The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1896.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 29, 15 September 1896, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECOMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1896.

It is beyond dispute that Trades Unions have worked much good in the world ; to their existence is clue to a large extent the improved condition of skilled workmen, as compared with that which they held half a century back. So long as they confined themselves to matters which they understood their career of usefulness continued. Their tendency has, however, been for some years now to express opinions upon very dillicult and complex political questions, which of necessity they do not understand, and in consequence they have become the victims of the glib demagogue, whose creed it is to destroy, without thought or care as to reconstruction. Two cablegrams which we publish in another column, have led to the above re flections, for which wc do not claim originality, as they have been often otherwise and better expressed by thinkers of all .shades: of politics. The cablegrams are to the. cfl'ect that the Trades Union Congress sitting in London demand pensions for aged workers, amnesty for all political offenders, public control of education, nationalization of land, mines and minerals, and the levying of royalties on railways. The first demand nearly all men are agreed should be acceded, if it be possible to carry the idea out in a manner not calculated to destroy the energy and self respect of the average man. A great many of the leading statesmen of the world are now giving this question their earnest thought, and the friendly society organisations are alive to the fact that, so far as the deserving are concerned, they have a responsibility in the matter, which it is needless to say, such has been their history, they have no desire to shirk, a workable scheme is all they ask ; unfortunately this appears as far from attainment as ever. To demand is one thing, to demonstrate how a demand is to be complied with, is another. The next demand is an amnesty for all political offenders. We suppose that the Congress had some idea of what it was demanding, but wc believe that we are within the truth when we state that there is no political offender within the Britis'n dominions who requires an amnesty unless it be those who have used explosives, the knife or the blud geon, as branches of their political argument. This being so we are astonished that sober British workmen should have committed themselves to such a demand. Publiccontrol of education is the next plank in their platform. What this means it is difficult to toll unless it be that all schools of every grade and the universities shall be run by the State, and some system devised under which the whole population shall benefit equally. Very desirable and very equitable no doubt, but the Colons are silent as to how the aim is to be carried out. Then follows the nationalisation of the land fad. When will those who utter this shibboleth so vigorously and so oft, grasp the fact that they arc howling for that which in effect already exists ? So long as Parliament has the right to tax land, it is to all intents and purposes national property. The same remark applies to mines and minerals, with t'lis advantage thrown in, that the laud, the mines and the minerals are now subject to the management of those who mulerstan-1 their business, and who are not liable to be turned from the paths of coalmen sense and rectitude by the political necessities of party, Then the railways are to pay royalties. They arc already per se very heavily taxed for local and Imperial revenue, and the increpsc in the taxable values of property, consequent on their existence, is beyond calculation, increase the taxation on the railways, and the companies who control them will be compelled to raise their freight and passenger rates. Increase these and the taxable value of land and properly would fall in proportion. If is matter Tor Wonder (bat at the end of the nineteenth century a body id' English workmen should be found reaily to pass a series of such inconsequent resolutions. It is said, and truly no doubt, that a little knowledge is a dangerous possession. We may look for better things when our system of universal education lias had time to influence the thought and mature the reasoning power of the people. When that time conies they will be able not only to demand but in addi'ion lo give reasons for demanding. In the meantime it appears to us that the iess they demand the less ridiculous they will appear.

It will be seen by advertisement that Mr C. Harwood will run brakes to the Hunt Uub Races tomorrow.

The Secretary of the Waikato Hospital Board thanks Mr Tlios. Waller, The Lake, Hamilton, for a donation of illustrated papers and (lowers.

Mr Dickenson, Inspector under the Board of Education, was engaged yesterday in conducting the itinda d examinations at the Hamilton West Public School.

The next church social in connection with St. John's Church, To Awamtitu, will he held in the Public Hall, Tc Awamutu, on Friday next, the 18th imstiV.it. Tho usual musical and dance programme will bo submitted, a'id a good attendance is anticipated.

Uy the '.Frisco mail that reached Waikato on Saturday Mr Thomas Wells, it Cambridge, received a consignment of ehrysanthe.nums from England, nil of which are new to the district. They came fiom Messrs Cannell and Sins, of Swan'cy, Kent, and were all in splendid condition.

We learn that a demand has set in from Australia for Mr Armstrong's preparation Pyralieidc. If the mixture proves as effective as there appears to be every reason to hope a great benefit will be confc.red upon fruitgrowers throughout the w.jr'd, and the inventor, Air Armstrong, and his agents, Messrs Kcmpthorue, Prosser and Co., will derive as they deserve very considerable monetary benefit. There was a large shipment to Sydney by the R M.S. Morowai on Friday.

There is every indication thai, the weather will hold up for the Hunt Club Races to-morrow, and there will no doubt be a large attendance. Hunting during the past few years has become, the popular winter sport of the district, the tanners generally gi-ing it their support, the younger members in particular being very enthusiastic. Alost of the members of the club have Rood mounts, and many of th-ni arc anxious to try conclusions with their neighbours. The course at St. Kilda is in good condition, and everything points to a most successful meeting.

Those wdio attended the limelight intertainmcnt given in the Weslcyan Church at Can.bridge on Friday evening by Ensign Harvey were treated to a lather unexpected display, for they witnessed an explosion that came near wrecking the windows of the huild ng. In manipulating the gas apparatus that provides the limelight something went wrong and a strong explosion resulted. The E"sign carried out the burning gas bag, and in doing so got his hands somewhat scorched, hat not sevetvly, and that was the extent of the damage. The views were then exhibited by the aid of a kerosene lamp.

A deputation of members of the House waited on the Premier on Friday, to ask that the subsidy towards the cost of the New Zetland Rifle Association sh uld he ecu tinned. Air Sod lon said that his own feelings were favourable to the request, anl that he would consult his colleagues and the new commandant, with the view of gcting a sum placet on the supplementary estimates. As to rile clubs he was opposed to their formation where vo'unte-r corps could be formed. As an old volunteer, his sympathies were entirely witli the men who give their time gratuitously, and made very considerable sacrifices.

On Friday night last a limelight exhibition i lustiating the touchmg story of "Christie's Old Organ" was given in the Presbyterian Church,' Hamilton. The Church was filb d to the door, twothirds of the audience being juveniles. The silcn'-e and deep attent on during the leiubring of the story by the Bev. Air Boss, shewed how thoroughly those present enjoyed the pictures and the story. Captain Rcid's powerful lantern under his skibul handling brought out every successive pictniv. in such style as evoked the immediate admiration of the young people. There was also a short story entitled "The Matron's Story," il lust rating some tragic and philanthropic life in Loudon shuns, nt the close. The proceeds of the m ctiug arc to go tow.iids the erection of a paling fence in fro .t of the Church.

Some little excitement was caused at Franktou Junction just befora the arrival of the passenger train from Auckland yesterday afternoon. The mail coach from Hamilton had just nnived, and as the driver was carrying the mails over to the platform the horses started oil'at a walk. Before ih.iy could be caught, however, they had increased their pace, and colliding with the gate post, smashed the pole close up to the body of the coach. The collision did not stop them and they continued on in the direction of Hamilton with the coach swaying from side to side. They negotiated the corner safely and then turned up Bostieror street, but came to grief just opposite Airs Stokes' residence, where the er.ach overturned, but received no further damage thin the broken pole, and the horses luckily escaped without injury.

On Saturday last, we noticed qui'c a little army of boys at work on the I'rcsbyterian Church grounds, 11 andlion East Under the supervision of their Ministc - , the Bev. 1). Ross, and Alessrs Aluriay, Girdiner and Teas, this ban 1 of w.lling workers welded spades and bairows with a hojrt that (I'd credit to the rising youth of II imilfui. The passers-by could see that those grounds that were overgrown by lofty pines and other trees, presenting a neglected look were now assuming a new a-p.'et, giving vis bi'ity to the church and it< pictnrc-quc surroundings. On Saturday besides levelling the rough phees, a quantity of grass seed was sown, and iroameotal plants and shrubs were planted, wh ell in a short time should giie the eneljsrre a neat and attractive appearance. Before breaking up at noon, the young workers were supplied with tea, buns, etc., prepared by the elder girls of the congregation.

On last Thursday evening a meeting of the Putorangi Mutual Improvement Society was held in the Pateraugi Hall. The following debate was to take place, viz., "Should State Life Insurance be compulsory?" Mr Germ inn in tie affirmative, and Air Legertwood in the negative. Afr Gcrmanu licing absent, the debate was put oil' till next nicetim?. Mr Mavky (the President) occupied the chair, about thirty members present. After some, little discussion, it was decided that the business of the evening would be impromptu speeches. The following subjects were then spoken on. The suhjec's being written on a piece of paper ami drawn out of a hat, rather a trying ordeal, as the members did not know the subject they had to speak on till tin: paper was drawn. Mr Kay drew " friendship," and made a good speech. Mr J. J, Kyburn "Potato Culture,"; Mr F. Bennett •' Luck,"; this subject elicited a good deal of criticism of an instructive nature, Mr Legertwood " Free Trade." ; Mr Ryburu " Life,'' ; Mr Partington "Gardening,"; Mi- (>. Kinch "Welf-deiiiul," : Air (J. Afillar " What are wc to do with our girls," ; Air W. Sing " Turnip Culture-,"; Mr C. Mucky "Courage,"; .Miss Sing " Pleasures of home." A very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. It was quite refreshing to hear some of those idd Scotch puritans come out with something humorous, cue gentleman remarking when speaking on "luck," that the best luck in the district was Father Luck, of Kihikihi. The cheering which followed, showed that, the Rev. gentleman is highly thought, of. Now this Society Ins been in existence for years, and the young men still require poking up, ;is they leave too much to the older hands. I give this hint for their benefit.—(Own Correspondent}.

Mr W. M. Jackson, barrister and solicitor, who is the son of Capt. Jackson, S.M., has commenced practice at Waihi.

Messrs McNicol and Co. will hold their usual sale at the Ohaupo Yards tod.,y. A line of wod-brcd young aloers'and heifers will be yarded from Waitoa.

In Mr Bcttley'a letter in our last issue under the heading "Culverts." three words were omitted at the cud. The last sentence should have read : " Thanking you f.r the inscrtrn, as I have no ambition for being painted blacker than I am supposed lo be." The words in italics were missing and wc tender our apo'ogies to the writer for the mistake.

At their special horse sale at Cambridge on Wednesday and Thursday, 23rd and 24th September, Messrs AlcNiool and Co., in addition to the stallions already advertised, will offer the thoroughbred Adam, syrs, by Cas tor-Tins Jilt; also the racing mare Minnie and the chestnut gelding Laddie. Some vehicles, farm implements, etc., will also be offered.

The following .is the result of the examination at the Cambridge West School :—Standard VI. : S presented : all passed. Standard V, : 9 presented ; 6 passed. Stmdaid IV. : 13 presented ; 7 passed. Standard 111. : 11 p:cscnted ; 9 passed. Standard 11. : 15 presented ; 13 pas-ed. Standard I.: G presented; nil passed. On the whole this is a very satisfactory report.

A rumour was circulated in Hamilton yesterday that Air Richard Davis, son of Mr Silvester Davis, was ill at Paeroa with typhoid fever. The news came as a great shock to the young man's parents, but on inquiring the story proved to be a fabrication. Mr Ranch, who c.une in from Paeroa yesterd iy afternoon, had tea with the supposed victim of the fever, and he was then quite well. Wc are glad that tli i report has proved a false one, and that Air and Mrs Davis' fears are relieved.

Now is the time to ropair the roads (writes our Ohaupo correspondent) and not wait till winter The stati >n road wants looking after and the holes filled up, it can he. done now at very litt'c cost. I should like to daw the attention of the Pukeknra Rotcl Board to it The Council lam told only intend to spend £5 on the ohaupo-Te Awamutu main road. I have heard several people complaining about it, £o will go u jwlicre on it, as this road carries agrcitdcd of traffic; at anyratc. now is the time to do the work and sive money.

Mr Daw, consulting engineer of the Explication Company, has received a cable sanctioning the construction of a low level tunnel in the fuse of the hill above the Wairongomai township. The estimated cost is about £30,000, and it is expected that it will take two years' to complete the work. The drive will be Sft by 10ft in the clear, and will be cut with the most improved machinery, driven by compressed air. The plans are now being prepared and the first section wil be let by c infract at an early date. Air R. R. Hunt, Manager for the Company, returned to Auckland by yesterday's train, after an inspection of the ground. He has secured the Trident Licensed Holding, in which the work will be commenced, and wc learn he is in treaty for several adjacent properties.

On Tuesday evening a meeting was held at Paeroa for the purpose of taking steps to form a School of Alines there. Af'er a good deal of dseus-ion it was agreed to canvass the town for subseripti us and aho approach the Government, with the view to securing monetary aid. The County Council arc to be asked for a site for the necessary buildings. At a subsequent meeting of the committee tie Sejietary was instructed to write to Sir Archibald Geikic, l'rofessor of Geology and Minerology, and director of the British geological surveys, requesting him to present the school with a selection of metals and minerals suitable for c'ass demonstration, in return for a collection of Upper Thames metal sand minerals to be forwarded to him by the coinmittes.

At the Appellate Court, now sitting at Waiuku, the appeal against the partition of the Opuatia Block,—by which the Government were awarded 1900 acres and the owners of two other large snbdiv sions were incorporated to allow them to lease to the Special Settlers' Association--was (lis uissed, and the partition eo.dinned. Afr E. de C. Drury, with a large stall, is now engaged laying oil'roads through the block, and another party is on'ting the lines between the Crown an 1 native sections of the block. It is espected tint by the time the plans are ready the whole oi the land will be taken up, and there being applications for further leases, the natives intend incorporating themselves for further portions of t'ie block as soon as they cm get their applications before the Committee.

For some little time past a subscription list has teen circulated in Hamilton to buy imis* seed to lay down the track on Sydney Square. This work is being veiy thoroughly carried out, and by Boxing Day the Sports Committee shoald have a spbulid ground on which to ho'd the'r annual meet'ng. The mciibars of the Cricket Club, under Air Fre 1 Forrest, are also working hard at the prcpira'ion of the cricket, pitch, and on its completion Hamilton should ceitainly have the premier cricket ground in Waikat"). The possession of a good ground by the local " Knights of the Willow " may infuse new life in them, and inspir.; them to regain the position they held a few seasons ago, and ou'side teams will be more likely to visit the district when they know they can have a decent ground to play on. and n>t run serous risks of being injured for life.

At To Kuiti on Thursday night a bachelor's ball was held in Air Perry's hall. The hall was beautifully decorated. [About forty couples wen; present, ami guests attended from all parts of the surrounding districts—Alexandra, To Awamutu, " and Ngaruawahia. Everything was done to make the affair a thorough success, wlreh indeed it was. There was nothing of the backwoods' character about it. Although m> far up m the King Country, everything was carried out up to date, with a well laidout supper table, at which the guests sat down and did jutice to Host Perry's catering. The dancing, the supper, and the ladies' dresses would compare favourably with any other bill that has been held in the Waikato. Pshaw ! what's the good of talking like that, yon say. Well, ask the guests for their opinion. One and all say it was one of the most enjoyable halls they ever attended During the evening several songs Merc rendered, Air Simmelhag and Mr W. C. Hunter both contributing in that line. Dancing was kept up till t o'clock, when the visiting guests retired for a couple of hours' sleep before the train started. There is ample accommodation for travellers in To Kuili, as there are several first-class boarding houses in the town which supply all the comforts required, with the exception of whisky, and that. I am told is not procurable within the boundaries of " His Majesty's" dominions. The bachelors are to be congratulated on the success of their ball. I trust tliis won't he the last of them. I decline to say anything about the belle. Anyhow, there were a number of goodlooking girls there. 1 must not forget to say the iuusi"al part was under the manairemenl of Mr Proctor, assisted by Mr Hunter on the violin—fiddle they call it in my country, bub violin 1 suppose is the scientific name. At any rate, Mr Hunter is not a bad fiddler.—(Own Correspondent).

The Te Aroha Agricultural and Horticultural Society have decided to holil their aniiutl sliow in the lust week in February, anil a suh-c mmittcc was appointed to draw up the schedule.

Messrs MoNicol tlhd Co. advertise their usual sale atTe Mata,' on Wednesday. 7th October. The sale has bean notified by posters in the district for some time, and a largj number of entries have already been received.

(,)n Thursday and Friday Mr W. J. Hunter -will hold two clearing sales—on Thursday at Kihikihi on account of Mr Collins, and on Friday at Cambridge on account of Mr 13. licerc. Full particulars of these sales are given in advertisements appearing on our fourth page.

A crowded public meeting was held at Reef ton in reference to the flax industry, the Mayor in the chair. The meeting was addressed by Messrs John Holmes, and A. 13. Haggcu, of Wellington. Resolutions were unanimously adopted approving of the appointment of an expert to visit Europe and America, and urging the claims of the fl:ixmillcrs to similar assistance to that given to the dairy industry.

A week's series of special services was commenced in Trinity Weslcyan Church, Hamilton, last The liov. L. Hudson, of St. Paul's, (Jimbridgc, gave an earnest address on "The Great Love of God, 1 ' which was lis'ened to with great atttiition. This evening he will aga ; n preach when all classes and ere ds are cordially invited to attend. The services will b: ondu-tcd each evening this week, and oa Thursday evening a collection will be m ile to defray the expenses.

The date for the annual fancy dress " At Home," in connection with Miss Soppstt's dancing cla«s at Hamilton, is fas 5 approaching, and the excitement of her pupils is increasing in the same ratio. The "At Home" last year was a decidetl success, and that to be given in the Volunteer Hall on Fiiday will, no doubt, surpass it. The pupils hive been taught all the latest dances, several of which they will perform that evening, and in their fancy dresses the scene should be a striking and novel one.

An excellent programme was submitted ;it the meeting of the Pukekura Mutual Improvement Society, held ill the Cambridge West School on Friday evening last, and it was much appreciated by all present. ifiongd were rendered by the Missc.? Mil or, Dean, and Evan?, and Messrs J. Fisher, \). Anderson, A. Wallace, an 1 I'. Dill mi, and readings and recitations by Miss Howard, and Messrs \V. Wallace, W. Dean, M. Anderson, and (_'. Howard. Considerable business was also transacted, it was decided to have the journal published and read at the next meeting.

Tlio Hon. E. and Mrs Mitchclson celebrated tli ir silver wedding at their reside ce, " Waitaramoa," Reuiuera, on Saturday a'ternoou. About 100 guests were present, including nearly a dozen ladies and gentlemen, embracing the otileiatuig e'ergynim (Rev. V, Gould), who were at the marriage twenty-five years befotv. Mr and Mrs Mitchelsjn, who are highly popular amoig a large cire'e of friends and acquaintances, were the recipients of many congratul itious and expressions of goo iwil l , an 1 their health) were prop se 1 by the Rev. V. Gould in a humorous speech. Mr Mitchclson, in responding, thanked those friends who had accepted their inv tition.

On Sunday evening a man named Jerry MeGarry, who has bo 'n taking care of the stallion Duke of Albany, met with a serious accident, lie was leuliug the horse towards Te Aroha, about a mile and fi-half along the ro.-.d from Paeroa, when the unim.il lifted one of hia fore feet and struck MeGarry on the head rendering him unconscious - A companion of Me(!arry\s who was travelling with him, was riding a pony a short distance behind, and he now c.iine up and reudere 1 what assistance wis in his power. He went off to Paeroa for a buggy, in which MeGarry was taken to the Royal Miil Hotel. lie was attended to by the doctor, and is now progressing fairy .veil. llauraki Tri Initio.

The storekeepers of Gunhridgc will close their shops tomorrow (Wednesday) <it 11 on, histoid of at 1 p.m., .is is usual on Wednesdays, sq that every - one can attend the limit Club Races, which will he held on Mr Jas. Clem iit's course, at St. li.il In, CnmbriiU'c, and sliou'd the weatlier prove (iui! we predict one of the largest Catherines he'd in the distiiet for a like pirposc for many yoirs. The entries arc 1 uge, tli; hand - capping is g od, ami everything betokens i successful meeting. i>y ni itu d con s nt, the storekeepers of Cnn'oridgc have agreed to observe the weekly h ili'-h >liday on Friday, the "i.it'i ins*., instad r.f Wednesday, the 23rd, that being the day of the Stillijf. Parade and M-ssrs MeNicol and Co.'s ho se sale.