The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1734, 16 August 1883, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 18S3.

Enu.il ;md exact justice to .ill men, Ot whatsoever btatu or persuasion, religious or political. Here s.h.ill the Tress the People's riffle maintain, Unawed by influence and unbnbed by gain.

Never surely before have the Opposition been compelled to adopt such tacticsas those they have had recourse to during the present session. They aro confessedly without a distinctive policy themselves, and they, or at least that section genoralled by Sir Goorce Grey, are too clear-sighted not to perceive that the line of action pursued by the Government is a popular one. Thsy certainly made an effort to revise the incidence of taxation with a view to restoring the land tax, under, the delusion that the property-tax is the bete noir of the working classes, but the attempt was only a half-hearted one afc best. In truth the measures' brought down , by the Government are, quiet as their character may be, so essentially liberal in their aim, and so thoroughly in keeping with the spirit of the ago as to disarm the opposition of any who lay claim to be tribunes of tlie people. ■ 13ut (the Opposition .hate the Government none the less,' but' rather the .nlore on this account. There is a spe'eies of patriotism which refuses to recognise any good quality in others^ and< this is the quality animating 1 .the 1 members of H er. j Majesty's ?sppjo§|; ? $ppjo§|; tion 'at WelUngton.v. Iff HW*?'

qrttcd^'^thaie^deys, they have, enc&iraged Sve'ry Species of assault upon the johaj-a'ctersj of individual .Mihistetjs, launching out upon them charges jof venality and nepotism by the \ bushel. Headers of the iWwspa| or reports of tho proceedings of Parliament will have noticed that this practice has been followed throughout the session, one charge, succeeding another with such regularity as to lead to the conclusion that each Avas an item in a programme specially prepared. Mr Montgomery has tilted at the Treasury bonches d.iy after day, but his ungainly efforts have given cause for merriment rather than cf offenco Mr Fish and some others havo emulated their ponderous commander with conspicuous success, but it remained for Mr Dargaville to rouse the slumbering ire of the leader of the Government in the House. That Major Atkinson acted judiciously in taking up the gage thrown down by the impetuous political baby who represents the constituency of Auckland West, may reasonably be doubted. Mr Dargaville is a nobody, and the Treasurer might, without any sacrifice of dignity, have treated him with contemptuous indifference. But, on the other hand, it must be taken into account that these reckless charges of corruption, levelled at the heads of men in the responsibe position of Ministers, have a damaging effect on the colony in the eyes of the outside world. Looking back over the records of this session's utterances, a stranger must arrive at one of two conclusions — either that we are governed by a most abandoned f>et of rogues and thieves, or the Opposition is largely composed of men unlearned in the art of telling the truth. Mr Bryce lias more than once from his place in the House protested against the dishonourable tactics of the Opposition, but he might as well cry for the wind — the result would be equally profitable. What impression can he or others hope to make on the Dargavilles, the Fishes, the Turnbulls, the Joyces, and the other small fry of the party, when the biggest fish of them all, Sir George Grey, the eloquent, cultured man of the world, eggs them on, and leads them by his example. He, indeed, has crowned the wretched catalogue of false charges. The speech, in which lie introduced his motion affecting the Premier on Monday night, teemed with reflection? on the character of Mr Whitakcr, who, unfortunately, was not there to answer for himself. Had the Premier been a member of the House, we doubt whether Sir George would have gone so far as he did. Dauntless as he undoubtedly is, it may be questioned if he would havo risked tho flagellation which the Premier would have administered. It is not strictly honourable to villify a man who is unable to retort or to defend himself, but Sir George Grey is not always actuated by the highest principles of morality, and some of his political followers aro even more lax than he. The spectacle is not edifying — it is not oven entertaining ; it is thoroughly discreditable to tho chief actors, while to the people of the colony it is humiliating in the last degree. Day by day we are drawn nearer to the conclusion that, whether or not the present occupants of the Treasury Benches are incompetent, or unfitted by nature and education to govern the country, the Opposition aro very much worse.

We understand that the amount of the accounts owing for wages by P. Quinu will be paid by his wife, in which ca&e Quinn will be released from gaol, where he was sent in default of complying with the order of the Court. The Dunedin Jockey Club intend giving about £4000 in stakes at the next Spring and Autumn Race Meetings. Of this sum £2935 will be given at the Autumn gathering.

Our correspondent requests us to correct an error Mhich crept into the report of the Mangnpiko concert in last issue. "Messrs Hill. Harper, &c, presided at the tables," should read "Mcadames Hill, Harper," &c.

At the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club atTimaru on Monday night last the balance sheet showed receipts for the year, £1927, including a balance of £50 os at the commencement, and expenditure, £1877.

At the Magistrate's Court Tiimiru on Tuesday Captain Reuben Smith, of the Salvation Army, was fined £1 and costs for obstructing the street with his army on Sunday last, and refusing to move on when requested by the police.

Preparations are being made by the railway authorities for taking out the dangerous curves between Pokeno and Tuakau. The work it is estimated Mill cost about £3000, but the saving in wear and tear and engine-power, to say nothing of the avoidance of danger, will amply compensate for this seemingly large expenditure.

Mr William Starnes, a new comer into the district, has leased the farm of Mr Jno. Runciman near Capt. Steele's, having seen Mr Runciman's advertisement in this paper. Mr Starnes intends keeping a number of cows and supplying milk to the Waikato Cheese and Bacon Factory, which is only a stone's throw from his farm.

In another column Mr Sloane, chairman of the Rangiaohia Road Board, draws the attention of the chairmen of other local bodies to the necessity for taking concerted action to abate the small bird nuisance. We commend the letter to the favourable consideration of those addressed. Thepresent isthe season for killing off the sparrows, and a great deal might bo done if only the work were entered upon systematically.

A sad boat accident occurred at Nelson at 3 am, on Tuesday. The pilot boat pufc off to the steamer Wanaka and having put the pilot aboard the steamer, turned homewards. The morning was wet and dark, and although voices were heard calling out, the boat could not be seen. It is supposed she turned over, as she was found bottom, upwards on the beach later on. The crew, four men, were drowned. -Their names were William Morrison, William Read, Richard Tliqmas, and Clans Johanseni

The larrikins, or ' rather ■ thfe juvenile hoodlums of Hamilton' are, it seems, emulating their confreres of .Cam-, bridge und Alexandra.' The behavipur of a section of the'audience at the 'Minstrels' entertainment on*' Tuesday], night 'Swfls. simply ''disgraceful.' • the, playing*, of jtibi9^ovoi?^l-es\tliejj.k.epjij <ijp! a 'deafening's noife^ith'^iiheifeiletilto''

for the policejto interfere in a case like this, but th^ipublicatioii of some of the' offenders' ntttiea may perhaps effect a reform. Wfe shall do this,in future, The Esthetic Minstrel Troupe repeated their performance on Tuesday evening at the Oddfellow's Hall, Hamilton Knst. Itesptte the threatening aspect of the weather there was a fairly good house. The performance passed off very successfully, the choruses especially being well rendered • The solos and the instrumental selections were also much better than on the occasion of the first entettniment. A new teature in the shape of a song and dance was introduced, and secured the favour of the audience. The farce was played with spirit, and evoked unbonndeddnerriment. After the entertainment the hall was cleared for dancing.

In tne Legislative Council on Tuesday several bills were advanced a stage. In the House Major Atkinson, in reply to a question, said it was the intention of the Government to introduce a Counties Act Amendment Bill. A motion by Mr Ivess that the Government should pay the cost of prosecuting election petitions was lost by 41 to 34. In Committee of Supply Mr Macandrew opposed the vote of £72,000 for land purchase in the North Island. A long discussion followed, in which Mr Sheeh.in took part, and defended the land policy of the Grey Government. The vote and a number of others were passed.

The Auckland "Herald 1' understands that the floating of the New Mortuage Company witn a capital of £2,000,000, has largely exceeded the expectations of the promoters of the company, as the applications for shares from all portions of the colony are far in excess of any number that can be alloted, even if the entire 100,000 shares were issued, instead of 50,000 as originally intended. It is not known what action the directors will take to meet the de- . mand for shares, but probably a larger number will be issued than was contemplated. Even then the applicants cannot by any means receive the number of shares that they ha\ c applied for.

Rev. H. R. Dewsbury of Cambridge will deliver a lecture in the Wcsleyan Church, To Aw.unutu, on Monday evening next at eight o'clock ; tho subject bcinp, " Tom Hood : poet and humurist," the celebrated author of "The Bridge of Sighs," "Song of the Shiit," " Miss Kilinansegg and her wonderful leg, "' and various other pieces, laughable and pathetic. Mr Dewsbury will le deliver tho lecture at the Public Hall, Cimbridqc, on Tuesday evening, on which occasion a number of the leading local amateurs have consented to contribute songs, &c.

Another serious buggy accident happened at Crawfords Uully yesterday, and might have been attended with fatal consequences. Mr and Mrs W. A. Graham with one of their children wore driving to Tamahere, and when half way up the cutting on the Tamahere side of the gully the horse jibbed and basked over the edge of the bank. The occupants, who had no time to jump out, had a vcrry narrow escape, the. buggy rolling over them. Though seriously biuiscd and shaken, we are glad to say no bones were broken. The hoise escaped, but the buggy was considerably damaged. The road here is a most dangerous one. and the only wonder is that in the many accidents which have occurred no life has been lost.

The usual weekly meeting of the Cambridge Mutual Improvement Association was held at the Courthouse on Tuesday evening last. There was a large attendance, botli of members and the outside public. Mr Dyer read an excellent paper on the "Economy of Time," which was one of the best yet brought before the association. The essay was liberally criticised, and the efforts of the writer waimly acknowledged. Mr Hawley recited Byron's "Eve of Waterloo," which was undoubtedly the best item of the kind delivered during the present session. His contribution was favourably criticised.

In view of the growing popularity of bathed wire as fencing material, could not some mechanical genius devise, some plan whereby the barbs might bo attached to the ordinary plaiu wire fences now in use. There are miles upon miles of the latter in the Waikato, and a portable machine, capable of com erting them into barbed fences, is a great desideratum. Further than this, if the work could be done cheaply as well as efficiently, we fancy it would be an ail vantage to put the barbs on after the wire had been strained, as by that means the use of staples might be dspensed with. We trust some of our readers will think over the subject.

On Tuesday a pair-horse Cortland waggon belonging to Mr C. R. Johnson was standing opposite the side entrance to the Hamilton Hotel, the driver and a young man named Harry Cochrane being engaged in removing the load, which consisted of the baggage of a commercial traveller. The horses took fright at something or other, and made a bolt. The waggon came in contact with the corner post of the hotel balcony and knocked it down, nnd crossing the footpath received a temporary check by striking against a horse post. Before the horses could recover from the shock, Cochrane, with commendable pluck, got right between them, and seizing the reina, pulled them up on their haunches. With the assistance of the driver he got them quiet, and unhitched them before any fmther damage could be done. The waggon was considerably strained. Cochrane deserves great praise for the manner in which, at the risk of his life, he brought the runaways to a standstill.

At the meeting of the Piako County Council, held at Cambridge last evening, the conduct of some of the contractors, to whom the work of erecting certain bridges on the Piako-Te Arolia road had been entrusted, was brought under the notice of the council. It was stated that in one place so disgracefully had the work been carried out that when a flood came the approaches to the bridge had been washed away. Instead of putting in proper bolts and driving them through, only the heads of bolts were driven in, which were, of course, ineffectual in securing the planking. The consequence was that during the late flood the work gave way. The action of the contractors was characterised as disgraceful, and it was suggested that any who had been guilty of such dishonest work shomld bedisqualified from tendering for other works in the county in future. This decision will undoubtedly be effectual in enforcing honesty among all engaged in such work.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company report as follows on the frozen meat trade, under date, Christchurch, August 9th : —The earnestness with which this trade is being prosecuted at every centre of production, and its rapid development at the chief ports of the Colony, has"removed it from the sphereof novelty, and as was predicted some time ago, New Zealand promises to become the greatest meat exporting colony of Australasia. Already 84,141 carcases of mutton have been exported from the colony as shewn by the undernoted table, to which may be added about 24,000 already frozen for shipment, and yet the trade is only in its infancy. In addition to the Companies already in full operation at Dunedin and Christchurch no less than five others are floated or are in course of formation at other points, viz, at Invercargill, Wellington, Auckland, Blenheim, and Napier. This displays a confidence in the trade which we believe results,fully justify, though we must own to a scepticism on the score of available supplies. - Up to the 'present there has certainly.been'no difficulty in< ■providing r cargoes,for all vessels with the- '; njecessaiy m'acjun^ blit">Avhen^se\'en^c6riim^ refrigerating oy, U"U-, w oUjUyy ;;slie,ep '»per? ;mw)»i|^e|w|ull^|ri t njKfat is

vieny'the fact thatjpie requirements for newly , Tpelainicd - - country is annually increasing. Far be it from us to discourage the. trade, but we deem it advisable to draw Attention to the fact that even in the matter of sheep, tlie resources of the colony are not illimitable. We are induced to offer these remarks, because it has come to our knowledge that some of the large sheep growers of the South Island are perfecting arrangements for the despatch of cargoes, independently of the companies, and it is not improbable that from Canterbury alone, 40,000 to 50,000 sheep may be exported in this manner during the year 1884. Reports to hand regarding the shipments per Fenistanton, British Qaeehf aad Lady Jowly n are highly satisfactory and prove conclusively that New Zealand mutton — eveu the merino growth— is preferred to that from Australia, and realizes accordingly better prices. The sheep most in favour are the Down breed, which is worth nothing in cotinection with special breeding for this trade, but plump quarter-backs and half-breds up to 76lbs. weight are highly esteemed, and realise full market rites. Shipments of frozen meat to date have been as follows :— From Dunedin, 48,337 sheep; Lyttleton, 14,538 sheep; Wellington. 6,424 sheep; Bluff, 6,550 sheep; Auckland, 7,902 sheep. Total, 84,141.