The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1212, 6 April 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawcd by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1880.

The last phase in the outbreak of Pleura-pneumonia in the Provincial District of Auckland is likely to demand the most serious attention from all Waikato cattle-owners, and more especially those interested in the breeding of stock. To these latter, indeed, the question has assumed a most unpleasant aspect. Why when the disease was known to exist in the district so much valuable time should have been allowed to slip by is a problem which, although curious enough, cannot now be dealt with. It was, however, fortunate for the settlers that the first symptoms of Pleuro

were observed on the farm of one who, like Mr Burke, lost not a moment in bringing the matter to light, and so preventing the commission of incalculable mischief . At a time when there existed in the district nobody competent to deal with the matter, Mr Burke vigorously took preventive measures himself, and, so far as we know, has checked the spread of the disease in his part of the district. Shortly after these steps had been taken the Government constituted the South Auckland Cattle Board ; but, notwithstanding that much time had been frittered away, tied the Board's hands by not gazetting it. Though unable to take any active measures, the members at their first meeting endeavored to sketch a programme for their guidance when they should have been duly constituted. At this meeting the Chairman took occasion to ask Captain Steele, one of the members, whether the reports to the effect that the Swamp Company's cattle were dying by dozens or scores was correct; to this Captain Steele replied that only one bull was affected, but not, as was supposed, with Pleuro, and was now getting better. He also promised to acquaint the Board as soon as the disease broke out. Thus the matter stood till the following week, when it was discovered that the disease existed on the estate in a violent form, and that the Company were inoculating their cattle. It was further learned that the disease had been in existence on the property for some five weeks, to the knowledge of the Manager. What followed, the reports in another place will sufficiently indicate. One thing is clear, and that is that the Company are much to blame for the action they have taken, and unless some very satisfactory explanation is given those concerned will lie under grave censure. The Board are not entirely blameless in the matter, because there has been an evident disposition to "dilly-dally" with the subject until it reached a stage so important as no longer to allow of its being burked ; but now that the question has been fully opened up we hope we shall have no further complaints to make on this score. "With regard to inoculation, a subject upon which there appears to exist much diversity of opinion among non-professional men, the profession are pretty well agreed. On all hands, whether by its opponents or by those most in favor of the practice, and the balance of the evidence is in favor of the former, it appears to be the opinion that I the operation should only be performed on perfectly healthy beasts, a course which it does not appear has been followed in the case under notice. But, even when this point" is settled, there still remain many conditions to be fulfilled which have been entirely ignored by those who have followed out the system. Dr Willems, of Hasselt, Holland, who was the originator of inoculation in modern times, thus describes the method of performing the operation : — " The virus is to be selected from the intertubular tissue of a lung in the first stage of a mild attack. The lung will then be found distended with a yellow semi-fluid exhudate. All parts of the lung which present any appearance of dark red colour and are consolidated, or which have the appearance of being gangrenous, should at all times be avoided. The selected portion of the lung, after having been cut in various directions to allow the fluid to ooze out, is to placed whilst warm in a strainer over a clean stoneware or glass bowl, covered over by flannel or cloth to keep in the warmth and to prevent dust, &c, gaining access. In a short time, a quantity of clear yellow fluid will be obtained, which, if not required for immediate use, can be enclosed in tubes and hermetically sealed. The tip of the tail is the spot which should be selected for inoculation, and a single drop of the virus is sufficient. It is better to inoculate on the upper than on lower surface of the tail, removing the hair, and then slightly scarifying the skin, scarification being quite superficial. In the most favourable instances, slight heat and swelling occurs round the inoculated spot for a period varying from a week to two months. Generally, however, the eruption manifests itself from the ninth to the sixteenth day, accompanied by slight fever, &c. When the operation has been properly performed and the virus carefully selected, the effects are generally as above described, but when the virus is putrid or badly selected, or, as sometimes happens, some peculiarity exists in the inoculated animal, the primary swelling is excessive, the tip of the tail becomes gangrenous, the animal suffers from a high state of fever, secondary deposits occur at the root of the tail, and the parts adjacent, and death occurs a few days after inoculation." What is the general plan adopted 1 Simply to kill the beast most infected, without regard to the above cenditions, and in a rough and ready manner to employ the virus so obtained — with what result may be imagined. It is much to be regretted that on this subject, as indeed x on many others, the Act is silent. Indeed, the measure seems to be rather a draft than an Act, and sorely needs re-modelling. Looking at the facts adduced above, we cannot but express the hope that those most in favour of inoculation will defer the operation until it shall be proved conclusively that it can be undertaken with safety to themselves and without danger to their neighbours.

Eight or nine years ago a body of men was formed in the upper portion of this district calling themselves the "Te Awamutu Cavalry Troop," and shortly afterwards a similar institution sprang into existence at the neighboring settlement of Cambridge. Neither of these troops was established for the purpose of amusement, but as a necessary prosection to the homes and families of those who became enrolled as members. As proof of the desire on the part of the settlers to furnish themselves with so efficient a means of defence, the strength of the combined troops, notwithstanding the sparseness of the population, soon grew to be upwards of one hundred. What these men were capable of doing was shortly afterwards amply enough demonstrated, when they were called upon to undertake the dangerous office of patrolling the frontier during the exciting period following the barbarous murder of poor Sullivan. Since that time the men have steadily become more efficient in their drill ; and, while their numbers increased, they have also improved the class of horses, until at the present they would disgrace no irregular cavalry regiment in the world, and with very little continuous drill might equal many a regular troop. In the meantime, another troop — or rather a contingent of the older troop — has sprung into existence, and bids fair to rival in efficiency its elder brothers. Under men, prominent settlers, some of whom have seen active service in defence of their home?, and all of whom have the good of the movement thoroughly at heart, it is little to be wondered at that we should be proud of our cavalry, or that others should lavish praise upon them. In order, however, to the ultimate perfect success of the movement, it is necessary that those little local jealousies, which we will not say have been fostered, but which have insensibly grown- up between the different corps should be eradicated. Nothing could perhaps do more to accomplish this end than such a trip — we might almost call it a campaign — as that made by the whole cavalry to the Thames. There, mixing freely in one another's society, a friendly feeling was promoted which it would be well to keep alive. It should be the aim of those concerned to make the cavalry the " Waikato Cavalry," not the Te Awamutu, the Cambridge and the Hamilton Cavalry. At a time when the various centres of the district were isolated it was to a certain extent necessary that these differences should exist, but there is no longer any reason why they should, and the sooner, as regards other matters as well, that people come to look upon the Waikato as a united district the better will it be for them. We would suggest — not that it is our own suggestion — that the three troops i be amalgamated, under the name of " The Waikato Cavalry," and designated respectively Nos. 1, 2, and 3, or A, B, and 0 Troops. Besides having the effect of cementing that good fellowship which has already taken good root in the breasts of the members, such a step would have the effect of inducing a number of people, many of whom are not residents of the district, to become honorary members, thus filling the coffers as well as strengthening the ranks. This no mere hypothesis, because while the troops were at the Thames we have the best authority for saying that several prominent volunteers and citizens of that place signified their willingness to become honorary members so soon as the troops were amalgamated. We therefore commend these observations to the favorable consideration of the members of the Cavalry, and trust that before long something will be done to give effect to the suggestions therein contained.

Tendebs, we are informed, will very shortly be called by the Government for the Mangakowhai bridge, and none too soon, though the Kaniwhaniwha, some two miles farther on, is even more in need of repair, and should also claim the immediate attention of the authorities. There is no word yet of anything practical having been done in the case of the bridge over the Waipa, a work the settlers interested are very anxious to see started upon. The telegraph line between Hamilton and Cambridge received a thorough overhaul last week, and several poles have been replaced by new ones. The Messrs. Baker kindly assisted at St Peter's choir on Sunday at the morning and evening services, and their magnificent voices rang through the church with great effect. The Waikato Steam Navigation Company, we understand, has concluded arrangements with the Government to carry freight to Cambridge at the same rates aa if the railway were continued on to Cambridge, and will run a steamer at least daily between Ngaruawahia and Cambridge. We regret to notice by a telegram dated London, Ist instant, that Sir Julius Vogel has been defeated at Falmouth, The message brief and unsatisfactory, as cables generally are, and does not say whether a Liberal beat Sir Julius, or whether a second Conservative went to the poll. The Orient Company and Messrs. Money, Wigram and Co have notified their readiness to provide the necessary mace for frozen meat in their steamers. The Peninsular and Oriental Company have the same question under consideration. No little dissatisfaction, we understand, exists amongst the members of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteer Band at the action of many of those who placed their names on the subscription lists for the purchase of the instruments, but have never yet paid up their subscriptions, though the instruments are not as yet wholly paid for. It has been urged by some of these defaulters that the lien upon the instruments might be cleared off from the proceeds of the

earnings of the band, but the latter very naturally object to this that they should be called upon to earn the money for payment of instruments that can never be theirs, and that they have enough to tlo with any such funds in the purchase of new music, uniform, and other incidental expenses. They object also to using instruments which may at any time be seized for the payment of the uncompleted purchase money. We trust that this bringing the matter before the notice of those who have not yet paid up their subscriptions for the purchase of the band instruments will induce them at once to do so, and thus remove the unpleasantness which exists. As a proof that the late visit of the Waikato Cavalry to the Thames has had the effect of breaking down the barrier which existed to the prevention of free terough communication, we are in a position to state that arrangements have been come to with Tukukino to allow of the formation of a road between Hikutaia and Paeroa, a portion of which is to be constructed and kept in repair by the natives themselves. Cambridge Reobeation Gbound.— The Government has set apart a portion of the Cambridge East Town Belt as a recreation ground, consisting of rural sections 161, I # 18, 184, 195, 196, 209, 210, 215, 216, 230, and 235 ; also the sections comprised in the Town of Cambridge East proper containing altogether 426 aores. Lot 4b containing 5 acres in the parish of Pukete has been vested as an Education reserve. Why duck shooting should commence a month earlier than pheasant shooting we are at a loss to know, but the result from a sporting point of view is anything but satisfactory. Men are out here, there, and everywhere, with dog and gun, on the duck trail, and even in cases where a restraining hand is held upon the gun when a pheasant rises, the effect is that pheasants are made very wild, and get scattered all over the country and frightened back, indeed, into the bush ; so that when the pheasant shooting season arrives next month sportsmen will make no good bags, as in other yearn. Unfortunately, however, there are amongst those who profess to be duck shooting some who don't hesitate to knock over a pheasant when they flush one, and we are informed by one ranger that, though unable to bring convicting evidence against more than one such person, he is morally certain that the offence has been and is being daily committed. The remedy for this on future occasions would be to make the duck and pheasant shooting begin upon the same day. The body of the late Mr Juckes, who was drowned last Tuesday morning, was found floating in the river below Taupiri on Sunday, and the police at Hamilton were at once communicated with, Yesterday morning, dergeant MoGovern and Dr Beale went down to Ngaruawahia, and an inquest was held on the remains of the deceased gentleman, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The Rev. W. Calder also went down for the purpose of performing the funeral service, and with him went several citizens of Hamilton, anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to one so highly esteemed as the deceased. The inquest on the body of Charles Priestley Juckes was held at the Taupiri Hotel yesterday morning at ten o'clock before Dr Beale, Coroner, and a jury of twelve — Horace Reeves, brother-in-law of deceased, deposed that he took the deceased across the river, and saw him get on his horse, and a few moments after heard a splash and the deceased crying out, "Bring the canoe here, Horace." He returned, <md found that horse and rider had sunk beneath the surface. He rose again, when witness called to him to cling to the saddle. Deceased did not answer him, but with a scream threw his hands up, and disappeared. — The body was found four hundred yards from where it went down on Sunday afternoon, having been probably disturbed by the p.s. Rangiriri on her way up stream. A verdict of " Accidental Drowning " was returned. The body was interred on the west side of the river, a goodly number of settlers attending. The Rev. William Calder read the burial service. A meeting of settlers was held at the Whatawhata Hotel on Saturday, the chair being occupied by Mr H. M. Salmon. It was moved by Mr Anderson, and carried, " That a deputation wait on F. A. Whitaker, Esq., M.H.R., to consult with him on any measures that may be taken to expedite the commencement of the Waipa bridge, and the road thence to Hamilton ; the deputation to consist of Messrs Anderson, Dawson. Corboy, E. Shepherd, S. Foxall, and H. M. Salmon." j It was understood that Mr Whitaker will meet the deputation at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. The meeting, after partially discussing the subjeot of a monoy order and telegraph office in oonnoction with Raglan, adjourned to Saturday next, when the report of the deputation will be brought up. Alterations in the boundaries of the Tuhikaramea and Hamilton Highway districts have at last been effected. The new Hamilton Highway District will be as follows : — All the land bounded to the north-east by the middle of the Waikato River, from a point in line with the southern boundary of allotment 110, parish of Horitiu, to a point opposite the mouth of Mystery Creek, and thence towards the south-east to and by the said creek to the eastern side of the road which forms the western boundry of allotment No. 312 a; thence by allotment 312 a aforesaid, allotments 312, 311, a road, and allotment 308, parish of Te Rapa : thence crossing the road and along the western side of the said road to the middle of the road which forms the northern boundary of allotment No. 381, parish of Ngaroto ; thence towards the south by the middle of the road which forms the northern boundaries of allotment, 301 aforesaid, allotments 814, 315, 316, and part of allotment No. 317 of said parish to the western side of the railway line to a point in the line with the southern boundary of allotment No 364, parish of Te Rapa ; thence again towards the south by the right line to the middle of the road in the line with the southern boundary of allotment No. 19, Te Rapa; thence again towards the west by the middle of the road which forms the north-eastern boundaries of allotments Nos. 97, 94, 93, 91, and 90, parish of Pakete ; towards the south-west by the middle of the road, which forms the north-eastern boundaries of allotments Nos. 90, 89, 87, 110, 109, 111, 112, 155, 1.34, 153, 151, 149, 148, 147, and 148, parish of Pukete, and allotment 02, parish of Horitiu, to a point in a line with the southern boundary of allotment 120 ; thence towards the north-west by a right line to a souther corner of said allotment No. 120, being part of the south-eastern boundary of the parish of Horitiu ; thence by said allotment No. 120, allotment 119, a road, and allotment 110, parish of Horitiu, to the middle of the Waipa River, at the starting point. A gazette notice under the hand of the Governor brings the Highway Act into operation within the new district, and further notifies that the first meeting of ratepayers for the district shall take place on 24th inst, at the Railway Hotel, Fraukton, for the election of trustees. The case of J. C. Young, who is charsred with embezzling various sums of publio money as a Government Land Purchase A^ent at I auranpra, is likely to occupy the Supvcmn Court for some days. There are five indictments against him, each of which wil| bn t.riod by a poparatn special jury, and

for this 180 speoial jurymen have been summoned to attend. It is understood that Mr Warbriok, who was committed to prison in default of payment of a fine for refusal jo attend a summons under the Pnblic Revenues Act, will be brought up under a Avrit of habeas corpus to give evidence for the defence. A. B.C. Autumn Meeting.— The following handicaps have been received by the Secretary from Mr Lance, the handicapper : — Autumn Handicap : Mata, 9st 121b : Ariel, Bst 12lb; Numa, Bst 41b; Soukar, Bst lib ; Longlands, Bst ; Lara, 7st 13lb ; Vampire, 7st 71b ; Resolution, *6st 121b; Libeller, Gst 111b; Laertes, 6st 81b ; Saunterer, 6st 41b ; Piscatorious, 6st 41b ; Ring Quail, Gst 41b ; Malvern, 6st 4lb ; Otawa, ost 111b ; Sorcerer, Sat 111b; Yatapa, ost lllb ; Xantippe, sst lllb My Dream, sst lllb. Steeplechase: Grey Mouse, 12st; Loch Lomond, list 71b Eversley, list; Baron, list; Otawa, lOst 71b; Sportsman, lOst 2lb ; Billy, lOst; Harold, lOst; Jonathan Wild, lOst : Young Sledraere, lOst ; Serenader, lOst ; No Name, lOst ; Hard Times (late Spring Back), lOst.— H. P. Lance, Jbiandicapper. Tenders will be received by Mr. C. Ashwcll, Cambridge, up to 4 p.m. on the 13th instant, for the erection of a seven-roomed building in Cambridge. Thk Chairman of he Kirikiriroa Road Board notifies the closing of a road through the property of James Runciraan, Esq., between lots 279, 281, and lots 278, 277, and 276. A grand autumn race meeting will be held in Ellerslie Gardens on the Queen's Birthday. A list of the events appears in our advertising columns. Thk Chairman of the South Auckland Cattle Board notifies the boundaries of the infected district containing the Pinko Swamp. The Hamilton East school was opened yesterday with ample accommodation. The compulsory clauses of the Act will be rigidly enforced. Thr Hamilton Rifle Volunteers will parade at the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday next. We understand that the Hot Springs Hotel has been taken over by Mr G. S. O'Halloran, who purposes making a number of alterations and additions, with a view to the* convenience of tourists and others. The springs are being improved and houses are to be built over them, and a punt is about to bo placed on the river. The hotel is delightfully situated at the foot of the great mountain, and should be .1 f.noritc resort for visitors to the district, more especially invalids, the curative properties of the springs being well kuown.