The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1232, 22 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, Una wed by influence and unbribed by gain.

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1880.

With all our liberal institutions, our broad and comprehensive system of education, and the many social advantages which all colonists enjoy in common, there is in our national composition at least one unwholesome element; a "little pitted speck " it may be at present, but unless cut out it will infect much that surrounds it. There are certain qualities and characteristics which belong to a class which we, for want of a more elegant word, designate " larrikin." Inherently bad, and possessing the sting of infection, these qualities, unfortunately, are but the buds of poisonexhaling flowers, whose deadly influences increase with the unfolding of their petals. People of little thought, observing all this, will ask, "How is it so?" and those of thoughtful and kindly disposition can only echo the question, " How, indeed !" But that it is so, few, we think, will feel disposed to deny, though the majority may disregard the consequences. One of the chief causes of that which we deplore is undoubtedly identified with the early precocity exhibited by colonial children, and the unbridled license which parents allow them. A great writer of the present day, a keen and affectionate observer, and one of the truest interpreters of children, has written : — "It " always grieves me to contemplate " the initiation of children into the " ways of life when they are scarcely " more than infants. It checks " their confidence and simplicity, " two of the best qualities that " Heaven gives them, and demands " that they share our sorrows be- " fore they are capable of entering " into our enjoyments." Although Mrs. Stowe has said that children will grow up substantially what they are by nature, and only that, we should be loth to relinquish the old belief that youth is like a garden well tilled, depending upon the gardener whether it shall yield fragrant blossoms and generous fruit, or give substance only to the dock and the nettle. Kordo we doubt that the yearning of a child lead him towards what is right, though it is more easy by far to take the opposite direction. , The foundation of our character is undoubtedly set in very early youth, and the corner stone is invariably laid by those to whose care our infancy is committed. The responsibility which parents take upon themselves is therefore a heavy one, and on this account alone should occupy their utmost care. We do not deny that the good work of parents is often undone by after communion with the world, but although many an indifferent edifice has risen onagood foundation, surely there was never yet a building which lasted, the foundations of which were carelessly and unskilfully laid. All the wealth and taste which the voluptuous author of Vathec lavished in his class c tower were not sufficient to atone for the radical defects about its base, and one morning the sun rose to behold the patient labor of years cumbering the earth, a mass of valueless stone and mortar. We, however, did not commence with a view to writing a homily, but merely to draw attention toafewfacts, on which it is desirable to ponder. A few days ago fiye young children, averaging

about eleven years, were sent by the Resident Magistrate to the Training School for robbing a garden. There ; is "nothing indeed in the mere act | of stiealihg from a garden which j calls for condemnation ; it is what nine out of every ten schoolboys ! would never hesitate to do : it is the nature of the environing circumstances that lends an importance to the fact. What the ordinary rosycheeked truant is prompted to do partly by a spirit of "mischief and partly by pure love of fun, became in the hands of these five boys nothing less than a criminal action. ! There were none of those whisperings which are almost betrayed by half-smothered laughter, none of the rough and tumble games which are inseperable from schoolboy peculations. On the contrary, the theft appears to have been planned silently enough to satisfy Bill Sikes, or his friend the Cracksman ; a watchful eye was kept on the probable sources of surprise ; the vegetables were taken away, hidden, and subsequently sold. Had this been a singular case we should have used softer terms in referring to it, but it is not. Time after time have these young boys brought .themselves within the reach of the police, whose well-meant leniency would appear to avail very little. The natural deductions to be drawn are at least two : first, that these cases, surrounded by similar circumstances, are of pretty frequent occurrence in the Colony ; and, secondly, that by these means the criminal class is being largely increased. Surely a prospect so black as this will not continue to be regarded with half-shut ©yes. There must be radical defects somewhere when such blots as these are allowed to gather on the surface. Self -sufficient people will wonder by-and-bye why there are so many young men in our gaols — thatis if they take the trouble to wonder at all — forgetting that the seeds of vice had been sown in the criminals' infancy and nurtured by indifference and neglect. Can no remedy be applied to such a disease ? Is there no Good time coming, when man shall take a little more interest in his fellows ? when fathers and mothers shall conceive it to be part of the duty they owe to the world, to instil something of morality into the hearts of their children? when employers and masters of youth shall not think it inconsistent with the duty they owe to themselves to foster and encourage the latent germs of good which every child must possess ? We hope there is. Perhaps we are longing for what is unattainable, at least until the advent of the millennium. If this be so, then a mere foretaste will satisfy us — an assurance of the greater bounties that are in store.

Some weeks ago we referred in an article on the agricultural depression in great Britain, to the conclusions which had been arrived at by the well-to-do farmers of the old country that the best thing for them to do was to leave the land of their birth and settle in the colonies, such a step has, indeed, been regarded by them as the only means which remained of securing the welfare of their children. Farming in England for the last few years has been anything but a paying speculation money has freely gone out but hardly any has returned, and emigration has become therefore not merely an act of grace, but one of sheer necessity. It was to have been expected that we in this colony should be called upon to welcome some of these, and as a matter of fact we have. It is now our pleasing duty to state that one of these gentlemen has settled in Waikato, having bought a farm in the Cambridge district, on which he intends to settle with his family at once.

A number of the settlers in the neighbourhood of Ngaroto have been agitating for a station at that point of the line known as Corrigan's Crossing, between Paterangi and Ohaupo. The necessary land for a station has been promised, and Mr Stewart, the district engineer, has promised to recommend the work to the favorable consideration of the Government.

The Distnct Surveyor (Laurence Cussen, Esq.), and party have proceeded to Patatere to complete a sketch survey of the district at present under proclamation by Government, and it is expected this survey will be in readiness for present sitting of the Native Land's Court.

A singular affair lately happened at Leeston, Canterbury. About a week ago a resident named M'lntyre all but murdered his wife, and was arrested in consequence. After figuring before the Bench he escaped from custody, and the police have since been hunting for him. Recently he returned for the purpose of surrendering himself, but could find no one to lock him up. The police are still looking for M'lntyre, and M'lntyre is looking for the police.

Captain Steele, as agent for Mr John Shaw, has disposed of the latter's farm at Hautapu, to Mr Main, a Lincolnshire farmer. The area of the farm is 500 acres, and the price paid was £9 per acre ; a good figure considering the depreciation'to which 'land, has been subjected during the late depression in the money market. Mr Main, we understand, is a new arrival, and brings his family, including four grown up sons, with him. Mr Shaw, who is an old Waikato settler, leaves for Whangarei, where he has a fine property in land.

A meeting of the Hamilton East School Committee was held at Dawson's Hotel, oo Thursday. Present: Messrs. Cumming (chairman), Coohrane, Swan, Williamson and Capt. McPherson. A letter was read from the Central Board, declining to grant the request of the com. mittee that a well might be dug at the «chool. Great dissatisfaction was expressed, at the letter, it being pointed out that during the late dry weather the health of ohildren was endangered through not having a supply of pure water. It was resolved to repeat the application. Several small accounts were passed for payment, and the committe adjourned,

We. lea n from Cambridge that Hastings and Cockfighter pnased through that town on their way to tho Te Awamutu Baoea yesterday.

We understand, that it is the iutention of His Honor Judge Symonda to adjourn the Native Lands Court for the Cambridge Races on Thur day, the 27th insfc. The course is in capital ordor, and with the quantity of Strangers staying in town for the Court aud what may reasonably be expected next week, a large attendance is looked for. The privileges of the course will be sold by auction at 2 p.m. to-day, and should realise good pries.

We have once more to call the attention of the authorities to the, very bad state of the bridge and approaches thereto over the Mystery Creek on the Ohaupo road. A gentleman who passed over the road a few days ago states that the late rains have washed away a portion of the road on the Ohaupo side, and if something be not done to secure it the orossing will be impassable.

Mr Gallagher arrived in Cambridge yesterday from Taupo with three racehorses — Hastings, Saunterer, and Cockfighter.

A great number of natives assembled at the corner of Duke and Victoria-streets, opposite the Criterion Hotel, on Thursday afternoon, to take part in what is termed a hetukungukai, or interchange of goodwill between one tribe and another. The Ngatiraukawas presented the Ngatiawas with an abundance of bread, beer, flour, and other edibles very fanciful to the Maori mind.

Acceptances for the Hurdle Race, Autumn Handicap, and Steeplechase of the Cambridge Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting close at 8 p.m. on Monday, the 24th inst. Entries for the Maiden Steeplechase close at the same time.

A fire broke out on Thursday evening at the residence of Mr W. Camming-, Hamilton Bast, which, but for timely assistance arriving, n.igbt have resulted in a serious conflagration. The family were all out, and the servant had left a candle burning iv the bedroom, and by some means it ignited the window curtains which, being near the bed, communicated the fire to the coverlid. The girl had occasion to go to the room for something, and seeing the fire ran out and called to Mr dimming, who was at the brewery. He was quickly on the spot, and with the assistance of one of his men soon succeeded in putting out the flames before any Berioua damage was done.

Complaints have been made that on several evenings of late only one of the bridge lamps— that on the east side— has been lighted. When both are alight the illumination is not brilliant, and we would suggest that the Council add a third, to be placed abont the middle of the structure.

The forthcoming Cambridge Athletic Sports on Monday next promise to be a great success. " Spins " are being done night and morning with the utmost regularity, and nothing omitted to get pood condition and form by the contesters. For the 100 Yards, MoKinuon and Keesing are most fancied, with Chappel very little behind. McKinnon is looked on with favoring eyes for the 200; but this should be a good race, for Keeping, Campbell, Chappell, and Plro Rehia are all in it. The 300 Yards Hurdles, Pilling first, with McKinnon well up. W. Fagan and McKinnon look most promising for the 440 Yards, but 'will be pushed by Keesing. The Half- Mile is expected to be the grandest race of the day, and of course the most difficult to predict, but Fagan or McMillan should be well to the fore at the finish. The same two look likely men for the Mile, but Fasran will be getting enough of it and Campbell may step in.

Barnum's Tame Beast Show.— As this show proceeds to Cambridge on Monday we recommend all parties who have not yet availed themselves of the opportunity, to go and see the "devil."

An Auckland telegram, published in another column, informs us that the Railway Commissioners will visit Waikato on Monday.

The first meet of the Pakuranga harriers this season, takes place at the Ohaupo racecourse at 11 o'clock this morning.

The Te Awamutu Annual Races took place on Monday. Some excellent racing may be looked for.

A meeting of the Cambridge Highway District Road Board was held on "Wednesday evening at the residence of Mr John Shaw, Hautapu. Messrs. Maclean an<i Co., wrote asking for permission to make a culvert across the Victoria- Road, adjoining their property ; the cost of the work to be deducted from the amount of their rates. The Board agreed to spend the sum of £5 upon the work. Mr J. B. Whyte, M.H.R., wrote stating that he had succeeded in obtaining a grant of £200 from the Government towards the cost of Leslie's cutting, on the Hamilton road. In connection with the same matter a letter was read from Gr. F. Hosking, Engineer to the Board, to the effect that he did not consider the charge made by Mr Ewen for gravelling excessive, being only 15s per day for each team. It was resolved that the member for Waikato be urged to oppose any attempt by Government next session withdrawing in whole or part the subsidies granted^ to Highway Boards. The Chairman pointed out that the Narrows Bridge road was in a bad state in some places, and it was resolved to spend the sum of £5 upon it. The Chairman and Mr Shaw were deputed to arrange for gravelling the main road between Sharps and Arnold's, the cost not to exceed £50. The Board then proceeded to strike a rate of 9d in the £ on the annual value of all rateable property. Several small acceunts were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

The Cambridge Heed Band will give a concert in aid of their funds on Monday next at the Public Hall. It will be divided into three parts: the first, songs, duets, selections, and choruses, by Mesdames Macintosh, Miller, Manigan, and Miss Gerrans, and Messrs Moore, Jaggs, Whitehouse, Pellew, and Macintosh ; part 2nd the Cambridge Minstrels will discourse; and the third part a comedietta entitled " A Martyr to Science" will be played by Messrs Keesing, Chappell, Saunders, and Ashwell.

Mr J. E. Roche, Te Awamutu, we hear, has disposed of his general store and business to Mr Bridgman, of Kihikihi. Mr Roche is the oldest business man in Te Awamutu, and in public matters has always taken an active part. The lovers of sport in Waikato are much indebted to him as a member of the Wai* kato Turf Club, in which he has taken a lively interest since its formation. In his own neighborhood, as secretary to the Te Awamutu Race Meetings much of their success is due to his ability and painstaking to bring to successful issues. We have no doubt that from this fact the meeting of Monday next will equal in interest and well-contested events those of previous years.

Sale of Farm at Te Awamutu.— In another part of our paper we record the sale of Mr Shaw's farm at Hautapu, Cambridge district. Another transaction has been brought to our notice in a different part of Waikato. Mr Short has sold his farm, situate near Te Awamutu, to a friend of Mr Hutchinaon'e, of Qrakau, at, we should flay, a satisfactory

price— £ll per acre. Two such sales will be gratifying news fur our readers as the adveut of better tidies. There is no surer indication of ease in the money market than when properties change hands, and we have the pleasure of welcoming new settlers amongst us.

Judge Symonds completed the bunine^B connected with the Mangakaretu block on Thursday afternooD, and commenced the Waipawa No. 2 block yesterday, which still occupies the Native Lands Court's attention.

E. B. Walker, Esq., has kindly oonsonted to allow the Cambridge Puppy Stakes to be ran on his estate on the 25th in it.

In consequence of the unavoidable delay iv getting out the plans and specifications for the work in the Newcastle district, the time for receiving tenders is extended to ' Wednesday, the 26th instant. The Board will meet on Thursday.

We would remind lovers of the " leash " that the drawing for the Puppy Stakes, in connection with the Cambridge Coursing Club, takea place at the Criterion Hotel, Cambridge, on Monday next.

The Gt.GK s.s. Hinemoa leaves the Manukau on Wednesday morning- at 10 o'clock, taking the members of the Hoase of Representatives.

It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that Mr J.Moses will open a brancq establishment in 1 c Awamutu on or about Wednesday next, 26th instant, with a. choice and varied stock ot new goods.

The p.s. Delta is advertised to run to tho Cambridge races on Thursday next, leaving Ngaruawahia at 7 o'clock, Hamilton at half-past 9 a.m., returning at half-past 4.