THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1886.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2181, 1 July 1886, Page 2

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1886.

Tuounn the Government have acted with apparent fairness in appointing a committee to enquire into the system of railway management in New Zealand, it is quite evident that Mr Richai'dson is at the same time leaving no stone unturned to increase the natural prejudice a^.iinst Mr Vaile's scheme. Ln this course the Minister is doubtles guided by Mr Maxwell, and as he is not a man with an orginal bent, perhaps this is the safest tiling he can do Nevertheless tr confess -we air soinewji.it disappointed with ]Mr Richardson. Such an opportunity of introducing a far-reaching reform does not often fall to iho lot of a Minister in m, fre'» country like lliis, and ho Iris deliberately thrown it away. J lad he befriended Mr Vaile he would, had the predictions of the latter gentlemen pro\ed correct, .shared some of the i;lory ; whereas if anythin"' should come of it now his portion of the honours will be nil. Under the circumstances we can expect nothing but an adverse report fiom the committee. Ridicule, that most potent of arguments, has been heaped upon the new scheme, and Mr Maxwell's countenance has probably begun to widen with a "riir at hh enemy's discomfiture. Jlut Mr 1 Maxwell's merriment will not satisfy the country. The people will require something much more substantial

than that. They are, we will not say enamoured of Mr Yaile, but so fully convinced there is merit in his system enough to warrant 'a trial, that they will not rest satisfied' with a mere Parliamentary enquiry. Men are not converted to new ideas in a clay, and real reforms are brought about only after hard fighting. It were too much to presume that a committee, composed of legislators even, the pick of the colony, should be convinced by Mr Vaile in a week or two, at a time, too, when their intellects are employed in wrestling with such a number of intricate legislative and administrative problems. We know for a fact that some of those who are now numbered amongst Mr Vaile's most enthusiastic supporters were for a long time his most strenuous opponents. They laughed at him and his scheme until the tears ran down their faces, whereas they are now rather inclined to cry with vexation at what they deem the crass ignorance of those who want to maintain the status quo. We are anticipating to a certain extent of course, because it is quite within the range of possibility, or even probability that ' the committee, though unable themselves to report favourably, may advise that the whole question shall be relegated to a Koyal Commission. We believe the member for Waikato is favourable to such a course, and doubtless so are other members of the committee. That they are anxious to do what is right is evident from the telegram sent by our Wellington correspondent last night, in which it is stated that experts known to be favourable to Mr Vaile's conclusions are to be called. The question at issue is not Mr Vaile versus the Railwa}' Department, but the best interests of the country versus the present absurd and utterly inefficient railway policy. Mr Vaile has been the first to come forward and point out the ■ rottenness of the present system, and to demonstrate its inability to aid and j promote settlement, and whether his 'scheme be found workable or not he deserves well of his fellowcolonists. In view of the enormous advantages which it promises, and the support it has received from thinking business men, it is not too much to ask that its true character shall be ascertained and put beyond the reach of cavillers. That is all that is asked for. There is something rotten in the present system, and it must bs reformed. To what extent and in what direction are the questions which must be grappled with. If we know anything of public opinion, it is setting irresistably in the direction of demanding a change of some sort.

The Oocllin Moth is compelling public attention in other districts besides Waikato. A valuable contribution to the discussion has been made by Mr Hollis, clerk of the Thames County Council, in the shapo of a paper read at a recent meeting of that body. Mr Hollis begins by referring to the difficulties which He in the way of dealing effectively with the nuisance. ''Whenever/ he says, "a pest of this nature is introduced, the interests involved (notwithstanding they are threatened with the same evil) are manifold and conflicting. For example, one man whose orchard is supposed to be free (or nearly so) from the Codlin Moth, would object to the destruction of his c,rop for a year or two for the public good. Others, who fancy the precautions they have taken are effectual enough, would object to be rated for the benefit of tlieir neighbours, I who adopt no precautions at all. Others again, may insist upon the justice of making . these careless ones bean . the major- expenses incurred by 'the operation of the Act, and hence the difficulty, in effectually legislating for. the suppression of such an evil as the Codlin Moth. Any Act, therefore, which is not absolute, aiid -even despotic in its provisions, is almost useless, and practically unworkable f° r good, and in this respect the present Act in my opinion falls short, because the inspectors who may be appointed under it could not be invested with sufficient authority by the Local Governing bodies. The most effective remedy for this dreadful pest which occurs to me, is to sacrifice the crops of fruit for a year, or. perhaps two. The owner of every orchard and garden should be compelled to destroy every blossom on the apple, pear, and quince, or in default be liable to suffer in substantial monetary penalties, and the destruction of the trees upon which blossoms were found after a given period. If this were enforced the duty of Inspectors would be confined to the strict enforcement of this one provision of the Act, and without any discretionary power. It would apply equally to all, and save useless and expensive enquiries as to whether any particular orchard was less infected than another, and whether this one or that should be exempted from rating or any other clause of the Act. Every imported fruit case as well as those locally used, should be burnt, and a penalty enforced if any showed the presence of the moth in any stage were found on the premises of importers and fruit growers ; this would be more efficacious than fumigating the cases, and in iay opinion not more costly." Mr Hollis gives as his reason for advocating such drastic measures the- fact, that the moth like most others, is ephemeral, and that it can not propogate its species upon any fruit save the apple, pear, and pobsibly the quince. If the blossoms of thoso trees were destroyed, tho moth would be deprived of its resting place, and tho lame hatched on the blossom of any other tree would inevitably perish. He declares that the moth does not infect peach trees. Mr Hollis discredits the use of traps and other contrivances, the success of which he con-

tends could only be at the best partial. "I am therefore of opinion," he says, " the quickest, and in the end the least costly, would be to amend the Act so as to give power to the local governing bodies to enforce [the entire destruction of the blosl,spms of the apple, pear, and quince, for one year (or more if found neces- | sary), and prohibit the importation of foreign fruit. Thess measure* are no doubt extreme," huts, effectual^ and it would even be better for the Government to vote a moderate compensation to orchardists than work an Act upon tentative principles, and which can be only to a certain extent remedial." We quite agree with Mr Hollis that drastic measures must be adopted ; it is not a subject that can be played with. At the same time we do not think it necessary to go to the length, indicated. The area over which the pest has extended is ascertainable ; it is the opinion of many practical men that if energetic measures are taken during next spring it will receive a wholesome check, and if the same precautionary measures continue to be adopted the moth might in the course of a few years be practically exterminated. It is not to be supposed that the Codlin Moth Act is a measure which can be taken up and dropped again, Even supposing we consented to do without fruit for a number of years, as suggested by Mr Hollis, orchardists would still require to be on their guard ; the moth might re-appear at any time. The Act, like the Sheep Act, or the Weeds and Watercourses Act, must occupy a permanent place on the Statute Book, and the officers appointed under it must be permanent also. The draft bill which we pcinted in our last issue seems to us to meet the necessities of the case. Clause 5 may appear to some to be a little harsh, but unless some such provision were made the honest orchardist would be seriously prejudiced by the negligence or laziness of his neighbour. The penalty would not of course be inflicted in the case of a man who reported the presence of the moth in his orchard, and took prompt means to get rid of it. We should like to see a clause inserted making provision for giving moderate compensation to owners of orchards denuded of blossom and fruit in compliance with the Act. Provision for such might be made by the Governor-in-Gouncil, but we should prefer to see it incorporated with the Act. We trust that there will be a large attendance at to-day's meeting of the Horticultural Society, and that some definite understanding may be arrived at. If amendment in the existing Act is to be effected this session, there is no time to lose.

Several shocks of earthquake were felt in the Wellington imd Nelson districts on Tuesday morning.

The Kihikihi Town Board are making improvements in the main street by cutting down and forming the side walks.

The barque Notero left Auckland on Tuesday for the Kimberley gnldfields, taking 44 passengers and a general cargo.

The installation of the W.M. and officers of Masonic Lodge Beta, Hamilton, will take place thia evening.

Mr Thomas Slade. of Hamilton, has applied for a patent for an improved horse-shoe.

Mr Thomas Freeman, Cambridge, writes : — Sir, You have been misinformed about my going to Kiinberley. Please contradict the report.

Sir William Pox and Mr P. W. G|over are at present m Auckland where they are delivering public addresses on the interest of the newly-formed New Zealand Alliance.

We beg to remind our readers of the lecture on "Food" to-night at the Public Hall, Hamilton. It will be accompanied by vocal and instrumental music by several ladies and gentlemen, friends of the association.

Mr Steadman, of AucWand, had a box of Rotorua volcanic mud sent to him for the purpose of testjug whether it contained any fertile properties. Mr Steadman planted some cabbage plants in it, which are growing vigorously. To those who have interests in the Lake district this is good new*.

Only a few succession cases were disposed of at the Land Court, Kihikihi, yesterday. The business of the court is delayed by the wholesale drinking, the natives have abandoned themselves to. The police have warned the hotel keepers apainst Supplying the natives with liquor. The natives have gone so far a.i to say that they are not afraid of the police, as there are only two constables to deal with.

The pupil teachers' examination for Waikato commenced at the Hamilton West School on Tuesday, and will be continued over to-day. Mr Goodwin, one of the Board's inspectors, acts as supervisor. The number of candidates is 18, 16 females and two mules. The subjects for which the candidates are being examined comprise reading, recitation, singing, geography, history, needlework (girls), gymnastic, school method, arithmetic, grammar, drawing, composition, literature, laws of health and domestic economy, algebra (boys).

The Aroba News regrets to learn that Captain Beere, who has for some time past been engaged in the survey of Thompson's track road, has received instructions to knock off work, pending the grant of a sum for forming the same. Captain Beere informs us the survey has been completed more than half the total distance (13 miles) that an excellent grade is obtainable averaging about 1 in 18, and that the proposed new road would shorten the journey to Tauranga by at least seven miles.

The Herald, referring to the newly established Auckland Atnenieura says — The aim of the institution, which is expressed in its second rule, is as follows :—: — " The objects of the institution shall be the interchange of opinions upon matters relating to politics, literature, science, and art, by debates, lectures, essays, readings, and such other means as may be deemed expedient for such purpose. It should become a large and prosperous institution, as well as conducive to the good of the city. The first meeting will probably take place on the second Tuesday in July.

The charge of murder against the captain and two mates of the American whaling 1 barque Petrel, and in which an extradition warrant is sought for their handing over to the United States for trial, was resumed before Mr H. (1. Seth Smith, R.M. (Commissioner under the Extradition Act), in the Resident Magistrate's Courtroom on Tuesday. The cross-examination of J. D. Reid, one of the crew, was continued and occupied the court till three o'clock. Part of the evidenco of a new witness in the proceedings named Gill was heard, when the case was adjourned till ten o'clock next morning. At the present rate of progress the enquiry promises to eclipee the timo occupied over the Bolton case recently heard. — Herald.

In connection with the volcanic eruptions, a correspondent of the ChristchnrcH Press at Taurauga states:— l ha\ c made a careful estimate of the stuff ejected during the eruption. It amounts in round numbers to 5,000,000,000 cubic yards, weighing 6,000,000,000 tons, which is after all not quite one cubic mile. It seems a small quantity, but it would take more than the amount of the national debt of England to excavate it. It would take one good workman one million years to shovel

the stuff from the ground into carts ; yet all was done in four hours. The Htuff, when washed showg glittering particles of inicii and little piucen of transparent white crystal*. Sanguine people imagine they have found gold and diamonds, and are anxiously awaiting analysis."

"We learn from the Pora o-torao tunnel that on last Wednesday night and Thursday jnorning, the heaviest fall of snow on record occurred in that part of thu country. Large number* of tree:* were thrown down, and branches of the large trees fell in all directions through the bush being borne Anvri by the Weight of tho snow. Our informant says that he has lately lived bU or seven years in the hilly part of Otago, and never saw so much snow fall in one night as he then saw. It was 18 inches doep in exposed places, and the description he gives of the snow and icicles hanging from the punf?a trees is voiy graphic. Work is progressing now at the tunnel, some CO mon on an average being employed, but the weather is very much against this class of work, and the roads are in a dreadful state.

A most successful ball came off lMt Friday, given by the young ladies of Whatawhata and its vicinity to their numerous friends and admirers. Although the weather was very boisterous the .schoolroom was quite full enough to be comfortable. Dancing commenced at a little before 8 o'clock under the able management of our most genjal M.O. Several songs were well ftung between the dances. The greatest attention was paid by the ladies of the committee to the wants of the inn»i man, the refreshments being the best, with .'plenty of them. I mention no named, because the puzzle would be where to end, but on behalf of self and other unfortunate bachelors I wish to convey to them our most hearty and sincere thanks.— (A Correspondent.)

Travelling over the line between Hamilton and Te Aroha, where one pees such a great stretch of waste and swampy country, one cannot avoid feeling some surprise that the Government do not Bet apajct several sites, on the Piako valley for plan|U»> tions. In various parts of the boundless plains of Canterbury immense areas of land i nave been planted in forest trees both by tha Forest D apartment and by private owners. The beneficial effects of theseplantations have been felt already. If the Australian Eucalyptus were planted over the Piako and some of the barren tracts of the lower Waikato basin on the name scale and under the same auspices as the Canterbury plantations have been formed, we venture to say great benefits would accrue to these localities in absorbing the moisture ot the swamps, and would assist in the reclamation.

The Wellington correspondent of the Herald wires on Tuesday : — I understand that the committee upon Mr Vaile'a railway reform will finish its labours in the course of a few days. Ho and his system have been put to a severe test. The ordeal has been a trial of energy and skill on both sides. Mr Vaile has not wanted for support in his trial. This afternoon a petition was presented from the Chairman and County Council of Waikato, praying for a commission to test his proposals. The Town Board of Kihikihi also forwarded a petition. The district of Kangiawhia- is in the haine vein, also Ohaeawai and some districts north. So far as I can le^rn, Mr Vaile has not succeeded in convincing the committee that his system is secured against errors. It is held that error in such a matter.would be fatal. It is thought that the r«fpbrfc of the committee will be axherse tulfyis planß.

Tttie following is Professor Black's analysis of volcanic dust from Tauranga district: — Silica, <522; alumina, 14 "2; higher oxide of iron, o'2 ; lower oxide of iron, 2"3 ; oxide of manganese, G'4 ; boda, I*4 ; potash, o*9 ; combined phosphoric acid, 0"04; combined sulphuric acid, 9"08; combined chloric, 9*l ; combiued carbolic acid, 93; organic matter, 24; moisture, 9*4; losa, 0*28; total, 1000. Professor Black, in forwarding his report to the Minister of Mines, says : — The dust contains over 20 per cent, of sharp quartz in proportion of phosphoric acids low ; lime nearly all present as insoluble silicate ; the most valuable ingredient is potash, in which there is only a very moderute proportion. At present my conclusion is that the dust is of very little or no value as top -dreeing, and would make a comparatively fair soil of itself. It might improve very heavy clay land by opening it up, and it might also on account of its fineness of division yield a little soluble nutrition to the first crop. On the whole I am very much disappointed with the character of the dust from an agricultural point of view.

In the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Deficiency Bills for i' 37. r >,ooo were renewed. Petitions were presented by Sir Geo. Grey front (1) 1800 electors and settlers against the Contagions Diseases Apt, (2) from 7<>3 electors of Auckland praying for a redistribution of the representation, and (3) from a resident at the North Shore, Auckland, asking for an enquiry into the conduct of certain Government otficiajs'at Rotorua during the recent eruption. ' The Local Bodies Loans Bill was considered in 'committee. Reference to the clause empowering local bodies to erect school buildings will be found in our special correspondent's telegram. Sir J. Vogel moved a new clause, that no Crown or native lands under the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act, 1882, shall be liable for any special rate to be levied for loans under this Apt. Colonel Trimble took exception to this clause. Sir J. Vogel pointed out that this clause only affected Government loans. Colonel Trimble asked what Go- > eminent had to do with rater* for Maoris. Sir R. Stout said the titles had not been ascertained on many native lands. It would be most unfair to levy taxes on lands over which the natives had the titles. Colonel Trimble said the moment those lands were taxed, the natives, in self-de-fence, would be bound to ascertain the titles. He held that those people were real friends of the Maoris who helped them to become proper citizens. Mr Beetham and Mr Buchanan opposed the clause. Mr Sutter asked whether he would be in order to move, as an addition to the Bill, that the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act be repealed. That would put all holders of property on the same footing, and he felt sure the House would pass it. Mr Fergus opposed the clause. Sir J. Vogel said every speech made against this clause was a nail in the coffin of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act. Major' Atkinson said Sir Julius Vogel was as devoid of principle in this as in every other measure of finance. He would say to the Treasurer at once to repeal to the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act. He { Major Atkinson) thought that Act w«*s beneficial, but if it were repealed he knew that no end of trouble would follow. He thought it was quite time that clause was discussed on principle, and not with reference to any particular Act. The time had now come, in his opinion, when native lands should be taxed. Sir Julius Vogel said Government now stood committed for rates for £33,000 on native lands, and, considering the time it would take to recover them, he thought they could be bought for 10s in the pound. Mr Montgomery said the sooner the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act was repealed the better. He considered that the Act was a thorough sham. Major Atkinson woHfd like to know what Mr Montgomery would substitute for that Act. What would he do to place these settlers on an equal footing with regard to maintenance of roads as other district*. He said that the Act had enabled local bodies to icceive fair contributions for lands in those districts. The new clause was then put and carried by 52 to 24. The Chairman ruled that Mr Slitter's amendment was out of order. The shedule.s were then passed without amendment. The House went into committee on the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill. Mr Guinness moved that subsection (J of the interpretation clause, relating to the erection of school buildings, bo struck out. Agreed to. On clause 13 being reached, providing that the Treasurer is not to lend local bodies in excess of sums stated, Sir J. Vogel agreed to postpone the eluise till next day on Mr McArthurs sugge.^tion. The remaining clauses were passer! without amendment, and progress was reported. The Counties Bill was further considcied in committee. Sir R. Stout asked the House to pass the part relating to loans in globo. He explained that if the Local Bodies Loans Bill pa^sed'through the House, part of this Act would be inoperative. Agreed to. On clause 271 being reached, relating to charitable institutions, Mr Macarthur suggested that progress l>p reported. Sir K. Stout said he would not proceed with the postponed clauses. Ho hoped the committee would go on with the Bill. The remaining clauses were then passed with slight amendment. Progress was reported, and the House rose at twenty minutes past one a.m.

Tenders are invited for cloauing the Hamilton West School. Mr T. Cassidy, butcher, Hamilton East, intends to apply for a slaughtering license.