The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 104, 14 December 1878, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878.

We fear the settlers in tlie southern part of the Geraldine county arc taking steps which will give a death blow to the Road Boards in South Canterbury. In our last issue we took notice of the action taken by the Mount Cook Riding for the purpose of having that part of South Canterbury constituted a separate county. This we did not object to at the time, judging that it would be better for the Geraldine county that it should be so. The form of that riding is such as will allow it to be worked as a county in conjunction with the Mount Cook Road Board most conveniently, and with little additional expense. The Geraldine county would not, we think, suffer much loss in any way by this arrangement. We there fore did not think much opposition would have been offered by the Geraldine County Council, had the case rested here, but unfortunately some of the electors of the Levels Riding have fancied they also should make an effort to obtain a separation. The first intimation we received of this movement was contained in last Monday’s issue of our contemporary, the ‘Timaru Herald.’ This movement, as possibly the other, evidently originated in Timaru. There are a selfish few in that small town who alwax's exhibit considerable jealousy of every little movement that takes place in South Canterbury, calculating whether or not Timaru wliould be injuriously affected thereby. Nay, they even go further than that, and sternly oppose any movement from whatever quarter it springs, which does not, directly or indirectly, bring grist to their mill. What was it that caused Timaru to take such a prominent part in the movement some years ago for dividing the province ] Was it not that Timaru might be a grand centre with its Provincial Council, and all the magnates in office putting forth their greatest efforts to deprive the country districts of every little privilege they possessed under the Christchurch Government, that they might set themselves up as little gods 1 Will any one believe it was pure philantrophy that prompted them to take the steps they did to have South Canterbury declared a separate province 1 Again, when the Abolition movement was set on foot, what was it that prompted Timaru to take such an active and prominent part in the matter ? Simply a desire to obtain in some form or other the lion’s share in governing South Canterbury. Foiled in this, and deprived of the centralising operations of the Board of Works Act, they now attempt to split up the Gmaldine county,and destroy the Road Boards. In this, also, we have no doubt whatever they will be checkmated when the proper time comes. In ail their scheming, however, they proved to the world that man is a shor t-sighted mortal; they had proved also that tire words of the worldrenowned poet had a sound basis, “ that the best laid plans of men and mice gangaft’ agley. - ’ Doubtless their rabid notion of making a great harbour of refuge at Timaru, was then, as now, uppermost in their minds. They thought, no doubt, the abolition movement would bring special benefit to Timaru, hence their strong support of that movement. They little thought they were making a stick to break their own backs, and had they had any braius, or had they been gifted with a modicum of discernment or penetration they might have seen that in going into a Colonial Parliament in the genera] scramble for harbours, their chances were as ten to one against their receiving Government aid. Our predictions in that particular have fully come to pass. They had managed to squeeze LIOO,OOO out of the Provincial Council, and doubtless in following Councils would have obtained another grant of money for their harbour. But no, they were too impulsive to wait for that, they could not brook delay in Rhe matter of self-aggrandisement. Even the Board of Education, as in the other instances quoted, evidently was agitated for with the view of benefiting Timaru, without consideration for tbe outside districts. In almost everything that takes place in it Timaru is uppermost. The interests of the country districts are a secondary consideration, not at all to be spoken of when the town has anything on hand. They must hive the whole loaf or no bread. The result has been that they have often had to go witii clean teeth. The clamour for local self government has not brought what was expected in thencase. So they wish to act the dog in the manger policy. The little City °of the South is pushing out its horns in every direction, grasping at every little thing that comes in its way. Hence the satisfaction it feels at the prospect of a division of the Geraldine County Council. We do not for one moment believe that the ratepayers of the Levels Riding have any desire for being honoured with the title of county, nor do we think they are prepared to destroy the Road Board. If a few discontented spirits should think themselves able to fan the little spark into a llame we tell them they may make a beginning, but they may not so speedily see the end, and possibly, as in the cases refeired to, will find to their cost that they have reckoned without their host. That the Road Boards are valuable institutions in a new country like this few will deny. Even in old countries, where another system of managing the highways and byeways has been tried it has been found not to answer so well. That in time Road Boards and County Councils will be one and the same thing is more than likely, but in such a case it will not be by destruction of Road Boards but by an adoption of the system, and possibly the name, by the counties. If the growing agitation for a separation of the Islands should come to anything, amalgamation of the Road Boards, or a change of name and management may happen sooner than we would expect or like, but in the meantime these Boards are a necessity, and we shall be sorry to see any encouragement given to a movement that must lead t o their speedy overthrow. The movement to make the Levels and Mount Cook Ridings u new county is a step in this direction, and we must hold the parties who foment this agitation responsible for the consequences. The Geraldine County Council at its first meeting, held on Tuesday last, resolved to call a special meeting for the 31st of this month for the purpose of passing a resolution bringing the whole of the Act in to force. There is not likely to be much opposition to that resolution, as

almost everyone admits the necessity of adopting the x\ct were it only for financial reasons. There are at this moment movements on foot that will involve a considerable outlay of the County’s funds, such for instance as the case of the Rangitala bridge It is therefore premature, if not highly imprudent, to push on any movement for splitting up the County.until the Act has got a fair trial. We have no sympathy with those who fly into opposition because they do not get things their own way. Such individuals give ample proof by their thus acting that they are not possessed of that largeness of mind to qualify them for legislators. Because the Geraldine County decides to adopt the Act after repeated delays and niatux-e deliberation wo do not see that the opposing forces should fly over to the enemy’s camp, and that, because it may give a little local benefit (which is even doubtful) they should take steps which will endanger the existence of the whole of the Road Boards. However, we wash our hands of it, and throw the whole blame and responsibility upon those who are aiding and abetting this separation movement.

A. keek controversy took place at a meeting of the Timaru Harbour Board on Thursday lust. It appears that at a previous meeting the Board had appointed a sub-committee to consult with the Board’s Engineer as to the best means to use for protecting the reclaimed land south of the GoA T ernment Landing Service. The Engineer proposed street-piling, Avhile tiie snb-committee Avere of opinion that concrete blocks Avould serve the same purpose, and bn cheaper in the long run. The sub-committae accordingly instructed the Engineer to receive tenders for the work in this shape, and proceed with the work. The case consequently came before the Board, in a sense under protest from a portion of the sxib-committee, they deprecating any opposition to their paid Engineer. How, as the country districts are - interested directly and indirectly in the Timaru Harbour works, Ave deem it our duty to comment upon this case. In the hist place v/e may state that Ave think the sub-committee were perfectly justified in taking the steps that would soonest effectively accomplish the object in view, to wit, the protection of the land in question. It appears to us that before sheet-piling could be placed ixx position, the land would be washed away. There is evidexxce that this would be the case by the rapid destruction that is taking place even in fine weather. The Engineer’s plan, doubtless, Avould serve the purpose intended, but it would be the same old storv once more, practically illustrative of “ shutting the stable door when the steed is gone.” Again, Ave do not encoui’age the red ta,pe system of carrying on business. Here Ave have several gentleman avlio nave lived some of them nearly a quarter of a century in Timaru, some of them nautical meix of considerable experience. We judge that their knowledge of bow the sea acta upon the obstructions placed in its Avay, is far greater than that of any engineer avlio has but a very limited practical knoAvledge of the same subject. Admitting that he is well up in his profession, Ave think the sub-committee from his oavu showing ivere quite justified in adopting the course it did. Even the question of expense must bo decided as in their favour. If we are lightly informed, the Board purpose placing a breastwork outside sea - Avards of the x’eef that extends from the mole to north of the Landing Service. In that case the sheet-piling would soon be useless. Comparing the expense of removing it with the expense of removing the concrete blocks, and tho value of the one with the other, avc repeat the decision must be in favour of the sub committee, The imprudent language used towards our contemporary wo very much fear will amount to a libel. We Avill doubtless hear more about this matter.

Suez Mail.—We beg to direct our readers’ attention to an official notice of the time of closing of the next homeward mail/ School Committee. —A special 'meeting of the Temuka School Committee on Thursday evening for the jurposc of taking into consideration the Christmas holidays, and to arrange about the sports, &c. Messrs Wilson (chairman), Gray, Storey, Hooper, and Russell were present. It was resolved that the school break up for the holidays on Friday, the 20th, and that an entertainment and sports be provided for the children, the same to be held on that da} 7 , and, if possible, in the public park, and that Messrs Storey, Russell, Done, the Chair_ man, and Secretary, be a Sports Committee. The following resolution was also passed at the meeting:—“That, seeing that the Board of Education at their last meeting took no steps to act upon the recommendations of the Inspector about furnishing the infant room, and providing additional accommodation, the amount for the same having been placed on the estimates, this committee will, if the works are not commenced at once, consider that no other course is open to them than to resign, and ffiat the Secretary forward a copy ofxthis resolution to the Board of Educationn/N. Masonic. —An important event in the

history of the Masonic brotherhood of the district occurred on Wednesday. This was the formation of a lodge at Temuka, to be known as the Lodge of St. George. The consecration of the lodge and the installation of its officers were conducted with the usual impressive ceicmonies of the order, D.G.M. Henry Thompson, of Christchurch, being the chief director. He was assisted by Bros. Williamson, Taylor, Ziesler, Deßenzy, Past Masters, the W.M. of the Wailaki Lodge, and a visiting P.M. from Dunedin. The following were enrolled officers of the new lodge .—-Mr'G. IL Wildie, W.M., Mr A. Mahon. S.W.; Mr J. Hayhurst, J.W.; Mill. D. Macpherson, S.D.; Mr Thoreau. J.D.: Mr G. .Dyson, 1.G.; and Mr Franks, Secretary. On the completion of the inauguration ceremonies most of those pro-

sent attended the ball; in the Volunteer Hall. The attendance thereat was perhaps not so large as was expected, hut it was nevertheless very well patronised. Those present say, that they enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and 'the. fact that they did not break up till six the next morning proves that they did so. Tne arrangements for their pleasure Avcre so good that it would have been Avonrlerful had it been bthenvise. Mr Juncker’s quadrille band, Mr Tombs’ supper, and the general excellence of the arrangements are deserving of all praise.

Delayed Train. —The last down train of yesterday rvas about an hour behind time in arriving at Temuka. The reason Avas that the m : G-day up train lost a cotter or something of the kind.,

Waihi Bush School.— The land and buildings of the present school are to be dealt with by the sub-committee of the Board, appointed some time ago. The secretaxy is authorised to procure the erection of new buildings within the district.

Temuka District School Rates.— At the meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday a letter Avas read from Mr Wills, collector of capitation rates for the Temuka district, asking leave of the Board to hand over to Mr Bolton the collection of the remainder of the rates due. The Board decided to arrange Avith thensolicitor for the recovery of the rates-

Came Astray. —A letter came, to the Temuka Post Office yesterday morning addressed “ At Mondvee Bunder, Rupsee Laljee, Dossee.” This on the back o£ the envelope. On the face were five lines in Hindostanee, or some other strange character, a half-anna India postage stamp, and the post-mark “ Karachee, Oct. 11.” The letter was rattier a small one, and had been accidentally forced between the folds of a newspaper which was addressed to a resident in Temuka, and which bore the same post-mark.

Anniversary Day. —An advertisement elsewhere notifies that the Bank of New Zealand, Temuka, will be closed on Monday next, it being Anniversary Day. The idea is thereby suggested to us that it is anomalous to celebrate the origin of an abolished province. Wc suppose we must be satisfied for the present with this, the nearest approach to a national festival we have. By-and-bye we may be so fortunate, or unfortunate, as to witness an event whose importance will make its anniversary—New Zealand's “ Fourth of July.” In the meantime certainly nothing better deserves recognition and remembrance from the people of Canterbury than the arrival of the first settlers.

The Railways. —Orders have been sent to England for LGOOO worth of machinery and tools to furnish the new workshops about to be built at Addington The palace cars have also been sent for, six first-class, and four second. 1.0.G.T. —A clause in the report of the G.W.C.T. presented to the Grand Lodge at Nelson on Wednesday, admits that restrictive legislation need not be expected until public opinion demands it determinedly. It should be the business of the order to seek to influence public opinion in the first place. Abstainers demand prohibition as a means of securing themselves from the evil deeds of others. The cause of drunkenness is just drinking, to stop the latter is to stop the former.

Railway Telegraphs The c Press ’ says arrangements have been made for a system of telegraphs in this island entirely dissociated from the general telegraph department, and intended to facilitate the working of the railways and the prevention of accidents thereon. The system will be under the management of an independent officer, to be designated the Manager of Railway Telegraphs. Mr Floyd, a fully competent person, has been appointed to the office. Notwithstanding this change all telegraph stations will still, as heretofore, be available to the public.

The New Zealand Agriculturist.— The second number of this large fourpage supplement to the Oamam ‘ Evening Mail ’ was published on December 3rd. We did not see the first number, and therefore do not know what, if any, scheme was laid down for its conduct. It promises to be a very useful production indeed. Looking through this number we find two columns devoted to reports of the home and colonial grain and wool markets; leading article on a new show-ground for North Otago ; another on a late coference re a National Association, and a third on the advantages the country must derive from the establishment of country towns or villages. The essay on “Rotation of Crops,” by Mr John Gifford, to whom was awarded the prize of ten guineas offered by the Hon Matthew Holmes for the best essay on the subject, is published in this number. The writer, with rare good sense, does not give a single system which is to he made to fit in all places. Under the terms on which the prize was offered, only the Waitaki county was to be dealt with, and Mr Gifford has very sensibly given ’different tables for the inland and for the coast connt-y. He also gives different tables for large and for small holdings. The essay is followed by a reprint of the proceedings at the conference of Association delegates, and the speeches made at the Otago Show Dinner. A long article pn agricultural implements, gives ap-

parently an impartial account , of, the four landing machines no v offered to our corn growers, and an account of Hie introduction of the steam plough. A series of well selected reprint articles on agricultural and other rural subjects completes this specimen of a very useful little journal. The pictorial heading is one of the most spirited in design that we ■have ever seen. Unfortunately the hand of the artist has not been so clever at fixing, as his brain at forming, the ideas expressed.

Street Tramways. —The street tramways which were opened in Wellington with many hopeful anticipations, are now much decried. They go too fast, they don’t go fast enough ; they get off the line, and stop the traffic ; other vehicles get on the line and do the same ; they choke passers by with smoke ; they scald them with steam, and so on. The Wellington people must be very bard to please in the matter of 1 ocomotion. Very.

Collecting Fees by Stamps. —On and after the Ist of January next all duties, foes, fines, and penalties, payable under the Resident Magistrate’s Acts, 1867, 1868, and 1872, the Resident Magistrate’s Evidence Act, 1876, the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act, 1874, the Justices of the Peace Act, 1860, and the Licensing Act, 1873, Amendment Act, 1874, shall be collected by stamps under these respective Acts. A notice to this effect, appears in the Gazette of the sth inst.

A Determined Yoter. —Gisborne settlers (says the ‘Post’) have curious notions about the ballot. At the recent municipal election there, one man rode twenty miles to the polling booth, and then carefully struck out the names of all the candidates on his voting paper, saying emphatically that “ there wasn’t one of ’em wort'n a (strong adjective).” Of coarse it never struck the voter that if he had remained at home the result would have been just the same.

Holloway’s Pills. —To nervous sufferers.—Nervousness, so called, has been said to arise from foul blood or a guilty 7 conscience. When the first is the origin, tho afflicted may be cheered by the knowledge that a course of Holloway’s Pills will dissipate both cause and effect. Mmy nervous invalids of long duration have afforded the most remarkable recoveries under these purifying Pills, which have assuaged sufferings of the severest character, and steadily restored the afflicted to comfort, confidence, and health, after changes of climate and every ocher means had signally failed. Holloway’s Pills renew the lost appetite,- and r gulate digestion, without permitting those feelings of fulness, flatulency, distension, faintness, and which seem to threaten instant death to the timid and enfeebled —Advt.