Telegraphic.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3316, 23 September 1889, Page 2

Telegraphic.

The Agnews.

Dunedin, September 22. All attempts to do something for the Agnews, tho notorious! couple who pester public men, lmve.failed. Some • £27 was collected, and, with the £2O given by tho Government, was sufficient to pay the arrears of interest on their mortgage for the next twelve months, as well as supplying a quantity of goods, bedding, &c,, which was to be sent to the land owned by them, and £5 cash to be handed over. They at first agreed to this, although they talked about being swindled out of £2OO, and signed. a document, Though promised enough to buy a cow or two, tlioy lit tho critical moment declined to go wiihout £2OO given to them, and those interesting themsolves in the couple appear determined now to leave them to their fate.

Land for Settlement. - Wellington, Monday. Additional surveyors are to be put on in Auckland, Haivkes Bay, and Wellington, to get land surveyed for settlement. MISSING. Dunedin, Monday. James Slmnd, a well known resident of the Taieti, is missing sinco Friday last, and as his coat and stick were found on the river bank his friends aro very uneasy. • He was in a depressed state of mind and suffered from imsomnia, Activo search is going on, Fires. CimiSTCHUBcu, September 21.■ A six roomed houso owned by W. Bryan, and occupied by his son in Ferry road was 'otally burnt this morning shortly after tlio occupant had gono to work in his bakehouse. The house was insnral in the Standard olllce for £250, and tho furniture for £IOO in tho Colonial office, £2O worth of which was saved. THE JUSTfcBsIIEETING. A Secret Convention.

(From Our Carterton Special.)

Twentj'-five Justices of the Peace met at Carterton on -Saturday. Tliey had been called together by private circular. The summonses so issued did not, as such documents usually do, indicate what nature of business justified tho convention. Certain Justices considered, no doubt, that circumstances of which tljoy had knowledge demanded a meeting, and tliey called one. A certain number knew precisely the subject to be dealt with, and tho rest were left to derive their information as to why they wero wanted as best they could, this they got- mainly from the newspapers, aud from their knowledge of what particular matter was tho absorbing topic, and what was at the present time most demanding attention—the Babbit They were right.it was the Babbit Question; and that so many as twenty-five wise men responded to such a call must bo very gratifying to those -who drew upon their obedient brethren.

Why Justices of the Peace alone were summoned to attend a meeting, having for discussion a subject of vital interest to alljandliolders.alike, I am unable to say, and why, when they did meet they decided that the Press were not to be admitted, I am also at a loss to ; know; But theso two restrictions were made on Saturday, Pevhaps it was thought that the dignity of the august body of concentrated wisdom would be upheld by not publishing their proceedings. That it can be contended that secrecy would be maintained by the exclusion of the press, I cau hardly believe for one. moment.. With twenty-five vehicles of voluntary and involuntary means of disseminating their doings, I question very much whether the details of the will not be public property within forty-eight hours; and so in'ucli the better if they are. Tbe important subject of action is one that should be dealt with by the whole of those interested. Mr W. H. Beetliam occupied the c(iair on Saturday, and it is understpqd fhat softer an' immeuse amount of talk, the qutcome of the private meeting v/as a series of resolutions which it will 1)0. the eiideayouf of their creators to feed the publio meeting at Masterton with on Wednesday. That it has been

thought fit to prohibit the publishing of these resolutions is a matter for grave regret. Open action is the best policy under present circumstances, and for Justices of the Peace to act in the way they havo done gives the public the impression that

they are inclined to foster hole-in-tlie corner proceedings, a very undesirable feeling to have abroad. Our magistrates should set ail example—a good 0110. They have, I consider, undoubtedly set a very bad one. The resolutions they have come to should certainly be placed in the hands of those they affect as early as possible in order that they may have some consideration prior to the public meeting. Perhaps it is modesty alone that breeds this reticence. This is a new and hotter aspect of the case; but still an unsatisfactory solution of it., Thero can be no real reason for such privacy; but some wiseacre has in his own importance got the idea that there is, and has successfully managed to imbue the rest of his flock with the same notion. There would have beon more respect felt for the meeting had this been otherwise, and its recommendations

would, I feel sure, have been accepted with more confidence by any public meeting they might bo submitted to. Tlio public are apt to look askance at thd operations conducted in the manner these hive been, and in tho absence of ta authorative report of tho proceedings, all kinds of garbled versions get abroad, and damage tho cause. It was said beforehand that our worthy Resident Magistrate's action would come in for close examination,

possible scathing criticism, and likely censure.. If ever such an illadvised course was contemplated, its authors doubtless became ashamed of tlieir intentions, and repented 'ere they were overwhelmed with confusion.

Since writing the foregoing, I have

heard more that one expression of dissatisfaction regarding the peculiar mode of calling tho meeting, and

several Justices have asserted that they wero totally unaware of the object of the gathering until they got to Carterton on Saturday. Several thought that the Charitable Aid

question was tho subject ior discussion, Justices of the Peace will be wise if, in future, they declino to obey a summons which, emanating from an irresponsible source convenes a private meeting, and leaves them in ignorance as to' its nature, Tho requisition, I understand, bore the I signature of Mr A. W. Eeiiall.

A Local ilax Mill Destroyed-

A fire broke out in Messrs Johnston and White's flax-mill tins morning at a quarter to 10 o'clock, Flames were observed issuing from the tow-shed, and before means could be taken to check them they quickly spread to iho adjoining scutcher-shed, Tho inflammable nature of tho flax rendered every effort to stem the fire futile, and the whole of tho valuable plant was destroyed, together with eighteen bales of dressed fibre, The estimated loss is, £3OO, which falls entirely upon the firm, as there was not a penny of insurance against such a risk, The fire, judging from where the flames were first seen, broke out in the tow-shed, but how it originated is a mystery. Sevuial bands will, unfortunately, be thrown out of work by the disaster. Eketahuna ftoad Board. A meeting of the Eketahuna Road Board wis held at tho Board's office at 2 pan, on Saturday last. There >vere present Messrs Alex. Anderson, (chairman), W. Bayliss, M, Neilson and J. Morris. A largo quantity of correspondence was laid befere the mooting, A letter from Mr Fannin offering to draw up map of district. for £G 10a was read. Fiom Mr Marchant staling that there was £240 in his hands (deferred thirds) at the Board's disposal,

The clerk was instructed to write to Mr Mnrchantre'thirds.

Messrs Bacon and Bright wrote asking that tho Board in future would rate the firm as " Bright and Bacon" tor the section known as Carter's Section, A letter was read from Mr J, Saymour, of Mangamahoo, asking a month to pay back rates in. Application grantel

J. Bassetfc wrote offering lo fall ow of Board's road lines at £2 an acre. The Chairman said tho matter had already been dealt with.

Mr P. H. Tronson wrote stating he had prepared a map, scale, one milo to the inch, of tho Alfred tonBketahuna District, and would like to know what encouragement tho Board would give him. Mr Andorson said it should he left over, the Clerk to reply to that effect, Mr F, G. Moore, clerk to Wairarapa North County Council wrote, stating that the ranger at Eketahuna had heen warned to carry out his duties in a strictly impartial manner; also stating that owing to the state of pound it would bo closed until November 30th. Mr J. Hoivlett wrote protesting against tho bush on any of tho road lines in No. 1 Wellington Settlement being left standing,

Two letters were received Irom Bank of New Zealand acknowledging receipt of.certain monies, A letter from Mr Law Atkinson, of Mangaone, stating that the il chains of road line had been felled to his satisfaction.

Dr Newman wroto advising Ihe Board to make a formil application to the Minister of Lands asking that a road 05 chains' in length ho made through Goyernment totara reserve in tho No 1 block, estimated to cost £4OO,

Jlr C. P. Powles wrote stating that section 18, Block VI, Mangaone, had been let to Mr John McDonald for a period of 21 years from Ist September also that section 1 to 7, Ba, and 9 to 11 block 11, had betn let to Mr H, C. Kelsby, of Pahnerston, for 7 years from same date, both being Education reserves,.

' ; A letter from' Mr F. Dowsett culling on road Board to full and clear school sito, being town acres 86 and 37, and suburban 8, Newman, according lo previous promise, It was decided that the application bo not granted, as the sections.' already iiave a frontage of two acres to road, and there are no funds available for the purpose. Mr Beard ro case of 'EkeUliunn Hoad Board v Bryant, lie would endeavor to fix special day for hearing of case. • Members need not attend until they heard further from liira.

Mr Morris said his advice was lo let the matter drop, there, was no telling where it might lead, Mr Anderson said the Board had decided at the pravions meeting to go on, and they could riot «o'baek now ; but he thought it time the mm «■»' ion.

Mr Morris said ho" considered the Board had acted illegally in taking work out of Bryant's hands." Some discussion followed. Mr Anderson moved "That Mr Beard lie instructed to bring the matter to a crisis."

Mr Morris remarked that if a thing was put into a lawyers hands, and thfiy had a string to pull tliey (1 pull it, and that before sending the above instructions should call a special meeting of '/lie Board to discuss thonialter, as if tlio lawyers got hold of. it and they could'nt recover fnjp sureties it might cost the Uoahl £4OO or £SOO. Mr M. Nuilson said the matter had been discussed quite often enough without any more special Board meetings. If any motion of the kind was made it should boa motion calling a meeting of the ratepayers. Further discussion followed, llio result being that Mr Anderson moved, ( Mr Neilson seconded, "That this ( matter beat once brought to a crisis." Carried.

Mr S. Haywood wrote asking payment of £lO 17s 8d due to hnn for work done for t!io Board. Ho attended personally later on, and wiib informed the Board would settle with him ■as soon as lie had, prepared a map of the levelling done by him. Mr Morris moved that tenders ho called for surveying and preparing plana and specifications of work to bo done in the Wollington No. I Block, in all about 10 miles. The same gentleman pointed out thai, there were two short roads each about 10 chains, it would lie necessary to at Rural Sections in. the No. ifbiock, They' were known'aS'north- and south roads. It wnR decided to call lenders for formation in n fortnight, Moved by Mr Neilson, " That the surrey work done by Mr McLnchlin at Parkville, being, incomplete, that gentloman lie notified "'of the sumo and his immediate attention requested as the Board wish to commence worki. It was decided to call tenders for surveying about 5 miles of the Vulloy road. Mr Baylis said,there vrere a number of settlers in the Alfrcdton district interested in this road, who wished to he annexed to the Eketahuna district, and if the Alfrcdton Road Board was agreeable it might easily be done. Mr Anderson said the proper way would be to petition both Boards. He pointed out that there was a largo piece of land at the junction of the roads, belonging to no one, and moved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr JJarchanl tracing of the corner; ' Mr Haywood asked the Board what they intended doing in regtird to the Swing Bridge at Wi Waka, carried away by the late floods. The Chairman said that Mr Daw- . son bad assured Mir that in less than a»week his staging would be fit for traffic, and until then settlers might cross the river in his cradle. Mr Roberts informed the Board that there was a wire rope stretcJ:«l across the ford at Wi Waka raj# dangerous position, Mr Haywood thought somothing should bo done, as tho peoplo of I Parkville were without supplies, and

lie considered himself fortunate if ho could obtain even bread as things were now.

The Board promised to consider tho matter, and take immediate steps. Mr Geo, Edmunds applied to the Board for a track to his section." He said it was- about fourteen %v.ins, and would cost about £3.

The Board promised to attend to it at the next meeting. Mr Goodben applied for payment of £5 15s for felling 30 chains of road line. Ho Baid tlwro was about sfjvoti

chains standing, but he had only been authorised to fell 30 chains. Mr Anderson said they seemed in a " hurricane mood" to spend money to-flay, and while they wero at it there was a little matter he wished to bring up. The office had no place of convenience, and he thought they ought to erect n closet. It was decided to do so, the Clerk to fix a site, and Mr Morriss to draw a plan by next meeting. It was decided to hold a special mooting in fourteon days. Tho following accounts were passed for payment.;— Star £3 l'la 9d, Proprietor of town hall for use of hall on day of poll 10s; Mr W. Bayliss, £2 Os Id ; Mr

Haggen £1 Is. The mooting then terminated,

Masterton Road Board- ,

The ordinary monthly meSflg of tlic Board was litld on Saturday. Present; Messrs H. D. Dagg (in tho chair), W, B. Buick, J. Stuckey, and T. Brown,

Tho minutes of the previous meeting wore read and confirmed, Correspondence from J. Stuckey, asking for an answer to his offer ro the road through Section 9, Kopuarangi Clock; from the Sheep Dopartmont, with notice to give up offices on the Board's premises; from H, Jensen, as to falling bush on tho road line; from G. W. Welch, ro road to his property; from Colonist f Seorotary, as to gazetting of pollf*>\ from Colonial Treasurer, advising payment of Native rates and subsidy.

liesolved that tho consideration of Mr Htuckey's offer stand oyer till tho noxt meeting, and in the meantime that notice be put up requesting people to close the gate leading into the section, otherwise they will be prosecuted; that G. ff. Welch's application should also stand over until tho Boartl ascertain the Chief Surveyor if 'a deviation from tho line of road could not bo mado; that before giving a reply to Hans Jensen, tho Overseer bo instructed to ascertain if persons holding pro. perty in the same locality are willing to have their bush fallen, and deferred thirds applied to the cost thereof; that complaints having been made to the Board that tho entriuce to tho gato on Mr 11. Campbell's property at Opaki is almost impassable, Mr Campbell be requested to repair the piece, otherwise tho Board will remove' the gate;' that the fencing recently erected on the Bluff Road be extended. /ajt Tho Overseer's report was read and adopted, except the last clauso, which was held over,' overseer's beport, Mr M, McKenzie, overseer, re- ■ ported as follows tfaugaohu lioad,—Tho recent rains have caused slips to come down on this line, but not to inch an extent as to interfere witfli traffic, and the roadman employed has been able to remove the obstruction without extra assistance.

Upper %nridge Eoad.—lmprovements have been effected on tliis road during the past month by the loose stones being cracked and the metal raked to the centre of the line. The ruts Imvpbeen filled up anil necessary repairs generally attended to. Upp3r Manaia Road.—This road lias also been repaired in a similar

manner and placed in ordor for summer traffic.

Bluff Road.—The contract which was let to Messrs Cameron Bros, for the construction of breastworks, and referred to iu my Inst report still romains incompleted. I understand howover, that the contractors, who aro at present absent from tho district, will take an early opportunity of finishing tho work according to plans and specifications. Tho contract let some timo ago to Mr Hans Hansen for felling bush on tho lino of road loading through his property at tho head of the Upper Opaki lias beon completed in a satisfactory manner.

The lino ol road at Miki Miki referred to at a previous meeting by Messrs Chamberlain, Harris and othars, and on which they requested that portions should be formed, I have, according to instructions, laid off tho section, and have also prepared plans and specifications for the works required, tenders for which close to-day, I have seen Mr Llowellyn Smith, and ho informed me that ho will be ready to begin traversing the line of road leading through Okurepiti block within two months. I have to call the attention of the Board to thofact that thegatcway on the Uppor Opaki road at the property of Mr Hugh Campbell is almost impassable, having boen cut up by tho traflio of timbor waggons from Mr Everndcn's saw mill, and is at present unsafe for ordinary traffic, and an accident may at any moment occur. I would recommend that tho question of repairing tho gateway be considered by tho Board.

I find that the road to Kermelmnt would be improved by making a deviation as suggested by Mr Chalmers to mo, and would give easier grades in some places, and would also lessen the cost of formation. The sum of £'lo, however, voted for improvements, would not be sufficient for tho purposo of deviating. 1 estimate that about £IOO would bu required to form tho road ellicieiitly; and if this sum cannot bo expeuded, 1 would suggest that tho proposed improvements stand over until the necessary funds aro available.—l am, etc., M. McKenzie, Accounts amounting to .£l5B, including interest ou loans, were passed for paymeut. Special rates for repayment of special loans of £SO and £IOO were made, and the meeting adjourned.