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Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1096, 3 July 1879, Page 2

The subjoined letter, m reply to the resolution passed at the late public meeting at N gar ua wahia* shews that the effort, of tbe people of that place to get their suburban lands opened for sale, have not been altogether without effect upon the Government. The communication received, is as follows : —

General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 30th May, 1879,— Sir,— I have the honor, by, direction of the Hon. the Minister of Land., to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to the Hon. Sir George Grey, m which you make suggestions as to the sale and occupation of portion of the Ngaruawahia suburban land, and to inform you, that it is proposed to open part of that land for sale, on deferred payments. — I have the hoaor to be, sir, your obedient servant, H. J. H. Eliott, Under Secretary.

It will be seen, however, that only a portion of this reserve is to be opened. Considering the limited extent of these lands, some 2000 acres only altogether, we should have thought that the whole might, with advantage, have been placed on the market. It is said at Ngaruawahia we believe, and not without some troth, that the natives have been making a counter effort to get a portion of these lands, at any rate, that portion reserved for Takerei Te Rau made over to them. Now, any such grant would be most objectionable. Whatever claim Takerei Te Ran may have had why such a grant should have been made to him, he has fairly forfeited it, by never having complied with the conditions on which it was reserved for him Such being the case, all claim is cancelled, and it would be most unwise on the part of the Government and most unfair towards the Ngaruawahia settlers to grant any portion of the suburban lands to natives, bringing the vice, squallor, and petty annoyances of a Maori pah m close proximity to the town. Waikato, by the recent withdrawal of the Hikuranga terms, has had a narrow escape from this evil, and we should be sorry now to see Ngaruawahia made a special exception to it. And, if no portion of these lands are reserved for native purposes, there should be no reason why the whole of them should not be opened for sale on the deferred payment system, m some cases improvements and m .others improvements and residence being insisted upon. The great object to be attained m the opening of these lands, is to provide an immediate back country for the town ot Ngaruawahia, and little good would result from thoir being opened if they fell into the hands of speculators, who would hold them for a rise m price at some future day. That would simply be changing King Log for King Stork, a change for the worse. What is wanted, for the good of Ngaruawahia, is to meet the requirements of two special classes of purchasers, both bona fide holders, and both deserving to be encouraged — first, residents m the town, who bought their small sections at fabulous prices from Government, on which are now erected their places of business, and secondly, persons willing ta settle down on small suburban farms of thirty or fifty acres. To insist on a residence clause, would be manifestly unfair upon the first of these two classes. Their place of residence is necessarily m the township, and it would be unfair to prevent these persons from acquiring small blocks of five or ten acres as paddocks, near their town lots, which would be the effect of the residence clause, Their case .would be fully met by an improvement clause, the Crown grant issuing as soon as ever the improvements were performed, with a corresponding reduction m the purchase money. In the case of the larger blocks, the residence clause might fairly be insisted on. If, say some fifty lots of five to ten acres each, and a thousand acres m blocks from twen.ty to fifty acres were at once opened for sale on such terms as we have pointed out, it would not be difficult to predict the altered state of the town of Ngaruawahia within a very short time. That the people of Ngaruawahia have special claims for consideration on the Colonial Government we have before pointed out. This is the only township, the proceeds of the sale of the whole of the lands of which have passed into the treasury. In other Waikato townships the bulk ef the allotments were granted to military settlers, and certain reserves only remained to the Government for sale. In Ngaruawahia, the public sale of the town lots, sold as the future capital of the Waikato, realised, if we recollect rightly, some .eight or ten thousand pounds — small sections fetching as high a price as eighty and one hundred pounds, so that the Government might fairly stretch a point m the sale of these subnrban lands, and ao make up m the same measure for the loss and disappointment of thn original settlers of th&t town-

ship.

A.C. Detachment for Taranaki.— ityenty-sixof the A.C. Force left Cambridge at 2 p. m . on Tuesday m two special coaches. They were under the charge of Sergeants Steele and Dunn. Ihoy were paraded at 10 a.m., andinspec- « • y _. Co1 ' Lvon - They seemed fairly efficient m their drill, and considering -lie short tune they have been instructed groat credit is due to Drill-Sergeant If °l v for the m iuner M * which they Had been so rapidly taught the movements. They passed through Hamilton about five o'clock the same evening for James' Railway Hotel, at Frankton, taking "the morning train yesterday for Auckland.

Important Sale of Forest, Fruit and other Tubes, at Noaruawahia.— Mr J. S. Buckland's sale, at tho cattle yards, on Saturday, will be commenced at eleven o clock sharp, with a largo and choice collection of fruit and forest trees, shrubs and other plants, from the well-known nursery of Mr George Masou, of Hamilton. The trees are a fine selection, well grown, and the season is just right for transplanting.

The following js the gist of a speech made by Te Whiti, at a recent meeting :— " Come, then, all ye that are heavy laden, come and eat of this heavenly fruit, and I will give you rest. Tho Gentiles think this is all past, and a different state of things exist on the face of tho earth at the present time. Do not deceive yourselves. The scriptures are still m force, for God has given power to his two witnesses, and if any man hurt them, fire will proceed out of their mouths and slay them, and when they have finished their testimony, the beast (Government) that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them and kill them, and their bodies shall be exposed for three and a half days. Then fhe spirit of God will enter into them, and they will ascend into heaven. The time is fast approaching. Watch, therefore; and pray that ye enter not into temptation.

The Annual Meeting of the Ratepayers of the Pukekura district will be held on the 12th instant, at the schoplhouse, Pukerimu, at 2 p.m.

Special Sale of Live and Dead Stock, Ngaruawahia.— Mr J. S. Buckland will offer for sale, on Saturday next, at the Ngaruawahia yards, the whole of the valuable live stock, farm implements, &c, the property of Mr A. Calder, who is returning to Canterbury; also, at the same time and place, a large quantity of horse stock, cattle, &c, the property of Mr Hill, of Taupiri. The sale will commence at 11 a.m., with fruit and forest trees.

The Wellington « Chronicle,' alluding to the split m the Cabinet, says : — " The Colonial Treasurer reviewed the whole question, and, placed as he was, he says that he could not, as an honourable gentleman, meet Sir George Urey again m the Cabinet. Therefore he could not prepare his financial statement, for if he laid it before the House, it must be as his own private statement, and not as that of the Government. Not only on personal grounds, but m the interests of the country, he felt that he must resign. He took ample time to consider the matter fully, and having arrived at the only possible conclusion, ho sent m his resignation as Colonial Treasurer, Minister of Education, and member of the Executive Council this morning. Though Mr Ballance has left the Ministry, he will still remain a staunch champion of the Liberal party. Half-an-hour before he was sent for by Sir George Grey, he received a telegram from Colonel Whitmore, who was m Auckland, stating that one of the Auckland papers had just published an extra, containing sensational news about a disruption of the Cabinet. Mr Ballance telegraphed back to Colonel Whitmore, telling him to give an unqualified denial, as there had been no disagreement m the Cabinet. This shews that Sir George Grey's insulting conduct to Mr Ballance was pre-arranged, and that he had given intimation of what was going to happen. Sir George Grey has, moreover, been m the habit "of receiving anonymous letters from all parts of the country complaining of the action of his colleagues. This isi wholly unconstitutional and unprecedented. Wo understand the Minister for Public Works and the Native Minister have both threatened to resign."

Tenders for two miles of fencing, four sod bank, ditch, post and wires, for Mr Paton, will be received up to the 16th of July.

Copies of the new by-laws 'for the Waipa County, which come into operation on tho Bth inst. may be seen at the Council Chambers, Ohaupo. «

. TnE Annual Meeting of the ratepayers of the Newcastle District Board will be held at the Delta Hotel, Ngaruawahia, on Wednesday, the Oth inst. at 2 p.m.

Rewi's House at Kiiiikihi.— The District Engineer, Mr James Stewart, will (says the * Herald,' of Tuesday) proceed to Waikato during the present week, to make arrangements for the erection of a suitable residence for the chief Rewi at Kihikihi, m accordance with the instructions of the Hon. the Native Minister. The structure, when completed, will be an interesting feature m the townsihp.

In regard to .Improbabilities af a dissolution, the Wellington 'Post' has the following : — "That there will be a determined effort made to defeat the present Ministry soon after Parliament meets, and before its policy can be fully laid before the country, is, we believe, a matter of certainty. The attack will scarcely be on any one of the new proposals, but will be based on general grounds, including, of course, any administrative _W/..t» which can possibly be raked up. Probably, Sir William Fox, who is considered the most likely leader, will endeavour to repeat the tactics of 1868, when he led a successful attack on the Stafford Ministry. Of course, if defeated, on any particular important item of policy, the Ministry would have a claim, which could not well be denied, to appeal from the House to the country, but if the question at issue is a general one, relating rather to administration than policy, it will rest very mnch m the discretion of his Excellency the Governor whether a dissolution be granted them or not.

New Disease m Sheep.— At the meeting of the Auckland Institute, held on Monday, the President (inviting discussion upon the papers read at the last meeting of the Institute), and with reference to that read by Major Mair, that a pamphlet had been receivad from Mr Mansel, which appeared to be an appendix to papers read before tho New Zealand Institute, m which an account was given of the particular fly from which the maggots found m the brains of sheep proceeded. It was a species of the " botffly." Major Mair appeared to think that this disease was observed lately hi the Waikato only. It appeared to have been observed m the districts north of Auckland, although , he had no definite information on the subject.

The Thames correspondent of the ' Herald.w riting on Tuesday says :— Tho local papers only contain Mr Ballance's side^ of the question over which the Ministerial rupture has occurred. Tho general impression here is that Sir George Grey has been too dictatorial. Unless the present complications can be explained, he will lose a number of friends here. His best supporters cannot uphold him m h's present Hue of couduct.

Tjieije will ho a church parade on Sunday of the members of the Hamilton Contingent of Cavalry Volunteer,.

i Artificial Manures. — Messrs Small 1 and Coates; of Hamilton, announce that they have now on sale, at Auckland priceo, Superphospate of Lime, Victorian and Sydney Bonedust, Californian Bonemeal, and Peruvian Guano.

Apples.— Messrs J. D. & K. Hill will offer for sale at their mart, Hamilton, on Saturday afternoon, 40 cases of apples m good condition.

That there is no need to send to Auckland for furniture of superior make and finish has been often demonstrated by our Hamilton tradesmen. Mr Vialou's workshop turns out the best of, furniture, and some tradesmen take work upon their own account. Amongst those who have lately entered into business" of this kind, is Mr Jacob Bauer, of Hamilton, who has turned out, quite lately, some really well finished and handsomely designed articles of furniture. The sideboard m Mr Pearce's large dining-room, at tho Commercial Hotel, is ono of these, and we were, yesterday, shown chests of drawers; wardrobe, cheffioileer, tables and other pieces of furniture, made to the order of Hamilton gentleman, all of which would do credit to any first-class establishment. The kauri is worked up to an exquisite polish, the carving is thoroughly well finished, well seasoned wood only used, and the nicety of work, especially m the fitting of drawers, so exact as to ensure comfort m using them. When good furniture can be made at reasonable prices m the district, there is no occasion to send elsewhero for it.

The « Hawxes Bay Herald ' Libels. — Mr Ormond, at Waipawa, is reported to have said: — An article appeared m the * Hawkes Bay Herald ' about a fortnight ago, on this subject (interference of Europeans against Government, m native distriots). He could have wished it had not been telegraphed over the colony. He read the article, which contended, whether intentionally or not, that there were traitors m the camp, and this had come to be regarded as receiving a semiofficial sanction. The matter should bo investigated by the Parliament; and if the charges were found to be true, the individuals indicated should be punished with the utmost severity of the law. He said the article was couched m somewhat strong language, but he thoroughly endorsed it. More recently, the names of several gentlemen have been published as being the tools of the real authors of this opposition. Tho two gentlemen were, Majors Jackson and Mair. The first he knew personally. He fought bravely, m command of the Waikato Cavalry, during the late war, and rendered distinguished service. He (Mr Ormond) did not know Major Mair personally, but Sir Donald McLean had often spoken of him, saying he Could always trust m his information, and that he relied greatly upon him for his firmness and knowledge of the native character. With a thorough trustworthiness he made his services most valuable. Re did not believe for an instant that they had been guilty of the conduct imputed to them. He was sorry to see articles m the c Herald,' m which their names were mentioned m connection with "The sinister rumours of traitors m camp," but he was glad that the same paper, on fuller information, had that morning retracted the statement. [Parliament will be saved the trouble of an enquiry. Writs has, we understand, at the instance of Major Mair, been served upon the 'Hawke's Bay Herald.' Dr Buller is retained for the prosecution. — Ed. W.T.]

We would draw attention to Mr Trewheellar's new trade advertisement, m another column. The Waikato Biscuit Manufactory has established f«r itself a name m the district, and as a pastrycook and confectioner, Mr Trewheellar has equally succeeded m gaining the appreciation of the public. The refreshment room, where hot tea and coffee, and a comfortable meal can be at all hours obtained, is a great. public accommodation.

Ladies at the bar.— Now that it is judicially decided that women are to be admitted to the bar, we may look forward to a complete revolution m legal proceedings. The ladies have been practising special pleading, and every land of argument, down to the ad hominem, m the domestic circle since the days of Eve, and if lawyers of the male persuasion think they will have a greenhorn to deal with when woman steps into the court room, they will be egregioualy mistaken. The charmers havo so many methods to fall back upon that there will be no resisting them. With a reliable flat-iron aud an unerring aim, the fair advocate can bring the most obdurate judge to see a case m any light she pleases. A grape and canister smile delivered among the jury will ensure the verdict she desires. An argument, such as her husband is familiar with when he comes home late, will paralyse the opposing council, if he is a male. But ha! a scene of inexpressible grandeur suddenly presents itself before our excited imagination! Suppose the adverse council is not a male ! Scene : A Court-room — Angelina Smith for the defence, loquitur: "The creature, your Honor, who has just addressed this court, m her last year's hat and turned dress — " Seraphina Brown for the complainant, interrupting : " I protest your Honor, against the insinuations of the made-up hussy, who is trying to deceive an intelligent jury, with a jute switch and false teeth !" Here the atmosphere is suddenly obscured by a cloud of flying hair aud scattered ribbons ; the jurymen faint with terror, and, with a pallid visage, the judge orders a recess until council have repaired damages! By all means, let the ladie. practise. — ' San Francisco News Letter.'

The military spirit must be very strong m Young Waikato, when so many of them are willing to leave comfortable homes and steady employment for the chance, of enlisting m the Armed Constabulary Eorce, with the prospect of being sent to Taranaki, to luxurate fifteen m abell tent, six inches deed m mud. There were no less than seventy- one applicants yesterday, at the AC. Barracks, Cambridge, for enrollment, besides some dozen or more who arrived too late. Of these, thirty-six only were selected, while of those applying, six were rejected by the doctor as unsound. The standard height of 5 feet 10 inches was not insisted upon.

A Cocktail. — ' A relic of old decency,' m the form of a dilapidated specimen of humanity, with a variocolored nose, walked into a Montgomery street saloon, last evening, and jauntily waltzed over to the lunch counter, remarking to the barkeeper en passant, ' Mix me a stiff cocktail please,' and proceeded to lop off a section of corned beef as large as a basalt block. The cocktail being ready, the customer leisurely swallowed it, ana taking the measure of the cocktail-dispenser through the bottom of the glass, asked : ' Has Goosey been round here to-night ?' B.K. replied that he had uot the honor of that individual's acquaintance. ' What ! Don't know Goosey? Why, ho hangs about here every night. You must know him. Uo walks m this way.' He walked towards tho door, imitating tho waddle of a goose, and having gained the entrance, ho vanished iuto space. When tho barkeeper recovered from tho paralytic stroke of astonishment, ho prescribed for himself three fingers of ' Old Blucgrass,' charged two drinks on a customer's card, and foil to moralising on the advisability of mounting a small howitzer .somewhere within range of the front door.

An adjourned meeting of those desirous of farming - ft Young Mens' Chyistiau

Association at Cambridge, was held on Tuesday evening, but the business connected with the the formation of tho Association wan not completed. The election of officers will ta_e place next Tuesday. Now that the approaches to the Hamilton cart bridge have been commenced on either side the river, persons travelling on the road after dark will need to exercise some caution. The old -sidling pathway leading down to the ferry on the East side the river has been cut across and blocked at the top, just opposite the Waikato County Council Chambers, and fresh interruptions ,'may be expected on the line of work from one time to another.

We would remind all friends of Trinity Church, Ngaruawahia, that the gift auction, intended to bo held for tho purpose of paying off the debt on the church building, has been fixed for the second of next month. . Contributors of goods, of all kinds intended for sale, will do well to forward them to the secretary, Mr W. J. Burnett.