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Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1416, 30 July 1881, Page 2

SATURDAY, JULY 3O, IBBI,

I>r Committee of Supply on Tuesday night, Mr Moss availed himself of the opportunity of attacking Mr Parris in the matter of the land given to Hone Piiiama, and handled that officer's name with no unnecessary tenderness. We do not for a moment admit that the hon. Member for Parnell was justified in the coui'se we pursued, but had he confined his criticism to the West Coast affairs we should not have gone out of our way to follow him. When, however, the honorable gentleman proceeds to ridicule the visit of Tawhiao to the Waikato, and to asperse the character of the valued public officer to whom we owe the initiation of a better order of things, we ought not to be silent. Mr Whitaker was prompt in answering Mr Moss, and struck the right nail when he said the Waikato people were the best judges of the importance or otherwise of the Maori king's visit, and they had given expression to their feelings in the matter in an unmistakeable way ; Out the point which, it seems to us, Mr Moss wished to make, having for his object to depreciate the value of the services rendered by the native officers of the present Government, was this : That the incoming of Tawhiao was in no way due to Major Mairs efforts, and was in fact a spontaneous act on the part of the natives, possessing no particular significance, and undreamt of by the nativeagentbeforeitsactual occurrence. Perhaps it would not be difficult to find the source from which the hon. member drew his inspiration; such an hypothesis has been heard of before, nearer home. It is a pity that he was not supplied at the -same time with another of the many enlightened theories which have sprung into existence during the last week or so, namely, that Tawuiao and his party, becoming hungry, determined to "put the winter in" at the expense of the detested pakeha. If it be really necessary to reply to an argument carrying, as this does, its best condemnation in its face, we will do so, but until we are assured of such necessity we must decline to waste the time of our readers and our own on it. To return to the implied slight upon Major Mair, uttered by Mr Moss, and his statement that the "aukati" is now more than ever strictly enforced : we have before us a Parliamentary document entitled "Reports from Officers in Native Districts." In the report furnished by Major Mair is to be found if anything a very clear indication that on the 27th of May last at any rate he had formed pretty correct ideas regarding the direction in which native affairs were tending. Dealing with the late native meeting at Hikurangi, Major Maih commences by deploring on social grounds the holding of these meetings, which tend to Foster the native love of extravagant display, and cause an immense an<J unnecessary consumption of food, adding :— <s But, politically, there is

something to be said in favor of them, for of late years the principal' object of Tawhiao's meetings has been to devise some means by which, the , land could be preserved and the people saved from becoming paupers. Many of those chiefs who upon the setting-up of the first Maori king surrendered the tribal lands to him have, as is well-known, sold all, or nearly all, these lands to Europeans, and now would encroach upon the possessions of others. The extreme Kingite party, on the other hand, have not sold any land ; but there is reason for b»lieving they are not so averse to leasing. At the late meeting there was a general expression of opinion that landselling should cease; and most of the chiefs present signed an agreement to make over all their lands to Tawhiao. Ido not think that this means the locking-up of what is called the King-country, but rather that, as soon as Tawhiao feels that he has the absolute control of the estate of his people, he will throw it open for lease to Europeans for long periods. It is probably with such a scheme in his mind that he has been trying to get his people to locate themselves at Hikurangi, as the country would then be clear for his operations." The natives, in good truth, have much more to fear from themselves than from the pakeha, and it was for the purpose of devising means for their protection against the former and not the latter that, as Major Mair clearly indiwtes, the Hikurangi meeting in May last was held. The recklessness with which the natives have in many instances parted with their possessions, without making necessary provision for their future maintenance by the securing of fit reserves, has reasonably enough exercised the minds of the wiser members of the race, and they have been driven to the adoption of harsh remedies by nothing short of a desire for self preservation. To illustrate this more fully : Major Mair in another part of his report, touching 0:1 the proceedings of the Lands Court recently held at Cambridge, says the acquisition of the Patetere lands by "industrious settlers will, of course, be an excellent thing ; but it is very evident that, as the competition for it enhances its value, and the temptation 10 sell increases, steps will have to be adopted to prevent the native owners from completely denuding themselves of their land. I endeavored, both officially and privately, to get reserves set apart and made inalienable, especially in those instances where the entire possessions of a hapu or section of a tribe had passed through the Court ; but I met with opposition from both Europeans and natives, for many of the latter who are interested are Rangitikei and Otaki people, who do not care about reserves in the North, but are willing to sell every acre if the price suits. I succeeded in getting some of the natives to promise that they would retain sufficient land for their requirements ; but, generally, this will be found simply to mean holding on for a better price." No clearer explanation of the action taken by the chiefs at Hikurangi can well be found than is here presented, strengthened as it now is by the pacific attitude which Tawhiao has taken up. Major Mair makes a brief reference to the disputes | between the owners of the Horahora block and Mr Tole and the natives, and remarking that they have been peaceably settled, concludes his report thus : — " I have no hesitation in stating my belief that native affairs in this part of the colony continue to improve, that the policy of leaving the Maoris more to themselves has had a good effect upon them, and that I anticipate a more marked improvement still during the next twelve months." We think the public will experience no difficulty in determining the relative value of the wild accusations of Mr Moss and the services of the able 1 and intelligent officer who has charge ! of native affairs in Waikato. j

"Echoes from the Cafe" and a full report of the annual meeting of the ratepayers of the- Newcastle Highway District will be found on our fourth page.

Mr Isaacs, of Cambridge, has been in Auckland for the past few days, looking after a license for a wholesale spirit store in connection with his new premises at Oxford. He has been successful in his endeavours, and- intends commencing business in the new line without delay.

The usual weekly meeting of the Hamilton Debating Ciub called for Thursday evening was postponed owing ! to the Court-house not being available. The subjects on the order paper for next week aie, the credit system ; sooiety journals, and the question of local government. A mob of sixty first-class fat oxen are now on their way from Napier an are expeoted to arrive at Cambridge on Saturday, being brought over by Mr Evinson and consigned to Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co. They will probably he forwarded to Auokland, unless disposed of privately in the Waikato. A rather important discovery was made on Mr Murray's land in Piako yesterday. While digging a well the workmen engaged came upon * aearn of lignite. The substance where found was very soft, but no doubt if further search were made serviceable fuel would 'be found. ' % A cable message dated Sydney, 28th inst., states that a fresh case of sapposed small* pox at Waterloo is reported to the health Board. The disease- has not, however, sufficiently developed to show clearly that it in variola. Smallpox is again spreading in the city, in spite of the stringent measure's that hijt been adopted by the Board of Health for preventing the spread of the contagion. Another case has been reported- from WooUoomooUoo,

A #ftn named William Korr was brought'before Hirf Worship the Mayor at the Hamilton Police Court, yesterday morning, charged with being drunk on the previous day. He was fined ss, or J4& hours imprisonment.

A meeting of the Hamilton Public Hall Trustees was held last evening at the Council Chambers. It was resolved ,that no, further action be taken for a fortnight; in the meantime plans to bo prepared and tenders invited, the coat not to exceed £'500.

, Notwithstanding the diligent enquiries made by Sergeant Mi-Govern into the mysterious disappearance of Mrs Luhrs, and as to her probable wherefabouts, nothing whatever Imk since transpired to lead to her dificovtsry. It i« generally believed that she has drowned herself in the river.

Since Tawhiao and party have left, Hamilton has once more assumed its normal aspect. The king left in Mr Maguire's trap, with a number of his followers, on Thursday morning, for Ngaruawahia, where it is expected he will remain until Monday, when he, with his people, will proceed by special train to Mercer ; where it is expected he will make his big speech. When Tawhiao > first saw the train at Ngaruawahia, he said it was the largest canoe he bad ever seen.

We had the pleasure yesterday of inspecting a magnificent carcase of beef in the yards of Messrs B. & J. Coleman, Butchers, of Hamilton. The beast is one of a number recently purchased by Measn Coleman at Auckland, and was bred and fattened at Wanganui. The weight of the uarcase was just 10| cwt, and the meat is of splendid quality. With a little more attention there is no reason why Waikato farmers should not do equally well. The sooner such an anomalous state of things as the importation of beef into Waikato is stopped the better for the credit of the district.

The new Wesleyan Church, Te Aroha, which has been recently erected there, will be opened on Sunday, August 7th, when it is expected a large number of people will be present to witness the opening ceremony, which, from the programme, will be somewhat extensive. The Eev. H. Bull, of the Cambridge Wesleyan circuit, will conduct the opening services at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. In the evening, at 6.30, the Rev. D. J. Fraser will deliver a sermon. A soiree will be given on the following Tuesday evening.

A Juvenile Temple in connection with the Hope of Hamilton Lodge, 1.0. G.T., No. 40, was opened on the 28th inst., by Bro. Robert Harris, D.G.W.C.T., as instituting officer, when some 25 members were initiated, and the officers installed as follows :—Sister M. A. Palmer, Superintendent; Simon Peacock, C.T. j Ella Palmer, V.T. ; Walter Potter, Chaplain; Alfred Peacock, Secretary ; Albert Palmer, Treasurer; Geo. Keep, F.S. ; Clara Hunt, Guard: Win. Cockhead, Sentinel; James Kelly, A.S. ; Alice Palmer, D.M. ; James O'Neill, R.H.S.; G. Proctor, L.H.S. Many have promised to join, and it is expected to increase rapidly.

Our reporter was in error in stating that Tawhiao crossed the river at Hamilton on Tuesday for the purpose of visiting the chief Hohaia. The main object of his visit was to see Mr Gaudin, who met with such a painful accident on the previous day. After spending some time in conversation with Mr Gaudin, the king, who was accompanied by six chiefs, was conducted by Mrs Gaudin to the Hamilton Hall to see the decorations, whereat he was greatly pleased, more particularly with the motto, "Haeremai, Tawhiao, Haeremai," to which Mr LeQuesne directed his attention. While in the hall, Mrs Gaudin's eldest daughter played several tunes on the pianoforte, much to the delight of Tawhiao. During the king's stay in the hotel his guard duly posted themselves outside as usual.

The Alexandra Amateur Dramatic Club intend giving an entertainment for the benefit of the Club, in the Public Hall, Alexandra, on Thursday, the 11th August next. The entertainment will open with the comedy of "Wooing in Jest," which will be followed by the interlude of " My Son Diana," and conclude with the farce, " The Wandering Minstrel." The members of the Brass Band have kindly consented to contribute some of their choice music on the occasion. It is to be hoped that as the members of the Dramatic Club are always to the fore in rendering their services at benefit entertainments, the one given in their own aid will be well patronised by way of acknowledgment,

A Piako correspondent writes, yesterday, reiterating the statement furnished us by him regarding the state of the bridges on the Hamilton-Morrinsville road. He says it is only recently, since attention has been repeatedly called to their condition, that they have been attended to, and that even though they may be temporarily patched up so as to appear safe for traffic, the bridges alluded to are beyond repairing and require replacing by new structures. Our correspondent further states that residents in his neighborhood have expressed their satisfaction at the notice taken of the above matter in these columns, which may be the means of causing the local Board to direct their immediate attention to the works. Referring to the other subject dealt with in Mr Sandes' letter, our correspondent says:— "lt will be necessary for Mr Hewson to survey a portion of the new road through Mr Jenkins property, as it forms a portion of the works undertaken by Government in connection with the railway. I consider that the Board should have the remaining portion through Jenkins surveyed, as it is necessary to legalise the road. This should be done at once, as if delayed it may lead to difficulties and complications. I believe the Government commenced to survey this road, but Mr Cussen, who had charge of the surveys, removed from this district before they were ' completed."

The address which was read to Mr Laiahley on the occasion of his leaving the neighborhood, was yesterday placed in Mr Sandes' shop, that all may have an opportunity of seeing it before the departure of his family for his new field of labor. It is engrossed in black (with Mr Laishley's name and that 6f his wife in scarlet, white, 1 and gold), in the form of an oval, with short lines filled in with sprays of laurel in gold and scarlet. The oval has an illuminated border of scarlet, blue, and grey, round which is a wreath of ferns in shaded grey, the original fronds all being gathered in the immediate neighborhood of Hamilton, and outside of all is a border corresponding in design with the inner one, only on a larger scale, and edged with a row of embossed work, making a pretty finish to the whole. It is framed in leatherwork, groups of geraniums and fuschias top and bottom, and convolvulus and ferns at the side, and is to be hung from, and supplemented by ornamental leather nails on a thick blue silk cord and tas3els. It is pleasant to remember that whereever Mr and' Mrs Laishley may make their home-in the future, they will carry with them this slight memento of the high esteem in which they were held ; which, with the gift it accompanies, does not fully represent the regret all feel at losing them. The design is most beautiful, and the execution is almost' perfect, And, )mn the Highest 1 testimony to the taste' and skill of Mrs Calder, from whose pencil it comes.

Mr Walsh, the contractor for the bridle track from 'Pole's Hill to Matahura, ,is ' making good progress, and expects to finish in about a fortnight. 1

, At the Supreme Court, Auckland, bn Wednesday iv Banco,' Mr McCormiok moved for a rule niti for a new trial in tliHfutAe of Crawford ♦•Johnson (Hamilton Slander ewe) Judge Gillies refused to pant tlu; rule.

A son of Mr L. B. Harris, of Taupiri, when riding between Taupiri and Huntley on Thursday last, had a very narrow escape from a severe accident. The train was approaching behind, when the horse shied, putting the youth over his head. The injuries sustained were not serious, and the lad was able to re-mount and ride home.

The grass in the Piako and Waitoa districts is looking remarkably well for the time of year. A gentleman who dro\'e over yesterday informs us that the pastures in that district have a much greener aspect than those in the Waikato, although that may be partly accounted for by the fact of their being younger. The stock look remarkably well.

The following are the weights for the Christchurch Hunt Club Steeplechase:— Quamby, 13st 51bs; Eversley, 13st slbd; Winfred, 13st slbs; Shark, 13st; Kelpie, Native, and Fakir, each 12st 71bs ; Tawera, list dibs; Forsaken, list; Lucy, 10st51b; Flora, lOst. GoneAway Stakes Handicap: The Agent, I'2st6lbs; Clarence, 12st 21bs; Quamby, lint 51bs ; Kelpie, 10st71bs.

During the stay of the Royal Princes nt Adelaide they visited the Prince Alfred College. An address was presented by the boya to which the following reply wu* made:—"'Adelaide, June 14th, 1881. Boys of Prince Alfred College.—lt gave us great pleasure to come amongst you la«>t Monday, and to go over your school and grounds. We shall long remember the sounds of your voices, and trust that if ever again we visit Adelaide some of those we saw as boys we may then rueet as men —a credit to their school, to themselves, and the Colony. —Ebwakd, Gboroe.

Some months ago. a young Prench woman named Emily Duissiro or Brunet, was brought down from Biverhead on a charge of being concerned in a robbery of kauri gum. She was subsequently discharged, but a short time afterwards, was admitted to the Hospital suffering from diabetes. Her condition gradually jrrew more unsatisfactory, and on Monday she breathed her last. Singular as it may appear, Brunet, her husbind, a young man of 25, went to the Hospital on Tuesday complaining of some internal hurfc through overstraining himself. The nature of his case could not be exactly ascortained, but just at the time his wife's body was leaving the Hospital grounds for interment Wednesday afternoon ,Brunet also died. The couple were both very young in years, and their deaths within such a short period of each other seems all the more remarkable on that account. Star.

Here is an advertisment in the covar of the United States Postal guide, re Boytons liirhtningsaws :—" An ash log, 11 inches in diameter, was sawed off, with a i\ foot lightning cross-cut saw, by two men, in precisely 6 seconds. The speed is unprecedented, and would cut a cord of wood in 4 minutes." There is also a picture of a saw with big teeth on one side and little ones on the other Thi« is very uncanny and reminds one of the devils in a certain collection in Cologne. They — the fiends—have teeth everywhere—in their elbows, knees, feet, shoulders, ears —and take a lost soul with any part of their anatomy that happens to be convenient. Good on Boyton ! You can't lick his saws —no biblical reference intended.—" Asmodeus," in the N.Z. Mail.

A pleasant story is being told of Thomas Carlyle's interview with the Queen. She had commanded him to visit her, and he came into her presence not ashamed of sharing some of that reverence which Dr. Johnson had in the presence of his Sovereign. But the Majesty of England was so pleasant, and kindly and modest, that the philosopher forgot her rank before he had been long in her presence; atid he had soon pulled his chair over to her side that he might the more easily and affably converse with her. With no want of respect—with for him an amazing amount of respect—he questioned her about her opinions, and made her stand and deliver her ideas as though he were an examining chaplain. The Queen is said to have been delighted with the interview, and to ha"c conceived the highest respect for the grand old man. "Tarn" might have been a courtier had he pleased. But that was not " Tarn's" bent. He was not intended to leaven courts; and he went back again to the little house at Chelsea happier than though he had been made a Knight of the Garter,

The detailed account of the United States census reveals some curious facts. One is, that the number of males exceeds that of females by 858.298, the numbers being, males 25,520,582, and the females 24,632,284. The difference must be plainly due to the large number of men who emigrate, as compared with women, and accounts in some measure for the high position women attain in America. Curiously enough, the excess number of males is* within a few thousands of the excess of females in the United Kingdom. The number of coloured persons of negro descent has increased to 6,577,151, a full answer to the theory that negroes would perish of emancipation, while there are 170,888 settled Indiana—apart from the wild tribes under the Government care. There are only in all 105,363 Chinese. The effort to count the settled Indians involved some extraordinary adventures, one census clerk in particular doing the work in Alaska upon snow shoes, and at the risk of his life. In England, it is said, the only risk is from enraged cooks, who, for some mysterious reason, think employment depends upon their being thirty-five.

In consequence of information recently received by the authorities it. ha* been deemed advisable to adopt some oxtroardinary precautionary measures in order to serure the safety of the Queen while travelling by travelling by railway. During- her Majesty's journey to London the other day a train of empty carriages was run about a quarter of an hour in advance of the special train, which it piloted throughout the trip from Windior a to Paddimrton ; while the entire distance between the Windsor termiuus and the metropolis was guirded by platelayers stationed at regular intervals along the route, and well within eight of each other. A strict watch was also kept at the arches of the viaduct upon which the Great Western Windsor terminus is constructed ; and, so far as the railway authorities are concerned, no precaution was omitted to obtain the object in view, similar vigilance being exercised by the officers of the company between Paddington and Windsor during the Queen's re- | turn from the metropolis ia the afternoon. Nothing, however, transpired during either of the journeys to cause the slightest suspicion or alarm. „"'" '

J. Pettibone, Baltimore, has sued the American Rapid Telegraph Company for £2000, claimed as .damages for the non-delivery of a telegram iix Washington. It is s&id that the message ' wai given to a boy in Washington #> deliver, butthftboy got into a fight on the way and lost it

'■• Mr Kennedy Hill advertises a grass paddock to let for cropping or grazing. Messrs H. E. Cotton and Co. announce in our advertising columns the sale of the effect* of the late Major Hay, and several other useful articles. i W. H, Pearco and Co. reque? fc that all i accounts due to them he paid to Mr John S. Edgecumbe, Hamilton. The Secretary of the Cambridge Musical Union requests the attendance of members at practice on Monday evening. Mr Kennedy Hill announces an important sale on Saturday, August 6th, of a choice selection of nursery stock, the property of Messrs D. Hay and Son. Messrs W. J. Hunter and Co. advertise their usual Frankton monthly cattle sale for Wednesday, August 17th. In referring to our advertising column* our agricultural readers will sec an announcement of Mr Adam Laybourn, seed merchant, of Auckland, which is interesting to all intending seed purchasers. Mr Laybourn publishes several testimonials as to the quality of his seeds, and to judge from the tone of these, the quality of his articles is highly commendable. Messrs Heeketh and Aitkin, grain and seed merchants and general shipping agents, Auckland, advertise an extensive stock of grain material. They have taken over the business lately carried on by Mr Alfred Buckland, vrho recommends bis successors to the public. Mr John Knox will sell, this day, at t.3« p.m., one case Canterbury hams and bacon, carrots, &c. All claims against the Tawhiao Reception Committee should be sent to the Town Clerk, Hamilton, on Monday next. The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has Deen a gicat succesn 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 <i great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash .is gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder of a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bearaportionofthcloss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will .lim to retain the confidence which the public have hithcito shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair 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 ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bed 'Suip and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factor)', will be marked at the lowest remunerative prires, 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 of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is ni'\v and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited.-— Garlick and Cranwkll, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland