The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2242, 20 November 1886, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justtce to all men, Oi whatsoever state ot persuasion, leliglous or political.

SATURDAY, NOV. 20,1880.

There is a screw loose somewhere when fanning in Waikato is as depressed as now, and not a single carcase is being taken away by the Tongariro. Are we not near enough to the bone yet for our fanners to be up and stirring ? A couple of months ago a representative meeting of the district was held in Hamilton ; the subject of a dead meat market for Waikato was fully discussed ; and warm offers of support from those whose business at the time prevented them from being present were received. Save in the merest matters of detail, those prej sent were unanimous for the prose- | cution of the undertaking for the discussion of which they had met. A committee was appointed to arrange certain matters of detail, to test the feelings of the Waikato settlers generally on the project, and of the Auckland butchers and others concerned in the proposed movement, and to report again to a public meeting to be called within a month. Nor has the committee failed to carry out the work entrusted to it. One of the chief duties was to obtain a concession in the matter of railway freight for the meat slaughtered in Waikato, and though the railway department has not conceded all that was asked, namely, that a truck of dead meat should be charged the same price as a truck of live cattle, they have so far met our views with the special concession, that the freight between Hamilton and Auckland shall be as low as the eighth of a penny per lb, as to practically put the question of cost j of carriage out of the category of difficulties. A shilling per lOOlbs for the carriage of actually saleable meat is not, as Mr Banks admitted to Mr Hudson, a charge which need interfere with the prosecution of the business, nor will any reasonable man think so. Hitherto the great obstacle which has brought so many fair projects in Waikato to premature grief, has been thedilliculty of raising the necessary capital. In the case before us there is no such difficulty. The Hamilton Borough Council, willing: to look for its profit in the indirect benefit to the town which the establishment of public abattoirs in Waikato would bring to it, is prepared both with the site for the abatlcii'b alongside the railway line, and with the money to erect them and to provide all necessary accommodation of yards, &c, on the understanding that a syndicate of country settlers will take the management off their hands for a term of years, and guarantee bare interest on the money expended. Several gentlemen have expressed their willingness to undertake this duty, and nothing remains for them to do but to complete their number, ten or a dozen at most would be ample, and to come forward with some proposal for discussion with the borough authorities as to the basis of such arrangement. We cannot see that there need be any difficulty in this. The borough is prepared to be as liberal in its terms as is possibly consistent with the interests of future ratepayers on whom the borough loan falls. The abattoirs, of course, would have to be worked, for the safeguard of the public interests, under certain conditions, and on a certain tariff to be laid down in a by-law to be enacted for the purpose, but the provisions of such by-law can be satisfactorily arrived at by mutual arrangement between both parties, viz., the syndicate and the local authorities, before it is passed into law. Thus, it will be seen that no practical difficulty is in the way. All that is wanted is motive power of will. Jove is nodding. The deus ex machina has but to set the pendulum in motion, and everything will run in order and work smoothly. This is really all that is wanted — that the promoters of the movement should wake upland stir in the matter. We do not say that the project has not many minor difficulties to contend with. What new project has not 1 And we are even willing to admit that it has an up-hill drag before it, but the same steady, determined pull which carried the dead meat market in Victoria over the pinch will do the same here. Business may be small at first, but it will increase month by month as one Auckland meat salesman after another finds it to his benefit to take advantage of the new system and disenthrals himself from the compelling influences of the large dealer in whose hands he may have been. In Victoria, as here, there were the croakers who predicted that the stockowners would never .supply cattle to the abattoirs, and f hat the meat when killed would never find purchasers — and, strange to say, the men who croak in this straiii are the very men often, as we find now, who are most directly interested in helping the movement along instead of giving it a push astern — but the promoters of the movement went

steadily on, regulated their business at the abatoirs with the certainty of demand in the city market until gradually it grew, to the l.enetit of he producer, salesman, and general consumer alike, into the regular system of the colony. And it will be the same here. The conditions are similar, and with the same perseverance and careful management the results cannot be otherwise than they have been in Victoria. Our settlers must put a little energy into the work before them. They have all felt the pinch of com* ing down from 30s per lOOlbs to 12s, aye, and less than 12s per lOOlbs for prime meat, and they know full w^ll that under the present system of selling by live weight the butcher, with his daily experience of judging weight, has them fairly on the hip. They have it now in their power to rectify all this. Will they refuse to put their shoulders to the wheel and help the meat cart out of the mire, or do they need to wait a little longer, till they are still nearer to the bone, and have not strength left for a strong push, and a long push, and a push altogether.

We are sorry to learn that the live stock export trade to Sydney has ceased to be remunerative. Mr Kobert Salmon, of Auckland, has kindly sent us William Inglis and Son's (Sydney) stock report for the week ending October 22nd, from which it appears that prices have receded below the paying, point. From 40s or so per lOOlbs, three months ago, the quotations have dropped down to 23s for best beef, 21s for fair, and 18s for middling. The cause of this is the largely increased supply of local stock. Considerably over two thousand head were sold by Messrs Inglis in the week mentioned above, and in one day the price fell 20s per head. The rates for mutton, dairy cows and pigs have also declined sensibly. Mr Salmon communicated with Messrs Inglis with a view to engage in the export trade, but in the face of these facts he has, of course, determined to let it alone f>T tho present. In the event of a change for the better taking place, he will be duly apprised of it. It was not to be expected that the high prices ruling in New South Wales a couple of months ago would continue, but it is certain that at stated seasons they recur, and though we have not managed to secure as many of the plums this time as we might had we embraced the opportunity sooner, we shall be wiser next time. It requires no extraordinary efforts to secure that we shall have fat stock on hand at any time of the year, a feat which our Australian kinsmen are not able to accomplish. If, therefore, we watch their markets, we shall be able to seize our chance.

The RM. s.s. Kaikoura left Wellington for London on Wednesday, with a full cargo.

Dr Macgregor, Inspector of Hospitals and Asylums, is at present on a visit to the Lake Country.

It is reported that Mr E. Cussen, late of Opotiki, has leased Messrs Hally Bros.' brewery at Cambridge.

Artillery, winner of this year's Canterbury Cup, was bred by Messrs T. and S. Morrin, Auckland.

The consecration of the Anglican cemetery at Waikomiti by the Bishop of Auckland is fixed for next Saturday, the 27th.

The Wagga Gold Cup, which was run for on Wednesday, was won by Mr Harm's three-year-old colt Invermay (by The Drummer— Wara tab.)

The new Opera House, Wellington, was opened on Wednesday night with great success, over 1800 people being present, including the Governor and suite.

We notice that Messrs Booth Bros., of Cambridge, have re-opened their old butcher's shop in Duke-street, as a branch establishment.

The usual monthly meeting of the Newcastle Road Board fell through yesterday for want of a quorum. Only the chairman and Mr Crawford were present.

For some time past, the health of the venerable Emperor of Germany, who is now in his ninetieth year, has been causing his medical advisers much anxiety. News has been received in Auckland that Mr Andrew Goldie, well-knowu in connection with the exploration of New Guinea, died recently at Port Moresby of jungle fever.

It is stated that the volcanic action in connection with the late eruption has so far diminished that the whole of the Rotomahana basin can now be seen distinctly.

We must compliment Mr RDavies, saddler, Cambridge, upon the good show that he has made in hi.s new premises. The situation is an e\:cellent one, and he will no doubt reap a substantial benefit.

■ Sir J. Vogel has received a telegram fiom the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, expressing great satisfaction at the arrangement made with the company regarding cable rates.

The Native Lands Court at Cambridge was opened yesterday morning before Judge O'Brien. Several small Maungataujtari sucpession cases were put through, but nothing of importance was done.

The midday train from Auckland due at Hamilton at 1.30 p.m. was delayed about an hour and a half yesterday, in consequence of the engine having got off the rails whilst shunting at Ngaruawahia.

Mr J. C Firth, with Messrs Button and Hay, solicitors, proceeded to Matamata by yesterday's train, to take steps for the eviction of certain native obstructionists who have squatted on the land in support of a claim set up in reference to the validity of the title.

At the usual meeting of the Auckland Crown Lands Board on Thursday, Mr Thomas B. Lewis applied on behalf of Jas. Craig, of Cambridge, that section No. 353 be leased. It was resolved that it be sold at the upset price, £40 per acie.

A dairyman named Amos Fisher, aged about 50, residing at Tararu, attempted suicide by drinking carbolic acid on Thursday afternoon. He was conveyed to the hospital, and after the nsuul remedies had been applied, was restored to consciousness.

The Bey. Father Wissel, of the Benedictine Order, is at present holding a public mission at St. Peter's Church, Cambridge. There will be mass in the morning, and devotions in the evening, every day this week.

The Hon. J. A. Tole, Minister of Justice, passed through Hamilton on his vv.iy to Te Aroha yesterday, and will probably visit Cambridge in the course of the next fortnight. The hon. gentleman is accompanied by Mrs Tole and family.

John Grant Forsyth, who was brought over from Sydney along with Caff icy and Perm, was brought up at the Auckland Police Court on Wednesday <<n three charges of uttering forged cheques, and committed for trial at the Supiome Court in January,

The sale of furniture at Kirkwoods Cottage, Cambridge, wad \eiy largely attended on Thursday, and tho

prices realiaod wore exceptionally good. People from many parts of tho district attended, as the quality of the furniture was known to bo first-class.

News from the Soudan of late has been very meagre, and it is reported that the Arabs are again showing symptoms of restlessness, prowling about the surrounding country. From all accounts, the Aiabs are in a truly wretched state of poverty, their Hocks having been destroyed, and tho cultivation of the soil neglected.

The Teetulpa diggings, near Adelaide, are drawing diggers together from all puts. It is essentially a "poor man's field," as it can bo reached from Adelaide at the cost of a few pounds and, being alluvial, the cost of getting the precious metal is small. The miners are very reticent as to their earnings.

We have to chronicle another sale of property in Hamilton. Mr J. B. Whyte has disposed of a building site near the Commercial Hotel, 55ft. frontage, at £2 10s per foot. Tho demand setting in for Hamilton property points out that the future development of tho town as an inland contie is rapidly impressing itself upon the minds of outsiders.

The market price for butter this season is ruling lower than ever. The Frozen Meat and Storage Company is almost the only buyer except for immediate consumption. The returns for some late consignments range from 5d to 7d per lb, and from this again has to be considered the loss in weight after undergoing the pressing process, which, we are told, varies —in some cases reported at from 10 per cent, to 25 per cent., a loss almost inconceivable.

At a late meeting of the Hamilton Chiistmas Sports Committee Messrs Barton, Sandes and Edgecumbe were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a programme, to be submitted to a general meeting, and Messrs Bindon, LeQuesne, White, Smith, Tippen and Sandes were appointed a ground committee for carrying out the details in preparing the ground and general arrangements for carrying out the several events. Messrs Ellis (Auckland) Sandes and Booth were appointed handicappers.

A special meeting of the Piako County Council was called for 11 o'clock yesterday, to appoint two members to act on the Charitable Aid Board. In consequence of the chairman having been suddenly called away, there wero not a sufficient number to form a quorum. It was decided to call another special meeting for the same purpose on Wednesday, the 24th inst. The councillors present were Messrs Gould, Chepmell, Brunskill, and W. T. Firth, jun.

A.B b. proof of the capabilities of Waikato as a grazing country we would draw the attention of our readers to the weight of both cattle and sheep sold to Messrs Hellaby, and raised by the Waikato Land Association. One Shorthorn ox, live weight 23151b5, dead weight 14701b5 ; one Hereford ox, live weight 21151b8, dead weight 13801bs ; three sheep, weighing respectively, lOSlbs, lG7lbs, and 1721b5. These cattle and sheep were exhibited at the late Auckland Show. They received no artificial feeding, but weie brought to the above heavy weights upon tho grass lands of the Association.

Mr A- Buckland held his first series of local wool sales on Wednesday last at Auckland. There was not a large quantity brought forward, owners evidently holding back until the market has been tested. However, it is satisfactory to record that there wjs an improvement in the prices hither to prevailing Co the extent of a penny to three halfpence per lb. The North New Zealand Woollen Company purchased a quantity »f merino and crossbred wool. The factory, it is expected, will make a start early next year.

Regarding the introduction of oranges into England from the colonies, a London correspondent says that there is only one drawback about thg orange, and that is that it is out of season two months in the year, although it is poured in upon us from Malta, Java, Seville, Florida, and California. Australia has now come to our rescue, because it is in the " off season ' that she can supply us with this luscious fruit. The oranges sent by way of ex-pori-rnent reached us when the rest of the world could send us none. The Australian orange^, however, ore equal to the best fruit of Spain. If this be so, the market is assured.

We take the following from the commercial columns of ye.steiday'h Herald : —The only noteworthy item of the English mail advices particularly affecting this column is the strong and rapid advance in butter. The markets in Denmark, Holland, and France, as also in Ireland, are all risiner. As the cold weather lasts until February in the Northern hemispheie, it is worthy of consideration by our butter producers, who are at their wits' end, what to do with their make, whether it would not be wise to arrange for a portion of the spring make, bast quality going home by cool chambers on producers' account, rather than go on adding to stocks with no prospect of any winter realisation. There ought to be room for business, as, even if returns are only at colonial prices, the easing of stocks would influence the winter values, while ensuring quicker returns of money. Farmers, as a rule, are not commercial men, and we are only endeavouring on this suggestion to put before them an idea perhaps useful.

All members of the Hamilton C.C., and in particular those picked for tho return match with Paterangi on this day week, are requested to attend the practice on Sydney Square this afternoon at four o'clock, as arrangements will have to be made for the hour of starting, modes of conveyance, etc., not to say that it is quite possible theie may be vacancies as yot in the excursionary team. No one in tho club will be the worse for a little practice, and it is perfectly impossible for the secretary to travel about and interview members as to their willingness and ability to play a foreign match, to start at a certain hour, to find conveyances, and the many other minutiae for which that unfortunate functionary is held responsible. We re-print the learn as selected, and are requested by the secretary to ask all selected to inform him at once whether they can reach Mr Germann's, Paterangi, some 17 miles from here, within a (not Gladstonian) measureable distance at 10 o'clock. The team to play Tuhikaramea on the following Saturday at Hamilton, when play will likewise commence at 10 o'clock, will also bo picked to-day on the ground. Country clubs are, we are glad to say, setting a good ex-ample in starting early, so as to allow of two innings, as a match decided on the first innings is too much of :i fluke to satisfy any genuine votary of tho game. The team for the Paterangi match is as follows :— Barton, Beale, Bindon, Charlie, Dockery, Murray, Pratt, Radford, Sage, Sandes and Stevens. A competent umpire is urgently wanted, and his presence with the team will be warmly welcomed by both clubs.