THE WANDERER

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 174, 2 December 1892, Page 3

THE WANDERER

"When in Kaihu recently I had shown to me a curious invention in the shape of a self transporting’ swill tub. .Judging from what I saw it is perfectly astonishing the immense quantity of swill this machine can put out of sight in the course of a day. The inventor has not quite perfected the machine yet inasmuch as after putting away a certain quantity it is not self-tran-sporting, but generally requires the aid of a Constable to shift it. The article is mostly on vievt at the Northern Wairoa hotel, and has been named the * Curio. 1 I regret that I cannot add it is worthy of inspection for the machine has a decidedly ugiy and diminutive appearance. * * * * A man’s a man for a’ that, so wrote the poet, but I felt very much inclined to doubt it on my last run down to Kaihu, when on entering the railway carriage, my eyes alighted on a specimen of humanity who was nursing and fondling in a most loving manner, an ugly little mongrel of the bull pup species, the owner of the animal may have thought he was acting in a manly way, but X did not, and what is more I for one decidedly object to an abominable ‘ flea trap of this description being taken into a railway car - riage. In the first place it is a nuisance and in the second place it is contrary to the rules and therefore should not he allowed. Do you know I was very pleased to read Mr Haswell’s letter xe the Martini Henri riflo especially as it was generally understood that it was generally understood that it was Mrs Dai gaville who offered the prize. This lady has on more than one occasion, shewn her liberality by giving valuable prizes to be competed for in different events, and’ I feel satisfied tliat if the lady donor would take the matter into her own hands the winner would soon he in possession of the rifle, otherwise I’m afraid he (II) might as well not have won it. * * * -* The Bluff-Opanake road is again in a wretched state, hut a friend informs me that Councillor Haynes has promised to bring the matter before the Council at the next meeting, and will use his best endeavours towards getting a sum voted for repairs. I hope Cr. Ravnes may he successful, and shall be glad to see this road in good order before tbe holidays, and thus let our northern visitors see that we keep our roads in better trim than they do theirs. * * * "When in Kaihu last week I strolled into the Library to have a look at the Bell but was disappointed. The Librarian told me they do not keep the Bell. How is this ? It’s not at all right ! all the local papers ought to he obtainable at such a place. The Library is undoubtedly a credit to Kaihu, hut the management would do ■well by expending a few shillings on files for the different papers, as it is at present the papers are kicking about all over the reading room, and a stranger going in has often to hunt about to find the paper he requires. I am also of the opinion that the reading room should be open on train nights (i.e.) Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, visitors would then have somewhere besides the hotels to go to. * ■* * * Who is the Registrar of Electors for the Bay of Islands ? Judging from the following letter he is not fitted for the position. ‘Dear Wanderer. Over two months ago I wrote to the Registrar of Electors asking him to send me some registration Forms, and informing him that there were several in this part of the district who wished to have their names placed on the roll ; up to the present time I have received no reply. Is he not supposed to send the forms when applied for ?’ I believe ho is supposed to forward the forms on application being made to him, and if your letter correctly states the case tbe sooner be is discharged and a more attentive and competent man placed in the position the better. The present Registrar is either very dilatory or is incompetent of performing the duties pertaining to the office. * * * * Lost, stolen or strayed—a whaleboat Now that’s very like a whale, hut I fancy if I had been Hood- winked and done Brown in such an easy manner, I'd have Well ! not this time, Mr Editor, I’ll be merciful for once. * * * * Civilization among the dusky ones advancing by leaps and bounds ; a genuine wife beating case this time, council of leading men called, evidence taken, verdict ‘man unfit to have a wife therefore must give her up, and she shall he at liberty to choose another husband.’ Now ! how superior thi3 is to our judicial separation nonsense. I think I’ll join that religion. * * * * For some time past I have noticed paragraphs in the Bei/l about a gumdiggervS* mission, but I have also noticed that the party who is supposed to hold the services only appears to travel to those places easiest to get at. . Now this won’t do ; the promoters of the mission are no doubt deserving of every credit, and I would be one of the last to throw cold water on it, but. if this work is to be carried on let it be done properly and thoroughly, or very little good will be done., There are scores of camps in the dark North and, these camps are full of diggers, and many miles from any place of worship. Numbers of these diggers would he very glad to have an opportuity of attending a religious service, and I am sure would willingly contribute a mite. Now Mr Missionary, pay those camps a visit occasionally, you must not mind bad roads and other little inconveniences. You’re doing the great Master’s work and He will not think well of a servant who does not carry out that work in a proper manner, , ■* * * By the powers ! but the railway commissioners are dilatory, easy-going, do-nothing fellows. For months the Bell has been pegging away trying to get them to give us some better travelling accommodation, but so far without success. Now, the only way will be to put the Hon. B. Seddon on to them; he appears to be the only

one capable of stirring this trio of sloths up. Confound it ! how would they like to travel in open trucks in all weathers? Look at the number travelling on the line last holiday. Why if it had not been for the excellent management goodness knows what accidents you might have had to chronicle. # * * * The N.TJ.S. Company deserve to be complimented upon the great improvements made in the p.s. Osprey. She is now as fine a boat as could be wished for, for the passenger trade on tbe river, and I trust they may receive such patronage as will compensate them for their outlay. * * # * I was pleased to read in the Bell of the completion of Mr Rhodes’ new mill. He deserves to he successful if only for his plucky venture, and I should like in a friendly way to advise him to make the fact of his mill having started more generally known. There are numbers of settlers up north of Kaihu who contemplate building this summer, there are also always new settlers coming into the district, and I am sure very few of them know of any mill except the Company,s so near as Aratapu, And when it comes to obtaining timber from any of tbe privately owned mills down the river they reckon tho freight. * * * « For the first time I attended one of the entertainments given by the Mangawhare Guild, and must confess that'l spent an enjoyable evening. Taking it all round the young folks acquitted themselves remarkably well, especially tbe little lady who recited the ‘ Careful Messenger.’ Mrs M. Harding sang very sweetly ; there was perhaps a slight trace of nervousness, but that I consider is always pardonable in a lady singing before a strange audience. Miss Dargaville played her selections on the piano excellently. This lady has an easy graceful way of presiding at the instrument which in itself is always taking with an audience. I consider the promoters and supporters of the Guild ars deserving of great praise for the way they have brought the children on, and the excellent entertainment they provide, while nothing could he more pleasing or more surely show the true woman than to see ladies like Mrs Harding and Miss Dargaville take such an active interest in the welfare and advancement of the young folks.