AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1607, 21 October 1882, Page 2

AND THAMES VALLE Y GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to all men, Ot whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Una wed hy influence and unhribed by gain.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21, ISS2.

What is it that impedes the progress of the town and district of tJaglan, and causes them to lag 1 so hopelessly behind tho majority of other settlements in tho colony ? Three years ago vro asked ourselves the same question, and discovered, or thought, wo discovered an answer in the lethargic disposition and listless character of tho inhabitants themselves. It scorned to observant people then that tho settlers in tho Raglan district were not even taking the goods tho gods provided, to say nothing; of making any efforts on their own account. The natural products of the country were hardly touched, and, indeed, with the exception of a few flax mills, working intermittently, there were few or no industries. Since then attempts have been made to utilise tho stone and lime deposits, but so far as we know these attempts have not been particularly successful. At all events, Raglan does not appear to have benefited in any way thereby. The great stnmblingblock to Raglan's advancement has been, and still is, in the opinion of the people of that district, the absence of almost any regular means of communication. There can be no doubt that in this they are right. Pent up for so many years between the mountains and the sea, it is perhaps only reasonable to admit that a Eaglanite's idea of progress and enterprise should be at best misty, or that his predelictions should lean tow-irds an Arcadian life rather than a busy nineteenth century existence of sparks and dust. If we blame him, let it only be in proportion to his own longing for the blessings of civilisation, as represented by telegraph wires and daily posts. It was hoped that the great drawback to the district would shortly be lessened by the substitution of a tri-weekly mail, conveyed by coach, for the present bi-weekly service, performed on hofseback. Alternative tenders were invited by the postal department, and we were led to believe that they intended to effect the improvement indicated ; but it is pretty well known that all those who tendered for a coach service have had their deposits returned, so that no hope of reform remains. This is a vi j ry shortsighted policy on the part of the Grovornment, who, as owners of the greater portion of tho land in the district, would receive the most benefit by its being opened up to the light of day. A coach and a telegraph wire would induce a class of traveller to Raglan to which it has hitherto been an 1 almost entire stranger, a class which could not fail to leave upon the district the impress of good. Residents of AVaikato, more especially those seeking relaxation and recuperation, j are already favourably impressed with the hygienic qualities and the 1 rich natural scenery of Raglan, the picturesque shores of the harbour, and he p.vpanse of deep umbrageous woodland, and keep it in fond remembrance. But getting to Raglan under present arrangements is a matter involving no little expense, and many will be debarred from going thither on that account who wouid under more favourable conditions gladly wear away their leisure there. The interests of Waikato and Raglan are. in many ways identical, and it only requires that both should work together to obtain more generous treatment than our seaside friend is just now enjoying.

We trust the various centres of population in Waikato will not allow the opportunity of obtaining a, share of the £0,000 grant for libraries to slip. The money will be distributed in the shape of subsidy on amounts collected locally. Country districts, which raise £5, will be entitled to a grant o£ £25, which is, also the most that may be voted towns like Auckland, the object of the vote being apparently to promote education in districts not supplied with the advantages to be founcl^ in towns. Applications from those desiring 1 to participate in the grant must be, received by the Secretary for Education, Wellington, on or before January the 22nd, 1883. The following form of statutory declaration which applicants* are > required to make, was published, in .a" recent Gazette :— I am Chairman (or secretary, or treasurer) of the (name of, in. stituUon), and that during the y'e&j> §»d.

ing the day of , 18S2, the income of the aforcsaifl institution for the purpose of a library only was as follows : From rates , pounds shillings .and pence, and from the subscriptions of members, pounds shillings and .pence; and from voluntary contributions other than membcis, pounds shillings and pence ; and that by the rules of the institution, admission to the reading-room is open to the public free of chaige. And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by vh tue of an Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand, intituled ' The Justices of the Peace Aetf 1882.' Declared at , this day of , 18S , before me Justice of the Peace, or Solicitor, or Notaiy Public. (AlHx and cancel a stamp at 2s 6d.) If the library is not in a borough the clauses referring to a free reading-room may be eliminated. The grant, it should be remembered, will only be distributed to public libraries established under one of the Public Libraries Acts. Copies of the form of application can, we believe, be obtained from the secretary of the Board of Education, Auckland.

The Australia)) 'Trade lleview, of September 25th, des'otes .an article to the subject of New Zealand imports and ex- ! ports for 18S1, from which Me purpose making a few extracts. Oar contemporary commences with the remark that the completed returns of the commerce of New Zealand in 1881, do not exhibit much prog less. The imports for the year were valued at £7,437,015 as against £»', 102,011 for ISSO, while the value of the exports for the respective periods was £(5,060,8(5(5 and £<>, 352,002. The Jicnnc pioceiids: — " So far as the large excess of imports in 1881 is concerned, we think that a good sign, because it is a proof th it the larger exports of 18S0 realised sufficiently well to justify an increase of imports in 1881, and because it marks a renewal of the How of capital into the colony. The power of immigration to apparently turn the ' balance of trade 1 against a colony is generally overlooked. But whatever capital is brought by immigrants must necessarily form an importation beyond the ordinary course of trade. This introduction ot new capital assumes the shape principally ot increased imports of merchandise, for it is plain that the average immigrant lcquires a large quantity ot goods antecedent to his contiibuting a share in the developement of the resources ot his adopted country. Fiom these considerations we conclude that the larger the excess of impoi ts, provided the exports show a steady increase, the better for New Zealand. The exports for ISS I , however, show a decrease, and that" in quantity, not merely in pi ice. This is not a promising feature." The falling olFin exports is due solely to the decrease in the shipments of wool and gold, the deficiency, as comnaied with ISBO, amounting for the former to £'255,234, and for the latter to £223,396. The export ofagricultur.il produce, on the other hand had increased by £116,923, and other articles £69,901. "The vast number of labbit skins, exported (8,314,685) is, "says our contemporary," a very serious matter. It has been estimated that only a twelfth part of the rabbits are destioycrl, and thus about a bundled million of rabbits aie carrying on their work of devastation. The value of the skins exported (£84,774) cinnnt be commensurate with the havoc wrought by this little enemy of the agiicultunsfc and squatter. Our table shows an export of a fewer number of hides but of pioportionately larger weight of leather. Tanning, therefore, is becoming a more important occupation. The value of timber exported shows an increase, bnt the importation of timber is nearly as great as exportation. Jn view of the lapid destruction of the kauu forests, and of the fast-growing populousness of the colony, New Zealand will become more dependent upon the Pacific Coast of North America for her supply of timber. A gi eater demand exists for phormium, but we are surprised tlint the cxpoit does not assume the form of coidage lather than of the raw fibre." ' The remainder of the article consists of tabulated details of the Customs revenue, exports and imports, &c, which it is not necessary to reproduce. The discrepancy between the value of the expoits for ISSI and those for the preceding year lias boon explained with suJh'eient clearness by some of our New Zeiland contemporaries. The falling off in wool is accounted for partly by the fact that the rabbit pest had been increasing, and also because more of the raw matciial had been purchased by our own Moollen mills, ao that what may appeal at first sight to be a calamity, is in reality indicative of an increased prospet ity brought about by the stimulation of home industiies. The falling off in the gold expoit need not cause alarm. It is in the very nature of things that gieat fluctuations should take place in the yield of gold, though we have the satisfaction ot knowing that the industry is attaining a souudcr footing eveiy year. Altogether, we see in the returns under notice most encouraging signs of progress, which we expect will be fully verified before long.

The following was received yesterday from the Hon. the Premier in answer to the telegram despatched to him by the Mayor of Hamilton re the freeing of the Hamilton bridge :—": — " Wellington, October 20th. The Mayor of Hamilton. Arrangements not yet completed for freeing Hamilton bridge of tolls. It I am in Auckland when the time arrives I shall be happy to do what you ask on behalf of borough and districts. Frkdk. Whitakek."

The bazaar in aid of the funds of the Presbyteiian Church, Hamilton, will be re-opened about the end of next month in Cambridge.

Shearing has commenced in many parts of the district in real earnest. On the Lockevby Estate, Piako, the property of Messrs Morriu ami Studholme, some 2,300 sheep are being shorn, and it is confidently assumed that the average weight of the fleeces will be about 91bs.

A typographical error occurred in the abstract balance-sheet of the Waikato County Council as printed in our issue of Thursday. ■ Under the head of " Receipts " the item " rates collected " is put down " £173 15s 7d," instead of "£l7B Ios7«l." Ratepayers will therefore be good enough to read the statement with this correction.

We understand that, should sufficient inducement offer, the special train from Waikato, No\ r i 9, will return the same day, leaving Auckland about 7 p.m., arriving at Hamilton about 11 p.m. This arrangement lias been made to suit' passengers from this side of Mercer only, as scarcely any stoppages- would be made below that point and Auckland.

The weather during the past few days has been of a most unseasonable character. Tlie liigli winds prevailing have clone serious damage to orchards, demolishing all early fruit, 'while the ac« companying cold' has' deterred growth of all kinds. The grain crops all over the district, • however, are. looking well, while the weather is eminently adapted for ploughing operations. * . , - - . - An' Association' telegram, dated Christchurplj,., . Thursday; ,' < srfys :~ /.Rumours have 'travelled round ! the town to-night that small-p6"j( had 'broken out in a'Chiua,man's plac^ i« liiohfitlcVstrey!;.' ,

The Heal tli Officer visited it, and found about a dozen Chinamen smoking opium, who all appeared hualthy enough, and no basis could be found for the rumour.

It is understood that tenders will be invited in a few flays for the construction of the Te Aroha tramways, between the W.aiorongoinai roef and the batteries. The survey is now completed, and nothing remains to be done except to piu>h on the works us fast as possible.

The usual weekly meeting of the C.unbiidgc Mutual Improvement Association w.is held in the Court-house on Thursday evening last, the piesident,' Mr \V. L. 0. Williams, in the chair. There was a full attendance of members, and a considerable number of visitors were present. "Sharp Piacticc" was the piogramme of the evening, and the subjects brought forward, together with the manner in which they wore dealt with, showed the membeis to be fast improving in impromptu speaking.

An attempt has been made by a few members of the New Zealand Alliance to depiivc Mr A. Isaacs of his wholesale spirit license for Cambridge, but owing to the renewal of the license having been granted before the petition, which was signed by those who opposed it, was forwarded to the proper authorities. Mr Isaacs application for a renewal was granted.

A man named Michael Murphy, a swamper, visited Cambridge for a holiday on Thursday evening lust, and on the strength of his emancipation fiom his daily toil got slightly incbrured. Having introduced himself into the company of a few natives, he exemplified his friendship by " going for" his new acquaintances one after the other. He was intoirupted in his friendly pursuit by the local constable who found him nccomodationfor the evening.

At a meeting of the Cambridge Ciicket Club Committee, held on Wednesday evening last, rules for the guidance of tlio club for the ensuing season having been pievionsly drawn up, were considered and adopted. A letter was received from Mr Palmer, Secretary of the Hamilton Ciicket Club, inviting the club to a match at an eaily date, but a& the date mentioned was too early the invitation could not be entei tamed. It was agreed, however, to play i match w ith the Hamilton men on the Prince of Wales Birthday.

The Hamilton Hotel had a very narrow escape fiom fire on Tlnusday evening. It is supposed that a candle which had been left burning on a biaeket in the passage upstans must have fallen over on the wood-work of the shelf and communicated the fire to the wall. The tire must have broken out at about half-past ten, as it was discoveied shortly aftei\vaid& by one of the boaideis On his way to bed. With tha use of his handkereliief he soon extinguished it, and Mr Gwynne, who was summoned to the spot, put out all tiaces of the fire by means of a force-pump and hose, which, with a proper supply of water, is always at hand. No damage of any consequence was done.

The following European news per Renter was received on Thursday. It was dated London, October lTtli and 18th: — Tlic piogiammc to be considered at the Irish Conference, which meets shortly, will be the extension of parliamentaiy and municipal franchises, the si'lvisabihty of peasant proprictoi ships, the .State advancing the money, repayment of ■which to be made within 05 yeais, the creation of County Boards, .mil the compulsory purchase of unutilised lands ; the question of abolishing the Viceroy will also be consideied. — The six persons who were anested on suspicion of being concerned in the Lough Mask murders, near Galway, have been committed for trial. — Arabi implicates the Khedive and Sultan in the recent defence of Alexandria, and states that the former was in command. — Lieutenant-General Sir John Adye lias been appointed Govemor-Geneial of Gibraltar, in recognition of his services in Egypt. — The Tniio publishes a scheme for the construction of a ship canal from Alexandria to Can o, and from thence te Suez. The cost, it is estimated, would amount to about ten millions.

The following particulars concerning the movements of Ministers weie telegiapheil by tlie Wellington corves pondent of the Jlwahl on Thursday :— The Premier and family let t by the Stella this mot ning for Auckland, \i& Taianaki and Manukau. I undei stand that the decision A\hich was arrived at a week or two ago, and duly telegraphed by me, to j the ell'ect that Mr WhitaUer's absence ! f i om the seat of LJo\ eminent is to be a, slioit one, still remains in force. It is expected that the Premier will return to Wellington some time next month. The Colonial Tieasureralso took his depirture per the Stella foi New Plymouth, -where he will land eu route for his Taranaki home. Major Atkinson's trip is, I believe, purely one of a holiday ehaiacter, which had become absolutely neccssai y to the regaining health after the exhausting work of the session. The Colonial Secretary has decided to go >South on Mondny'next by the llotorun. Mr Dick intends inspecting industrial schools, hospitals, benevolent institutions and lunatic asylums, as he did in the North Island, vith the view of leconimending, if jwssible, improvements in the management in the dheetion both of economy and of greater efficiency. The Minister of Public Works goes up country tomorrow on ashoit absence fiom town, returning next week. Mr Walter Johnston will pi obably visit the South early in No\ ember. Mr Rolleston and Mr Connolly will be Ministers \n charge during the next week or t\\ o.

Messrs Coulthard Bros., To Balm Saw Mills, notit) a list of goods on hand. A notice by the Te Awamntu Poundkecper appears in our advertising columns. The Waitoa Highway Board invite tenders for repairs to too bush road. Mr W. Sloane, To Awamutu, notifies that .ill accounts due him not paid by the Slit inst., will be sued for. The Kirikiriroa Highway Board invite tenders for certain specified works on the Hoko-nui-l*iako road, and at NgJ.ruaw.ihia. Notice is given in another column concerning claims to be registered on the AVaipa and Waikato electoral rjlls, and places and times when said rolls may bo inspected are specified. Mr D. Elliott, Hamilton West Timber Yard, notifies that lie has all kinds of building timber and furnituie in stock. Ijlacksmuhs' work in all its branches done on the premises, and first class workmanship guaranteed. The. ladies- of tlie Hamilton Presbyterian Church desire to thank their friends and the public for thcii kind assistance and support at the late bazaar. A service of sqng, "Voyage of Life,"' also recitations, solos, &.c; &c, U'iU be given in the "Weslcyan Church, Cambridge, on Wednes: ' day next. Mr E. C. Shepherd, who has leased the Newcastle run, makes an important announcement relaii.c thereto. Attention is directed to an alteration in the trade advertisement of Messrs Scott and Co\, Hamilton, Mr R, F. Luks, . late-of Coromandei, ■ notifies that he has taken the Victoria Hotel, Victoria-street, ,4.1} r - k|ahd. The hotel is an old favorite, 'and ( should prospor ijn,dcr Jlr Luks ! management. ' ' ' " ', , MfGl. A.' Laidlaw, butcher, Te Awamutu, is a. 1 cash' purchaser of fat stock, hides, skins and tallow. ', ( ,r , . w , ; An adjourned meeting- of the promoters ot the Taupiri Cheese, Bacon and Starch Factory/ Company will be held at the T*upir( Hotel pa Saturday, October 28th, at