The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1514, 18 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, Unawcd by influence and unbribed by gain.

SATURDAY, MARC II IB, IBB2.

Tub circumstances attendant upon the recent outbreaks of fire at the National Hotel, Cambridge, point uninistakeably to the conclusion that the work is that of an incendiary, actuated by malice, or under the influence of a mania for destruction. The presence of such an individual in a community is a scourge, more terrible because of its insidiousness, and its removal is a duty imposed upon all peace loving citizens. Determined and deliberate as the attempts under notice appear to have been, nothing but the vaguest suspicious as to the indentity of the fire raiser have been formed. Theories without number have, as is usual in. such casoSj been adduced to show a motive, or to connect a suspected person with the occurrence, but while these, or some of them might in the end be of service in clearing up the mystery, they are most unsatisfactory at present. Mr Raynes, we are told, knows of no one to whom he has given provocation sufficient to warrant so terrible an attempt at revenge. Some time ago he discharged a servant, but that individual is now out of the district, and, besides, they were not on bad terms when they parted. Motive, therefore, there appears to be none ; at any rate none is ascertainable. The attempt might have had its origin in some fancied wrong, or, as we have hinted, it is the work of a maniac. The conclusion it not reassuring. Some time ago, it will be remembered that a series of fires occurred on the Fen Court estate, culminating in the destruction of tho valuable farm buildings attached to the homestead. No clear explanation of those occurrences lias yet been offered, and though it has been assumed that a poor demented creature who was afterwards found wandering in tho vicinity had something to do with the case, nothing was absolutely proved. "We know of no crime more diabolical in its nature than that of fire raising ; it is directed not only against property, but against human life as well. There can be little doubt that had the second attempt on "Wednesday night proved successful life would have been sacrificed. But the horror and detestation of tho whole community will not avert disaster unless a vigorousinvestigation be instituted, to the end that the guilty person may be punished.

Auckland is at length in a fair way to secure educational advan tages commensurate with her high commercial position among colonial cities. In this regard, as in some others, we in the North have been distanced by our Southern brethren, not from any lack of energy and enterprise on our own part, but because we have hitherto found ourselves outnumbered, and burdened with difficulties of which our brethern in the other island, happily for themselves, have known nothing. The lost ground is, however, being gradually covered, and the present generation may look forward to the day when the North shall in the matter of education, as well as in many other things, run on fair terms with the people of Canterbury and Otago. At Wednesday's sitting of the University Senate in Auckland, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Hector, carried, after some opposition from the learned professors Vox Haast and Saimond and the Rev. Mr Habens, inspector of schools, the following motion: — "That a respectM address be presented to the Minister for Education setting forth that in the opinion of this Senate there is urgent necessity for the establishment in Auckland of a college able to provide a proper university course of instruction, and whereas the sum of £1500 was last year votedbyParliamentforthe purpose, it is desirable that steps should betaken for the immediate appointment of at least two professors." The rapid growth of liberal institutions, by placing the governing power more directly in the hands of the people, demands the best educational advantages. If the people are to govern, they ought to govern well, and they can only hope to do this by being educated. Ignorant and uneducated, they must fail to grasp the import of those questions of policy upon -which . they called to i pronounce a decision, and r instead they become'mere pupp'ets'and tools in designing hands. > All this, it may be argued, is, already provided for by the system public education, alr.eadyprovided^and^thait' is true enongb. so far as the bulk, of ' the, population ; ;ds-< j^conce;|iied[) ; b,ut if, the people/ are tb f^receiW^He; full 'b'eriefttsof this'systera, 'then tKet

teachers must be educated. Hitherto we have leant to a great extent upon the educational establishments of the old country, but the time is coming when we shall' not be able to rely upon those. A generation of native growth is rising up whose wants can only be supplied in the colony itself, and it is for these that provision mubt be made. The final decision in regard to the disposal of the sura mentioned in Dr Hector's resolution rests, of course, with the Government, but we have little doubt as to the result, and in common with all friends of education, we may take leave to congratulate the people of this portion of the colony on the prospect which is now held out to them.

The want of a suitable recreation reserve for Cambridge has for some time been a subject of much discussion among the residents, and has, on many occasions been adverted to by correspondents in our columns. The fact that the Domain Board is at present in receipt of a considerable revenue, derived from the lease of a portion of the domain reserve, inspires the people with a sense of the apathy of the board in not proceeding with the work at once. Of course we must not, nor do we lose sight of the fact that the first half-year's rent was devoted to the survey and other incidental expenses, and tliat the board will not receive any more ront money until the expiration of the third quarter after the leasing of the property. But with such security as a permanent and certain rental of over £300 a year, it is we think possible to anticipate to a certain extent their income when the healthy recreation and convenience of those whose wants they are supposed to administer to demand immediate attention. That the board in not making some immediate provision for the accomodation of the public is apathetic is more forcibly demonstrated when tlie fact that already over thirty acres of the recreation reserve has been ploughed and laid down in grass by the settlers themselves is considered. If, at present, it is thought inexpedient to proceed with the adornment of the lagoon, or the laying off the ground to which we drew attention some time ago, as being a, most suitable site for a public retreat — the expense of such improvements being out of consideration for some time to come — it is surely not too much too ask that a few pounds be spent on the improvement of thnt part of the reserve which has been already partly cultivated. The expenditure necessary would be trifling when compared with the benefits which would be conferred. As a meeting of the board will be held shortly, we hope that some of the membeis will take upon, themselves the advocacy of immediate action being taken towards providing a suitable recreation ground for the public.

The Rev. Charles Bice, of the Mclanesian mission, is expected to officiate to-morrow at S. Peter's Church, both morning and evening. The Right Rev Dr Redwood, Roman Catholic Bishop of Wellington, accompanied by Mr J. A. Tole, M.H.R., arrived in WaiUato by yesterday's train, and proceeded to Cambridge.

The Franklin North Election has been declared void on the grounds that a voter named Dovell was prevented from recording his vote by intimidation. This is the third election which has been declared invalid.

The following are the latest Auckland market quotations : — Gum Fair to ordinary, £33 to £34 ; good to ordinary, £35 to £36 ; East Coast, £44 £46. Flax per ton, £18 to £21 ; Tow, do., £7 to £9 ; Fungus per lb, 3d ; 3d ; Beeswax per lb, Cd,

At a meeting of the Cambridge Highway Board on Wednesday last it was decided to make certain improvements m the Narrows road, and the secretary was instructed to call for tenders for enlarging the cutting near the bridge.

The Excelsior Flour Mills, Ohaupo road, the property of Messrs Kuox and Ricller, commenceb operations a few days ago, and are found to work admirably. The quality of the flour turned out is exceptionally good.

The friends of the Yen. Archdeacon Lush were very much surprised to see by Thursday's Harold that the rev. gentleman Avas " alarmingly ill," and that many of them who saw the rev. gentleman daily should be unaware of the fact.

Mr J. Master who resided in Raglan for tome time as native interpreter and clerk of the court, has ,now removed to Cambridge with the intention of opening np in the, interpreting line there. The want of a native interpreter who will undert&ke general work has been much felt in Cambridge of late.

Miss Eva Oarmichael, who with a midshipman named Pearce,' were the only two saved from the wreck of the ill-fated Loch Arcl, is suffering from inflammation of the lungs, and is in a very delicate health at home. The report that she was married is sot true,

Business at the Taupiri Coal Mining Company's mine, Huntley, has been very brisk of late, Day and night shifts are employed to meet the increased demand. This we believe is owing to the supply from the Bay of Islands having temporarily fallen off. The coal now being got out is of a very superior quality, arid should make its way in the Auckland market. ' ,

A very valuable addition has recently been made to the shelves of- the Cambridge Public, Library in the shape of a new .collection ,of books lately imported,froni home. The, collection consists of many valuable volumes of recent ' pub.lication, which are at j present much sought for in the literary world.

The .attention ; of the. Hamilton Borough Council 'pught to be directed to the condition of" the approach road to the cemetery on the west; side of the . river. At present itiis in?a wretched state^ full of holes and, dangerous ruts, which produce »*,in6&fc T , unpleasant 1 „effe,ct, upon „the Occupants pi passing yehicles.) , . , ', i

?/_Wf ais giyen to understand: that ; drainage >tqperati6iui; i upon'.'""a7< very '-large: Tacalevare about ,to be -, cpmmen<?ed^on,i the/

feet deep and 30 feet wide across the swamp, falling into the Excelsior Mill stream near the Ohaupo road. The requisite tributary drains will also be constructed.

The remains of the late Mr B. Edwards wei c interred in the Hamilton West Cemetery oil Thursday afternoon. The funeral was very largely attended all the principal residents of the town being present. , The service at the grave was performed by the Yen Archdeacon Lush.

A correspondent, writing from Cambridge, draws attention to the disorder which prevails at the Post-office of an evening during the distribution of letters. After the arrival of the mail, he says that the conduct and language of a few boys who gather there is disgraceful, considering that a number of ladies are generally present, and recommends that a policeman should be stationed there for a night or so to keep order, and if possible to impart a caution.

The Rev. Henry Bull will preach his farewell sermon in Trinity Wesleyan Church, on Sunday morning (to-morrow). Mr Bull, as superintendent of the Waikato circuit, has rendered valuable service during his three years' stay. No doubt the members of the Wesleyan congregation in Hamilton will turn out in full force to-morrow morning, to hear the last sermon of the rev. gentleman.

Mr McKerrow, Surveypr-General, and Mr S. Percy Smith, Chief Surveyor for the provincial district, paid a visit to Huntly ou Wednesday, for the purpose of obtaining certain information in regard to the Crown lands on the west side of the river, with a view to opening same for settlement. They returned to Auckland the same evening.

In our list of advertisements will be seen one announcing a lecture on "Old Clothes." It is to be given by Rev. C. Griffin in Trinity Wesleyan Church, Hamilton, on Wednesday evening next. What can be said on such a subject is only a matter of wonder. The lecturer's good name and character is a sufficient guarantee that it will be a genuine and attractive talk on antiquated garments. There is no charge made for admission, but a collection will be taken in aid of the church building fund. „, As Mr Griffin will so soon be leaving Hamilton, we hope to see a very large attendance.

At the Hamilton Police Court on Thursday, before His Worship the Mayor and Mr S. T. Sedclon, J.P., Thomas Bates was charged with the larceny of lGs from the till of Mr Camp's Tamabere Hotel, on Sunday last. It appeared from {ho evidence that prisoner came to the hotel the worse for liquor on Saturday night, and was accommodated with lodging. Next morning Mr Camp missed some money from the till, so concealing his son in the bar he pretended to go away from the hotel. As soon as the prisoner, who was near, saw Mr Camp go out, lie went to the bar and rifled the till. The boy immediately raised the alarm, and Mr and Mrs Camp came on the scene. Prisoner then handed over lls, saying that was all he had, and took his departure. Mr Camp gave information to the police, by whom prisoner was airested on Tuesday at Ngaruawahia. The Bench considered the charge proved, and sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment with hard labor. A man named Thomas Childs, charged with being drunk and disorderly in Hamilton the previous night, was let off with a caution, on payment of costs.

One of the largest sales of station property which has taken place in New South Wales was made a, short time since. A station known as Bavrabogie, containing 227,824 acres freehold, situated on the Murrumbidgee River, to which it has a frontage for twenty-five miles, and stocked with 138,000 sheep, 129 head of cattle, and 122 horses, has been sold by auction for the sum of £440,000. The purchaser of this princely estate was Mr Fitewilliam Wentwoith.

Prom the names of the Australians playing against Shaw's Eleven, it would seem that Jones has been included in the teem. The thirteen originally selected did not number him in their ranks, but, ivom his performances this season, it is abundantly evident that his piesence in place, say of Bonnor, would materially strengthen it. The latter was chosen solely asa" draw," his gigantic stature and big hitting being it is said, such a feature in the last trip that it would, pay to take him on that account alone.

The promoters of the Frozen Meat Company at Christchurch, evidently mean business. At a meeting held a few days ago, the secretary reported that 1233 shares had been applied for, and it was determined immediately to register the company under the Joint Stock Companies Act. The memorandum and articles of association, prepared by the solicitor to the company, Mr T. S. Weston, were approved of, and Messrs F. Banks, W. Chrystall, John Cooke, J. T. Ford, and J. Grigg were appointed directors for the first year. An offer was made to the N.Z. Shipping Co. for the whole of the space in the frozen chamber of the Mataura, to load for London in April, and applications were received from the following stockowners for space in the shipment : — Messrs J. Grigg, 1000 sheep and 100 head cattle ; R. H. Rhodes, Lowcliffe and Chatmoss estate, 500 sheep ; J. M'Farlane, 500 sheep ; H. Chamberlain, 200 sheep and 100 head cattle ; T. Jenkins, 400 sheep ;F. Courage, H. Overtoil, C. Hurst, J. R. Campbell, and W. Postlethwaite, 200 sheep each ; W. D. Laurence and H. P. Hill, 100 sheep each ; W. J. G. Bluett, 30 very prime Downs ; J. Ferguson and S. Garforth, 10 head cattle each ;C. Lewis, 6 head. Several applicants expressed their willingness to increase their quantities should it be necessary. Several applicants for space for dairy produce were also received.

The Melbourne correspondent of one of the Southland papers writes :—": — " I have never witnessed a more painful , scene than that which occurred when the young cricketer Searcy, was brought up for sentence. Strange to say, he was the accountant ■of the institution in which Thorpe, then teller in the Bank of Victoria, lodged the money he * borowed' from that Bank. His theft seems to have completely unnerved him. Remem- • bering Searcy as a fine, stalwart, handsome youth on the cricket ground. I was shocked to see bin in the dock, haggard, ,wan-eyed, limp and woe-begone. When his father got into the witness-box and almost inarticulately endeavored to speak for his son, Searcy broke down j and cried like a child. Throughout he kept his hands over his face. There was hardly a dry eye iii Court. ' To the Judge's credit, however, lie did not allow himself to be carried away, and sentenced the prisoner to two years' imprisonment, - only relaxing in ordering his confinement in Melbourne Gaol. I wish all young men who are to be fast were present during- this scene ; they would ; learn alesson that -might be their salva-j tion."*" . ' ~' ' i

The editM of feemfc's " Mercantile Gazette f> > tHag , prepared ' for Land' aTstatisticalabstract of failures among farmers" frpm .January 1^^186% to-^Qvember 2,;f -Me i tQtal 'niimbeßipf armerg ; i^"wasa ! 46> : lB7;S,al r d|l2s4 :^l9Bo:!,The:

has until the last nine years enjoyed an almost total immunity from agricultural failures, for during the six years 1867-72 there were only 13 failures among farmers — a fraction over two per annum. Since then, however, the tale has been somewhat more sorrowful, the 25 failures of 1873 gradually increasing until they reached 99 in 1879. At that point things began to mend, and in 1880 the failures in li eland had dropped to 73,aud during the first 10 months of 1881 they had not amounted to more than 32. The improvement in progress has been about equally felt iji England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Mr Calder, of Whatawhata, met with an accident on Thursday which will incapacitate him for some time. He was returning from the Ohaupo cattle sale and has gone some miles along the new Hamilton- Whatawhata road when his horse stumbled and fell rolling over him, aim inflicting several bruises and shaking severely. No serious results are, however, anticipated.

A correspondent who furnishes an account of a trip to Martin's Bay to a Dunedin paper, relates the following incident which occured on the journey: — We arrive at the head of Lake M'Kerrow, and a fire is speedily lighted. Anon, we espieasail. "No lit isn't a sail. Yes, it is ; and it is coming this way ! Hurrah !" We have not long to wait before the boat grates on the pebbly beach and out steps Mr Webb, whose first question is, "Who is returned ?" We thought he referred to the Licensing Commissioners, and explained that the elections were on the tapis, but their dates not fixed yet. "No, no," he replied, ' ' I mean who is returned for the House of Hepresentatives ?" This was on Feb 12, more than two months after the election, and here was a man who did not actually know the result ! Talk of vSleepy Hollow after that ! The Queenstown fire and other items of local importwere all news in these parts

The London correspondent of the Age writes: — " Those shareholders of the City of Glasgow Bank who bravely suffered martyrdom rather than attempt to evade their responsibilities, are likely to be rewarded for their constancy The assets increased so steadily in value that they are likely to be sufficient to satisfy every outstanding creditor, and to leave a handsome surplus. A company will be formed to take the assets,, so that they may not be forced into the market until they have reached their matured value, the company providing the funds required to pay off all existing liabilities. The bad management of the bank is thus strangly contrasted with the admirable way in which the wiuding-up has been accomplished."

The San Francisco correspondent of the Federal A ust> alum writing to that journal says : — Do you have any trouble with servants in your country? They drive us marl. The Irish ones are bad, and the Chinese are no better. Language cannot express the teeling of exasperation that seizes one when interviewing a new girl. She wants to know — Ist. How many in the family ? 2nd. How many stoves in the house ? 3rd. How many rooms in each storey ? 4th. Is there a range and stationary washtubs ? sth. How many " males " a day ? She objects to breakfast, because the foreigners only have coffee. 6th. How much company do you entertain ? 7th. Are theie ant small children? Bth. How much washing do you send to the laundry ? And a dozen more. She must go out at night whenever she feels like it. You must have breakfast early Sunday morning, so that s»he can go to late mass, and no lunches. She refuses to eat in the kitchen, and will want two hours for the sake of having her way. She is impertinent, slovenly; wants all the doors leading from the dinner-room to the kitchen open, so that she can miss none of the conversation, and objects to the gentlemen smoking downstairs. She demands 25d01. a month, and leaves without notice, if you do not give her a silk dress at Christmas. She imitates her mistiess in the manner of clothing herself, refuses to go out and in by the back gate ; and, in fact, makes the lives of her employers miserable. Not long ago one of them told her mistress that she was going to leave ; upon being pressed for a reason, she informed tne lady that the gentlemen of the house was ' ' too cold" — she was not urged to remain. We have employed Chinamen, and sometimes you find a faithful servant ; but they are ungrateful Avretches. A lady will get a boy from China, teach him everything (and they are very apt), treat him well, and pay him good wages. Someone will offer 25 cents, more a week, and John quietly departs, sometimes when you least expect it. He generally goes between dessert and coffee, or in the morning while you are waiting for breakfast. No wonder people get disgusted, and prefer to live in hotels.

Mrs McGavin, Raglan, has furnished apartments to let. Messrs W. J. Hunter & Co. will hold their next monthly cattle sale at the Frankton Yards, on Wednesday, the 29th inst. Tenders are required by the Cambridge Highway Board up to the 27th inst., for making a cutting: on the Narrows Road. Tenders are invited up to March 24th for the erection of a AVesleyan church at Cambridge West. The W.S.N. Co. advertise that they will supply Waipa lime, in lots of not less than five tons, at 30s per ton. Messrs H. E. Cotton and Co, will sell by auction at their mart, Cambridge, to-day, at 2 p.m., produce, ovens, sewing machine, etc. The Auckland Agricultural Company invite tenders up_ to 22nd March for ploughing, etc., on their Waitoa estate. Messrs H. E. Cotton and Co. will sell by auction on Tuesday next, at 1.30 p.m., the valuable household furniture of Mrs Mackay, Bryce-strect, Cambridge . The Hamilton Domain Board invite tenders up _to Monday, 3rd April, for clearing drain, Hamilton East. Nominations of candidates to fill the vacancy in the repiesentation of the Cambridge riding, in the Waikato County Council must' be • sent to,the returning officer, Mr J. P. Thomson, before noon on Monday next. On Monday next, at 2 p.m., Messrs Clark and Gane will sell by auction at their rooms, Duke-street, Cambridge,' the valuable freehold pioperty in the estate of the late Mr James Brown. The land, which is of, the best quality, and adjoins the town belt, has been cut up into convenient sized lots. A quantity of Crown lands, the ' lease of hospital endowments in Alexandra, and Cambridge, and the Hot Springs Reserve, Te Aroha, will be offered for sale at the Crown Lands Office, Auckland, on Tuesday. Description of the lots has already been advertised. 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 foods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must c a ereat 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, without thftrisk of being called upon to bear a. portion of the loss should the 3 ear's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim "to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determinedto give the pure .cash system a fair trial;, whether, they gainor lose the first year Country buyers on remitting' cash witho'rdet will be supplied wUh'goods'at co-opet-atVe prices,; - Must the samo as though they made- a personal se~ .lection. Furnishing- g-oftds, sucli ; as carets, floor cloths,, bedsteads, bidding .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' per cenCwill be allowed to those who pay at .£h'e t«nio of purchase.^ G; and C», having realised 'the entire value of their, stock during their/ -late *'cash sale^ the present stock is.nrsw and/chkap£v. > bought JiAn inspection . inyited.-MjARLWjKpAND^ «CRAN\VKf£, City'THallFarnishing'Arjp^cle Queen s?reetj?Aubkland« " 7 #*'■ >'^ £'*" ' -*--^' *^'-