The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2108, 12 January 1886, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Kqunl and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoe\er state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Uaawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDAY, JAN. IS, 1886.

The charming state of uncertainty under which the members of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Board are at present labouring is a pretty commentary upon the absurdly unjust measure they have been appointed to administer. On the one hand Messrs Hesketh and Richmond advise that the United Board has no power to levy rates, not being a corporate body, and on the other the Government, or rather the Attorney-General, while not impugning the soundness of the legal opinion, virtually tells the Board to go on, and that any irregularities can be remedied by Order-in-Council. But it happens that no provision is made in the Act itself for this convenient form of. doctoring, and in the opinion of many nothing short of an indemnity bill will be sufficient to whitewash the unfortunate local authorities if they persist in exercising functions so loosely bestowed on them. It is not likely, however, that the Government, having framed this ridiculous Act, and having so conspicuously patted themselves on the back in respect of it, will leave any stone unturned to render it operative. Meantime, also, it is patent that the hospitals and the indigent must be maintained, and the money must come from somewhere. It is greatly to be lamented that the board did not decide to let the Government provide it, or rather, since we cannot expect the town members, who are only mortal, to take this course, it is.a^pity that three of the oountry representatives should have been absent from the meeting on Saturday. On Friday the townsmen were in a too uncertain state of mind to press the rate levying resolution, but they appear to have fortified themselves by the following morning, for they passed the obnoxious motion on the casting vote of the chairman. The motion and schedule are contained in the report of the^meeting" published elsewhere in this issue, and will be read with pleasant feelings by the ratepayers in this district. We ran only repeat what we have* -al«l again and again, that the Act us it applies to country district a. assuming it to be operative, is a most iniquitous one. We do not object to pay even a little more than our fair share towards the maintenance of the district hospital, because it is an institution which must be kept up at all hazards, but we do most strongly object to be rated to keep the host of paupers which will be created by this miserable Poor Law. We have had no hnnd in the making of the small army of indigent loafers that throng the streets of Auckland at the present day, and -we object to paying for their board and lodging:, but to ask us to participate in the joy of feeding and clothing the large addition to the rank and file which is already looming up, is going too far. If theUuitedßoardhas notthepower to enforce the payment of the rate, well and good. We know some ocal bodies that will not drop many tears of sorrow on account of it ; but if it has the power we may also be sure that the Government

will stand to the board. If the worst should come, we hope the local governing bodies in Waikato will resist the payment of the tax to the utmost. It is unjust — nay, it is dishonest to ask us to pay this money, and it ought to be paid only on compulsion. It has been said that, failing voluntary payment, the Government will appropriate the amount of the contributions out of the subsidies accruing under the provisions of another monument of their legislative wisdom, the emasculated Finance and Powers Act. Very well, if they can, let them do so. Better this than that the country districts should acknowledge in any way whatever their liability to contribute.

The usual annual school treat for the Whatawhat* school children will take place next Friday, the 15th in«t., nnd a dance will tinihh the day's anm*oiue.nt.

A concert and ball in aid of the Library funds will be held in the Mangapiko Kchoulroom on Thursday nc\t. the 14th inbt.

Two little boys named Charles *nd Herbert Rutherford were drowned by the upsetting of a boat at Havolock on Friday. Four other* in tho boat had a very narrow escape.

It is expected that the hon. Mr Richardson, Minister for Public Works, will arrive in Waikato to-day, We understand that it is his intention to proceed to Te Awamutu first, in order to inspect the railway works &c.

A report of Friday's meeting of the United Charitable Aid Board at Auckland will be found on our fourth page. A report of Saturday's meeting of the District Board at the same place is printed in thi* iuiuo also.

The farm known as "Parsons'" on the Te Awarautu-Kihikihi road, haa been sold by Mr J. S. Buckland to Mr Sorby, a gentleman lately arrived from England, and who hab been visiting the Waikato dimnj? the last few weeka in search of a suitable farm.

The committee of the forthcoming Horticultural Show at Cambridge will have a meeting on Wednesday evening to arrange certain matters of importance. A secretary will be appointed, and other arrangements made for the show, which is expected to come off in March next.

The annual meeting in connection with Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, will be held >n tho Church on Wednesday evening, when a full attendanca of all interested is expected. The evening will open with a tea. Several matters of interest will be brought forward.

The weather still continues dry and unseasonable. Commander Edwin telegraphed yesterday that there wore indicutions of rain, but the gallant gentleman has disappointed ua so often that wo are really beginning to lose faith in bis prognostications.

At a meeting of the Kirikiriroa R«ad Board on Saturday, the Engineer was instructed to prepare plans and call for tenders for constructing: two culverts, and for other works on the Taupiri road, near Mr Rumney's farm. He was also instructed to prepare plans for road works near Captain Powell's farm, on the river road.

The Native Land Court at Cambridge U at present engaged hearing the Maungatautari No. 4, B. The case was adjourned from Friday last. The natives are endeavouring to settle the matter among themselves, by way, no doubt, of saving the time of the court and the patience of the judge. *

It is probable that a concert in aid of the fuud for painting the Roman Catholic Presbytery, Hamilton East, will be held on Tuesday next. Mrs Kilgour, of the Thames, Miss Lorrigan and several j other lady visitors to the district will probably assist. Definite information will be forthcoming on Thursday.

The congregation of S. Andrew's, Cambridge, are making arrangements for a very high class concert, which is to come off at an early date. Some of the more prominent members of the Hamilton Orpheus Glee Club have kindly consented to take part, together with a number of other well-known amateurs. The proceeds will be in aid of the parsonage improvement fund.

The privileges in connection with Waipa Racing Club's meeting to be held on the 29th inst. will bo offered for Bale at Ohaupo by Mr J. S. Buckland on Tuesday evening next, the 19th in»t, The privileges include publican's booth, refreshment booth, gates and cards. Two special trains will be run on race day, one from Auckland and one from Mercer.

Advices are to hand from Annam announcing a further massacre «{ Christiana by the rebels. A mission station was attacked by the natives, who killed the Catholic missionary in charge of the station, together with about five hundred converts. General De Courey hearing of the disaster, promptly sent a body of French troops, and inflicted severe punishment on the murderers.

The directors of the Cambridge Cheese Factory met on Friday evening last, when they went into several matters in connection with the factory. The secretary pointed out that since the company started operations on the 26th October last they had received 27,045 gallons of milk, from which 13 tons of cheese had been made. The company commence supplying orders for this year s cheese this week.

The libel case, J. Munro Frazer v. Ngakura and others, was called at the R.M. Court, Cambridge, yesterday, and adjourned on the application of Mr Hay till next Friday, 15th inst. The object of the adjournment was to secure the attendance of Major Campbell, Clerk of Parliaments, or his representative, who has been subpeenaed to produce certain documents pertaining to the case.

The natives at present sojourning in Cambridge have been giving a balmy fragrance to the atmosphere by cooking lomething very "high " m the way of fish. In one quarter of the town yesterday the atmosphere was bo tainted at to make breathing almost impossible. It would seem that » high flavour is the very essence of excellence to the aboriginal, and they evidently think that their European neighbours are of the same opinion.

The Karapiro bridge at Cambridge caught fire yesterday evening through the carelessness of some passerby. A boy pawing over the bridge on horseback noticed smoke issuing from beneath, and immediately returned to the town and reported the matter to Mr Hewitt who, armed wfth a bucket, immediately proceeded to the scene. Fortunately he was able to extinguish it without much difficulty. This is the second time this bridge has been on fire within the past month. The Town Board should see that the bridge is swept clean regularly, and that no combustible matter is allowed to gather in the vicinity.

The fourth estate of the realm is not in good odour in official circles at Rotorua apparently. The following amusing paragraph appeared in the Hot Lakes < Chronicle of the sth inst :— A clean cut.— As we were proceeding towards our office on Thursday evening last, and having arrived nearly in front of it, we passed Henry Dunbar Johnson Esq., resident Government agent. We paid him the usual compliment by saying good evening Mr Johnson, but were greeted with a stern movement onward", without deeming us worthy of notice. Webcfe to apologise to Mr Henry Dunbar Johnson for passing, the compliment, and shall take 'flood care he does not have a second chance of insulting us.

For some days patt there Jiave been 011 viuw in Mr Tucker's ahop window, Hamilton, some specimen apples grown last year, and still in a good state of prolervation, and alongside ia shown t plate of this year's fruit grown at Hamilton, at well as a plate of peaches. The last year's apples are of a variety known as Braddick's Nonpariel, and were grown by Mr Proud*, of Razorback. As far as we can gather from persom having considerable Knowledge of pomology, no other variety has been grown in this part of New Zealand with so good a record for keeping quality. Mr Hobbs says of it, " any apple that will keep until New Year's Day is worth propogating. It is an abundant bearer and first quality dessert"

One of the largest advertisers in London says :— " We opce \i\t upon « novel expedient for Ascertaining over what are* our advertisements were read. We pubiiibmJl » couple of h»U«oolumn 'ads, j^

which wo purposely mis-stated half-a-dozen historical tactt;. In less than a week we received between 300 and 400 letters from all parts of the country from peoplo wishing to know why on earth we kept ouch a consumate fool who knew so little about English history. The letters kept imuring in for three or four weeks. It was one of the best paying ' ads ' we ever printed. But v,*c did not repeat our experiment, because the one I referred to served its purpose. Our letters c.»me from schoolboys, girls, professors, clergymen, school-teachers, and in two instances from eminent men who ' have a world-wide reputation. I was more impresHed with the Value of advertising from these two advertisements than I khould have been by volumes of theories.*'

During the debate on the Appropriation Bill in the Victorian Parliament on December 15, the recent appointment of Mr Alison Smith, as u^taiit superintendent of locomotives, was spoken of. The Argus sftys : — Mr Mirains contended that the Commissioners had been undeservedly extolled for reforms achieved at a greater cost in proportion to revenne than in any previous year, and Colonel Smith re\ erted to the appointment of Mr Alison Smith to be assistant superintendent of locomotives. Mr Reid supplied the answer to Colonel Smith. When on a holiday tour in New Zealand with the Colonel he risited the railway shops of which Mr Alison Smith had charge. Colonel Smith was delighted with what he saw. ' I wish we had you over in our colony, Mr Smith, 1 said the hon. member. ' But now that Mr Smith in here the Colonel wants to send him away.' 'Oh ! you're an old blab," rejoined the Colonel to Mr Reid. ' I'll never travel with you again.' "

We understand that Dr. Alfred Barry, Bishop of Sydney and Primate of Australia, will be in Cambridge on Monday next on his way to see the Wonderland of New Zealand, and we are informed that he has been asked by Archdeacon Willis to addross the people of Cambridge on his way through. We earnestly hope that he will be able! to comply. In a leader on the cousecratiun of Dr. Barry, the (London) Guardian «aid :— " The consecration of Dr. Barry yesterday iv Westminster's Abbey at Bishop of Sydney and Primate of Australia, is one of the most memorable events of recent years in the history of the Anglican Communion. * * * It must havft been a predominent thought in the minds of the vast assemblage who filled the Abbey that we were surrendering one of the foremost men of the Church at home, to the claim» of the Australian Church. Dr. B.»rry has for years past held an unquestioned place amongst us. His energy, his learning, and his wisdom have Ion? been the admiration of English Churchmen, and they have looked to him in constantly increasing measure for wise guidance and vigoious impulse. It is with mingled feelings that we contemplate the surrender of such a man in the maturity of his powers to the servico of the rising Church of the Antipodes."

A Dunedin contemporary says:— As a result of the inquest now being held in Christchurch on a man's hand, a number of good stories are told' of the anxiety of some coroners to hold inquests. Perhaps the best of these is one concerning an old Otago coroner. A man was found drowned in the Shotover river, and an inquest was held on him in due course. After the inquest the body was buried near the banks of the river, and a heavy flood sent it on its journey down the stream. The local constable received the remains, and a, second inquest was held, the same verdict being given. The body was interred for the second time, but it was not allowed to remain in peace, as a heavier flood than the first washed it once more into the river. The local Dogberry was much perturbed, and consulted the coroner as to what course should be pursued. That official told him to summon the jury and prepare for another inquest. But an unexpected difficulty arose in the shape of the local medico, who firmly stated that he "had already held two post mortem examinations upon that body, and would not touch it again." History does not record whether the coroner passed on the body to the next district, and so managed to compel a paternal Government to dispense more guineas for a body which had already been twice "sat on."

The destructive codlin moth, which has for the last two or three years been the £f e»t enemy of fruit-growers, has (wiys the Thames Advertiser) played havoc with the present season's crop of apples and pears in most of the orchards of this district. We are credibly informed that many plantations which in previous years yielded abundance of luscious fruit will be almost unproductive this season, not from any disease inherent in the trees, but simply on account of the ravages of the larvte batched from the eggs deposited by the moths in the young blossoms. Last year it was well-known that some of the best orchards in the Thames Valley were infested by the moths, but the scourge now seems to have become even more serious. It is much to be regretted that no legislative action has been token with the view of exterminating the frugivorous insects. We learn that in some of the American states laws have been enacted empowering duly authorised rangers to pluck all the fruit of every tree on which the moth has made its appearance, and to destroy it by burning or boiling. After one or two seasons in which this treatment has been resorted to the pest has been eradicated, and though the step is an extreme one, the loss to owners cannot be much more severe than the destruction of their crops by the ineects. It is well worth considering whether a similar remedy should be employed in New Zealand before the moth is driven to attack other kinds of fruit, and its inroads become absolutely ruinous.

The London correspondent of the Canterbury Press writes :— Mr Thomas H. Thornton, late Secretary to the Government of the Punjub, has contributed an interesting note on the cost of producing wheat in India. It will be remembered that the calculations on this point have varied very considerably, f ronrthe estimate of 5a to 6a per quarter in the Bilaipur district by the writer of tho Calcutta pamphlet, to a recent estimate by Mr Liotard of 18a 8d per quarter on land manured and irrigated. Mr Thornton's opinions may best be given in his own words. He writes as follows :— " Mr Liotard estimates the cost of producing wheat in India, on land manured and irrigated, at 18i 8d per quarter— basing hi« estimate on a cost appraisement of the cost of sowing, weeding, manuring, &c., and the amount of rent ordinarily paid for wheat land. This estimate, I submit, must be excessive, because wheat is constantly sold by retail at Lahore and other grain centres— that is to say, at a distance from the place of production, and after the cost has been considerably enhanced by dealers' charges— at less than 18s 8d a quarter. And I offer another estimate, based, not upon a cash appraisement of the different stages of present cultivation,' for which no cost is really paid, but upon something far more capable of valuation, viz., the amount of wheat retained by a cultivator paying » competition rent in kind, for tho amount bo retained represents in kind the cost of cultivation. On this basis I estimate the cost of producing wheat, on land manured and irrigated, in the Punjaub as follows :— l. If grown on niafi land— that is, land paying no rent and no land tax— at from 8s lOd to 11s 6d a quarter. 2. If grown, as most of the Punjaub wheat is grown, on land paying no rent, but paying land tax and rates, at from 11s 6d to 13s Gd a quarter. 3. If grown on land paying rent as woll a> land tax and -rates, at from 13a 6d to I'm (id a quarter."

Mr John Parr, agent of the Farmer's Co-operative Association -at Hamilton, has applied for a patent for a wire strainer and roller. The invention has been registered in the usual way. The following is a description of the strainer. It consists 'of a square iron frame perforated with two holes, through which is passed a druke on the same principle as a windlass/ The main part of the druke is square where it passes through .the roller, and is moveable, and it is to be taken out when the wire is strained, and the roller fastened with a pin in the usual manner, or the wire may be fastened with staples at the option of the person using it. The wire will be fastened in the roller in the usual manner. This machine can be used on any thickness, of straining post by moving a iron pin in the frame. The novelty of this application consists in its •effectiveness forgetting a geod strain ex. peditiously, and with very little labour, also its simplicity and cheapness. One man can use it with ease. It cannot get out of order. The frame in to be placed on the straining post, two iron pins are immediately in front of the roller, and rests against the post to prevent the roller from touching it, so that it works without any friction. When the wire is sufficiently strained, and by taking out one of the pins the roller cornea ogainjfc the post, when the druke can be partly withdrawn, and a pin placed in one of the round holes in the roller, and by turning the handle the pin ia

placed in the right place, when the handle be withdrawn. The apparatus is then to be moved to the next' hole, and another roller placed upon the druke, &c. It is believed that thij- is the only apparatus of this kind in exiutance for •training on the roller direct.