The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1253, 10 July 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

Equal and cx.act justice to all men, Ot \vhate\er state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Pi ess the People's ritfht maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1880. * Although the deplorable condition into which many of the Waikato Cemeteries have been allowed to sink has been time out of mind the subject of much comment in these columns, we make no sort of apology for again referring to the subject. It is only by iteration and reiteration that the understandings of some people can bo reached, or their sympathies touched, and such a course must, it would seem, therefore be adopted now. The matter has been once more brought prominently forward by our correspondents " Mourner" and " More Mournful Still," and we should be wanting in our duty to that portion of the community — an insignificant minority perhaps — who feel deeply on the subject, were we not to second their efforts. It is hard to believe that in this enlightened nineteenth century of ours people can be so indifferent to the forms of decency as in some places they really do appear to be. We can conceive of no true culture that does not embrace a reverence for the departed and a disposition to honor their last resting places. In ages long past, before the light of Christianity had burst upon the world, it was the pride of the civilised nations, like the Egyptian, the Greeks, and the Romans to do reverence to their dead, and the most sumptuous feasts and pagentries were held in their honor and to their memory; and among savage peoples from time immemorial similar customs have prevailed. It does not become us here to enter on an examination of the reasons which actuated the old time pagans ; it may well be that we are happy in being freed from the grovelling superstitions which j bound them, and which invested even their duty to the dead with much that was awful and debasing. But because we aronot so enthralled ; because in paying our tributes of affection and respect to those who have been taken from us we do no violence to the great idea of Christianity, we ought the more earnestly to strive to borrow from the ancients whatever was beautiful and fit. While therefore we do not worship our dead, as though in the transition from tfris state to another they had been invested with the attrj-

butcs of ft god, it is not unbecoming in us to keep those spots whero our WloV-ed {ire laid to rest pure and undented ; sweet places where holy meditation may have sway, and where the softer impulses of our nature may have opportunities to awaken. Is it that we are in this new country too much occupied in the universal race after riches, or is it that in leaving the Home country we leave behind us much of thpse qualities of reverence which used to distinguish our fathers? On this subject one of the sweetest singers of the century has said : Soin&Uiing- in. these aspiring days we need To keep our spirits lowly, To 6et within our hearts sweet thoughts and hojy. Little enough have we, and we aro losing something of it daily. If we reproach the people of this district for the neglect of their cemeteries, we must be understood to do so in a general sense, for while there are many burial grounds in the "VVaikato which are a standing and striking testimony to the indifference of those in whose charge they are, there are others which have been far more carefully tended. Lest any sympathetic stranger should douot the existence of the latter class, we will mention the Cambridge cemetery as one on which some attention has been bestowed, and which bears evidence of this in its appearance. The military graveyards ought, of course, to be kept in order by the Government. This, however, is a matter which has been lost sight of by successive Cabinets, and unless it be brought before them with persistence, is not likely to be ever perceived at all. If the Government is to blame the settlers can hardly throw the stone, as they have carefully followed the example set them. If individual effort cannot secure that the resting places of those of our countryman who fell in our cause, shall be beautified and kept in repair, let us at any rate strive to make them singular in their desolation, and not, as at present, examples to be miserably followed.

We had hoped that the Mayor of Hamilton would not, for some time at least, have given us occasion to revert to what is a very uncongenial theme. He has been pleased, however, from his place in the Council, to refer to our remarks of Thursday in a way so ingenious, and so well calculated to mislead those whom he addressed, that, out of deference to the Councillors, we must take notice of it. Bearing in mind certain recent events, it does not make any demand on our credulity to believe that the Mayor would employ all his sopliisni to bamboozle the Councillors on this point ; but it is rather too much of a joke to see how blandly he associates the whole body with himself, and utters a patriarchal blessing on them because with him they have been persecuted. We understand that this congratulatory address fell very flat ; that there was in fact no applause : and we are glad to hear it. We have not altogether lost faith in the body of the Councillors, though we confess it would have beeu in great danger of disappearing had they swallowed the dose which was so complacently offered them. The Press, the Mayor says, always attacks the best men ; which is as much as saying that censure is always directed against goodness, whereas it is greatness that is the target. It is a pity that the Mayor had not dipped into his " Spectator " before he went to the meeting on Thursday night; he might have called the Councillors not the best men, but the greatest ! It is questionable, however, whether in that event the reserve of those gentlemen could have been thawed. We shrewdly suspect that they would have regarded, as we do ourselves regard, the Mayor as forming the exception by which the cast-iron rule of " the Press "is proved. In writing on Thursday our object was to present the matter in the strongest possible light, in order that it might no longer be disguised ; but in doing so we tried to point out that, although as a whole the Council must be held responsible for many very unwise blunders, the blame did not necessarily rest with each individual Councillor, or indeed with the majority. If we were not altogether clear in demonstrating this, as we are led to believe is the case, we regret it, because it may have served to give some slight coloring of justice to the Mayor's remarks. We said we were half inclined to believe that the majority of the Councillors assented when they could not well dissent. We might have been more direct, and said that such was actually the case ; and we will explain what we mean. Some time ago, it will be remembered that the Council called for tenders for the engineering work of the Borough, ! but when the applications were sent in, the terms were found to be too high, and it was agreed — very wisely we think — to employ an engineer occasionally as required. At that time the Council had resolved to do certain work in Richmond, Victoria and other streets, and it was decided to engage Mr Gwynneth, C.E., of Cambridge, though upon this selection the Council was not unanimous. It was understood at the meeting that the professional work would cost about .£lO, but no special arrangement was made. At a subsequent meeting Cr Price, we believe, asked what terms had been made with Mr Gwynneth for the job, and it was then stated that tho Mayor had

atf&ngcd about it. Tims matters go oiv au.d when the account is presented . Councillors regard it with vory natural consternation. The Mayor is appealed to, and he says two guineas a day is the usual charge. Of course it is. But if so, what need was there for the Mayor to make arrangements with the Engineer? We do not see how the Council , can dispute the claim, which, in the absence of any agreement, is the " usual " charge made for such work as- that performed by Mr Owynneth ; but we do see that the Mayor has led the Borough into an expenditure which the Councillors had not calculated upon. Partly they have themselves to blame for not seeing that the promised arrangement was entered into ; they were mere passive agents, when they should have insisted on protecting themselves. We do hope and trust that the Councillors will for the future exercise the rights vested in them to the utmost. We have carefully noted the march of events, and we are of opinion that, had the Councillors relied more on their own good sense and put less faith in the administrative ability of the gentleman who occupies the position of their chairman, and in one or two others, they would have incurred very little blame from the burgesses.

The Lord Bishop of the Diocese arrived at Te Awamutu yesterday afternoon, and was received at the railivay station by the Rev. E. J. Phillipt. His Lordship returns to Hamilton this morning, and will meet the clergy of the Archdeaconry at St. Peter's Parsonage in conference. The Bishop will assist at Matins and the Holy Eucharist at St. Peter's, Hamilton, to-morrow morning, and will preach in the evening. We regret to learn that His Lordship h*s been suffering from indisposition.

A man very much the worse for liquor made a rush to get iuto a c.irriage yesterday morning as the up-train was leaving Hamilton Junction. The Rev. William Caldor, who happened to be on the carriage platform, tried to disiuade him from getting on board, but the man persisted, so the rev. g-entlemaD did the next best thing, and hauled him up, and the man escaped with a few bruises, although he twice lost his foothold. He did not make much of his reckless act, for, on arriving at Pukete, he got out, and, after the train had again started, called out to Mr Such, the guard, to stop the train, and show him a second -clahs carriage. Mr Such didn't see it, and the votary of Bacchus was left behind, gazing vacantly at the retreating train.

It will be seen by an advertisement elsewhere that the first annual meeting" of the Ladies Benevolent Society will be held in the Court Hou^e on Friday next July 16th at 3 p.m. It is particularly hoped that the general public will attend in large numbers, and that it will be quite as full a meeting as lust year, aud that frieuds who missed it then, will avail themselves of the opportunity given them next Friday, of learning the workings of the Society. We so often find people giving their opinions after a meeting is over, when they would have been of some value if given at the time ; and a good deal of spurious information gets about at such times, which has its foundation only in the mangier* reports sot on foot by the wiseacres who stay away ; on this occasion, be it understood, evr-ryone is invited, and we hope that all Hamilton, men and women, subscribers, and nonsubscribers will make it their business to attend.

The adjourned meeting of those interested in the formation of a Chesa and Debating Club was held at the Royal Hotel, Hamilton East, on Thursday evening, Mr Park in the chair. The Chairman laid on tho table a copy of the rules of the Hawea Debating Club, and, after making some alterations, they were adopted on the motion of Mr McDonald, seconded by Mr Bell. It was resolved that the Club be called the Hamilton Chess and Debating Club. On the motion of Mr Small, it was resolved that a general meeting of the Club be called by advertisement for Thursday next, for the purpose of electing a President and for other general business. The meeting then closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chair.

A meeting of the Cambridge Total Abstiuence Society was held in the "Wesleyan Chapel on Tuesday evening, Mr F. T. Brooks in the chair. The object was to discuss tho rules which had been drawn up by the committee. After some discussion the rules, twelve in number, were adopted, and the Society may now be said to be fairly launched. The members are rapidly increasing, and there is every prospect of its doing a great, and, we trust, a permanent good. The Revs. Messrs Willis and Evans, who are taking great interest in the movement, attended the meeting.

1 Cambridge on Thursday afternoon exhibiced about as perfect a Maori pandemonium as we are likely to see for some time. Liquor ran rife amongst the j natives, and after an affray between two, one of whom was locked up, a geseral melee took place. There seemed to be no [ particular reason, but a general desire to hit out and strike the man nearest, whether friend or foe. The Constabulary, who behaved very pluckily, succeeded in ' subduing the ringleaders, and by nightfall all was quiet.

The Bellringers did not open at the Cambridge Hall on Thursday night as advertised, owing to the non- arrival of their property. It was a great disappointment to a good house of Europeans and Maoris, who have been looking forward to this entertainment with a keen interest.

Upon the arrival of the downtrain at Mercer yesterday at mid-day, the usual shunting entertainment was in progress, when, for want of a little foresight and carefulness, a truck was thrown off at the points. It is a pity that an important station like Mercer should be so short-handed. It is false eoonomy.

Owing to the Rev. H. S. Davis being detained in Hamilton to-morrow, the services at Mercer and Pokeno Mill be taken by substitute.

Mr McCausland, the gold prospector in the hills at the back of Nganiawahia, purposes making a prospecting trip towards the West Coast.

Mr Henry Edgecmnbe, an old resident in Ngaruawahia, was last night presented with a very handsome meerschaum pipe, and the usual accessories of a smoker by a number of his old friends, on leaving that town to settle in Hamilton.

On Thursday evening last Mr Charles Mprton and Miss Kate Hartleyappeared in Le Quesne's Hall, in their fashionable drawing-room entertainment. There was a miserable attendance, and it was half -past 8 before the curtain ro c e to an act from the " School for Scandal, iv. which the Artists acquitted themselves

admirably, and showed some clever noting;. A number of musical selections were also given with good effoot. It is to be re* gretted thai a better reception was not accorded them. They appered again last night to a moderate house.

We are glad to learn that during the next Week Captiin Turner is to commence the survey of the road from Clarks Hotel, Katikati, through the range to Te Aroha. The Government appear at last to recognise the necessity of this work by startiug the survey, an estimate of £1,500 havinar been parsed by Parliament the week before last to provide funds for its formation. A great deal has been said and urged in favour of this road, and at all events so far .is Tauranga is concerned it is one of the utmost importance. The graziers too on the East Coast will materially feel the benefit of the road being made by having a good overland route to the Waikato and Auckland markets. — Bay of Plenty Times.

The late rains have caused a strong fresh iv the Wai pa river, the water being, yesterday, over the planking of the Mangdkowai bridge near Whatawhata.

An effort is about to be made in Hamilton to organise a fire brigade, and as the gentlemen who intend taking the initiative are earnest we have little doubt that something tangible will result.

Support Local Industries.— Messrs. Ridlcr and Dalton, Kiwi Mills, are producing the best of flour from Waikato grown wheat. For prices, see advertisement in first column, page two. — [Advt.]

At Messrs. Williams Overbury & Company's London wool sale on the 14th May last the Waikato product occupied a prominent place. About forty bales of wool from the Gorton estate of Mr R. H. D. Fergusson were disposed of, 33 bales of crossbred selling at 1 Hd, and 2 bales of Leicester at 10t. Half-bred greasy, the property of Mr Horrell of Piakoweiit for lid, while Mr Isaac Coates of Kirikiriroa secured the highest price for 4 bales of crossbred, at 1/3 Y. The catalogue shows Australian wool at II \.

We have received a pamphlet entitled ' • New Zealand Products and Manufactures" by Thomas J. Mulvauey C.E. of Katikati, Tauranga.

The Works Committee of the Council have gone very ben^ibly to work in regard to the approach to the bridge on the west side. They have turned their attention to removing the chief course of the mischief, by diverting the water which flows down Victoria Street, by means of a culvert on to tin vac-nt ground near the old constabulary stables. With ordinary care we think there is now little danger to be apprehended, though the sooner the work of strengthening the embankment is proceeded with the better. On the east side, the pipes lately ordered for the drain on the approach rovl are being laid down, and for the future the washing ont of the side table will be

avoided. Leslie's cutting withstood the late heavy vain very well. The large quantity of water rushing down the road way caused one ov two small breaches, but these were promptly repaired by the Board. We understand that it is the intention of the Cambridge Highway Board to employ a man permanently to look after the roads, and if such is the case, we commend their foresight, for by such means a great saving will, we are sure be effected, " a stitch in time saves nine " and by attending to those parts of the roads most liable to damage promptly a large expenditure in repairs will be avoided. While on the subject we may mention that the approach to the bridge over the Tamahere creek at Crawfords is in a very bad state. The ruts washed out by the rain render it very dangerous more especially t:> those proceeding over it after dark. Very little is needed to make it good and no doubt the Board will

give it attention. I The following are the minutes of first meeting of the Cambridge Domain Board referred to in our telegrams of Tuesday. Present : Messrs J. P. Campbell, I'homas Wells, R. Kirkwood, J. Fisher, and E. B. Walker. It was proposed by Mr Campbell, and seconded "by Mr John Fisher— "That Mr T. Wells be Chairman of the Board for the current year." Carried unanimously. Mr Wells liaving thanked -the Board for the honor they had done him, asked Mr J, P. Campbell, Chairman of the Town Board, to be good enough to bring before the meeting the correspondence between the Town Board and Government on the subject of the Town Bait, Domain Board &c. Mr J. P. Cambell produced Gazettes of 2rd and 17th June, purporting to bring the Cambridge Town Belt under the Public Domains Act, 1860, and to constitute the gentlemen present the Board. In the description of the land there were manifest errors, and the omission's of subsections 5 and 10 of section 5 in the power delegated, would make the trust unworkable. Mr Campbell read several telegrams from and to the Under Secretary Crown Lands, sent with a view to rectify these mistakes. Copy of a letter was also read which was sent to Mr D. A. Tole, Commissioner of Crown Lands on the subject. The Chairman tendered on behalf of the Board, their thanks to the Cambridge Town Board and more especially to Mr Campbell, for their exertions in getting the Town Belt brought under the Act, and the Govei'nor's powers delegated to the Board. It was propored by Mr E.B. Walker, aed seconded by Mr John Fisher — " That the Chairman communicate with the Government and our members Messrs J. B. Whyte and F. A. Whitaker with a view to get the Town Belt on the west side of the river included in the Trust, and the Governor's powers under subsection 5 and 10 of section 5 of the Public Domains Act 1800 delegated to the Board. Carried unanimously.

The 12th July will be celebrated in Cambridge by a soiree and public meeting on Monday, when adresses on Orangewn will be delivered by several g-entleinen. The Rev. H. Bull will preach before the Orange Lodge at the Weslcyan Church, Cambridge, to-morrow morning.

An extraordinary meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening to consider the resolutions passed at the public meeting of burgesses on Tuesday night. There were present : His Worship the Mayor, Crs. McGarrigle, Jones, Vialou, and Davis. It was agreed to submit the question of the purchase of Mr Seddon's allotment to a poll of the burgesses, to be taken on the 16th iust. It was also resolved to accept the tender of the Waikato Times for the printing and advertising of the Borough. A full report is held over. If you are in a circus when a lion escapes don't get frightened. The beast will be more embarrassed than any of the audience.

liNDrRs .ire invited for the erection of .1 school -house iind teacher's residence lit Kirilcniroj. rondcis to bo in bj noon of Wednesday, 28th instant.

Ax .adjourned meeting of ratepayers of the Cambiidge North 'iownship Highway will be held at 4 p.m. next Saturday, to elect trustees, auditors, and fence-viewers for the ensuing year.

At the request of a large number of ratcp ( ayers the retiring members of the Cambridge North Township Highway Board, Messrs J. P. Campbell (late cliauman), Thomas. "Wells, Pearson. "Williams, and Robert Kirkwood, offer themselves for re-election.

A gravu concert, in aid of the Public Hall, Alexandra, takes place on Friday, the 30th instant.

Tub Sons of Ulster L.O.L. hold their anniversary supper on Monday evening next, iv the Vie* toru Hull, at 8 o'clock.