The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1509, 7 March 1882, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to all men, ■ Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. . . Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1882.

Whether the manufacture of sugar »,t will become an industry in Waikato or not, farmers need no longer be in any doubt as to the suitability of this district for the cultivation of the beet. ' A visit to the Messrs Graham's estate at Tamahere will convince the most confirmed sceptic £' that sugar beets under even ordinary ;^care swiU5 wiU thrive; and, moreover, will SSWfcfi'vee? largo yH<t ;;.^eets are growing side by_ dde^'im

a fairly good crop of potatoes, and a patch of mangolds which can hardly be called first-class. The lost named crop received almost similar treatment with the beet, and got the same quantity of manure, but the beets are far in advance of their neighbors. There could scarcely bo better testimony than that provided by this comparison, because our soil and climate are admittedly adapted to the growth of mangolds, and the present has been a favourable season. The land was old pasture, and had not received a very careful preparation, the consequence being, that the young plants were much choked with weeds, which inflicted a certain amount of harm upon the crop before they could be removed. The seed was drilled in, and about 4 cwt of bones per acre was applied at the same tiin<\ The weeds were kept down by horse hoeings, and the drills were finally earthed up, so as to cover the roots, (a very important matter) with a double mould-board plough. The yield may be fairly set down at 35 tons per acre, certainly not les?. Taking the proportion of sugar to be 10 per cent, which is a fair average, we have three - and- a - half tons of sugar, per acre, worthi at say, 2d per pound, £65 6s Bd. We are aware that, assuming this calcukfcion to be right, a large proportion of the sum set down would be absorbed in the manufacture of the sugar, and in the haulage of the roots to the mill, but it must be borne in mind that the price per pound given is low, and that in the light of experience 35 tons per acre is by no means a wonderful crop. Taking 30 tons as the average, and assuming that tho outside value of the roots is only ten shillings per ton on the ground (which is an exceedingly low estimate) we find that the return per acre is greater than could be obtained from an equal area of wheat. The latter crop entails less labor, it is true, but it is seldom that the value of the crop at 3s per bushel would exceed from L 7 to LlO per acre Under judicious management, beet culture should afford a much larger margin of profit than we have allowed ; though it is well to take the daikest side of the picture. In instituting a comparison between beet culture and grain growing, it should not be forgotten that the latter exhausts the soil much more rapidly than the former. But we are not seeking to set the one crop against the other it is, indeed, only by a judicious system of rotation that agriculture can be expected to prove profitable. Beet and other roots and the different varieties of white crops will re-act upon each other with the result that all will be benefited. The past season has shown pretty conclusively that wheat can be grown in Waikato, though much remains to be done before the farmer can be expected to secure his just share of the profits. If conducted upon correct principles, much may bo expected from the newly-formed Farmers' Co-operative Association. Should the main object of this Association, which is the placing wheat-growing upon a firm basis, be accomplished, as there is every reason for believing it will, the society will no doubt turn its attention to the development of other industries to which the local conditions arc favorable. Foremost amongst these, there is little doubt, will be found the growth of beet and the manufacture of sugar.

Some visitors to Eaglan, who returned to Hamilton yesterday, inform us that the road in many places is in a most disgraceful state, and scarcely n't for wheeled traffic. This is more particularly the case on the descent from the range towards Waitetuna. At this point a number of slips have occurred, and the water rushing across the roadway has scoured out some very dangerous ruts. Several narrow escapes from accident have talcen place during the last few days, and the wonder is that nothing serious has happened. Surely the highway authorities on the Raglan side of the mountain are very short-sighted, or they would never allow such a state of things to exist. We are assured that nearly all this might have been averted by the expenditure of a few pounds, or by closer attention to duty on the part of the surfaceman. The Raglan district has been i*apidly growing in favor with Waikato people, in proof of which we have only to point to the large number at present visiting that locality, but unless some more efficient means of maintaining communication be adopted there will be a considerable falling off in this respect. We would recommend the authorities to act promptly in this matter.

The sale of the Rotorua town and suburban landa commences at the Crown Lands Office, Auckland to-day.

A meeting of the Waikato cricket association is called for this evening at 5 o'clock at Delaneys Hotel, Ohaupo. The business is to arrange matches for the remainder of the season.

We learn by cable that the sculling match has been arranged between Trickett and Hanlan for ",£5OO a-sideto take place on the, usual Thames course, on Monday, the Ist May. ' ,

The report of the Wesleyaitt Sun-day-school 'Anniversary, at .Cambridge, ' published in- another column should have " have appeared on .Saturday,^ but it was mislaid in transmission, ; //'<,. !, ,

• A sample of the! beet groton on the Tamahere Estate iuay'tb^*,s'edn afcthis' office. We shall be glad to "receive.roots 'from, all who"' have ,esdayed to cultivate,! them this season, with'aViawrtoiprwa'vd-^ jngfthjpa to WeUiugton^fp/ analysis. |, ;<i

At the first meeting of the Newcastle Licensing Committee, on Friday, a temporary transfer of the license of the Royal Mail Hotel was granted to Mr H. Ellison.

No business was brought before the judge of the Hamilton Highway Assessment Court on Saturday. Only one objection had been notified, but at the last moment it was withdrawn. Mr Northcroft then signed the roll in the usual Avay.

The Victorian Racing Club's autumn meeting opened at Flemington on Saturday. The principal event of the day was the St. Leger Stakes which fell to Commotion, with Pell Mell second, and Darebin third. The time was fast — 3min. losecs.

Mr J. P, Maxwell, General Manager of the New Zealand Railways, accompanied by Mr A. Y. Macdonald, District Manager, arrived in Waikato on Saturday, on a tour of inspection. He left again for Auckland yesterday morning.

Tne new postage and revenue stamp will be issued on the Ist of April. The dies have just been completed by Mr W. R. Back, engineer, Wellington. The denomination of Id is crimson ; 2d, mauve : 3d, yellow ; 4d, green ; 6cl, green ; Bd, red ; Is, Indian red.

A specimen of the lime from the Hakaramata (on the Raglan road), has been left at this office by the Hamilton agent of the W.S.N. Co., Mr Bradley. So far as we have means of judging ib is of good quality. It slacks well and is free from grit. We shall be glad if those having experience in the matter will call and inspect the sample.

At the first sitting of the Licenfing Committee of the Borough of Hamilton, held on Saturday at the Court-house,

at which all the members attended, the businpss was unimpoitanfc. Mr S. S. Graham was elected chairman. Permission was granted Mr W. Cumming to carry on the Royal Hotel until the annual sitting.

The two brothers Clewes, sentenced at Cambridge recently, the one on a charge of neglecting to provide for his wife's maintenance, and the other for stealing a saddle and bridle, also the young half-caste, Joy, committed to gaol for stealing a pair of spurs at Hamilton East, were taken to Mount Eden yesterday by Constable Murray.

At the last meeting of the promoters of the Waikato Fanners' Cooperative Association, held at Camp's Tamahere Hotel, on Friday night last, it was resolved that the proviaional clirectois already appointed, with the addition of Mr John Runciman, form a committee to canvass for support, in order that the Association may commence operations upon a well-ascertained basis.

Tenders are called by the Auckland Agricultural Co. for extensive drainage works on their property near Fen Court, Cambridge. For the convenience of intending contractors, Mr Breakell has arranged that the plans aud specifications, &c, can be seen at Fen Court; also that on Friday next, the site of proposed works will be shown to those contractors who choose to be at Fen Court at 2 p.m.

A number of Cambridge gentlemen have taken the initiative in resuscitating the Cambridge Dramatic Club, or if possible starting a new one on a more prosperous basis. As the Public Hall will shortly be renovated and new scenery and stage fittings put up, the club will find move convenience than hitherto has been the case.

At a meeting pf the Hamilton Domain Board, last night, it was agreed to abandon the project of draining lots 45 and 46, as the board had not funds to make an outlet. — It was resolved to authorise Mr T. G. Sandes to prepare plans for improving Seddon's drain, tender 3 for which are to be called at once. The tender of Mr J. Hinton was accepted for road formation at Hamilton East.

The grand complimentary concert to Mr T. A. Bell, adjourned from last Wednesday, takes place to-morrow night, and should be largely patronised. In the interval much trouble has been taken to improve the quality of the entertainment, and some additions of value have been made to the programme. Lovers of good music ought not to miss the treat provided for them to-morrow night.

It was reported last night that Mr Jolly had notified the Hamilton Highway Board that unless a guarantee to do certain fencing on the line of road passing through his property (Hamilton to Whatawhata), was entered into by the board, that the said road would be closed on Tuesday, March Bth (to-day). It is to be hoped, m the interests of the travelling public, that no such step will be resorted to.

There are at present, according to the Herald, no fewer than seven cases of typhoid fever in the Auckland Hospital. The patients come from Parnell, Ponsonby, Symonds-street, and Abercrombiestreet. There are also under treatment two convalescent scai'let fever patients. A. person has been received into the hospital from Pukekohe, who is said to be suffering from scarlet fever, but the hospital physicians do not think it is a case of that disease.

The petition against the return of Captain Suttor for Gladstone having been withdrawn, there now remains only two petitions to be heard, namely, that against Mr Watt, Wanganui, and that against Major Harris, who has been returned for North Franklin, both of which will come on immediately. Mr Ballance has retained Mr Stout to represent him at Waganui.

At a special meeting of the Waipa County Council, held on the 28tli nit., a notification was received from the Government, that the grant of £250 offered to the council some time since, would be placed at their disposal under the simple condition that it should be spent upon the road through Messrs McLarens and Gubbin's properties. The Council being quite willing to undertake the work, at once made arrangements to get it started with as little delay as possible.

Many people are under the impression that the committee of the Kihikihi races, announced to come off on the 17th March next, and the committee of the sports announced to come off the same day at Kihikihi, are in opposition to, and are working against each other. In consequence of this erroneous impression having got abroad^ the committees of both events desire us to inform our readers that this is not the case. Both committees have combined for the purpose of mutual assistance- so as to ensure success, and both 1 programmes will be carried out on the same ground.'

Up, to Thursday, night the total property tax ' returned was 1 '£150,263. The contributions of the respective districts were, so far, as follows : Wellington, (Head office) £46,696 ; Wellington, (Post . office) £4263,;, Christchurch, £27,322 ; Auckland, £24,836 ; Dunedin, £22,815 ; Napier,; ,£8504 ; ' Tiniaru, £5669 ; Invercargill, £5387 : Wariganui," £4239 ;, Oaniaru, £2878,; Taranaki,* >£J4Bl j Oisbprne, , • £983, ; Greympujbh, ' £835 ; ■ BJenneim, ; . £524 ,; , Hokianga, £314 \ Thames; ( '£2sB;,} .Westporti3Bl4B:''

fdxdwell," soiree in . coimecti6nV^jtE/|tlie; i *depi^re;'of,.the' i t\vd/pfeseiiii^mMisters^

of Monday, March the 27th. The quarterly meeting of the circuit will be held in the forenoon of that day at Cambridge, and it is expected that a large number otf» the representatives of the various parts of the Waikato circuit will be .present. These will also remain and take part in the soiree and public meeting to be held in the evening. The new ministers, the Revs. Messrs Oarr, (Cambridge), J. Dukes, (Hamilton), and J. Wills, (Te Awcunutu), are expected te enter upon their duties on Sunday, the 9th April.

At the band contest, held at the North Shore on Saturday, the Thames Scottish (Bandmaster Hunter) secured first prize ; the Auckland Engineers (Bandmaster Inipey) being second. Herr Carl Schmidtt, on behalf of the judges, announced that their decision had been unanimously arrived at, and they had experienced no difficulty whatever in coming to a decision. There were about 3000 persons present.

In the cricket match between the English and Australian Elevens, the former were all disposed of for 18S runs. The Australians in their first innings have three men out for 146. The uot-outs are Macdonnell with 72, and Bannerman 59. PLiy had to be stopped on Saturday, on account of the rain.

A special meeting of the Hamilton Highway Board was lielct last night to accept tenders for work on the Hamil-ton-Whatawhata road, for contracts No 8 and 9. The following were received for No 8 : Boyle, £280, 2s 9d ; W. Jones, £270 9s lid; J. Booth, £227 14s; Murphy, £194 lla 6cl ; P. Rice, £162 (accepted). For No 9 contract : W. Jones, £35 ; Brown and Co., £26 10s (accepted). Mr T. G. Sandes was appointed surveyor to the board at the rate of 5 per cent, on works done under his supervision. The board resolved to call for tenders, principally to complete, in thorough order, the road from Hamilton to Whatawhata. Mr Sandes was also requested to prepare the plans, &c, for improving the grade on Rothwell's hill.

We learn from the " New Zealand Times " that a large meeting of native tribes has just been held at Te Motuiti, near Foxton, for the purpose of considering Tawhiao's invitation to the Hikurangi gathering next month. All the principal speakers referred to the coming meeting as the celebration of the Maori King's return to his allegiance, and, after several day's discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the Ngatiraukawa, Rangitane, Muaupoko, and Ngatiapa tribes should attend in force, in response to Tawhiao's invitation. The Lower Wanganui natives are as yet undecided, but if they should join, these districts will send a contingent of visitors nearly a thousand strong. It is a noticeable fact that at the recent Motuiti meeting the most prominent speaker was Wi Hapi, who took so active a part in the King movement in 1562, and has not visited Manawatu since that time.

Grey-street, Cambridge, is situate between Queen-street West and the Hamilton Road, and was some few weeks ago — before the Town Board begaii operations on it — a passable, and perhaps safe thoroughfare. Since then, however, the authorities in complying with the petition of the householders took in hand to "form "the roadway, which they evidently did, but in such a manner as to make it almost indispensably necessary to those who have occasion to use it, particularly so those who reside in the street, that they should have their lives insured before doing so at night. The footpath on either side is several feet above the level of the road, and consequently the slighest miscalculation on the part of the wayfarer as to the breadth of the path may precipitate him over this precipice with every possibility of having his leg or arm broken on reaching the ground. The Rev. Mr Whytock was leading his horse on to the road the other night, when both tumbled off the footpath on to the road beneath, sustaining a very severe shaking. Mr Whytock himself having to be picked up.

We had the pleasure, on Saturday, of inspecting the admirable agricultural plant imported from England by Messrs W. A. and S. S. Graham, of the Tamahere Estate. These consist of a couple of drills, pulper and slicer, double-fur-row ploughs, &c, and a very complete chaff-cutting and gristing plant, all by the best English makers, and combining all the latest improvements. The chaffcutter and grist mill are worked by a horse-power, placed outside the barn. The gearing is of a most ingenious description, and the arrangements for storing, &c, inside the building are very complete. In the yards adjoining are no less than twenty-two well sized stacks ot corn and oats, the product of last season, upon which threshing operations ai'e shortly to commence. The Messrs Graham estimate that the yield of wheat will average fully 35 bushels to the acre, some of the land having produced, in the opinion of those competent to judge, over 40 bushels, while in no place was the crop poor. While the crop was yet standing, a Canterbury settler, visiting Waikato, inspected it, and so well pleased was he with what he saw, that he expressed his intention of settling in this part of the colony as soon as he can conveniently make the change.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council wag held last night. Present : His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Bradley, Peat, McGarrigle, Tippen, and Gaudin. — A letter was read from Mr J. E. Bradley, agent for the W.S.N. Co., asking that part of lot 411, borough endowments (between Bridgestreet east and the county council chambers) be again put up for public competition. — Crs. McGarrigle and Tippen were in favor of granting the application, on the grounds that the lot had been only withdrawn from sale previously because the upset price had been set at too low a figure, and also on the plea that the company, if they secured the land, intended making extensive improvements. — The Mayor and Or. Bradley were opposed to parting with such a valuable piece of ground, alleging that the revenue which would accrue would not compensate them for the loss.— Cr. Gaudin spoke in favor of granting the application.— Ultimately it was resolved that the members present be a committee to report on the matter at next meeting. — Mrs Ware wrote complaining of a drain near her allotment. — Referred to the Works Committee. — Permission, was' granted ,to Mr Cujsjsen, to make a" drain under the footpath near his property.— 1 Mr J. C. Booth, contractor for the bridge approach, wrote, asking the council to protect the embankment from the ravages of stray cattje andjhorses during the continuance of . his contract. — It was agreed to ! erect a 1 substantial fence v around the base of the embankment. — The statement of 'funds vwas, read,;, as follows {-^General account,- overdraft,^ ,£341k)17s ; ; special fund, credit, £212 15s 9'd. minor*' works were ordered' to. b^, done. —On the 'motion of Cr/McGarrigle, it, was , t agreed; -to, Bue2of'arrears;of rates.^-It ; was agreed' ,to prosecute' person's neglecMnU to remove ' furze.— Qnl'M^djijpn^qf^he.'Mayor^it; was'issojy;ed*|o • clpse^llicbvnbnd^litreet for ! T the^p^e|ei^.^,'Mr4'P,^' ]|eCJ'u<!ssnq t1 was"< elebtedta^iditprsin?th r e a'ddrn »orMr -A;t i^^otice'Lis^eiyJ^