THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1881.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1427, 25 August 1881, Page 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1881.

"Sleepy Hollow," alias Nelson, seems to have wakened up on Tuesday evening with a vengeance, and all at once became so boisterous through the silent watches of the night as to disturb the peace, order, and good government of the colony in the person of its representatives in Parliament. Preliminary symptoms of the disorder, it is true, were not wanting, but no one imagined for one moment that our drowsy friend would succeed in exciting the commotion it appears to have done. The primary cause of the turmoil was the new Representation Bill, the draft of which we reported on a recent occasion, and which passed its second reading a few days ago. In its further progress through Parliament the Bill was committed the night before last, and although as hinted above, a stand was anticipated in the interest of our Cook Strait neighbor, no one bargained for the stand being more than a mild protest — certainly not a complete block. Yet, nevertheless, and of a verity, the latter proved to be the case, and for something like 28 hours consecutive sitting Nelson kept possession of the floor. The performance during the small hours of yesterday morning must have been suggestive. Our Parliamentary reporter's narrative, transmitted by wire, will be found in another column, and, to say the least of it, it suggests some strange reflections. Indeed the obstruction throughout was a hopeless one, and we venture to assert that no one was more convinced of the fact than the Nelson members themfelves. They knew full well that the odds were against them, and that the struggle on their part, backed up as it was by the cooperation of one or two allies, was utterly hopeless, and that their complete subjugation was merely a question of time, the period at best not being one of long duration. The question arises then : What was the true secret of all this worthless expenditure of public time and personal energy 1 The answer is not difficult to define. Indeed, no attempt at disguise was made, so that no possible doubt can exist on the subject. Nelson is dissatisfied with the share of representation allocated to her under the new bill, rightly or wrongly is a point not at all pertinent to the question at issue. In pursuance of this dissatisfaction public meetings of the constituencies were held, at which resolutions were passed calling upon the district members to hinder and obstruct the progress of the bill in every possible way. It was in conformity with these instructions that ihe turmoil in question arose. The situation and circumstances are well worth our serious consideration. No possible advantage could be secured by Nelson from the action dictated to its members, and although the latter were perfectly well aware of the fact, we can well understand that with a general election staring them in the face they could not possibly afford to ignore the behest. Hopeless as the task might seem, the situation is at once awkward and embarassing, and as it is one liable to crop up again at any given moment, nothing seems more reasonable than that Parliament itself should come to the rescue. Members ought to be relieved from the embarrassment of the situation, and Parliament by stepping in between them and their constituents take upon itself the responsibility of putting an end to proceedings which can bring about no practicable result beyond delaying the business of the colony, and otherwise prejudicing the interests of the public. We speak from memory we say the Imperial Parliament has adopted a Standing Order or bye-law affirming the principle of all further debate on a given subject being put a stop to on a motion affirmed by a given majority of the House. No doubt a coercive measure of this kind is open to objection, and what

is designated the " tyrannical majority" may use it for questionable purposes, and we regard il in the light of two evils, of which the least is chosen. Had such a 'regulation been in force on Tuesday, Nelson would have been saved itself, and the public policy from scandal.

Whatever other facilities for the transit of goods we may provide ourselves with in Waikato, the importance of our water highways ought, not to be lost sight of. During tho time our rivers formed almost the sole means of communication with the outer world, they have been sadly neglected, and it is more than likely that unless attention be constantly directed to the subject, they will have less care bestowed upon them in the future. As one winter succeeds another, fresh traces of the destructive action of the wash against the banks is discernible, and as yet no adequate steps have been taken to check this annually recurring evil. In certain localities, it is true, efforts, and very successful efforts have been made to conserve the river banks, as at Ngaruawahia, Taupiri, and some other places, and the Hamilton Borough Council is about to follow suit and prevent the further loss of land on the point opposite the Waikato Brewery. But these are mere drops in the bucket. What is required, and what some day will have to be resorted to, is a general scheme, embracing the whole length of the river, say, from the head of the navigation at Cambridge to Huntley. The most proper commencement would, to our mind, be the appointment of a Board of Conservators, in whom the task of protecting the river banks should be confided. Although the work would not be of a very costly nature, consisting principally in the judicious planting of willows, the question of expense will inevitably be a stumbling block. It cannot be expected that the settlers will consent to be taxed even for such a good object as this ; they are taxed heavily enough already ; neither would it be fair to so burden them. The work is one of colonial importance, and should receive the attention of the Legislature of the colony. The Government were they asked for assistance would no doubt shelter themselves behind the cry of economy and retrenchment, and we are ready to admit that the financial position of the country does not warrant anything but expenditure upon that which is absolutely necessary. But in these days of harbor endowments, when the Government can bring themselves to the alienation of 50,000 acres of the finest land in the South Island for the benefit of Timaru, it would be nothing unreasonable to ask for similar concessions in our case. We can see very little distinction between the construction of a safe harbor and the preservation of rivers of such commercial importance as the Waikato and the Waipa. As regards the latter stream we have several times remarked, on the necessity for some measures being taken to have it snagged, and otherwise rendered more suitable for navigation, and the arguments used by us would apply also to the Piako and Waihou rivers. Nothing can we suppose be done in the direction we have indicated until next session, but we hope it will not be lost sight of by the members for the district when that time arrives.

Cable news from Sydney states that small-pox is atill spreading 1 . In the Melbourne market on the 23rd inst., oats were quoted at 3s 4d for feed, and 3s 6d for milling. It is reported that the natives have again commenced fencing at Pungarehu. A number of allotments of rural lands in the parishes of Whangamarino, Maungatawhiri, Komakorau, and Horotiu are open for selection. The lease of lot 147, Hamilton East, being a hospital endowment, will be offered for sale by public auction at the Crown lands office, Auckland, on the 29th inst. The Railways Construction Bill introduced by the Hon. the Premier was read a second time on Monday night and ordered to be committed. Messrs Carpenter and Byron have disposed of a portion of their valuable estate on the Waipa to Mr Fraser, formerly a cadet on the same estate. It is proposed to give the people of Auckland and Dunedin and intermediate places the privilege of listening to the magnificent peal of ten bells now being erected in the Ohristchurch Cathedral tower, by laying a telephone to the building. The next sale at the Crown Lands Office, Auckland, of town, suburban and country lands, will be held on fche 29th inst., and will include lots in the town of Taupo, suburbs of Te Aroha, and the the parishes of Komakorau (Newcastle North) and Horotiu (Newcastle South). The Cambridge Choral Union held their usual weekly practice at the Town Board rooms, Cambridge, last Monday night. There was a very good attendance of members, and a few new members joined the society. Mr J. C. Richmond, of Nelson, a gentlemen well-known m the political circles of the colony is at present on a visit to Waikato, for the purpose, we. understand, of inspecting some valuable landed property belonging to him on the Waipa. It is now thirty years since Mr Richmond in company with his brother, ( now Justice Richmond, first visited the district, making the journey principally by canoe. A proclamation in the "Gazette" vests the necessary land for the approach to the Hamilton Bridge on the West side , in the Borough Council. The schedule is as under: — All that piece or parcel "of land being part of allotment No. 60, Hamilton West, County of Waipa, Provincial District of, Auckland, ! containing by admeasurement 14 .perches, n»ore\>r less., Bounded — Northerly by Rich,-, moad«street, 360 links; and Southerly

and S6uth-easterly by lines, 296 and 84 Jinks respectively : be all the aforesaid hn\ar'cs more or less, and the same being more p<utionlarly delineated on the map attached to the memorial above referred to. ; ■ ' Following upon an unusually mild wiiitei domes .1 i.-ore than ordinal lly early spring. The v .Hows have hcarcely sh< d tli ii 1 isl yearn leaver when they au> budding stronjrly a .iin. Fruit trees too aie b.eaking out. in Mossom, and give promise of .in .ihundano ciop. v\ c had qpnt to us on Tuesday a -.mall branch off a plum tree from thr> or' 'iard of Mr W. Oumminjr, liusemnnc, Hamilton East, whifh is tuUof blo-soni full blown, aud looking rem.irkably he.ilthy and vigorous. Mr Snowden has sold Ms fine farm at Hautupu to Mr Pickering, a gentleman who arrived iv the colony towards the end of last year with Mr Barugh, new of Wartle, Tamahere. The farm is one of tho finest in the Cambridge dihtiict, and formerly belonged to Captain Runciman, who brought it to a high state of perfection The price was, we understand, about £10 per acre. ; The usual weekly meeting of the Hamilton Debating Club, will be held at the Court-house this evening. The following are the orders of the day : — No. 1. The chairman of committee (Mr K. Hill) j to move "That the number of denominations in existence tend to retard the progress of religion." No 2. (Private member's subject) Rev. W. Calder to move "That in the opinion of this Club, the Government should supply education up to the third standard only, and where practicable schools should be conducted on the half-time system." No. 3. The secretary (Mr T. G. Sandes) to move " That a limited monarchy is the best form of government for a country." The approach to Hamilton along the Cambridge road has been much improved in appearance during the last few months The lessees of the Domain allotments in this neighborhood have cleared and ploughed their lands, and daring next summer grass will be found to have occupied the place hitherto filled by titree, fiax, and fern. Mr Hunt has also made some very noticeable alterations on the property lately purchased by him from Mr Uzzell. The land has been broken up with a view to laying it down in permanent pasture, and the timber is on the ground ready for the erection of the residence. Not the least pleasing sight along the road is the green pasture land on the property of Capt. Steele and Mr John Runciman. A meeting of the Committee appointed at the recent meeting of ratepayers at Cambridge West was held on Saturday evening last. The business of the meeting was to take the necessary steps in compliance with the resolutions passed at the public meeting. It was determined that a requisition, to be signed by the ratepayeis, be at once drawn up by Mr Madigan, and forwarded, with a copy of the resolution passed at the mooting, to the Colonial Secretary. The Colonial Bank authorities at Cambridge do not see their way as yet to proceed with the erection of a new banking establishment for the transaction of business there. They have been making overtures to Mrs Robie about the letting of the premises lately occupied by Miss M. Doran, but the conditions being unreasonable they have not secured their object. They will continue to occupy their present premises adjoining the National Hotel, as they do not contemplate the erection of a building on their allotment at the corner of Alford and Victoria-streets for many months to come. It will be remembered that a few large contributions were promised the building committee of S. Andrew's new church at Cambridge, on the understandingj that i f the sum of £950 was not collected on the 2nd September the money would not be paid ; and that if that amount was collected those who promised would come forward and fulfil their promises. These promised contributions are four in number, of £50 each ; and the building committee are therefore anxious that the sum of £950 should be collected before the fatal 2nd. If not, they lose £200, which would be a most unfortunate and undesirable circumstance, and one which we are sure all those who have promised contributions will avert by coming forward and laying down their respective amounts, or in other words fulfilling their promises. An Auckland contemporary learns from a correspondent, that a large meeting of N^atiwhatua natives was held at Wharepa, Kaipara district, on Saturday last. Amongst other business, a letter was read from Paora Tuhaere, to Nopera, an old Kaipara chief. The letter said that Tawhiao had informed Paul that he would pay a visit to Ongarahu (a settlement of the Ngatiwhatua, at Kaipara.) Tawhiao fixed no date for his visit, his words beinjr, "' E roa te tau ia koe, ke Tuteamoamo." This, it will be remembered, i* a quotation from the tradition referred to in the letter to the Mayor of Hamilton. The Ngatiwhatua think that March will probably be the time for the visit, and are already looking forward to a big meeting at Ongarahu, or, as it is better known, Reweti. The special choir formed for the purpose of rendering the festival music at the opening of S. Andrew's new Church, Cambridge, held another of their practices for the first time in the new Church building on Tuesday night last, when a part of the music, consisting of the responses, the proper Psalms, Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and Jackson's morning and evening services in F were thoroughly rehearsed. The greater part of the music showed signs of great improvement, but the Psalms, which have not long been taken in hand, did not go so steadily. The singers were on Tuesday evening divided into two choirs, namely, Decani and Contoris, and the Psalms sung antiphonally, which to our mind has a very pleasing effect in chanting. We were very pleased with the rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus, as that magnificent selection was taken with great brilliancy and precision. We were sorry, however, to observe a slight echo in the building, but this may become less apparent when the timber and tools are removed and the Church is full of people. We are informed that the instrumental part of the music will consist of two harmoniums and two brass instruments, which, however, as yet, have not had an opportunity of practising together. On this occasion Mrs Chitty ably presided at the organ, assisted by Mr Neal, while Mr J, A. Beale, the Church organist, wielded the baton. Mr Raynes the proprietor of the National Hotel, Cambridge, has been extending a fatherly and a philanthropic hand to the Cambridge Choral Union. At the usual weekly practice of that Society held on Monday evening last, the matter of purchasing a piano was ventilated. After much discussion and talk it became apparent that the purohase of suoh a costly, instrument was removed be- ' yond all consideration for the' present, as ths funds of the society were of a somewhat limited nature and, inadequate for such a venture, and also that as the Town Board could not see their way to have their rooms suitably filled "up according to tho proposals' of Mr Wright, that they would have no place to keep it ia if. a .purohase ware efteoted. ' After the practice 1 Me'sßra j Goodfellow and 'Wright .waited upop r Mr Raynes and explained tho matter to him, whereupon that gentle*

man informed them that as his theatre would be existence before many months he would purchase a piano immediately which the Choral Union could have the use of. This is generosity of a practical character and>ia destined ta encourage such social societies in our midst as would otherwise have remained in obeyance for the want of encouragement of a like nature. It is gratifying to know that the Cambridge Brass Band is again to be an institution. The Secretary, on behalf of the members, has advertised for a bandmaster, and several applications have been received for the office. The position is a good one and certainly worth having, as it ensures a basis upon which an industrious man may build a comfortable living and found a substantial business. There is one feature in the Cambridge Brass Baud which distinguishes it from that of many others, and that is that the instruments are the sole property ot the members themselves, and that the public were never called upon to contribute towards their purchase. As the Band therefore would pay a bandmaster, provide its own music, and other current expenses, and would be ready to contribute their services on occasions of concerts, gatherings, race meetings, and other like events, the public should be willing to show some consideration in return. By a number of the public becoming honorary members and contributing a few shillings annually, the band would be lightened of the burden which has hitherto been too much for it to carry, and be enabled to become as successful from a financial as it has been in the past from a musical point of view. A few gentlemen have already taken the initiative in this matter, and it is to be hoped they will be successful in the achievement of their object. Miss Moseley, a domestic in a family in West Middlebex, Perm , was supposed to have died suddenly a few weeks ago. Her family had moved to Missouri previous to her death, and Miss iVToseley, was given a respectable burial by her employer. A few days after some friends arrived there from Missouri to remove her remains West, and on opening the coffin it was discovered the young lady had been buried alive while in a trance, and awakened in her grave, and turned over on her side. She was lying face downward, her h.mds clenched in her hair and hfir distorted features plainly showing the intensity of suffering she had undergone. It was apparent that in the short interval which must have ensued between return to consciousness and death by suffocation, she had comprenended her condition and turning upon her face, had endeavoured fco throw open the lid of the coffin by pushing against it with her back — Elmira Gazcette. The 'Fnsco News Letter t speaking of the Australian colonies, says : — The Ausj tralian colonies have lately kicked against Irish immigration, and have decided, in the language of an old comic song, that "No lrish need apply." Now they are threatened with an immense influx of Chinese. As labour in these colonies is already low, the depressing effect of the arrival of 20,000 coolies cannot but cause much distress and a good deal of very just growling among the labouring class. In 1864, John Bayley Darvall, then Attor-ney-General of New South Wales, was instrumental in passing a bill charging each Chinaman 50 dollars before landing. This had the effect of stopping almost entirely what was even then growing into a serious curse to the country. Only a few Chinamen, and those of the better class, could afford to land, and whole ship-loada had to return without touching dry land. This good law must have lately been repealed, and China, with her teeming hordes of half-starved slaves, is never slow to take advantage of such chances to get rid of her surplus poor. Tub Americans are laying down a scale of points for the Clydesdale, and no doubt some people will pay attention to it. The animal, it is evident from their purchases, will be a Cleveland-Clydesdale. The market will be so famed through the cuckoo cry of big prices, that the street market will be ignored and the breed spoiled. An engaged young man is late in paying his regular visit in the dwelling of his musically-inclined betrothed. The young lady is anxious. The family sympathises with her anxiety. Suddenly the boll rings and the calm blue sky of peace reappears in the young girl's eyes as she exclaims, rapturously, but ungrammatically, " That's him ! How exquisite his technique is on the bell- pull, and — oh, the breadth of his ring !" Messrs Hunter & Nolan will hold their first Cattle Fair of the season at the Popakura Yaids, on Monda), Septembei sth, when over 600 cattle of all kinds will be offered for sale. A reward of ten shillings is offered for the recovery ot a red cow. A reward is offered for the return of a pony lost or stolen from the Ngaruawahia Run. If stolen, an increased reward will be given for information that will lead to a conviction. Mr J. S. Buckland will offer for sale at the Whatawhata Yards, on Tuesday next, the 30th inst., 100 head mixed cattle, steers, horses, sheep, &c. Also the well-known Clydesdale stallion, Young Derby, winner of two first prucs at Auckland Cattle Shows. Messrs W. J, Hunter & Co. will hold their usual sale at Cambridge to-day of horses, cattle, sheep, &c. A meeting of the creditors in the estate of Thomas Dawson will be held in the Court House, Hamilton, on Wednesday next, to receive trustees report and pass a resolution that the debtor be discharged. The Secretary to the Kirikirioa Highway Board invites tenders for cutting a drain on the Tauhei road, to be in by the 7th September. Mr J. S. Buokland will hold his Cattle Fair at the Ohaupo Yards, on Tuesday, September 13th. Selleis are requested to make their entries as early as possible. Mr J. S. Buckland will sell at the Cambridge Yards, on Tuesday, 6th September, prime fat cattle, sheep, dairy cows, &c. Mr John S. Milne notifies that he haß taken over the Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, where every convenience for travellers, &c, will be found, in conjunction with a first-class table and the best of liquors. Miss ' M. Doran notifies that she has removed to more convenient premises next the Bank of New Zealand, Cambridge, where she has a large and well-selected stock ot millinery, hoisery, and every requisite to select from. Mr H. Norgrove, butcher, Duke-street, Cambridge announces that he is prepared to supply small goods daily. He has a stock of prime home fed bacon. Mr Kennedy *Hill advertises that he will offer for sale, on Saturday next, a large assortment of first-class furniture, and invites inspection, jrle will sell on same day, produce, Sec. The prospectus of the Hamilton Public Hall Company, Limited, will be found in our advertising columns. 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 success in Sydney and Melbourne and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the §oods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must c a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinery, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, withoutthe risk of being called upon to bearaportion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto 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 r co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets*, floor cloths, bedsteads, bed 'Snip and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory,, will >be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a. discount of -five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. ■G. fc C: having realised the entire value of their stock daring, their late 'cash sale, the present stock is nbw Ape* chsaplv bodght* An inspection is invited.— Garluck and ' Cranwhx, City HkllFurniihing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland