The Wairarapa Daily. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2O, 1879.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 345, 20 December 1879, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1879.

liik following remarks on the timber trade, which wc take from the Manawatu Herald, are almost as applicable to the Wairarapa as they are to the neighboring county. For some time past, says our contemporary, a <n-cat depression has been felt in Manawatu owing to the failing of the timber trade. In these columns ic has been repeatedly pointed out that whilst millowners regard Wanganui as their only outlet, apart from local consumption, our trade must decline. For some months past the quantity of timber exported has been very small, and the result is seen in the fact that several mills are at present in the market. This is to be regretted for many reasons, Manawatu is essentially a timber district, and the prosperity of the district is dependent upon the quantity produced, j\ot only so, but the removal of the forests is necessary to the development of the grazing and agricultural interests. The trade in timber affects not only those engaged in its production, but' also the townships, which thrive in direct proportion to the amount of money received in the districts of which they are the respective centres. Yet, notwithstanding this fact, the millowners have been relying almost exclusively on the Wanganui market, which is at best a limited one, but has been contracted greatly during the depression. The consequence is, that a serious decline has lcsulted, the supply being Greater than the demand. Our object is, however, to point out a means by which this may be remedied,-we mean by the creation of an export trade with the South Island. That this is possible we verily believe. Glancing over the imports at Lyttelton, we notice the arrival of timber there frequently reaches three or four hundred thousand feet per week, The question arises, why is so small a trade done with Manawatu] We fear the only reply is, that the miilowners in these districts have not" pushed" their wares into the market, while those from other places have energetically set to work, and secured the trade, The following extract from a private letter received in Foxton shows how good an opening for an export trade in timber exists in the Middle, Island. The letter is dated from Waimate, and the writer says

Your district should be a good one. It seems to have large resources, and slioulcl supply this Island with a large portion of its timber, but 110 one in Canterbury seems to know much of Poxton, exnept by name, Have the sawmill owners ondearored to push their timber into Christchurch market ? Nearly all the timber used north of Rangitata is sea borne. The bush here (Waimate) supplies the markets south of Ashburton. The price in Waimate for sawn timber is—For scantling— Totara, black pine, or white pine, 12s; weatherboards, 14s; flooring boards, T.' and G,, 20s, How do these prices compare with yours ]

In reply we may quote the following prices, which, it wiil be seen, are enormously in favor of Foxton:— Scantling White pine, 6s (id; red pine, 8s; totara, 10s 6d; Weatherboards—White pine, 7s; red pine, 8s; totara, lis. T. and 0. flooring-best matai, 15s. The above prices are for ordinary local use, and doubtless for

shipping purposes the cost would be less. We trust the millownevs in the district will ponder over these things, and that they will endeavor to secure at least a portion of- the large timber trade done by other parts of the Colony with Canterbury and Otago.

Another link connecting the Wairarapa cf the past with the present was severed yesterday by the death of Mr W. R. Hast-' well, Though the melancholy event was sudden and unexpected, it was not altogether a matter of surprise, It was well known that the deceased did not possess a strong constitution, and that for the last three years his health was very indifferent, Mr Hastwell was to (jreytown tlmt which Mr Bannister formerly was to Mastcrton-a principal employer of labor and a leader in all public movements. Both possessed the esteom and good will of the settlers in their respective localities and though their characters were in many respects dissimilar, they were alike in energy and directness of pnrposo and kindheartedness. They were formerly partners in business, and even in their social relations they were closely united, as their widows are sisters. Both have died within an intermission of a few months, and Greytown mourns for Mr Hastwell with that genuine regret which was so marked a short time ago atMasterton when the last tribute of respect was paid to Mr Bannister. The late Mr Hastwell is one those men whom the Colony delights to honor—men who begin life with willing hands as their only capital, and who, by diligence and industry, acquire wealth and reputation, Mr Hastwell was essentially the architect of his own fortunes. When lie first started as a carrier, ho had but a single horse—his next step was a team. He commenced the conveyance of passengers with a trap, which in time became a coach, and which ended in several lines of coaches running all over a province, In public matters the late Mr Hastwell was not obtrusive, He rarely addressed a meeting or took a prominent part in it. Nevertheless, he was generally regarded ns the backbone of any movement with which ho permitted his name to be associated, and when action followed upon discussion he was usually found to be in the van. His connection with St. Luke's Church, his connection with the public school, his connection with the Waiohine River Board, and numberless other movements, was in each instance of signal service to Greytown, He was ever ready to spend money or time in any good cause, and his private benevolonce, though often appealed to, never tired. It is no wonder that the deceased was the most popular resident in Greytown, and that his death will call forth expressions of sympathy as general as they will be genuine. Within the past year Mr Hastwell purchased a valuable property near Masterton, and, had lie lived, would probably have become a resident in this Borough, where he possessed many friends and considerable business interests But in the prime of manhood he has been called away, and few have been taken from amongst us who have done better work in and for the district than William Robinson Hastwell. yesterday at noon the deceased was about as usual, though for several days previously he had been confined to the house by illness. Later in the afternoon he was found dead, whether from opilepsy or heart disease is as yet unknown, but the result of the usual medical enquiry will doubtless determine this point.

The Mauricoville sports and ball on Boxing day promises to be a great success. .lenders are invited by Mr G. Fannin, architect, for the erection of a house on the Upper Plain. Mr J. M, Girdlestono sells to-day the privileges of the Foresters Sports and of the Caledonian Society. Oil Monday next Messrs J. H. Beth line and Go, sell at Wellington three \ altiable leasehold Masterton properties. Messrs A. Armstrong and Co. hold an unreserved sale to-day at Carterton in the bankrupt estate of Thomas Evans. On Monday next the Masterton Masonic Lodge, E.C., is to be consecrated by the District Grand Master, , The Masonic Ball will be postponed in consequence of the death of Bro, W R, Hastwell, Ihe concert in aid of the Greytown School is postponed for a fortnight, owing to the sudden death of Mr W, R, Eastwell. Mr J. M. Girdlestono will sell this afternoon at his sale 300 bushels of prime seed oats and 10 superior Berkshire pigs. We call attention to a notice re the Feathorston Sale Yards in another column signed by F. H. Wood and Co., auctioneers and cattle salesmon.

We are requested by Mr G. Fannin to explain that any parishioner of St. Matthew's Church who may desire to vote at the coming meeting may qualify for doing so by signing a declaration, printed copies of which are obtainable at the Wairarai'a Daily office,

A movement is on foot by the Greytown Nigger Opera Company to give a complimentary entertainment to Rev Mr Knell. The Bohemian Girl (opera) is the piece selected,

The Grey toivn school picnic is fixed for New Year's Day, The committee are making active preparations. The picnic will be open to the scholars' friends and friends' friends, and promises to be a»reat success, 0

A requisition is in course of signature asking the present members of the Waiohine River Board to allow themselves to be again nominated. We understand that Mr Kempton, senior, declines to come forward, and that Mr Haigh lias expressed liis willingness to be nominated. We are rery glad to hear of Mr Haigh coming forward as lie has had considerable experience in the matter of the Waiohine, md would be a very valuable addition to the Board of Conservators

We would remind our readers of Messrs lorns and Fergusson's sale at their rooms to-day, The hour has been altered to three o'clock. Of the furniture they 1 lave some specialties, being made to order of the best woods, The pictures are worthy of attention They oiler sporting, landscape, and home scenes, in the sporting class are many of the great Derby heroes! A small lot of American novelties, boots, and fancy goods are last upon the catalogue. We have been assured it will be a genuine unreserved sale.

There was a first class rehearsal of the Greytown Nigger Opera Company at the Town Ball 011 Thursday evening, for the school entertainment on Monday next, The members almost exceeded their own expectations,'everything passing off without a hiieh, The school children re* hearsed their pieces yesterday afternoon and went through very creditably. The Greytown Private Brass Band have kindly offered their services. A dance has been arranged for after tho entertainment.

The. collections St, Matthew's Church to-mofrow will be in aid of the Sunday School, and doubtless those who recognise the advantage of religious teaching willgive liberally, so as to enable the teachers to provide a good treat and prizes for the children, and thereby encourage both teachers and taught in their voluntary work.

At a meeting of tha Directors of the Wairarapa Saleyards Company, an offer from Mr P. H, Wood to lease the yards for six months was accepted, subject to the yards being kept in fair repair and that no entrace fees be charged; also that tho lessee permit other auctioneers to act in the yards on payment of a fee of one guinea for each sale. Mr Wolters will continue aa secretary and treasurer to the Company at a nominal salary,

Yesterday afternoon Mr W. R. Hastwell went down a back line to look after a horse, As it was known that h's lieilth was very precarious, and that on the protecting evening he had had an attack of an epileptic character, a man was sont after him, Mr Hastwell, however, ordered the man home again. Some time later, a messenger whb sent a second time, who found the deceased lying dead on the ground, We believe the medical opinion as to the cause of death is epilepsy, Tho following is the result of the sale of the late Mr Bannister's property, yesterday Lot 1, Kurumer, £l2 10s per acre; lot2,Summer£Bss; lot 3, Gibson, £8; lot 4, withdrawn; lot 5, T. H, Hill, £lO ss; lots 6 and 7, Gibson, £5; lots Bto 17 withdrawn at £5; lot 18, Gibson, £4los; lots 19 to 23 withdrawn, There was a good attendance. Another property of 309 acres on the Opaki was withdrawn at 30s per acre, A meeting of the creditors in the estate of 0, W. Hornblow of Greytown was held at Mr Bock's office yesterday. Mr P, Cotter, Trustee, was in the chair, and eight creditors representing the principal amounts, were present, The trustee reported that stock had been taken and the whole assets including land and buildings were valued at £570. The liabilities had been sworn as £029 8s fid, which included secured creditors. The trustee waß asked if he had given the debtor to understand that he would receive wages. He replied in tho negative, and stated that he had given the debtor notice to move out of the prewises, Tho matter of placing the property in the market at once was fullv discussed, and it was resolved that it be offered at once, and that the sale of stock and furniture be advertised for Saturday tho 3rd of January, 1880, if possible The debtor was examined at some length as to tho mortgage of Ed. Toomath, Esq,, and replied that it dated seven years back, and expired in September, 1880. The debtor admitted having paid off two small accounts since filing declaration, but had not paid any in cash. (Jpon crossexamination, the debtor stated that the cart and harness was only held by Mr Jones as security until his claim was paid. After further examination on various points, the meeting was adjourned until Monday next, at the same time and place for the purpose of gathering other information.

Prior to the Masterton Public School breaking up for the holidays a distribution of prizes was made. Yesterday the school was both carefully and tastefully decorated with floral wreaths for the occasion. The attendance of visitors was rather a thin one, few being present except the Committee, which was represented by Messrs Feist, the Chairman, Wrigley, Brown, McCardle, and Payton. Mr Feist addressed a few appropriate words to the children, expressing his approval of the plan on which the prizes had been awarded, and encouraging them to compete for further rewards. He then presented the following eupils with the awards which they had gained :-V. StanPerry, G. Sykes, Lily Marshall, Douglas Wilson, for marks. IV. Standard-Johanna Munro, Herbert n ilaon, John Wrigley, and Peter Donnecker, for marks. 111. Standard—Georire c °l, Grace Watton, Florence Robins, and Frederick Martin, for result of Mr Lee s examination and good attendance; John Walton and Ella Witton commended. 11. Standard-Charles Williams, Arthur Richards, Lena Ludwigsen, Catherine Adams, awarded by master; Charles Lang commended. I, Standard -John Watts, Christina Munro, Eliza Diedrich, Annie Quartley, awarded for result of Mr Lee's examination. Lower Division: Standard I—Fred Nicol, Walter Baillie, Edith Hoar, Ellen McKenzie, for good conduct. ABO Class-Alice Harford, Clara Ockenden, Hilda Dixon and Caleb Ewington, for good attendance! A prize offered by Messrs R, & J, Brown for boy who had attended every time that the school had been open, was won by George Sykes Mr Feist then invited anyone present to say a few words, and tie Rev J. F. Teakle briefly addressed the school, expressing the pleasure with which lie had noticed outside the school a marked improvement in the manners and behaviour of the young people of Mastertoil. Cheers for the teachers and the Committee cloßed the proceedings.