Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1312, 25 November 1880, Page 2

Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and c\act 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.

THURSDAY, NOV. 25, 1880.

An interesting little paper has been issued from the Government offices at Wellington, having reference to a proposed special settlement in. the Hokianga district for the culture of the vine. The suggestion emanated from the Government, at whose instance the Waste Lands Board last year reserved 20,000 acres from sale | in the Hokianga district, in order go locate thereon a settlement of skilled ! vine-growers, so that the capacity of the northern portion of this Provin- | cial District for wine production might be thoroughly tested. A Mr t Galbraith, it would appear, Ims revived the question, and has placed himself in communication with the Agent-General ; and no doubt there fire strong features to recommend the scheme, among others that the culture of the vine would employ a population of from three to eight times greater per acre than does ordinary farming. To quote from a French writer on political economy, in comparing the results to France of ordinary farming, and the culture of the vine :—: — " Bread and meat arc consequences, " and not causes of colonisation ; " tbey constitute its necessi'ies and " not its wealth. The vine, on the " contrary, is at once the workshop " and the banker of the vinegrowers; " it necessitates and forces all around " the production of bread and meat, " it pays a large tribute to the State, "it exports afar its produce, and " finds still msans largely to re- " numerate its priprietor if he is a " cultivator." Necessarily the writer points out that we should look to the south of France for skilled workers. It will take from three to four years before the vineyards would be sufficiently grown to yield supporting returns ; and it is thought that the inducements of free passages, land at a nominal price, and the making of roads in which the emigrants could be advantageously employed would enable a company to be formed who would have to see to the obtaining of the proper emigrants, their transit, housing, and employment until the vineyards were developed. The scheme possesses the merit of introducing a new industry which would add to the wealth of the Colony; it would utilise a portion of the country not so well adapted to ordinary farmiug as other portions of the Colony ; and the emigrants having a well defined and special object, would create a demand for labor in place of swelling tha ranks of the unemployed, and of having the effect of pouring into the Colony an injudicious .selection of immigrants. The success of the proposed vine settlement would enhance many existing industries, and compete with none. A dense and prosperous population would be settled in a district where otherwise people would not be likely to settle in numbers for a long time. Mr Galbraith suggests that if the Government should deem the matter worthy of consideration, full particulars of the land reserved might be furnished and such assistance granted as would warrant the formation of a company for bringing about the proposed settlement. A judicious expenditure in encouraging special settlement for the introduction of industries as yet unknown in New Zealand, though suited to its grand climate, would meet with general approval as being a step in the right direction. Expenditure in this direction would tend to increase the colonial wealth, whilst the system of immigration followed of late years has resulted almost only in swarming our centres of population with unskilled labor ; to employ which is just now taxing our utmost ingenuity, and laying a heavy burden on the country.

It is to be hoped that some definite information will be tendered to the members of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteer Corps at the inspecting officer's parade, which is^ to take place in the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday next, regarding the uniforms. We have time after time referred to this matter, and it does seem somewhat strange that a Volunteer corps which has been in existence over twelve months, like the Hamilton corps, with officers appointed, etc., should be left month

after month without the necessary 0 itlit. Repeated applications have been made by the officers to headquarters, but the usual dilly-dallying answers have been received on each occasion. The members of th« corps are getting tired of this sort of volunteering, and at every parade there is a marked falling-ofF in the attendance. To all "Volunteers the uniform forms a most prominent feature; it bands them together, encourages those who take an interest in volunteering, and, as was remarked by Colonel Lyon when inspecting the Cavalry the other day, helps to make a man smart. At a recent meeting held in the Oddfellows' Hall in connection with the band, several prominent townspeople suggested that the officers should wait upon the members for Waipa and Waikato and urge upon them the necessity of Government taking immediate steps to clothe the corps. We have not heard as yet whether this has been done, but if not it is high time that it was. The sum required is very small, and if the Government see their way clear to continue the capitation grant to the Waikato Volunteers surely they ought to be able to give orders for the uniform.

The adjourned mothly meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council called for Tuesday evening again lapsed for want of a quorum. Those in attendance were His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Vialou, McGarrigle and Jones.

Of the many instructive lectures given by Professor Fraser none surpass in I interest the cne to be delivered by him for the Cambridge Total Abstinence Society this evening entitled "Food; or, How, Wby, When, and What to E-it and Drink." Very few amongst us realise sufficiently the effeot error in diet has upon our health and happiness. At least threo-fourths of the ills which affect humanity are caused by this ; and not only are diseases of the body to be traced to error.s in eating and drinking, but those of the mind result in many instances from the samo cause. Yet there is no subject upon which society in general is so illinformed. It is well, therefore, Professor Fraser has been induced to instruot us upon this subject, and as we believe he has made this subject hie especial study, he will treat it in his simple and lucid manner so that the most illiterate hearer will be ablo to understand and appreciate it. As the analysing of alcohol in the presence of the company is no ordinary attraction and well worth witnessing by all who can attend the lecture, we would recommend those who can possibly spare the time to do so, especially as the cost of admission is nil.

We draw the attention of the railway authorities to the disgusting state of the out-officei at the Mercer Bailway Statiou. A little fresh water kept running would obviate the present nuisance.

A report reaches me (" The Chiel " in Vanity Fair), that a powerful coalition has been formed among the South American Republics for a naval demonstration, with a view to freeing Ireland from the tyranny under which she lias so long groaned. The scheme appears to have originated in the enlightened State of Ecuador, where a committee Avas formed, and a circular was sent to all the Republics in the world requesting them to join. The United States and France sent no reply, and Switzerland and Andorre said that as they had no navies they could not eutertain the idea. The combined forces will meet off the Island of Hayti, from whence they will send an ultimatum to She British Government, and, as they understand that Mr Gladstone considers that a show of force is much more efficacious than an actual act of war, it is not supposed that they will have to destroy the English Navy, which they will otherwise be forced to do to save themselves from appearing ridiculous in the eyes of the world.

Even the quiet little settlement of Taupiri feels the effects of the general exodus to the divings. About twerifcy of the male population have gone to the Te Aroha. Of this number, about a dozen are from the coal mines, the slack demand for household rendering 1 their absence possible.

"Ratepayer" writes asking us " whothe-- the Borough Couccil intend to gravel the footpath formed near the Commercial Hotel, where the embankment was cut aivay?" We cannot undertake to say.

The growth just now is perfectly marvellous, but we have heard it stated that the continued wet may jeopardise the potato crop.

The heavy showers yesterday again proved the inefficiency of the culverts along 1 Victoria-btroet, Hamilton. So far indeed they seem to have failed entirely in performing- their functions.

The fearful effects of drink were well expressed to his flock by a parish priest the other day. "What ia it, me bhoys, that degrades ye to the level of the bastes of the field ? Oi tell ye it's dhriuk ! What is it that deproives ye of your nerve ? The dbrink ! What is it that makes ye shoot at your lhandlord, and nuss him ? It's the dhrink !"

A correspondent writes :— Fresh parties, either for visiting or on more weighty matters intent, left Cambridge for Te Aroha yesterday morning". Mr Audus Raynes and Mr Isaacs, accompanied by Beveral horsemen, despite the gloomy showery weather, have started. I don't know but what the prospective row on tho declaration may not form a, strong inducement to many of them. One or two of our smaller storekeepers have shut up shop, sent their superfluous baggage to the auctioneers, and are now on their way.

We have been informed by good authority that the Maoris purpose holding a large meeting at Maungatautari shortly, at which the present differences with Messrs Maclean and Co., &0., will be finally adjudicated on and arranged.

Mr McKinnon s two horses, Gilderoy and Strathearn, arrived in Hamilton on Tuesday night to take part in the races at Ohaupo on ths 30th. Both horses appear to be in excellent condition.

Some very good specimens of goldbearing quartz, from the Aroha, were on view yesterday at the shop of Mr Huge, hairdresser, Hamilton.

We understand a match has been arranged between Mr MoKinnon's Grilderoy and Mr Laings Harold, for £100 a-side, to come off on the Ohaupo racecourse on Saturday next.

Whatever may be the opinion of sceptics, who have not taken the trouble, or may be have not had the opportunity to investigate the truths of Phrenology, few we thiuk could have been present on Tuesday night in the Public Hall, Cambridge, and listened to Profe3sor Eraser's lecture on " How to read character" and still abler delineations of character exhibited on two well-known inhabitants of the town, and gone away in the same state of unbelief with which they entered

the Hall. It has been ouv fortune on many previous occasions to have attended lectures on this science by most of the professors of the day. We have heard tiem nearly all, but ou no previous occasion do we recollect having the trutli3 of phrenology placed before us in so acceptable a light, or in so simple language and so practically ami intelligibly illustrated Professor Fraaer is not what may be called a fluent lectmvr, but his intense earnestness, and implicit belief in what he states, more than compensate for any waut of oratorical abilities. It will be seen from our advertising columns that the Professor will be in Hamilton on Friday, and in Te Awamutu on the Tuesday following.

Processor Fraser delivered another of his popular and interesting lectures at the Public Hall. C-tmbridsre, on Tuesday evening on "How to judge Character." This is the laat of the series under the auspices of the Young Mans Christian Association. The audience was not numerous but decidely appreciative. Several heads were examined at the close of the lecture, and it is certainly wonderful, almost startling 1 , the accuracy of the Professor's knowledge. It is said he will give another lecture on u How to choose a partner." The young men aro on the gui vivf in consequence.

Mr Francis Hicks returned to Cambridge a few days since with a large flock of sheep overland from Napier.

Not a day passes Irat a party of more or less in number, with their swags and Gimp appurtenances leave Cambridge for To Arona, and very anxious are the residents looking for the opening news. The Wajkato Times Extra on. Tuesday afternoon, was in everybodys hands, and discussed with great excitement.

There never was such a dearth of local news as in Cambridge at the present ti-ne. Te Aroha ! Te Aroha ! concentrates all feelings and all energies. Every little bit of gold from Te Aroha, possesses , a fictitious value, and is viewed with a species of Fetish worship. Men whose years have been spent on the goldfields, to whom j£»old in every form has been the study of life, approach the few specimens that have reached Cambridge, and contemplate them with an awe and veneration, which to the casual observer might appear ridiculous. But such is life.

We have heard of the trip to Te Aroha by trap having been accomplished in a little over four hours. A correspondent writes : — Yesterday mornnitig-, about 9 o'clock, a novel "tandem turn-out" might have been seen leaving Hamilton for the rush. The " leader," however, was so far in advance of the trap that one might have mistaken it for a runaway horse, but for its milky condition. The " Old Woman's Correspondent 1 ' was one of the occupants hastening off to the scene for the latest (?) information. The progress made through Hamilton was very slow. Of course it is impossible to contemplate what time the party will reach their destination, but it might be as well to inform their friends ao as to dispel any fear of anxiety which they might have that the party were met near the Eureka Station (six miles on tbe road), at 4 in the afternoon, quite safe and well. Six miles in seven hours, not bad travelling that? What will the "Old Woman of Wyndharn-atreet" say to this extraordinary feat of " going" after the latest " information." At Studley, in Warwickshire, recently, a decrepir. old man aged 02 was married to a girl aged 14. The bridegroom, on his I way to the church and returning from it, was pelted with rotten eggs by the crowd. The ancient : bridogrciom was rich ; his child-wife was the daughter of a poor labourer.

Mr A. Connolly, lessee of the Royal Hotel, Li\ cry. md Jiait Stables, Hamilton East, requests th.it all accounts owing to him be settled forthwith.

The Hamilton Light Infantry Corps will meet at the Oddfellows' Hall, East Hamilton, at 7 o'clock sharp on Saturday no.\t, for Commanding 1 Officers' Inspection par.ulo. A J full attendance is requested, members of the band in uniform.

We beg 1 to draw attention to Messrs W. J. Hunter ami Co.'s advertisement in our fourth page, st.iting that thoy will hold their first opening cattle sale at their new yai ds, l'V.inkton Hamilton Railway Station on Saturday, 4th December. Entries may be made with Mr Jolly on the ground, or the auctioneers, Ohaupo. 1

! Patrons of the Turf will have an opport unity of witnessing a match for between Gildoroy and Harold, on the Ohaupo R.U'ocoursiC on Saturday novfc, at 12 o'clock. 1 Full particular!) in our .tduTtising columns. i

We beg to draw attention to the Te Aroh.i Prospectors' Claim advertisement in our .idxcrtising 1 columns.

Mr K. J. Davidson, late of the Star Hotel, Auckland, has taken o\cr the Albert Hotel in that ( ity, .mil has in.ulc extensive alterations tor the comfort and convenience ot travellers and \isitoro.

Messrs W. J. Hunter ami Co. will dispose ol .1 choit c lot of three-quarter bred wethers, overland from Napier, at the Cambridge Sale. Yards, on the 20th No\ cmbei .

A Crown lands sale of rural lands m the Piako County is d.d\ertis>cd in our Gazette columns to take place on Monday, the 20th December.

Professor Fraser will deliver his highly popular lecture on "How to Read Cliar.vrter," in Le Qucsnc's Hall, on Fiiilay c\eningnext.

Mr J; S. Buckland will dispose of a choice lot ot wethers (half and three-quarter bred Lincolns). over land from Napier, at the Cambridge j'urds on Saturday next.

An addition to Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co.'s Oh.iupo Cattle bale will be found in our third page.

The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly pro\e a benefit to this public. It has been a gre.it success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods .ire marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a {jre.it gainer. G. and C. sell thetr drapery milhnary, and clothing' at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-opcrativcsociety,withoutthc risk of being called upon to bear aportion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public ha\c hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial; whether they pain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with poods at co-opcrath c prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at tho lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is nkw and chku'ly bought. An inspection is invited. — GA.Ri.tcit and Cranwell, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland.