The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1231, 20 May 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 2O, 1880.

In the session of 1877 an Act was passed to provide for copyright in works of art, and for repressing the commission of fraud in the production and sale of such works, and having regard to the interests of the authors and producers of these works a very necessary and very wise measure it is. Shorn of its legal phraseology, the measure provides that any person selling, copying, engraving, reproducing, and multiplying such works of art shall be liable to certain penalties. In 1879 an Amendment Act was passed, bringing the works of dramatic authors under the provisions <pf the Act of 1877, and, so far as it affects the sale of dramatic works, there can be no possible objection to this also. But it now appears that no copyright play can be produced on the boards of a theatre without a license, and any person so offending renders himself liable to the same penalties as in the case of sale or piracy. Really, if such be the case, it is carrying matters too far, and it must exceed the intentions of many of the honorable gentlemen who allowed the Bill to pass into law. As will be seen above, the word " reproduce " is included in the list of proscribed actions ; and this will be taken to mean "represent" or perform, and in order, therefore, to the production of any play belonging to the Dramatic Authors' Society, the necessary fees — forty shillings for each performance — will have to be paid. If this law was intended to rid the Colony of a tribe of strolling players which has overrun the country and has produced anything but a healthy effect on the pockets of the population, then we heartily commend its purpose. The Act under notice will have another effect, however, than that we have hinted at. It will effectually damp the ardor of those ladies and gentlemen who, at such great trouble, expense, and inconvenience to themselves, assist at amateur dramatic representations for the benefit of some local charity, and for the amusement and edification of their friends. In the eyes of the law they are confounded with those who get their living on the stage. Hamilton is happy in possessing one of the best amateur clubs in the colony, and at infinite trouble the lady and gentlemen members thereof have made 'arrangements for presenting on Friday evening next, the drama of " All that Glitters" and the comedy of "Checkmate," the proceeds of the entertainment to be devoted to paying off the debt on the instruments of the Hamilton Light Infantry Band. At the eleventh hour, Mr Gillon, of Wellington, agent for the Dramatic Author's Society, telegraphs to warn them at their peril, not to play these two pieces without first obtaining a licence, which will cost £4:. and must be paid in advance ; failing compliance, he will sue for the full penalties allowed by law. Now, we ask can anything partake more of the nature of an imposition than this ? We do not say as regards professional companies there is any injustice in it, but we do maintain that to make amateurs pay through the nose in this fashion is a monstrous proceeding, and one which never could have been contemplated by those who gave their assent to the measure. However, until the law is altered to affect pecuniarily only those who benefit personally by such representations, amateurs will do well to select such plays as are not included in the list of the Dramatic Author's Society, although, considering that this includes some 4000 pieces it will not be a very easy matter to do so.

In appears to us that serious complications are likely to arise in the relations subsisting between the South Auckland Cattle Board and the cattle owners of Cambridge. The members of the Board appear to be unanimously of opinion that the removal of the restrictions on the cattle would be fraught with great danger to the whole district, while the cattle owners residing in the town are just as unanimous in asserting that no danger whatever need fee apprehended from the repeal of the disabilities under which they labor. The arguments of the former are based on the knowledge that certain beasts found in the town some six weeks or two months ago were proved to be infected with Pleuro, while the latter argue from the fact that notwithstanding this the disease has not asserted itself in any part of the neighbourhood since, and that there is every reason for believing that the cattle are perfectly clean, and no reason to the contrary. The Board may be perfectly right— we believe they are

actuated only by a desire for the public welfare — and the residents may. be entirely in the wrong, but in the face of present circumstances we cannot help thinking that a little undue severity is being exercised. We do not wish it to be thought that we are counselling the Board to relax any of of their efforts for the suppression of the disease, but we say that in this particular instance no harm, and a great deal of good could be done by assenting to the wishes of those cattle owners who petitioned the Board at their last meeting. The course we would suggest in the case of Cambridge has already been followed in that of Hamilton East, and with ordinary care the fulfilment of the conditions imposed in one case might be as easily secured in the other. The closing of the district has very seriously affected the residents, so seriously indeed that they have expressed their determination to turn the cattle out and risk the consequences. We hope, however, it will not come to this, but that the Board will see fit to follow our suggestion, taking care to confine the cattle for the present within the limits of the town belt. As no outside cattle can be driven through the town little danger need be apprehended.

We are pleased to find that our remonstrance regarding the .places where plans and specifications for the Whatawhata bridge and the Te Rore bridge contracts were on view has had the desired effect. A reference to the advertisements inviting tenders for these contracts in to-day's issue will show that they are on view at the Publio Works office, Hamilton. ' Waikato contractors will therefore be saved the unnecessary and very great inconvenience of proceeding to Auckland for particulars.

At a meeting of the Newcastle District Board, held on Monday, the following tenders were received for the three bridges in that district that have been advertised for the last three weeks in this paper : — Accepted : A. Nicol, No. 1 bridge, £75 10s 6d ; No. 2 bridge, £118 17s ; No. 3 bridge, £101 16s 6d ; earthwork—Nos. 1 and 2, 6.j,d per yard, No. 3, 6d. Declined: W. Price, No. 1, £110; No. 2, £167; No. 3, £115; earthwork, Is lOd. J. Frear, No. 1, £97 17s; No. 2, £156 18s; No. 3, £151 14s; earthwork, 10d. Barton, No. 1, £94 16s 8d; No. 2, £146 : earthwork, 6|d. G. Hall, Nos. 1 and 2, £225 each ; earthwork, 9^d. Melville, Nos. 1 and 2, £220 ; earthwork, Bd. Maunder and Son, No. 1, £79 15s; No. 2, £127; No. 3, £112 10s; earthwork, Bd. W. Johns, No. 1, £75; No. 2, £120 10s ; earthwork, lOd. R. Carter, No. 3, £156 ; earthwork, 7£d. P. Twersen, No. 3, £119; earthwork", 9d Phillips and Ormsby, No. 3, £112 ; earthwork, 9d.

Monday being Her Majesty's Birthday the, usual monthly meeting of the Cambridge Farmers' Club is postponed to Monday, 3 1st May.

We learn that Mr James Eyre has disposed of his farm of 80 acres, situate at Hokonui, at a price satisfactory to the vendor.

His Grace Archbishop Steins will arrive in Waikato on Saturday, and will officiate at the Roman Catholic Church, Ohaupo, at 11 o'clock on Sunday following.

The late favorable weather has, contrary to expectation, had a marked effect on the pastures, and there is considerable growth noticeable. The turnip crops especially have derived great benefit from the warm showers,

The old subject of organising a Fire Brigade for Hamilton, which appears to have entirely died out, was once more brought forward by the Mayor at the last meeting of the Borough Council. We do not propose just now to enter fully into the merits of the case, but we would recommend the Council to consider it at their next meeting. As the town increases in size) such, an institution will become indispensable, and, as a beginning must be made, the thing ought to be taken in hand. The organisation of a Volunteer Salvage Corps would be a step in the desired direction.

Judging from the dress rehearsal held last evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, the performance announced for to-morrow evening by members of the Comu9 Dramatic Club will be well worth going to see. The several parts have evidently been carefully studied, and a bumper house should form the reward of the ladies and gentlemen who have kindly come forward on this occasion.

The prospecting at Ngaraawabia is steadily proceeding. Several specimens of likely appearance have been obtained, and the prospectors' drive is in some 20ft.

Mr Gerse, V.S., lately attached to the South Auckland Cattle Board, left Ohaupo yesterday morning for Auckland, en route to Wanganui.

We regret to learn from Cambridge that Mr Fantham is seriously indisposed.

Amusements are rife just now in Cambridge. The menagerie from Auckland opened last night, and the native risitanta seemed perfectlj awe-stricken with the various animals, particularly " Leo " the lion, and when His Majesty gave vent to oue of his roars the Maori response was almost as loud. Bruin caused much amusement on emerging from his cage, and especially his walking on his hind legs. Several shooting galleries, with musical accompaniments, are doing good business ; and Mr Smith, of HamUton, is dispensing oysters in a can7as saloon.

The plans and specifications for works advertised by the Newcastle Highway Board have been received at the Waikato Times office, and are open for public inspection. Judge Munro arrived at Cambridge on Tuesday afternoon, and commenced proceedings at the Land Court with the Mangakaretu Block. The footpath from the Criterion to within a few yards of the National Hotel has now been gravelled, much to the convenience of pedestrians. The expense of gravelling and curbing will be borne by tho immediate householders, the layingdown by the Town Board.

Barnum's Menagerie, a very excellent wild beast show on a small scale, is now on view at Whyte's Buildings, opposite the Post-office. The specimens, which are all living, comprise a Tasmanian devil, two Tasmanian opossums, two tortoises over 200 years old, a won derful animal half monkey and half cat, and a monkey. The show is really worth seeing.

The business of chemist and druggist lately carried on by Mr Fowles, near the Royal Hotel, Hamilton East, has, we understand, been disposed of to Mr Robson, a gentleman lately resident at the Thames, and well-known in that locality. Mr Fowles, we understand, leaves New Zealand for the West ladies,

The train which went through Hamilton late on Monday night contained metal for the road leading to the railway st'ition at Te Awatnutu, and was the largsst train which has yet gone over tho lino. It oonsisted altogether of 29 trucks, and the weight of tho freight was 250 tons, the wholo being' drawn by one engine. Ten trucks were from Mount Eden, two from Remuera. three from Mercer, and fomt en fiom Tanpiri. By placing tho Te Awamutu terminus at such a distance from the township it has been rendered necessary to make this approach road, which will be nearly a milo in length. The contract for laying the metal was let to Mr Fallon, tho contractor for the Ohaupo-Te Awamutu section of the railway.

The Good Templars of Hamilton intend giving a concert entertainment in the Oddfellows' Hall, Hamilton East, on the 26th. The programme will include a short lecturs on temperance by the Eev. Mr Bull, Wesleyan minister, and vocal and instrumental selections by some of our prominent amateurs.

For the sake of his family, who are solely dependant upon him for Bupport, strong efforts, were made yesterday to devise some means for • obtaining 1 the liberation of David Elliott, convicted at yesterday's R.M. Court of wife -beating:. The evidence disclosed a very sad state of things, and it was feared by those gentlemen who interested themselves in the affair that the simple act of binding the man over to keep the peace would not have the effect of terminating the unfortunate differences which appear to have arisen between the husband and wife. Mr Elliot at the conclusion of the case, expressed a desire that the Magistrate should order a separation, which, of course, could not be done, and an attempt is now being made to get the parties themselves to agree to the terms of a separation, on the conclusion of which satisfactory sureties will be found. Elliot is at present in custody.

Ngahuruhuru, the chairman of the great Rotorua Committee, called a meeting of that body on the 28th ult., for' the purpose of investigating native titles to land at Ohinemutu. Should their work result in speedily bringing these lands before the legally constituted Lands Court, the Committee will be J entitled to public gratitude, but the past efforts of that body in this direction, or indeed in respect to settling down to anyreal useful work, afford little ground to hope for good results from the present meeting. Now that Mr Robert Graham has finally settled at Rotorua he may inspire the Committee with some of his energy to advance the progress of a district in which both Europeans and natives are so much interested. — Bay of 1 laity Times.

The pneumatic clocks, which have been erected in Paris, have been set going ■with, undoixbted success. The arrangements for affixing them upon tha Boulevards and other prominent points having been completed last week, they were solemnly inaugurated under the auspices of the Prefect of the Seine, the Austrian Ambassador, and a crawd of the tho most distinguished scientists and merchants of Paris. The mechanical arrangements by which the compressed ai r is stored and released at regular intervals of one minute, when it acts up and pushes forward the minute hand, have already been described. These proved entirely successful, and the curious who waited to see the new clocks tested were amply satisfied. The clock faces consist of large blue discs raised to some height on graceful stand*, and ai*e an undoubted addition to the decorations of the streets of Paris. Probably they will soon be introduced in other capitals. Brussels ha 9 already a number of excellent smaller clocks, worked in the ordinary old-fashioned way at the corner of the principal streets, but this good example is not as yet generally followed. How far the system will be accepted in private houses must depend upon its cost. According to present ideas, however, an air clock will be as cheap as a gas light, and its inventors claim that it will be infinately less likely to fall out of repair than the regulation household clock which so constantly requires winding, and which so constantly goes wrong.

The Western part of the Samoa islands is placed under the direct jurisdiction of the German consul at Apia. The German consuls of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia have been placed under the supervision of the Consul-General at Sydney. Germany possesses a total number of 660 consulates, of whom 55 are diplomatic.

London Truth tells a very characteristic story of Mr Spurgcon's political sympathies and his notion of the electoral duties of Liberals. During the recent contest in Lambeth the Conservati7e candidate called on Mr Spurgreon and nsked his vote on the ground of religious affinity. The answer he received was : " If the Liberal candidate were the Devil in person I should vote for him against you', for the functions to which you and he aspire are political, and not religious, and on political matters I think with him." Mr Henry Labouchere, who by the way has been elected, professes to be a warm admirer of the Tabernacle ; and he asked all Liberals and Radicals to remember these words when the moment for action came. They contain, he thinks, the whole duty pi an elector. Of himself, he says in his address to the Lambeth electors : — "l am a Radical to the Radicals. I have many social fads, and yet I should vote for tne most retrograde of Whigs, the bitterest opponent of one and all my social fads provided he were sound upon the one point of hostility to the pernicious Imperialism of Lord Beaconsfield."

The deaths are announced of— An eccentric lady who styled herself '.' Countess of Derwentwater," and laid claim to the vast estates formerly belonging to the Derwentwater family ; Dr Fairbank, Her Majesty's snrgeon, who expired while walking in Windsor Park.

Thu Town Clerk invites tenders for removal of earth at per cubic pard. Full particulars may be obtained at Town Clerk's office. CArrLu-oWNi.Rsare officially notified that the restrictions regarding cattle in Hamilton East arc removed. Permits from the Cattle Inspector are necessary prior to cattle being turned loose. Mr W. Dowden advertises ?hat he will sell on Tuesday next at the Exchange Mart, Queen - street, Auckland, four cases of waterproof and other clothing The Town Clerk notifies that a pound has been established upon those premises, being allotment 255 A, Hamilton West, and allotment 36, Hamilton East ; and further, that Mr Richard Land is appointed poundkeepcr for Hamilton West, and Mr James Coombes poundkeeper for Hamilton West. Mr W. Dowdex, a gentleman well known in commercial circles in Auckland, has, we notice by advertisement, resumed business as auctioneer and general commissiou-.igent in the premises lately occupied by Mr G. W. Binncy, Queen-street, Auckland. Mr Dowdcn is prepared to make liberal advances against goods left at the auction mart for absolute sale. Mr Thomas Steadma.v, a gentleman who has been for 10 years in the staff of Mr Alfred Buckland, auctioneer, has, .we perceive by advertisement, purchased the business of Mr Brewin, in Auchland, as seedsman and florist, ne\t the Union Bank of Australia, Queen-street. Mr Steadman will alwaj's have on lmnd a large supply of maize, oats, bran, chaff, fowl wheat, manures of all kinds. Mr Steadman has many friends in Waikato who \\ ill be very pleased to hear of his! haung undertaken business on his own account. The general manager announces that a special train will leave Ngaruawahia, calling at all stations, at 10 o'clock in the morning, on her Majesty's Birthday, for Ohaupo, carrying passengers for the Te Awamutu Races. From Ohaupo passengers will be conveyed to the racecourse, by the courtesy of D. Fallon, Esq., and a train will leave Ohaupo, on the return trip, at 6 p.m. The train leaves Hamilton Junction at 10.40 a.m.