The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1507, 2 March 1882, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and c\act justice to .ill men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. Heie shall the Pi ess the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1882.

A question of much importance to the community at largo, though, perhaps, one of the most unpleasant to discuss, because it is almost certain to offend classes on both sides, is that of the payment of our Parliamentary representatives. Nevertheless, it has to be faced, and the general feeling of the majority demands that it shall not be deferred much longer, from consideration for the opinions of an interested minority ; and as the cry grows louder and more imperative, it will have to be obeyed by somebody, and may provide a key to popular favour that some young aspirant may find it well worth his while to avail himself of. The questions are : (First.) Is it advisable to pay members, thus creating a powerful class of professional political freebooters, dependant entirely upon their hire? (Secondly) Does payment secure the most independent and fitting men for representatives, and would the abolition of payment bring a better class forward 1 Most people hava no hesitation in saying distinctly that payment is not advisable, and that the abolition of it would produce, at all events, disinterested men, whose independance would more than compensate for the additional "cuteness" (totally differing from "shrewdness") here and there perhaps manifested by political adventurers Avith a living to get. Besides, putting aside all the bosh addressed to the working men about election timo as to the expediency of having a representative of their own class, is an uneducated representative, in a general way, of any use to either side. If he has sufficient force to be bigoted and pig-headed without being able to reason on his own requirements, is he not a nuisance and a hindrance to friend and foe ? And if an impotent fool, is ho not at everybody's mercy, and never to be depended upon, and would not a clever independent man have been able to do twice as much for his constituents as either of the others generally effects in a session. What has made the English Parliament, and thus the English nation, the wisest, the most moderate, the most incorruptible of any senate in the world ? Is it not tho fact that Parliament has always been an assembly of independent gentlemen, who freely gave their time and large slices of then* incomes to the work of the State? From their position they bring au amount of education and enlightenment to their task that we venture to say is not to be matched in Europe. Such men are not to be bribed or biassed by considerations of self-interest in passing the measures* before them, and seek for something higher than a small stipend. And the next subject for due consideration is whether the payment of £30,000 a year by a young and poor country for its representatives is justifiable in these times, when it is a question of effecting the most

minute reductions in expenditure, even to the cutting down of the salaries of underpaid and overworked junior officials. If reductions have been, as doubtless they will again be of so mu ch importance, then surely it would be more fair and honorable for members to begin their operations by making a voluntary contribution of their own retaining fees. That is where the English statesmen have always held the lead, by never asking 1 a sacrifice from another class that they would not first of all concede themselves, and lead by example as well as by admonition. It may "be urged, of course, that the abolition of the system would result in the exclusion of a class of men, otherwise well fitted to discharge the duties of a representative, but wanting the means to enable them to enter such an office. At first sight this may appear a fori midable objection to the adoption of the non-payment system, but a little reflection will show that it is not so in fact. A careful examination of the roll of the new House will discover the fact that nearly the whole of those elected are men whose position would enable them to dispense with the honorarium. In a few cases the converse might hold good, but we make bold to say that those .so situated are by no means desirable representatives of the people, however ably they may represent themselves. It may possibly happen that talent of a high order will be found linked with poverty ; but should this talent be deemed necessary to the welfare of the constituency, it ought to be paid for at its just value by those who are the proud possessors of it.

Now that the waste lands of the colony, especially those in the Auckland province, are gradually finding their way into the market, and as it is desirable they should be settled by the working and practical agriculturalist, rather than be monopolised by the runholder, means should be taken, and opportunities offered to induce settlers of the former class to settle on the land so that the country might be populated by a number of prosperous and industrious settlers. The wealth and capabilities of a country may be judged by the extent and pursuits of its population, and when these qualities are considered in connection with the spectacle of a scattered add comparitively inactive population, who follow the pastoral pursuit, compared with that of a numerous and producing population following the agricultural calling, it is at once seen which of them is more likely to bring forth the fruits of tlio earth, to develope the resources, and to contribute most to the general revenue of the colony. The occupation, or at least the holding of large tracts of country is, we admit, under certain conditions indispensable as a preliminary step to civilization and settlement, but as the laws of nature are progressive, this state of things should not be allowed to be a bar to advancement. The earliest opportunity should be taken to offer facilities to settlement, and the only way that this can be done is (firstly), to make the lands available, and, (secondly), to make the terms easy. When land is locked up against settlement, and when chere is no established system by which the proper class can be located on the land, all classes crowd to the towns, where manual labour is scarce, and finding nothing to do, help to swell the " unemployed" cry, and the reputation of the colony as a field for emigration is greatly depreciated. The success which has attended the settlement of the Grant and Foster block so far, is an earnest of what it is possible to do, if the task be undertaken in a proper way, and the right sort of people are introduced on to the land. Those who have up to the present settled on tii is block are men of moderate capital, with large experience in the science of agriculture, and the progress which they have made with their holdings is ample proof of the benefit which men of this class confer upon a new country. The naturally wild aspect of the country is gradually disappearing, the fern is surely being eradicated, and that all-civilizing agent, the plough, has for the first time become known to the soil. In some places attempts have already been made at cropping, and with considerable success, homesteads are in course of erection, a temperance hotel is being erected for the accomodation of the traveller or the labourer, and all the settlers report themselves satisfied with their lot. Settlements of this class tend to the wealth and prosperity of the colony. During the recent visit of the hon. Mr Hail to this district he expressed surprised at the fine natural quality of the land, and remarked that he never before in New Zealand saw such a^ quantity of good land together in one place. Now as the Government have it in contemplation to float another loan, and as it is not improbable that the immigration scheme, onamodified scale, will be reverted to, the authorities will do well to see that the proper class of people are induced to come to the colony. It has been repeatedly said that farm labourers form the only class we now want in New Zealand, there being a sufficiency, and even more than a sufficiency; of most other classes. What we do^want, however, is farmers^ of the small capitalist class,, so^that the waste lands! pi the colony may be

settled upon by men who will not only benefit themselves individually, but develop the resources of the country. Then there will be employment for the labouring classes, and- the Government may introduce labourers, without fear of their finding employment. "We trust the Government, instead of devoting useful capital to the paying of agents, and the numerous vultures of the Immigration Office, who import whatever class suits their interests best, will endeavour to encourage the formation of settlements after the Grant and Poster style.

We observe that the hospital endowments in the town of Cambridge, which have been the subject of resolutions in the "Waikato Council, are to be submitted for lease by auction at the Crown Lands Office on the 21st prox. The council, in view of this, would do well to make another application in this regard. If they cannot secure the endowments, they might get the income, which, judging from the fact that the upset price is £33 10s, would be a welcome addition to a revenue in which the hospital and charitable aid deductions have made serious inroads.

Typhoid fever has broken out in Parnell. Scarletina is also very prevalent in the same locality. Intending tourists are reminded that the W.S.N. Cos. "Delta," will leave the old wharf, Cambridge, ou Saturday morning next, an route for her trip to the Waikato Heads. The Rotorua railway survey party will shift camp to-morrow to McGlaslian's, Waitoa river. Mr Smithies is in charge of the party, who are making the flying survey as far as Okoroiri. The weather for the past few days has been close and muggy, with frequent light showers. The wet will be very welcome to the farmers, moie especially those who have sown late crops of turnips, though threshing operations will necessarily be greatly retauled. It will be seen by advertisement in another column that the returning officer for the Pukekura Licensing District has given his casting vote in favour of Mr Reynolds, who has been declared elected. Mr Reynolds tied with Capt. Owen. The prurient curiosity of a number of people who attended the Hamilton Police Court on Tuesday afternoon, was luckily destined to remain unsatisfied. It was expected that disclosures of a somewhat spicy nature would be made, but the withdrawal of the case in question prevented this. The Kihikihi Dramatic Club are making great exertions in many ways for their performance on Friday night. The new stage and its fittings is well and tastefully got up. The scenery has been procured from Auckland, and comprises a choice selection, reflecting much credit on the Club. A good house is anticipated. A telegram from Ashburton states that Mr Wason is reconsidering his former decision to withdraw from politics, his Rakaia and Ashburton committee having written him stating they unanimously decline to support Mr. Alfred Saunders, whom Mr. Wason had asked to come forward. Mr. Wason replies that he will consult Mr. Saunders on the matter. The Railway Department are exercising veiy doubtful economy in using Greymouth coal on the Waikato line, instead of the local production. In addition to removing their custom from the local mines they are paying pretty smartly for the change, the price of West Coast coal delivered being something more than double that raised at Unfitly, Avhile the quality is not much, if at all superior. A meeting of the creditors in the bankrupt estate of Arthur Graham, carter and contractor, Cambridge, was held at the District Court-house, Hamilton, on Tuesday. The liabilities were set down at something over £1300, £300 of which is secured on a bill of sile, and the assets (including book debts) are under £300. Mr W. A. Richardson was elected creditor's trustee in the estate. Mr Keesing appeared for the debtor, and Mr Gresham was present on behalf of certain creditors. Mr Pitts' tender of £680 for the lowering and additions to Rose's Masonic Hotel, Cambridge, has been accepted, and the work is to be completed within 4 months. Owing to the daily increasing demand for accommodation in Cambridge, Mr Rose has found it necessary to improve his premises on an extensive scale, and Avith this object in view will no doubt have his improvements carried out in as complete a manner as possible. The cricket match between the All-England Eleven and eleven of Victoria was resumed at Melbourne on Tuesday. The Englishmen commenced their second innings, requiring 57 runs to win the match, and succeeded in putting them together for the loss of only two wickets. The following ai*e the scores : — Pilling, caught, 10 ; Peate, not out, 33 ; Ulyett, bowled, 3 ; Barlow, not oue, 10. The match was therefore won by the Englishmen by eight wickets. The Roman Catholics of Cambridge have taken the preliminary steps in the getting up of their annual concert for the 17th March next, and have already secured some of the best amateur talent in Waikato to assist on the occasion. A number of lady and gentlemen vocalists who have not as yet appeared before a Cambridge audience have consented to render their services, and a few Auckland people have also kindly consented to attend. A committee of ladies have taken the matter in hand, and as it is usual when anything of this kind is officered by ladies to be in every respect complete, no doubt a good evening's entertainment may be anticipated for St. Patrick's night. The concert will be followed by a dance, to which holders of front seat tickets will be admitted. The extent of the damage done by the late fire at Waitoa is greater than wrs at first supposed. Aa stated by our correspondent, Messrs Breakell and Hacketfc's camps were consumed, though the instruments belonging to the former were luckily saved. Mr Mannery and three mates, working on a sub-contract for Mr Coates, were also burned out, losing, together with a quantity of clothing, two or three, watches and two saddles. The Company will be considerable losers, as between 2000 and 3000 "acres of the swamp have been scorched to an extent which .will render the ground unfit for sowing this autumn. A very large quantity of .grass seed is" on the ground and cannot now,, of course, be used. v , . A telegram in last issue contained . the > intemgence£tthat;,2oq v , of the ,A.oi ; Force werW be transferred from the West^ Coast *Wa%ato'.^ 'A contem^ pb'rary, who enfontly obtained tbeTinforV

mation from official quarters, says the force is to be used in the construction of the Waikato - Rotorua road. The men will, it is said, arrive at Onehunga from the West Coast by the Govorntnent steamer Stella, On Fiday next, and will be taken by special train to Hamilton, and thence proceed to Cambridge, and will begin work immediately. It is probable that the owners of the land through which the road passes will protest against this decision of the Government. The vote for road works in the Taranaki district is now nearly expended, and this arrangement will obviate the discharge of many of the Armed Constabulary force, and will also be of great benefit to this part of the colony. At the Kirikiriroa Assessment Couiton Tuesday, the following cases were heard : — T. Patterson, Komokorau, excessive valuation. Mr T. Y. Fitzpatrick, valuer, was called and examined. The board's valuer took exception to infor-. mality of objection, which gave the post town instead of parochial address. Case dismissed. The above notice the district valuer addressed to pout town, not parochial address of ratepayer. N. Rumney, Komokorau, excessive valuation. Mr T. V Fitzpatrick was examined on behalf of Mr Rumney. Reduced from £150 to £80. T. Macdonald, Komakorau, excessive valuation. The objection notice found its way into the council chamber, and there remained. It was addressed to Mr F. A. Whitaker's residence, in accordance with public notification. The case went by default. Archdeacon Maunsell was under arrangement to leave Cambridge last evening with Mr J. C. Firth, on a visit to Matamata. He expects, however, to return before Sunday, when he will preach at S. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, at both the services. The ground over which the Archdeacon is now travelling he traversed nearly fifty years ago. It is much desired by some of his friends that lie would give the people of Waikato an opportunity of listening to some of his recollections of his early days, ere he returns to Auckland. Archdeacon Maunsell was last in Waikato about twelve years ago, so that he now sees it under very different circumstances from those which attended it either at his first visit or even his last. We hear he is contemplating going to the native settlement at Mciungatautari on Monday next, in order to addiess the people, should they seem so to desire. At a special meeting of the Cambridge Highway Board, held on 27th February, present : Messrs Graham, Martin, and Smith, Mr James Forrest having declined to go on with the construction of the concrete culvert for which he tendered at £108, the next lowest tender, that of Mr Matthew Walsh, was accepted, £199 3s O£d. The following tenders were received for the renewing of the wooden culvert between the Tamahere biidge and Ewen's Hill, viz :—: — Messrs Messenger and Wells, £22 4s 6d ; Gordon and Hoche, £20 19s 6d ; L. B. JSwen, £18. Mr Ewen's tender was accepted. The secretary was instructed to invite tenders for the gravelling ot the road from Allwill's corner towards the Cambridge Cemetery ; trustees to meet intending contractors on the ground at 3 p.m. on Saturday, the 11th inst. Accounts were paid amounting to £33 16s There was a sitting of the Assessment Court, yesterday morning at the R.M. Coiut, Cambridge, Mr H. W. North croft, R.M., presiding, for the purpose of hearing appeals received against valuation list for Cambridge North township. The first was an appeal from Mr Hugh Fitzgerald, on behalf of the trustees of the Oddfellows' Hall. This was disallowed on account of the appeal not being sent in at the proper time. The next was an appeal from Mr E. Wayte, Auckland, not being the owner of the property noted in the valuation list against him. The valuer, Mr J. P. Thompson, stated to the court that when compiling the list, Mr Robert Kirkwood had informed him, that he had sold a portion of his property to Mr Wayte, and he had consequently rated him accordingly Mr Kirkwood, who was present, stated that the valuer's statements were correct, but that Mr Wayte had since given up the purchase, and lequested that the amount mentioned be charged to him. This was all the business. The usual weekly practice of the Cambridge Choral Union was held at their practice room on Monday evening last. An elementary class has been opened in coimection with the Union, and a good few pupils have been put on the roll. We are sorry to notice, however, that they are not punctual in turning up for practice, and would remind them that if they wish even to attain to any degree of proficiency as vocalist, they ■will never achieve their end by stopping away from practice. The members of the advanced class are also not very particular in the matter of attendance, and their being so disposed exemplifies a disregard of the welfare of the class, which it should be their object to guard against. The selections chosen on Monday evening last were mostly operatic, and were executed with faii-ness. Mrs Chitty presided at the piano as accompanyist. The sale of the Otago runs, which began on Monday, appears to have been very satisfactory so far. The rental obtained on that day for 100 out of the 170 sub-divided runs, was about £39,000. The price paid in some cases was double the upset, the purchasers, in nearly all instances, being of the nmholding class, the majority of whom re-purchased the leases held by them. The sale was continued on Tuesday, the total proceeds amounting to £68,854. The highest price paid was £910 for a run, the upset price of which was £220. The buyers on Tuesday were, wholly of the runholding class, only one small settler having secured a run during the sale. The San Francisco News exclaims : — " England Sell Gibraltar ? Yes, when the Government of the United States sells the City of Washington to the Chinese. At a mighty expenditure of blood, money, and muscle the Lion of England laid his paw upon the key to the Mediterranean, and when he loosens his grip it will be the sword, not the purse, force, nor barter, which will be the inducement. And the sword aforesaid will have to be a stouter and sharper one than has yet been forged in any earthly smithy. What purpose the Irish Americans who run the great Eastern newspapers hope to serve by the stupid canards which they are constantly publishing, is more than we can divine ; but surely it is a pitiful spectacle to see the intelligent American public devouring sXich ' news ' over their matutinal coffee, and actually believing it." A special meeting of the Cambridge Town Board was held at the Duke of Cambridge Hotel,' on Monday evening last, when there were present Messrs T. Wells (chairman), Johnson and Kirkwood. The business brought before the meeting was to receive claim for compensation for £1000 made on the Board by Mr Archibald Clements, on behalf or Mrs F. S. Clements, for damages done by them to her hotel property in Dukestreet. On the motion of Me Kirkwood it was resolved that .the" meeting having 'Ji>ef<>r.e them tlie' opinion of .the , Board's solicitors on cuttingVat /Messrs 'Hughes '"an'd'rKeesing (a sifiilar^casp^is^of x opinion 'that'l^^Bpard js^noV liable,' and] conseqiierftlyTefusVto admit "any. liability, in <$ffi&&&i r w& #iatftihe chairnian f>e r

authorised to take opinion of counsel, and all other steps necessary to protect the interests of the ratepayers in opposing this extortionate demand, which is appareutly bad in law, and clearly so in equity.

There is an opening for two apprentices! to the printing- business at this office. Mr J. S. Buck laud will hold his next Ohaupo live stock sale on Thursday, 14th arch. Mr J. S. Buckland will sell on Tuesday ne\t at the Cambridge yards, horses, cattle, harness, plough, &c, &c. Mr A. G. Hxighes, pharmaceutical chemist, Duke-street, Cambndgc, has just opened a. large assortment of goods, and invites inspection. Mr Bullock convenes a meeting of the shareholders of the Diamond Gully, New Find and Canadian claims, at O'Halloran's Hotel, Te Aroha, Saturday next, at 8 p.m. The shareholders of the Golden Crown. Young Colonial and Queen of Beauty claims, Te Aroha, will meet at Mr H. E. Whitaker's office, Te Aroha, at 7.30 p.m on Saturday next, March 4th. G. H. A. Purchas, authorised and licensed surveyor, Te Aroha, is prepared to execute any work in the profession that may be entrusted to him with despatch. Tenders, addressed to Col. Lyon, Cambridge, arc invited up till Thursday next, for supplying the A.C.Force (250 men) working on the Carabridge-Rotorua road. Mr Kennedy Hill will dispose of produce, &c, at his mart, at half-past 11 on Saturday ne\t. We notice by advertisement that a meeting of members ot the Lawn Tennis Club will be held on the court on Friday afternoon. All members are requested to attend. The usual monthly meeting of the Lodge Beta, 1.C., will be held this evening at half-past 7. Mr Sargent, watchmaker and jeweller, of Cambridge, notifies that he has removed to more extensive premises 111 Duke-street, and invites inspection of his stock. A general meeting of the creditors ot W. G. McCann, butcher, will be held <it the Courthouse, Hamilton, on Tuesday, the 7th March, to pass a resolution of discharge. Mr Adam Laybouru, Fort-street, Auckland, 10 well and favorably known in Waikato in connection with the seed trade, notifies m our advertising columns that he has just opened up this season's shipments) of 30 tons of clover seeds. Mr William P. Chepmell, chairman of the "Waitoa Highway Boaid, gives notice by advertisement of certain roads proposed to be stopped, and to take other lands in lieu thereof. Arthur Richardson, M.D., may be consulted daily, from 2 to 3 o'clock in the afternoon, at Mi Gardner's Pharmacy, 184 Queen-street, Auckland. Mr G. Smith, blacksmith, Morrinsville, has opened a branch establishment at Campbelltown, Waitoa. He will beprepared to undertake any works at this place on Wednesday, Bth March. We have been requested to state that Dr. Beale's hours for consultation in Hamilton are at his residence, East Hamilton, from 8 to 9 a.m., and 3 to 5 p.m. daily, and at Messts. Sandes and Co's, West Hamilton, from 6 to 8 every evening. Tho 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 stnctly cairied out tho customer who bujs at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a erc-at gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, millinery, and clothing at such prices foi cash as gives the bujcr the advantages of a shareholdei in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the J ear's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and aic determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial; whether they gain or lose thefirst year Country bujers on remitting cash withordei will be supplied with goods at co-operatve prices ; just the same as though they made apcrsonalselection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding- and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, willbe marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five pet cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. and C. having realised the entire value of their stock dunng their late cash sale, the present stock is new and cheaply nouoHi. — An inspection invited. — Gaiuu-k and Cranwlll, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queen street, Auckland.