The Waikato Times. AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1895, 28 August 1884, Page 2

The Waikato Times. AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to .iM men, Ot whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, (Jnawcd bv influence and unbribed by gam.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2B, 1881

Major Atkinson has not fallen upon a bod of roses. Sir George Grey's failure to fill up 'the list of portfolios seemed to leave the way clear for the late Premier to construct a strong Government — one that should command the entire confidence of the House and the country. But though it has long been apparent that Major Atkinson was the one man capable of taking (he holm in the present crisis, the dangers which beset him on all sides were not lost sight of. The country had emphatically pronounced against tho "Continuous Ministry," as it has been called, with its policy of fads and fancies, and in tho construction of a new Cabinet it Mas clear that much of the old distasteful element mu&t bo discarded. On tho other hand the old Ministerial Party possesses, above all things, the quality of cohesion in a high degree, and it did not seem likely that they would consent to any measure which meant the rejection of any of their party leader?. To this principle is due tho reserved attitude taken up by Major Atkinson during the recent negotiations, and had it been at all possible to create a Government out of the remaining sections of the House — had it been possible to unite these sections upon any common basis — the Member for l£gmont would now have been leading Her Majesty's Opposition. But the utterly chaotic condition into which matters have sunk has apparently changed the policy of the party. There are very few members of the House \\ ho can calmly regard tho prospect of another dissolution. Tho temper of tho country has been pretty severely tried, and another appeal to the constituencies might materially change tho character of tho House. With the two alternatives of coalition or dissolution before their eyes, it is not at all strange that members should prefer the former. Major Atkinson's task has therefore been rendered much easier than it could have Leen a week ago. His late colleagues have relieved him from all obligations on their account, and he is free to pick and choose from both sides of the llouso. His difficulty now is to know whom to select out of the vast multitude of those who are piofessed candidates for the Cabinet. If our special corresponde it's "lip" is to be relied on, and we believe it is, tho composition of the prospective Ministry affords ample proof of the difficulties which Major Atkinson has had to meet in his attempt to build up a Cabinet which shall please all parties. Of all his old colleagues, Mr Mitchelson is the only one said to be retained. Even Mr Bryce, with all his vaunted prestige, is out of the hunt. Amongst the new names are those of Mr Ormnnd, upon whose adhesion a great deal seems to depend, Mr Hurst house and Mr Wakcfield. What particular qualification for oflicc tho Member for Motueka possesses we cannot pretend to say : his accession is clearly the resulc of compromise: but that the honourable Member for Selwyns name should be found on the list is of all things the strangest. A week or two ago Mr "Wakofield could scarcely find language strong enough in which to express his dislike for Major Atkinson, and the Major, it is well known, reciprocated his affection. But misfortune in politics, as in social life, makes us acquainted with strange bed-fellows. The break-down of the negotiations A\ith Mr Stout has reduced the number of Canterbury members from which a choice could be made to two, one of which is Mr Kolleston, and the other Mr Wakefield, and the stionger of two weak planks has been selected. It is hardly safe, in the present disorganised state of parties to speculate on tho chances of the new Government, even supposing the personnel to liave been absolutely fixed. Though Sir Julius Vogcl has oxpressed his intention to see fair play, his party are determined to challenge Major Atkinson's strength. Assuming that Mr Ormond joins the Ministry, everything- will depend on the attitude which Sir George Grey and the Otago members will take up. We must wait for Major Atkinson's announcement to determine the course of tho latter. We may have to wait longer before Sir George shows liis hand.

In a letter which will be found in another column, Mr Henry Reynolds re-opens a question of grave importance. Our correspondent points out that unless some better arrangement is made for the carriage of fat stock on the railway, graziers will cease using the trucks and take to the road. The position is just this: The freight charge per head is something under ss, and the cost of driving is something loss. So far, then, the two systems are about on a par, and the railway in point of expedition -is greatly to be ju-eferrod to the highway. But, on the other hand, it is claimed that the drover dolivors his charges in good order, while the train knocks them about and materially lessens the value of the beast in the eye of the butcher. That in these circumstances.', the graziers should have come to the d^termina-

fcton to drive their fat cattle to the Auckland market will not greatly surprise anyone. At the same time it is to be regretted thit they should be driven to adopt the alternative, which is merely the lesser of two evils. The railways of New Zealand can lot afford to lose sixpennyworth of their legitimate custom, cind we trust that in this particular regard efforts will be made to retain, or rather regain the confidence of the settlers. To do this two tilings are needful : Bettor provision must be made for the conveyance of cattle, and some reduction must be made in the freight. Numerous representations have been made on the subject, and more than once the inhurn.m methods in vogue for carrying fat beasts to Auckland have been strongly condemned in this column. The late traffic manager, VI r Macdonald, was fully alive to the necessity for reform, and Mr Hudson is, if report speaks truly, equally anxious to meet the wishes of the public. But the matter is a purely departmental one, involving, in the case of a change in the character of the trucks, an expenditure of money, and, in regard to the reduction in freight, an apparent loss of revenue. AYe say apparent, because we believe that more moderate charges would mean a large increase in the traffic and the retention of th-it which the railway ,\t present enjoys. This kind of reasoning has never been very popular at Wellington, .but it is being surely forced on the authorities, and sooner or later must prevail — the sooner the better.

Mr J. W. Ellis urges those in favour of the existing time-table to prevent the success of tho.se opposed to them, who, " though few, iepresent powerful interests."

Commander Edwin telegraphed at 1 p.m. yesterday : — Expect bad weather between north east .and north and west, within 12 hours from now with much rain. Glass will fall soon.

His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton, in response to a requisition, has convened a public meeting at the Public Hall ■it 4 p.m. on Saturday next, to consider the pioposed alteration in the time-table.

A few trivial slips have occurred in the cjorge on the Taotaoroa road which, if not attended to immediately, _ may -,ci iouily affect the drainage in the vicinity. All that is required is a few hour»' attention on the part of the suif, iceman.

We are requested to remind the ladies and gentlemen forming the Christmas Festival chorus that the second rehearsal will take place this evening in the Public Hall, Hamilton, at 7.30. It is hoped that all who intend to assist will be able to be present. Rehearsals, will take place every alternate Thursday.

The Herds Point correspondent ot the Auckland Pfctald writing on Tuesday says :— Messrs Murphy and Federli have this day pui chased on behalf of a company a block of land, 5500 acres in extent, at the junction of Mangamuka and Hokianga Rner.s, on which they will place fifty families of European vignerons each year for thiee successive years.

Owing to the recent heavy rains the Waikato rher ha.s risen very considerably, and jl supply of logs and posta ha\ c now found their way down the liver from the Waotu bush to the Timber Company's boom at Cainbiidge. There is, however, a laige quantity of timber stuck at inteivals along the banks, and which is not likely to be bi ought down until favoured by an unusually heavy fresh.

We have for distribution at this office a number of copies of the printed inductions for growing tobacco and pieparmg the leaf, supplied to us by Mr Vollbi actit, the manager of the New Zealand Tobac 30 Company. As the piescnt is the tune foi planting, intending giowern would do well to piocuie a copy of these " instructions " without delay.

Services in commemoration of the fourth anniversary nf S. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, will be held in the church on Sunday next. The Yen. Archdeacon 13. T. Dudley will preach the sermon both morning and evening. The sei vices are to be choral throughout, and a number of vocalists from choirs of other chinches are kindly giving their aid. On Tuesday evening a social gathering of the congiegation and friends will take place in the Public Hall, when a very attractive piegramine of vocal and instrumental music

is pionnseu. i At a meeting of the members of the Cambridge Mutual Improvement Association held on Tuesday evening la^t the members took occasion to express their indebtedness to Mr M. R. Keesing, their secretary, for the creditable manner in which he had, during his term of office, conducted the affairs of the association. This expression took a practical foitn, in so far that a portion of the surplus funds was -,et a<nde to be devoted to purchasing a testimonial in the shape of a number of books to be presented to Mr Keesing in recognition of his valuable service^. The lemaining poition of the funds, it was agreed, should be given to the local public library.

Some particulars of the French attack on Foochow are supplied by the Press Association in a message dated London, August 25th, as follows : — Further particulars of the action at Foochow show that nine Fiench warships disabled eleven Chinese transport vessels in seven minutes. The Fiench refused to accept a surrender, and continued the shelling for hours. Two Chinese gunboats and the batteries stationed at the arsenal vainly attempted to leply. Tho French Admiral also bombaided the forts and villages in the neighbourhood of Foochow. — Only one of the Chinese batteries, by which the port was defended, replied to the fire of the French fleet dm ing tho bombardment. It is reported that one of the French war vessels was sunk by the Chinese fire. — The Times' special correspondent telegraphs, pronouncing the whole affair as a sickening massacre. The French loss was six killed. They also had one of their gunboats injured, and a torpedo boat sank ye&terday. The French shelled the barracks at Quantar, to which the Chinese offered no resistance.

It will be seen from the report of the recent meeting of the Cambridge Jockey Club that the club is in a very sound financial condition. The balance sheet of the autumn meeting shows a credit balance of £128, and this notwithstanding expenditure on the improvements to the course and grand stand, which represents a further sum of £100, which may fairly be added to the credit balance. The meeting on Monday night testified to the valuable services of the energetic secretary, Mr Scotfc, and to this gentleman was attributed the unexpected success which had been achieved. Owing to Mr Scott leaving Cambridge he felt called apon to Bubimt his resignation to the meeting, but he was subsequently induced by the unanimous, and positive request of the meeting to continue in office until after the next January meeting. Mr J. Allwlll was appointed treasurer to act in conjunction with Mr Scott, and to assist him in the internal affairs of the club. The basis upon which future race meetings are to be held is now receiving the attention of t ne dvb, and it has been agreed that a masting for the purpose of considering this matter be held at an early date. It has been suggested that a limited liability company should be formed for the purpose of taking over the course, and a meeting with this object ia arranged to be held on the evening when the nominations for the spring meeting ape due/

The Cambridge Mutual Improvement Association has ceased to exist. At a meeting of its members held on Tuesday evening, its existence was brought to a most untimely and, For two sessions it dragged out a miserable career, every other meeting falling through for want of a quorum. The third session, if wo may call it such, was even more void of success, in this respect than its two predecessors, the secretary having made several ineffectual attempts to secure the attendance of evan sufficient member's to brino: the in»tit"Mon to a close. ' It is now proposed to'estf Wish a numio Jparliam^t, which yf]^ ftwm

both political and general subjects of interest, and it is to be hoped that all who are anxious to take part in such discussions will come forward and assist in forming an institution for the purpose. A representative committee of gentlemen, whose nameß will be found elsewhere, has been appointed to give effect to the suggestion, and it is desired that as many aa possibly can will at once signify their intention of becon.ing members. Discussions on political questions affecting the community locally should be attended with considerable interest.

Mr James Wood, of Ohristchurch, delivered a lecture in the Hamilton Trinity Wesleyan Church on Tuesday on " Some Yorkshire preachers I have known.' 1 The lecturer referred in brief terms to a number of eminent Methodist divines personally known to himself, and by their works to the Wesleyan body in general, but the lecture was mainly devoted to a review of the work performed by John Preston aud William Wyndham, two local preachers, whose lives to those who knew them were homilies, but whose fame had not extended beyond the limits of the county in which they had laboured. Both belonged to the operative clasi, and they knew how to speak in their own dialect, placing the beautiful Christian story before their hearers in a light by which they could all read it. Numerous instances of the worth and unselfish character of Preston and Wyndham were given, and altogether the lecture was' well calculated to edify the audience, which, however, was not nearly so numerous as it ought to have been. At the close of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was, on the motion of Mr G. French, acorded Mr Wood. During the evening the choir sang a couple of hynniß, Mr Robinson presiding at the harmonium. A collection was taken up in aid of the church fund, Mr Wood is the publisher of the New Zealand Methodist (formerly the New Zealand Wesleyan), and is at present on a tour in .connection with that journal. At the conclusion of his lecture Mr Wood took occasion- to refer to the journal, and claimed the support of all members of the Methodist 1 body. The Rev Mr Dukes, who occupied the chair, seconded Mr Wood's appeal, and dw6lt at some length on the usefulness of religious publications. One of the results of Mr Wood's visit will probably be a large increase in the circulation of The Methodist, which is at once a credit to the Connexion and to journalism.