SATURDAY, JUNE 11 1881.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1392, 4 June 1881, Page 2

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 1881.

A.s is usual in statements in connection with native matters, we find that the reports published regarding the recent action of the King natives at Puniu, are much exaggerated and misleading. We have caused the strictest investigation to be made into the whole affair, and find the facts of the case to be as follow :—: — The statement that "Tolcs cattle were driven oft'," is, to say the least, udsh'adiwj. The fact is, Toles cattle on his Crown grant land of 2JOO acres, the Ngamotia block, hare not ban disturbed or meddled tvi/Ji in (my win/, nor has Tole or any of hifc men been interfered with ; but such of Toles cattle as btrayed amongst Ross' cattle at the fanitr side of Kiliiliihi have been driven off with Ross' cattle. It appears that Ross had had a patcli of land laid clown in grrss over the river opposite his farm by order of Rewi, by way of compensation for the kindness shown to him, and loss sustained by large gatherings of the native people to meet Mr Sheehan from time to time during the administration of the late Government. Now, it was from this patch that Ross' cattle were driven, and also any other cattle* belonging to Europeans straying thereabouts — hence the cry about Toles cattle. The driving off the cattle, and such pakeha maoris as are found there, is in accordance with the resolution arrived at at the recent Hikurangi meeting, and is by way of showing that the King lias absolute control over his country and people : and further it is clone with a view to the King leasing the land, as recommended, to the Europeans. As for Rcwi having to give up the title of the house at • Kihikihi, this is bounce and jealousy on the part of the King natives. They consider that Rewi is made too much of by the Government, and that the importance of the King is lessened thereby. Again, the Hikurangi meeting has unquestionably united the natives more, and as union is strength, they are likely to assume the aggressive, and they are, it seems, immensely elevated at present by their ordering the pakeha and his cattle off. Hcwi, we are informed, will not give up the house, he has it only for his lifetime, and it is entailed. [Since writing the above — late last night — we received a telegram from an indisputable source, fully corro borating these' statements, and further announcing that Rewi takes formal possession of his house' at Kihikihi to-day, when Major Hair will be present.]

Whether the lately projected scheme of the Cambi'idge Water Supply lias fallen through' from want of faith on the part of the projectors, or the adverse tcpntupiacy of the «f upper-flats," it is difficult :to come at, but it is quite evident, no

||giitter\vhieh of iffi? above influences nas succeM^rdi* that the once prominent scheme by which the aqueous wants of Cambridge were to be adfroty 4ts fou!|dal|oß"f&nd lias, no ( w-pasBe|l-int^ oblivion. """The whole affair reverts to one's mind like- the- misty--recol-lections of an almost; forgotten dream. The. scheme' it Mil be sreiiifenib'cJr'e'd ( was to. be,, in conjunction \yith the_ new works of the Waikato Steam Navigation ( 'ompany. Overture's passed between the Company and the projectors and estimates "were given and considered. The Company were to appropriate the use of their engine for pumping purposes, tanks which were to constitute the 1 ' reservoir were to be brought from Mercer and placed on an "elevated landmark — an elevation of sufficient altitude to supply any house in Cambridge — and pipes were to be laid on, to convey the water all over the settlement. An influential meeting of the rate-payers was then called and the projected scheme, with the estimated cost, was eloquently submitted for their earnest consideration. The majority of those i present were in favour of the scheme being adopted, and a great i number, it is true, were diametrically opposed to it. The •' upperflats " denounced the scheme as being designed for the exclusive use and benefit of the "lower flats" and as having originated with them without any consideration for their more elevated neighbours. Others entertained serious objections to the monetary aspect of the affair, maintaining that great designs and small means had been the ruin of many, and might be so in the case of the Cambridge ratepayers. Unfortunately it was resolved that a committee should be appointed to canvass the house-holders on the subject, and here the matter ended. Since the meetings referred to comparatively nothing has been heard of the greatest of all boons — a regular watrr supply — of which a town can be possessed. It is true, indeed, that Cambridge is Avell supplied with water for household purposes by artesian wells ; but in the matter of providing water for bath purposes, or for an efficient supply in case of fire, or to have it so that the heat of summer will not cause an inevitable drought, a scheme such as the one lately spoken of, but now forgotten, is almost indispensable. The new works of the Navigation Company are now too far advanced to think of taking any steps in conjunction with them, their hoisting machinery being already erected. It is therefore a pity that such a favorable opportunity should have been permitted to have passed by without more exertion on the part of the projectors. Difficulties to be surrounded must be met with energy, not to be spoken of and then forgotten ; and men who seek to promote such objects by which the community at large arc to be benefitted should bear in mind that reward is alone conferred by the recompense of labor and perseverance, and that abandoning their object without a struggle indicates a want of faith in the projects they themselves have advocated. [Since the above was in type, we learn by telegraph, indications of renewed endeavors to afford a water supply for Cambridge have been manifested.]

F. A. Whitaker Esq., M.H.R. for WaijM will address his constituents at the Courthouse Hamilton, tins evening, at seven o'clock.

The Venerable the Archdeacon of Waikato arrived in Hamilton on Thursday, and is the guest of tho Rev. William Calder, at S. Peter's Parsonage. The Archdeacon will preach at S. Peter's Hamilton, to-morrow, and purposes remaining a fortnight in the Waikato.

1 We understand that it is the intention of the Rev. Mr Fulton of Hamilton to deliver a lecture on "Robert Burns " sometime during the present month.

A contract has been made by the Albion Shipping Company with the New Zealand Land Company to convey 5000 frozen sheep to London from Otago in their ships.

It is reported that Government are resolute in regard to the carrying out of the policy of withdrawing, as far as possible, from native land purchases, but caie will be ta'rcen that the public interests shall not suffer through the action of speculators.

St. Mungo, in his Echoes from the Cufc in another column, refers to the great scarcity of bricks just now in Auckland, and recommends any one, having a few thousand on hand to send them down.

The Cambridge Highway Boards are making considerable improvements in the main" road bobween Arnold's and Forrests, and between Hamilton's and Main's. The road has been repaired, and topped with a thick layer of' gravel, and ought to remain in arood ctmditioii for some years. The quality of the gravel is, however inferior in places, ;

On Wednesday last Mr. O'Sulliyan Inspector of Schools, met the Kihikihi School Committee with reference to certain matters in dispute between them and the teacher, and it is understood that ha expressed himself in favour of the action which the Committee had taken.

Many of our readers will be glad to hear that Mr Hugh Campbell, formerly of Cambridge and Waitoa, has successfully passed his examination as a solicitor. Mr Campbell,' who was one of the early, residents of Cambridge, is a brother 1 of Mr J. P. Campbell, of the same ,£lace, and, like that gentleman, has done muph to promote the interests of Waikato. His studies, have been followed in the office of Mr J.B ,Ruesell/ Auckland. ,! ' ' ,

At a meeting of the Hamilton West ,Sohool Committee held yesterday, teadors called for cloaning the school for , ensuing six .months were, opnsjdered and Mrs Slater's for £1 15s por mpnth, yras accepted. The .Committee also decided that as no fresh, cages of scarlatina had been reported, the school should re-open, on Monday next. , , „ , „■ A considerable amount of money is being spent in the Piako ' and Waitoa districts ,at the present, tjinjo, on, drainage works. Messrs Maclean and Co.J 'writes

a con^Bipo^a^p 1 !, j who ,'dwn anjfextensif c swamp tM^s the Wft^on riV%^pen<£ih , wajyps alone nearly £100 per wefek whilst another firm of landholders at Piako are distributing about half that amount.

TJie»^Ecesideiit,,pf t&£~ Auckland,* Chamßer^f C6oiui§roe. iv Sus^anni|al adJ dress jookkes 'the- following remark : *■'& our members were unanimous is their deSirirto HBSi^t"Aircklatid'*iirdßmiinding 1 thkfc EejTVaikatq railway should be pushed to the ifif^riof^t^ cmnfedt ! with 'ekistiagles — either to Napier or Tai-anaki, I feel -confident that it-could be accomplished' in a year or two. Were suqh a magnificent , country' to be ! acquired/ in the Middle 'Wand, I venture to say there would be I little or.no difficulty in the way." . „

During the past week or so several valuable dosf& nave been destroyed by poi-ion in Hamilton. In one or two cases death has resulted from eating poisoned meat in sheep paddock*, but we are informed that at least two doys have been destroyed by strychnine administeied to them, well within the confines of the tow,n-j-indee ( d in the main street itself. The action of those persons who are thus apparently guilty of wantonly destroying valuable do£a, by laying poison in the streats, cannot be too strongly condemned, and we tiu<-t the matter will be taken notice of by the police.

The Hamilton Chess and Debating Club resumed its sittings at the Court-house last' night, the President (Mr James Hume) in the chair. It was agreed to hold a special meeting on Friday next, before the ordinary' meeting, for the purpose of electing a President. Tbo Chairman of Committee (Mr y. E. G. Smith) then tendered the resignation of the Executive. The President explained that as the Committee had not resigned owing to an adverse vote, but from other causes, he would request the retiring Chairman to form a new Committee. Mr Smith consented, and moved the adjournment, in speaking to which Mr Laishley drew the attention of members to the fact that their subscriptions for the half-year were due, and that until the money was paid they were debarred from voting. The Club then adjourned.

The residents of Tuhikaramea will sincerely regiet the removal of their schoolmaster, Mr Archibald Douglas, both in this capacity and as a medical man, He will leave many friends amougst the parents of the children, who will not soon forget hia willingness to attend cases of sickness at any hour, which, consider- ' ing that no medical man is available i within ten miles, has been a great boon to the community. It is, however, satisfactory to know that his appointment is a I promotion to a larger school, and at a much better salary. <

Late intelligence from Wellington report that the remainder of the native prisoners still in gaol have been liberated and will be brought up to Taranaki by the Stella from Hokitika and the Hinemoa from Lyttelton. His Excellency the Governor has formally approved of the enlargement of the prisoners on the advice of Ministers.

The new English Church which is now m course of erection at Cambridge is fabt approaching completion. The woodwork of the tower has been completed, and tins pait of the edifice together with the roof and exterior work of the building only require the finishing touch to make them perfection. Mr Connolly, the contiactor has made good pi ogress with his work, and the church when finished will be an ineffaceable testimonial of hi 3 ability as a contractor.

■ Some time ago a man named w . H. Weclcham presented a valueless cheque to Mi- Robert Kirk-wood of Cambridge, in payment for value received. The cheque was cashed, and Weckham levanted. Nothing was heard of him until yesterday, when word was received from Ohinemutu to the effect that he had been arrested there. The accused will be brought back to Cambridge in a few days, when he will be brought before the local justices and charged with the offence,

The contractors for gravelling the station road at Te Awamutu. Messrs North and Floyd commenced the work on Monday week last, and Imvo made very good progress. They will probably finish about Saturday. Credit is due to the member for the district for his promptitude in the matter of getting the grant for the road. The gravel which ia being' used is trom the bed of the Mangapiko river, and is a dark kind of gravel which will make a good thoroughfare possessing at any rate the merit of dryneas. The length of the roads to be thas gravelled is 60 chains and the contract price w.is about £300.

We have it on good authority that Mr W. J. Hurst, M.H.R., for Auckland City West, will resign his seat in the Assembly shortly. Mr Hurst is prosecutor in a libel action set down for hearing at the sitting of the Supremo Court in July. In other words, if he retained his seat he must of necessity absent himself from his parliamentary duties for an indefinite period. .Rather than sacrifice the interests of his constituents in that way ho (Mr Hurst) has elected bo resign. Whatever may be said of Mr Hurst otherwise, his bitterest opponents cannot charge him with having shirked his duty, and his action in the atep now proposed to be taken will prove his self-sacrifice in that way complete.

The following is the latest item of Opposition gossip to hand from the seat of Government: — "It seems now to be definitely understood that the members opposed to the present Government will act togetlipr cordially as a general Opposition party, but without at present choosing or following any particular leader. The question of leadership will probably be allowed to stand over till a more convenient season. ,

Respecting the vacant portfolio it is rumoured tjiat great pressure is being brought to bear by Mr Wakefield and his friends to obtain, for him the Public Works port-folio, which he is believed to have always desired. This, however, would give Canterbury three members in the Ministry, and such an arrangement would be highly unpopular in other parts of the colony. Mr Jas. W. Bain is still thought to be the most likely man, if only for thti sake of securing hi 3 seat at the general election,' which otherwise he is about sure to lose. '

Atlas in the "World" writes :-I hoar that one of the most ' remarkable pictures in the coming Acadumy will be a portrait of two sisters by an eminent painter, and that the most noticeable features in tha portrait will be the young ladies' hair. It may interest some people to know that these flowing 1 tresses owe their gloss and beauty to being washed every morning in champaign. At the present price of good brands, this new' toilette appliance must be rather costly. But perhaps after the wine has dbne its duty ifc is rebottled, to be again used.

' The following is a copy of a circular fetter forwarded to .each of the member's of tlie cotynaittee 'appointed to carry out the resolutions passed at last night's meeting, in reference to the Hamilton bridge" toles 1 : -^ " Council Chambers, Hamilton' 3rd May, 1881. t Sir, — I have the Honor,' by direotion of the committee appointed at a ! public meeting held at Hamilton on the second instant, to f ur■vpard you" copies' of resolutions unaimously passed thereat. You will observe, 1 that th'e^ meeting has taken the liberty of plaoihg your 'name on the committee ap-' pointed to carry out the object in view; 1 and I am direoted .to respectfully request ,

you will x allow 1 ifc jt6 rpmain, iti order jbo givel wpigrht to tHe,; reasonable requests contained in the petition."

It would seem that in England there are too few tenant-farmers as in Irelaud tlye/e are fcjop mauy. JJj^q. „ reason iof thi^itfthe ditfotautsize sof; farms', arid \he oap'ital raqnired to ? oultfvate^them? Tho ouly capital an Irish farmer puts info his Und is hid dwfi labour ; and this he chooses to cont>ider gives him a title to kdep tho t land as long as he liaß strength ' himself, or sons 'after him, to work it. One - bad season makes the Irish farmers vory poor for that year, but they lose no capital ; whereas in England, ' when a man finds he is sinking his capital and getting no intei cut, he n.iturally.wishes co j?ive up the losing concern ; and three bad nelsons, with the tremendous taxes and rates on English land, have broken thousands of men who a few years ago were po?>Besed of a fair capital.

"It is an ill wind that blows noi body any #ood," and the late fire in Tauranga will, we believe, prove ultii mately beneficial. The TauraugaJ people have hitherto been, we may almost say, ciimmally apathetic in the matter of precautionary measures against fire, and so severe a calamity aa the late conflagration is, we gather from a contemporary, " waking them up," inasmuch as we read that several I'auranga settlers were passengers to Auckland yesterday, by the Glenelg, in order to take the most effective and speedy measures to rebuild their places, which have been destroyed by the great fire. Tauranga is fortunate in the possession of men of enterprise and energy, who are not likely to become discouraged, or to lose pr cious time. Mr Henry, of the Bay of Plenty Tmw>, came to town and piooured, during yesterday, a complete plant for that newspaper. If the Glenelg had been able to leave last night, the Tune>> would have been issued as usual, on Saturday ; but owing to the delay through last night's storm, it may have to omit another publication. Fire is, no doubt, a great calamity, but it may ultimately have not a few beneficial effects so far as Tauranga is concerned. A fhort time ago Mr John Chadwick proposed that a water supply should be 1 obtained for the township, by bringing in water from the Waimapu, and probably the scheme will now be carefully examined. An effective lire brigade might also be established, which, with the water supply, would ensure the town against such a calamity as has just taken place.

Mr J. S Buckland will sell on arrival, expected daily from Wellington, 30 light harness and riding horses, Me H. Waite, tinsmith, AnkcLind, advertises his removal to High-street, Auckland. The members of the L.O L , No 16, are requested to meet at the Lodge-room, Ng.iru.ivvalna. on "Wcdnesd ly nevt. A subsciiption list for defraying the expenses of petitioning the Gen eminent to make the Hamilton C.irt Hndgo fiee ot toll appears in another column. ' ' Mr Win. Lovett has been elected' to fill the office ot Councillor lor the Borough ot Hamilton, consequent, upon the resignation of Mr Davics. The now pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove ,1 bencht to the public. It h.is oeen a gre.it success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who liv} s at an establishment wheio the goods arc m irked low to ensure a rapid s.ile must be .1 great gainer. G. and C sell their drapery millinarj, and clothing at such prices tor cash is gives the bujer the advantages ot a sh ueholder in a co-oper iti\ c so< lety, without the risk 01 being c.ilh d upon to be iraportion ot tin loss should the jiar's business prove unsatist u toij. G.irln k and Cranwell will <urn to ret un the confidence whu h the public ha\e hitheito shown them, and are determined to gi\ c the pure 1 as>h system .1 fair trial ; whether they gain or, lose the first year Country buvcrs on remitting ca->h uith order will be supplied with goods .it co-operative pnres ; 111 st the same as though the\ made a personal selection Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and gmer.ii house furniture, the largest portion ot whit h is turned out at our own factory, will be maiked at the lowest remunerative pne cs, 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 ot their stock during their Life cash sale, the present stock is \i'vv and cm vpi y iiour.iH. An inspection is invited. — Gaklilk wvi Crawvi 1 1 , City Hall Fu-mshing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland