extreme ;" it is styled a " a youthful spendtlnift or prodigal," which should, *' like its prototype in the parable, arise and go to its father, in otlipr words enact the prodigal's return, ' and it apparently attempts to stir up a feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the ratepayers. Anyone, however, reading that article and knowing anything at all c f the true history of events in relation to the Thames and Ohiuemuri Counties during the past few years, will at once see through the flimsy disguise, and rceogni-se the fact that Thames are longing to see this socalled 'prodigal' returned to their tender mercy to deal with it as heretofore ; and we have not the slightest doubt the ' prodigal' would be welcomed back with outstretched arms and great rejoicing prevail at Thames over its return ; and such precautions adopted as would effectually prevent its ever finding a moans of escape again. The coolest statement in the whole article, we consider, is that local self-government at Ohinemuri "can only be for a term longer." Is it then a settled matter that Ohinemuri can and must be brought to its knees, humbly crave forgiveness, and ask to be again united to Thames ? Perish such a thought. Things may look black just now, thanks to the kindness of ceitain parties, but in spite of all plotting and misrepresentations, right must and will in the long run overcome might, and Ohinemuri people have no intention of giving up in despair on account of the heavy burden they arc forced to carry, and have not yet lost all senso of independence. There can be little doubt Thames County will if possible try by any and every means to get Ohinemuri re-attached to them, for they well know when they lost it they lost tho apple of iheir eye. They well know tho vast field of mineral wealth that lies within Ohinemuri County, its valuable kauri forest, and other resources ; and it no doubt does seem very galling that they can no longer deal with the same as heretofore ; and that no longer may they look forward to it as an important source of revenue. We have no intention or de&ire to rake up the past, or to refer to the manner in which things used to be managed. Those concerned know how much Ohinemuri received back from Thames, how much of the revenue of the whole county was spent within it. The Thames has been a veritable horse leech in obtaining many thousands of pounds from Government, and yet now, according to the article referred to, speak of it as being a " happy thing" that Ohinemuri in their opinion cannot even borrow under the new Loans Act a small sum to assist in paying of! its liability. We have little doubt the young county has been misrepresented and maligned very greatly,

and it is a matter for congratulation that the Inspector of Mines, Mr Gordon, bad an opportunity of visiting Ohinemuri and judging for himself how far any such representations made were true. Wo feel satisfied Mr Gordon's recent visit will result in much good to Ohinomuri, and that the veal state of affairs will bo represented by him to Government ; and the county receive fair play. Ohinemuri has been brought in as liable for one third of the indebtedness of Thames according to their balance-sheet at the time separation was granted, but we would ask whilst this may be a correct adjustment according to law, what part or lot had Ohinemuri with respect 10 the expenditure of the money which occasioned the indebtedness ? What share has it had with respect to the thousands upon thousands of pounds received I y Thames from time to time? How much of the Government grants and subsidies have been actually expended within its boundaries ? And is it not exhibiting a most contemptible and cowardly spirit to now try to enforce payment within a few weeks oF the award of the arbitrator being made known, and before the councillors, who are in nowise trying to shirk their responsibility, have had time to decide upon the best way to payoff the debt? One would almost imagine the laws of the land were so framed that only old adepts at financing would receive any consideration, whatever. But we tiust it is not so, and whilst Thames appear sanguine of being able to obtain £12,000 under the new Loans Act for further Works, that Ohinemuri will be jplaced on just as fair a footing, and be abb to likewiso borrow to a reasonable extent for its requirements. Dot can the parable of the prodigal son by any stretch of imagination be made applicable to the present condition of Ohinemnri ? We certainly fail to see any similarity whatever, except, as already remarked, that were it to be foolish enough to se^k to return to Thames it would be the iccipient of manifestations of much joy and lojoicing and no doubt the anniversary of the day of its return be proclaimed a public holiday. Ceifain it is that as compared with the stoiy of the prodigal it never received an inheritance fiom the parent county to squander, but has only lately come into possession of its inheritance, handicapped with a debt of £2000, neither is it now left wiUi only husks to feed upon, as cm be ve.y easily proved. Thegoldfield receipts from Ohinemmi for the} ear end ng Sen. 00, 188."), amount \\ to out .t'looo. of winch ptolubly threefoutths was received in p.»}ment of mining leases paid for in advance, and the greater portion of which we believe were taken up shoitly before separation was granted, and the revenue therefrom might reasonably have been looked upon as belonging to Ohinemuii, although of course they could not claim it by law. This was a heavy loss tor them to start, with, taking up their property with die rent forestal'e I, so to speak. For the year ending Sept. 80th, 1880, icvo'iiif J from the goldfield amounted to about £1200, and gold duty for the same period to about £150, without calculating upon the duty derived from Ohiuemuri ore treated at Thames furnace, and so good-natmedly taken care of at the Thames ; and with icspeet to which so much coiiespondence has taken place. | We have not as we write any means of checking the accuracy of the figures given, but believe they will be found apI pioximately conect, and within the inaik. Then again from the published returns of the total amount of gold purchased at Thames during the month of November just past, stated as 33260zs lldwts, it appears lOOoozs were contiibutcd by Ohiuemuri, not so bad for a district stated to be reduced to such extremities, in fact very few " prodigals" would have done so well, and that too, in the face of a long period of depression ill mining-, and bearing in mind this " pro-ligal" county has not the numerous batteries and other appliances for treating ore at a small cost which are to be found at Thames. We do not fcrget that on the first of January the new Mining Act comes into forco, whereby the rental from gold field leases will be reduced from £3 per acre to 10s per acre ; and therefore the same amount of revenue will not be derivable from that source unlesj, as appears highly probable, a great revival with respect to the mining industry sets in. But neither can Ohinemuri any longer be called upon to pay £240 per annum, as heretofore, towards the maintenance of the big pump at Thames. But the " prodigal" has a few other little resources to fall back upon besides. Take for instance its wealth in kauri trees alone, which has been estimated by competent judges at £15,000. Of course we are aware it is not open to the council to proceed light off and dispose of those trees, which we believe are all, or nearly all on Crown land, nnd therefore under the control of the Waste Lands Board, but we do feel sanguine that when proper representations have been made to Government with respect to the present financial condition of the county there will be no difficulty in obtaining authority for the disposal of a portion of them, if necessary, or of their being made use of as a security to borrow money upon. And now coming down to the matter of taxation, a three-farthing- rate over Ohinemuri amounts to about £280, from the general body of ratepayers and about £100 from Crown and Native lands ; and what about the Government subsidy ? It will be seen then by the facts adduced that the county is not without its resources, and those of a most valuable character. With regard to the remarks passed with respect to the salary paid the Chairman of Ohi lie-

mnri County in the article referred to, it showed a threat want of good taste, seeing the Thames people have not been asked to pay it, and wo hope Ohinemuri Council will never resort to shaip practices, such as for instance evading the intontion of an Act by voting' their chairman a twelvemonth's salary in advance, seeing by a new Act coming into force on January Ist the payment of salary to a county chairman is forbidden. Is such a transaction as that a good example to set a so-called " prodigal" and " spendthrift" county ? We do not think it necessary to go further into the matter at present, or to refer to the large sums borrowed under the Roads and Biidges Construction Act and the expenditure thereof. We desire only to look at the matter as it stands to-day. Ohinemuri Council, have, like all beginners, yet much to learn, and cannot be expected to altogether avoid making mistakes. They must like every other individual or public body learn by experience, but we do believe they are animated by the desire to cany on the business of the county to the best advantage. They have had suddenly and without previous- training to undertake most onerous duties, find themselves most heavily handicapped at tho start, and had much to contend with and discourage them. Let tho council, however, sink once and forever personal feeling, if such exists, and combine as one man to carry on the business entrusted to them to the best advantage, and we have no doubt they will yetcomo out victorious and the Ohinemuri ratei payers never have cause to regret the day they obtained separation from Thames.

Mining' reports and other matter unavoidably held over till next issue, through piessnie of our space to-day. Visitors' List, Palace Hotel, To Aroha, for week ending- December 10th :—: — Mis Had ley, Miss Hancock, Mr and Mis G.ibiiel Lewis, ami Miss Lewis, Mrs Douglas, and Miss Douglas, Mr& Lason, Misi> Vamoiii, Mis and Mrs A. Poiter, Mi T. Wii-g, Mr and Mis G. B. Howaid, Mr W StunUon, Auckland ; Mr Win. Kail, Mr and Mrs Barclay, 1 harness ; Piofessor Lochst.iedr, Wellington ; Mi^s Engol, Mr Wambley, XeKon ; Mi Chen), MiiLl'Tiattl ; Mr and Mix Heathcote, New Yoilc, Mi Kennedy, Sydne) ; Mr S. N. Wehtnoy, Te Awaniutu ; Mi M« Fail. me, Moiunhvillc ; Mr Alley, Hikutai.i ; Ml Sharpe, Hamilton; Mr P. Cair, Mi N.diolls, P.ieioa; Mr 111. Price, Melbuurne ; Mt- Stedman, Coromandel. The business transacted at the quai teily meeting of the Te Aiolm Licensing meeting on Siturd ly l,it>t was as follows. Application foi Uanbfer of license for ' Palace Hotel, Te Aioha, James Wan en to George Ebeit. C4i anted. Application foi tiansfer of License Ritchoson's Hotel, Te Aioha, W. 11. Ritehesen to Annie Thompson Granted. Application for confirmation of License, Olub Hotel, Te Aioha, Emily Jex, to her htibband Aithur Downes. Granted. Scigeant Emerson bmu»ht under the notice of the bench, that on some of tile licensed piernises pigs weie being kept, which was highly objectionable, especially now the summer had feet in ; as thereby a miMance was occasioned. He liad spoken to the paities about the matter. Tne Bench fully concuncd with the Sergeant that a stop would have to be put to tlm practice and instmoted him to sec that the lequiremcnts of the Act were fully carried out ; and to also repoit on the matter at the next meeting. This being the last meeting prior to the election of a new committee, a vote ; of thanks to the chairman brought the j proceedings to a close. i We have leceived the November number of the Illusti cited New Zealand News. A number of the illustrations in this it,sue refer to racing- events, viz. : " Sketches on the Cup Day," " Finish of the Melbourne Cup," " Ben Bolt, winner of the Caulfield Cup," "Trident winner of tho V.JR.O. Derby." _ There will be found also well executed likenesses of Miss Houston and Hall, Perm and CafCrey, etc., Poit of Otago, also a splendid coloured supplement. Te Aroha Club Hotel.— Visitors' List. Mr Fidler, Mr Keep, Mr A. Nathan, Mr Saul, Mr A Taylor, Mr Kidd, Mr Campbell, Mr and Mrs Fallon, Major Tisdail, Mr Blackwood, Mr Goldsmith, Mr R L Skeen, Mr McFarlano. Mr and Mrs Sator, Mr and Mrs Lynch, and Miss Lynch, Miss Lee, Mr Tucker, Mr Weale, Mr Logan, Mr Peil Mr F Maisdcn, Mr Griffiths," Mr Kinderdine, Mr Kinderdine, jun., Mr A J Baxter, Mr Wilson, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Carr, Mr and Mrs Wright, Mr Hollondrako, Auckland ; Messrs Noble, Dwyer, Buttle, Lewis, Elliott, Mr and Mrs J Martin, Cambridge ; Mr and Mis Shepherd, Messis Humphreys, Hogg 1 , Karangahake ; Messis Barrett, McCombie, Mag-ran, Earle, J Storey, Paeroa; Messrs Annitt, 11. Murray, Tliames ; Mr Jackson, Taranaki ; Mr Kilraoe, Mr Bayley, Ilawera ; Mr Yardly, Mr and Hills, London ; Dr and Mrs Brown, Dunedin ; Mr Prico Williams, sen., Mr Price Williams, jun., London ; Mr and Mrs Mclhuish, Nelson ; Mi C. Tuck, Cambridge ; Dr McGregor, Dunedin ; Mr Hose, Wellington ; Messrs A. and J. 8011, Hall, Baxter, Hamilton ; Mr Davey, Adelaide ; Mr Bach, Captain Me Pheison, Mr Windsor, Mr Brown and Son, Cambridge; Mrs Commons, Tauranga ; Mr Hume, Chiistchurch ; Ali&s Runciman, Tamahero ; Mr and Mrs W. Hunter, Mr and Mrs C. Hunter, Ohaupo ; Mr Storey, Hamilton ; Mr and Mrs Crump, MrProebsting", Tauranga. Visrroits' List. — Hot Springs Hotel: for week ending- Friday, 10th Doc. :—: — Mrs Judge MacDonald, Misses MacDonald, Blyth, Newby, Yon Dor lleyde, Isaacs, Owen, Mrs L. D. Nathan and son, A[r Calder, Mrs Dr Ilaines, Mrs E. Isaacs and Daughter, Mrs A. Isaacs, Mis Shepherd, Mr G. B. Owen, Mr Bennett, Mr A. Eaton, Mr Arch. Claiko, 2 sons, and nurse, Mr I Bioomhall, Rev. R. B. and Mrs Comma, Auckhmd ; Miss Richardson, Wellington ; Misses (2) Taylor, Tamaki ; Mr F. Pocklington, York, England ; Mr K. Davis, Napier ; Mr R. H. Myers, Mr L. Lewis, Wales ; Mr B. Dunn, Fiji. At Cambridge to-day Messrs Alf . Buckland and Co. will sell on behalf of the Auckland Agricultural Co. 200 head of Splendid empty cowb. See aclvt.

Wo clip tlio following 1 from the report which appeared in the Thames Star oE the meeting 1 oi : the Thames County Council on Wednesday, SMth ulfc. : — Olnncinnri In-

debtedness.— Mr J. A. Miller, solicitor, wioto us follows :—•" I midorstfuul thnt tlio awaid between your County and Ohincinuri has been 'mule by the Commissioner of Audit, and a dupiicato sent to you. I think it advisable that the awurd should he lodged in the Supreme Court, both for safe custody and in order that you may bo in a position to proceed on it, if required, without delay." — The Chairman considered that Ohinemuri should bo asked how they intended finding the money, which amounted to .£2OOO. lie understood that they were oudcavouring to laise | a loan to meet it, but he apprehended that thoy wore making 1 the application under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act. — Or Greenville said Ohinemuri had never treated them with the slightest courtesy, but had alv/.iys looked upon , Councillors as a pack of thieves. Ho moved that the Clerk take steps to enforce payment of the award. — This was seconded by Cr Townsend, and carried. Tho following is copied from Thames Star of 2nd inst : A communication was road at the meeting of the Cocnty Council last evening from Mr Charles Featherston Mitchell, proprietor, manager, and editor of the Ham aki Tiibuno, published at Paeroa, !ii tho County of Ohinemuri, stating that ■' as the Tribune is largely circulated in tho Thames County, he had the honour to apply for a share of the advertising." A smile flitted across tho faces of several of the Councillors, when the cle>k had finished reading the letter, but it was refeired to the Finance Committee without comment. We would direct attention to Mr J. F. Cocks's advertisement in this issue announcing an impoitant sale of furniture, etc., on Wednesday next. The goods to bo sold are of a very superior class, and must be disposed of, as Mr Everitt lequiies the space they occupy. Most of the ai tides having been manufactured by Mr Everitt, will bo sufficient guarantee of their excellence ; and icsidents in this district would do well to attend this sale, and it will afford a rare opportunity of obtaining some good baignms. The articles to be sold include a choice assoitmcnt of glas^, china, and ciockeiy waie ; also a lp.ue and ioal, boat, etc. At two o'clock same day, will be sold \a five-room house and shop in Bridge street, and an allotment coiner of Biidge and Liprfey streets. Special attention is diiocted to Mr John F.niell'b new rulvci tiseinent in this issue. Mr Fan ell has just opened up a very large vaiioty of men's and boys' clothing, a choice selection oC new dress goods, millinery, and drapeiy of all desciiptious, which will be sold at remarkably low prices. Already tho approaching visit of the fin- Jtamed Jubilee Singers ia being much talked of at Te Aioha. And this is not to be wondeied aU Tho Auckland pi ess ha\c lefencd to their enteitainments as being a rare treat even for Auckhindois, and therefore those resident in thi-. distiict may »yell congratulate themselves upon having an opportunity affonled them of hearing this really-won-derful company, who have drawn such crowded houses wherever they have visited, and had the distinguished honour of singing before Her Majesty the Queen; Prince and Pi incebs of Wales; Emperor of German}' ; King and Queen of! Ncttior1 mils ; King and % Queen o(! Saxony, and many other loyal personages. During tboir recent visit to Melbourne, the town hall, seating clo^o on 3000 people, was ciowded nightly for ten successive weeks. It i? very improbable the Jubilee Singers will aga'n visit New Zealand, and we would most strongly advise all who can possibly attend, notmis^t'ic op|O p (unty of enjoying a laic treat, such as this will be. For particulars, see ciiculars, etc. Mr W. tfveiitt announces by advertisement that he has for sale and on hire j boats of every description. As a boat buiider, Mr Everitt has established a name fiom the excellent style and woikmanship of the boats he has ah early launched, and visitors and others can by applying to him hiie by the hour, day, or week boats of every class, and obtain much valuable in formation regarding the river and with respect to arranging for picnics and boating parties. All description of boats built to order on short notice. A lady help advertises for a situation or would go as governess. Two licensed holdings at Karangahake .are advertised as forfeited. The public meeting held at Waiorongomai on Saturday evening last, to discuss the proposed action of the Post and Telegraph Department re closing the Waiorongomai telegraph office, was very largel}* attended. Mr J. McL. Munay, as convener, was called to the chair. The meeting occupied about an hour, and after the matter had been fully discussed, it was ultimately decided that a committee consisting of Messis Adams, Smaidon, A. Wallace, J. Munro, T. Lawless, J. W. Samson, and the Chairman be appointed to draw up a petition to tho Commissioner of the Post and Telegraph Department and obtain signatures thereto with the least possible delay. This course has be^n adopted, mid the petition sets forth that a mining district could not be worked by the Department as satisfactorily to the public with telephone communication as telegraphic, and that connection by wire | was absolutely necessary. Also, that if the motive of the Government was retrenchment, tho petitioners wcio competent to point out means to that end, and avoid the closing of their telegraph station. 115 signatures wcie obtained, and the petition foiwaidcd to Mr J. C. Firth for his signature, and others he may obtain in Auckland, thereafter to bo forwarded by him to Sir J. Vogcl, Commissioner of Telegraph. Mr A. W. Ed w aids announces the ar rival of a hm>o stock of new goods. These goods have boon specially selected for tho present season, and will be sold at prices that should effect a very speedy clearance., 'Fiisco mail expected in Auckland on Monday, and should reach here same afternoon. Usual monthly meeting of Ohinomuri County Council, Paeroa, to-daj'. It is stated Sir Julius and Lady Vogel, are expected at Waiwera in a few clays. Mis Gabolinsky, of Waitoa, broke her leg whilst dismounting from- a resfcivo 'horse this week.

Wo would remind our readers that Mr IT. 11. Adorns will deliver his lecture respecting his recent visit to Amcric.i, and what he saw of American ores, and the various modes of treatment on next Friday evening in the Public Hall, Waiornn(>omai. The subject is one oC special iinpoitancc to all lcsidcnts in the Te Aroha and Ohinemuiidistiicts,as well as of much general interest, and we anticipate the attendance will be very large, and the lecturo prove most instructive. Mr Adams will illustrate his lecturo with diagrams and exhibitsamples of American ores Constable Berriman left Te Aroha yesterday morning, under orders forTe Kuiti, King countiy, and will be replaced here by Constable Addison from the same place.