TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1880.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1245, 22 June 1880, Page 2

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1880.

We do not think any great anxiety need be felt regarding the state of things on the West Coast. The telegraphic news published in an Extra yesterday morning was so published, not because we attached much importance to it, but merely because it is our duty and our desire to furnish, as near as may be, the very earliest intelligence of matters of general colonial interest. The mere fact of the natives having re-erected fences pulled down by Armed Constables is nothing new : we have heard of the same tiring over and over again during the last ferw months. The position appeal's, so far as we now know, no more delicate than it was some few months ago — indeed, if we had then believed one quarter of the sensational bunkum published by the Auckland Herald and some other trimming contemporaries, we should have regarded it much and away more delicate than we yet have reason to. Mr Bryce will doubtless have cause to be most careful in his action, and will in all probability be successful in arriving at the " why and wherefore " of the natives' actions. In any case, we trust and believe a firm and bold front will be exhibited. It would certainly be suicidal now to recede one step in the accepted line of action. The peaceable acquirement of the Waimate Plains must be accomplished if possible, but they must be acquired.

Among the large batch of papers annually laid before Parliament, we know of none having more interest for colonists generally than 'that containing the reports from officers in Native Districts. These reports are for the most part well written, and contain remarks on the social and general condition of the Maoris throughout the Island, which are well worthy of attention. This year we find no report from the native officer in Waikato District. Among the most interesting and best written of the reports, is 'that of Mr Herbert W. Brabant, R. M. Tauranga, who writes on the state of the natives in the Bay of Plenty District. Mr Brabant states : — " They appear to become year by " year more amenable to the orcli- " nary operations of the law. I " may remark that during the last " few months I have been able to " carry through with but little oppo- " sition the survey of the Tauranga " and Cambridge Road via Kaimai, " a project which lias been repea- " tedly tried before but opposed by " the natives. They are now wil- " ling to work on the roads for the " Government, and I hope that in " reporting next year I may be able "to mention works of this kind " completed by them. In the board- " ing establishment for the sons of " Native chiefs at Tauranga, there " are now twelve boys who attend " the European district school, and " most of whom are as advanced as " Europeans of a similar age." Referring to the recent complications at Ohinemutu, which gave rise to three trials at the last sitting of the Supreme Court, he says :—: — " The * Great Native Committee ' " still sits at Ohinemutu, to hear " land claims, but they get through " but little business. The Natives " in this district continue anxious " to work on roads for the Govern- " meut. They have performed a " good deal of labour on the Rotorua " and Tauranga Road, and the " Rotorua and Maketu Road ; they " are also shortly to commence other " works of a similiar nature, The " Hour-mills at To Ngai* and Rotoiti " have beeu put in repair, as.sis.lod

" to some extent with Government " money. The Natives promise to " put in large quantities of wheat '• this year, to grind in them ; time " will show whether they do so. " During the year a new school lias " been erected at Ohinemutu, at " which over seventy Native " children now attend, besides a few " European There are also live " other Native schools in this dis- " trict, which pontinue to afford the " rudiments of education to a con- " siderable number of the Native " youth. I have visited each from " time to time,, and append for your " information a tabular statement " showing the attendance. I may " mention that at each of these " schools a supply of simple mcdi- " cines has been placed by Go- " vernment for the use of the " Natives, and which provision "is much valued by them." Altogether, Mr Brabant's report is a highly favorable one. The report of Mr Puckey, late Native Agent, Thames, is also interesting in many points. He thus refers to the Pukehange affair : — " Since the date of my last general " report, the Pukehange outrage, of " which you already possess the " minutest details obtainable, took " place. I regret to say that no " favorable opportunity has yet " occurred to arrest the perpetrators. " The excitement consequent; upon " the act of shooting at a white man « — the first, I believe, which has " ever occurred at the Thames — has " died out ; but the members of the " Ngatihako hapu more immediately " connected with Epiha and Pakara, " who own to having shot at young " Me Williams, keep very much to " themselves. In November and •• December last a good deal of " excitement was caused by the " survey of a portion of Mr Alley's '• property at Hikutaia, over which " the natives claim to have rights " with which they never parted. I " believe this question is likely at " last to be settled. A tragic " occurrence took place about the " same time (January) up the Piako " River, at the late chief Tarapipi's " settlement. A man of the Ngati- " hako hapu, being jealous of his 11 wife, killed her and then hung " himselr. I may add that the " woman had laid an information " against him two weeks previously ; " but the Resident Magistrate was " absent on official duties, and, as it " was a Maori case, the Justices of " the Peace could not deal with it. " As it seemed highly probable that " an amicable arrangement would be " come to, and as the relations of " both desired it, they were allowed " to go to Piako, with the result " before mentioned. The chief " Tukukino came to see the Hon. "Mr Rolleston at Paeroa with " respect to the Komata road diffi- " culty, and for the first time, to my " knowledge, gave a Minister -Jiis " reason for his pertinacious opposi- " tion j and I believe, as I have " already informed the Government, " that the road could now be made " without a breach of the peacp. I " have reasons for making this " statement which I do not feel " called upon to make public. The " employment of the natives upon " the section of the Thames and " Waikato railway between Totara " and Kirikiri — the portion which, " by arrangement, they were to form " — has been a failure, the price " agreed upon being, in their esti- " mation, too low ; and I very much " fear this will cause a difficulty, " and the Government will have to " pay a higher price per chain for " such other land as they may re- " quire within the Thames district " for the tine. The natives in this " district are, as a whole, very " favorably disposed towards the " Government at present in power. " I think care should be taken lest " they dispossess themselves of all " their lands before it is too late. 1 " may say this question perhaps " may not assume so great impor- " tance at the Thames, as the most " of the land they have sold has " bien purcliased by the Govern- " ment, and the best portions of the " same so acquired have been re- " served for them (the natives). I " think care should be taken also to " reserve from the action of the " Waste Lands Board suitable " blocks of land for native school " purposes." Reports from other district 1 * remote from Waikato are equally favorable, and it is very gratifying to find the condition of the natives to be satisfactory.

We must call the attention of the foreman of works to a nuisance existing in front of our office in the shape of an incipient cesspool, formed by the watertable being choked with earth put there to form a roadway on to tUe filling of the footpath lately carried out. Half-an-hour's work would romedy the evil, which is a great nuisance to the many persons who daily call at our office. A very narrow escape of fire hap- ! pened on Sunday night at the Duke of Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge. It appears the drawing • room had been occupied during the even - ing, and the fire, by some meaus, ignited the hearthrug, which so smouldered that it filled the room underneath. Little damage was done./ A panorama exhibition "Up the Rhine," in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church Sunday School, was shown at the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Friday evening last Mr Brooks, the lecturer, in introducing, said the descriptive part of it might partake of a somewhat juvenile character, but hoped all would bo entertained. He commenced with Amsterdam, and passed on to the several cities of tho Rhine through Europe. Many of the scenes were well painted and fully appreciated by the young and old. The school children sang several selection", which really added mnch to the pleasure of the Evening. Mrs Brooks accomp.iuicd tho children ou the lmnno'iium, and Mr Reid pliived various selections during tho evo i >£.

The National Authem brought a very able and instructive entertainment to a close.

Mr Hetley took his departure yesterday with his ataff, home of whom were natives, to continue the survey of the Rotorua Road. Mr Wiight, bui'der, accompanies him, for the purpo-'e of erecting a house for their accommodation, somewhat in the vicinity of Okorire.

The opening football match of the season was played on .Saturday between 9 of the Albion Club and 18 pupils of the Hamilton East (Mr Field's) school, the former captained by Master Yon Stunner, and the latter by Master Campbell. The game came off on a portion of Sydney Square. Play commenced about half-past 2 and was kept up with spirit for about two hours, the Albion boys, being senior to the others and showing more knowledge of the game, winning easily with three goals and nine tries to their opponents' nil. Among those who played well on the Albion side the captain deserves special mention, his style being admired by everybody. Masters T. Dawson, R. Gwynne, Beale, Jolly, and Vouvless also played extremely well and give promise of attaining to great proficiency. On the other side, the play of the captain (Master Campbell) was simply surprising for so young a lad, and he was ably supported by Masters McKenzie, Hill, and F. and E. Dawson. They Avere, however, altogether overpowered by the heavier metal of their adversaries. The post of umpire for the Albion Club was filled by Mr E. Pilling, while Messrs Field and Park successfully did duty for the others, The game was really a very interesting one, and we hope to see it followed by others of a similar kind.

The people of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, and the surrounding districts, whose only communication at present with the outside world is the road to Ohaupo, are again reminded by the late wet weather of the great boon which the opening of the railway will confer on them. The roads all over that portion of the district are, in the absence of meti], which cannot, we understand, be procured, in a very bad state.

The Choral Society held a practice last evening in the Coui't House, which hai been kindly placed at their disposal by the Resident Magistrate.

J. B. Whyte, Esq.. M.H.R., who was expected to arrive in Hamilton by Saturday evening, from Wellington, has been delayed, the steamer having been weather bound at Waitara ; he will probably arrive this evening.

The cutting on the road leading to that portion of the township of Kihikihi where are situate the Catholic Churoh and the residences of Majors Jackson and Minnetfc is at length drawing towards completion. The local Board are long suffering ; the coutract, which was let to T. Baker, should have been finished some time ago. The opening of this road will be of great convenience to the residents. The Town Board have also called for tenders for making certain cuttings in the main street, which will have the effect of greatly enhancing the appearance of tbe place, which in many respects is one of the most prettily situated townships iv the district.

The names of John C. Young and Abraham Warbrick are removed from the list of licensed interpreters.

A man named Hugh Lang, for many years settled in Cambridge, was arrested at Cambridge yesterday as being a lunatic. He will ba brought up this afternoon for examination by Dv Sandes aud Dr Beale, axd will doubtless be committed by the R.M. to the Lunatic Asylum.

A rather remarkable instance of canine sagacity occurred on the railway line the other dixy. Perhaps it is rather an instance of endurance than sagacity ; but it was a.s follows : — A. lady got iufco the train at Oiiaupo, leaving her dog on the platform, and, to her astonishment, on reaching Hamilton she beheld her faithful animal running to meet her. The uncharitable will say that this is more like a reflection on the speed of our trains, but however this may be it is true.

MrTrewheellar, confectioner, Vic-toria-street, has just, recsived from London direct a consignment of marmalade, jams, preserved ginger, and other delicacies, most tastef ully got up in varions kinds of vessels, all possessing- the merit of being 1 susceptible of being put to practical use after the original contents thall have been disposed of. The articles comprise tumblers, vases, pickle-bottles, cups (with saucers), and others too numerous to particularise. The goods are of the best description, and the prices exceedingly moderate. We recommend a visit to Mr Trewheellar's excellent establishment.

The residence built by the Government for the old Ngatimauiapoto chief Rewi, at Kih'.kihi, is now almost completed, and the paperh angers find painters are busy on the inside work. An alteration has been made ia the internal arrangements as described i;i these columns some months ago, by throwing two rooms into one. This, from a Maori point of view, is a great advantage, as it will provide a large apartment where the natives can meet and di?custs their affairs as is their wont in assemblies. The alteration discovers a disposition to defer to the customs of the Maoris which they cannot fail to appreciate. The building, generally, is a very handsome and commodious one, and reflects the greatest credit on the contractor, Mr J. L. Mandeno.

The Hamilton contingent of the Te Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers met on Saturday evening to discuss matters of interest to tlie troop. Lieut. Johnson was in the chair, and about 15 other membei's were pie&eut. A letter was read from headquarters, asking for an expression cf opinion as to the desirability of forming the whole of the Waikato Cavalry into one regiment ; and requesting the Hamilton men to appoint delegates to meet representatives from the Te Awamutu and Cambridge Troops to discuss the question. The members present were unanimously in favor of the scheme. The Chairman then brought to the notice of the members the question of the change of headdress. For some considerable time it had been thought desirable to substitute a helmet for the present forage cap : the late trip to the Thames had given them some idea of being exposed to the sun and the slight protection afforded by their cap. The difficulty hitherto had been in obtaining a suitable pattern: the one sent them by Captain Runciman answered the description of what was required po far as shape was concerned ; but it was decided that they should suggest the color to match tunics and with white horsehair plume. Lieut, Johnson and bub-Lieut. Hunt were appointed representatives for the troop at the^ coming meeting. After the regular business of the meeting was concluded, Lieut. Johnson presented Trooper Coohrane with the album (the gift of Mr Edward Wayte), which he had lately won in a match ; and, on handing over the prize the worthy lieutenant added a few well-chosen remarks, and advised all young members to give their best attention to become good soldiers and to take every opportunity to improve themselves at target practice, as it woold be of no use their being supplied with arms if they could not use them effectively.

We are pleased to notice that the old Mission Church at Te Awamutu is about to be enclose 1 with a move fitting fence than that u liich h.u hitherto done duty, It will be rcin'.-mbcwl that when

the Rangiawhia Road Board made the alterations in the adjacent street leading from the Mangahoi Bridge, the original fence was removed and a temporaiy one constructed out of the timber of the old bridge. This was serviceable but not very ornamental, and it is satisfactory to know that something more in keeping with the sacred edifice is to be substituted.

Great progress has been made with the approach road leading from Te Awamutu to the railway station, when finished it will present a very good appearance. The metal was obtained from Taupiri, and the contract for laying it was taken by Mr D. Fallon.

We are informed that Mr Stewart, the District Engineer, proceeds to-day over the new section of the railway to Te Awamutu. We apprehend that this will be his final visit of inspection, and we have no doubt that the work will be found to be of that satisfactory character which always distinguishes Mr Fultou's contracts.

There are two petitions at present before the Petition Committee, which will excite considerable interest in Auckland, says the Wellington correspondent of a contemporary, William Gradd, late nurse at the Auckland Hospital, praya for an enquiry into recent proceedings in the Auckland Ho pital. . Gatld informed again-t Brown, and was dismissed, although the charges he made against him were substantiated. The committee are determined that the matter shall be thoroughly investigated. The other petition was from John Dougherty, and prays for redress in regard to the slaughter of certain cattle. It seems that in April, 1876, Dougherty left Kaikoura gold-fields. When he got to the Grey Valley with 61 head of cattle for the West Coast gold-fields, a policeman came and arrested him, and he was brought before the Court at Ahoura, and charged, with bringing cattle from an infected district. Ho was locked up for 21 days. When before the Court, the cattle inspector asked for an order to destroy the cattle, but the Court said that if he did that he mu>t do it on his on responsibility. When Dougherty came out he found th.i ; his cattle had been slaughtered- His loss was £900. Evidence has been giron to show that the cattle were perfectly healthy. When Dougherty was abked who was the cattle inspector he replied that his name was Naden, and that since the affair he has gone away, he did not know where. He did not know whether it was the same who was in Auckland and Waikato.