The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1224, 4 May 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, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, M AY 4, 1880.

There is considerable activity apparent in the ranks of the Oppositionists, and it is evident that trouble impends over the devoted heads of the Hall Ministry. Signs of this abound. Sir George Grey is a wary general, and he has seen fit to reverse the order of battle which obtained so much favor among the ancient commanders of driving the heavy beasts into battle in advance of the main body. He has not addressed himself to the task of making the first onslaught, but Messrs Speight and George, who may be considered the lighter animals belonging to the great army of " patriots," have received the word to charge and have answered to the call of duty. Speight, M.H.R., went to the Kawau a few weeks ago, and then, having received his orders, called a meeting of his constituents, and " went " for Hall and Co. There can be no mistake that he came to utter grief> and his utterances would be beneath criticism had it not been that he was the advance guard of the great pro-consul, and must be understood to express, in some measure at all events, his views. We hear of no compromise from him ; not a word breathes conciliation, generous support of the necessary measures for the relief of the finances of the Colony, or a desire to assist the country in its native troubles. All with him is abuse and vituperation, characteristic of the party he belongs to; and he winds up with the hard and fast declaration that he will remain in opposition — not until he has assisted in compelling Ministers to keep their promises of retrenchment and economy and put - tho et&mivn of -the — KjUU.Ii.Uy — StlUl^lllT — but until the present Ministry are turned out of office. Now, no one cares whether Speight remains in opposition or in the House, and his opinions are not worth comment, but he is one of the " light beasts" of the Opposition army, receiving orders from the " Island Home," and he is sent to tell the people of New Zealand that Sir George Grey means a bitter uncompromising hostility to anything and everything that stands in the way of his regaining power. It means fight, we think there can be no mistake on that point. Mr Seymour George has left his insular isolation, and goes forth we are told by a telegram in another column to clear the roads for the heavier " beasts" who will shortly follow. We apprehend he is going forth to preach "the gospel of obstruction" according to Grey, and rally the forces of the Opposition to a new struggle for place and power. This promising young politician will no doubt have as part of his mission to rouse up the Christchurch and Invercargill " patriots" against the arrival of his " uncle," and if report speaks truly, will endeavor to inflict upon the Colony of New Zealand one of the greatest curses at the present hour of trial that can well be imagined in the person of Mr W. L. Rees, as a candidate for Parliament for Waitaki. On Thursday, we are informed, the heavier " beasts" are to be driven into action, when the great Leviathan will emit his opening roar.

New Zealand colonists, though far •removed from the busy old world centres of population, are, in common with the rest of Her Majesty's subjects scattered over the globe, deeply affected in many ways by the European situation. The Army Bill which the German Government propose submitting to the Imperial Parliament bears to the European situation what the first flash from the threatening thunder-cloud bears to the storm itself. No profound acquaintance "with diplomatic secrets, no superior instinct for discovering the signs of the times, no studious examination of the political position is required to perceive that the peace of Europe has long reposed upon a precarious basis, which becomes more and more untrustworthy with the advent of every fresh year. The increase of military armaments by Germany is due to a recognition of this fact. Prince Bismarck has made no new discovery. He is merely doing that which he has probably perceived ever since 1871 he would, in course of time, infallibly be called upon to do. He had the foresight to perceive that the assertion of Germany's independence would tend to offend

and alienate Russia. The perception of this contingency must have prepared the Chancellor for the possibility of joint action by Russia and France, and he has lately officially u vowed "that this coalition has become possible, and that his countrymen, if they wish to preserve the Imperial Fatherland the blood of their fathers and children have created, must begin without delay to counteract it. Such is the motive of the Bill, which will render the defensive and offensive power of Germany more deserving of respect I than ever. But it must be borne in j mind that Germany is not alone in the preparations she is making for the event of a great war. France is not idle; Russia has been undisguisedly active ; Austria, while studying necessary economy, labors to keep a powerful force in a state of efficiency ; Italy imposes an almost unendurable burden of taxation on a poor population, in order to vindicate her propensities as a military Power. Prince Bismarck has before him the prospect of a war that will be forced upon him as soon as Germany can be taken at a disadvantage. Not the least amazing incident in connection with the stupendous armaments and jealous relations of the great Continental Powers are the assertions of Liberals in England, that England is in no small degree responsible for them, and we have reason to believe that the feelings of the masses have been so worked on, in this connection by Liberal candidates at the late general election just brought to a close, as to make it more than a probability that the Conservatives went out on their Foreign policy. The Standard commenting on Lord Beaconsfield's foreign policy, and adverting to this statement that England is in a measure responsible for the unsatisfactory state of affairs on the Continent, says : — by the Liberals we are asked to believe that the Cabinet of Lord Beaconsfield lias promoted the determination of France to recover her lost Provinces, the resolve of Germany not to forfeit the position she has acquired at the price of so much skill tand gallantry, the chronic desire of Russia, to domineer, in the East of Europe, and the set conclusion of the Italians that the Trentino and Trieste belongs to them by a law of nature. Englishmen need not fear that any Government in this country Trill be in a hurry to mix in any such quarrels as those we have been contemplating but it is worth their while to consider whether it would be advantageous for us that a party which preaches absolute unconcern for the quarrels of the Continent and their consequences should be at the head of affairs. All the influence this country can exercise would be exercised in the interests of peace ; but it would be more likely to be exercised, and would certainly be exercised with more effect by a Government keenly alive to the march of events and reasonably vigilant of the nation's interest. Upon one point men of all parties in this country will be agreed, that as far as our own land forces are concerned we are under no necessity to imitate the example set tis _Uy ***,\icn\&.3iaxy-i\iB«veiilly CUluiTmstailCed from ourselves. Our army is large enough for actual or prospective requirements. But the close attention Continental Governments pay to their armies, England must always dedicate to its navy ; and Parliament will not begrudge any money that is deemed indispensable to maintain Great Britain in the sovereignty of the seas.

It is essential that our country readers i should know that a school of Agriculture has been established at Lincoln, about twelve miles from Christchurch, Canterbury, for the instruction of youths in the principles and practice of agriculture. Hitherto our farming operations have been conducted in a very primitive fashion. Rough agriculture is no doubt inseparable from pioneer settlements, but as the Colony advances in years more exact and profitable methods Avill become necessary: It is a source of regret to us to see some of the oldest and finest districts in the most neglected state. Industry seems to fly to the backwoods, and to leave indolence and carelessness behind it. A remedy for this state of things seems to be the instructing of oiA* young men in the science of agiiculture, so that they may rctrru to the lands which their fathers have neglected, and, under the power of knowledge they have obtained, render them in the highest possible degree fruitful and productive. Much of the distaste which some of our highspu'ited and mentally-endowed young people have for agriculture arises from the fact of its presenting- to them only heavy toil, with meagre pecuniary and no mental rewards — much to call forth the labor of their muscles, but little to demand the exercise of their brai-is. Scientific agriculture would, however, open to them a new world of mental subjects, and would present every stone, every leaf, and every organic thing in the fields as a source of interest and study. The curriculum of the School of Agriculture consists of instruction in the principles and practice of agriculture, agricultural chemistry, physiological botany, geology, and physical geography, veterinary medicine and surgery, mathematics, and book-keeping. A young man of any stamina who has undergone such a course of study cannot fail to become a far better farmer and colonist than he who has only physical strength and i^ncultured mental power to direct that strength in the subduing and tilling of the ground, and breeding 1 and care of animals. The School offers five scholarships, entitling the holders to free instruction and board and lodging, from one to three years ; candidates are re quired to pass the Sixth Standard of tb.3 public schools.

We hear complaints from all parts of the district of the scarcity of pheasants, and that the birds this year are wilder than ever before experienced This is no doubt in a very large measure thanks to hare shooting. The largest bags on the Ist were made by Mr Henry Steele, Mr E wen, Mr Robert Seddon, Mr J. "Wood, andMrF. Trewheellar, who shot seven and a-half, seven, six and a-half, and five brace respectively.

Mr Richard Gwyane made a good bag yebterday— six aud a half bruce of pheasants and throe hares — in the neighborhood of Hautapu.

Thursday, being Ascension Day, there will be Early Celebration at St. Peter's at 8 a.m., and Divine Service at 11 ; and at Ngarmwahia at 7 p.m.

The resignation of Captain Sbeele as a member of the South Auckland Cattle Board has been accepted by the Governor, who has also been pleased to confirm the nomination of Mr K. H. D. Fergusson as a meinbev of the same Board.

"We have been shown a telegram received from Mr Blackett, C.E., by Mr. F. A. Whitaker, M.H.K., stating- that plans and specifications for the Whatawhata and Te-Rore bridges contract leave "Wellington to-morrow, and that on their arrival in Auckland tenders for the work AviH be immediately called.

Commodore Wilson and several of the officers of H.M.S. Wolverine were passengers to Waikato by tho midday train yesterday. The party, accompanied by Mr D. M. Luckie, and Mr McDonough, proceeded in the af ternoon to Gorton to enjoy a few days shooting. They will be the guests of K. H. D. Ferguson, Edq., 'lhe party rcturna to Aucklind on Thursday.

A horse of Mr Lands was run over by the night train on Saturday, and so much injured that it was found necessary to shoot it forthwith.

At Saturday'smeeting of the South Auckland Cattle Board it was decided that Mr Naden, in. company with the other inspectors, pay a visit to the farm of Mr McNicol, this morning 1 , with the object of making a further examination of the suspected cattle. Notice has, we believe, been sent to Mr McNicol of the Board's intention, and it is probable that one or more of the animals will be destroyed and examined post-mortem. This matter has been the source of so much unpleasantness and heartburning that every one will feel glad to know that it is to be fully sifted.

The fine Oddfellows' Hall, recently erected in Hamilton E-isfc, is now being fitted up with a very commodious stage. Its dimensions are '21 feetx 20 feet, with a height at the footlights of 3 feet, and rising gradually to a height of 3 feet 6 inches at the back. We understand that owing to unforseen delays the seats will not be ready for some weeks

The Herald gives, as a bit of interesting lines, that farmers and country settlers are anxiously looking for rain.

An information has been laid against Constable Abrams, of Alexandra, till recently stationod at Newton, charging him with indecently assaulting a young woman, formerly an inmate of the Industrial Home. The hearing comes on to-day in Auel^and.

Messrs Fantham, Storey, and Buttle, members of the Cattle Board, accompanied by Mr Naden and Inspectors Runciman and Gerse, visited the farm of Mr Burke, Pukerimu, on Saturday afternoon. Our special reporter was also of the party. They were met at the farm by Mr Burke, who conducted them into the paddock where the whole of the stock, about 50 head, were. The cattle on the whole appeared to be thriving and were in good condition, though several of the number did not appear to +>c in perfect health. This may, however, be set down to other causes besides pleuro. As, however, the beasts killed at Cambridge, and pronounced to be suffering from the disease in a very advanced stage, came from this farm, too stringent measures cannot be adopted to ensure their perfect isolation and periodical inspection.

In answer to a letter conveying the resolutions passed at a public meeting in Hamilton on Friday last, His Worship the Mayor has received the following from the Chairman of the Cattle Board : — "Sir, — l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ult., forwarding copies of resolutions passed at a public meeting, which I have laid before the South Auckland Cattle Board at the meeting this day (Saturday). The Board regrets it cannot at present remove the restriction regarding the removing of cattle, but at the next meeting of the Board (Saturday next) your letter will again be taken into consideration, and I will communicate with you on the subject."

After the business of the special meeting of the Hamilton Cavalry Contingent on Saturday was concluded, the members discussed the matter of firing for the handsome album presented by Mr E. Wayte. It had been intended at first that only those who had attended five out of six sword drills should compels, but as only four members had qualified on this basis, it was decided that the number of attendances required, should be four out of six. By this arrangement the following are eligible to compete :— - Lieut. Johnson, Sergt.-Major Seddon, Troopers Manktelou, Henry, Alexander, Salmon, Young, Davis, Vourless, Primrose, Hinten, Coclmiue, and Pearson. The competition will come off on Saturday next, commencing punctually at 9 a.m., under the following conditions : — Ranges, 200 yds., 300 yds., and 400 yds.; 5 shots at each.

A very impoiiant piece of news received by the English mail, is the statement that Messrs Money Wigram and Co., whose splendid auxiliary steam clippers Avei*e the favourite means of travelling between London and Melbourne before the Orient Company started their competition with full powered steamers have determined to try the experiment of running their liners to New Zealand instead, and wi! l despatch the first during the current month. This is very good news, and we hope the venture "v\ 111 prove a success, in which case Messrs Money Wigram i itend to relinquish the Australian trade, and devote themselves to that of New Zealand, employing their splendid fleet of aur'liary steamers in the service. These include the well-known ships Norfolk, Kent, Northumberland, Som.ers3tsh.ire, and others. The new American Trans-continental Kailway, also opens a fresh link of communication with Home, and it is said, will shorten the San Francisco route by ne?rly 1000 miles.

Mr Louis A. Nathan, the retiiing member of the firm of L. D. Nathan and Co., Auckland, left for London, via America, by the last San Francisco. We understand he will in future be located in London, where he intends to devote his attention to the commission, shipping, and insurance agency business, the New Z3aland and Australian trade being a ipeeialiU: Mr L. A. Nathan has always been regarded in Auckland as a gentleman of keen business foresight, and his name is a sufficient guarantee of success.

A football meeting is convened for Thursday o\cn'n£, atD.iwson's Hotel. Mr L. 15. Harris will take a limited number of cattle to graze at Harrisville, Pukete, at is per head per week. Tenders arc called for the erection of a schoolhouse at Pukete. Tenders must be in by 14th instant. Tfnders will be received up to 15th instant for medical attendance and medicine to the members of the North Island Railway Emylojees Provident Society (Auckland branch), their wives and families, Sec. Applications must be forwarded to the Secretary, Auckland Railway Station. Fishur and Co., of Auckland, are cash purchasers of game. The programme of the sports, to bo held under the Cambndge Athletic Club, on her Majesty's Birthday, appears elsewhere. Messrs Whit vkfr and Sheeh vn give notice that persons indebted to the late firm of Whitakcr and O'Neill not having paid their respective amounts by the 15th instant, will be proceeded against.