Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1318, 9 December 1880, Page 2

Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Eijual and exact justice to all men, Ot \vh.ite\er state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain Una wed by influence and unbribed by gain.

THURSDAY, DEC. .9, 1880.

[ The Town Districts Act 1880, misnamed in a recent issue the Town Lands Ordinance, is one of the | discarded measures of last session, which, it is ifhderstood, Government stands pledged to put forward again next year. It proceeds upon a preamble that "it is expedient to " establish Local Boards of Adminis- " tration within places less populous " than Boroughs." Its special import to this district arises out of the fact thao its passage through Parliament is looked forward to with interest by our Cambridge friends as a means for securing incorporated powers on terms commensurate with the existing circumstances of their case. The Act itself is an elaborate one, rendered concise by the extent to which it is an adaptation of, and made to read in conjunction with, the Municipal Corporations Act 1876. It embodies all the leading features of the last-named Act, without rendering them, consequent upon the assumption of the civic dignitary which has in so many instances tended to make the application of the Corporations Act ludicrous if not unworkable. Briefly put, the machinery clauses provide that districts containing not less than 50 householders, and not exceeding two square miles in area, and having no one point distant more than four miles from the other, may be constituted a " Town District " with a Board of Commissioners of not less than five, or more than seven, as the Governor may appoint. Thus constitnted, the usual executive and administrative powers applicable to municipal government are arranged for. Altogether, the Act provides a very simple method for the discharge of very important duties. The measure as framed, however, is open to one or two objections, the validity of which the Legislature would do well to consider carefully before allowing the Bill to pass into law. For instance, the rating powers are restricted to one shilling in the pound on all rateable property. In that respect the framers of the Act appear to have been guided by the Municipal Corporations Act ; one shilling being the limit fixed by that measure. The relative conditions, however, under which these two measures have, or will be, ushered into law are not by any means the j&me, and the effect of tliis difference <loes not appear to have been, fairly weighed. Under the Financial Arrangew<en.ts Act 1876, provision was made for subsidising Borough Council funds to the extent of pound for pound of rates, no that in effect the shilling rate in fcJj&t <m& became equivalent

to a rate of two shillings. In that way adequate provision existed for the onerous duties attending the establishment of municipal institutions under ' the t/orjpdration^^ Act, but, with only a shilling rate at their disposal, and no augmentation in the shape of subsidies, these institutions und«r the Town District Ordinances, cannot be placed on a footing similarly sfcure. Under these circumstances, it would be wise to increase the amount to two shillings. The power is wholy permissive, and, as a matter of course, no town district would strike a higher raty, unless it was absolutely necessary. A power like that might safely be left in the hands of the local authorities, more especially, when we bear in mind, that the personal interest of the assessor is bound up with that of the assessed. Another weak point in the Bill as framed is, a proviso that the board shall hold office for a period of two years. The effect of this will be that,atthe expiry of every second year, an entirely new Board of Commissioners may be elected without a single old member, or member of experience in the working of the Board, being represented thereon. In that respect the Town District Act differs from its prototype, the Municipal Corporations Act,succ ;ssion under the latter being provided for annually ; the members retiring by rotation. We can see no good reason why that mode of succession should be departed from, on the contrary, obvious reasons exist why it should be adhered to. Boards have confirmed in them all the powers granted to Borough Councils, in respect of auctioneers, cattle trespass, cemeteries, dog nuisance, fencing, fire prevention, licensing publicans, public pounds, and "any other matter of social economy." By that, ir. is certainly meant, Boards are to receive the fees arising therefrom, but the Act itself is not explicit on the point. In further amending the Bill it might be wise to have that view of the matter expressly stipulated. The extent of the town district likewise appears objectionable. Under the Municipal Act the area is fixed at nine square miles, and, under the projected Act, as stated above, it is limited to two. The latter resolution seems wholy unnecessary, and might very well be extended to four, or even four and a half miles. Upon close examination, there may be other objections found to the Bill as framed. Under these circumstances, it might be well for the inhabitants of Cambridge and townships whose future is more or less intimately bouud up with the Act as an effective measure, to give the whole subject their serious attention, so that it may be rendered as suitable as possible to the requirements of tlmir case, before being placed upon the Statute Book.

Tuhi, the murderer of Miss Dobie, will, we understand, plead drunkenness iv extenuation of his crime. We sincerely trust no maudlin bunkum, or Exeter Hall flannel, will interfere with the ends of justice, which we have no hesitation in affirming as our opinion was the case in the matter of the Fjian murderer. Much of the present native trouble in New Zealand may be laid at the door of the Church Missionary emissaries from Exeter Hall, airi it is high time this kind of maudlin sympathy was put an end ta.

We are to have daily coach communication with Te Aroha via Hamilton. Mr Edwards started a line of coaches on Tuesday last, to run on alternate days to Carter's. Visitors from Auckland can now leave on Friday, reaching Te Aroha on Saturday, returning again on Monday, and should the railway time-table alter, making the arrival at Hamilton about midday, the Saturday coach might so run as to wait for passengers on Saturdays and start earlier on Mondays to meet the train on that day.

The Royal Hotel, Hamilton, has lately changed hands. The present proprietor, Mr C. E. Johnson, since taking over from Captain Dawson, has made numerous improvements, and having had large experience, visitors will be highly satisfied with the house and management.

We regret to learn that Mrs Waiinvrisrhfc met with a nasty accident near Te Awamutu on Monday. She was riding alone, and when nearly opposite the residence of the Rev. J. Bruce, some horses started suddenly out of a deep gully. The "horse ridden by Mrs Wainwright shied violently, and plunged down the bank throwing her heavily to the ground. A gentleman passing in a buggy kindly brought the injured lady into Te Awamutu, where she was immediately attended by Dr Blunden, who found that one of tho small bones of the right wrist was broken. Mrs "Wainwright, was also severely shaken.

The Rev. William Calder seems to have made au impression at Te Arolia last Sunday. In an article entitled ' ' On the Rush," by " Verdant," in last Tuesday's Miner is the following: — "Slap, bang, here we are Again ! — and feeling very much improved, morally, after the Rev. Mr Calder's sermon, from the leeward wall of the Warden's Court. He is just the stamp of man to take in a rough community like ours, and many who went to scoff remained to pray. Mr Calder made a decided hit, and I trust he'll show up our way again before long. I'm told he is a bit of a bruiser too, and that perhaps helped to send him up in my estimation. Rumour has it that he once trounced a man at Hamilton for blaspheming in his presence. More honor to nim say I."

The Bishop of the Diocese is expected in Cambridge on Saturday, and, as will be seen by advertisement elsewhere, he hopes to meet the members of the Anglican Church and congregation in regard to funds for the new building, on Monday, *6 4 o'clock. We hope there will be a good muster in the Church at that hour; and as we beard it questioned whether the ladies are expected, we have authority for announcing that they are. The Bishop is advertised to give a lecture on Monday evening in aid of the building fund. From his personal knowledge ot India, what he has to say upon our past relations with Afghanistan and the recent war ,will come with weight, and the subjaqb should be particularly interesting at the • pteaont. We understand that on Sunday the Bishop will preach at Cam* bridge at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., when collections will be made towards the panto

fund. There will be a confirmation & the evenititf. The Bishop will al»o preaoh r at Ohaupo at 3.30 p.m. On Tuesday next the Bishop will vwt Waitoa and Matamata, and will meet the settlers relative to rearrangement of services at Mr Hunt's house, at 2 'p.m., and at the'Matv ' mata schodlhoiise at 7 p.m. In proof of the immense supe* riority of the steamer route from the Aroha to Auckland, we may mentiou that the journey to Grahatnstown the other day occupied 14 hours, the cockle*shell having stuck on a sandbank en route. Thence to Auckland the p.s. Enterprise took between seven and eight hours, thus making the total nearly 20 hours, or something like double the time which is occupied on the trip oia Wa\kato ! Mr Garter's coach took five passengers from Hamilton to the Aroha yesterday, four of whom were Auckland gentlemen. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies returned to the colony after a trip to England on Tuesday in the P.M. steamer Zealandia, and we understand resumes his official duties in the Supreme Court forthwith. Intelligence was received in Hamilton on Tuesday that a reef show* ing gold had been met with in the Victoria claim, Te Aroha. The shareholders in this claim are all Hamilton people.

The Licensing Bench fixed to sit at Cambridge on Tuesday has been adjourned until the 17th inst.

A meeting of the Hamilton West School Committee was held yesterday, tor the purpose of nominating a candidate for the central Board of Education. After discussion, it was unanimously decided to nominate Mr D. Goldie, of Auckland.

An effort is being made at Te Awamutu to raise funds for the prizes to be given to the children of the public school before the Christmas holidays, which, so far, has been very successful.

Some dastard has been annoying the settlers of the Waitoa lately. Two fine bulli belonging ta a settler there were mutilated and rendered useless, while another had a number of sheep driven into the river. The perpetrators, or the cause of these outrages, are not known.

Considerable progress has been made with Mr Colman 8 oontract for the cutting on the approach road to the bridge over the Mangaonua Creek at Hintons gully. The job is expected to be finished in a tew days.

Mr James Stewart, District Engineer, is at present on an official visit to Waikato. On Tuesday, accompanied by the District Engineer, Mr D. M. Beere, Mr Stewart proceeded to Piako for the purpose of defining the route of the Waikato-Thames Railway through certain properties, in order that tho owners may make arrangements for fencing, which will not be interfered with by the prosecution of the work. To-day Mr Stewart will proceed to inspect the Whatawhata Bridge, now under construction.

The attention of the Hamilton Highway Board is drawn to the extremely dangerous state of the approaches to the bridge on the Whatawhata road near the railway ballast pit, near Hamilton. At the south end of the bridge the approach has been narrowed by the rains, until there is barely room for a pair ot horses to pass. The matter should be attended to at once. The first bridge on the Whatawhata flat is also in a very unsafe condition, some of the planking being broken off.

We draw the attention of those contemplating furnishing 1 , and those in want of buggies, traps, drays, &c, to the advertisement of Messrs Vialou and Co. , which will be found m another column. The goods are all of the best description, and will be sold without reaerve. The sale will take place on the 22nd instant ; in the meantime the stock will continue to be sold privately. Everything has been remarked, and immense reductions, in some cases amounting to 40 per cent., have been made. We would recommend an early inspection of the stock.

Preparations are on foot by the Anglican Church residents of Cambridge, with the view of giving His Lordship Bishop Cowie a suitable reception on the occasion of his forthcoming visit to this portion of the Diocese. The programme includes a " garden party, " which will, weather permitting, take place at the grounds of Major Wilson on the afternoon of Saturday. His Lordship will, conduct services in S. Andrew's Church the following day (Sunday).

Some speculation was created in Cambridge on the afternoon of Tuesday, by the unearthing of a human skull, found buried in a vacant plot of ground situated in the centre of the town. On being subjected to medical examination, it was pronounced to be that of a Maori, whose death must have occurred many years ago — iv all probability, long beforo the district came to be peopled by a European population.

A good criterion of the progress made by Cambridge is to be found iv the faefc that the existing Post and Telegraph Office was erected not more than three years ago. The accommodation provided was, as it proved to be for a considerable time afterwards, amply sufficient for all the requirements of the place. Now, however, the matter stands different, the accommodation being found utterly inadequate to the position of affairs. That fact is abundantly shown by the extent to which the space devoted to delivery purposes is nightly thronged on arrival of the mail. To meet tho growing requirements of the case, a contract has been let for enlargement of the building, and operations in that direction will, we understand, be commenced so soon as the working plans are ready. Mr Richard Wright, carpenter, Cambridge, is the successful tenderer for the alterations in question.

The "Miner" of Thursday says :- * 'The Rev Mr Calder of Hamilton, preached at Waitoa on Sunday morning at 9 o'clock and several Te Arohans were drawn over by Mr Reuben Parr to be present. Mr Calder also preached near the Warden's Office at eleven o'clock, and had about one hundred and fifty hearers. Therev gentle* man delivered a most telling address, particularly applicable to the moral condition of men on a new rush, and we never before heard such general delight expressed at the ministrations of a clergyman, by persons belonging to all denominations. A Choir, consisting of Mr Willis (who led on the cornet), Mr Whitaker, Mr Barrett, Miss Strange, and others, sang two hymns— "The Old Hundredth" and "Our Blest Redeemer" (from Hymns Ancient and Modern). The pronunciation of the Benediction concluded the first Sunday religious iervice in the Aroha. In the afternoon, Mr Law preached in front of the Warden's Court, the service being well attended.

The commodious building intended to be occupied as an hotel, has just been completed at Cambridge West. It occupies an elevated position in that portion of the township,'thereby commanding a most extensive view of the surrounding country. Ifc ia fitted up wfth all the requisites for doing a ftrst>rat@ country business, besides which, the situation is likely to make it a favorite resort for towns-people. Altogether this new hotel venture, bids tolerably fair to become successful. Objections have, it is understood, been lodged to the granting of a license,but

these, if. i« said, are invalid, in consequence of not havinjr been lodged within the time prescribed by the Act.

Our Piako subscribers have to thank Mr Rowe, the carrier, for the nondelivery of the issues of the 4th and 7th. 'Quite by accident they were found lying at the Royal Hotel, from which place he has hitherto taken them. We trust the present arrangement with the coach services will last, and there will be no neglect on our part in getting papers to their destination promptly.

We were sorry to hear from a passenger by yesterday's train from Te Awamutu that Mr Hugh Goodfellow had met with a serious accident whilst shipping cattle at Te Awatnutu. Our informant was not very sure of the nature of the accident, but understood he had got -crushed between two trucks. Mr Goodfellow was lying at the station, and medical assistance had been sent for. We trust to hear that nothing very serious has happened.

The Hot Springs near the Township says the fe i roha Miner have long been known to possess wonderful curative powers in cases of rheumatism, and kindred ailments, and quite recently several cures hare come under our notice, which leave no doubt in our tnind of their value. A Mr. Faulkner, who three weeks or a month ago was completely crippled by a severe attack of rheumatism, and who had spent pounds and pounds in doctor's bills, is now perfectly cured through the use of the Springs. We could mention others who have obtained relief, but we have j neither time nor space here. Suffice to say that our reason for introducing the subject to our readers is to point out to them that a uew source of wealth would accrue to the place were step* taken to have the Springs properly looked after. The reserve, which is totally in the hands of the Government, might be let to some person who would erect buildings for the convenience of invalids, recouping himself by a small charge, which we feel certain, would be gladly paid. We do not see the slightest reason in the world why Te Aroha should not be a great sanitorium, as well as a great goldfield. The usual monthly meeting of the Tatnuhere Highway Board was held at Waikato County Chambers yesterday. Present — Messrs P. Leslie (in the chair), Wheeler, and Wood. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved. — A voucher for £80 18a lOd, being subsidy on rates up to the 31»t March, 1881. was received from the Treasury. — The Secretary stated that Mr B. Coleman had communicated with him with the object of getting the sum of £25 on the completion of the cutting approach to the bridge over the Mangonua Creek, subject to the Engineer's certificate being granted. The work was expected to be completed in a few days, and the applicant wished to have the money in about a fortnight. It was agreed to authorise the chairman to sign a cheque for the amount on the presentation of a certificate from Mr Breakell. — After some other business, the Board adjourned. The man McGuinness, whose escapade in tiwimmiug the river at Hamilton, the morning of Sunday last, resulted in his being taken into custody is, it uppears, wanted by the police of Cambridge. He is suspected of lunacy, and is said, while suffering therefrom, to have committed rather a berious assault on a mate of his, named Smallman, while the latter was supposed to be keeping watch over his movements. McGruinness, who is, comparatively speaking, a recent arrival iv the colony, has been engaged with a party of men employed in draining on the Monavale eatate. The unfortunate man was brought up at the R.M. Court, Hamilton, yesterday, f»nd on the testimony of Drs Carey and Beule, committed to the Asylum.

Te Aroha diggings continue to engross a good deal of attention in this place, writes our Cambridge correspondent. Likely specimens are being exhibited all over the township, and it w ascertained that s considerable amount of speculation in mining sharei has been, or rather is, goinjr on. The ground itself has been visited by a large number of residents, and the reports brought back are ceitaiuly of an encouraging 1 character. Our correspondent adds by way of P.S., that the startling anuoncemtnt has just now been received by telegram that a couple of tons of stone forwarded to G-rahamstown for crushing has gone as much a 22 ounces to the ton. If Te Aroha continues to keep up to a standard anything near that figure, it is bound to exercise material influence in the future of the colony.

Last year prizes were provided for the children attending the Hamilton West School out of a fund raised by means of an open-air concert in the grounds attached to Gwynne's hotel, and this year it is proposed to adopt a like plan. The concert, at which the best local talent, including the Light Infantry Band, will assist, will be held in the garden of the Hamilton Hotel on Boxing Night, and it is hoped that the public will liberally support the endeavors of the worthy promoters. The school will break up for the Christinas holidays on Wednesday, the 22nd inst., on which occasion tha prizes will be distributed — a first and second in each class to the pupils securing the highest number of markets. On the same day the children will give a concert to their parents and friends. The charge for admission to the school concert will be one shilling-, ani the funds will be devoted to improring the playground and providing the children with bat", wickets, &c The price of admission to the openair concert will also be one shilling 1 . The committee will meet to-morrow afternoon to appoint examiners.

At half-past 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning a somewhat serious accident occured to Miss Kate Buckland, through the upsetting of the trap in which she, with her sister-in-law, Mrs. James Buckland, were driving from Mr. A. Buckland' s residence. The carriage drive leading from the houne to the main road near I the Newmarket School, is very steep, and it is supposed that in coming down and turning a curre, some portions of the har« ness gave way, for the buggy was upset and both the occupants thrown out. The accident was observed by Mr. W. J. Marks, who at once went to the spot to render assistance. Mrs. Buckland, although somewhat shaken, appeared to have sustained little bodily injury, but Miss Buckland was not so fortunate. She is somewhat severely cut about the head. She was at once taken back to the house, and a messenger despatched for Mr. Tait, chemist, who was nearest at hand, and for Dr. Goldaboro,' who arrived soon after. We arc glad to learn that the young lady has not sustained any dangerous injuries. It is not anticipated that she will sustain any permanent disfigurement. There is a nasty cut juat under the eyebrow } and the lower part of the face is contused and out, but the wounds are superficial. A very interesting ceremony took place in the Sunday-school, Te Rahu, on tho afternoon of Sunday last, when a number of very handsome prizes were distributed among the ohildren by Mr Coulter, the Superintendent of the School. The prizes were the gifts of Miss S. At Floyd, of Ohaupo, and Miss B. Miller, of Pukekohe. As teachers, these young ladies took a lively interest in the Sundayschool up to tha time of their removal to other distriots, and their reoent donation of books, cards, &c, show that they are still anxious for the welfare of their little pupils, with whom tb,ey were

favourite*. When we consider that there are few people, young and old, willing to become teachers or to assist in our Sundayschools—Sunday, being to most people, not a " holy-day" but a jolly-day — it does not «eeem out of place to say that these young ladies deserve great praise ; for, though having plenty of work to do at home all the week, they found time to teach a class in Sunday-school. We take tin* opportunity of thanking Bliss Floyde and Miss Miller for their handsome donations of books, a-* well as for the kindly interest they have manifested in our welfare since severing their connection with us as teachers. We hope these young ladies may long be spared to assist in the good work of Sunday-school teaching, and enjoy many a merry OhriHtmas and many a happy New Year.—(Communicated.)

The Duke of Northumberland's Tenantry. — We observe it stated that the Duke of Northumberland has upon his estates in Northumberland 673 farmers occupying farms, varying in extent from about 4 acres to 6000 acres, these latter being moorland sheep farms. Of the total number mentioned more than onehalf, or 394, occupy between 4 acres and 20 acres. Of these small tenancies 243 have been in the hands of the same family as tenants for 25 years and upwards, and out of that number 21 of the tenants and their fathers before them have occupied the same tenancy for upwards of 100 years. Of the larger tenancies there are 19 families who have occupied the same tenancies for upwards of 100 years, and 140 for upwards of 25 years ; and, except about a dozen of the large Highland sheep farms, the tenants all hold upon annual tenancies.

Mr Vere Foster has offered the magnificent sum of 15,000 tv assist emigration. Mr Foster belongs to Belfast.

St. Enoch Station, Glasgow, is now permanently lit by electricity. There are six lamps, three on each side of the station. Each lamp gives a light equal to 6000 standard candles.

The Marquis of Ripon has ordered the discontinuance of the practiice of doing official work of any kind on Sundays, as has hitherto been the custom in certain Indian Government offices.

Mr Alfred Buckland notifies that he will dispose of a choice lot pure shorthorn cattle at an early date. The inouthly meeting of the C imbridge Farmers' Club will be held on Monday next, at 7 o'clock.

On Monday afternoon next a meeting will be held in S. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, relative to the new Church Building Fund, tit which the Bishop will preside. In the evening a public meeting will be held in Public Hall, when a lecture on " Afghanistan and the recent War," will be delivered by His Lordship.

Mr Kennedy Hill will sell, by auction, valuable allotments and buildings, situated in Hamilton East, on the 22nd inst. This is .1 fiist-cUss opportunity tor obtaining desirable and good investment*.

A soiree in aid of the funds of the Church, Cambridge, will take place in the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Wednesday next. Tea will be on the table at half-p:is>t six.

Tenders are called, till 12 o'clock noon of Mouthy, the }nl January no\t, by the Hamilton Domain board, for making a drain about 80 1 h.iins along the Hamilton KustTown Helt, in terms ot specifications to seen at that office,

Mr Alfred Buckland holds au important sale of hor>.ii stock at the Haymurket, to-morrow, at it o'clolK..

Mr Henry Novgrove, butcher, of Cambridge, has been elected trustee in bankruptcy of the est ite of Edward Hugh Ross Rave, bankrupt, Cambridge.

An error crept into this column on Tuesday. In referring to the notification by the W.iiLito CoiinU Council regarding tin* dog ta\ it w.is stated th.it the " names and addresses of persons trom whom owners may t.ike out doglicenses " were gi\ on. It should n.ivu stated that the names of those persons were given from whom blank forms of application to register dogs for the year commencing January ist, 1881, may be obtained.

Special attention is called to the price list of the Rod.mow Manufacturing 1 Co., of Hoston, published in these columns. All those wishing to secure an excellent .md correct timekeeper are recommended to address themsehes to this old and reliable firm. No further e\ idence of their manufactures will be required beyond the following' tacts : The firm was established in 1849, and since then ha\e gained prize medals at the Exhibitions of London, Paris, Vienna, &c, for excellence of manufacture. They are appointed, by warrant, watt hmakers to the Queen «f England, Prince of Wales, the Emperor of I Russia and the Bey of Tunis.

' The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly pro\e a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. .sell their drapery millenary, and clothing .it such prices for cash as pives the buyer the ad\ antages ot a shareholder in a co-operativ e society, without the risk ol being called upon to bcaraportionofthc loss should the year's business prove unsatisf.u tory. Garliek and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a t.iir trial; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; fust the same as though they made a personal se- ' lection. Furnishing goods, suth as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house turniture, the largest portion ot which is turned out .it our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per i ent. will be allowed to those who p iv at the time of purchase. G. &. C having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is \i vv \m> cm v.i>j y HOUOHr. An inspect! is oninvited. — Gvkiu k v\n Cr wvvi r r.. City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queenstrcct, Auckland.