THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1885.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1990, 9 April 1885, Page 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1885.

Aftkr much discussion and consideiation of the subject of pisciculture, tlie Hamilton Domain Board lias come to ihe conclusion, that this important matter should be brought prominently before the inhabitants of Waikato uith a view

to create enthusiasm in a subject which lias remained too long neglected. It h.is therefore decided to eommunu-ate l>y circular with the various loc.il bodies, whose favourable consideration is earnestly solicited. It is presumed th.it tV introduction and propagation of suitable fresh-water fish, and the stocking of the numerous waters of the Waikato b.xsin, is a matter in which every resident of the Waikato Valley feels deeply interested. For one thing such a undertaking would undoubtedly enhance the v. due of the land, setting aside all other advantages, and there are many. The ' slight attempts hitherto mule in Waikato m this direction for the last two or three years by Mr Wallis, of Okete, the Hamilton Domain Board, and one or two others that could be mentioned, have satisfactorily proved that the accomplishment ot such an object is beyond all question, as we have now in streams near Hamilton fish seven inches long winch are little more than n year old, and by late accounts fish ha\e been observed in the streams in the Raglan neighbourhood 1 1 or 12 inches long, which maybe pre sumed to be those turued out about two years ago by Mr Wallis, of Raglan ; while in the hatching boxes of the Domain Board at Hamilton, five plump English trout have boon reared and fed till they were seven inches in length. If a more comprehensive and thorough system of breeding were generally adopted, there is every reason to hope for a rich reward. Looking round the Waikato country in every direction there does not appear to be any portion but would pai ticipate in the advantages of such an undertaking as lakes, rivers and streams abound everywhere. The cool clear creeks in the western part, with their shingly beds, are admirably adapted for the trout species These fish would thrive splendidly in the broken waters to be found coming down from Pirongia mountain and all the ranges lying to the west of the river Waipa, and a very short time would suifice for completely changing the name of the beautiful river Waitetuna (eel waters), to Trout-water-.. In the south end of the district we have miles of streams— the Puniu, Mangahoi, Mangapiko and others— all more or less suitable for difi'eient kinds of fresh-water fish. On the east side there are a large number of creeks, from Cambridge right down to Taupiri, while to the southeast and further away, are still better streams, notably the Waimakariri, which would compare favourably with Scotch or Irish rivers as a home for trout. At present these beautiful streams are allowed to glide listlessly on, }ear after year, silently renroaching, as it were, the apathy of the human race ; but we predict for them a brighter future. In the north there are the large lakes, Wangape, Waikai i, and many others, all suited for various kinds of fish. Last, though not least, there are numberless lakes in the centre of the delta, the very home of tiie perch and the like fish. Then there are the winding Waipa and the broad Waikato river, which, up to the present, boast of nothing more than a whitebait or sticklebat. Sometimes, it is true, we have the upukororo (which, freely translated, means "Solomon Fish,") or grayling in the Waikato, and on such occasions as many as 170 have been caught at one haul of the net as large as ordinary mullet. The two big rivers might be converted into a veritable mine of wealth. The Hamilton Domain Board has already been in communication with the Sydney Society, and is negotiating for supplies of the I famous Murray cod, a fish which, by the most reliable accounts, is eminently suitable f )f the Waikato and i Waipa. So far, the Sydney people have ottered to send over a tank of young fry of the cod, but as the transportation of the live fish is likely to be both expensive and risky, correspondence is now going on to ascertain whether they can adopt means for sending ova, which could be sent in large quantities to the different localities, and hatched out by a very simple and easy process, the fish beginning life under the most favourable circumstances. There are scveial kinds oi fish wellknown to be very suitable for these waters, one kind in particular inhabiting the American lakes, which, by all accounts, would thrive remarkably well in Waikato, and diligent enquiries are about to be made with a \ iew to their introduction. All things considered, there appears to lie a grand field presented for the development of pisicu'lture. Once fairly started, there are many who would be found willing to devote their time and attention to fish culture for the mere love of the pursuit. All that is wanted appears to be a start. Hitherto local bodies have devoted their time to roads and bridges, as though they were the only legitimate objects upon which their care and attention should be lavished ; but it is considered by many, judging from what we have heard of late, that it is high time something was done in the way of taking ad\antage of the talents with which Piovidence has entrusted us. Such a movement as we have been advocating would tend to the geneial welfare of the whole country, affording pleasure and pastime, food and profit, inducing many to fix upon Waikato as an abiding place, and establishing for it a reputation in the eyes of globetrotters and tourists. It may be contended that such a project belongs solely to acclimatization societies, but so long as we do not participate in the benefits arising from the only institution of the kind in this province, it behoves us to endeavour to assume the duties of such a body ourselves. The 3 1th clause of the Animals Protection Act, 18S0, gives power

for any number of persons acting together to draw up rules ami regulations, and on application to the Government they am commissioned and recognised as an acchm.itiaition society, -having all the powers given by the above act, and th" Salmon and Trout Act also, with power to collect fees, tines and licenses, which '40 towards the in \iiitenance of such society, and are pml into their funds. Tt is to be hoped that the Hamilton Domain I>>ird will obtain the hearty coop M-.ition or the various local holies of Waikato, and if this much is obtained, form will be given to th(> scheme at a general meeting of ii-pi-es'Mitativps to be convened as soon as possible afterwards by advoitisement, and the general plans ! will then be discussed. The replies (whatever their nature) should be sent without very much delay, be-c-.uise the months of July and ! August comprise the season for ; operations. In conclusion, it should be thoroughly understood that there is no need for any large votes to be made from the general iunds for this puipose, one or two pounds at the most are all that is required from each board in Waikato. The aim and object of the Hamilton Domain Board is to enlist the support of all the local bodies, so as to give permanence and strength to the movement. It is hoped this \ iow of the case will be taken, and that the chairman of each district will impress it upon the members. It must not be forgotten that numbers of individuals will contribute handsomely when they find the local bodies taking the prominent part of leading in the matter.

The weights for the Cambridge i.\ces are not yet out.

Donations of flowers to refresh the Eaitei decorations for Sunday will be thankfully received at S. Peter* Church, Hamilton, on Saturday afternoon.

Special telegrams dated London, the ."ith, informs urn that the fnuen moat, e\ Orient steampr Lißuna, arrived in good condition.— M. Bn-<s>»n h.is been announced to fmin a new French Ministry.

The ratepayers ef the Hamilton Bdi >ngh Licencing Distuct have decided, by .v poll taken ye^tcnl.vy, tli.it all kind-. «>f lieciisos ni.iy l>e increased dm ing the ne\t tlnee yea is.

Our cable messages announce tli.it peace ha-, been concluded between France :ind China. Fiaiic<\ evidently l>le.v,ed tube out of .vn E.^tein imbroglio at tht) present juiictme of affairs, h.ii consented to forego lift claim for an indemnity.

A grand entertainment, consisting of t.ible.m\ viwuitx and the f.trcc '• I'oi soned," will take i >!.«,« in the Hiikanui Hall on Tuesday, the 28th Hist., to conclude w ith ;» dance.

The sporting community are leminded that the general cntnes and acceptances fur the Cambridge Autumn Meeting will cine «vi Saturday, the 11th, at «| p m with tho secretary, C.unbiidge, .md Mr W. Porcnal, Auckland.

Mr Bell, assistant-engineer to Major Ciintley, is <it pre-ent eng.ik'i'd <•» tho defences of Auckland, pri>paim& the gi mind for the battery at the Xoith Head, Sc. About 40 men .iro employed under him.

Rev. J. Dukes, late Wesleyan Minister at Hamilton, left for his new Hpheie of labour at Wh.mg.irei on Tuesday, curing with him the good wishes of his numerous fi lends of all denominations. The Rev. Mr Dellow, Mr Dukes' successor, i-> expected to arrive .it Hamilton to-d.iy.

The bridge gang are at present overhauling tlio M.wiK.ione (T.iin.iliete) , railway bridge. Tin; bridge, winch l>.is> now been built about two years, w,»s recently inspected by the engineer and found to be in si condition requiring immediate attention.

The Cambridge public are beginning to think that the r.uhvay dcpaitinent might with very great advantage to tia\eller-, mn the goods tiam which arrives in Hamilton at 2 o'clock on to Cainbndge. This would give a through tr.un to and from Auckland twice » d.iy, and Cambridge people wenld be able to get their mails .tnd papers a few hours earlier.

It is announced that the Premier will perfoim the ceremony <>f tinning the firit sod of the North Island Trunk Railway on the l.">th inst., fit Puniu. It 1* anticipated that there will bo .1 l;ir«° gatheimg of the natives on that occinion. Yesteid.vy was the last day on which tenders for the Puniu contract could be iecei\ed.

The Easter services at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ng.uiuvvahi.i, weio blight and chum fill, the ilucmations wore in wry g-ood ta*te, and the newly appointed ininnter, Roy. Mr Hh.»nn.igh.\u pio.iched morning '.md e\eninj,' to Lugo .md appreciative onKregatimw.

Our Ngaruawahia correspondent write* :—lt: — It is an established fact th.it tha W.ukato Timber Company's saw mills art 1 to be elected here at the confluence of the livers W.ukato and W.upa. Men went to work <m Saturday preparing the site and muting heavy timbers into position.

The volunteer encampment at P.ipatoetoo concluded on Easter Monday w ith .1 sham htfht .mil review, and the whole aff.iir passed off successfully. The various evolutions were aimed out in fino style, and won the ndinir.ition of the oilfookors. Col. Lyon w.as the iiisuectingofneer, and the ln.vich past of the foicos w, is not the le.ist interesting fe.ituru of the cinu.Mijpiiimit.

An extraordinary general meeting of the '-Inreholders of tho W.-uk.ito Chei-n» •md Hawm Factory Company will \w hold ,it tlio company's ofhee, Hamilton, on Tuesday, the 21tt iriht., to consider a nvolution to call up the uncalled capital, and ti alter the ai titles of association in tin- ditcution mdicntcd in the .id\eiti~,einent which apl»e.irs in another column.

A meeting of the committee of the Waikato Hoiticultural Soriety will be held in The W.nk.ito Tinios ]3uiltlui|?s on Tuesday next .it 2 p.m., to ju*-> accounts for payment, and receivo balance-sheet, &c. All money pi'ues awarded .it the late ilmw not applied for by Saturday, the 18th, will be consideied ns don.itnins from the winiifiiH, and passed to the Hociety's acco\mt.

Settlers in the Cambridge, Morrinsville and To Awamutu outlying , districts arc again beginning to complain of tho late aniv.al of the Auckland train of an evening. The day* mo gradually gotting shoiter and d.irknr^s lias *et in before people arnveat their joiuiu>y's cud, and by the time the maili aio scutrd the night ts pietty well advanced. Wo iindrratand roiipwod mpicspntatmns ar^ iihout to be made t<> the Minister for Public Works on tho subject.

A Cambridge correspondent writes: — On Kastcr Monday a \ery pleasant picnic ww held in connection with tin* Catholic .Sund.iy-Hchool, Cambridge. Mi Dongheity kindly opened his premises, and a fine paddock for tho cnteiUinment of the gnents and children. Ample jiutico waa done to the good things provided, and judging l>y tho keen competition foi the pii/.ea, the children must have enjoyed themselves immensely. Thanks are due to the ladies who woiked so haid to attend to tho eluldien, and to Mcwn Carter and MclJ.irry for conveying tho children to and from tho gi oundi.

Several complaints have reached us of lato ( f the inadequate nature «f the refreshment room accommodation fit Mercer. Tim in the only Ktation on the AuckLind-Waik.ito line, a utietch of about 100 miles, whom leficshments arc piocurable, or at lcait wlu-io .«n opportunity is affdrdccl the traveller to enjoy a meal. Of late, owing to the increase! traffic through to Rotouia, a largo number of people pass over the lino every day both ways. To accommodate properly all the people who arrive by the varioim trainn a larger and, we might add, better provided room than that at piesout in mo is very necessary. At

piesont tliero is tlie additional compiuenco of .»n hotel adjoining the t'latfouu, hutewti with this tho accommodation in ducidedlv lii^ntfiLMent. Thr r.ulway authoiitie-> should gi\i? tho m.ittor uiimedialo considoi.ition.

The Premier arrived in Auckland by the To Anau on Monday morning. He u i, accompanied by Mi Blair, Assistant Kujmeei-in-Chief. On aruv.vl at the St.tr Hotel, Mr Stout received an addrosi of welcome from the Liberal Association, to whom he made a *nitil>le leply. It h the int.Mition of the IVimer to piy v \ isit to the North, with ,i mow to becoming piMMonilly acqu unted with tho resomces and requtroincnts of the country. It is pr >b<ible th.it he may \ i"it the Thaincn al 10.

As announced elsewhere, Mr J. S. Buckland will submit the privileges of tht> forthcoming U.mibndKO race lm-eting to public competition at his cattle y.irds, Cambridge, this day, at 2 p.m. Ttiß meeting promise^ to be most successful, and we expect the competition to bo keen, as in addition to other nttiactioiu the secretary his been instiuctod to arrange for the serviceH of a band futm town if the dem.mds for such attandhnce como within the moans sit the club's disposal.

A meeting of the stewards of the Cambridge Jockey Club was held on Tuesday evening to confer with Mr Hudson as to the conditions on which a Hpecial train would bp run to suit the convenience of visitors attending the Autumn Meeting to be held at Cambridge on the I.lth and Kith iiwt. It was decided to guarantee £100 for a train leaving Auckland at 7 a m. on the loth, arriving m Cambridge at 12.30 p.m., at excursion farea. Special ticket* will also be issued available for return on the 17th.

Mr George Thompson, a resident of Hamilton East, delivered a " lecture " in tlio Public Hall on Tnosdny on the text, "Are we British Subjects?" A few of thos<» who composed the very small audience weie Homewhat disappointed to find that the object of the lecturer was to detail his grievances ag.unst the authorities in the matter of the cuninntment of his two children to the Industrial School some six or seven years ago. Mr Thompson abused the late Resident Magistrate, the police, and everyone else in any way (however remotely^ connected with the c.ise, and as the majority of those piesent (there wore about twenty persons in the lull, including juveniles) were evidently in accord with the sentiment* e\pres«,cd— having, prob ably, similar grievances of t'» u own — the applause was loud and frequent.

The Hamilton Presbyterian Band of Hope held their usual fortnightly inpctuig on Tuesday evening last, in the church, Hamilton Kist. There was a fair attend.\nce and the chair w.is occupied by Mr .1. Cochrane The programme was not so long as usual, but what was wanting in quantity was more than made up m quality, Nome really Rood Kinging and recitations being provided. Miss Campbell ably piiv-ided at the harmonium. The following is the pro gramme .—Riddles, K. Johnson ; reading, C. Le<iupsne; recitation, Thov Kothwell ; choius, Choir; recitation, W. I'ntchard ; rpading, Albert Le'^uesnp ; solo, Miss C.unpbcll ; address, Mr Bright. A vote of thanks to those who had kindly come forward to assist, was earned unanimously. Kpv Mr U.ieburn closed the meeting with tho benediction.

The story of Gordon's romantic cueer and uiih.ippy f.itc will (says an American papei) long hold a leading pi ice among the lecords of Kngh«li ptowess by l.uul iintl sei. HiMvaiii genuine survival of another age, ami not the ago of chtvahy either, but of tho .ige of Naseby and Maiston M'toi. Buinahy w.ih as lestless and a>i fond of adventure as Gordon, if not mini' so, but his impulse* camo from high health .md overflowing animal spuit. Gordon roiitnod the world sword in hand, as one of Cromwell's russet-coated captains might ha\e done, seeking out the Lord's work and doing it, and considering himself, under whatewr *kv, whether in peaco or war, " the humble instrument of a wonder working I'iovidence." There probably has not been in England for two hundred year.-, a more genuine Punt-in. With his Bible he never felt alone, and amidst the thickest rain of bullet-, lie neiir felt in d inger, so Biire was he of the Divine piotection. There was mixed in with this religious /pal, too, a strong dash of the professional longing for great tilings to do with little means, which has been bred m the British aiiny by a cjntuiy of conquest among barbarous nces agauirtt great odds. His piofession.il inteie-st, like that of, one might almost a majonty of British soldieis in our day, and very unlike that of Continental officeit., lay not so much in grand stiategy as in the ait of making gie.it Hiicces^es out of smUl and despei.ite \entuies, mid imposing the English will on infeuor taces as a kind <>f Missionary influence ; and the Butish Empire, spread as it is now over a vast area of Bemi-cmli7ation, and coveiing so many tribes and nations which move uneasily in the strong cage of British power, keeps ah \e, among all men in uniform, a restless ambition from which even a man whose temper was so religious as Gordon's wai not exempt, He was a fanatic, and he was undoubtedly supeistitious, but he was also a soldier of the stuff out of which Cine and Wellington and Haycock and Lavvience and Nicholson were made.