The Waikato Times THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1339, 29 January 1881, Page 2

The Waikato Times THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

iiqu.il and exact justice to all men, Ot wliuteier state or persuasion, icligious or puliticn.l, Here shall the Press the People's ritfht maintain Un.iwud by inllucntu •md unbribcd by gMi\.

SATURDAY, JAN. 29, 1881.

" Local Government Reform" is the subject matt c r of a series of papers, written by the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, and published in the columns of a Southern contemporary of political note — the Wairarapa Standard. The writer sets out with an admission that "The institutions called into existence by abolition of the provinces have not satisfied local wants ;" and then, in further explanation, adds that they have proved " cumbersome, expensive, and otherwise work discordantly amongst themselves.' With the major proposition put forward by the gallant Colonel we quite agree, and while not wholly dissenting from the explanatory portion, we can only admit of it subject to a certain amount of reservation. The Counties Act, and, j indeed, abolition of the provinces as a whole, has, from the very outset, had exceptional difficulties to contend against. Strenuously opposed at every point by its opponents, the old provincial party, no sooner was it given effect to than its supporters, from being lukewarm, became utterly indifferent, if not actually hostile. Cradled in adversity, it has been allowed to grow up in a state of utter neglect — nothing more than a spasmodic, or, at best, half-hearted, effort having been made to render abolition of the provinces complete in all its parts. To realise this fact clearly, it is necessary to recall the brilliant promises with which, as * policy, it was at first enunciated. | The nine petty Governments which j constituted provincialism and their works were to disappear. Every few square miles of territory was to be no longer afflicted with separate and distinct laws and legislation. The whole affair was. to be consolidated into one grand, scheme, antj; equal justice meted'out to all. These #re simply a moiety pf Hhe brilliant prosp^fcs by -wrhi«& the schemed for abolition $99 pr^jH*u4<fe4 ■} $&sss■

are sufficient., as the sequel will show, to prove that, so far as ifc has yet gone, it has been a complete failure. Six years ago, when the proposal first took shape as a legislative question, what must be regarded as a very promising Counties Act was submitted. Out of deference to the views of the provincial party — who were still hopeful of being able to pave the way for a return to their favourite form of government — the Bill was '' chopped about most unmercifully." In particular, a " local option" clause was introduced, leaving it with the counties themselves to say whether or not they would bring the Act into operation, or o,llow it to remain hanging on their hands a dead-letter. The result of this " easy virtue" method of doing business was just what might have been forseen. One county brought the Act into operation, and the conterminous county refused, the result being that the system never had an opportunity afforded for operating as a grand whole. The original intention of the Act was, that two or more counties might co-operate with each other in promoting a common object, and we believe, had the Act not stultified itself by the permissiveclause, great good would have been achieved in that way, both towards promoting public enterprise and consolidating the administration. Then, again, the continuance of Road Boards has been another great drawback to free and effective operation on the part of the counties. With two, or perhaps three, of these smaller bodies asserting administrative rights and privileges, it is easy to understand that the movements of the County Councils must have been sorely clogged, and a great deal of useless expenditure thereby entailed on the ratepayers. While freely admitting that, under the former rn/inte, these Boards did good service, we unhesitatingly assert that they have become little better than mere incrustations on the superior body constituted under the Counties Act. Colonel Whitmoi-e, while viewing these Boards in their cooperative capacity to the counties in a favourable light, is, nevertheless, forced to make the following admission : — "The most successful counties have been those in which Road Boards do not exist, and which are, therefore, only giant Road Boards themselves." An admission of this kind is most significant, coming, as it does, from one who advocates a continuance of these Boards, even at the expense of a greatly modified counties system. With such results, it is not at all surprising that even the apostles of abolition themselves should begin to despair of the measure as an effective system. Mr. Ormond's memorable speech on the subject, delivered last session, will be remembered as a case in point. Briefly put, he said that, while he had been one of the most ardent in the cause of abolition, its very meagre results had caused him to modify, if not change, his views, and he was far from believing that a return to provincialism, in some kind of modified form, was not the direction legislation ought to take. It is simply painful to listen to such sentiments, and however much they may be applauded by a few of the more opulent of the provincial centres, the body corporate of settlement — residents throughout the landward districts, who know, to their cost, that provincialism is nothing better than a ramified system of centralisation — will resent such a proposal without the slightest hesitation. It would be useless to deny, however, that a return to provincialism is a moot point, if not a settled determination, on the part of not a few members of the Legislature, and that the forthcoming general election will find it one of the more prominent hustings cries is more than probable. The member for Parnell has chalked it down as part of his programme for the ensuing session, and the Auckland Herald has already gone into commission as his locum teiiens or mouth-piece on the point. With all these significant facts before him, it would be well for the abolitionist to be on the alert, otherwise a forced march may be stolen, and the landward districts suddenly awakened up to a sense of the fact that they are well advanced on the road to a return of their old bete noir — provincialism.

Much difference of opinion, we regret to see, exists amongst Waikato Volunteers and others on the subject of the proposed Beview in this district at Easter. We have all along inclined to the opinion that the most suitable place at which to hold the demonstration is Te Awamutu ; but we are not blind to the fact that there are many reasonable objections to be urged on the opposito side. For many, very many, years to come defensive measures in this colony will require to be taken solely against internal foes. Our system of Volunteering must, therefore, be regarded as a means of providing protection to the European population from the dangers which may arise out of the unsettled condition of our dark-skinned neighbours. In ; some parts of the colony we have j little doubt that the profession of arras-4f we may be allowed the use of the expression i» this connection —is embraced chiefly iov the purpose* of recreation, We itfjwfi tffl a, mooifittt attempt $f a^^jmtyia the importajice of, a j^wfc^ftaiy training even, .under. »ui«^ #9j.«wo)?f as thene, because, m%*^&7&§^^o may -bjs jkepfc, id ;^*V t^|^^s%;

others in the .North Island, the Volunteers are not mere show soldiers, but real bonajide defenders. In all that is done, therefore, there is an end clearly in view. We have, therefore, thought that, if possible, a Review, which it is believed will demonstrate so forcibly the potency of our means of defence should be held on the frontier of the European country, and before the eyes of those people from whom springs all that we have to fear in the shape of an enemy in this island. The objections to such an arrangement arise principally out of the want of means. Accommodation is scanty at Te Awamutu, and several hundred pounds would be required to provide the tents, (fee, for an encampment such as has been proposed. To get over this difficulty, it was resolved at the meeting of officers held at Ohaupo the other day, to make application to the Government for the loan of the required canvas. It is doubtful, however, whether the Government have any tents at their disposal, in which case the whole question, in our opinion, will have to be reconsidered. In all other respects, Te Awamutu is eminently well adapted for the purposes of a Review, the railway bringing it within easy distance of both Auckland and different parts of Waikato. But the question of providing a lodgment for a large body of men cannot be lightly dealt with, and unless provision can be made at the point decided on, without incurring any very large outlay of money, it is not at all improbable that Cambridge or Hamilton will have to be selected. In point of adaptability of the country for the purposes of a Review and shamlight, Te Awamutu undoubtedly has the palm ; but, in these dull times, the other issues which we have raised are of quite as much, if not of greatei", importance.

To-day, being the anniversary of the colony, will be observed as a holiday generally. In future the mails for Te Aroha, Wiihou, and Morrinsville are to be mide up at Hamilton Post-oflice every 1 uesday, Thursday, and (Saturday, at 8 a.m.; and to arrive from Te Aroha, &c, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5 p.m. A grand swimming tournament, open to all coiners, is advertised to come off on the river at Hamilton, this afternoon. The course is to be from Coates old lauding place toGwynne's b.*tli-house. Entries 2s (id, must be made at the Royal Hotel before 4.30 o'clock, the race to start punctually at 5. Prices will be given. Competitors are requested to appear in proper costume. The following tenders have been received for road formation in Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton East : Thomas Jones, 9s lid per chain (accepted); W. Goodwin, lls 4d; J. Devitt, 9s ll t l d; R. Land, 17s 5d j J. Taylor, 14s. It is announced in another column that the Waikato Turt Club Summer Meeting privileges will be sold by public auction on Saturday next, sth proximo, by Mr K. Hill, at 2 o'clock p.m. We are glad to hear that Mr Hindle, who met with such a serious accident, is improving. Yesterday morning lie had partially regained consciousness, and although he cannot yet be considered out of danger, there is a much greater prospect of recovery than existed on the previous day. He is still assiduously attended by Dr Edgelow. The following railway bye-law is gazetted: "Dogs will be conveyed and charged for according to printed conditions, but will not on any account be allowed to accompany passengers in the carriages. Any person persisting in taking a dog into a passenger carnage shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £10." The " Taranaki Herald " cautions person from buying horses from natives, as it learns that the practice of stealing horses, riding them into town, selling them, .and returning to Paraihaka, is being generally adopted by the young natives there. The horses are afterwards claimed, and the purchasers are accordingly the losesrs without the opportunity of obtaining redress. The gold imported from New Zealand in 1880 amounted to 305,248 ounces, valued at £1,227,252, as compared with 287,464 ounces, valued at £1,148,108 in 1879. The total amounts exported from this colony to the end of 1880 was 9,552,194 ounces, valued at £37,300,633. We were, yesterday, shown some specimens of quarts obtained in a locality several miles from the Aroha, the position of which, for the present, is kept secret. The stone shows gold freely, and from the test 3 which have been made promises to turn out well. The discoverer intends to return to the field in a day or two, for the purpose of pegging out. The picnic to the beautiful groves at the Bluenose camp, on the Waipa river under the auspices of the Hamilton Light Infantry Band comes off today. The steamer Delta will, weather permitting, leave Hamilton about half-past nine a.m., returning 1 again about 5 30 p.m. After landing on the banks of the Waipa, various games, such as cricket, swinging, &c. &c, will be engaged in, and provided the weather be fine, a very jolly day is in store. The oo3t of the trip is very little, only 3s from Hamilton, and 2s from Ngaruawahia ; half-price for children. The attendance, therefore, may be expected to be large. It is not known whether the business places in Hamilton will be closed or not, but an effort will be made to secure a partial holiday. During the last week the District Engineer, Mr D. M. Beere, has, acting under instructions from the Government, made an examination of the Hamilton bridge with a view to ascertaining whether any damage has been done to the piers by scouring. The result of the soundings taken goes to show that no material change has taken place in the bed of the river, and no damage sustained by the bridge. This news will, after the wretched croakiugs which some people have vented, afford some consolation to the burgesses.

pur whatawhata correspondent writes: — "At the meeting of householders held here on. Monday, Messrs Crawford, Bailey, Iverson, Fitzgerald, Braithwaite, $aljoy, and Foxali were elected a school conjfnitjte/B ftw (he ensuing year. The j bal^ipcyj-s^eejb dj£j6jio|ed fy&p there was a balance jln ha^d^f '^lq> '4* 9" W.*#JR£ ft^' tho jnew.:cdnMnitte> l)ield ~afjtefwarss, Mi*; Barley: wa^'^oJi^c^wiplh^aQ. Everyone Mfe f |(| h^ Jf jjCr pji^dfo's ao<|-

Waikato. Mr Patrick O'Neill, who died yesterday, at his residence, near Cambridge, at the advanced age of 71, was one of the military setcWs, and belonged to the 3rd Regiment. Waikato Militia. His funeral, which will take place to-morrov , will doubtless be attended by a largo circle of friends, to whom he was endeared by his many good qualities. After describing the fall in New Zealand Government stocks in October, and ti coincident riso in the stocks of the other Colonies, Mr Westgarth, in his oil cular bays: — "The various municipal stocks also continue in great favour, especially those of New Zealand, in curious contract to the stocks of that Colony's general Government. As an instance of what may be not unfittingly called the freak of the market, even a market s>o sagacious as London, The Dunedin Municipal five per cents, are now quoted at 102, while the New Zealand fives aie at 99. Not very long ago tho former were at 98, and the latter at 105 and upwards !"' We would remind our readers of the musical treat in -tore for them on Wedneiday evening next in the Recital of Sacred Music in S. Peters Church, by the choir at 7. 30. The Recital will, like the one of last year, consisfcof choruse«, qu r rfcGtte«, trios", duets, solo*, and instrumental pieces, which are fast approaching their proper state of finish under the able baton of Mr T. A.Bell. There will be do charge for admission but there will be an offertory at the close towards the fund which supplies the church music, when the voluntaty contribution of those present will be gladly received. In a paper read by Mr Glyn to to the members of the Opotiki Farmers' Club, and quoted in cxtenso by the New Zealand Country Journal, the following appears : — A few days ago Mr Dumergue drew my attention to an extract from a paper read before the Cambridge Farmers' Club by Mr Reynolds. He seems to think the weaning of calves is a very difficult matter, and thinks a few roots are absolutely necessaiy to make the weaners thrive properly. In weaning, cows and calves should be kept both out of sight, and, if possible, out of hearing of one another, otherwise the calves will be a long time in settling clown, and some of them would probably get back to their mothers again. In three or four clays after weaning, calves will have settled clown if managed in that way. It is in matters as these, which at first appear mere trifles, which constitutes the difference between success, and, I might say, failure. One is apt to think that it is only old colonials who have their poweis ot endurance fully developed, but the contrary has been proved without a doubt this week, iv the case of our newly arrived doctor. Dr Edgelow was bent for to WhatawhaU late on Tuesday night, to attend Mr Ilindle after his sad accident, and after sitting up all night with his patienr, returned to Hamilton next morning and btarted immediately for Pialco, his destination beinfy five miles beyond the Nottingham Castle, to which place he drove, returning about bix in the evening, and starting after 9 p.m. for his .second visit to Whatawhata, to meet Doctor H lines from Auckland; this, with the return journey, made forty four miles in the saddle, and JG in a buggy in twenty-four hours. Not bad for a " new churn." Commenting on Mr. Bryce's resignation, the Tunarn Herald t.ays : — •" He held that, to reduce the force, while releasing- the prisoners, would endanger the whole hoherae of settlement, unless Te Whiti were first disposed of. His plan, we believe 1 , was to occupy Parihaka with the Constabulary, and to place Te Whiti himself in custody until he should give a guarantee of abstaining from agitation in future. This, we are assured, could have been done without the least difficulty, and probably without a shot bein»r fired or the employment of any actual violence. That, it would most effectually have settled the business, and enabled the Government safely to reduce the expenditure on the West Coast to modprate proportions, there oannot, we think, be any doubt whaterer." Hists to the Consumptive. — The diet of the consumptive, says a writer in an English Medical paper, should be simple and nutritious; very strict rules as to special articles are uncalled for, unless the stomach should have exhibited signs of imperfect power. Meat should bo taken once or twice a day, with a good allowance of fat. Fi.sh. is nutritious, especially oysters. Milk is veiy nouiibhing, and two or three pints may be taken in the course of the day. At the hospital for consumption at "Brompton many of the patients have a glass of ium and milk the iire>t thing in the morning before breakfast, to help them to dre.ss, and undoubtedly it often does good. Asses' milk may be taken, when oiainary milk disagree-. Another fa v ouiite prescription is iat bacon for breakfast. Sugar is very fattening, and there is no objection to taking it even in considerable quantities. A moderate allowance of wine or spinti is advisable, but it should be taken, with caution, when it flushes the face or quickens the pulse.

Tenders are invited to noou of the Oth pro\imo for gravelling about 500 jards, and deepening 20 chains of ditch, Puiko ro.id. The adjourned meeting of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers will be held .it the Royal Hotel, .it h.ilf past eight o'clock this evening. All who take an interest in the company arc particularly requested to attend. Captain Steele advertises the sale of the farm known as Woodstock, consisting of ?oo acres, presently occup cd by Mr Hiuce-huttor, who is about to t.ike possession of the Kureka Estate, lately purchased by him iroin the Waikato Land Association. Mr H. Chitty, Kent House, Hamilton, advertises that, having bought advantageously, he now offers special value for money. He offers no prucs. Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co. will hold their nc\t Ngaruj.Wtih.ia cattle sale on February 16th, at 1 o'clock. On Tuesday, Ist March, they will offer for sale, at tho Okete yards, Raglan, about 200 head mixed store cattle, 10 horses, &c, at 1 o'clock. Mr Patrick Leslie advertises that he has one, two, and three-year-old pure bred Lincoin rams, directly descended from imported sheep, for sale. A meeting of the Waikato County Council will be held on the nth proximo, to consider obiectiqns to road stoppings on the Cambridge and Kirikiriroa Ridings, Mr J. Moses, Hamilton, advertises that he will give prizes amounting to £11 ss, consisting of two watches and silver chain and locket, to purchasers at bis shop up to February 28th. Purchasers of goods to the value of 5s will receive one ticket, purchasers of the value of 10s two tickets, and so on. The drawing will be on the art union principle, and will take place on the Ist March. The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a. benefit to the public. It has been a great »uccess in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where tho goods are marked low to ensure a rapid salo must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, a»d clothing at such price* for cash as rives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without tho risk of being called upon to bearaportion of theloss should the year's buslnen* prove unsatisfactory, Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain tijp qqnfidcnce which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system, a fair trial j whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding', and general hoijse furniture, -the largest portion of which, is turned ojit at 8 jjr own," factory, will be marked ,at tt'e^owMjl j¥rauVi»afwe S*?jfWi *&& a'discquhtolf itbetit i)*K wv jtSP 4 tttiASLV '