The Waikato Times.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1282, 16 September 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times.

Ecju.i? and exact justice to all men, Ot wh.ite\er st.itc or persuasion, religious or poltti< .il. , Here shall tin* Press the People's riifht maintain Unaued by influence and unbribed by £.iin.

THURSDAY, SEP. 10, 18S0.

—^ Two circumstances remain fixed in our mind as we rise from a perusal of tho report of the Cambridge Farmers' Club published in another column, and they are these : firstly, the excellence of the paper contributed by Mr Reynolds, which not only " bristles with practical experience" as the President pithily puts it, but has literary merit as well ; and secondly, th« wretched attendance of members at the meeting. tMehls' a good attendance of members is secured, one of the main objects which "the promoters had in view is defeated, for how can matters affecting the agricultural community be discussed if only a beggarly halfdozen turn up to discuss them ? If members consider they do their duty by the Club in reading the reports of the meetings in the Waikato Times, they have but a poor notion ,of the purpose of the institution. Papers are read at the Club in order that in the discussion a multiplicity of opinions may be elicited, corrected, and either strengthened or abandoned. Were the members of the Club to agree to look upon the essayist pro tern, as a being possessed of infallible knowledge, then it would be reasonable enough to accept the ipse dint without pausing to argue about it. But in such an event it would not be necessary to call meetings at all, except, it might be for the furtherance of the Club's mere business affairs, because the papers might be sent straightway to the printing office. So far we have fastened the blame upon the members who neglect or at any rate do not attend, but we are not by any means finally persuaded that they are to be accounted the sole cause of the apparent decadence of the Club. A meeting or two ago the Secretary produced a return showing the average attendance of members during the period when the Club's meetings were held in the evening and since. We do not remember the exact figures but the return pointed unmistakeably to the advantage of the evening meetings. For be it remembered the number of members was not nearly so large during that time. However this might bo we happen to know that a much greater interest was taken in the proceedings when the members met of an evening than has been the case since. During the months of winter it might, perhaps, be considered an advantage to hold the meetings in the daytime, but there exists, to our thinking, no reason why they should be so held in the summer, and if the members who do at present attend are wise, they will lose no time in making an alteration. The matter is really too serious, as all who have the interests of the Club thoroughly at heart will readily admit, to remain in abeyance, .and ought to 1)3 grasped with a determined hand and set aright. There may be other causes for the defects which we cannot help remarking but we have contented ourselves with this reference to what we consider one of the most important.

i J. B. Whyte, Esq., M.H.R., is about to be entertained at a banquet in Cambridge. J. P. Campbell, Esq., and i E. Hewitt, Esq., have warmly taken np the matter—a very graceful act on the part of these gentlemen considering they were political opponents at the last election.

We are requested to state that Laurence Ccwsen, Esq. (District Surveyor), was instructed by the Chief Surveyor (Percy Smith, Esq.), to execute the necessary surveying in the town of Cambridge .sir months orjo, but pressure of work has prevented his attending thereto up to the present. Mr ?ussen will, however, proceed with the work at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Royal Hotel, Hamilton, had a narrow escape from fire on Monday evening. A Kerosine lamp burst, and but for the 'prompt action of Constable Murray,and ottiers present, who smothered the flames with matting, the consequences would have been disastrous.

The member for Waikatq has been subjected to continual surprises at the many different claims made upon him from other constituencies. We first heard of him as member for Waikato; then he was claimed by our neighbors at the Thames. Tanranga next called upon him, .and now we find that Waipa looks io him to pssiit them in the matter of ibo suburban lands at Ngaruawahia. We may explain £hat, although the present lands are in Waipa, there is a lot of land surveyed in small lots on the north Bide

, ' 'y of t|ts Waikafo, formerly the Horotiu TJa^pt&hip, and which the U-ovcrDiueut T)een also petitionetl to soil ; and, nn man}' of the N^nrnnwulnans present at the meeting on Sutuid'iy la^t livo on this «.idts of the river, the inembrr for Waikato is really their representative Hence the claim. So that on all fides constituencies are anxious to avail themselves of the services of Mr J. B. Whyte. The reason is obvious -that he aiteucU %o everybody and everything he is asked to. ! "SFaf hla shadow not decreas© nrw-^wrt-health fail under the burden. The boundaries of the district of Waikato i&'etii to have expanded and over-lapped its'nei^ibot* <4*.opportuaitie.s have developed ,the abilities of the member, until at tho present time it would be raah even to venture to define its limits.

His S^r tArthur Qbrdon '] mfty 'life expected ~to< arrive in Ntfw r Zealaiul any clay in H.M.S. Emerald.

The next regimental carbine competition of the Waikato Cavalry, will take place at Cambridge on tlie second Friday in October. It will we hope prove as successful as the first of the series which occurred the other day at Te Awamutu. Unless the first and second teams go in strongly for practice, the scores will at the forthc.oining match, be reversed, for Cambridge is determined ,by hook or by crook to retrieve her laurels.

In a paragraph in our last issue we referred to thd uneasiness which was felt regarding the terms upon which the portion of the Cambridge Town Belt would be granted ttf the Farmers Club and' the Cavalry. The explanation given by Mr Fisher at the Club, will we think satisfy most people that the Board will do that vrhich is best for all parties concerned.

The road to the Piako is for the mo-)t paff in very £<?od ( condition. That part' formed along the flat from Runcimaiis pjissed the Company^ gate is remarkably so. Formed last year at a comparatively trifling cost this road has stood the winter much better than more pretentious thorouylj-fares.

At a meeting of the Cambridge ! Farmers Club on Monday, Mr Hicks said it had been explained to him that the ladies were desirous of assisting at the great Bee to be held on the Wednesday, and he wished to know whether tha Club could apportion them some part of the work. The.iuembers.were- however evidently of the opinion that the work to be j undertaken was of too nseru a nature for the gentler portion of humanity and no measures were taKen to meet Mr Hicks wishes. ,one jnembqr &# suggest that the ladies might do the " sowing," but as heneglpsq4 t° \*dd, -ag Arteinus Ward would have clone' "Tins is a goak" of course nobody saw it. •

The erection of the Good Templars Hall in East Hamilton is msiking rapid progress and the building it is expected will be completed in about a mohtly It is the intention of the members 01 the Order to open the Hall in a befitting" manner, and arrangements are in progress for carrying out the same. The Lodge musters over 50 members and bids fair to become a useful institution.

The total expense incurred by the representation of New Zealand at the Sydney Exhibition was £-5191 16s 6d.

We would draw the attention of the members of the Hamilton Borough Council to the dangerous trap near the toll-keeper's house, which, if not rectified at onoe, may be tho moans of loss of life. Pedestrians crossing from the East to the -West sido at night — especially after the gates are closed — have to pass by the tollhouse to get on to the bridge ; and as there is no protection from the embankment, a false step might be the means of precipitating them into the river, and before aid could be procured at this spot, drowned. A few yards of fencing is the only thing required. The attention of the Public Works

Department of the Hamilton Borough, is directed to that portion of the main road to Cambridge, between Dr Beale's acre and the Domain lands. Several holes pxist on this part of the road, -which a few loads of gravel would put to rights, and save the risk of broken springs, or, possibly, some worse accident. The same attention is demanded on the West aide, from about the Council Chambers to the turn off to the station. We should recommend the foreman to get aboard the ooach, tell the driver to drive 3harp, and then would be demonstrated to a nicety the particular spots that require filling up.

There was a very large number of promenaders on the bridge on Tuesdayevening, listening to the strains of the Hamilton Light Infantry Baud, who played several very pretty selections, and showed a marked improvement on their previous efforts. The night was all that could be desired, the moon shining out brightly, and only now and then interrupted by a passing cloud. Notwithstanding the few chilly blasts, at intervals, the lookers-on were in no way incovenienced, and it is to be hoped that we shall have the pleasure of listening to these open-air practices of the band frequenity now the summer months are approaching.

Notwithstanding the dullness of | the times building operations are beinfr actively carried out in some parts of Hamilton, Mr. "William Hicks, a gentleman, -who was engaged in the permanent staff of inspectors on the G. P. Indian railway* for several years, and took up his residence here some two years ago, 1 has nearly completed two substantial brick cottages in Collingwood-street which, when finished, wilt be an ornament to the town. It is to be hoped that the undertaking will prove remunerative to its spirited proprietor, who has done all the work himself even to making the bricks from his own land.

A further donation of shelter trees has been made to the Hamilton West School by Mr Kennedy Hill These are of a different species to those already 1 filanted. It is to be regretted that many I of the miterocarpa, the gift of Mr Rey- ! nolds, are not looking healthy. This tree seems delicate, and many parties complain of the number dying oft", and for no apparent reason. The Committee lost no time, as the trees were planted yesterday in such a way as to take up the places of those likely to fail.

Mr McLernon has on view to-day a large lot of new goods, consisting of newest kinds of silver jewelry, gold and silver watches, jet ornaments, eye-glasses, &c, lately selected by hinself. The jewellery is especially chaste in design, and at prices within the compass of most people. Presentation cups of various ; sizes are regularly kept in stock, and we should recommend parties requiring these articles, to try here before going further afield.. Watches are made the speciality of the establishment, the variety and price of. the Waltham's are particularly noteworthy. Some of the ladies silver ones are perfect little gems. Jet necklets and ornaments, so much in fashion nowadays, have not been overlooked in the selection. Aspiring bachelors need nave no fear but hat their suit will be smiled upon if backed by one of these chaiming engagement rings, and when, in fullness of time the plain gold band should be more highly coveted and be required, the daintiest finger can be fitted by Mr McLornon.

Those interested in the erection of the Episcopalian Church, Kihikihi, will Ijq pleased to hear that the site is being cleared aijd put into order. The position, a short distance on the Te

Si\*amutfi side of Mr Andersons Hotel, >£\veU (bhosen, andtho church when built will*^ viss lblt»tyrom m'niiy parts of the district. Great ei'edit is duo to the ladie3 for the energetic manner in which they are securing subscriptions and contributions for the propdscd- t^aar in tiidrfj the Church building fund!

Some little excitement was visible in the tow n yesterday owing to the report jn our lapf issue of a discovery of quartz at Ivainawhaniwhii. A J)arty of our "TeaVluigTownsFolki experleiiced* in nvinuig," lef,t .this uiorniug, accojnpapied by our Special, with the intention oif iavestignting the f.vcts of the case. Should they be -favorably impressed, steps will be taken to have, 'the ranges thoroughly prospected. We trust for the sake of the district we may in our next have some favorable intelligence,

The contract for the first section of tfye. OambrJdge-IRptorua, Road Has been let,' Mr James Coombes, of Hamilton, is the successful tenderer. The price has not transpired, although reported as under £500.

Great improvements are at present taking place in Kihikihi, and this pleasantly-situated , township bids fair soon to rival the adjacent townships. With a view to the business requirements in the future, the Tpwn Board are very wisely expending a large sum in improving the main street. The building of Rewi's palace seems to have given an impetus to the place, and we hear that arrangements have been made for the erection of several houses. The settlers around will be pleased to hear, that a wheelwright and blacksmith's shop will soon be available.

A popular entertainment will be given in the (Mdfellows' Hall on Saturday evening next, which will consist of songs, duets, solos, and an able lecture on "Oddities" by the Rev. Wm. Evans. The proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to the Hamilton Presbyterian Sunday School. J. B. Whyte, Esq., will occupy the chair, and a pleasant evening's amusement may be looked for. The ladiea can have very little excuse for not attending, as children will be admitted at half price. We hope to see a Immper house.

There was a very large muster of store cattle at Mr Buckland's Oh.au po sale on Tuesday, when betwepn GOO and 700 head were yarded, Although the bidding was not very spirited, the larare number of buyers present, maintained late prices, and with the exception of about 50 head all were sold at satisfactory rates.

The monthly inspection of the Hamilton Light Infantry takes place on Friday evening. It i8 to be hoped for the credit of the Corps and the district that there will be a good attendance.

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.] Off his Pebch. — Master (who haa been carefully explaining the use of the "hypen"): "Now, boys, here I bave written the compound word, ' Birds-nest. What is the use of this bar in the middle ?" Clever Boy :" Please, Sir, for the bird to roo*ht oh, sir i" — Cun.

The Tamahere Highway Hoard ha\ c advertised for tenders for several works in their district. Contractors arc reminded that tenders railed for In' the Hamilton Highw ay Hoard must be in by Saturday nc\t at noon. Thomas Charles Hammond has been elected trustee in the bankrupt estate of Edward John Moflitt. , James MrPherson, Esq., scrretan' to the Tamahere Road Hoard, invites tenders for certain works in that district. Mr Kennedy Hill holds an auction sale next Saturday at his mart, Hamilton. The adjourned meeting of the "Waikato Turf Club will be held at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday, th 18th inst, at 7 p.m. The usual monthly meeting of Lodge Beta will be held this evening. 1 "Whitaker and Sheehan, solicitors, notify the owner of a allotment No. sr, Parish of Tamahere, that a summons has been issued against him by James Mcpherson, Esq., Collector, on account of rates. Mr. J. S. Hurklnml holds a sale of horses at Cambridge on Saturday next. Cornelius Day, Esq., Chairman Newcastle District Board, torn ones a public meeting at the Royal Hotel, Ng.iruawahia, for Saturday next, at % p.m., to consider matters of interest to the disttict. J. C. Firth, Esq., imites tenders for ploughing 1,500 acre-> at Matatnata. Tenders to lie for not less than 500 acres, and will be received by Mr. Firth, Auckland, not later than <>th October next. Conditions m.iv be seen at the Waikiio Timi t> office, at the \Vhnrf Milt, Auckland, or at the house of Mr Dibble, Matamata, who will show the land.