WAIHI NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 108, 18 March 1897, Page 3

WAIHI NOTES.

[By 'I me Oiu’iian]. Last Monday was a regular field day for Waihi. Tlie Minister of Mines w,.s here and full advantage was taken of Ida visit to bring before his notice the most pressing wants of this g; owing township. During the afternoon he hail a pretty easy time of it visiting and inspecting the building just erected for the School of Mines, and having an informal visit from one or two persons who were troub'cd with a grievance of one sort or another. About seven o’clock in the evening the fnn commenced with an old soldier, who wanted to know how it was his claim lor compensation had never been recognised. It was some considerable time before he could he dispo ed of to make room for a deputation by the Improvement Committee, who had an innings of about an hour, and completely threshed out the burning question of the day, viz., the want of a Magistrate and Warden’s Court, appointment of more J.P.s, and other matleis. Mr Gadman held out no hopes of the Warden’s Court being removed here fiom P.icroa, as in his opinion Ovvharoa is the most central place for the whole district, as it would be convenient for Waitekauri, Karangahake, Waihi and surrounding districts. The first time there is a hatch of J’s.P. made we are to have some appointed for this place, and then the Government may rent a room or hull and allow us to have an S.M. Court occasionally, and so provide work for one or two budding solicitors. The removal of endorsement from the back of business licenses and residence sites, whereby the holders are not to he allowed compensation if the land is required for mining purposes, was thoroughly gone into and at the conclusion thereof Mr Cadnutn suggested a course that should pro>e acceptable to noth mine-owners and resilient site holders. Upon the improvement committee retiring yours truly also departed, but it was a difficult job to get from the room to the door of the hotel as the passage was completely jammed up with people anxious to interview Mr Cadinan. My word, if they ali had separate grievances and took as long over them as the first two deputations, the Minister would be fully occupied all the night, but not being on the job, I cannot say when the seance finished op. The old gentleman with the scythe has been pietty busy around here lately, and does not appear to he any reapeetor of persons, as last Sunday he claimed as a victim to typhoid a strapping young fel.ow, 1). Lucas by name, and only 2G years of age. On Wednesday two infants, one a few weeks old and the other six - months, also succumbed to the unhealthy surroundings here. There arc several serious cases of sickness on hand, and Dr. Wright is so completely overtasked that he is laid up himself, but wo all hope that it is only for a very shoit time, as the doctor is very popular with all classes. The Quadrille Assembly had their second dance la*t Wednesday night, and it was a very enjoyable affair. The promoters must he congratulated upon the happy idea of keeping the front door of the hall locked, and only allowing their patrons entrance by the back, as it completely does way with the larrikin element that used last winter to congregate around the poich of the front boor. St. Patrick’s night is to be a big night, as the band concert and dance eventuates on that evening, and promises to be a big affair. Building operations are still going on apace, and from my own castle 1 can notice the frames of eight buildings in course of erection, while the additions to the school and teacher’s residence are nearing completion, and when painted and finished oft' will form a most imposing range of buildings. There is no doubt this place is advancing by leaps and bounds, as not only do tlie births, deaths and maniage.s show a good percentage, hut we can also record three cases of bankruptcies during the last week or two. Likewise we have a good contingent of the unemployed. It appears to me that outsiders think that, as we have got ths premier mine of New Zealand, it must also he the prenrer place for men looking for work, which is a big mistake, as although there is a large amount of work being carried on, there are always more hands than is required for doing same. In support of such views, witness the attempt of the big company to cut down wages at the extensive works going on at Owharoa, and I hear that outside labourers around here have had their wages reduced Cd per day lately. The fxet is more labour is being offered than is required, therefore capital says that a reduction of wages must take place for tint class of work, that is most easily supplied by unskilled labours. Waihi, March 14th, 1S!)7.