THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verite sans pew.” WANGANUI, OCTOBER 16, 1862.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 6, Issue 313, 16 October 1862, Page 3

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “ Verite sans pew.” WANGANUI, OCTOBER 16, 1862.

It is to be feared that the communical tion which was read in the hearing of the Volunteer Companies last week, from tlie Deputy Adjutant General of New Zealand Volunteers, will prove a heavy blow to the Volunteer force in this district. The tone which was infused into this force by the tact and energy of its first commander put it, if not first, at least near the head ot the Volunteer corps in the country. The number of the corps in this district bore a larger proportion to its population than that at any other settlement save Taranaki ; and although its efficiency has happily not been tried in the„field, it lias taken an honourable place in the prize-shooting of the country. The effect of the change of Commander only showed how much the corps was under obligation to the officer who first breathed into it the breath of life ; but was not greater than might have been expected, considering that many of the Volunteers strongly disapproved of the removal of one who, whatever might have been his disqualifications otherwise, had certainly shown himself a zealous and efficient officer. "Unfortunately, the difficulties which the new Commander had to contend with, occasioned by this feeling in favour of his predecessor, were aggravated by a dispute which arose between No. 1 and 2 Companies regarding their seniority, on their re-enrolment under the new Militia act shortly before his arrival. Had a judicious attempt been made to reconcile the two Companies, it would no doubt have succeeded ; but unfortunately no such attempt was made, and the feeling of alienation grew stronger It led to great efforts to complete the enrolment of the two Companies ; and the one which had been previously called No. 1 first obtained its complement. The other Company, however, had previously elected their Captain—the same gentleman as had previously held that office, and the previous No. 1 Company elected as Captain one of their number who had before held a subordinate position. Then came the battle for precedence. The one Company argued that, as it was in reality the senior Company it should be held to be so. The other Company claimed the seniority on the ground of its having been first organized by the election of its officers, the additional argument being used, that the Companies were not composed of the same members as before, and that consequently they must be considered as altogether new Companies. The officer commanding the Volunteers in the district held the latter to be in the right, and accordingly called it the No. 1 Com pany. The first No. 1 Company appealed to head-qtianers, and the answer to their application was read at parade last Monday. The Deputy Adjutant General being unable, or unwilling, to decide between the 'conflicting claims, orders the disbandment of the Companies, and gives instructions as to the seniority of the Companies that may be enrolled in their stead. These instructions proceed on the assumption that a senior Captain makes a senior Company. Either this assumption is right or it is wrong. If it is right, then undoubtedly the first No. 2 Company had a just claim to be named No. 1 on the second enrolment ; and there was .no need for disbanding the corps in order to decide the case. It it is wrong, then the step has the appeai’ance of endeavoui’ing to cany into effect what is not according to rule by a mode of procedure which has the appearance, though not the reality, of fairness. Whether right or wrong, we fear that neither Company will be satisfied with their claims being thus set aside, and the consequence will be that, instead of there being two full Companies fired with a generous emulation of each other, there will only be the miserable skeleton of one; and the Volunteer movement here will have received a blow which it will not easily recover. The only probability of such a result being avoided seems to us to lie in a determination, on the part of either Company, to have the dispute settled on its merits ; and if this wei'e resolved on, the Companies would enrol themselves as before, choose the same officers, and again bring the case before the authorities. '1 he authoxitieshave acted on the recommenda-

tion of the Deputy Adjutant General. He has recommended what is an attempt at a compromise, but is only'an endeavour to evade a difficulty which he cannot, or does not wish, to solve. It would appear that the same difficulty has come before the authorities in England, and been decided in a different manner. And there. may be ■ in such a precedent sufficient; cause for the two' Companies re-enrnllipg, themselyes, and bringing the matter to- a final issue. Doubtless, in the interests of expedioncy, it would be greatly better to accept the Deputy Adjutant General’s recommendation ; but, for the real and lasting good of the service, it would be preferable that a, question of such importance should be authoritatively and finally settled. The home case we have referred to is stated in the following paragraph, taken from the Worcester Herald of 19th April last:— * “ This (Ist Worcestershire) company has successfully resisted the proposed alteration in the position of companies at battalion drill, viz , according to seniority of captain, instead of, as usual, seniority of corps. One feature, however,..in their resistance, shows the slight tenure by which the Volunteer system is held together, and also the danger of the Government unnecessarily interfering in matters of detail. It is confidently asserted that, had the obnoxious arrangement been carried out, many resignations would have taken place.”

We do not know what was the origin of the dispute in this case, but this much, at least, may be gathered from it, that the seniority of the Captain does not necessarily give seniority to the Company. The seniority of the Company depends apparently on the time of its formation. And the questions to be settled in the case of Wanganui are, —What constitutes the formation ot the Company 1 and, — Which of the two Companies was first formed 1 It is a pity that the Deputy Adjutant General did not settle these two points. His decision would have been thankfully accepted, at least, by the Company in whose favour it was made, if not by the other; as it is, neither party is satisfied.

THE TOWN BOARD. We have delayed giving any account of the labours of the Town Commissioners until they were fairly under weigh, and there was something of importance to report. The principal business in which they have been occupied is the valuation of the Town lands. This somewhat difficult matter is now completed. The value has been estimated at about three-fourths of what may be considered the market pr'ce of the land, and of course varies according to the position of the sections. The highest in value are those at the corners of Taupo qu;iy and Victoria avenue, where the quarter-acre section is estimated as worth £'4oo. The value dwindles down on either, side along the beach until it falls to £IOO, the sections next Churton’s creek being considered of that value ; but in the direction of the Market-place the value again rises till it reaches £25 0. The sections in the town lowest in value are those adjoining the Racecourse, some of which fall to £ls. Up the river, about the head of Plymouth street, the value runs from £3O to £4O. The suburban five-acre blocks vary from £7oo—at which the block ■ nearest the town on the north ,side of the Victoria avenue is valued—to £2OO in the swamp, and at the greatest distance from the centre of the town. The Industrial School land is estimated as worth £l4O an acre on the other side of the Victoria avenue from the most valuable of the suburban blocks just mentioned—that is, where the Rev. Mr. Nicholls’ house stood —and gradually diminishes as it goes back from the town until it reaches its lowest point in the swamp west of the Racecourse, where it is valued at £ls an acre. The total value of the town lands is estimated by the Board to be :

Town sections .... £41,780 Suburban do ... 14,310 Industrial School Ground . . 7,070 Total . . . . 63,140 From which, in estimating the amount that may be immediately raised by any rate, must be deducted about 10 per cent, for Church, School, and Hospital lands, as well as for Absentees’ sections—lo per cent, is . . 6,314 Leaving as immediately available for assessment .... £56,826 The Board has resolved to levy a “ general rate;” for this’ year of l|-d. per £, which, on this amount, will yield £355 3s. 3d., and the land belonging to absentees may give about. £2O more. This general rate is applicable to the repair and maintenance of streets, sewers, and drains, and to the payment of the salaries of the officers of the Board. As the Provincial Government‘gives an equivalent, the income for this year arising from the general rate will be about £750; of which there is already appropriated £275 —being the salary of the chairman, which has been fixed for this jmar at £125, and that of the surveyor, clerk, and collector, £ls0 —thus leaving £475 for the purposes specified. New works can only be constructed out of special rates levied on the properties to be actually benejitted by such works. The Provincial Government also gives an equivaleu for such rates.

It will be observed that the Board is about to make a proper road along Taupo quay. This will be paid by a special rate levied on the property along the street.

All these monies mnst be paid into the Provincial chest, and all disbursements are paid by the Provincial Sub-Treasurer ; the accounts are audited evory six months by the Provincial auditors ; so that there is an ample guarantee against their falling into confusion.

A third source of revenue is the Town Belt, i The Board have resolved to retain this ground, which amounts to about 300 acres, in their own hands in the meantime, and to let it for pasturage at the. rates of 4d. per week for cattle and t'd per week for horses. Ihe fencing and permanent improvement of this land liave not .yet been considered by the Board,. : . Mr. has made a survey of the town, in th e "course of which he has found that the various sections and streets have not been marked off with sufficient accuracy. ' (This. has given him additional trouble’ in constructing a map of the town, oil‘which he is at present engaged. It will be in three sheets, representing the drainage districts into which the town is naturally divided. One sheet will be 6 ft. long by 4 ft. 8 in. wide, and the others, each 9| ft. long by 4 ft. 8 in. " Considering the short period that has elapsed since the Board was elected, it has got through a great deal of work. The, valuation of the town lands—having been made with great deliberation, and only after' considerable discussion—has taken up "a great deal of time.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Resident -Magistrate’s Court. Oct.; 14. Ropana Turoa v. Jas. Atkinson. Plaintiff sued defendant for 51 damages, the value of two pigs alleged to have been destroyed by defendant last month. The evidence was” insufficient,: and judgment, was given in favour of defendant/ [We learn that the plaintiff, not satisfied with this decision,.came down yesterday, at 6 a.m., to defendant’s house, in a ca'-oe, with 50 men armed with fowlingpiece?. One party, armed with their guns, hid themselves among toe bushes, while the others caught a mare and filly, which they took off with them to Kaiwike.

The detendant was called into Court yesterday, and ordered to pay the costs (which had been adjudged against the plaintiff), on the .understanding that he should take out a warrant for the amount against Ropana ; which warrant of course cannot be executed.

In order to prevent any trouble, the defendant will pay the 51 demanded for the pigs, and the costs, that he may get back his horses, He justly looks on himself as victimised. Had he gone to the King court, he says, he would have got justice, and would have been protected thereafter.] Information was laid on Monday against Wirihd.ua Mohava, a Wangaehu native, charging him with assaulting, with intent, Anne Lind, a girl about 13 years old. She was going home with her father on Saturday, and was ahead of him a little, when she was met by this native on horseback, who immediately dismounted and attacked her. He would no d übt have accomplished his purpose, had not her. father come up, on which the native went off. A M aori policeman was sent off’ on Monday to apprehend him ; but he resisted ; and as the policeman did not care, from the apparent temper of the natives, to proceed to extremities, he returned without him. The Wangaehu natives wish the man.to be tided by Mr. Buffer, who will be at Turakina to-mor-row, and the warrant has been sent there.

Omission. —The following paragraph in Lt. Col. Balneavis’ communication to the Rifle "Volunteers was omitted in the copy given last week:— “Should the same Captains he re-elect-ed, the Company of the now Senior Captain should he considered to form on parade on the right, and the Company of the Junior Captain on the left.” The Late Mr. Blyth.— An inquest was held on Friday last on the remains of the deceased, and a verdict was returned of accidental death. It is supposed that the liorse must have stumbled or shied, and that the fall on. his head had been the cause of Air. Blyth’s death. He had been able to move liis'limbs after the fall, as he was found lying at full length on his back, with one leg crossed over the other, and an arm stretched across his brow. The respect felt for the deceased gentleman was evidenced by the very large attendance at his funeral on Monday, his long residence and amiable character having endeared him to all -his numerous acquaintance. Mr. Blyth was, we believe, a native of Cupar-Fife. He spent part of his early years in Glasgow, where he narrowly escaped death in helping to save property in a large fire. '1 hence he went to South America. Arrived in the Rio dela Plata, the vessel in which he was a passenger was taken by pirates ; and Mr. Blyth was quietly awaiting his death, when an expedition, sent with muffled oars from a British man-of-war- in the river, whose captain had been apprised of the position of his countrymen by a gentleman who had observed from the shore suspicious signs, arrived and took possession of her, restoring the passenger to freedom, and allowing him to proceed to Monte Video. He then crossed the continent to Valparaiso, and on his way met with some rather unpleasant adventures. Civil wars were then, as usual, raging on the pampas of the Plata and at one stage of his journey, he was in imminent danger of being summarily hanged as a spy. But for the timely arrival of a Spaniard who had lived in the same inn with him at Monte Video, and w T ho certified to his being a true man, another day would not have dawned for him. Then he was taken prisoner and kept for some weeks by tbe Buenos Ayreans, during which lie was'nearly killed by want of wholesome food. In passing over the Andes he became totally blind for a few days with the reflection of the sun on the snow ; and then was nearly starved the provisions of his party having been ex- . hausted. His companion in this journey

frequently afterwards referred to the ludicrous appearance presented by Mi’. Blyth one day when having come to a solitary hut before which a sheep newly killed was hung up, he pounced on the carcase, tore away part of the raw flesh, and satisfied his hunger, the blood flowing down his_.beard, in a rather uncivilised style. Leaving Valparaiso after a short stay they went to Lima w here they engaged in Mechanical pursuits; and after some time he returned to .his native lana ; but shortly after went out to the United States through which he travelled. Not being satisfied, however, with the social or political condition of the country he again returned home ; ancl then came out to Wellington about twenty years ago. He remained in business in Wellington till he came about Tirce years since to this district to reside on his property. He represented this district for several years in the Provincial Council ; and was a warm supporter of Dr. Featherston’s policy. During his residence in Wellington he did great good to, Wanganui by recommending it to newly arrived immigrants. The Presbyterian Church there was much indebted to him for his wise counsel and liberal 'assistance ; ancl he held the office of elder oth in it, and in the Presbyterian Church here after his 1 removal. Although his general health was good, lie seemed latterly to be looking forward to death, as an event which might soon happen to him ; ancl had lecently alluded to the subject several times to members of his family. This presentiment has been fulfilled and he has now' joined “ the great assembly of the just and good. ”

■ Sudden Death.— John Williams, betterfknown as “Old Jack,” died at Westmere, aged 65 years, oil Sunday morning last. Although his health had been de cliuing for some time past, no apparent change'was visible on the preceding night, and lie retired to bed as usual, after having, with his customary well-knowm attention to cleanliness, washed his clothes on the Saturday afternoon. The deceased had been in New Zealand upwai’cTs of thirty years ; having spent the first ten of these as a whaler, he came to Wanganui on the arrival of the first settlers, and continued for the most part, to work as a labourer from that time till now ; latterly oscillating between the farm of John Cameron Esq. of Marangai, and that of Messrs. Taylor ancl Watt of Westmere at whose station it was his lot at last to take his final departure. Although not at all provident he was a man of independent spiritjTuicl worked with difficulty for his living till within three clays of his death. His remains were committed to the dust immediately after the burial of Mr. Blyth. There rich and poor meet together.

I'he Wanganui Steamer. —We understand that Captain Linklater of the I yne has accepted the command of this vessel; and is shortly to'.go home in F order to bring her out under sail. This is a good arrangement, as Captain Linklater will have a stronger interest in seeing that the vessel is well finished ancl found'in stores, and will bo able to fit her out for the passage more economically, than a person having only a temporary interest in- her. It required but the appointment of such a man to the command of the vessel to confirm the anticipation that the undertaking will be a profitable one to the shareholders. A very great deal depends on the master of such a vessel having energy and steadiness ; as the loss of a few hours on a voyage makes the difference between a profit and a loss. No one who knows Captain Linklater will doubt that no attention will be wanting on his part, to ensure the vessel’s getting quick despatch both in port and out of it. Witli a new vessel built ancl fitted up expressly for the ti’ade ; with the command of the trade which the large interest held in the vessel by the setlers in the place ensures, with the current expellees —the chief item of which is coals, which will be had at Wellington—as low at least as tlmse of other companies ancl with a skilful ancl prudent commander, it will be a. wonder indeed, if the Wanganui Steam Navigation Company do not prove as successful as the U ellington Company which has lately disol ved partnership with its shares at 80 per cent premium after paying 10 per cent per annum during its existence.

.The e 'l raveller’s Bride.’ —We observe that this smart craft will sail in a few days, and she gives a fine opportunity for intending diggers to proceed south. The Natives. —The King’s runauga lias sent to the various Protestant tribes, recommending them to become Roman Catholics, in order that as great a distinction as possible may be made between the British Queen and Maori King. '1 he Ta-upo natives are going over in large numbers to the Romish church. The Waikato and Wanganui Protestants remain stedfast. Races.— The Produce entries close this evening at 9 o’clock, at the Commercial. RANGITIKEII The Roads.— The Provincial Surveyor, Mr. -Hogg, lias been engaged in marking off the main line of road, and it is to he hoped its formation will be proceeded with before emigration to the south leaves the country without hands during the summer months. Episcopalian Church.— The . inhabitants of Upper Rangitikei have guaranteed the sum of Ll 5 0 a year for three years for the services of a clergyman, besides the sum of <£loo, if required, in payment of his passage. The standing Committee of the Wellington-Synod have renewed their guarantee of ASO a year for three years, and the Bishop has written to England to obtain the services- of a clergyman, whom he expects in autumn. The sum of ,£ 10 has been granted by the Standing Committee towards Hie Native Church at Parawenui.

- LETTER TO ;iIIE EDITOR. Wanganui, October 13 1862. Sir,—l believe there is a good market in Otago for all sorts of farming produce, bttfcjuiore especially for eggs j bat they are apt to get stale by the sea-voyage. 1 would venture to offer a method to preserve them for a great length of time, providiug . they are kept in % dry place. Take the eggs as soon as possible after they are laid, .dip them in a glue water made thick enough to give a good coating, lay them on - a board or table previously rubbed over with chalk or dry clay to prevent the glue stickingto the board and thereby injuring the coating. Let them remain a couple of hours, then dip them again ancl pub them on tkefboard as before until the glue is hard ; then pack into a box with chaff, bran, hay, or some other soft and dry substance, which will not injure the coating of glue, and they will keep perfectly fresh for many years. If you will be kind enough to insert this you will oblige one who likes to see . Hay Made when the Sax [Shines.

THE PROVINCES.

There is intelligen e from Auckland to the 7th inst. The Superintendent has sent in .his resignation, which lies over till tne Governor’s return. The Coro-' manclel field is turning out well. One paijfcy had extracted 23 lbs. of gold from quartz by, means of 'a small machine. Three new companies had been started, with capitals of 12001, 2000/, and 2800/ respectively. At Taranaki four cart-loads of luggage and goods, on their way from the wreck of the £ Lord Worsley,’ have been seized in the King’s name, at Kapoaia, by Erueti. From Otago we have, by the kindness of Mr. Reid, of the ‘ Traveller's Bride,’ a file of the Times to the 9th. From the Dunstan, private parties had brought down 2,500 ounces ; and the first escort, on the 4th, 6,031 oz. From the olcl diggings, 5,364 ozs. Mr., Head reports that most parties Working at the Dunstan average £l2 per week each. Little is said about the Nokomai ; one party is reported to be averaging £ls" a we k each. The Governor left Wellington on the 10th, in the ‘ Harrier,’ for Auckland.

GREAT EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Prizes. The following New Zealand Exhibitors have obtained medals at the awaid of prizes;— Baigent, (sen.) : Fine logs and slabs of ti’ees oi the colony, including a'fuschia. Bank of N. Z : For a valuable series of the varieties of Gold from Otago. Blearzard, R. Machine made buckets from Kahikatea wood, varnished with kauri gum varnish. Blick, Bros. : For hinau bark used for dying brown and black. CLIFFORD, Sir C. : Collection of the ferns of the colony. Coombes and Dalcly : For very fine specimens of kauri gum. Commissioners for Auckland : Collection of thirty nine woods of the colony in the form of boxes, containing the leaves. Elliot Clias. : For a Tea-poy of native woods, well carved. ELLIS, Mi’. : Cotton stand and vase turned in native wood. ITeaphy, C. : For,his collections, and geological map of Auckland, and his drawings of v olcanic rocks and . hot springs. II olmes, M. :" Interesting collectio n of gold specimens, and views of local scenery. l-Jorne, Dr. : Collection of the ferns of the Colony. HUNTER, Mr. : Ea-twold fleeces of fine quality. King, W. : Cotton wool, grown by the exhibitor in Ovalau, Fiji Islands, value Is. Id. per lb. Lloyd, Neil. : Prepared N. Z. flax. Manakau Saw Mills : Fine slabs of the timber of Auckland. Mason, J. : Loo Table, excellence of workmanship. Matthews, W. : Door mats made from Native basts. Monro, D. : Excellent sample of oats. MOORE, G. : Leicester fleeces of fine quality. Morgan, Rev. G. : Mixed breed fleeces of fine quality. ■ Nattrass, Luke : Specimens of N. Z. flax prepared for paver making. Nelson Government : For their collection, and the production of the geological map by Dr. lJoclistettcr. Probert, J.: Prepared ’N. Z. flax. Purchas & Ninnis: Machine dressed N. Z. flax. Ting, C.: Magnificent plank of the mottled kauri. Scott, A. : Remarkable ‘specimens of kauri gums. ’ 'Taylor. Rev. R. : Matting bags of native materials.

Voelokner, Pev. C.: Mat and baskets, and a collection of native manufactures of N. Z. flax chiefly native dresses. White, W. : Carving in hard wood. WU 01) WARD, J ox as : Collection of the ferns of the co.ony. Honourable mention was made of the following contributions:— Cadmau, J.: For an interesting series of ihe rocks of the colony. ; Coombes and Daldy : Coffee. New production. Crombie, J. N. : Photographic views in the colony Fox, Mrs. .- Drawings of N. Z. flora. Horne, Dr. : Ferns. Morgan, Rev. J. : Totara bark for dyeing red. Nelson Chamber of Commerce : lections of specimens of prepared N. Z. flax, by difie ent producers. Redwood, H. Jim.: Wheat, Goodness of quality. Taylor Rev. It.': Collections .of textile fibres. The names of contributors in this district are printed in Italics ; of those in otiier parts of this Province in capitals.-

SHEEP BREEDING AND WOOL GROWING.

The following is extracted from a letter in the Sydney Morning Herald , and deserves attention. When;the most suitable sheep for the pasture and climate have once been established in any part of these colonies, and ! care taken in their breeding by selecting the most perfect for stud purposes, under the influence of this climate a decided improvement is effected' If the sheep are from a foreign country, this improvement never shows itself much until the third generation—-that is until the ewe becomes a great grandmother. By that time sheep have undergone a change—they have become partially, if not altogethei, Australian. During this change there,Js universally a degree of weakness and sickness in both the animal and wool: after this, with the same care in ' breeding —always selecting the most perfect for stud purposes—-the improvement goes on rapidly, the sheep regains health and vigour, it rapidly improves in size,-its propensity to fatten increases, the wool regains its soundness, the staple I improves in length, and the fleece, becoming closer, grows much heavier. Now,’l say, to cross these sheep with any other sheep from any part of the world is not only not desirable, but it would lead to deterioration. Had these sheep been crossed in their weakly state during the change with others in an equal state of debility, this debility would have been much increased, and it would have taken a much longer time to redeem them. This is what is now taking place at present, crossing these weakly unacclimatised sheep one with the other, not once, but many times —connecting sickness with sickness, and adding debility to debility ; hence arise all the delicate, light-woolled sheep—they are bred out by continual crossing. These are not my sheep which Mr. Bayly has very kindly given to me. I decline the gift. They belong a great deal more to him than me. My colonial sheep are of a far superior stamp. Mr. Bayly says, ‘ fresh blood we must have.’ Fresh bl od certainly we must, but no cross; fresh blood and a cross are two very different things. Fresh blood simply means blood from a separate or distinct family of the same description of sheep, in order to avoid too close a family connection. A cross always implies the introduction of a different kind or breed of sheep, in order to change the character of the flock. \\ hen fresh family blood is required for sheep domesticated, settled, and doing well, being in character suited to the pasture and climate, all the most experienced breeders advise that a selection be made from the nearest neighbour having similar sheep to their own equally improved breed, under the same circumstances as to pasture and climate, and having the same habits, so that none of those characteristics may bo interfered with or disturbed. In this way, family blood is circulated through the flock without doing any injury; the fresh blood is gained, and nothing lost. But what is one to do in such a case I—fresh1 —fresh blood is wanted for these domesticated or acclimatised above, mentioned —they have become Australian in character. Ihe climate has done its work and made them its own; the contest is over, and the sheep have recovered their health and strength. In character and habits they are suited to the pasture on which they were reared. The climate is congenial to their growth, and, with care in breeding a great improvement can be made. I see all this, but I want fresh family blood, but I want no change, no quality destroying what has already been done. I want my rams equally domesticated, of at least equal quality to mine ’own ; but, alas<! where can I get them. There are a few exceptions ; there are a few gradually creeping out of the mass, but this takes time, they are so surrounded with German blood, it is difficult work. With these exceptions search the colonies of New South Wales and Queensland and they are not to be found—all have crossed—the colonies are deluged with German blood, which is carrying everything before it —destroying all character, and the Australian quality in sheep and wool. No; rams are not to be so thoroughly acclimatised and possessing qualities equal to the ewe. To use rams, the offspring of the lately-imported sheep, is to cross and destroy qualities it has taken seven years to establish. It is, indeed, a deplorable fact, that if fresh- rams are wanted you are forced against your own •will to cross and introduce into the sheep blood that you are certain will do you injury—-not only stop the intended improvement, but throw you many years back. Mr. Day’ey says that many spirited flockmasters have, at various times within the last twenty years, imported the best rams they could procure, which have brought our wool to that high state of perfection for which it is so justly celebra ed I say our wools are not in a high state of perfection—far from it. The qualities they, do possess, and which has made them so justly celebrated, are tYhe peculiar rich qualities communicated Ito them by the climate. The virtue is in the climate, not in the sheep the gentlemen have at various times introduced. Had it been in the sheep, how is it that the flocks from which they were taken never rose to that celebrity I When these sheep arrived here, it is quite [evident their wool did not possess these [celebrated qualities, it had to undergo a Komplete change, the original quality had lo be destroyed, and new and richer ■ualities made, whilst that grown by the Eheep left behind remain ed as before withjout'sucli celebrity. It is very easy to take ■credit to ourse-ves for what Nature has Idone for us, and often in spite of our ■direct opposition. Sheep introduced at

various times by these gentlemen although they could do no good, and were few and far between, they could not do much serious harm, the climate having had time to rectify the errors of the first cross before another takes place. 'But, now when it has become an immense trade, a commercial business of large extent, and adopted by nearly every breder in the colonies, it has become a very serious matter. These importers are finding to much work for the climate; they are going too fast for it. Before time has been given to rectify the errors of one cross another takes place, then another, and so on. This is not breeding, it is crossing—the whole system is crossing ; the flocks are already in such confusion there are no two breeds alike ; in many of them there are a few good sheep left, but they are disappearing fast; our sheep are gradually decreasing in size, and consequently have less wool. This cannot take place without the constitutution of the sheep being seriously injured. Continue the system a few years longer, aud the consequence will he sickness, disease, and death to a serious extent.

Substitute fob Tobacco in the Cube of Scab. —A correspondent, who, from his experience and intelligence, is entitled to be regarded as an authority on the subject, gives us some very valuable information on the cure of scab in sheep. As the result of actu .1 experiment, he asserts that sulphur and soda is an effectual remedy, quite as effectual, indeed, as tobacco water, and more useful for general dipping purpose?, inasmuch as it also prevents contagion. Our informant assures us that for three years he used this in Tasmania with the greatest success, and that quite recently he has dipped a flock badly diseased, which has resulted in a most effectual cure. '1 he difference in price is very great. To dip a thousand sheep in tobacco water costs, in material alone, £l3 10s.; while with sulphur and soda the material would only cost £4 18s. —Hamilton Spectator. Poultby AND Eggs. —By judicious management, the keeper of poultry may always have plenty of eggs throughout the -year, just as the dairyman may always have milk and bu ter. Ihe proper plan to adopt is to have chickens hatched and’reared at different seasons. If chickens are all hatched at one particular season of the year, a continual supply of eggs cannot be expected. It is a difficult thing to rear chickens during the hot summer weather, when green food is often scarce, but every hen becomes a laying one during the cooler months. By having chickens reared at all seasons, nothing is required but to feed them with proper food, to induce laying, during the winter months. 'J he following food has been found to answer well:—Besides ordinary food, give occasionally some maize meal made into dough, to which is added a, small quantity of Epsom salts, some burned bone or oyster shells pounded fine, and a little drip; ing tat. By keeping poultry well supplied with pure water, and no damaged grain and with plenty of vegetable food, they will continue in good health.— Yeoman. Conscience Money. —The sums remit" ted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer by persons r unknown, for conscience’ sake, in the course ot the flnancial ? year 1861-62 amounted to £7573. This annual item in the financial accounts is chiefly maintained by the Income tax helping to “make the strait way yet straiter.” There is another remai’kablejitem m the accounts for the past year ; the sum of £333,135. 4d. was repaid to the Committee of Council on Education by teachers who have quitted their profession, “in respect of the expences of their training.”

The Duke of Athole at BatterseaThe Court Journal says :—The Duke of Athole has been one of the most assiduous attendants at the Agricultural Show at Battersea. Judging from the anxiety with which he witnessed the feeding of his bullocks —which'he did every afternoon, allowing by his watch their female' attendants four minutes and a half each for the task, and encouraging them with his approbation when they kept the time —we should think his enthusiasm as a farmer is not easily surpassed. Certain it is that his Grace, reclining on the straw in the midst of his herd, was a great object of curiosity to foreigners, who could hardly believe him to be a live Duke.

New French Scheme of Railway Profulsion. — A Mons. Girard, a French engineer, has projected a new plan of making railways, which is said to have been warmly taken up by the Emperor. The carriages, according to M. Girard’s plan, are impelled after the manner of a sledge. The runners of the sledges rest on a species of hollow clogs, between which and the rails water is introduced. The carriages thus slide on a thin layer of water, and friction is almost annihilated. Much greater speed, at a considerable saving of cost, is said to be obtained by M. Girard’s plan. Jumping to Conclusions. —“ls this good money ?” said a man to a suspicious looking wight who had made some small purchase of him. “It ought to be’good, for I made.it myself,” was the answer. With that he took the man up for coining ; but the man, in his defence, proved that he had made the money by boot making. Gift of a Park at Birmingham. —Mr. Adderley has offered to give to the public the park at Saltley, which now bears his name. The gift is equivalent to a donation of not less than £IB,OOO. Mr. Adderley also gives the handsome museum and curator’s house erected on the land. Distress in Lancashire. —£l3,soo had been sent from New South Wales, and other £4OOO or £SOOO was to be sent by the September mail.

LIVE FENCES. The question as to the neccessity of providing a better successor to the unsightly post-and-rail fences with which the farmers of Australia have hitherto rested content, is at present occupying the attention of the farmers of South Australia aud likewise Victoria, where the Osage Orange has been successfully introduced, and which is destined to create a complete revolution in this important branch of agriculture The Osage is in very general use in America, thousands of miles ofrail.vay being protected by it. The following particulars may induce some few of our most enterprising agriculturist to introduce the Osage generally:— * ‘ The Osage orange derives its name from an aboriginal tribe of Americans, denominated Osage Indians, and from a fancied resemblance of the fruit, to the common orange. It is found near the banks of the Osage river, the scene of the present war operations between the Northern and Southern States, and where it attains t > the height of from twenty to thirty feet. ‘ The properties that recommended the Osage orange for fences are its rapid growth, formidable prickles, aud its vertical and deeply 'penetrating roots, which enable it to stand the severest droughts. Its tenacity of life under every circumstance affords an opportunity of freely applying the pruning-liook or hedge-shear at any season of the year; the strong aromatic juice or sap renders its leaf unpalatable to cattle—indeed no cattle can (in consequence of the prickles) nor will eat it, from the presence of a bitter element in the sap, that either a leaf or young shoot emits. So unlike the acacia tribe, which by spreading its roots over an extensive area of land injuriously affects vegetation in the neighbourhood, the Osage orange sends its roots perpendicularly dowi. into the soil, drawing its substance from a great depth, which fully explains its ability to resist the effects of Australian hot winds.

‘ The length of time occupied in germinating the seed, leaves but a short time for making a plant the first year, and a yearling plant is thus rarely more than six to twelve inches high, but from such a plant we have seen quite six feet of wood produced in the second year ‘ When the hedge is 'planted, the efficiency of the fence depends upon after management, and at no stage is more care required than during the first year, for neglect or mismanagement at the commencement will be. manifest in all after years. ‘ At the commencement of the second year, or one year from the period of transplanting, cut the shoots back to within three inches’of the ground. These shoots having grown from the first cuttitfg made at the time of transplanting will now number three or four. A second cutting two inches above the last, or five inches from the ground, may be made in December. During these processes it is of importance that weeds be kept down. The third year the pruning- should leave the shoots four inches long, making the hedge now nine inches high. «At the commencement of the £01114)11 year the next pruning should leave the cutting from the last season’s shoots seven inches long, or twenty one inches . from the ground ; and another in December will leave the fence nine inches higher or thirty inches high. In the April following, a mo t formidable, perfect, and ornamental fence will be the result. To wait four years for a good feuce may to some appear objectionable, yet no fence can be properly made in less time. The mere height may be made in one sea son, but the effect of leaving the hedge unpruned or just topped would be to render it naked at the bottom and useless as a fence against the smaller animals ; whereas,- it is stated by Americans that when due care has been taken to thicken it below, it becomes so close as to be impervious to a rat : but the accuracy of this statement we take leave to discredit, though it is possible, we think, that a rabbit might apply m vain for admission, and it would be something to a farmer to feel that his fences are both sheep and pig proof, Permanence in a fence is a great ] omt, and the possession of this quality in a live fence we are more disposed to concede to the plant in question, than to any other with which we are acquainted. —lllawarra Mercury. .

Comforts of the Federal Army.— -An occasional correspondent of the limes writes on June 17th, from the Pam unkey River: —

“To watch this war is disgusting, both to an educated soldier and to an' honest man, for nowhere is to be seen more military stupidity and more dishonesty than in this brave American army You must not wonder if I get warm and bitter. The whole muddle does not affect me personally in the least, but I cannot help feeling as a soldier and a man. You have not seen the poor fellows in the hospitals or returning from the camps, to die at home of sicknesses which might have been prevented by a little care and a honesty. Some that I have seen are, without being ill, emaciated and weak from sheer want. They bear suitable food, from having lived on biscuits, bad coffee anc swamp water, and having breathed the foul and poisonous air of swampy woods during their sleep. I am not very sentimental, and no Sybarite either ; but my heart aches and tears fill my eyes on hearing their simple tales and looking into their emaciated faces. “On my way to this plantation from the camp I saw before me some tents surroundedjwith curious things—a signboard on which, was written iu large letters,

‘Drs Brown and Alexander, Government Embalmers.’ They are not to embalm the Government, however, but only those who require it by the care of the Government. We found one of the Doctors sitting on a mat in his drawers and shirt with a large diamond pin in the latter rather muddy-coloured garment. ‘Take a drink V Of course. Old Bourbon whisky and large tumblers. That once over I began asking questions. The doctors were doing a large business ; there behind were four corpses. ‘See them V Of course, poor fellows! none of them shot, all died by fever. The doctors told me their principal ingredient for embalming was a kind of liquid glass and gypsum, which hardened to a substance stone. In this state the body would keep for many years, perhaps for ever. The bodies looked well preserved, although not very agreeable. Ihe doctors took for embalming a private 25 dollars, and for an officer 50 dollars. I was told that since the commencement of this war above 2000 bodies of soldiers had been embalmed and sent home. This had been done by Adams’ express, in deal boxes lined with sheet zinc. The poor fellow I saw nailed up wore his uniform, and his writing case and portfolio were laid beside him. W ith this, and a bundle of hay under his head, and the address on the cover of the box, he was sent home to his mourning parents. “I must say I greatly admire the courage and resignation of these brave American volunteers. They consider the hardships which they have to undergo as inseparable from war, and have no idea that the greater part of them is unnecessary, and owing to the ignorance or negligence of their Generals or the scoundrelism of selfish, money-making people. These Volunteers stand what no European army would without revolting. There are hundreds slaughtered: by the ignorance or drunkenness of some General, and such a fellow is protected from ignominious dismissal by the testimonial of other fellows. I he soldiers are not paid in time, nor do they get what they have a right to demand, bad roads always being the excuse, altho’ bad management ought to be substituted. The river and the railways reach close up to McClellan’s army, but notwithstanding this, it occurs that whole divisions are lor consecutive days without other food than a few wretched biscuits, and more wretched coffee. For days they have not an ounce of meat, and if they even get it, it is salt beef, hard as sole leather, and more profitable to the purse of the contractor than to the poor sfldier, who tln'ows it despairingly into the swamp in which the imbecility of his general has placed him.” The Secretary of War is trying all possible means to induce the people to enter the army, the ranks of which will become thinner by and bye, but the recruiting goes on very slowly. No wonder, for the sad tales and faces of the sick are not inducements. President Lincoln on Slavery. —The following report of an interview which took place at Washington on the 20th June, between the President and a delegation from the religious society called the Progressive Friends, on the subject of general emancipation, will be read with interest: —

Mr. J olmson addressed the President, and said they did not come presenting any personal or party interest. Their clients were 4,000,000 slaves, who could not speak, but lifted up their chained hands in agonising supplication for freedom, which prayer, it was in the President’s power, in this solemn crisis, to grant. He then read a memorial adopted at a late meeting, calling ou the President to issue a proclamation freeing all slaves. The President said, as he had not been furnished with a copy of the memorial in advance he could not be expected to make any lengthy remarks. He was pleased that the delegation hadjnot come as office seekers, for they occasioned him much trouble and perplexity. The next most troublesome subject was slavery. He agreed with the memorialists that slavery was wrong, and differed only in respect to the ways and means of getting rid of it. The extract from his Springfield speech in the memorial, he said, was incomplete, not including the sentence in which he had indicated his views as to the effect upon slavery itself of resistance to its extension. If a decree of emancipation would do the work, John Brown would have done it at Harper’s Ferry. The constitution was binding on the people of the South, but it could not he enforced at present. Did they think a decree of general emancipation would be any more effective 1 .Mr. Johnson said : —“True, Mr President, the constitution cannot now be enforced at the South, but you do not for that reason give up the contest. The memorialists believe that the extinction of slavery would accjmplfeh your object.” The President said that he felt the magnitude and importance of the task before him, and hoped to be rightly directed in the embarrassing circumstances surrounding him. He felt deeply his need of Divine aid and guidance, and had sometimes thought he might be an instrument in the hand pf God in accomplishing a great work, and certainly he was willing to be one. Perhaps God’s way of accomplishing the end which the memorialists had in view was different from theirs ; at any rate he should endeavour to do his duty with firm reliance on the Divine arm, and seeking for light from above to do his duty. '1 he delegation then retired.

POOR RICHARD’S MAXIMS. Respectfully dedicated to all true Americans BY THE SHADE OF BEN. FRANKLIN. The best way of checking the extravagant cost of war is to pay ready money for it. ‘ ■ . Ignorance is known by the noise it

makes, as children cry the loudest in the dark.

The cost and cruelty of civil war are never properly known until peace is proclaimed, .and the two contending sides settle down to pay their civilities. - A split in a sovereign is a proof of its being cracked—and so it is in a republic. — Punch .

; THE ROWDIES’ MANUAL. (International.) . Do others as you would that others should not do you. Whatever is (American) is right. Get all you can by fair means. When these are exhausted, try foul ones. Brag is a good dog, and Bunkum is a better. Bully a Britisher; flatter a Frenchman; respect a Rooshian ; shoot a Southerner. The only argument for John Bull—a coo'-hide. International Law—what Stowell laid down, and we walk atop of. Belligerent Rights for the North, whatever we choose to take; for the South, whatever we like to give. ( Domestic.) Never pick your teeth with a neighbour’s fork; use your own, or, better still, employ your bowie knife. The display of weapons inspires respect, and checks rudeness. Things in which Nature recognises no private rights-—The free air of heaven, the boundless prairie, and a fellow-tra-veller’s tooth-brush.—- Punch .

Drill in National Schools.— -I offer my congratulations thatjphysical training by means of the military drill, is to be comprehended in your school union. I have not time to advert to the evidence as to its public importance in a military point of view, or to describe the evidence of large employers of labour, showing that if we'were a nation of Quakers, if there were assured universal peace the improved drill is well worth while, as imparting increased efficiency and value to labour for civil service, four drilled youths being, for ordinary labour, as efficient as five undrilled youths. They are taught to.act in concert; to lift together, to pull together, to move together and in order. The drill imparts by visib e act and deed all that is comprehended in the term dis-cipline-attention self-restraint, patience, prompt obedience, and smart execution of orders. It quickens all the motions of large schools, and saves time. — Speech of Mr. E. Chadwick at Faversham. What Sailors think op Turner’s Pic. ture of “ Trafalgar. —Probably about the same year (1808) Turner painted another view of the great battle, that George IV., for whom it was painted, presented in 1829 to Greenwich Hospital, where Jit still adorns the Painted Hall. It was never exhibited. It is a broadside view, and represents the Redoubtable as sinking though it did not really sink till the next night. Turner has, in fact, with special grandeur, crowded together the events of several different hours. For instance, he makes the telegraphic message, which went up at 11.40 a.m., going up at the same time that the mizen mast falls, -which snapped about 1 P.M., and the Achilles burning which did not catch fire till half past four. The picture is a bad composition in point of art, and is much disliked by sailor critics. Nelson’s favourite-cap-tain, Sir Thomas Hardy, said of it, “It looks more like a street scene than a battle, and the ships more like houses than men of war.” An old Greenwich pensioner said of it, “I can’t make English of it sir ; 1 can’t make English of it; it wants altering altogether.”- Another tar vexed at seeing a a isitor pore over it remarked, “ What a Trafalgar! it is a d deal more like a brickfield. We ought to have had a Huggins !” Now of course, these rude minds could have no true Judgment about art, which is a science, and not an instinct; but still, I think it proves that the picture _ contains some great errors. Turner sacrificed too much truth in this instance to his desire to paint an ambitious and comprehensive picture. — Ihornbun/s Life of Turner. Crinoline again. —As one of our townsmen, a sergeant in that gallant tody the Northumberland and Newcastle Volunteer Yeomanry Cavalrybetter and more briefly known by their affectionate name of the Needles, was wending his "way along Pink-street, the other evening, he came suddenly at the at the point where it joins Westgate in front of two ladies arrayed in crinoline of more than ordinary amplitude. Pinkstreet is very narrow ; and the gallant officer, making an effort to get out before they got in, became entangled in the enormous mass, and was precipitated into the nearest shop window, smashing nine shillings’ worth of glass, while the ladies went off with the innocent remark, “ How simplv that was done! —Express. Charqui.— -This (jerked beef) is now manufactured at Liverpool, N.S.W., at the rate of a ton a week, and the demand is increasing. It is believed such a quantity may be exported as will raise the price of cattle (now A 3 10s.) <£2 a head. An apparatus is being made to cut up 20 bullocks a day. The S.M. Herald says,— “ This apparatus will be provided with three sets of knives, which are to cut in. different directions, so as to turn out the meat as the chaff-cutter does the chaff, dividing it into cubes about half an inch square The meat will then pass into revolving cylinders placed in a llot air room, the temperature, of which is to be kept up to about 110 degrees, in order to expel the moisture from the meat, and to thoroughly bake it. A patent for the machine has been applied for by Mr. Blaxland, and will probably be granted. The advantage which charqui or dried meat possesses over salted meat is, that onb pound carries in bulk the weight and

nutrition of four pounds. It has been proved by experiment that the the drying process upon meat is to concentrate the nutrition of four pounds into one. Th e watery particles are expelled, leaving the albumen and the animal juice in; a solid form. It is far more palatable than salt meat, and is particularly adapted for long voyages, as its use would prevent scurvy, and as, moreover, it can be compressed into a very small space. In cases where the charqui could not be cooked, it might be eaten raw, and indeed with considerable relish.”

“ Then I’ll bring a suit for my bill! ” said an enraged tailor to a dandy, who refused to pay him. “ Do, my dear fellow,” replied the impertubable swell, pointing to his .threadbare clothes, “ that’s just what I .want.” Valuable Discovery. —A recent philosopher discovered a method to avoid being dunned. “ How—how—how?” we hear everybody asking. Never run in debt. Honest Tar. —John Barth, the Dunkirk fisherman, rose by his courage and naval skill to the rank of commodore of a squadron in the navy of France. When he was ennobled by Louis XIV., the king, said to him, “John Barth, I have made you a commodore.” John replied, “You have done right.” . The New York Sun describes a fence made of such crooked rails, that every . time a pig crawled through it came out on the same side. “Mike, can you account for the extraordinary curve in this horse’s back ?” “ Sure, an’ I can, sir. Before the baste was your property, she was backed again an Irish horse, and he bate her hollow, and she never got straight since.” Painful Necessity.— During the long drought of last summer, an American paper says, water became so scarce in a certain parish, that the farmers’ wives were obliged to send their milk to town

genuine. Diffidence.- —An Irishman charged with an assault in America, was asked by the judge whether he was guilty or not. “How can I tell,” was the reply, “ till I have heard the evidence ?”

ORIGINAL POET RY.

THE NEW ZEALAND ROBIN. Thou sweet little friendly bird, twittering • . round Where’er there’s a clod of some newly turn’d ground; Or, if man do but step in thy evergreen glade, Thou wilt come to his side ’mid the deep forest shade. Tell me, why art thou friendly ?—thy mates are not so; They soar up to branches where man'dare not go, They come not, as thou dost, sad soul-life to cheer. But are soon far away if a footstep they hear. And why is thy breast, thou sweet Robin, so white ? Seems it should be of a ruddy tinge bright; Perhaps it is thine is a sunnier sky Than the one ’neath whose cloud-shade thy distant friends fly. And hast thou no legend, like Robins of old ? No tale of thy goodness when some face grew cold ? Or story of children thou coveredst o’er, Like the red-breasted Robins of England’s shore? What, what is thy mission, thou charm’d little bird ? It is not thy sweet voice—that seldom is heard. Still, methinks that thou speakest whenever I roam, For thou always remind’st of the sweet land of Home. Yes, yes, thou’rt a link to that far-distant shore, And I gaze on thy form but to love it the more j For Robins are there, and they came to my side Amid childhood’s sweet, happy, and joy-flowing - tide. J. W.

Holloway's Pitts. - Paralysis, apoplexy.— These formidable diseases, always attend the end of the year : for the most part they come on gradually, and may be prevented by proper precautions. Holloway’s Pills are the best and safest preservatives against all head complaints, and are the speediest correctors of all irregular circulation. They should be taken without delay when tingling in the limbs, drowsiness or giddiness come on ; they will regulate the action of the heart and nerves, and prevent the loss of sensibility or motion both in the body and its members. Holloway’s Pills restrain any overflow of blood to the head even in the fullest habits ; they guard . against all impairment of the mental faculties and guarantee a green old age. '

MARKETS. Wanganui, October 16, —Wheat 6s, barley ss, oats 6s, maize 6s per bushel, flour (at Netlye mill) £l7, (in town) £lB per 2000 lbs, potatoes £3 per tou, bread—4lb. loaf lOd butter wholesale Is 4d retail Is 6cL per lb, bacon, wholesale 8d per lb.

CALENDAR.

Agents for the “ Wanganui Chronicle”

Turakina —Messrs. Franklin and HpRST. , Rangitikei — Mr. Thos. Sc*tt. Wellington —Mr. W. Lyon, _ Auckland —Messrs. Williamson and Wilson Nelson —Messrs. C. & J. Elliott. JSew Plymouth— Mb. F. U. Gledhill. London- —Messrs. Smith, Elder & Co

C New Moon Oct. 23 7 16 a.m Moon l First Quarter Oct. 30 11 33a.m Oct. S. rise's, , S. sets. High water at Heads 16 5 31 6 29 4 51 5 16 17; 5 30 6 30 5 39 6 3 18; 5 29 6 31 6 26 6 50 19 5 28 6 32 7 14 7 38 20 5 26 6 34 8 2 8 26 21; 5 25 G 35 8 49 9 13 22 5 24 6 36 9 36 9 59 23 5 23 6 37 10 23 10 47