AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1906, 23 September 1884, Page 2

AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to a'l men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall thr Vrcss the People's ripht maintain, Unawed by influence and unbnbed by gain.

TUESDA V, SEPT. 23, 1884.

Oxe of the most satisfactory signs of the times and land in which we live is the increase of the desire for culture, as distinguished from mere head knowledge or " cram." Some years ago Sir Hircules Robinson, observing the general unwillingness of parents in the colonies to prolong the school career of their children, attributed ifc to the mistaken modern notion that the value of education depends mainly on the money return which h will bring. Wo are constrained 'to admit that Sir Hercules was correct us to tho fact, though the gauge of value afforded ♦by the money return which education will b.rjng to their families

presents an unworthy estimate of the chief value of learning. We ought not to forget that it arises out of tho necessities of life with those who are not born to wealth. At the same time, however, it is pleasant to note the rise and progress amongst our people of the opinion that if a man would take his part in life successfully he must add to his more practical acquirements a litt'e of the Attic polish which some knowledge, however partial, of literature and science only can communicate. With this end in view it is felt that some attention must !>e given to the study of mathemathics and the exact sciences ; for they are as indis pensablo to the production of a well trained mind as muscular exercise is to the building up of a vigorous body. And the study of languages, including the ancient classics, must not be neglected ; for surely if Hfe is worth living at all, it is worth remembering, and even the attempt to realise the spirit of other peoples, and of by-gone days, must have a humanising and liberalising effect upon the mind. Language is but the garb of though I, and Us study of necessity leads closer to a knowledge not only of the mind itself, but of the mind of humanity — knowledge, the all importance of which no one in these advanced days of progress attempts to gainsay. These truths are now so well established and po geneially accepted as ! to be practically outside the range of controversy, and our object in writing upon the subject now ib not to adduco arguments in their support, but to endeavour to induce those of our our readers whose means and position in life may warrant it (and we know they are not a few) to take advantage, for their children, of the opportunities for higher education now within easy reach in this district. Both at Hamilton and Cam bridgp the present head-masters of the district schools are gentlemen of high professional eminence, accustomed to teach the higher branches of learning — each of them, if so disposed, might without boasting say, with Horace, " Militavi non sine gloria" "I servfdwith some degree of repute," as the class lists of the colleges in which they have been engaged plainly show. And tho special regulations of the Board of Education place the trained ability of these competent teachers at the service of those able and willing to avail themselves of it at a very small cost indeed. Two guineas per quarter, tho rate of fees payable for instruction in the higher branches, is a sufficiently moderate sum, in all conscience, considering the advantages to b'j derived therefrom, but more especially if regard is had to the cost at which only the same could be obtained by parents send ing their children to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Hitherto, it must be admitted, the 1-Jigh School scheme, sanctioned by the Board of Education, has not produced the results hoped for, either at Hamilton or Cambridge. In Hamilton, unfortunately, local jealousies and rivalries have been allowed to interfere, and so have thwarted to a great degree the intentions of the original promoters ; but we hail with pleasure now the advent of a better state of feeling, and hope for a marked improvement in the immediate future. In Cambridge, owing to causes which need not be rehearsed, the High School scheme suffered a disastrous collapse after a very insufficient trial, and at the present date there are actually no pupils whatever attending the higher branches in that school. We are given to understand, however, that a vigorous and determined effort is now being made to resuscitate the Cambridge High School. The Board of Education is still willing to lend its aid ; the chairman and committee of the school are unanimous, not only in their wishes but iv their efforts to establish, once for all, a good High School in the district; and the parents interested, we are assured, arc beginning to regain that confidence in the head-master and in the committee which, somehow, some time ago they had lost. Altogether, the time seems opportune for the reestablishment of a High School in Cambridge, and with all our heart we wish the promoter* all the success which their project deserves.

The P. M.S. Australia, with the European and Ameiican mails, arrived at Auckland about 11 o'clock on Saturday night, and left again for Sydney at an eaily hour on Sunday morning. The Waikuto poition of the mail was delivered yesterday.

The annual entire horse parade will be held at Oliuupo, on Tuesday ne\fc, the 30th inst., at 12 o'rlock. Entries should be senf in to Mr J. S. Buckland not later tlun Saturday next.

The tangi over the remains of the young 1 chief Matekino Piripl concluded at Cambridge on Sunday. His remains were removed to the Maungiitautari settlement, yesterday, for inteiinonfc.

The Native Lands Court re-opens at Cambridge this morning. The liots of names in Maungatautari are before the Oouit, and will be dealt with.

Strong efforts are being made to resuscitate the Cambridge High School. From all appearances the attempt promises to be attended with success.

It is understood that the matter of moving the Cambridge Post and Telegraph Office has been settled for the present. The office is to remain where it is. The Government had not in contemplation any such change.

The improvements already carried out to Lake Te Koutu reserve at Cambridge :ive very extensive, and already afford an attractive appearance, A large portion of the planting has been disposed of. Workmen will be busily engaged on the work fop some considerable time to come.

Mr Thomas Macffarlane, agent for the Government, visited this district at the latter end of laut week, for the purpose of valuing the land taken for the purposes of the Cambridge railway. His valuation will now bo submitted to the land owners.

The secretary of the Board of Education notifies that the Michaelmas holidays for the schools in and near Auck* land and the Thames, will be the week beginning on Monday next. School committees in country districts can arrange the holiday* at their own discretion, subject to the regulations.

At 8 o'clock on Sunday night a fire broke out in a building occupied by Mr P. Grace in Wyndbam-streef, Auckland. A portion of the building was let to Mr Firth, photographer, and Messrs Obee and Fischer, cabinetrnnkor«, The building was

completely gutted, but owing ti> the affortd of the fire brigade the lira was prevented from spreading-.

At the aM. Court, Wellington, on Saturday, the Hon. C. J. Pharazyn, M.L.0., charger! with voting at the la«t election for Foxton while he was not capable of voting owing to a previous conviction, w.ir fined £100 and costs. Mr Ph.nu/.yn intimated that the penalty would not uffpct him, as he should pay the fine out of his honorarium.

At a meeting of the directors of tho Waikato Cheese and B.icon Factoty Company on Saturday it was decided to commence woik for the reason on the Ist October prow, and suppliers are requested to bring their milk at 7.30 o'clock on the morning of that day.

The next meeting of the Hamilton Legislative Association, on Tuesday evening next, promises to bo most interesting. The Opposition is particularly active, and will hold a caucus at The Waikato Times Building* to-morrow evening. The Government will hold a meeting of its supporters at the same pl.vce on Thursday evening.

The concert in aid of the library of the Hamilton East school will be held at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening. The programme, which will be found in another column, is unusually attractive, and we do not doubt that there will be a large attendance. The pupils have been busily reheat .sing for some time past, and the extravaganza is likely to be very entertaining.

At a meeting of the directors of Rukuhia Cliecse and Bacon Factory Company was held on the 18th hint, it was resolved to commence operations on Monday, October Oth, provided that a sulncient supply be foithcoming on that date. It was si No determined to ad\ orfciae rot an apprentice to the chee^ft making

trauu. The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the King of the Belgians have been pleased to accept presentation copies of Mr Kerry NicholK book on the King Conntry. All the reviews speak in unqualified praise of the work, and several of tho principal conntry papers have had leading articles upon it, pointing out it>< usefulness to the colony and the splendid field which New Zealand presents tor European settlement.

The programme for the Oxford .Tockey Club Annual Meeting will be found elsewhere. The prizes aie of a Tcry liberal character :uid amount to considerably over tIOO. The programme counts of a Maiden Plate of losovs, a Handicap Hurdles of 20aovs. a Handicap of 30-.ovs, a Maori Race of ssovs, a Steward's Handicap of losovs, a Consolation Handicap of 10-.ovs, and a Hurry Scuny. The li^t of events, and the pri/.e-. leftVct great credit upon the Stew.ii ds, and should induce large fields and a big attendance.

The Cambridge ParliamentaryUnion holds it-> .second meeting in tt. Andrew's* Schoolroom, this evening, at 7.30. The sitting will be taken up with the motion for the enlargement of the Ministry (Rev. H. K. Dewsbury), the motion for altering the night of sitting from Tuesday till Monday, and also houis of meeting (Yen. Aichdeacon Willis), Committee of Supply and Riiilway Time-table Bill (Mr Dyer), and Fiee tr.ide in Native Lands Bill (Mr Dyer). A large attendance of the public i» expected.

Messrs W. A- Graham and John Knov, J.F., have received f 10:11 the Justice Department a copy of a letter foi warded by Captain McPher-*on to the Minister complaining of tlic conduct of the above-named jti^ticea iv refusing to commit one Hairy Mullion-, for perjury. The circumstances of the case will be fresh in the minds of our readeii. Captiiin McPheison requests that an eiuiuiry be held, either by the Resident Magistrate 01 the District Judge, with a view to the lemoval of Me-ws Graham and Kno\ from the Comini*>»ion of the Peace on the giound of incoin potency.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the We-.ley.ui Band of Hope was held in the Wesleyan schoolioom last night. Tlioi o w.b ,i large attendance. Mr George French jnesided. The follow ing pi ogi am me wsi-i hiibuuttcd : — Reading, Win. Daviet.; liddlos, John Slater ; solo, Misa Thompson; leading, Kouben H.iunder& ; .solo, Charles Co\ ; .solo, Ruth Wyatt ; reading, Edith Coy ; reading, Annie Da\ i-. : riddles, Renben H.mnderr. ; .solo, Mi->* Thompson ; .solo, Elizabeth Coinish ; recitation, Ruth Wyatt.

An indignation meeting was held at Cambridge on Saturday to protect against the unsatisfactory and unaccountable action of the Government in respect to the delay in opening the Cainbiidge btnncb railway. Owing to the numerous disappointment-, and coiiiuquent losses to which the ■settk'iN lmvtj been subjected on account of tho delays which have taken place, public feeling is at pie*ont \ery strong on the niattei in tho district. Judging from the expresfions of the meeting reported in full elsewhere, the settlers and others concerned aie detei mined that the shuffling process shall continue no longer.

A native chief named Hargreaves, at Cambridge, invented m a pair of boots, yesterd.iy, but having donned the new articles he was at a loss to know how he should dispose of the old one^. No one looking, he directed them over Mr Houghton's garden fence, but one went foul of the mark and passed thiongh the window of Mr Dickinson, stationer, where it took it-> place, in high conti-ait, aniniisr the fancy ware-* of that gentleman. Mr Hargreaves, like a veritable gentleman, quenched the indignation of the unhappy stationer by depositing in his hand the neces>ary sum to recoup the damage.

The usual monthly meeting of the Toatouroa Road Board was held at the Duke of Cambridge Hotel on Saturday. Present : Messrs N. I. Hunt (chairman), Kallendar and Brunskill. — A letter was u>ceived from the board's engineer, Mr T. (t. Sandes, respecting the new bridge on the Whitehall road. The structure was out of plumb, and a new stay would have to be put in to make it right. The not them wings was not properly put up. The contractor was not entitled to the final payment until the necessary alterations were made. The bridge was, howe\er, safe for traffic— Mr Napper, 0.E., wrote, applying for any engineeung woik outride the duties of the board's engineer. Tho other business disposed of was of a, formal character.

A correspondent at Cambridge writes to us as follows : — " I noticed a repoit in a late i.s&ue of your journal giving the decision of the Resident Magistrate a fc Te Arobn in tlio appeal ct.o concerning the election for that riding of the Plako county. The magistrate is represented as raying that one of the, grounds upon which the election was void was that the council had not appointed a leturning officer for each riding. My reason for referring this matter to you is this : If the elections in Piako county are void so also are those which have taken place in Waikafco and Waipa, seeing that each of these oounties has only one returning officer. Will you kindly give us youv opinion on the matter ?" In reply to our correspondent we can only say that we have failed to find anything in the Regulation of Local Elections Act which can bo constmed into an indorsement of Mr Kenrick's tilling. CJau.se (» of the Act says :—: — "There shall be a returning officer for every district;, who shall," etc., and the interpretation clause defines "district" to mean a county, a borough, or a road district. Colonial enactments are proverbially loose and susceptible of many interpretations as a rule, but in the present instance we do not think there is ground for much controversy.

Tne following special messages to the Press Association, dated London, September 19fch and 2Obh, have been published -.—Mr Fawcett, the Postmaster- ' General, ha 3 finally decided to adhere to despatching letters for New Zealand alternately by the San Francisco and Orient mails. He states that special addresses to letters will be required for the Peninsular route. Mr Fawcett favours the abolition of fixed mail subsidies, and the adoption of the system of payment by weight, — 1{; is reported at the Stock Exchange that the Queensland Government meditate bon owing ten millions, spread over a specified period, it is also understood that the negotiation will be plaoed iv fche hands of London financial experfcs.-=Sir Arfehur Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia, has been instructed by the Government he represents to unite with other AgentsGeneral in urging on Lord Derby the necessity of granting a protectorate' over the Pacific Islands. — Professor Lord Rayleigh, President of the British Association, in replying to fchp invitation from Melbourne asking the Assooiafcian tfl yisjfc that city, states that the next meeting will ba hejd. m Aberdeen in 1885, and that the Council meet in November next to decide the place of meeting for 1886.— The death is announced of Mr George Bentbam, C.M.G., author of "Flora Austrftliensis."— There is no change to report in Australia wheat cargoes,— Mr Grant, a banker at~Poflig mouth, has been appointed a director •! tb.Q South Australian Bank.