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Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2767, 8 April 1890, Page 2

The Piako County Council will meet »t Cambridge at 11 a.m., on Saturday the 12th inst. I Mr A- Nicol, contractor for the Ohoti Creek Bridge has completed his contract, and this road is again open for traffic. The train arrangements in connection with the South Auckland Racing Club's Autumn meeting are published elsewhere. Owing to the close holiday, observed at the Post-offices throughout Waikato, a number of notice's in reference to the holding of divine service at different places did not reach us till Saturday. The Cambridge rink opened on Saturday night and was well attended.; It certainly bids fair to become quite aij popular as it was last year, and it being under the same manager is a guarantee'that it will be properly conducted. Sixty head of very fine three-year-old fat cattle were brought from Mr R. Reynslds* land at Patetere to Cambridge on Saturday.* They were first-class quality as may be imagined when we say that a local butcher at once purchased fifteen of them. It muf t be good laud to turn off such stock as this. Mr Coulthard, of Te Awamutu, who had his hand badly injured by a circular saw some few days ago, came down to Hamilton yesterday for treatment. He was unable to be admitted into the Hospital as all the available beds are at present occupied. Dr. Kenny is attending Mr Coulthard. The body of the late Mr Talbot, who was drowned in the Auckland harbour on Sunday week last whilst gallantly attempting to rescue a capsized boat party, was picked up off the Calliope Dock on Sunday. It is proposed by prominent shipping men in Auckland to accord a public funeral to the remains. The redoubtable Captain Jackson Barry is, we see from an exchange, at present lecturing in Tasmania, and proposes shortly to re-visit New Zeajand. Some years ago he lectured in Waikato and he left behind him many amusing tall yarns. Foremost amongst these were his remiiiiscences of a visit to England and his treatment by some of the sprigs of nobility during his stay.

The s.s Jubilee, of the Ellis line, the opposition to the Union Company line of steamers, left Auckland on Saturday. The public seem to stand by this company as she left with a full list of passengers and cargo. The passenger fares have been reduced by about one half since this powerful opposition has been to the fore, and a trip to Sydney now can be enjoyed for about three peunds. \

The Wanganui bridge is one of the finest structures of its kind in the colony, but a local paper states that it is fust going to ruin for want of being painted. The cost of painting it would be £1000, and the Borough Council, which is charged with the maintenance of the bridge, has no money available. This might almost refer to the Hamilton Bridge, although not to the same extent as regards cost.

Sunday last being Easter Sunday, St. Peter's Church, Hamilton, was lightly but tastefully decorated in commemoration of one of the greatest festivals of the church's year. The services at matins and evensong were semi-choral, and at both these there were good congregations, that in the evening being especially good. The incumbent, Rev. R. O'C Biggs, preached sermons suitable to the season, being listened to with great attention.

It having been freely circulated that the jumps for the South Auckland Racing Club's Steeplechase are of a dangerous character, we have made enquiries into the matter, and we are assured by the Secretary that the highest jump on the course is a sod bank 3ft. lOin. in height, the other jumps varying from 3ft. to 3ft. Gin. high, and with good taking-off ground to every'jump. Experienced riders will be able to judge whether jumps of this character can be considered dangerous or even severe to a horse fit to be entered for a steeplechase. We might als.> add that Mr Bullock-Webster has ridden over the course, and he is of opinion that there is nothing equal to what would be generally met with in a cross-country ride after the hounds in the Old Country.

A Yankee, travelling through Canterbury, thus characteristically describes the country:—"The farms around are well tilled, and everywhere filled with crops of grain that would make a Yankee farmer turn green with envy. I never saw such crops, such an appearance of wealth and prosperity in a farming community. With land like this, New Zealand could and ought to grow sufficient corn to supply the whole of the Australasian Continent. The winds that take place about harvest time are a real terror to the farmer. I did not see any of their sales. There were none handy, or I am sure my friend would have let ine have one to take home as a specimen. They give no indication of their approach, but just come, and bring ruin to many a farmer when his crop is ready for the Buckeye Barns, corn stacks, hon coops, curses, and other farm stock are frequently carried away. A gentle zephyr that played across here some months ago blew away the only Anglican Church in! the district that was free from debt. It is since rebuilt, but there is a mortgage on it how heavy enough to keep it in its place. Nothing like a mortgage. to keep things still." I The annual picnic of the parishioners of S. Peter's Church, Hamilton, was held yesterday at Mr J. B. Whyte's old farm, and in every way was a complete success. There was a large attendance of children and adults, over 400 being present, and the whole of the arrangements being perfect, nothing occurred to mar the enjoyment of the day, which reflects the greatest credit on the ladies_ and gentlemen who had the management of the affair. During the whole of the morning children were arriving in all sorts of ways, some on foot, some ridine, an.-! others in various kinds of vehicles, from the perambulator to the basket carriage. Ample provision was made to satisfy the cravings of hunger, which seem natural to children on these occisioiii, and although the.piles of sandwiches, cakes, scones, &c, and the huge pots of tea disappeared with astonishing rapidity, after all had baen plentifully supplied there remained almost sufficient for another meal. In the interval between dinner and tea, sports and games were indulged in, tile contestants entering into the various competitions with great energy and spirit. During the afternoon a large number of adults arrived and partook of tea. Many liberal donations were made in both money and kind, but one of the most acceptable was a present of a olb. canister of tea from Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co., tho wellknown tea dealers of Auckland.

The programme of the entertainment to bo aid of the funds of the Hamilton Football Club on Thursday evening next is published in this issue. It is a most attractive'otiej and should ensure_ a Bund house. The entertainment will consist of riogro minstrelsy, tableaux, farce and dance.

" They sit upon a rail watching their beasts grow fat, smoking their pipes, and sweating at the beasts for not growing faster." This was the libellous figure of speech used by Mr Travers at the Exchange Hall, Wellington, in describing the ways of'colonial settlers and contrasting them with;the practical industry of the Yankee farmers.