Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1481, 31 December 1881, Page 2

Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and e\<ut justice to all men, Of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain Unawcd by influence and unbnbed by gain.

SATURDAY, DEC. 31, 1881.

We have once more reached the threshold of a new year — a period in the progress of time and its events when, in spite of onward cravings, the mind instinctivly pause jLo ponder over the past. The backsliclings of the clay, in contradistinction to the virtues of the past, is a theme upon which a certain class of moralists are prone to dilate. They tell us the highminded chivalries of the past have disappeared, and that selfishness and insincerity reign in their stead. The burden of their narrative is lamentation and woo — Ichabod, Ichabod, — the glory has departed. Eroni doctrines like these we positively dissent ; at the same time we willingly assume their promulgators rank amongst the class whose sentiments do more credit to their hearts than their heads. With every possible respect, aye, and even veneration for the memories and institutions of the past, we cannot possibly admit that they stand out at all prominently in relief to those of the present. On the contrary, we are free to confess that at no time in the world's history has the administration of affairs been adjusted with nicer precision or gve&tev regaixl to the interests of nil classes of die community. Indeed, if there be a failing it would almost seem as if it "leant to virtue's side." At all events it is a well authenticated fact that if there is one instinct more than another which shows symptoms of too rapid growth and development for the rest of the work which regulates the administrative machine, it is that which belongs to the order of benevolence. New Zealand, if we do not misinterpret the signs of the times, is in a fair way for furnishing an example in point. So scrupulous has the Legislature been in protecting the interests of the weak, i.e. the labouring and poorer classes, that there is reason to believe it has not only succeeded in rendering them a power in the land, but also a dominant power in the Legislature ; the result being that the governmental machine is in some clanger of being thrown out of gearing, in consequence of undue preponderances. Let that be as it may, one thing is obvious, the grinding oppression and injustice which was so long the lot of the poor and needy, cannot be re-enacted, so far at least, as New Zealand is concerned. One law may be made for the rich and another for the poor. That, in the present state of affairs, is quite possible ; but of this, we may be well assured, the advantages will be made to preponderate in favor of the latter. The whole tendency of legislation in the present day, undoubtedly, is to elevate the masses and to deprive adventitious circumstances, such as accidents of birth and fortune, of much of the prestige hitherto secured for them. So polpable is this, that we may now fairly assume the evils consequent upon extreme poverty can only be produced by circumstances over which no control can be exercised, or by the vice or utter impotency of the individual. On the other hand, the paths to affluence and honor have been thrown open to everyone,

independent altogether of either rank or station. That we contend is a fair representation of the general tendencies of the day ; and, while on the one hand, it goes far to dispose of the melancholy forebodings indulged in by the class of public censors mentioned above, it affords one of the most solid grounds for congratulation, which, even this, the congratulatory season of the year, can jwoduee. With regard to the transactions of the year just closing, to New Zealand as a colony, they certainly furnish food for reflection. With our achievements — and these have , been neither few nor small — we have contracted fresh obligations, and it is in the faithful realization and honest discharge of theso, that we can iilone hope to participate in the reward.s they are designed to pioduce. The principal of these, and the one which comes home more pointedly to us as a district, ib the greatly improved prospects the year lias wrought in regard to our relations with the aborigines. At one period that relationship was threatening enough — so much so, that warfare and bloodshed seemed the only probable solution of the difficulty. Thanks, however, to the firmness and discrimination of the Government, such fell catastrophe has not only been prevented, but a regime entered upon which bids fair to &et this long-pending difficulty for over at rest. With a continuation of the present administration, there seems little fear but that the work thus well begun will be equally well ended. If, 01^ the other hand, that chronic spirit of discontent which is at all times more or less actively at work in our midst, should by any chance, or rather mischance, succeed in disarranging existing administrative functions, the probable issue cannot possibly be foretold. At our own doors the work of concili ating the Maori and bringing him into friendly intercourse and relations with the European and his laws and institutions has been, if less demonstrative, at all events, more decisive. A more effectual settlement of a long standing feud, and one which might have burst out at any moment into open rupture, could not have been desired. It is hardly ripe enough yet for results. These will come in due course, and then will be seen their vast importance to the progress and development of the place. Occupying, as Waikato does, the vantage ground in relation to this transaction, our congratulations in view of its complete success cannot bo too heartily expressed. We have already alluded incidentally to the march of political events. In the developments of the year just closing they have been of marked significance. We have had the opportunity for testing the " first fruits " of some of the more important of those " great " liberal measures of which so much has been heard during late years. We are not by any means disposed to think the fruit altogether bitter. There has been just sufficient acidity about it, however, to show thai it requires to be bi ought to maturity, and that in the meantime we should refrain from cultivating products of a similar class until, at least, it has had time to ripen. Every man with a footing in the country has secured a voice in its affairs. In all conscience that should be sufficient to satisfy the most exacting demand for equal electoral rights. Whether the much-abused property qualification is not worthy of some slight attention is just a question to be thought out &i leisure. \Vdth regard to matters purely local, we feel we can offer our most hearty congratulations. A rapid and judicious progress and improvement has been carried on during the year. Amidst all the bitter asperity which chai'acterised the general election it was noted that not a word was breathed against the authorities, savoring of neglect or indifference to the wants of this place. On the contrary, the bitterest opponents to the powers that be, were generous enough to admit that, great consideration and exceptional liberality had been shown. Preliminary steps for giving effect to much of that, admittedly, bountiful provision,being just now on the %?i.s, we may conclude that the briskness which characterises the labor market is only a prelude to what it may shortly be expected to reach. The year upon which we are about to enter, should see vast improvements wrought in the fortunes of the place. Railway communication extended to Cambridge on the one side, and Piako on the other, should greatly improve the prospect of affairs. Cambridge at the present moment is undoubtedly entitled to rank as one of the most thriving inland townships in the colony. J With railway communication to its very door, an unlimited extent of good agricultural country in its surroundings and, what is of no small importance under such circumstances, a wealthy land proprietary, deeply interested in promoting settlement on a satisfactory footing, few places can boast of a more promising future than the enterprising township of Cambridge. Piako, on the other hand, forms a coupling link between the Thames, Te Aroha, and the Waikato, which means a goldfields market, for thepastoral and other products of the latter. Everything , like reliable ( authority agrees in thinking that'Te Aroha and its environs will shortly icarry a large mining population, so that our prospects in that direction '

are not only good but likewise immediate. Inviting as the whole subject is, our space will not permit ua to pursue it further. We must therefore conclude, and in conclusion we beg to tender the salutations of the season — " A Happy New Year."

According to the prophecy of Mother Shipton, the year of grace one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one w.is to have witnessed the destruction of the world ; but the old lady has only a very few hours left and will have to look sharp if she desires to maintain her reputation. The last stroke of the clock at midnight will, if it be ever heard, lighten many hearts, though in this age of unbelievers there have been found those who could lidicule the awful, if somewhat lame couplet, The world to an end shall come In eighteen hundred and eighty-one, upon the authenticity of which, indeed, grave doubts have been thrown. Mother Shipton lived in the reign of Bluff King Hal, and was famous for her prophecies, in which she foretold the deaths of Wolsey, Lord Percy, aud others, and many wonderful events of the future times, but it has been shrewdly suspected that other hands iv less remote times have added to her prognostications. Prophecies are as sensitive as shares in a quartz mine and cannot be meddled with ; hence, when we have strong reasons for believing that an enterprising Yankee publisher, anxious to extend the sale of Mother Shiplon's book, carefully interpolated the two lines above quoted, we can afford to await in tolerable eqranimity the last heavy breath of the dying year. During the two days of the Anglician bazaar at Cambridge a sum of £127 was netted. Capt. Northcroft, Resident Magistrate for Waikato, was a passenger to Hamilton on Thursday. Having been relieved from military service, he returns to assume the duties of his magisterial office. On the return of the Delta to Hamilton from Ngaruawahia on Monday night, there will be a pyrotecnic display outside Gwynne's Hotel, in celebration of the New Year. The music loving portion of the community will hear with pleasure that Mr Gordon Gooch, Miss Marielle, (late of Careys Opera Company) and a number of other first-cla&s artistes intend giving a series of concerts in the chief Waikato centies commencing at Cambridge on the 10th of January. The new Trinity Wesleyan Church, Hamilton, now fast drawing towards completion, will be opened on Tuesday evening, 10th January. The Rev. Thomas Spurgeon will conduct the service, commencing at 7 o'clock. On the following evening a soiree will be held in the Public and Volunteer Hall. On Monday night the second quadrille assembly in connection with the Hamilton Band, will take place in the Public and Volunteer Hall, dancing to commence at 9. As the funds of the band are not in a very flourishing condition, it is to be hoped that the attendance will be large, thus enabling the members to clear off a few of their oututanding liabilities. Latest quotations in the Auckland markets are : — Flax (N.Z.), per ton, £19 to £21 10s ; tow (do), £7 to £9 j bonedust (Sydney), £6 to LB, according to quality; Auckland, £7 to £8 10s; Peruvian guano, £17 to £18 ; Huon guano (small lots), £6, bags included ; boneflour, £8 to £9 10s. Mr James Taylor of Cambridge has decided on cutting up a portion of his valuable property, which he intends putting into the market in five acre allotments. Mr Gwynneth is already engaged surveying the land. These allotments will prove valuable to suburban settlers for building purposes, tnd no doubt they will be taken up at good prices. The weather still continues to be very unseasonable, and haymaking operations are at a standstill. Unless the weather speedily changes, much of the hay uncut will share the fate of that mown, as it is getting ripe fast, and will be too dry to be of much service. The sudden squalls have also commenced to injure the grain crops, so that, altogether, the continuance of coarse weather is fast degenerating into an evil of the first magnitude. Yesterday morning a number of workmen engaged by the Cambridge Town Board set to work at removing the lump in the footpath in front of the Masonic Hotel, and extending along to Mr Jaggs, tailor's shop. The job is now finished, and the hotel with the shops appear to have taken leave of the street altogebhe?; the doors being several het above the proper level. We hear the legality of the step taken by the Board in removing- the earthwork, will be tested in a court of law. During his recent visit to the Thames, Mr J. Sheehan, M.H.R. in publicly thanking a number of miners from the upper country for then." kindness in coming down to vote for him, mentioned that it had been arranged that Captain Morris, the new member (and their representative proper), Mr Cadman, MrF. A. Whitaker, Mr Whyte, and himself had arranged to meet early in the year at Te Aroha, and travel from thence through all the goldfields to Coromandel, the better to become acquainted with the wants of the entire district. The announcement was received with applause. Three cheers were then called, and heartily given, for Mr Sheehan. Capt. Morris said he approved of what Mr Sheehan had said, and he would do his best for the district in Parliament. At the last meeting of the Waikato County Council, the chairman, Captain Steele, drew attention to what he described as a great grievance in connection with Hautapu pound. He complained that the horses and cattle of settlers were impounded on the shallowest pretences, one gentleman having had to i pay a sum of about £11 a short time ago, some of his cattle having got out through a gap in his fence made the same day by a runaway horse. Pounds were made not to oppress, but to protect the settlers, nor were they to be regarded as a source of revenue. He seldom or never passed the Hautapu pound without seeing it occupied. After discussing the matter fully, it was agreed that while a pound was necessary for the protection of the settlers, the ranger of the Cambridge Highway District was much to energetic in the exercise of his functions, and it was agreed to write to the Board drawing their attention to this fact. The following notice to persons petitioning the House of Representatives appears in yesterday's Gazette: — "Representations having been made that, ' in some instances, persons petitioning tlie House of Representatives on' the subject of private grievances had been ' left in ignorance of the manner in which their petitions had been dealt ■with by the House, it was directed that abstracts of ,the reports of '• the Select Committee to which the petitions ' had , been referred should be forwarded to ; the ' petitioners. 1 difficulty has ; been experienced' in; giving , *effect r tb'this'directi<jnJ i as^'-memb'e^ss VHo; 'presented the.petitions were ■ often igno- 1 rant of > the addresses 'of tliB' ? petitioner^, and considerable numlWrshof r tli.e/rab- > stracts of reports above referred to 'have

||||gE returned from the Dead Letter Iftes — especially in the larger towns — jPHUig been insufficiently addressed. It AftSßierefore,' suggested that, when peti**tidners are communicating with members v of J>he House as to the presentation of their petitious, they should at the same time supply them with an address that will find them through the Post Office. We are glad to hear (says the 2s. Z, Timcb) that proceedings in connection with establishing a sanatorium and township at Rotorua are progressing in a most satisfactory manner. Dr. Hector •has returned from Rotorua, where he had gone to select a site for a sanitorium, and did so without the slightest difficulty. As for the township and sul urban land, . one proclamation under the Thermal Springs Act has already been gazetted, and matters are so forward that the Government propose to hold a first land sale in March next. Too much importance cannot be attached to the extension of settlement in the Hot Springs District. Once the place is made thoroughly habita'-le for invalids, with, of course, indispensable and efficient medical attendance and supervision, th.9 inflow of visitors from all parts will be very considerable and increasing. Thi'ee thousand visitors per- annum ia a moderate estimate, and that each, on an average, will spend £20 in the district is an equally moderate assumption. Thus the Expenditure of £60,000 per annum by visitors may be confidently calculated on — much of it Australian gold. Who dare say that the Government venture in connection with Rotorua does not promise to prove exceedingly profitable? Next to the settlement of the Native difficulty, we regard the utilisation of Rotorua's resources by the Government in the interests of humanity as likely to be the most beneficial in its effects upon the welfare of the North Island.

lii our fourth page Mr J. Moses makes an important announcement. A dance will take place in the Hamilton Hall, on Monday night. A notification by the Hamilton East Poundkeeper appears m our advertising columns. The Waikato Council notify certain particulars regarding- the registration or dogs. The annual church meeting for Piako and Waitoa, will be held in the Waihou school, after service to-morrow. Mr S. McLernon's startling Christinas and New Ycai's announcements, will be found in our fourth page. Messrs Sandes & Co., Dispensing Chemists, notify that they have a supply of Brett's Almanacs, and Lett's Diaries. Mr S. Teas offers a reward for the conviction or the person who stole pears from his acre. The programme of the Hamilton West sports, to bo held on Monday, is published in this issue. The Tamahere Highway Board notify that certain roads have been stopped in that district. The usual monthly meeting of Lodge Sons of Ulster, L.0.L., will be held at the Victoria Hall, Hamilton, on Monday evening next, at 7 30. We draw special attention to an important announcement by Messrs Clark and Gane regarding their t new importations of seeds, manures, fencing material, and timber.