The Waikato Times THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.
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SATURDAY, FEB. ,7, 1881. Colon jzatiox in New Zealand is beginning to assume a more distinctive, phrase, a so to speak, national characteristic. Brought together as colonists m ere, a mixed population from amongst the \aiious nations of the earth, they continued for a time to exhibit instincts peculiar to their race without any of that blending together of the different types w Inch is essential for consolidating the whole into a grand national system. To a considerable extent the circumstances of the colony were conducive to the maintenance of that state of things. Centres of population were isolated from each other by natural barriers of a formidable character, and to these geographical obstacles must be added the early political institutions of the colony, all tending in the direction of a more complete exclusiveness. We ca&t no reflections on the early days of public enterprise, when we say that, for a time at least, no adequate provision existed for free intercommunication bethe different centres of population, and, living as we did under provincial institutions, the tendencies were to render this individuality the more complete. Thanks, however, to abolition, that exclusive system of Government lias to a great extent disappeared and a more complete system of public works administration overcame the natural barriers ; the resalt being, as already indicated, New Zealand is developing a more pronounced type of natural instincc and character. It is a study of the question in its abstract sense which brings out the principle as a whole, and certainly no branch of the study affords a more promising issue than that which deals with the social habits and pursuits of thcpeople. The work of the statistician goes to show that, of late years, a decided improvement has heen wrought in these respects, one of tho chief obstacles to the social progress — drunkenness — being rapidly on the wane. During 1878 the convictions for this offence numbered 5335, being at the rate of one conviction to every 81 of the population. There is no record of the cases in which the same offenders were more than once convicted within the year, and of course a large allowance ought to be made accordingly , though, for the purpose of comparison, it does not materially matter. In 1879 the number of convictions was 4888, showing a large falling off. This gives a proportion to the estimated population at tho end of tho year of one conviction to 95. Slated in a different way, there is a decrease, of convie-' tions on the former year of B*6 per, cent. "We -think," says the Wmv
yimui Herald, " if the statistics were so arranged, it would be found that the cause is simply the yearly increase of persons born in the colony to those arriving in it from other countries There can hardly be. a doubt but that the young colonial has not the same taste for intoxicating liquors as those who bring their habits with" them from " over the seas." No doubt there is some ground for this deduction, but we are far from thinking that it is, in any respect of the word, entitled to be credited the pre-disposing cause. The public-house recourse is beginning to exercise less and less influence every year upon the transactions and intercourses of daily life. Men are finding out that bargains can be struck, and arrangements completed, without the intervention of strong drink, and that hospitality can be dispensed, or social intercourse promoted, in more congenial haunts than those of the bar-parlour and taproom. Banquettings, and other pleas for indulgence in sensualities of that class, are becoming more and more rare ; the garden-reception, open-air promenade, and the picnic being substituted in lieu thereof. These we believe to be a primary cause of the improvement, and as examples, they are no doubt exercising healthy influences on the minds of the colonial-born youth and others of the rising generation. Whatever the true cause may be, we agree with a South Island contemporary that it is gratifying to find this curse on our civilization diminishing. We cannot venture to hope that the diminution will continue to pi'oceed in the same ratio that it has done in 1879, but if we can only continue to show some advance each year, we may rest satisfied in the assurance that, as Germany has wiped out the stigma resting upon her at the beginning of the present century, so New Zealand will be able, before even the end of the present century, to say that drunkenness as a prevalent national vice has become a thing of the past, and that its national character and reputation has been matured, if not moulded, the practice of sobriety.
The domestic affairs of the British Empire are attaining a gravity, demanding all the attention and all the effort of the Government, though sucli Government, were ten times abler and stronger than the pseudo Liberal, Gladstone (tree - felling), administration. What more shameful sight could there be for a civilised Government, which pretends to protect life and lawful rights, than that of landlords reaping the fruit of their property by armed assistance? It seems beyond dispute, judging at this distance, that the landlords of Ireland cannot be held irresponsible for the state of things existing in Ireland. If they had done their duty by their laud, and had dealt with their tenantry, as English landlords have dealt, we cannot but belies c that the agitation now convulsing Ireland could not havo taken such root, or met with such wide-spread sympathy among the peasantry. Any reasonable measures, therefore, which may be proposed to place the land tenure in Ireland upon a more satisfactory footing will not be condemned by public opinion in England, even if these measures should not be in accordance with English ideas, or in strict harmony with the abstract doctrengs of political economy. But, beyond this, we do not think public opinion in England is prepared to go. The system of assissanation and terrorism, by which tho Land League is practically enforcing its theories is not to be tolerated. Before all, and above all, the law must be upheld, and the authority of the United Kingdom must be preserved intact. Any attempt to override the law or to sever the union of Great Britain and Ireland will assuredly meet with tho unanimous condemnation of the British public. Mr Parnell, who understands his own business, constantly assures his followers that the Government will never originate measures which the Irish tenants ought to accept; but he adds that Parliament will sanction the legislation which the Land League may have already established and enforced. One concession which he announces as certain is described as the resumption by the State of the titles which it has given to landjobbers through the Landed Estates Court. It had been thought that a Parliamentary title was indefeasible, though the State is inaccurately said to have given titles because the law sanctioned a certain kind of sales. Mr Parnell himself has perhaps never before attacked so audaciously the fundamental right of property. If a purchaser under an Act of Parliament expressly designed and passed to facilitate sales is liable to a resumption of his title on demand of a seditious mob, it is difficult to understand how any owner can be safe. The Land League is consistent with itself in claiming the right to prohibit future sales. Mr Parnell may claim for himself the credit of having brought the agitation on the Irish land question to such a point that the Imperial Government must in some way or other deal with it* But we do' not believe that, however it may oe dealt with, it will put a atop to that chronic disaffection which has made Ireland so fruitful a vineyard for the labours of Apolitical ;ad venturers. What is o needed is.that^^ernnienj fchouid, 6are£ully; colder : AhQ ; state
jovity of the people are dependent for their livelihood on the cultivation of tho soil, and that they should so modify the law as to correct any evils that may be found in it, and so do equal justice between landlord and tenant. That tho Land League has lately obtained a great impetus, is patent to the most superficial observer of passing events, and that it should be obtaining a footing in the Colonies is ominous.
Owing to pressure of advertisements, several letters and important itemb are crowded out.
A meeting of the subscribers to the Hamilton Volunteer Band is convened for Monday evening next, for the purpose of electing trustees in above to vest the instruments which have been called in by the captain commanding, in order that they might be held in trust of responsible parties.
An adjourned meeting was held last night to consider the present position of the Hamilton Public Hall question. About twenty gentlemen were present. The Mayor, 'Mr Knox, presided. The proceedings throughout were characterised by a great deal of opposition, and the meeting, which was convened for seven o'clock, was protracted till a late hour, and in consequence we are compelled to hold over a detailed report for next issue.
Messrs B. Tonks, Proude, and Moat, the Board of Reviewers, under the Property Assessment Act, sat at th« Waikato County Council Chambers on Thursday, for the purpose of hearing objections to the assessment on the Counties of Waikato and Piako and the Borough of Hamilton. A considerable of obj enters appeared, and the valuation in many cases vfa,A reduced. Yesterday, the Boa v d sat at Ohaupo for the Counties of Waipa and Raglan.
Some very successful trials of twine made from the phormium fibre have within the last few days been made in harvesting 1 machines on Mr Clothier's farm Kaipoi Island, at Mr Denton's Eyreton, and Mr Dailey's, Swannanoa. this twine, manufactured by Messrs Haynian Jiios., of Kaipoi, has stood severe teht<>, and proved to be superior to the imported twine on the machines in which it was tried. The strength is greater, and the price is a fourth less, being eightpence per lb for the imported hempen twine.
Mr Herring, himself a Yorkshire f aimer, and who represents a number of others, arrived at the Bluff by theTe Anau and intends to travel through New Zealand with a view of reportin^'on its capabilities for agricultural and pastoral settlement. He will follow up in the interests ot the Yorkshire farmers the work done by Messrs Grant and Foster in tho interests of the Lincolnshire farmers.
The following is a list of the purchasers of the lots in Hamilton East and Kirikiriroa, sold by Messrs B. Tonks and Co., at Hamilton on Wednesday last : — Shop and premises formerly occupied by Mr Harris, £825 (S. Jackson, jnr.) ; lot 3, £62 10s (J. Moses) ; lot ', £115 10s (Larkins) : lot o, £59 8s (T. "Finlayson); allotment 194, Kirikiriroa, 50 acres, £115 (11. K. Davis); allotment 112, Taupiii, 50 acres, £17 10&. The total amount realised £1274,
The usual monthly meeting of the Hamilton West School Committee was held on Thursday evening, there being present Messrs. Gwynue (in the chair), O'Neil, Gaudiu, Yon Stunner, Bradley, and Knox. The statements) of accounts read showed that the proceeds of the ohildrens concert in the bchool-room amounted to £6 Is (nott) ; the garden concert, £12 2s. It was resolved to supplement the funds oi the boys benior Cricket Club by 30s, and to give a like amount to the junior club. The Secretary was re(| nested to write to the Borough Council drawing their attention to the state of the approoch ot the school opposite the Council Chambers. The girls sewing content not having been decided at Christmas it was resolved to ask Mrs. Gwynne to examine the work of the competitors with a view to awarding the prize. This was all the business.
A mark of distinction, the first of the kind earned by a resident of the Waikalo, has been gained by Jas. C. Maclaurin, Ohaupo, vi/,., a scholarship tenable for two years, from the Ist Jan. last, and which, subject to certain conditions, entitles the holder to an allowance of £30 per annum, and free tuition at the Auckland College and and Grammer School. The certificate has been forwarded by the Board of Education, to Ohaupo School Committee, but, owing to the recipient being absent in Auckland, a formal presentation could not, as the members of committee would have wished be made. The distinction won by this lad is a most creditable one, the more so as it happens to be the first of the kind secured by a pupil attending any o£ the schools in Waikato ; at the samo time, it reflects credit on the management and conduct of the Ohaupo School.
After reviewing the qualifications of the various names mentioned aa successor to the late Native Minister the Fins (Canterbury) goes on to say— We wonder who the " specials" will pitch upon next. We are still more curious to know why they have dropped Mr. Sheelian, who used to bo their pet candidate for the office now vacant. Not many months ago they actually wanted to push Mr. Bryce out of it in order to put Mr. Sheehan in. They stuck to it hard and fast that Mr. Sheehan was to be Native Minister during the whole time when Mr. Bryce's relations with his colleagues were of the most cordial nature. Yet now, when Mr. Bryce has walked off of his own accord and left the coast clear, Mr. Sheehan's former patrons scour the country for all sorts of out-of-the-way people, without bestowing a single canard on him. "But somebody must succeed Mr. Bryce, and who, in the name of goodness is it to be?" Well, we frankly confess we do not know, and what is more, we do not care. It is entirely a matter for the Premier to decide for himself, and wo have the utmost confidence that in his own timo he will decide it wisely.
A meeting of shareholders in the Te Aroha Quartz Crushing Company will be held at O'Halloran's Hotel, Te Aroha, this evening 1 , at half-past seven. Certain rural lands in the Fiako County are open for selection at the Crown Lands Office on and after Tuesday, ist proximo. Town and suburban lands in the town and suburbs of Mercer, To Aroha, and Parish of Taupiri, will be offered for sale, by public auction, on Tuesday, ist March. Wbitaker and Sheeban, solicitors. an> nounce that Edward Pearson, of Hamilton, builder, a debtor, intends on Tuesday, 15th proximo, or as soon after as may be, to apply for an order of discharge. Mr J. Moses' advertisement Will be found in our fourth page. Mews W. J. Hunter and Co. will dispose of some choice cattle at Ngaruawahia on the 16th instant. An Assessment Court for the Borough of Hamilton will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, the 24th instant. ' ' ■ I Mr <J. S. Bnokland has been iristruoted by Mr H. w. Tinnto r ßriarley, Tatnahere, to sell , all his valuable households furuitureand'»tock on the 25th instant, fuU' .particulars of which appear, m another column;' : , , ' ! l " The Assessment Courtsfqt the Counties • of Watpa; M^ISatKWPIW^ i» OVJ r O»WKO'
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Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1342, 5 February 1881, Page 2
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2,573The Waikato Times THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1342, 5 February 1881, Page 2
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