AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2258, 27 December 1886, Page 2

AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to all men, CM whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

MONDAY, DEC. 27, 1886.

Owing to Boxing Day being observed as a close holiday in all country post offices we are without our Correspondents' letters, Sz.c. !

The weather has been remarkably hot for several days just. A very slight shower fell this morning, but it was not sufficient to lay the dust, though it cooled the temperature somewhat.

In order that their employes may enjoy the Carnival and sports, it is the intention of the tradesmen of Hamilton to close their places of business at 1 o'clock to-morrow and on Wednesday.

The return cricket match between the Press Juniors and the Hamilton Schools will be played on Thursday next at half-past 12 sharp on Sydney Square, Hamilton Ei»t. There is likely to be a little alteration in the team representing the schools, but the printers will have the same team as in the former match.

On Christmas Day the usual religious services were held in the Anglican and Roman Churches throughout the district, and in the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton. On Sunday special reference was made to the Nativity at all places of worship. Contrary to the usual custom, S. Peter's Church, Hamilton, was but meagrely decorated. The cause of this was that the energies of the whole congregation had been concentrated on preparing for the Fancy Fair.

His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton, in handing over the new uniform to the members of the band in their pr.ictice-room unFnday evening la.st, complimented the bandmaster, Mr Munro, on the progress the band had made, and trusted that the members would pay attention to their instruction, and endeavour to make the band a flourishing institution. A band in any town was a source of great attiaction, and he was glai to *cc that Hamilton had once more a band, and clothed in a new uniform, which did credit to the maker, Mr Salmon. The secretary, MrK. Edwards, on behalf of the members, thanked His Worship in a few appropriate remaika for the interest he had taken in their welfare, and assured him that every member of the band fully appreciated their indebtedness to him and to the Mayoress. The band were photographed by Mr Reid this morning in the avenue of The Lodge.

The Spectator suggests that the best plan for saving gold and increasing the utility of silver is to tax the import of gold into India. Its principal use is for hoarding, gold not bearing currency. If gold were taxed, it would not be imported, the European supply would be increased, and there weuld be a revival of the Indian demand for silver to hoard. There is no native prejudice to offend, ana the only question is whether the Australian trade with India would seriously suffer.

The Pope has intimated his desire that all religious bodies shall have permanent head-quarters in Rome, and especially wishes that all foreign orders shall comply as soon as possible with the spirit of this intimation. His Holiness' celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination as a priest will take place at the end of 1887. Speaking of the celebration, a high Vatican official said a day or two ago that it was intended to conduct it upon a scale of magnificence never before equalled even in Rome.

Many years ago, remarks an English writer, Dr. Hammond, of Bournemouth, presented me with a tine specimen of kauri gum, which one of his sons had brought from Auckland, New Zealand. In experimenting with the gum thus supplied, I have found that it may be made to perform many useful services in medicine. When the gum is burned—and its burns briskly— it gives out a very pleasant odour which destroys the odour of putrefying organic substances most effectively. Dissolved in spirits, it makes a fluid which burns in the lamp with good effect. Reduced to a fine, powder and shaken with water, it communicates to the water new properties, so that, sprayed in the room, it renders the air ozonic. It mixes well in ointments, forms a good combination with soap, and combined with iodino, is a useful doodisor and disinfectant. The gum is from a pine, the kauri tree, Dammara Australia.

I found (writes a Victorian School Inspector) that only a few of the children knew that the British Isles, so often shown them on the map, were the places from which, speaking generally, their fathers and mothers came. Of Queen Victoiia their knowledge was veiy indefinite. Of the Prince of Wales, in whose honour they had lately kept holiday, their knowledge was still less. Wishing to ascertain whether they understood what his future rank would be, I asked what he would be when Queen Victoria died. The only reply I got was from a little girl—" Please, sir, an orphan." Most could tell me that the coming holidays were given on account of Christmas Day; but to the questions— " Why do we keep Christmas Day ? what do we celebrate on that day ! " the only answer was—" The races ! " This, I need scarcely say, came from a boy.

The first Savings Bank was in>t t .ted at Bo ne, in S\Vit,eilaud, in 1787, by the name of Uaisse de Domestiques, being intended for servants only ; another was set up in Basle, in 17!)2, open to all depositors. The Key. Joseph Smith, of Wendover, began ji bene\olent institution in 171)!); and in 1803-1 a "charitable bank" was instituted at Tottenham by Miss Priscilla Waki'field. Henry Dundas established apari>h bank at Ruthwell in 1810. One was opened in Edinburgh in 1814. The benefit clubs, among artisan*, having accumulated stocks of money for their progressive purposes, a plan was adopted to ideii' tify the»B funds with the public debt of the country, and an extra rate of discount w<t* held out us an inducement-; hence were formed savings banks to receive small sums, eturnable with interest on demand.

Among tne upper classes in France there h a notable stagnation jint now in the marriage market, the supply of marriageable girls being alt<gether in excess of the demand. What are the causes of this ? The Figaro, of course, makes the Republic responsible. Young men of good family have no longer anything to do, for they will not serve so " low " a form of government. Besides, most civil service appointments are now entirely closed to the Conservatives. In France, unfortunately, the aristocracy have not taken to trade, as in England ; while the bar and other learned professions are overstocked. Fionch mothers, nioxn while, are too wise to give their daughters to idle men, and numy of them, theiefore, never •' go off "at all. Not, however, that, the young ladies thoui'-elvßt are entirely fiecfr mi blame. The French girl of the period is too fond of luxury and comfort, and does not care to leave the parental nest of roses for the struggles and tiials of married life. When we were young, young folks were less calculating, and knew better how to lov o. We wore, sometimes deficient in foresight, but youth and love balartced our budgets. — Coriespontlent Figaro.