The Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 191, 12 February 1887, Page 2

The Aroha AND Ohinemuri News AND UPPER THAMES ADVOCATE.

'This above all— to thine own self be true i, id it must follow as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any roan.' — Shakespjsake.

SATURDAY, FBBRUAKY 12, 1887.

It h satisfactory to no'e that some check lias been put on the very extravagant proposals recently put forward by tome mombeis of the Waikato Hospital find Oiarit.'jble Aid Board, w hereby it was intended to at once appoint a medical man at a salary of five hundred a year, a secretary al a salary of one LundieJ and fifty, erect costly buildings, and in fact inaugurate a hospital on lines tliafc could not but prove a heavy and totally uncalled for burden on the ratepayers, who have so recently been congratulating themselves on obtaining separation. Kvon the doctors themselves who had been im iiod to expvess an opinion, ctaled they considered the salary offered was for too high, and further, that a hospital was not afc present ' required. We trust a decided F>tand will be taken by a majority of the Board ngaiiist needless outliiy, which must of necessity be followed \y exees-

sive taxation, which the ratepayers nre not in a position to beav juefc now. So far as Piako County is concerned, wo yet hope to see it constituted an tsntirely separate district for hospital anil charitable aid purposes, anil trust our representatives will in no wise commit this county to tlitj heavy taxation that must result from the carrying out of a hospital on the Hues recently put forward, it will bo n voiy easy matter at any time to increase both accommodation and staff as found needful. During the present week an advertisement appeared in one of the Auckland journals from the Wesilund Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for a duly qualified surgeon, salary £200 per annum, with residence, private practice allowed. Judging by the number of cases requiring hospital treatment hitherto, the appointment as surgeon to tbo Waikato Hospital would almost amount to a sinecure. In thus commenting on the Board's actions we have no desire to unfairly criticise, but it appears to us to be the duty of every member of the Board to keep down expenses and merely provide for present actual requirements, especially when everybody knows how difficult it is for the settlers to bear up in the face of present prices of agricultural produce.

On Saturday next at Piako County Council the question of leasing the County tramway, Waiorongomui, as proposed by the Chairman at last Council meeting', will be further discussed, and probably some definite decision anived at. The mattor is one of great importance to this goldfield, and to-day we republish the conditions under which the County are in possessirn of the tramway. The terms suggeste 1 »t the Council meeting by Mr J. C. Firth, for the leasing of the tramway were that it be offered at an upset renfc.il of £100 per annum for ten years, and the lessee to be bound to convey quartz for the general public at a maximum charge of 2s Qd per truck over the entire length of the line. We are decidedly of opinion that, with every precaution taken to piovide for the conveyance of quartz for the general public at low rates, a reasonable amount of yearly rent paid for the concession, and ample security being given that the line shall be maintained and delivered up in a goo I state of repair, it would be unwise t> oppose its being leased. We may rest assured that the Warden, who has had great experience in all goldfield matters, will, ere consenting to any transfer being in ado, satisfy himself that the interests of the public are thoroughly protected. The land recently taken up at Waiorongomai by Mr J. C. Firth for mining purposes, amounting to some ninety- five acres, although occupied in the eaily days of the field, has for some time past been lying a\ andoned. The successful formation of a large and wealthy company, as proposed by him, for working this and adjoining gronnJ on a scale of groat magnitude, is a matter of much interest to the residents of this district, would be the means of a large number of men fi'-nling steady employment, and of testing our reefs in a manner otherwise impossible ; and therefore every reasonable assistance should be given towards the attainment of so desirable an object. The leasing should be by public tender, and not by auction as proposed on a former occasion. We shall have further to say on this subject when the conditions under which the Council propose to lease the tramway are made known.

I Ohinemuii County Council meeting tod.l 3', at Paeroa. Notification has been Gazetted of the appointment of Mr Charles Rhodes as assay er of gold. On to-moirosv Rev. Mr Follows from Auckland, will preach in the \Ve3ley,in Church, Te Aroha, 7 p.m., ami Paeroa, 11 a.m. Mr With, rbey lias completed the sun ey of the Paero.i end of the Thames- re Aroha Kail way, Mr Crump, the returning officer appointed in connection with the forthcom ing election of Town Commissioners for Te Aioha, notifies by adveitisement in ( this issue that the nomination of candidates will take place at Te Aroha Public Hall by or before noon on Saturday next. A firt.t meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate cf T. L. Green, Te Aroha, will be held on Thursday next at the Court House. Report of Mr Piice-Wifli.ims'a in-forest-ing address at the Chamber of Comir.erce, Auckland, on Saturday last, will be found in our Supplement to-day. At the monthly meeting of the Gfovernors of the Thames High School, on Monday 7 ast ; an application from Pinko County Council for a subsidy of £100 towards road works at Waiorong'wiai was read, but it was decided thattheGovernors had no funds to devote to the purpose. The election of Licensing Committee for Ohinemuri will take place on 27th inst nomination of candidates on next Thursday. The Biahop of Auckland will preach in the Anglican Church, Te Aroha, both morning and evening on Sunday next. Seveial young persons will be confimud at tha.evenii q -er ice. Miss Wainwright, a really excellent pianist, announces that tho is prepared to give music lessons. Notification is given in this issue thai the time fOlf 01 opening tenders for works by Ohinemuri County Council has been extended till noon of Saturday, 19th inst. An advoitisement appears relative to dog collars and slaughter-house licenses in Ohinemuri County. Forthcoming sales by Messrs Alf. Buckland and Co. will be found duly advertised in thin issue. This day ut Cambridge the same firm will sell two house*, etc.; also at neon a largo number of horses, cattle, and produce. On Tueßday next cattle Bale at Oluiupo ; and on Thun-da.y next, 17th io6t., live fetock sale at MorriubViile.

AUhe sitting of the JIM. Court, Te Avohft, on Tuesday last, the only caso for hearing was that of Bernard Montague v. Thos. L. Green, claim £t> Os 6d wages duo. Plaintiff pressed for immediate execution. Defendant ndmitted the debt, but naked His Worship (M. A. Str.itL'ord, Ksq., R.M.), to stay immediate execution, as there were a number o£ other working men to whom ho owed wages, sind he wished to trent them all nlike Judgment for plaintiff for full amount, with costs 18s; execution to be btayod for a fortnight, provided defendant paid the costs of the case within 48 hours. On Tuesd iy next, February 15th, Messrs Alf. Bnekland and Co. will hold their annual sheep fair at Ohaupo. By adv?ri tisement in this issue it will be seen the sale will bo a most important one ; already over 6000 sheep having been entered for it. Mr T. L. Green's grass saving contract on the Auckland Agricultural Company's Waitoa estate, has ended very unsatisfactoiily, both to himself and the men whom he employed. It had been rumoured for some time past that matters in connection with the progress of the contract were not j proceeding satisfactorily, and some had predicted that Mr Green would coino one j tho wrong side when a squaring up took place, but none anticipated such an utter ! collapse as has occurred. It appears that on recently squaring up, Mr Green, who had, it is stated, been advanced £500 on the contract by Capt. Bailey, the company'" managei, had only a fuither sum of £8 to draw, whilst ho owed wage? men and tradesmen's accounts to U\q tune of £500 or £000. This announcement, as may be supposed, caused groat constnrnation amongst those concerned. A mooting of creditors was held on Monday evening* at To Aroha, but nol'img was done, as it was found the estate would practically yield nothing. Whilst we fully believe that Mr Green had no intention whatever of misleading those whom he employed, and that the contract has completely ruined the man and left him -penniless, whereas but a short time ago he was carrying on a profitable little bnsincsas nurseryman and green grocer, etc., still no excuse can b3 offered for carrying out a contract in such a manner as was the caso in this instance. Tridesmen can ill afford losses just now, and it is a cruel thing to keep men week after week camping out to work day after day during the recent tropical weather, and then turn round and tell them they will get nothing for it. Such a catistrophe could eisily have been avoided by taking stock, as it were, as tho work proceeded ; and whilst we are truly sorry for Mr Green's misfortune, yet the working men and others who have been duped, are deserving of sympathy, and one cannot but consider a contract canied out as tho one referred to has been, practically amoints to reckless trading and cannot be excused. The wa^cs promised the m >n wo/c di pjr day of eight hours. At tho special meeting of the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, held at Hamilton on Wednesday last, only Messrs \V. A. Giahaii), I chairman) Gwynncth, Primiosp, and Seddon, were present. Not being a qii'>r.in) no b-usiti -ss could be transacted ; but tlu qiuatjon of the chairman's resignation was discussed at some length; and Mr G \ilmm was asked to reconsider the matter. Mr Graham stated, that weie the question of the locility of the hospital again raised lie should not ho doing his duty to his constituents if ho remained in the chair, his place buinj; at the table as a simple member to h\»ht their iute.-Cbts. He also pointed oi.t, that in his oj i lion by the appointment of a part tim 5 paid secretary the duties of relieving ollicer, would be thrust up™ the chairman Those present agreed not to rai.se t'le question of locality ' of tho Hospital, but to leave it fixed at Hamilton, and that the secretary advettised for should undeitnke the duties of relieving officer, also, on this understanding Mr Graham, we learn, withdrew his resignation as chairman. On Thursday last the chairman received a letter fiom the Premiers Office in reply to one irom him, requesting Government assistance towards the cost of erecting a Hospital, stating that, as the Board does not anticipate any revenue this year, it is clearly not in the Colonial Treasurers power to make any advances. Social at Waiorongomai on Friday. Visitors 1 List.— Hot Springs Hotel, Te Aioha, for week ending, Feb. 11th : — Mr F M Bieen, Miss Neal, Masters Neal. Mrs Kilgour, Misa Chisholm, Thames ; Mr and Mrs L Fenwick, Mrs U Burke, Napier ; Mr and Mrs Bnar, Mrs Aronson, Sydney ; Mr Mulam, Mr Dakin, Avondale ; Mr and Mrs J Walter*, Mr H Caimichael, Miss O'Dowd, Mr and Mrs A Woollams, Mr l\ J and Mr Win. O'Sullivan, Mrs G B Owen, Miss Owen, Bishop and Mrs Cowie, Mr Purchas, Mis Bates, Miss Dicky, Auckland ; Mr and Mrs Gibbs, Coromandel ' t Mr J St. Johnstono, Birmingham. Mes-rs Hay and Guest announce a clearance sale. Arrangements for holding the first election of five Commissioners of the Te Aroha Town District on March 10th will be found advertised in our columns today. Mr F. Pavilt notifies that owners of dogs not registered will be proceeded figo-inst in the Magistrate's Court. Tenders are inyited by Piako County Council for various woiks in connection with the expenditure of the £1500 loan on the main county road through Te Aroha Riding. Plans and specifications may be seen at the olHce of the Engineer, Mr F. Pavitt, Te Aroha. Tenders must be sent in to the County Chairman on or before Wednesday next. Mr Jas. Itowo's advertisement will be found in our columns to day. Mr Kowe is carrying on the butchery business in the premises recently occupied by Messrs Comes, Bros ; and customers will find the meat supplied of excellent quality, and the prices most reasonable Application has been made by Mr J. A. Dobson for a licensed holding comprising' thii ty acres, nt Tui Creek ; situated on the went-crn siie art the Chain] ion Lodes, number one. two, three, and fru-, etc. It is stated- that it is proposed to expend £20,000 thereon, nnd to woik tl.e ground by tunnelling. The application will bo heard by the Warden on Xarch Bth. # Nomination? of candidates- for the position of licensing commissioner, Waitoa licensing district will be received at the school hv'uso, Morrinsville, up till noon this day.

Mr Isaac Bates announces that on Wednesday next he will open a bnnch business fit Paeroa. Mr Bates is widely known for tho excellent quality of the goods turned out by him, whilst his prices will be found most inoderato. The six flax machines erected at Paeroa a short time ago by Messrs Gibbous and Gillespie, in connection with the Junction Sawmill, are now in full swing", and there seems every likelihood of this new industry resulting in a satisfactory source of profit to the promoters. We were to day shown a sample of a quantity of tow purchased from them by one of our local townsmen, and were pleased to notice that it is a really first-class atticlc. Several orders for fmther supplies h.ive already been received, and thcro would appear every probability of the capabilities of tho machines being taxed to the utmost to keep pace with the demand. The flax, of which there an; now twenty tons on hand, is also of excellent quality, and quite equal to the imported aiticle, and it is to be shipped to Auckland, where it is anticipated a ready market will be found for its profitable disposal. — Thames Star, Feb. sth. There were a number present last Saturday evening at tho meeting convened by Mr F. Pavitt, Secretary of the Te Aroha II icing Club, to consider the advisability of holding n race meeting in Murcli. Mi Pavitt, in the chair. The financial aspect of the question was discussed at some length ; the secretary stated tho Club had a credit balance att)»e bank of £20. The totalisator question was also discussed, and tho recent action of the Auckland Cub condemned as arbitrary and unfair, in prohibiting any Club from racing under its name, which used the totalisator at a meeting at which eich jace did not amount to at least .£3O of added money, whore by small country clubs were almost debarred from having the totalisator at their meeting*?. The mijority of those present were of opinion that it would bo better to defer another race meeting at To Aruha till later on in the season ; and it was ultimately resolved i that tho meeting b3 held at Easter. At the meeting of the Board of Education held on Fiiday 4th inst., it was stated that committees of a number of schools had been written to for st iteinents of school funds for the year 188t> ; amon^st those enumerated were, Matamata, Ohiiiemuri, Ohineroa, Waiorongomai, and Waiiiou. At the same meeting a request from tho Waiorongomai school committee to have a drill instructor appointed, was refused. We have received notice of the following alteration in local mail service ; The mail Lor Shaftesbury will in future close on Mondays and Fridays at 3.45 p tn. ; instead of 9 30. a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays, as herctofoi\}. The public meeting announced by advertisement in our last issu-j to have been held on Satin day evening list in the Te Aroha Public Hall, to receive the report and accept the resignation of thelmnrovenient Committee, did not take place, in consequence, it is stated, of the absence of. the convener, Mr Jas. Mills. The present condition of the Te Aroha railway and traffic bridge ceitainly demands prompt attention at tho hands of the Government officials responsible. This bridge was constructed in a most substan- i tiul manner, and cost a large sum of money, yet it lias never yet been painted or even received a coat of " priming,' and as might have b-een anticipated the consequence is that all over the structure the timbers, even the heaviest, are cracked, split, and mons or less warped. A bridge which has coat so much money is surely worth the small outlay necessary to have it painted.

Twenty four tender*, rag-ing from £7,539 t0£9,4L5 were received on Saturday last for the erection of the new flour mill for Mr J. C, Firth, at Auckland. Mr Firth desiring to act in the fairest manner possible.and also to have the contract carried out in a iir*t ola^ manner, instructed the architect, Mr Roberta, to add the .several tenders together, and accept tint nearest the average ; which proved to be that of Messers Phileox and Sons. Mr Fiith very handsomely instructed that the sira of £2 2d be handed to all tenderers below that accepted as some compensation for their trouble. By advertisement in this issue it will be Been that Mr J. C. Firth has made ap-* plication to the Warden to have the nineteen licensed holdings recently applied for by him at Waiorongomai, granted as one special claim, provision for such applications having been made in the new mining act. The application is made on the ground of great extent of proposed operations, attendant circuimt'inces, and large amount of capital to be expended. It h anticipated that the Ohinemuri Jockey Club race meeting to be held at Paeioa on St Patricks day, will be a thorough success. Amo&gat the prizes offered, are : The Ohinemuri Jockey Club Handicap, of 30sovs ; Handicap Hurdles, 25sovs ; Pulicans Purse Handicap, 15sovs etc. The work of fencing in the Anglican Church ground, Te Arohn, is progressing rapidly in the hands of the contractor Mr P. Dillon.