The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 482, 22 June 1875, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

Equal and exact justice to all men, Ot" whatever state or persuasion, religious or politic * # * # * Here shall Hie Pi ess the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 187 ->.

The time is drawing near for the election of Highway Boards for another year. The coming men have befor\them the prospect of far larger powers than have been cOTtfergecnlpon tfl^rQ^r&decessors. It is therefore hignlv necessary th&FThe "ratepayers- shouklrxmite. theruseVes*, and tli&t more real interest sbouVtl£ characterise the approaching elections thin has been apparent in the past. Apathy and inactivity in a people are the most fruitful sources of rnisgovernment, and extravagance in their rulers. The political machinery of our free institutions is of such a nature that it requires the utmost vigilance in all its details, and its elastic character creates a graduated sy stem of responsibility, ranging from the. jjtovernor^olowiLto the smallest ratepayer. M6VgoW^Hhe>tima^is"\f)ming when important \Orj»a!^Lc ch9cg<iH jfc(j jpili^ be on their trial. The earlier measures introduced must necessarily be of a tentative and partially experimental nature. It will require careful supervision and control, and unceasing vigilance to perfect their operation, and to prevent the system being thrown out of gear. We sincerely trust that the ablest men of the various districts will be found fulfilling the claims imposed U|;on them by their duty to their fellow settlers.. If the elections be spiritedly contestelL the public will be the gainer, by the chance (^^Selecdn^tli^men best qualified by experience > ak^udgitoeati ts^erve their interests. Let no v §elnsh*-tipafflay, or disregard for the common in. tferests, prevent the best men from coming into the field. Let no depreciation of the importance of the office induce unwillingness to seek it. The time is coming when the increased duties devolving upon members of boards will render the ofiice more res v pectable, and let us hope more really useful and beneficial than that of an M.P.C. Mr Vogel, in a speech during the debate on the Provincial resolutioes said :—: — What we prspose is, to substitute for the Provincial forms a departmental management of eueh services as can be quite well manated by tlie General Government ; and, on the other hand, to very much enlarge and make substantial the local form of Government which exists throughout mosi of Lheßntis i colonies, by which the residents in districts linve a large share of personal control placed in, their hands. We pcopose that such dis-tiicts Shall have revenues upon -^Jfceh N^ey Cha depend, and shall uot have to be constantly 6 ai NJ^kiAjjVfpr eleeamosnary aul ; that tho rate • UTreyH/)ca]ly^ig| shaM j:o to assist in constructing the smaller woift cf tlie~3ountrv, and that the> shall be ready "to lend assistance, by means of representations, to the larger districts which have to carry nut larger worfta. We propose that the land revenue, which has, most singularly, hitherto been looked upon as avai'able for all kind/of purposes, shall be essentially localize-], and shall be placed under local control. We propose that a share of the land fund shall pass m aid of the loenl works carried on by the smaller divisions or sub-distii.'ts ; thifc a part shall go to the larger djstiict?, formed of groups of sub-disti ict?, which are capable of carrying on larger works, eueh as branch railways." Surely the powers to be conferred under the above scheme, and the importance of the measures to be dealt with, should be sufficient to bring out good and true men in the service of the public. We observe that the ratepayers of Hamilton are to meet on Thursday to elect a Board and strike the rate for the ensuing year, and we trust that on the occasion men of experience and recognised ability will be found^comneting for se^ts. Let the ratepayers bear in mind -that if they neglect politics, politics will not neglect them. Tbrno^Jarger powers and responsibilities which will be conferred under the new Constitutional scheme will call fof the exercise of greater prudence, greater ability, and greater zeal than have been requisite in the past, and not far of! stands the inexorable bix-coi lector, whose demands will become ever more frequent and exacting in proportion to the apathy of the people and the conseqnent mismanagement of their aff.iirs.

It says Uste">r the literary castes of the people of Hamilton, thofc'tho excellent library provided by the Provincial Government should have been so neglected. Since the fire which destroyed the reading-room the bool?g have been buried in the Court-house, stored a^ay like so much disused lumber. We can ueadily^inderbtand that the toils and cares incidental to th^life of the settJer leave scant leisure for- mental culture ajpl literary studies, but surely during the long winter evenings some little tiiue could be spared for intellectual improvement,

and for {hose discussions on subjects of common interest which may be made to contribute largely to the advancement of a district, the diffusion of ! knowledge, and the definition of matters and subjects of vital and essential import ance. The library and reading-room which formerly existed in Hamilton was established under excellent auspices and continued for sooie time in a flourishing condition, very beneficial to the settlers, and the means of disseminating information of a practical and useful character. But one disaster following on the heels of another rapidly doomed the Institute to neglect and decay. A firo destroyed the building, and the temporary structure subsequently appropriated for the purpose by one public spirited settler, Mr. Knox, being unsuitable, and far from comfortable, the subscriptions fell off. The coup de grace to the struggling career of the institute was given by a fraudulent secretary, and though Mr. Haddock, at a considerable sacrifice of time and energy, endeavoured to prolong its existence, public interest in the Institute rapidly languished, and the establishment died from sheer inanition. Since then the books have been in durance vile in the Court-housejycondemned to uselessness and oblivion. ti*t t!jfe buffing of a Public Hall has bedfc nNo^jd, bu\ hitherto no steps have been taken to givf practical effect to the suggestion. There appear Sp be two methods by which a hall, readingroom, and library combined could be provided. The first is by forming a company, with a capital of, say ,£250, in £\ shares, with the calls distributed over considerable intervals, so as to bring the investment within the means of all classes. We are assured by those who know the feelings of the settlers that no difficulty would be met with in obtaining the requisite number of shareholders, if one or two capitalists would take the matter in hand. We do not think it would be necessary to raise the entirecapital in the first instance. Probably an arrangement could become to with one of the banks which would advano^the necessary amount, taking security on tlje*>Hß<iing. ,There is, however, another way in whickjfck^ same result could be arrived at. The Provinciaf~Gbvernnient has offered to advance the sum .of .£lOO towards the erection of a school-house in Hamilton West, on condition that the inhabitants supplement the same by a local contribution. Now we see nothing to prevent the school-house, public hall, and reading room being combined under one roof. Certainly the school hours would not interfere with the scheme, as the building would be available for public meetings and reading during the 'evenings. It is not likely that the Superintendent or the Board of Education would interpose any obstacles. The structure would probably be vested in local trustees for the time being, the Board of Education holding a lien upon it to the extent of the money advanced. We understand that there is a site available for the purpose adjacent to the Post Office. A memorial from the leading residents would doubtless induce the Government to grant it for the purpose, and though the expense of preparing it for a building would be a considerable item, its central position would more than compensate for the outlay. The public utility of such an institution cannot be doubted for a moment. Indeed, it might be rendered an inducement to settlement in the district. The new settler, looking about him for a suitable rocalftyj^f he have a family of youug children, is "usf^lljr considerably influenced by the comparative facilities anx>rded by different districts for education. Moreover, the opening of railway communication and tli3 erection of a hall will be additional inducements to dramatic companies, and other i caterers for public amusement and entertainment, to visit the district, and the rents from this sou roe alone would go a long way towards paying the interest on the outlay. We consider it a crying dhamo that education and literary culture should remain longer in thei^^resßiit deplorably ill-provided conditi^n^mNthaVi^fs tfte. imperative duty of the leading . laJce the matter in hand without de&y, by callirtg a public meeting to discuss the subject, and if possible devise practical measures for supplying this most urgent and essential want.

The " Barrister of colonial experience," who was to visit the various Highway Boards, for the purpose of collecting data for the new Constitutional Measure, has not pu tin an appearance. Barristers there are iv pleiY^v, possessed of moro than enough of the reqjusite^uffl^eatiqn, ajj.d willing to undertake the jo\foVj^onsihfcral^rn, bftt^the Government has not beerfc^aiae^o see rte M?By to^mcur the expense of the baristW's totlr: It l&vttowever", adopted an economic method of obtaining the desired information by addressing a number of circulars to the chairmen of the various Road Boards, requesting infoimation. under various heads. Returns are desired for the year 1874 of the area, population, number of dwellings, number of ratepayers, amount of rates levied, and annual value of rateable property ; the amount of revenue and expenditure, assets, liabilities, outstanding loans frnd rate of interest, and the average ratea^J^w^ea fo\> r ar|feus Glasses of agricultural and pastoral fl^sftureis.\ "the -ffrecise object of these return^ has* already fdvnThd- the subject of considerable newspaper commer-t. It lias been surniise'd that the General Government is collecting data for a properiy tax, a supposition which derives an air of probability from a statement made by the Colonial Treasurer in the session of 1873. But it is hardly likely that the Ministry would make such a dangerous proposal to a moribund Parliament, unless with the object of forming a husftugs "V^lurfc^g t^ forthcoming elections. For, however distastefiH^^iicii-a^-tax might be to large owners of real estate, it would find favor with the mass of the working classes in the large towns of the colony. Another supposition is that the information is required by the Registrar-General for merely statistical purposes, but this idea does not recommend itself to our relief. A great part of the information was already obtained by the last census, and has been published in the Statistical Returns. There is internal evidence in these circulars that the information is wanted as the basis of the scheme of Local to % be, embodied in the new Constitutional yMeashre,^ to- be introduced during the next sessioH-ef iPa^mrn&Tt. And we may at once express our opinion that any scheme absolutely based upon these returns, with the object of determining the amount and mode of raising local revenue, will be liable bo serious error and miscalculation. Many boards will be quite unable to supply correct information, and it is equally certain that, in some cases, the figures will be wilfully exaggerated, and in others under-estimated. Those points which are likely to add to the apparent importance of the -4jsti4pts \will l^e jnade the most of, while those whid^ are believed •£<* expose their weakness will be carefirily kepfc-& -the back-ground. It is probable also thatsomedifferenceof opinion will exist amongst the various Boards as to the precise object of these returns, and tha£*the nature of the replies under the various headings will be considerably influenced by the ideas entertained.

TEftN^sal * forfcni^tfcl y sitting of the Resident Magistrates, Court %ili be held this morning. There, are only two or tttreT) civil cases set down for hearing, and the business is expected to bo light.

The proprietors of this journal have now completed the purchase of the church building in Hamilton West, and as soon as possible will convert it into a printing office. The Times will then be the only journal in New Zealand, and probably in the world which reverts to the ortginal custom of the trade. In the days of Guttenberg and Caxton printing was generally carried on under the wings of church buildings, the class of books committed to the press being principally of a religious character. In those days the printing fraternities, now called " companionships," were formed into what were commonly known as "chapels," presided over by a " Father of the chapel." The custom still exists in most of the larger offices in England and the Colonies, and is supported by the employers because of its practical usefulness in maintaining discipline in matters of detail. Whilst on this subject we may mention that, owing to the severe indisposition of one of the proprietors of this journal, Mr Langbridge — who has been confined to his residence by severe illness — many important improvements contemplated in the form anil in alter of the Times have been delayed. As soon, however, as the necessary arrangements i have been completed we shall remove into more commodious premises, and the Times will be published in a form^which will admit of a large increase in the quantity o£a*eadiog «natter, and more advantageous in^ucw^enca to>adve.rtisers. Jupiter" Plimus appeOTS? taJGhtertain special antipathyto football in Hamilton, for on each occasion lately that an attempt has been made to bring off a match it has been thwarted by a heavy downpour pf rain. The meeting convened for Saturday last was again postponed owing to this cause. Apropos of the subject of football, the •' Lancet " recently contained an interesting article on the subject, evoked by the death of Sydney Branson, a promising student of St George's hospital, from injuries received during a football match. The " Lancet " believes the much-abused game to be as safe as most other athletic pursuits, when played by boys, provided they be sound and healthy. " Football," it says, "is essentially a rouglwand-tumble game, and a man does not fjrti^as^Jigr^Jy A«ld «&s cleverly as a boy can. The inte\^ strain la football match requires must act most inftoriduslygopon an untrained man. It is not uncommon at a football match to see men of the class we are describing become faint, and vomit after a charge or " scrimmage." We would not discourage any manly sport, but we would insist that in every case the physical exertion should be adapted to the age, strength, and habits of the individual. Mr 11. J. O. Sullivan, Inspector of schools, under the Board of Education, arrived at Hamilton on Saturday evening, and proceeded to Cambridge. He visited the schoolsat Ngaruawahia on Friday. At Cambridge, he will confer with a number of residents with reference to the establishment of a school at Walker 'sjNijuny. A^t^ settling this matter and msJiecVui^tlie l^cal/schoola. Mr O'Sullivan will proceed $o «)nVipo and" Kirikiriroa, and will visit the Paterangi district, 'where it is proposed to erect a school building out of funds wholly raised in the district. Mr O'Sullivan will also visit Rangiaowhia and Alexandra, and inspect the schools under the Board of Education at those places, afterwards returning to Hamilton to inspect the local schools. The whole trip will probably last about a fortnight. It is to be hopecLth^tduring his next visit some arrangement will tm cSme to for erecting a suitable school-house in Hamilton West. We are informed that the Board of Education, though its funds are limited, and the demands upon it numerous and pressing, is willing to contribute £100 towards the cost of a new bnilding if the inhabitants will supplement the fund. We need scarcely urge the importance of this necessary work. At a meeting of the members of the boating club hold at Ngaruawahia on Saturday evening 1 , to conßiiler the advisability of obtaining a new fouroared gig, Mr W. H. Clark presided, and there was a considerable attendance of gentlemen favourable to the encouragement' of aquatic sports. It ! wiis decided, after some discussion, that a gig ! should be obtained if the inhabitants of Hamilton j will form a similar club, so that matches may be arranged between the two. At present the moveuieiffS*iL^ I^jVmiab'ahqJ^ lafc^s interest and vigour, the rabs^la^Ohri^a^ .oft that thriving township haviugSaib dyinooemta agains>>whom to test their skill. We trust our y^ung men will not be loth to gratify bite commendable ambition of the Ngaruawahians, and that the time is not remote when the Waikuto will be the scene of such aquatic contests as those which are annually witnessed on the Cam, the Isis, the Tyne, anil tho Thames. Now then, ye local Kenfortbs, and Chambers, come forward and shew your muscles ! We publish in our " Open Column " a letter from a resident at Cambridge, on the subject of the difficulties experienced by new arrivals there in consequence of the want of houso accommodation. Our correspondent informs us in a private note that another settler there was obliged to afford temporary shelter to a large family who were houseless, notwithstanding that they had offered to pay rent for the use of the unoccupied cottages, three of which have been empty since they were built. If our correspondent's statements are correct, a great amount of unnecessary hardship has been inflicted in this case, and we should be glad to know who is responsible for it. There can be no excuse whatever for turning people into the street in the midst of winter, when there are houses available for their occupation. We notice that amongst the immigrants despatched by the Forfarshire now overdue, there are amongst the married men with families six farm labourers, four labourers, one ploughman, and one gardener ; amongst the married men without families, one farmer, one farm labourer, and one ploughman. The single men include nineteen farm labourers, eighteen ploughmen, nine labourers, and one^'d^es^ta]fcejma*nder consisting of thirty-two sin^rteS»tfq»en7 and. Oi*.didary journeymen tradesmen. AppScatidhsL.to ertgage - ian-y of the immigrants should' be made to the master or matron at the Depot, Auckland. The following digest of the extraordinary feats accomplished at the last Oxford and Cambridge Sports will be read with interest :—Throwing the hammer, Hale of Cambridge, 127 feet, the longest throw on record ; high jump, won by Oxford, 5 feet 9\ inches ; 100 yard race, won by Cambridge, time 10 two-fifth seconds ; one mile race, won by Sandford of Oxford, time 4 mm. 34 fourfifth sec. ; quarter mile race, won by Oxford, time 22 one-fifth sees.; putting the stone, won by Oxford, with 21 feet J inch, which is 2 feet 10 inches short of last year. The three mile race was won by Oxford, nonetpf the Cambridge men lasting the'distance. Qxford^therefore carried of the gold medal for %VJ. \ - \ The" -Inralfte j?et\v\ei\ Cjanroridge and Alexandra is interrupted, owing tp the flooded condition of the Swamp road, and the bridges are down on the road between Olmupo and Cambridge. Several tra\ellers en route to the latter place ha\ c been obliged to come via Han ilton. Wo are compelled to hold over a report on Mr Vi.ilou's Agricultural Implement and General Manufactory. . t

The road between Hamilton West and Mr. Cox's station in some places is in a bad, if not dangerous condition. Near Mr. Cox's gate, loads of sand and gravel have been deposited on the road in hillocks, sufficient to capsize any vehicle passing over them Recently a trap was upset at this spot, and more accidents are likely to occur if the heaps are not levelled. The steamar Rangariri made a trip to Cambridge on Saturday night, returning yesterday morning with a number of passengers. She will continue to make weekly trips up the river, as will be seen by advertisement. The passenger traffic between Auckland and the Waikato is rapidly increasing. On Saturday last twenty four passengers by rail went on board the Rangariri at Mercer, for Ngaraawahia, and other parts of the Waikato. We are informed by gentlemen who are in the habit of travelling between Auckland and the Waikato, that the train between Auckland and Mercer is very unpunctual, being frequently half-an-hour late.