The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1897.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 96, 18 February 1897, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1897.

The state of affairs in Crete conjoined with the action of Greece is, no doubt, cause for some uneasiness. The fact of a Turkish vessel having been fired upon by a Greek war vessel would, under circumstances different from those which exist, be premonitory of war between the two States. In face of the fact, however, that Great . Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Austria and Germany are united to prevent thie result, it is somewhat improbable that it will follow. The action of Greece is no doubt with the object of hurrying on the event, which is generally accepted as inevitable—the handing over of Crete to her dag, a transfer which under any circumstances will take place at an »?arly date. The Greek Government in face of the danger of a massacre of their countrymen, have felt justified in forcing the pace, and are now only restrained from further hostilities by the presence of the fleets of the Powers, who have agreed to land a force at each of the principal ports to restore order, and put an end to the struggle which is in progress between the Mohammedan and Christian populations of the island. The naval force will prevent both Greece and Turkey from landing troops or taking any active measures at sea.. It will be noticed that Lord Salisbury has stated that the Powers have protested against the utter unwisdom of the attitude assumed by Greece, and that her action would not be sanctioned. The concert between the Powers he stated was complete. The ugliest feature of the business is that Turkey is stated to be sending reinforcoments into Macedonia of 10,000 men, the fleets can prevent active measures by sea, but if Turkey attempts to punish Greece for the insult to her flag by means of the army she is massing, she can only be restrained by diplomatic action or the fear of consequences. It may he that she may take this opportunity of testing the unity of Europe, when the question of her dismemberment arises and trust for immunity to counteracting forces, a policy which is so often recorded in her history.

TiIKKE has for a long time been a party in the United States who have professed to believo that the people of Canada would readily consent to be absorbed by or become a large addition to the Republic, and many of the hostile tariff regulations of the States have been incited by this party in order to bring home to Canadians the advantages which would accrue to them by the change. The consequence of the latest attempt in this direction was to draw closer the commercial relations between the Dominion and Great Britain, and tho result appears to have proved more than satisfactory. Canada has recently passed through a political crisis consequent on the agitation of tho Roman Catholic clergy and laity against the Manitoba School settlement. A compromise has been arrived at, and has been loyally accepted by them, although it only gives concessions far short of what were originally demanded. The controversy has served to bring out in a conspicuous manner the loyalty of all parties to the unity of the Dominion and to the Imperial connection. The Canadians, Whether culling themselves Conservatives or Liberals, Protestants or Roman Catholics, are all Imperialists and loyal subjects of Queen Victoria. It lias been made evident that if there ever was a party which aimed at annexation to the States or the setting up of a Canadian Republic it has disappeared. Tho Premier's speech at the banquet given in his honour at the close of the year, a report of which has reached us by mail, was that of an orator, statesman and patriot. In the course of it ho said, some of those present were of French blood, some of English ; but above all things he added : " We must bo Canadians." That moans that religious and race prejudices must not be allowed to affect the unity which is so absolutely necessary to tho prosperity and growth of the country, It must ba cousidyred a.

fortunate circumstance that it has fallen to a French Canadian mid sincere Roman Catholic Prime Minister to deal with the thorny Manitoba education question. The'previous Ministry was prepared to grant large concessions to the Roman Catholics, but the general election proved that it could not carry the country with it, A compromise has been arrived at, and the Premier admits that his co-religionists havo not got all that tbey might fairly claim, but adds there iis no man whoso rights arc absolute, they must give and take. We sometimes hear from one or other of the Australasian colonies predictions that the day is not far distant when the Australian people will declare for a Republic, and sever their connexion with Great Britain. We believe nothing of the sort, and that if a test question were to arise the votes of the Republicans would be* resorded by many less figures than would be found necessary to register those in favour of unity and loyalty to the throne.

Mr W. J. Hunter will hold his second sheep fair at Ohaupo Yards on Thursday, March 18th.

The Secretary of the Waikato Hospital desires to thank the vestry of Christ Church, Taupiri, for a gift of fruit and vegetables. The horses advertised to be sold by Messrs McNicol and Co. at the Thames tomorrow (Fiiday) have been withdrawn from sale.

The usual monthly European mail, via San Francisco, will he closed at the various post-offices in Waikato to-morrow (Friday), at the usual hour. The mail will bo due in London on 24th March.

At the Wesleyan service at Te Awamutu on Sunday morning the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated. The service at Tuhikararnea will be held in the afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock. At the suggestion of several members of the Fruitgrowers' Association, the Committee have decided to receive late cntiies for the forthcoming Horticultural Show up to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphed last night : —A railway carriage was derailed at Ngahauranga this morning through the misadjustment of the noints ; but beyond giving the passengers a fright, no damage was done.

A meeting of the Raglan Racing Club was held on Saturday last, when it was decided to hold the annual meeting of the club on the 19th March, on Moon's course, Waitetuna. The programme will be advertised as soon as passed by the A.R.C.

In consequence of alterations in the arrangements for concerts in the goldfields districts, Miss Dampier's concert advertised in Saturday's issue to take place in Te Awamutu on February 25th has been postponed. The date will be duly notified when fixed. The following team has been chosen to represent Te Awamutu in the cricket match Te Awamutu v. Hamilton' to be played at To Awamutu on Saturday next: —Singleton, Blackett, Case, Griffiths, Park, Marshall, Potts, Conn, Bowden (3). Emergencies : Corbcy and Bain.

In the course of an interview a Sydney expert declared that ticks were carried in bags of bonedust, and that the action of New Zealand in prohibiting the importation of bonedust was a wise and necessary precaution. New South Wales, would, he said, have to follow the same example.

At the last the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, it was agreed to allow William Conroy to remain in the Auckland Hospital for seven days longer, and await a reply from the VVaikato Hospital Board, which had bctn informed that one of its " cases "was in Auckland.

From the Ist January the rates of parcel postage between Great Britaiu and New Zealand both ways—will be no.lified as follows :—lnstead of Is 6d being charged for the first two pounds and 9d for each additional pound, Is wdl be charged for the first pound and 6d for each succeeding pound or fraction of a pound.

The Hamilton Wesleyan Sundayschool picnic took place yesterday in Mr Booth's paddock. There was a large attendance of children and their friends. The usual games were indulged in, and the young folks spent a very pleasant day. There was an abundant supply of the usual comestibles, to which, also as usual, full justice was done.

A special meeting of the Wtiipa County Council was held at Ohaupo on Tuesday for the purpose of receiving tenders. For the gravelling on the Cambridge-Ohaupo Road only two tenders were received, those of Mr Drabble at Hid per yard, and Messrs Williamson and Viekers lb]d per yard. The latter tender was accepted.

In a paragraph in last issue of this journal it was announced that there would be a special train from Pa-roa on the 17th March. This is incorrect. The Railway Department regrets that it cannot arrange for a special from Paoroa on that date, but visitors from Paeroa will be able to come by the ordinary express train, arriving at Nguruawahia at 1.40 p.m.

Mr John Knox, of Hamilton, had a curious and somewhat pleasing experience a few days back. A respoetablc ■ looking man entered his place of business and slated that he had come to make restitution of an article which sonic years back, having yielded to sudden temptation, he had taken from his auction rooms. Tie asked Mr Knox's forgivcdess (which, of course, was freely expressed), and added that the petty theft bad troubled his conscience ever since he committed it. The moral courage displayed by the man is worthy of admiration and imitation.

Reports have been industriously circulated that the gas-meter at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church was turned off by some miscreants during the evening service on .Sunday last Wo have instituted inquiries, and have been assured by several members of the congregation that nothing of the sort occurred. Apparently somebody has developed a mania for publishing canards, for several sensational stories have been Circulated around the district lately, which, upon investigation, have proved to have no foundation on fact. It may be very amusing to the fabricator to circulate false reports, but we can assure him or her, as the ease may be, that it is very annoying to the townspeople to be made the butt of such rumours as some of those referred to.

Tt is pleasing to learn from the local ugents (Messrs W. Souter and Co.) that the directors of the New Zealand Insurance Company have sanctioned the payment cf the amount, for »vhich Mr Horace Stewart's dwelling was insured. It will be remembered that when the cottage owned by Mr .Stewart in Cambridge was recently destroyed by fire it was discovered that the renewal premium had not been paid aud that the policy hud that day expired. Mr Stewart was n-ile, however, to satisfy the company that he intended to renew the policy, and the directors therefore sanctioned th; payment of the claim, though they wire iii no way liable for it. It is by such liberal treatment of insurers that the New Zealand Company has earned the high name it possesses for equitable autl j : 4st treatment of cjuims.

As evidence of the interest taken in the Horticultural Show by the tradespeople of Waikato and Auckland, the special prizes arc more in number and of greater value than on any previous occasion. The monetary subscriptions amount to the handsome sum of £49 19s.

In connection with a paragraph from our Kikikihi correspondent which appeared a Jew days ago, stating that owing to a blunder on the part of the Stock Department the natives had been unable to dispose of their rabbit skins last pay day, wo have been asked to state that the agents were in attendance, and that upwards of 3,000 skins were received and paid for.

The Hon, Mr Cad man has telegraphed, re Waipa bridge: "The Minister for Lands, who has just returned to Wellington, informs me that instructions to proceed with the work were sent to Mr Hursthouse on the 29th January." This is satisfactory intelligence, and it is to be hoped there will bo as little delay as possible in carrying out the work, as the bridge is very much wanted by settlets. A bank clerk writes as follows to the Melbourne Ago : —'• I would like to call attention through your columns to the amount of sweating that goes on in some of the banks. lam in a bank and receive £96 per annum, and have often to work from 9 a.m. to 11 p m , as we I as working on Saturdays, and even Sundays. There are others in the tame institution who receive £3O per annum, and who go through the same grind cay after day."

We are pleased to hear that the Railway Department have officially notified Mr Mayo, Secretary of the Te Kuiti Sport's Committee, that a special train will leave Te Kuiti on the morning of Wednesday, the 17th March. This is a very good arrangement, as it will enable competitors or visitors to proceed to Te Kuiti by the ordinary tram on Monday, witness the sports at To Kuiti on the Tuesday, returning on the following day (Wednesday) in time to take part in the great regatta at Ngaruawahia.

We wetfi sorry to hear yesterday that Mr Edward Koche, son of Mr H. Roche, of Ohaupo, had been brought in from Te Aroha to the Waikato Hospital on Tuesday. A few months since Mr Roche was a carler- iu the Hamilton Post-office, from which he was transferred to the To Aroha office. We did not hear the nature of his illness, hut it is supposed to be the result of over-work and office confinement. We trust that the Hospital treatment and much-needed rest will soon set him up again.

At the Presbyterian General Assembly, now in session at Christchurch, a reference from the Auckland Presbytery on a request for the division of the Te Aroha charge was read. The Presbytery recommended that the charge should be divided into two mission districts, to be called Te Aroha and Oninemuri. The Rev. Mr West explained the position. The reference was sustained and referred to the following Committee to consider the report :—The Revs. Gordon-Webster, ft. S. West, J. Mackenzie, W. Grant, Connie, Sidey, Norrie and Ferguson, anil Messrs Boag, Deans, Bowie and Keith.

Several brides have been presented with marriage portions far exceeding their weight in standard cold. The average weight of a bride will not exceed 1301 b, or 2050 r./, and this at £4 per ounce {£',] 17s 10J<I being the price of standard gold) is only £8320. The marriage portion of Miss Pauline Whitney, daughter of Secretary Whitney, of the United States, was £200,000, or more than twenty-four times her weight in gold. Miss Margot Tennant's marriage portion of £3OOO a year was moic than twelve timta her weight in gold ; while the marriage portion of Miss Mackay (now the Princess of Colonna) of two and a-lialf millions was more than 300 times her weight in gold.

It appears that in Sydney the hotel-keepers sub-let their bars. In a case at the Central Police Court recently evidence was given for the purpose of proving that the licensee of the Flower Pot Hotel, York-street, sublet a private bar to a girl named Jessie Arnold, at a rental of lis a day, except on Sundays, when the rental was to be 10s. '1 he I'quor for the bar was bought from the licensee of the hotel. Arnold and another girl, named Minnie Hoffman, were induced, they said in their evidence, to sign a receipt book purporting to show that they had heen engaged as barmaids at 15s a week. This, they explained, was done I>3' Hughes, the license) of the hotel, us a blind to the police. Hughes whose offence was in effect that he permitted an unlicensed person to sell liquor tetail on his premises, not for his use and benefit, was lined £lO and costs.

The social given by Mr and Mrs Hugh Ferguson, of Httntapu, in the Oddfc'lows' Hall, Cambridge, on Monday evening to commemorate their silver wedding, wns it most pronounced success. There was a large gathering, and some even came from as far as Auckland to he present at the function. It was indeed a re-union, for there were some present who had not met since they attended Mr and Mrs Ferguson's wedding a quarter of it ceujury ago. Presents galore were showoied upon the happy coup'e, and they certainly will not want for spoons, butter knives and coolers, sugar basins, etc., etc., lor the remainder of their livts Wo fancy they only required to go off on a " honeymoon " trip to complete the illusion that they were only just married. Everything was done to make the guests comfortable, and the evening passed away most pleasantly. There were several congratulatory speeches made, and we need hardly say Mr and Mrs Ferguson were " toasted " attain and again. Pongs, games and danees were indulged in largely, and the best fun of the whole proceeding was when sonic of the elder Scots' thought they wore young again and danod reels, etc., in their true mitional style. One gentleman in particular—a most staid and sober man—astonished ami delighted everyone by the fancy steps he exhibited. Everything went along as merrily as the proverbial marriage bell till 2 a.m., when all joined hands and sang " Auld Lang byne," after which they journeyed home.