The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1898.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 349, 4 October 1898, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1898.

The star of the Dowager Empress of Chiua is again in the ascendant, and the policy of the Government is once more anti-Britiab. Li Hung Chang, who, only a few days back, was dismissed from office, is again in power, and the Emperor seems to have been praetically deposed by his masterful, scheming, and unscrupulous aunt, who, by means of a coup d'etat, placed him upon the throne, and has held the reins in his name ever since, or, at any rate, till quite recently, when the Emperor dismissed Li Hung Chang, and declared himself in favour of a policy of progress. He is reputed to be a gentle, mild, young man, so that it is not to be wondered at that an alliance between the Dowager Empress and Li Hung Chang has resulted in his defeat. At the present time the Emperor is appealing to Britain to support him in his policy of progress, and the Empress to Russia to support her in resisting interference by Britain. The prestige of both England and Russia is at stake. It is reported that it is the intention of Britain to take possession of the Taku forts, in the Gulf of Pecheli. This step would, of course, be taken with the consent, if not at the request of, the Emperor, who is the nominal [head of the Empire. If this takes place matters will be brought to a crisis, as Britain will be placed in the position that she will be compelled to uphold the Emperor. Britain is all the more forced into this position by the fact that she insisted upon the deposition of Li Hung Chang under threat of hostile action. These last developments illustrate the great difficulty Lord Salisbury lias had to contend against in his efforts to secure a solid foundation for British commerce and British enterprise. We have no hesitation in predicting that he is prepared to secure this in spite of Russia and all other adverse influences, even if war be necessary for its attainment. It is possible that he has been waiting till the United States and Germany fully recognised that their interests and those of Britain are identical, and in consequence that those Powers would join with Britain in making such strong representations to France and Russia that they would recede from the position they have taken up. This time has to all appearance arrived, America has all along claimed that whatever changes may take place in China her merchants should enjoy equal trade facilities with those who join in the scramble The interests -of Germany are as regards trade on the same lines as those of America. The alliance of these powers with Britain is stated to be an accomplished fact, if so Lord Salisbury's time has come.

Tho programme for the Cam-1 bridge West Amateur Athletic Sports, to be held on 9th November, is adver tised in this issue. A movement is on foot in Wellington to arrange for a memorial to the late Sir Geo. Grey, and steps are likely to be taken in that direction at an early due. It has been urged that the tribute shall be of a colonial character. The grass seed lately sown on the running 'track on Sydney Square is springing up nicely, and by all appearances the runners will have no cause for complaint when the sports gathering on Boxing day comes round. The Premier has received the following cablegram from Mr Dickson, the new Premier of Queensland : " This Government warmly appreciates your message expressing sympathy of the people of New Zealand on the death of Mr Byrnes." On Monday next, October 10th, Mr W. J. Hunter will hold a clearing sale at Ngaruawahia on account of Mr W. Vant, commencing at 12.30 o'clock sharp at the workshop. Full particulars of the sale are advertised in his uoual column this, issue. Last evening Capt, Reid called on us and exhibited two photographs taken by him on the occasion of the farewell to Mrs and Miss Hume. The pictures are really good specimens of the photographic art and quite up to Capt. Reid's usual standard. On Sunday last the services at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church were conducted by the Rev. R. Scott-West, of St. David's Church, Auckland. The rev. gentleman pleached an impressive sermon at each service, and was attentively followed by large congregations. The opening run of the Waikato Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club will take place to-morrow afternoon, when between 20 and 30 cyclists are expected to take part. The run will be to Cambridge and back, and at present there appears to be every prospect of a fine day for the excursion. The ladies of the Preshyterian congregation in Cambridge have been actively engaged, for some months past, in preparation for a sale of useful articles of needlework, the object being to defray the cost of the handsome rostrum in the new church. The sale, with other attractions, such as afternoon tea, orchestral music, etc., is to take place in Victoria Hall (formerly the old church) to-morrow (Wednesday) afternoon. Admissiou to the hall will be free. Ware informed that it has been definitely decided to abandon the proposed visit of the Waikato football team to Kotorua. Why there should be so much difficulty in getting a team to travel we cannot understand, as the Union guaranteed nearly the whole of the expenses. There is without doubt a screw loose somewhere. The Waikato footballers have earned for themselves an unenviable reputation this'season, and it will take them some time to wipe it out. The Cambridge Polo Club had its first practice match on Saturday afternoon in one of Mr James Taylor's paddocks, at Bardowie. A very spirited game was indulged in by teams chosen by Messrs Banks and Weatherall, the former provinir victorious by three points. A number of spectators were present, and they seemed to enjoy the game equally with the players. The game is evidently catching on in the district, and now that hunting is o'-er it will find our horsemen something to do. Our readers will scarcely need reminding of the regimental ball to be given in the Volunteer Hall on Thursday evening by the Waikato Mounted Rifles* No pains are being spared by the company to eclipse anything in this line that has yet been attempted in the township, and there appears to be every prospect that the goal will he achieved. Acceptances have been showered in from all parts of the Waikato, and a large assemblage is assured. Orchestral music will be provided, and the ball bids fair to be a most enjoyable one. No tickets, except to members of the corps, will be issued after to-morrow (Wednesday). Steady progress is being made with the brilliant comedy, " Dandy Dick," which is to be produced in aid of the Hamilton Libraiy funds at show time, although the efforts of the management have been somewhat hampered for want of a hall for rehearsals. A good deal of public feeling has been aroused of late over the question t of raising money by debentures for the erection of a hall to meet the requirements of the place in a central spot in the township. Promises of support have been received from all sides, and no doubt when our library is fairly under weigh, this matter wil receive due attention at the hands of some of our more energetic and enterprising townsmen. Seldom h*s the schoolroom at Tamahere worn such a bright and gay appearance as on Wednesday evening last, the oesasion of the plain and fancy drees ball given by the Misses Carey and Broome and pupils to their friends. About thirty couples took part in the dancing, the majority in fancy costume, the pretty and varied colours aided by the floral decoration of the room making a pleasing and effective picture. In addition to the usual programme the pupils danced the Waltz-cottillion and the Washington Post in a manner which must have heen gratifying to the principals. The ladies spared no pains in the supper arrangements, serving refreshments all through the latter pirt of the evening. After a hearty rendering of " Auld Lang Syne " at the finish, all went home happy and contented. In a country where wooden buildings and shingle roofs are common, it is well to know how to make a simple fire extinguisher. Hand grenades, the simplest form, can be made at home cheaply and easily. And it is well to have at hand a simple contrivance for extinguishing a small fire at its Btart. Take twenty pounds of common salt and ten pounds of sal ammoniac (nitrate of soda, to be had at any druggist) and dissolve in seven gallons of water. Procure quart bottles of thiu glass, such as are ordinarily used by druggists, and fill with this, corking tightly and sealing, to prevent evaporation. In case of fire throw so as to break in or near the flame. If the fire is in such a place as to prevent the bottle from breaking, as in wool or cotton, knock off the neck and scatter the contents. The breaking of the bottle liberates a certain quantity of gas, and the heat of the fire generates more, thus working its own destruction.