TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1881.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1408, 12 July 1881, Page 2

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1881.

A step which is dictated by reason and wisdom as one from which great benefit is to be derived, would seem to be that caken by the people of Cambridge in having their township placed on the list of applicants for admission to be placed under the fostering influence of the machinery of the Town Districts Bill. The benefits in a municipal point of view derivable from this source have apparently been anticipated by those who through their indefatigable exertions on behalf of their fellow ratepayers, and unceasing application towards the realization of their object, have succeeded through the approval of the ratepayers, and with due consideration, discretion, and foresight in atcaining their end. Very little dissent was manifested among the Cambridge ratepayers when the Town Districts Bill was submitted for their consideration, and accordingly a vote of approval was resolved upon. True there were a few — four solitary individuals being counted — who manifested their disapproval of the measure by vehemently denouncing its increased powers of taxation, and its unnecessary, if not unwieldly governing power, which they argued was somewhat anomalous in the case of such a town as Cambridge, one gentleman remarking that they would get on nicely in Cambridge if they were only let alone and permitted to remain as of old. But obstinacy, such as this is not at all unusual when such vital propositions are being ventilated, and obstinate indeed they are whom no amount of reason nor experience can persuade to concede to what may benefit not only themselves, but the community at large. And such people, we might say, have no mischief whatever in their intentions, but blindly follow the dictates of prejudice, not of reason. It is unnecessary for us to enumerate the advantages which towns such as Cambridge will derive from the powers invested in the local governing body under the Town Districts Bill, these having been explained in a most satisfactory and lucid manner by Mr J. P. Campbell, at the public meeting recently held at Cambridge, a full report of which appeared in our columns. We will direct attention to the more salient features of the Bill, which will show in what way it diners from the less consistent measures — the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876 ; and the Highways Act, 1874. The Highways Act, 1874, is admirably adapted for small country districts, but the powers which it confers upon the local Board are, after all, comparatively useless for the thorough management of the local affairs of such a rising and go-ahead town as Cambridge. Whereas, on the other hand, the powers conferred under the Municipal Corporations Act, are too extensive and totally unnecessary for Cambridge, being far in advance of its present requirements, and only workable advantageously in such large towns as Dunedin, Auckland, or Christchurch. Both Acts therefore being unsuited for the local legislation qi rising townships, it is evident that some intermediate Act 'is 1 -necessary, which^will increase the po'wer&pfon'e, of the existing measures arid' c'urtail 1 i&nat of the other ; and this want the bill intro-

duced last session by the Hon. Mr Dick, which enables small towns to possess privileges equal to those of corporate ' bodies, ' is , destined to Supply ; and it is evident and convincing from the fact that thirteen towns in the North Island alone have decided to avail themselves of the bill that improved legislation in this matter is much desired, and that the bill framed is universally acceptable, and not only has it been satisfactorily received throughout the country, but it has been favorably entertained by the House itself. According to the second clause oftho Act, the Rating \ct 1876, parts 3 and 4 of the Public Works Act 1876, and parts 11 and 12 of the Municipal Corporations Act 1876 are incorporated with the Act (Town Districts Bill), and shall respectively be read with the necessary changes of words and places to render them applicable to the purposes of the Act. Of these constituent parts of the bill very little need be said. The first is at present in operation throughout the Cambridge district, and the second has already been brought forward and favorably received. Part 3 of the Public Works Act relates to compensation for injury done by public works to private property, and part 4 relates to the powers vested in the local body in regard to waterworks, (fee, and parts 11 and 12 of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1876, are the authorities from which corporate bodies derive their powers in regard to the making of contracts, the leasing of lands, the property of the corporation, the construction, repair, or alteration of streets, and the necessary powers to provide efficient drainage and prevention of nuisances ; also the alteration and creation of by-laws. The act also shows that no person can be made to pay water rates unless his property, or dwelling, or place of business is situated within 100 yards of any part of the works, and with those situated within the specified distance only half rates. The local body are invested with extensive powers in regard to borrowing money for constructing gasworks, also in regard to charitable institutions, baths, wash-houses, jetties, wharfs, jslaughter-houses, and public pounds. Oue of the most important clauses of the bill is clause 14, which provides that all property, real or personal, previously alloted to the town district shall become vested in the Board after the establishment of the bill, and as there are sixty acres on each side of the river at Cambridge as an endowment for a future corporate body, on the bill becoming law this property will at once become vested in the local body, a state of affairs which has long been wanting in the district. The alteration in clause 7, proposed by the Cambridge Town Board is certainly a wise one, as it ensures the introduction of fresh blood into the corporation every year, as well as leaving in office some members accustomed to the transaction of local business, and consequently cannot fail to meet with approval. These are the most salient features to the Bill, and of the others it is unnecessary to draw particular attention, suffice it to say that the powers in the local governing body on its adoption are as extensive as they are necessary, and as useful as they are acceptable. It is clearly evident, from the construction of this Bill, that it is a decided attempt at improved legislation, and every attempt in this direction should receive the sympathy and support which it so well deserves. Every town so far which comes within the benefiting clauses of the Bill, and where it has been submitted for appropal, has unanimously decided to possess itself of the improved principles of local government, and, with the exception of one or two dissenting voices, Cambridge followed suite, and those latter, who wished to be left alone, and expressed their surprise at the indescretion manifested by others in having anything to do with the Bill, merely manifested that poverty of intellect which, of all defects, is unquestionably the most deplorable. Such opportunities, if neglected, become irrecoverable and by taking advantage of this opportunity, as the Cambridge ratepayers have done, they have manifested that wisdom, of all parts of which the practice of it is certainly the best. By the adoption of this measure we cannot lose much were it, in its operations, to prove ruinous and defective, for misfortune can only deprive us of that which fortune gave us, and we will find that fortune is consistent in nothing but inconstancy, and that every condition has its own troubles.

The news concerning the movements of Tawhiao, which we publish in our telegraphic columns, is of a most gratifying kind. The altered relations existing between the two races which Tawhiao's public entry into Alexandra indicates are of more importance than we can at first sight realise. . The intentions of the King and his followers are of the most peaceful nature, notwithstanding that the Auckland Herald attempted yesterday, with the worst possible taste, to create a scare, professing to discern the elements of danger in the circumstance of 300 armed natives making a progress through the ' Waxkatb f , Of course we in Waikato 'caiiMbrd tp.JWUft at such twaddle, less .likely tq.lbear { '§vil fruit.' 'Wemay expecti*he Mags Ea?ig to be i at t Hamilton' atfd€aml>rid£e Before tM laps© of majxy clays, *

Sir F. A. Whitaker announces through our advertising columns that he will be a candidate for the Waipa electorate at the forthcoming general election.

The • Waikato Steam. Navigation Company intend embarking in the manufacture of lime, and have at present three or four men out prospecting for stone. Their Search will extend from Wangape to Te Eore.

The steamer Waikato, familiar to travellers between Auckland and Waikato before the railway era, is to be fitted up to do the trade between Manukau and Port Waikato, connecting with the other boats of the Company at the latter place.

At a meeting of the Hamilton West School Committee yesterday, a letter was read from the Board in leference to leakage in the roof of the building, instructing the committee to carry out the repairs and forward the bill to the Board.

Mr Thomas Parker, brother of the late Mr Kichard Parker, arrived in Waikato yesterday from England. He will be, it ia understood, associated with Mr John G-rice in the management of the Rotorangi Estate.

The remains of the late Mrs Trewheellar were interred in Hamilton West Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, the funeral being attended by a very large number of the townspeople and settlers. The burial service was read by the Rev. W. E 7ans, Presbyterian Minister.

A four-roomed cottage at Tamahere, in the occupation of Mr William Cowley, was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday. The fire was first observed at about a quarter-past four, when the only person indoors was Mrs Cowley, who can give no clue as to its origin. The loss is rather a heavy one, as nothing was saved and the house was uninsured.

On Saturday night last at about 11 o'clock a disturbance took place in Cambridge in the vicinity of the Duke of Cambridge Hotel, between a number of men who had just that evening come in from the country for an evening's innocent recreation. The disturbance is supposed to be of a party character and as Constable Brennan condescended to j?race the proceedings with his prescence, two knights of tho "noble art" named respectively, Murdock and Cameron figure on his list of criminal cases for the ensuing Court-day.

Constable Haddock, who has been stationed for a length of time at Ngaruawahia, and has earned the respect of the residents of this locality by the conscientious manner in which he has discharged his duties, has been transferred to Dargaville. On leaving Ngaruawahia yesterday the principal residents presented Mr Haddock with an address expressive of their sorrow at his departure.

As the next Lands Court to be held at Cambridge is gazetted for the Ist of August, active preparations are being made for the accommodation of the natives, though it is universally believed adjournments will be applied for by the natives, who will then be busied with their harvest or otherwise engaged, and consequently a delay of another month or so occasioned. Mr James Mackey the Native Agent and Interpreter arrived in Cambridge from Taupo on Saturday evening last.

Trade at the port of Waikato appears to be looking up. The Wild Duck, schooner, is at the Heads with a cargo of timber from Mr Gr. W. Owen's Awhitu. The schooner Magellan Cloud is expected daily from Lyttelton with a cargo of wheat, for Hally Bros., Cambridge, and oats for the Waikato Steam Navigation Company. A vessel is loading at Oamaru with grain for Mr Robert Lamb, who has made arrangements to send back a cargo of coal. Another vessel is expected from Melbourne with a cargo of bonedust, and the W.S.N. Co., intend to load her up with potatoes for the return trip, having to that end purchased about 150 tons on the Waipa.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of C. 0. Montrose was held in the District Courthouse, Hamilton, yesterday, at 3 p.m. Four creditors attended, and others were represented by proxies. Mr J. Hume was voted to the chair. The debtor was represented by Mr R. 0. Dyer. Creditors had proved claims against tb.B estate to the amount of upwards of £300. Mr T. Wells, Cambridge, was elected trustee, and a motion was agreed to recommending him to make some allowance to the debtor by way of maintenence, pending his discharge. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

At the Supreme Court, Auckland, on Saturday, before Mr Justice Gillies, Edwin Charles Shepherd was indicted for perjury. The circumstances of the case will be freak in the recollection of our readers, and need not again be adverted to. Mr Hesketb, who appeared for the accused, raised an objection to the form of the indictment, in which the prisoner was charged with committing perjury during the hearing of an information before a Justice of the Peace. He pointed out that it was necessary according to law for all informations to be heard either before two Justices or a Resident Magistrate. The Crown Prosecutor said the error was only a formal one, as in point of fact the information was heard before Mr Northcroft, R.M. His Honor, however, upheld the objection raised by Mr Hesketh, and the accused was accordingly discharged.

As the annual meeting of ratepayers and election of trustees for Cambridge takes place to-morrow afternoon at 7 p.niM it is expected that the pro- ] ceedings will be somewhat lively, as several candidates, principally " upperflats," have decided to offer themselves for election. We hear it is the intention of Messrs Raynes, Wright and Reid to struggle for a seat, and that Mr Johnson intends offering himself for re-election. If so, the upper park of the town will be represented. Mr E. Hewitt also intends offering himself for election, as well as others whose names are not to hand. Mr J. P. Campbell has decided to withdraw from the contest, and it is therefore probable that Mr Thomas Wells will occupy the chair for the ensuing year. Several other matters of special importance, amongst which is the offer made* by Messrs Hally and McNeish relative to the continuation of Chapel-street, will be brought before the ratepayers for consideration.

At the meeting of the Auckland Board of Education on Friday last, the following business, relating to Waikato, was transacted ; — Alexandra. This application waa for a grant for the improvement of the teacher's dwelling and sohool, and the erection of a small shed for coals, firewood, &c, and for fencing closets. It was agreed to inform the committee that the Board had applied to the Government for ajj grant for building purposes, and could do nothing in the meantime. — Cambridge. < An application for a grant of £B, los for improvements was granted. — Kihikihi.—Mv Forbes 1 Gordon, the chairman of the school committee, wrote to the effect that he had not resigned his position, md protested against the acknowledgment of Mr Thomas in the Board's communication. It appeared that Mr ' Gordon stood alone in the committee. There wad no regular resignation on his part,' but the other 'mx members of the coraniittiee would'uofc workwith him and ,hj)s Appointed Mr Thomas secretary.' The Chairman was of opinion that the Board was quite justified in correspondiiig

with Mr Thomas aa secretary of the committee, for the six members of committee must be considered instead of the odd seventh. Mr Dargaville thought they would be making a bad precedent ' in communicating with a subordinate officer instead of the chairman, for if a chairman then found himself in a minority he could be virtually deposed by the committee. The Chairman said that these six members complained that their resolutions had not been forwarded because the chairman did not approve of them. The Board must support the majority of the committee. It was finally agreed to inform Mr Gordon that the Board still recognised him as chairman, but to inform him that the committee had appointed Mr Thomas secretary. — Ngaruaivahia. — This application was re improvements to school building. It was agreed to obtain an estimate of the cost. — O/iaupo. — The committee asked that the grant for the shed be increased from £10 to £14 its actual cost, also for JC2 for racks, &c. Granted.

All accounts against Mr E. M. Edgcumbe arc requested to be sent in fo the Waikato Times office by tbc 16th inst. Tho election of officers in connection with the Pukekura Highway District Board arc announced in another column. Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co. will dispose of a choice lot of cattle at the Ohaupo market on the 21st inst. Mr Alfred Buckland holds his usual auction sales at the Remuera Yaids on the 14th inst., and at the Haymarket on the 15th. An important notice of the Pirongia Highway District appears in our Gazette columns. It is requested that all claims against Messrs W. _ H. Pearce and Co,, Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, be sent in on or before the 25th inst., and that all accounts owing be paid before that date. Mr G-. Baker has leased the billiardroom from Mr W. Pearce, Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, and announces a grand tournament. Mr Kennedy Hill advertises an important sale of stock, furniture, &c , at the residence of Mr Price, Hamilton West, who is lcd\ing the district, on the 20th instant, at noon.