A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1479, 24 December 1881, Page 2

A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Amidst the many complex questions by which the administration of native affairs is surrounded, there is nevertheless one point upon which all are agreed, viz., the necessity for moulding the public administration so as to bring both races under operation of the one law. The question, difficult at all times, is one which, at the present moment, becomes of more than ordinary pressing importance. A large section of natives hitherto living in open defiance of European rule, has voluntarily given in its allegiance, consequently the cementing of these relations on an improved basis becomes more than ever a question for serious consideration. Indeed, it is a question well worthy of engaging the best attention of both the statesman and the philanthropist. Towards paving the way for bringing about a consolidation of the law for the government o£ both races it is necessary that the native mind should, as far as possible, be initiated into the habits and customs of the European colonist. In particular, it is requisite he should be placed in a position to compete with him for the prosecution of industrial pursuits, and by that means infuse his energies into the general mass of labor and enterprise which, when rightly directed, becomes at once a safeguard to society and the glory of a nation. Once give him a taste for labor and a share in its rewards ai.d wo supply him with one of the strongest possible incentives for conforming to the laws and customs of constitutional authority. Hitherto the efforts made in that direction do not seem to have been wisely conceived, either in the interest of the native or that of the European. E-oad works were sometime ago set apart exclusively for the employment of Maori labor, and a good deal ©f money appears to have been spent to very little purpose. The failure on that occasion was due to the fact that it was designed more as a sop to the natives than an outlet for his labor and enterprise. He seems to have been allowed to do pretty much as he liked ; one, and perhaps the most conspicuous, result of that laxity of supervision being the extraordinary aptitude he developed for doing what is popularly known as the "Government stroke." Altogether Aye have reason to believe this exclusive appropriation of work for Maori labor tended rather to demoralise the native mind than strengthen his - claims to be regarded as a reproductive member of society. During the candidature of the now re-elected member for Waipa. the subject was brought under his notice at an interview with the natives residing at "Waitetuna. They complained that the labor market was entirely monopolised by the Europeans, and that they were, to all intents and purposes, debarred from competing for work let by Government. Their plea, on further inquiry, amounted to this : — Public works contracts — contracts of that kind let in their own neighbourhood being specially alluded to — were advertised in English, and in that way they were left in entire ignorance of such works being on hand until they had actually been taken up. This they argued and argued not unreasonably, was unfair to them, and that some means ought to be contrived for bringing under their notice the fact that contracts in which they might fairly be expected to participate were about to be let. The proposal, as we have said, is perfectly reasonable, and one which we desire to bring under the immediate attention of the public works authorities. For meeting the views of the natives on this point, a very simply method is all that is necessary. In districts where natives are known to reside tenders for works of the kind have only to be advertised in , Maori' as well as in English. That would serve all the purpose required. The extra cost would be a mere trifle — not to be mentioned in comparison with < the great advantage that would arise from the natives' .being induced to enter" into active compqtition in the labor marjket. \j "

, The outgoing Enghsh. Mail closes at the Post Office" Hamilton on Ho^aj^ ;week at 10 o'clock, . , j^ t "

We are requested to announce that on Manday, 26th inst, and Monday, the 2nd proximo, the Hamilton Post and Telegraph offices will be opsn between 9 and 10 a.m. instead of the usual hours,

To-day we present each of our readers with a copy of our Almanac for 1882.

The charges qi money under false pretences brought by E. Wayte against T. C. Hammond, were called at the R. M. Court yesterday and adjourned till after the holidays.

The only business transacted at the Licensidg Court, Alexandra, on Wednesday, was the transfer of the license of the Exchange Hotel from Mathias Asmuss to P. Connell.

A man named Cornelius Begley was convicted of drunkenuess and disorderly conduct at the Police Court, Hamilton, jesterday, and fined in the u&ual amount with costs.

The secretary of the Hamilton Band requests us to notify to the members that they are requested to meet in uniform at tlieir practice-room at 11 sharp on Boxing Day, to take part in the Hamilton sports.

Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphed last night : — Mary Ann Western, who was found drunk in the streets with a dead child in her arms, particulars of which, were transmitted for your last issue, has been committed on the verdict of the coroner's jury for manslaughter.

The allotment in Victoria-street, Cambridge, recently occupied by Mr S. Bright as an auction has been purchased at £5 per foot. The extent of frontage is 31 feet, and the purchaser, Mr Hunter, t)f Te A wamutu, intends opening a branch of his saddlery business here, for which purpose he will erect suitable premises.

The members of the Cambridge Quadrille Assembly concluded their quarterly season with a dance in the Public Hall on Wednesday night. There were a good few couples present, the music being piovided by Messrs Stuart and Johnson. The party did not break up until near 3 o'clock next morning, all haviug apparently enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

The followingibusiness was transacted at the R.M. Court, Alexandra, on Wednesday last; Capt. Jackson, R.M. presiding :— Aubin v. Henry William Pohlen claim £4 12. Mr Gresham for plaintiff. Defendant had paid £2 since summons issued. Judgment for plaintiff, £2 12s, costs £1 Bs. Aubin v. Arthur Onnsby claim £10 17s lid. Mr Gresham for plaintiff. Judgment for amount claimed with costs £2 10s 6d.

At the sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court, Cambridge, on Monday last a number of persons were fined for having in their possession unregistered dogs, some of the owners having to pay in nearly every instance four times the legal fee. This should be a caution to those who have got \mcollared dogs in their possession and knock about their piemises whether they really belong to them or not.

A special service of song will be held in the Cambridge Wesleyan Church, the evening of Christmas Day. The Rev. Mr Griffin is announced to deliver several connective readings on the occasion and the service of song which is entitled " Immanuel" -will comprise the leading incidents in the life of Christ from his advent to his ascension.

Mr Blight's sale held at Cambridge, on Monday and Wednesday last of the stock and effects of Mr Pearson was well attended, bidders from the opening to the close of the sale being numerous. Everything realised very good price. The sale was continued yesterday and will close to-day.

At a meeting of the Cambridge Public Hall Committee, held in the hall on Wednesday evening, afc which there were present Messrs Houghton (chairman), Wells, Hewitt, Brooks, Thompson, Isaacs, and Asher, it was agreed to accept Mr Baker's tender of £357 for the additions and improvements to the hall. Nine gentlemen have expressed their willingness to put their names to a guarantee for the overdraft, and it was resolved to ask the business people of the town to do likewise, so as to make the matter what it really is — a public affair. Mr A. Isaacs was elected a member of the committee in lieu of Mr H. A. Keesing, resigned.

The following from the Otago Tunes gives some idea of the contrast between railway management in Canterbury and Otago and in Auckland. While on the Waikato line the speed is kept at little over 15 miles an hour, including stoppages, and on the Kaipara line under 15 miles, at the commencement of the present of the present month the express train between Dunedin and Christchurch was to be accelarated by an hour and a quarter. The only places (says the Times) at which the train will stop between Dunedin and Oamarn will be Port Chalmers, Waikouaiti, and Palmerston. The smaller stations will be so timed as to enable passengers to catch the express at Palmerston or Oamaru.

At tlie crown Lands Board meeting on Thursday , a letter ,was received from the Minister of Lands, consenting to the recommendation of the Board that the clause in the agreement for the lease of the Hot Springs requiring the erection of a first-class hotel might be omitted. — It was agreed to offer the lease without this condition. The Chairman brought up three cases in which purchase money for land was not paid within specified time. The first was from Mr Corboy, the second from Mr John McCabe, and the third from Mr Adam Laybourn, The purchasers represented that the, failure to > pay the balance of the purchase money was owing to a, misapprehension, and requested permission to be allowed to complete their purchases. — The Chairman said the Board had no discretionary power in the matter, but it was agreed to forward the applications to the Government, with a recommendation that should be granted.

We have the pleasure to announce fresh attractions which are being prepared for the Bazaar at Cambridge on next Monday and Tuesday. A gallery of art will be furnished which will comprise works in oil, &c, by artists of note, portraits of eminent ,perspnages, landscape studies, &c. A catalogue of the works to be exhibited is Veing printed which *vill be sold at 6d per copy. A small charge will also be made for admission to the gallery. Several of the most valuable works will be offered for sale. Further contributions by way of loan or gift to this most interesting exhibition will be thankfully received by Colonel Lyon, who will have charge of the department. The Christmas-tree will also be a great attraction. It will be gaily decked with flags and brilliantlj illuminated with no less than three dozen lighted tapers of all colours. •' The Bazaar will also be richly supplied with v toys of all kinds and articles suitable for Christmas presents.

' Tenders for road works are invited by ,the Kirikiriroa Road Board. * Dbt & French advertise, Christmas and « Jfe^'Year's goods for r sale;-' vi l "\ . - PfB%SiA, rfi^h^sraylißo'Mds'give' notice ,of thfr^p^a^o^a'rdadi?"^ "v'\» -.,,'> I? •MBS3B3<!W»;J.jfiuntgr &;Cor announce a^ale^oli'ciittle' at^|wipo^ ; on Thursday, • ,oth pronnus „ r * t - . % >} ,- 4,-