The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1886. THE EKETAHUNA EXTENSION

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2272, 16 April 1886, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1886. THE EKETAHUNA EXTENSION

The deputation which waited upon the Minister of Public Works this week to urge upon him the extension of the railway line to Eketahuna, does not appear to have been favorably received. If, however, the claim they;put forward is a just one, and one that will advance the interests ot the Colony as well as of this district, it can be maintained in spite of the opposition of the Government. Mr Beetham, who is an excellent judge of Parliamentary procedure, declared that if Ministers put a sum on the Estimates for the Eketahuna extension, the House would pass the vote, and from this we may gather that j the real obstacle to th'h construction of this very necessary work is the hostility of the Ministry. Mr Richardson, in the course of the interview, intimated a decided preference for making a link from Pabiatua to Woodville, and possibly has given-pledges to his friends in that neighborhood that this section shall have a preferential claim. It is, however, so obvious that the line to the north of Masterton cannot pay expenses with its present terminus, and that it will pay expenses when it is continued to Eketahuna, that no eflort should be spared to force on the' attention of the Government, and of the.House, its immediate construction. We have no objection to an extension between Pahiatua and Woodville, provided it is rot made at the expense of the more necessary Eketahuna link. There are at least five hundred settlers interested in the latter, and as many more in connection with the Tarious small farm associations preparing to become settlers in the district of which Eketahuna is a convenient centre, and who, therefore, have a direct interest in the continuation of the line northwards, The various associations should take up this question, and organise to carry it to a successful issue, A petition signed by the members of the different associations would undoubtedly strengthen the hands of Messrs Beetham 'and Buchanan in the coming session of Parliament, and possibly even influence the Ministry in favor of the project.

Poor Golder, the peculiarly inspired' watchmaker, prophecied the 15th and 16th of April of this year, was the beginning of the last hour referred, to in the Book of Judgment. Inspector Lee passed through Masteryesterday en route for the Wharpama, for. the purpose of examining.tho up-country schools. Messrs W,Sellar v and J. lorns were elected auditors at the Town Lands Trust voters meeting last night. The regular monthly meeting of the Masterton Lodge 1430, E.C., takes place on Monday. The sale Mr F. H. Wood advertises for his Masterton rooms to-morrow, should bo a very popular one, and will, doubtless, draw a good attendance. Besides a large quantity of pawnbroker's pledges, which alone betoken great bargains, there is an extensive and varied assortment of general goods, and some contractors appliances. Messrs 0. Smith & Co., cash drapers and clothiers of Maßtorton, have a new announcement in nur columns. They draw attention to their price list for the present week, and claim that the goods having been bought for cash in the home market, their customers may rely upon having the vory Best articles at the minimum cost.

We omitted .to montion in our report of •the proceedings of the Wairarapa East County Council, that the petition of the ratepayers in tho Pahiatua District to be constituted a new Riding was granted. This will necessitate the resignation of tjie present councillors for that Riding, and a tresh election will shortly take place. Mr Bagge informs us that a half-penny circular post within. town deliveries has ,been established, and is now in operation here, Circulars under these regulations are not to exdeed half an ounce in weight, and mustbe.prepaid. Delivery is restricted to the postoilice where the circulars are posted, or to branch office. Tho circulars must not be fastened with anything adhesive.' Written circulars are not admissible. The meeting of creditors in the estate of Adam Armstrong, convened for half past two o'clock yesterday lapsed for want ot a quorum. The statement of accounts showed liabilities £4319s sd, assets nil. The principal creditors are-W. McLaren L2OO, H. Kembor LlO2 Is, 0, Phillips LOO, G. Thomas L2O G. Bowles Est Ll9 10s 4d, C. Gawith LlO 9s, C. R. Giles L 0 10s, B. N. ;Sandilands L 5 7a 4d, O. Choymol £2 8s 9d, Georgeson & Co. L2 4s, G. O. Sage's Estate LI Bs, Wairarapa Star 95.The Taranski Herald tells the following highly original story:-" One sportsman, who celebrated the opening of the shooting season on Tuesday, got on to a covey of birds near a farm-house, in the vicinity of the town, and his two shots had the effect of bringing out the farmer to see what was doing. The latter at once recognised the intruder as a sportsman and casually asked him "What luck'?".".Oh, pretty good," was the reply of. the bearer of the gun, who, by tlio way, happened to be rather nearsighted, " but the bird I bagged seemed to bo a peculiarity in the way of pheasants, and I think it must be a cross of some kind." Ho accompanied his remark by producing the bird from his bag, when the farmer enlightened him somewhat .by exclaiming: "Why, dang it, man, you've shot my barn door hens!" Money is hardening in Melbourne (writes a correspondent to the Sydney Mail), and 1 understand the banks have stopped all advances to land syndicates, Those have been having a rosy time of it for the last three years, and large fortunes have been made by some of those who were "in the swim." Hitherto we have escaped the wave of depression which has swept over the neighboring colonies; but as our financial institutions ara.ta.king in sail, it looks as if the barometer is falling. The fall in the price of wool and sugar has been severely felt in this city where large interests are held insquatting property and in the sugar plantations of Queensland; and now comes the nows of the sad disaster that has overtaken the island of Fiji, in which, also, a good deal of Melbourne capital has been embarked. Then, again, speculative building operations are much less active than fchoy were; and the compulsory closing of shops at an early hour, by the Factories and Shops Act, is telling most injuriously upon the retail trade of some of the poorer suburbs, so that I shall not be at all surprised to hear the cry of "hard times" raised before we have got into the middle of winter.

A contributor sends the following to the Waipawa Mail referring to the bush settlement of Makaretu. A good many of the settlers have found out some time ago, that 40 acres of bush land is not keep a man and hia family, and that it is only a bare existence if he does not, occasionally, either take a contract or seek other work, at times miles away from his homestead, and while he is thus trying to procure the necessaries of life for his family, the work on his land is neglected. It is sincerely to be hoped, when the Government shortly advertise the blocks that are now being surveyed, that we shall find tho acreage of bush sections ranging from 100 to 300, according to tho quality of tho land, Surveyors sent by the Government know nothing about the nature of the land; and still these people are'supposed to lend in reports, and the sizes of sections put up is determined on from these documents, Too small holdings are not only a burden to tho owner, but also to the local bodies, as more by-roads are needed; consequently more expenditure. My opinion is that whenever land is to be sold, a good valuer, a man with experience, such as tho Government ranger, Mr McKay, should be employed. In many of the cottages among the Scandinavians we find old-fashioned spinning wheels, and if not employed otherwise out-of-doors assisting their husbands, the wives will be found hard at work spinning their wool, or knitting stockings. There is no doudt that the female population in the bush ha.ve in many instancus to work as hard as the men, and sometimes harder, for besides assisting in bushwork the domestic duties must not bo neglected, and we havo been told, at least I have, that a woman's wort is" nevor done," I know of one wife who sometimes takes contracts for telling bush, and only the other day I saw a farmer's wife dipping shoep. The settlers as a rule take a lively interest in politics, and 1 noticed in a few cottages, principally among the Danes that JJatr sard had a conspicuous place on their book-shelves.

Venetian Blind and Revolving Shutter manufactory. All Blinds guaranteed of the very besi description. Price list on application to R. W. Henn (late Henn & Hansen.) Poneke Steam Venetian Blind aiid Revolving Shutter Eactory, Wellin?ton.—AnvT Wolfe's Schnaips strengthens and j braces up the system against disease. Cough, Colds, Bronchitis, <kc., are quickly cured by using Baxter's celebrated "Lung Preserver." This old established, popular medicine, is-plea-sant to the palate, and highly extolled by the members of the medical, legal, and clerical professions. Sold by all Patent Medicine Vendors. See testi-' monials in advertisements.—Advt. • Wolfe's Schnapps is a great relief in Rheaumatism, infinitely superior to brandy or whiskey. '

Messrs Lowes & lorns add to their stock sale for Wednesday next 5 fat cows, and 10 splendid hacks, buggy horses, coach and draft horses, all young and Bound. : Mr Marchant, Chief Commissioner ofCrown Lands, is still engaged in superintending the surveys of the Special Settlement Blocks in the Manpahoa district. Ho telegraphed an apology for his absence from the Land Board .yesterday, and was granted an extended leave of absence. 'v'?.' A firm of bakers in Wellington'brought an action in the R.M. Court!,':'\Vellington, yesterday to recover the value of a certain number (if kma, 'The,:j)ill of particulars had to be amended as it was necessary to skito the weight- of the bread supplied in order to sustain the claim. ,Meßsrs Lowes <fc lorns hold im extensive sale of new and secoud-haiid furniture clothing, produce, and general goods, which must V>u cleared out to' make' way for the carpenters, who are at work making enlargements and alterations to the auction room. The tarilf'cominitte of the Congress has agreed to recommend that wool be admitted free to the United States, We fear, however that tlio Congress will not endorse the recommendations of the Tariff Committee, the farmers of the Western States being too strong to allow of such a boon to. the colonies being carried. At 11.30 to night the moon will pass over Jupiter. The moon will be nearly full, and an ordinary -observer will note the gradual disappearance of the planet. An observation with a powerful telescope will be very interesting. Neither,the stars nor the planets show any change of shape or colour, as would be seen if the moon possessed any atmosphere. The Match Committee of the Masterton Football Club has accepted a challenge from the Rival Football Club to play the second fifteen of the local club on Easter Monday, so it behoves all the Masterton men to get into active practice at once. A fifteen of the Olub will play all comers on the Park Oval to-morrow afternoon, after which both first and second teams will bo solccted for the Wellington matches, The eighth annual plain and fancy dress ball of the Masterton Fire Brigade took place in the Theatre Royal last evening There were between thirty and forty couples present, who, under the enlivening influences of Mr Keisenberg's string band, kept up the enjoyment till an early hour this morning. The refreshments were of a first class order, and the decorations, consisting of ferns, evergreens, flags, and pictures, interspersed with Borne of the Brigade appliances, were arranged in an artistic manner by the committee, and when (he uniforms of the Brigade mixed with the fancy dresses of the dancers (principally ladies) they produced a very exhilarating scene.

Featherston township is evidently hold * ing its own as against other towns in th e Wairarapa, It is a very difficult matte r to obtain a house of any kind, and has been for some time. Ground is cheap and the wonder is that owners in good positions do not build a good class of cottages, No doubt the tiumber of hands employed by Mr W. Burt in connection with his saw mill accounts in a measure for the scarcity of available houses, just now. Several additions and improvements have recently been made, amongst them being additions to Mr R. Barton's premises, alterations to Mr W. Gilpin's storo, and a new two-storey house built for Mr J. Barr. It is understood Mr J. D. Cox contemplates making extensive alterations to his business premises shortly.

Mr F. H. Wood's sale at Marcinborough yesterday was a successful one, inasmuch as every lino that was offered was sold under the hammer, but the prices were decidly in favor of buyers. There was a good attendance, but buyers appeared to be shy. Tho following is an outline of the prices realized:—Galves, 21s; yearlings, 265; heifers and cows, 403; store cows, 36s 6d ; 3-year old steers, well forward, 665; fat cows, 755; horses, light, from £3 to £l2; heavy, £ll to £25; a pair of good buggy ponies brought £3B; reaper and binder (McOormick's) £4O, Sundry other machinery and implements were sold at very low figures. At the close of tho sale Mr Wood announced that he would hold a large sale of sheep at Martiuborouph in about a fortnight's time.

The Fancy Dress Ball held at the Oddfellows Hall, Featherston, on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of Mr John Parker, was a most decided success, and reflected great credit on the promoter. Such gatherings deserve full patronage, and in this instance the, attendance was such as to make dancing just comfortable. The music was supplied by Mr Parker, assisted by Miss Toogood arid Mr Tocker, Mr Cornwall assisting on the cornet. Refreshments were provided, and were everything that, could bo desired. The most noticeable costumes were those worn by Miss Femvick as a "Scotch lassie," Miss Simmonds as "Harvest," Miss Bonton as an Italian lady, Miss J. Donald as a lady of the old English style, Mr Parker as Mrs J. Gilpin, Miss Frist in yatching costume. Miss Nelly Fenwick as an Italian flower girl, Mr Parker as a Turkish Prince, and Mr A. Tocker as a Persian. Mr Parker has reason for congratulation on the success of the affair, and it is hoped another ball will bo held during the winter. A movement is on foot for a fancy dress ball for children. Avery large number of friends and sympathisers in the Army work asssmbled, at the Salvation Army Barracks last' night to welcome Major Barrit, who was on an official visit accompanied by Bandmaster Tucker. The building was crowded and the meeting was very orderly. The Major, in addressing the meeting said he regretted having disappointed them by not bringing Mrs Barritt, but he promised to send along a young lady who would be able to give them a very interesting account of the work. He referred to the change which had taken place since his lust visit to Masterton in births, deaths aud marriages, Ho had become a benedict himself, and was confident in saying he had the best little wife in the world. "Amen" said a soldier on the platform. " Now you can hold your noise, brother Gilbert, because you have not a wife at all," said the Major, amidst laughter. Captain Robinson increased the laugh by saying "But he will have in a week or two." The Major's appeal for a good collection was responded to very well. ' Bandmaster Tucker's performance on the cornet was very creditable, and duly appreciated by the audience. The Major announced that a free coffee supper would be held to-night, and an after meeting, to which admission would be granted by tickets obtainable from any of the officers or officers, ■

Messrs L. J. Hooper & Co., of the Bon Marohe, received their first instalment of autumn and winter goods on Saturday, these goods have been imported direct from, the manufacturers in England and Scotland, and are now being marked off at prices that will compare .with any wholesale house in the colony.—Advt, Mr Thorburk, the Clothier, of Wililsstfeet, Wellington, is raising £llOO on his stock, .He is selling all his stock at the cost price for cash only for 28 days., It is a rare chance for country settlers to fit themselves and boys out with a cheap suit.. He is adopting this plan instead of borrowing the raoney ir -ADVT

Mr Taylor announces a sale of cheap apples for to-morrrow at the local fruit depot. MrE.B.. Hare, the manager of the Wairarapa Clothing Factory has a list of prices in our advertising columns that will repay a perusal. . At a meeting of the Directors of the Manterton Permanent Investment and Building Society held last evening Mr W. Seller was appointed manager, vice Mr R.lßrown resigned. Invigorate the system with Wolfe's Schnapps the purest stimulent in the world.