The Waikato Times

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1290, 5 October 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 Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER o, 1880.

The gentlemen who compose the Auckland Crown Lands Board have apparently been taken by surprise at the tone of the letter which Captain Steele, acting as agent for Messrs. Grant and Foster, addressed to them a few days ogo. There is no doubt that the terms asked for by Captain Steele would be very favourable to his principals, but we confess we are not at all surprised at this ; if he had asked for terms unfavourable to them we might have had grounds for wonder. After all that has been said and written about the necessity for obtaining a suitable class of settlers, practical farmers Avith capital who, ib has been over and over again averred are the only men who can save the country, it is really distressing to witness the exhibition of such a spirit of petty huckstering as was seen at the late meeting of the Crown Lands Board. We want men like the Lincolnshire farmers to come to the colony because we know that their presence here will be productive of good. This is what everybody has professed to desire ; but when it comes to the sticking point there is then shown the strongest disinclination to offer any special inducement to them to come; the Board has virtually decided that if Messrs. Grant and Foster like to come they can have the Aroha land on the ordinary terms offered to settlers under the deferred payment system. But is it worth while for the sake of a few shillings per acre to

turft awayrjMch a&veligil as. , clasa , of sjtw|rs as^^ibse w^ch Mdssrs.Gr&nt and F^Br hav^.'profe^ed themselves ready to introduce into this part of the Colony \ Much of the land at the Aroha jba f updoubtedjy , of the first quality, but' W larjre proportion cannot bo so described, while a respectable area is worth : really nothing for the purposes of agriculture.,. The XHiicsf. -Surveyor values the land at 33s or 34s per ac>e, Rasing" t¥ cjlqu^a^ionafeifol lows : — " Surveyed lands, west of " the'rivef^ 8231/ acres, at .£2" per" " acre, £18,462 \ surveyed lands, " east of the river, 4578 acr,es, at \ « £2 ss,i>l 0,300 ; unsarveyed lands " east of the river, about, 37,00 acres, "at ssip&Ya : crei X^ojl7,W : aores, "at a" l total cost ol £29,687." To this valuation, based upon a pretty accurate knowledge of the country, Mr Firth dissents, and so far from allowing that that portion of the land which Mr Percy Smith puts down as worth 5s an acre is unsuitable for settlers' purposes, ..maintains that it is at least equal in value with the rest. Mr Firth — wo do not speak disrespectfully — has a way of putting things so ingeniously that no surprise need be excited if lie* succeeds in bringing most people round to his way of thinking. The unsurveyed portion he pointed out •• was the only portion of timbered " land in the district and would be "of great value in consequence. " Besides it was an undulating sur- " face, and presented sites for resi- " dences of unsurpassing beauty, " wooded vales and babbling brooks " all around, while stretching away " in front were miles of beautiful " level land, which would soon be " covered with beautiful home- " steads." This timber, according to Mr Percy Smith, is only suitable for firewood, and cannot therefore be of the great value ascribed to it by Mr Firth ; and however beautiful to the eye of the poet might be the prospect of " wooded vales and babbling brooks," we hardly think they present very 'strong attractions to the practical agriculturist, seeking rather cultivable fields than sylvan haunts. We do not write thus for the purpose of depreciating the land at Te Aroha : we have reason to know that the country is one peculiarly well adapted for tho purposes of settlement ; but we object to the spreading abroad of such ideas as those of Mr Firth's; ideas which can have but one result if put into practice — the keeping away such eminently suitable colonists as those represented by Messrs Grant and Foster. As to the auriferous nature of the land we know that the whole «f the high country from the Thames to far beyond Matamata bears the reputation of being goldbearing, but it were indeed letting go the substance and grasping the shadow to refuse on that account the offer of the English farmers. New Zealand does not at the present smell very savory in the nostrils of the Home capitalists, and it is well worth our while go make some sacrifice in order to make firm our presently unstable position. We have no doubt that, once settled, the Lincolnshire farmers would soon grow to like their new home, and the immense good they would be means of doing would not be confined to the Thames district. Their example and the favorable results of their venture avoulcl be the means of inducing an influx of others of their class by whom land in all parts of the country would be made fruitful and the welfare of the colony would be prodigiously pushed ahead.

The sparrow nuisance has attained to such very large proportions in this district that it is imperatively necessary to make a stand against them if cropping is to be followed at all. Some of the oatfields have been literally sacked by sparrows and— it cannot be denied — skylarks, for the latter have been proved to have done much of the damage for which their relatives have been condemned to destruction. The larks have a very bad habit of pulling the young blades out of the ground in order to get the grain underneath, and, in this way, have, no doubt, committed fearful havoc. It is in numbers, however, that the sparrows tell ; for one lark it is not too much to say there are thousands of sparrows, and what they cannot carry out by skill they will do by sheer force of numbers. Iflpr is it at this period of the year alone that farmers have to dread their attacks ; in the harvest time they run riot over the whole plain, devouring everywhere, and destroying much of what they do not eat, by shattering, the ears and strewing the grain on the ground. It seems unnecessary to say that this state of things will not do, but from the apathy hitherto shown by those most deeply interested it is very necessary indeed to say that it shall be put a stop to, and that without waste of time. There is really only one way in which the pests can be successfully coped with, and that is by the united action of people in all parts of the Waikato. Any attempt to destroy the sparrows by one or two individuals would simply result in inducing the birds to change their places of resort, and wliile it might clear the fields of those active in the work of destruction, their neighbours would fare all the worse for it. Road Boards have lately come a little out of their shells and affirm that they have other duties to perform, than those laid down within the four corners of

the, ;&ctf -find sorely t}ws matter of tl^o sparrow nuiajance plight tt> come within their prdvince. "*A little consideration given to it !>y the members of our local bodies in their quasi-public, capacity, might develop something like an efficient means of q 'tting rid of what is fast growing to be an intolerable nuisance. We seiiously commend thd subject to tho different Highway Boards, in tji;) hope that they .will deal with it „wibhdut'clelay.'

A few days ago we gave an account of the journey undertaken by Mr W. K. Carter and others for the purpose of determining whether or not a practipable.road could be made at a small cost over the route known as '• Moon's road." Since that time we have been placed in possession of one or two additional facts which go far to strengthen the opinion we- formed at .the time of the superiority of the newlytested over the road now under construction by the Government. The latter, as our readers are aware, is estimated to cost about £40,000, the greater part of this sum being required to construct that portion of the road which goes through bush country. If this sum would ensure the immediate opening of a good serviceable road between Waikato and Rotorua the question of cost would not be a source of very much uneasiness. But we have it on the best possible authority that it Avili do nothing of the kind. To people who know anything of New Zealand bush, it will not be surprising to hear that it will probably be many years before a practicable road for wheeled traffic can be made through that which lies on the route of the Government road, and that a very large annual outlay will bo required to keep it in a fit state of repair when made. It were folly to question the directness of the route, but, after all, short cuts are not always an advantage, and we think few would grudge going a little further, if by so doing they could avoid the disagreeables incidental to, and inseparable from a bush road. Moon's road is the longer of the two by some 12 or 14 miles, but then it passes over open country the whole distance, and can be constructed cheaply and effectively at once. This is the point ; even were it to cost more than the other the advantages it posesses in that it can be made passable for coach traffic for a sum of money exceeding by very little, if at all, what would be required annually for the maintenance of the road via the bush are sufficient to recommend it. Half-a-dozen creeks, and one considerable gully form the only obstacles to traffic, and these could be overcome for a comparative trifle. Under these circumstances it seems highly desirable that the attention of the Government should be directed to the matter, and that they should take measures to test the accuracy of what has been advanced with a view to aiding in the prosecution of a scheme which promises to be productive of much benefit to the Waikato. In another fortnight or so a considerable number of the Armed Constabulary, we believe about 80, will be available for duty on the roads, and we see no reason why the services of at least half that number could not be utilised on Moon's road. If the work to be done be so inconsiderable as we have reason to believe; it is, the end of the summer would probably witness the running of wheeled vehicks between the Lakes and Waikato.

The Rev. Dr. Macdonald, Maori Missionary, officiated at the Roman Catholic Church, Cambridge, on Sunday, and preached morning and evening.

A s.ervice of song, " St. Paul," was held in S. Andrew's (Jhurch, Cambridge, on Sunday afternoon. The pieces were very nicely rendered by the children of the Sunday-school, assisted by members of the choir.

A special meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council was held last night to consider the matter of the bridge approaches. A letter was read from Under-Secretary Knowles, enclosing a report from the Resident Engineer upon the work, and it was decided to go on with the earthwork as soon as the Government have consented to allow Mr Beere to superintend, an amendment moved by Cr. Knox to defer the matter until Seddon's claim had bsen finally dealt with being lost. Several other matters were dealt with. The late hour at which the Council rose (nearly 11 o'clock), precludes the possibility of giving a full report in this issue.

At a meeting of the Hamilton Domain Board last night, it was resolved to offer the allotments not leased for lease by auction, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements.

A scratch match was played on Saturday on the unploughed portion of Sydney Square by members of the Hamilton Cricket Club. Sides were picked by E. Jolly and W. Yon Stunner, the latter going first to the wicketf. They, however, only succeeded in putting 32 together, and then Jolly's side went in and scored 49, thus beating their opponents by 17. There were present several prominent members of the Club, but there was a general stiffness about the play, which is, perhaps, excusable in the beginning 1 of the season. The highest score was 12 made by Graham. At the same time, and on another portion of the ground, a number of people enjoyed a game of football, though for that pastime the ground is somewhat rough ; indeed, the pitcli for the cricket was anything but good. However, in a short time, the new ground now being turfed by Mr Vialou will be in readiness, and then some good play will be indulged in.

We are sorry to learn that the intelligence regarding Mr Carter's trotting mare Miss Whiffler, which we published on Saturday was not correct. The information was sent us early on Friday our correspondent not being aware that the animal had succumbed that morning. Her death is a great loss to her owner.

It is a great pity that some means cannot bo devised for enclosing the approach road to the Narrows on. the

-Mesb side. The road is chu-fiy used by Hiet'tleiM attending sale*, etc..,, and jrreut ( inconvcuieuue haa beeo experienced iv diiviu'g cattle alony after dark. As the R.iles iiro aeldo u over before 4 or 5 o'i-lock this d : tiic»lty h»H ofteu to be encount3red, and we ahonld like to see some stops taken wit.h a view lo its removal.

Xt is understood that, undaunted by the Mullen bnhn.viour of the natives at the Hornhuro, Me-sr- M.icleiin anil Co. intend to piu.li on their operations. | Plough.* weio.beut up uu iSiifcui'cUy liwt to i tho bridge with the iutcntiou of taking them Across ye»r.ertlay.

We beg to draw the attention of the Tiiuaeea of the Ha-miltou Highway District to the very daugorous hole in the planking on Willoughby'u bridge on the Hamilton - Ngaruawahia road. Unless immediately attended to the consequences may be very serious.

Notwithstanding the broken state of the weathor during 1 the JLaaC week tho ruads in diiferent parts of the district are in very good order, the drying winds which alternate with the showers having 1 au extremely drying eftect.

The p.s. Lalla Eookh is a regular trader now between Onehunga ami Raglan, an I her services are very largely availed of by the Raglan community.

The members of the Hamilton Cavalry Troop had some carbine practice ou Saturday. In view of the coming competition on Friday nest atCambridge. The Uauibridge and Te * wamutu nieu are also rubbing up their shooting and the contest will in all probability bo a keen ono.

An effectual check is being given to the encroachments of the river at Ngaruawahia by the construction of protecvive works extending from the railway wharf round to the piers of the bridge. Since the settlement of the district, the river has widened 20 or 30 yards at this point. The protective works which are bein<? carried out under the direction of Mr T. G-. Sandes Engiueer, will be composed of rough stone.

The Good Templars Hall, East Hamilton, is nearly completed ami it is expected to be ready by the end of the week, so as to enable that society to hold their first meeting in it on Saturday evening next. Active steps are being taken to open the hall in accordance with the rules of the Order, particulars of which will be made known as soon as the committee are prepared with their programme. The Lodge is increasing in members.

It is stated to be the intention of the Government at an early date to try the experiment of releasing somo of the obstreperous West Coast Natives who were dimply detained in custody under the Maori Pri-soners Act. If they then repeat their former offences, they will be dealt with under the penal clauses of tha West Coast Settlement Act, aud treated as criminals. If, however, then 1 behaviour is orderly and good, their past misdeeds will be allowed to full into oblivion.

Messrs Wright and Vincent, of Hamilton, are exhibiting at the .Melbourne EKlnbition, opened last Friday, several very fine specimens of their art, comprising a bdijtism.il font, waterbottles, etc.

I "We are sorry to learn that Mr R. (i. Park, assistant engineer at Hamilton, is about to leave the district. His departure is consequent on the reductions now being made in the Public Service of the colony. Since his arrival in the district, some six months ago, Mr Park has secured the respect and esteem of everybody with whom he has conio in contact, and his many good qualities and gentlemanly, unassuming disposition have made for him many friends. Short as has been his stay amongst us, Mr Park has found many opportunities for boing useful : he was the fir^t to suggest the establishment of the Hamilton Debating Club, and has been during the period of its existence one of its most prominent members ; he has been a very painstaking member of the Comus Dramatic Club, and an enthusiastic partaker in all manly games. We trust that at no distant date we shall have the pleasure of seeing him again in our midst.

The anniversary services in connection with the Wealeyan Church in Hamilton will bo held at the Oddfellows' Hall on Sunday next, in the morning at li o'clock and in the evening at 7. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon there will he a children's service, when a suitable address will be delivered. .Special collections will be made at the close of each service in aid of the .Sunday-school. The usual annual soiree will be held in the same place on Tuesday, the 12th inst. Tea will be on the table at G. 30 p.m.

The heavy, rain yesterday demonstrated that in various places in Hamil- ' ton the water-tables would be uone the worse for a little looking after. At several of the crossings the accumulated rubbish stops the flow of the water and disagreeable water-holes are the result.

Sergeants Addison and Steele and three men of the A.O. Foroe arrived by last evening's train from Ta,ranaki to take the place of those transferred from "Waikato a few days ago.

The rail mm Gav'ttc says that the English avmy is teaching the Afghans the art of war, the value of breechloaders, and the use of rilled artillery. Napoleon found a Europe trained to antiquated maxims and practices of Avar ; he defeated army after army till a school of generals arose who had learned through deteat to become victorious. Then at la&t the master fell under the blows of his pupils. Ibia not impossible that we may be gradually teaching 1 the warlike tribes how to resist the might of civilized armies. When the odds are five to one in. men and six to one in guns agamst us ; when the gunners turn out to be well taught, and many of the infantry are armed with breechloaders which they know how to use, the question may well arise whether we are not strengthening the Afghan nation without rend&ing- it friendly.

In a private letter received a few days ago from England, the writer — a resident in Huntingdonshire — says :—: — " I remember telling you last year what a wet season we had been having. This year it has been worse. For the last two mouths we have had nothing but tempests day after day, such as have not been known in the memory of man. An immense quantity of hay has been swept away from the meadows ; and the farmers wish that what is left had been carried away also, as it is good for nothing. I do not suppose there is a, single ton of really good hay this season anywhere in this part of the country. Towards the south and west the weather has been better. I thought I was going to have one of the finest crops of potatoes I had ever grown ; but twice in a fortnight my ground has been under water, three or four feet deep. " An Isle of Ely correspondent says: — "More rain fell in July than in the first five months of the year put together the quantities being 6.67 and 5.74 inches respectively. In June the fall was 2.47 inches, so that the whole fall of the first six months of the year was only 1.54 inches in excess of that of July alone There wbre only six days in July on which rain did not fall : and on the 14th half an inch fell in an hour. We shall not be surprißed if the yield of wheat is from 20 to 2J per cent less than it miarht reasonably have been estimatpd at on July 1 ; potatoes are seriously diseased ; oats , and barley aro generally good crops."

The London correspondent 6f the. S-mtfi Australian lltyiUer voters na foll-nvd' to two gentlemen who will be remembered heie hi connection with tho visit of the Gfilatua : — "The raauly form of Commander Campbell has di>appeared for ever from mortal quarter-decks. Af tor his return from the t>ccond tiip of the Gale tea, he was appointed comiu.inder of oue of the Royal yachts, "tid he w.is ri&iug in hi 1 - piofe-son as well as in Royal favour, whju nu attick of typhoid fe\ur curried him off. Lord Newry was another of the joviil Galatea compauy. He has changed with the reft - changed pretty often in fact, for he has been alternately theatre manager, sportsman, and candidate for Prirliment. His latest change will be his last. Through the death of Ids father he succeeds to the paternal title —the Earl of Kilmorey. Lord Newry is a very popular 'a jciety man.' He is as intimate with the heir-apparent as he used to be with the Duke of Edinburgh, and his Bohemian tastes h°ve familiarised him all over London. He retains his liking 1 for the aut'podes, and when he mests a genuine, guin-auckev' he loves to reciprocate the kindness ho received.

The attention of invalids and those lcquiring change of «iir .md sea-bathing is duected to an advertisement in this issue, notify ing th.it throe furnished cottages arc to let at Port Waikato. Tin* situation is extremely pleasant, and no doubt m.my requiring a ch.injjo will be induced to visit the healthy &ca-side resort during the summer months. Particulars cm be had on application to Mis Marshall, Port Waikato. Ihe first meeting of creditors in the estate of Mr Anguo Campbell will be held on Monday, the nth inst. Messis Maclean and Co. in\itc tenders for ploughing fern land on their estate. .See advertisement in another column for particulars. John Spcrrcy, Esq., Commissioner Property Ta.v Department, notilies in our Gazette columns that the time for sending in statements ot property has been extended to the 25th October. Pei sons who have not received a new form can obtain them at the offices ot the Deputy Commissioner, or at any Post-office. E. Fit 'patriek, Esq., Chairman of the Ngaruavv.ihia Town Boaid, mi ite tenders up to Monday, 11th inst., for protection to the river bank. Messrs McKenzie and Ross notify through our advertising columns th.it thevhavc a splendid s unple of 100 tons ot Huon Island guano on sale at jj.s ios a ton. The time-table of the pure-bred Clydesdale stallion Young i'.isman is published in this issue. Thl new Pure Cash Sy-tcm now being initiated by G. and C. will certainl) piove a benefit to the public. It has been a gre.it success in Sydnov and Melbourne, and when stneth carried out the customer who bin s at an establishment where the goods are mai ked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell then drapery millinary, and clothing at such pri< es for cash as gives the bujer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative -society, without the risk ot being called upon to bearaportionot the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. G.irlick and C ran well will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to giv c the put c c asli system a fair trial: whether they gain or lose the first ye.T. Country buveis on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices; 1 ust the same as though they made a personal selcttion. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general hou.c turniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factor}', will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purch.ise. G. &C. having re ilisod the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present sto< k is \i.\V A\'D CHI- MT.V noroiir. An inspection is 1111 ited. — Guuick vnd Ck \s\Vh il . City Ilall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Vuckl.md