TE AWAMUTU GOSSIP.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2178, 24 June 1886, Page 3

TE AWAMUTU GOSSIP.

This place, figuratively speaking, ia greenly luxuriant with the growth of "fads." They spring tip like mushrooms, yet often in npite of tender care they suddenly disappear, or assume a fungus-like appearance, that is fearfully looked upon as rank poison by all but the growers thereof. Of course every body knovys that a "fad" is a hobby, either the offspring of philanthropy or insanity, generally the latter, for if one reads the word backwards and adds the letter "t" to it, it becomes " daft," and "daft" has been rendered, by no less an authority than an old Scotch lady as meaning "unco dour in the uptnk !" Local " fads" tinselled o'er with seeming rectitude stand out in bold relief, and although meant to be the principal tiguro in the picture presented to public view, they but appear as puttering candles, lighting up and exposing the dark background of their selfishness, fads are of \arious kinds, and embrace many motives. The difference between " f add ism " and '" reform " is that the former creates yet another evil, while the latter endeavours to do away with one already existing. Honestly attempted reform, by those antagonistic to it, is decried as "faddy," and that is why Mr Vaile's scheme of Railway Reform basso long been "sat upon," but its incubation is fa&t approaching maturity, and to its fruitfulness and not to the promises of our representatives we are likely to have to attribute the management of the railways by "non-political boards." In justice to some of the cultivators of " fads " I must say that the imprncticableness of their astonishing absurdity guarantees their honesty of purpose. Mankind from Adam down were and still are cultivates of " fads," therefore my faddish remarks, if they offend anyone, must offend a very lartje portion of the people who on earth do dwell, let alone that small section of humanity who call themselves "Upper WaiparUts." On Friday evening last the ratepayers of Kihikihi hold a meeting, at which it was resolved that a petition be sent to the Minister of Justice praying for relief from the semi strangling grasp of the county council. I think f hoy are quite tight, and their desire a just one, for in my opinion a settlement that rises to the distinction of a flourishing town, possessing a board for its management, ought to have the control of its own urban rate 3. County council jurisdiction, within the belts of any such town, ought to cease upon the formation of an elective board for it 3 inteinal management. The rates for roads, &c, thu-> diverted from the council could be recovered as they are in other placas— Wellington province for instance— by toll-gates and ether means. In the active progress of a country and its Adminfetratioß, town oo.un.QiU »» to county

councils what railways aro to roads. Mangapiko also seeks lehef from dual p.iyment of rates. A mcetinpr of the shareholders of the cheese .and bacon factory was held on Saturday afternoon, when two now directors, Messrs E. J. Clarke (Auckland) and J. B. Teasdale ware elected m the places of Messrs W. Jones and J. H. Mandeno, the former's term of office expiring and the latter having resigned. Milk accuints were paid at the rate of 3}d for KHlbs of milk. The company's property is extensive and valuable, and it seems to have sprung, aa regards its piccensivenesa, from the embryo thought that first conceived such an institution into what would appear to a stranger to be an old established concern of many years standing, without passing through the trying ordeal of struggling growth, or, to put it differently, it has got too big for its boots. The enterprise has had a lot of holding back to contend with, even some of the farmers adding their weight to its tether, and it cannot, even by its best supporters and withers, be said to be a flourishing concern. Times may change for the better, and until they do, some other local industry, for which the plant is suitable might be profitably undertaken, for instance, the frozen freezing company might bo thawed into prosperous activity. I soe by advertisement in this paper that a model of the world-renowned Str.asburg Clock is now on exhibition in the Wnikato. It \i to be hoped it will be brought to this district, for I am sure the people would flock to see it. The sale of Dr. Blnnden's household furniture was largely attended, and prices ruled well. As we are now virtually without a doctor, there is a splendid opening for a medical practitioner, as well as for a barber. Mr Sharp's sale of fruit trees, &c, was largely attended, and cleared out at remunerative prices. The farmers are busily engaged pig-kill-ing. There is a lively demand for coarse salt and saltpetre. Bacon is fast becoming a staple production of the district, and there is money in it too. Monday, the gracious Queen's jubilee day, was a holiday, and in the evening a fine jolly paity was given in the Public Hall to celebrate the coming of ngc of a citizen's son. Mr Sibley and members of the band rendered the music, and the guests present enjoyed themselves right " merrilie." Business it brisk, the weather muggy, bread 2d a pound, and the people healthy, chilblainly, and happy. Billy.