COMMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1820, 6 March 1884, Page 2

COMMENTS.

Tawiiiao goes home by the next San Francisco boat, accompanied by a numerous retinue of friends and relatives. It is not known whether Mr Taiwhanga will be of the party, but as the " King " has intimated to Sydney that he must find his own passage money, the prince of modern imprcssarios will probably remain in the bosom of his family. Tawhiao has foraged pretty successfully, and with the money in his possession he ought not to be obliged, as his predecessors in this line were, to beg the money to pay for his return trip. A liberal indulgence in Bacchanalian frolics can be had upon reasonable terms Jin England, and the amount set apart for Royal " pin-money," so to speak, need not be large. These whimsicalities on the part of Tawhiao aud the festive gentlemen who have urged him on his present course are very funny. If his Majesty's visit does not tend to increase our dignity, it will at any rate advertise the colony, and advertising, as the late Professor Holloway could have shown, always pays. Tawhiao will be lionised by the mob, embraced by Mr Ohesson and his, amiable colleagues, and, if he outlive so much gaiety, will in the course of time return to his kainga on the Waipa with enlarged ideas on the subject of European civilisation. As for his petition to the Throne— the Maoris know as well as we do what will become of that.

The dog is man's beat friend, in sickness and health, in prosperity and in adversity he is faithful and kind. The world would be a miserable place to live in if it were not for on our docile and affectionate four-footed companions. They take the world as it comet) and never complain ; if one speaks harshly to them they never "talk back," and if they are kicked they regard the operation merely in the light of a manifestation of man's kindness towards them. From this it will be inferred that we appreciate the canine family, and we admit the itnimpeachment. Dogs have been to us a source of the purest enjoyment ever since the day when we first learned the art of uniting thoir taila with the handle of, a

worn-out tea-kettle ; and though we have 'or various reasons given up this pastime now, the memory of those pleasant days is like an oasis in the monotonous desert of our everyday life. But associated as he is with our sweetest recollections, the dog is by no means competent to fill every place in the economy of social life. He is unfitted by nature for many things. \Vc have never yet been able to mawe him understand that there are times when he should be decorous ; it is not safe to tike him into church. It is not ■yen safe to take him to church ; he •jannot behave himself with decency outride. We must conclude that he acts thus because he does not know better ; an animal with sue)) a good general record deserves the benefit of any little doubt there may be about the matter. But his owners are beings popularly supposed to have been born with understanding, and they take him Sunday after Sunday as far as the chinch door, and leave him to yowl, and growl and frolic round the building, and to indulge in pugilistic encounters with the dogs of other people of equal mental calibre with themselves, all of which conduces to the growth of charitable thoughts in the minds of the congregation worshipping within, [f this kind of music is calculated to make people good, we know of some folks in this part of the country who will be much too righteous for this world before long. Part of them frequent the pretty little church of S. Stephen the Martyr, at Tamahere. Whether it be the clear country air, or the absence of that restraint which is occasionally exercised in the case of town dogs, matters little, but the miscellaneous crowd of curs that infest the grounds of this rural place of worship on a Sunday afternoon, compiises some of the most buoyant spirits that ever took to this sphere in canine «hape. They run races round the building, take flying leaps through the porch doors, play hide-and-seek and chevy- chase under the floor, and bark and growl until the worshippers wish they were in Constantinople. There, at any rate, the dogs make no noise. We have written these lines because it occurred to us that a gentle hint conveyed in language so equivocal, would be Greek to any but those concerned. If we lrnenot effected our purpose it is not because we have not honestly tried to do so.

A general meeting of the members of the Waikato Rowing Club is called for Saturday next at Gwynne's Hotel at 7.30

p.m. The residents of Taupiri are promised a day's spoit on S. Patrick's Day. We have not yet seen the programme, but Mr Lovells name is sufficient guarantee that something good will he the result.

Rewi was at Cambridge on Monday, and attended the Land Court. The old chief says the Government may take away his pension, but they cannot prevent his remaining loyal to the Queen.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr J. R. Randerson's Monthly Circilar of the moneys \ r iperty, stock and shaie maikeis for March, also Murray's Penny Time Table for the same month.

A man named Molesworth, working at the Huntly coal mine, got his hand badly ciushed while moving some trams yesterday morning. Dr. Beale was telegraphed for, and on arrival he dressed the injured member.

Messrs E. Fitzpatrick and Soper having retiied from the contest, the following gentlemen have been elected a licensing committee for the town of Ng.u uawahia Licensing District, \'u :—Messrs D. Coombes, P. Kay. E. K. Laing, F. G. Taylor, and J. M. Moren.

The contractor, Mr H. Kerr, has now commenced the erection of the new biidge over Piarire Creek, near Cran&toun, on the Cambridge - Waotu road. It is thought likely that the load will in consequence be closed for some tune. In this case a temporary road or deviation will be made.

A harvest thanksgiving service will be hold at S. Stephen's, Tamahere, noxt Sunday afternoon. Doubtless many will wish to attend fnnn Hamilton, and for their convenience Mr John&on has thoughtfully placed a coach on the road for the occasion at a return fare of 2s Gd.

The pest known as the tree leech has conimeneed the autumn campaign, and alieady the thorn hedgerows and plum trees in the district afford evidence of its ravages. It seems a great pity that the leech should be allowed to commit such depredations when the means of prevention can be so easily and cheaply applied. A solution of helebore, or lime, or wood ashes, or even the common dust off the roads will check the progress of the destroyer.

Mr Robson has brought his diorama of the Egyptian War to the Waikato, and will give the people of Hamilton an opportunity of seeing his exhibition at Le Quesne's Hall on Friday evening, and at the Public Hall, Hamilton West, on Saturday evening. The Press of those towns in which Mr Robson has already exhibited have spoken most favourably of the entertainment, so doubtless tho&e who make up their minds to go and see it will be thoroughly well pleased.

The following special telegrams to ! the Press Association dated London March 4th have been published:—London March 4.—The Arab Shieks generally have welcomed Major-General Graham & advance, and it is reported the El Mahdi is now peacefully disposed. Major-General Graham is likely to advance on Tamdumans, Osman's stronghold.—Speaking at a banquet given in farewell to Sir Hercules Robin&on on his departure for the Cape, he strongly advocated the establishment of an Imperial Federal Council. Lord Derby also spoke, expressing doubt as to the expediency of such a thing.

The survey of the Waotu south blocks has again been proceeded with, Mr Don Stubbing having left Cambridge yesterday with party for the purpose of continuing the work. No further obstruction from Whatuaio and party is anticipated, nor is it likely, after their recent expensive acquaintance with the law, that thoy will persist in theiv foolishness. We understand, however, they still continue their offensive attitude towards Harry Symonds and party, and by way of forcibly demonstrating this fact have ereoted another pa or stockade immediately overlooking Symonds hotel and settlement.

Many old residents in the Waikato will regret to hear of the death of Mr William Johns, of Pukete. The deceased gentleman died somewhat suddenly of inflammation of the lungs. Mr Johns was one of the oldest settlers in the district, having come to Cambridge in the early days, and was one of the first to start in bußmess theie. That at present carried on by Messrs Wells and Soutter waa established by Mr Johns. Of late years he had confined his attention to agricultural pursuits.

In another column we publish a most interesting letter on co-operation, from the penof one who is evidently able to speak from practical experience on the subject. The following extract from the prospectus of the proposed Waikato Association has evidently been framed with a view to giving large customers a3 well as large shareholder* » deserved profit on the business they bring, a pomt our correspondent justly lays much stress upon :—" To divide the profits that may accruo to the association in the conduct of its business among the shaieholders of the association pro rata in accordance with the amount of business done by each shareholder, after paying such dividends on paid-up capital as may be declared from time to time, and after setting aside any funds as a reierve fund that the directors of the association may think fit."

At the ordinary meeting of the Hamilton East School Committee last night, a letter was read from the Board of Education, asking for some explanation regarding the falling off in the attendance at the high school. The coramiUeo appeared to think that the falling off was partly owing to the fees being too high, and it was suggested that if the fee were fixed at one guinea a quarter instead of two, many parents unable to do so at present would avail themselves of the advantages afforded by the school. The committee are anxious that those parents who would make use of flje $p)j.ool WfiVO the alteration in the scale of fees inadp shffvM- gpmtnunicate with^ the ■ecretavy, Mv IW, mfcijwfc toss of time. We trust this desir? wilt m 9<mstm with.

The Wellington correspondent of the Herald telegraphs :—The anticipations entertained of a recovery in the Customa during the current quaver of tfra finwww

year have been so far realised that February shows better results by two thousand than Janunry, which was some 20,000 better than December, but the result is still 20,000 under oven the monthly estimates average, consequently the deficit has still further mcseased instead of diminishing, and now amounts to £100.194 for the eleven month*, the receipts for that period being £1,283,138 March is sure to be a fairly good month, but can hardly be expected to oxceed the estimated monthly average (126,(506) so we may make up our minds to find Customs considerably over £100,000 abort. The beer duty, too, is deficient by £4793 on the eleven months return, and the deficit under thi* head may probably be set down at £5000.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of the New Zealand and Australian Bee Journal for the month of March. The present number contains, like its predecessors, a large amount of information interesting to the beekeeper, and in a less degree to the general reader.

It will be seen by the amended advertisement in another column that the plans and particulars of woiks to bo executed out of the £642 loan which the Waipa County Council purpose raising, are to be seen at the office of the council, Ohaupo. The poll of the ratepayers will be taken on Tuesday, the Ist April, and not the 18th March, an previously advertised.

The adjourned cases, Osier v. Glover, for assault and threatening language, came on at the R.M. Court, Hamilton, yesterday, before Mr Northcroft. Defendants wero not present, and plaintiff stated that during the week Glover had apologised, and offered to pay the costs incurred in the case. Mr O'Neill, who had been retained by defendant, said he knew nothing of the arrangement. Subsequently Glover attended and admitted having agreed to pay the co&ts if " he saw his way clear." He was, however, not in a position to find the money. Mr Northcroft thought the arrangement a very sensible one, but Mr O'Neill said the plaintiff had no chance of proving his case, in addition to which the information was bad. Mr Osier said that acting on the representations of defendant he had told his counsel that he would not be required ; he (plaintiff) was therefore powerless. His Worship said he would, under the circumstances, further adjourn the case until next court day. Later in the day the parties enteied the court, and informed the magistrate that they had agreed to share the expenses, and plaintiff withdrew the informations. A few civil cases were disposed of.

Messrs Karl Bros., of the Ohaupo Apiary writes as follows in the Current number of the Bee Journal :—lt is nearly 21 years since we arrived in New Zealand, dining most of which time we kept bees, and the present is the worst honey season we have yet experienced. The only fine honey weather we have had was one week at the commencement of the new year, and unfintimately the flax was in full blossom at the time. The bees stored honey from it in great quantities ; we tried our best to extract it, but found it impossible owing to its being so thick. Wo then gave them boxes with full sheets of foundation, and as fast as they filled them added_ otheis, till now we have a number of colonies filling theii fourth and fifth stoi les. It is quite possible that we may yet be able to extract some honey after the flax is ovei, as there is plenty of white clover, dandelion, and thistles m blossom, but of couisc, it will depend entirely upon the weather. We have seven acre's of buckwheat coming into blossom, and five acres sown with mustard, which will be in flower in four oi five weeks. We arc in hopes of better success during the autumn than we have had thiougli the spring, but at present the weather is very unsettled again.

The Argus correspondent writes: —" Mr Simon Fia&er has caiefully investigated the system under which Colonial moat at present finds its way into consumption. He appears fairly satisfied that when once the meat reaches the salesmen they take efficient means to secure its distribution, but he is greatly disgusted at the exorbitant and unnecessary expenses with with which the cargoes are burdened dm ing the process of transhipment from the ships to the fieezing chambers and the fiee/.ing chambers to the market. The charges made for storage amount to uo less than Is IOW for every 601b whether for the first week it is in store, a fact which alone explains the unsatisfactory practice often pursued at present of 'rushing" cargoes upon the market almost regardless of the laws of supply and demand. The cost of transporting the carcases from the ship to the freezing chambers on shore could apparently be greatly reduced The refrigerating hulk Seawitch at the East and West India Docks is worked more satisfactorily. Another hulk, to be named the Robert Morrison, and capable of storing 0000 carcases, will shortly bo available. Mr Eraser, I believe, intends to embody the results of his investigation in a letter, which he hopes will obtain wide publicity throughout the Colonies."

Under the heading " A Deserving Case," the European Mailhasthefollowing: —The Secretary of the Charity Organisation Society requests us to lay the following appeal before our readers :—G. L. is 43, and hai a wife and seven children. At the ago of 13 he went to sea, and his relatives lost sight of him entirely. He lived for eight years at the Cape and for fourteen in New Zealand, where he carried on a good trade as painter, grainer, and paperhanger. His mother, who is in very poor circumstances, has often appeared in the papers as claimant to the Derwentwater estates. About a year ago the Press again took the matter up. Advertisements appeared for the missing heir, and so much excitement was aioused in tho colony that he was persuaded to sell up his business and return to England in February, expecting to be welcomed as an earl. In estimating the folly of this step it must bo remembered that the colonial mind is not always vovy dear on the subject of titles. The family are now m great distress, They cannot stand the climate, and greatly dread the winter. One child has died after a slight illness, and all are weak. The father has, therefore, no chance of earning a living here, while he has proved that he can succeed in New Zealand. The cost of sending them out will be about £100, as they cannot obtain an assisted passage; about £30 can be contributed by his friends). The society has received £25 for the case, leaving £45 to be raised. The Charity Organisation Society consider this such an exceptional case as to justify an appeal to the public Press.

The following extracts from a letter written by Mr Thomas Farrell, a resident of Hamilton in former days, to a friend in that town, will doubtless be read with interest. The letter is dated Raalune Station, New Britain, January 14th, 1884 : —"I have acquired a large tract of land down here and am going in for a big spec, in cotton, and am very sanguine of success. 1 am doing a considerable trade in cotton, and employ several traders to doal with natives; amongst them I have our old friend, Joe Highly, who is likely to do well; he wishes to be kindly remembered to you and all enquiring friends, and if you should happen to write him he will not fail to acknowledge. I employ a great number of labour, some 200 odd natives from other islands, besides a large nuipber of native residents. This is a wonderful place for cultivation. If Great Britain annexes this country with New Guinea, which she is bound to do eventually, J expect to reap a rich harvest. The land is remarkably easy to work, and will almost grow anything. I hear you are making rapid strides in Waikato. Joe and I often have a talk over old times. You seem to have pulled through as well, if not better, than most of them. Whenever you havo spare time J shall always be glad to have a line from you j addraau as above, via Sydney. I have a sohoonev of m.y own, the Belle Brandon, an Auckland built vessel; she is a very useful, tight little craft of 65 tons. She leaves here tomorrow for Sydney with a load of copra, that is, weather permitting; at the present moment it does not look very promising. I am. going in extensively for building and making linprqyements. Joe says when I get everything nice and comfortable he expects I shall sell out; there are mous unlikely things than that, if I can make a good bargain, but at the present time £ intend hanging on like grim death and Jfofng legitimately into the plantation bminess, Whan the annexajjiqn question is rettled I shall bo &M righfct Qlve my belt regards to all enquiring friends."

The Railway Management Board (nays the Melbourne correspondent of the Otago Daily Times) have assumed the reins of office, and Mr Gillies, being relieved from an irksome responsibility, is about to take a trip to New Zealand to recruit his energies previous to taking over Hjs' Department of Public Works from Mr :&w&Wi" $hfi PW!! S now complete, Mr .Richard Speight, the Ghaivman, havjng arrived by the Lusitania yesterday. There seems to be a general consensus of opinion tfort Titfwift pw liwe» Ywy fortynftta ft

securing the services of so thoroughly competent a man. Although still youngbeing only 45 years of age— he has had a varied and extended experience of railway management in all its branches, gained in one of the most progressive of English com- ? aiiics. We have also the assurance of Sir William Harcourfc, given at the farewell banquet to Mr Speight at Derby, that he possesses the valuable qualities of good sense, good humour, and good faith. Tact will be an essential attribute in his position as chairman, in order that his relations with his colleagues may work smoothly. The power is conferred upon him of overruling the other menibeis of the Board, and the exercise of this authority in the absense of a conciliatory spirit, might easily lead to a feeling of jealoniiy and constraint on the colleagues. All tnat,we hear, however, of Mr Speight, is highly favourable, and the experiment of managing our railways as a commercial instead of a political undertaking seems to have started under the most encouraging auspices. The hopes of the public are raised to expect much from the introduction of a gentleman imbued with the progressive spirit which comes from the btrife of competition. Under State management too often public convenience is the last thing to be considered, and the crushing influence of routine is allowed to reign supreme. We are promised on Mr Speight's behalf that there shall be a great change in the relations between the public and the service as soon as he has he has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the altered conditions of a new country.