AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain Unawcd by influence and unbribed by gain.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1881.

Thk turn taken by affairs at the Local Government Administration's Conference, held on Monday, raises issues to which it is necessary careful attention should be devoted. The suggestion made by the member for Waikato, and adopted by the meeting on clause 2 of the Manawatu proposals, broaches a question of the future policy upon which a great deal of party contention is bound to ensue. It strikes at the very root of that allimportant question — local administration — and if we are not otherwise greatly mistaken, it will be found to create a more or less direct issue on the decentralisation scheme. In that opinion we are borne out by remarks made in the speech recently delivered by Mr Orniond. Alluding to the proposed Local Public Works measure, he is credited with the following : " The Colonial Treasurer proposed to distribute funds to the local bodies by an official Board at Wellington ; but that would not be satisfactory, as the Board could not have sufficient knowledge of local wants. There was general dissatisfaction with the want of Local Government. He had helped to work the abolition of provinces, and still thought that to a certain extent the extravagance and grab-all policy of some provinces justified it, but he thought that in working abolition they made a great mistake ; they ought to have amended the then existing system, so as to make it more useful instead of resorting to abolition. He believed they would yet have to recur to a similar system, but modified." These remarks are virtually the reiteration of an opinion expressed by tbe speaker last session of Assembly, and upon -which certain of the more ardent provincialists took " heart of grace," and based their schemes for ! decentralisation. Seeing then it is destined to play such an important part in the "councils of the people," coupled with the feet that our own local governing bodies have in a manner committed themselves to its espousal, it becomes more than ever necessary that the system of local public works as propounded should be clearly understood. As we interpret the resolution passed on Monday, it simply adopts the theory, in contra-distinccion to that embodied in the question of decentralization, leaving the method for working out the plan in detail an open question. In other words, the conference has said that, we are not prepared to return to provincialism under any auspices, or upon any basis whatever. All we want is to see the central government based on an efficient footing in its relations to local administration. Practically that is what the resolution in question amounts to, and there can be very little doubt but that in this respect the conference is at one with the prevailing feeling of the district. The point was mooted by the member for Waipa at the opening of the Whatawhata bridge last week. "I am aware," he said, "that the practice in the past has been to neglect the country and to spend the money in the large urban centres" and the complacency with which the remark was received by his hearers, proved conclusively that they were fully alive to the effect, as well as the fact. Altogether we are justified in concluding that the primary object of the conference in adopting the course it took, was to confirm the principle enunciated in abolition pure and simple, rather than commit itself unconditionally to the proposal for local public works administration, which cannot as yet be said to have been fully digested. The reference made at the conference to the Local Public Works Bill was in some respects premature. It can hardly be said to have assumed the destinctive features of a Bill ; at all events it never came before the Assembly as such. It was more in the nature of a measure embodied in the Financial statement and it was in connectisn with the debate thereon that the proposal was ever discussed. Regarding the future of the proposal, some slight doubts would seem to exist. Adi dressing his constituents at New Plymouth, the hon. the Cplonia.l Treasury is reported to have said-i-"The measure feU th'rougti principally for want oil time/ and again, [ the, scheme will be re-in- [ troduced next session, I am unable

to say!" The probabilities' are," however, that it will, as the temporary arrangements made with the local bodies last session consequent upon j the virtual suspension of subsidies expired soon, if indeed it has noti already expired with the late financial year. With regard to the scheme itself, the proposals of the Government were that it should be provided for by two Bills ; the one a Local Public Works Bill, and the other an amended rating Bill. The former is to provide for the constitution of an unpaid Board, consisting of the Minister for Public Works, the Engineer-in-chief ; the Surveyor General and the Public Trustee. The duty of the Board, as it relates to the point under consideration, was to make grants in aid of the construction of main roads, and advance money to construct district roads. For the first of these objects a fund of £150,000 was to be set apart from loan, with which to make a start, to that sum £150,000 was to be added annually out of land revenue or such other sum up to that amount as the land fund for the year after deducting the cost of its administration would admit of. The powers of the Board were to be strictly defined, no discretionary power being left in its hands. A county wishing to operate on that fund would have to prepare estimates of the work profjbsed to be done, and forward these to the central board. Besides, they would have to levy a rate upon the county sufficient to repay in ten years one-fourth of the amount proposed to be spent. Practically, the proposal amounts to this : The district would have to provide one-fourth for the construction of main roads in ten years, without interest, the remaining three-fourths being provided for out of land revenue. Then again, the operation is entirely dependent ! upon the land fund. If there was i no land fund, of course there could be no work done. The other duty of the board, viz.,< the construction o£ district roads, was proposed to be arranged as follows : Nothing was to be given towards their construction, but a fund was to be provided for enabling them to borrow at a cheap rate of interest, and to repay the same by easy instalments. The other Bill proposed to remove the existing restrictions on rating powers so as to enable local bodies to impose rates not exceeding two shillings, instead of one, as at present; or even beyond that amount if passed in the shape of a special rate. These are the leading features of the project. So far as it went last session the question was hotly contested. A fair estimate of the arguments pro and con will be found in another column, as also more fully detailed particulars of the scheme itself, a careful perusal of which we recommend to the notice of our readers. Meanwhile it is only necessary to sum up, in reiteration, what we have already said, viz., that while the general scheme of the policy is worthy of approval, things are hardly ripe enough for giving it a similar approval in all its details.

In view of the action which it may be expected the committee appointed at Monday's meeting of the Cambridge Farmers' Club will take in the direction of reorganising the finances of the institution, it would not in the meantime be politic to discuss the matter outside. On this part of the subject we will only, in these general terms, express our regret that the difficuloy, which is no new one, has not been grappled before. The habit of delaying and putting off a disagreeable duty is a fatal one ; there can be nothing like promptitude in encountering dangers and obstacles. Let this pass. "What we now desire to do is say a few words regarding what we conceive to constitute the main elements of success in an institution such as the Cambridge Farmers' Club. If we speak somewhat plainly, it will, we believe, be at once conceded that no object is kept in view but the true advancement of the Club. The Club, which has now been in existence some five years, was established for the purpode of promoting agriculture by the reading of essays and discussion thereon at monthly meetings, and for generally dealing with all matters pertaining to the agricultural and pastoral interests, among which Agricultural Shows came to be reckoned. For an institution of this nature to succeed, it is clearly necessary, first that the advantages offered should be made to extend to all those who are engaged in the work of tillage, aud secondly that every individual member should exert himself in its interests. Nothing could well be more , important than the task which the promoters set the Society to do, and the failure of that Society, as a whole, to accomplish it is to be deeply deplored. Of the success which attanded the Club's early efforts one has only to turn to the printed records to be assured of. Then the whole body worked in harmony, and the good achieved has been by no means transitory in its nature. The Club grew and prospered, to such an extent indeed that the members deemed it expedient to erect a Olub-house for, themselves iri which to hold their meetings, and to organise an annual show of the stock and produce of the district. We believe that both these latter measure "met .with opposition,; and we cannot but think that it had been better for the 'Club' had this Opposition prevailed. 'We do not mean

to infer by this that a Farmers' Club is not justified in building premises for itself, or in holding exhibitions of stock ; but it is wrong for a 1 - young institution in a young J country to get itself unnecessarily" into debt ; and it may be thought that it is not the function of a private Club to hold public exhibitions of stock, &c. We cannot help remarking here that, unjustly | we believe, the Club has always been regarded with a certain amount of suspicion among outsiders to whom its system of blackballing always appears to be a bar to the free exercise of its' means of doing good. This could hardly be true of the Cambridge Farmers' Club, but it is mentioned merely to show that there exist some reasons why the Club should not hold shows. Be that as it may, it having once been decided that an annual show should be held under the auspices of the Club it became the duty of every member, so long as he remained so, to secure by every means in his power, that it should be at once a credit to the Club and to the district. How lamely members have fulfilled their duty in this respect, how, indeed, they have behaved themselves generally as members, need not be said. If we except from reference a few of those whose loyalty yet remains unshaken, the interest taken in the proceedings has been pitifully halfhearted for a long time past, the assumptions of indifference apparently increasing in proportion as the Club's financial condition grew worse. We cannot blame equally the members living in other districts than Cambridge, with those residing within its bounds. The former have some excuse to plead ; the latter have none. When the result of the Oummittee's labours is made known, an opportunity will be afforded for entering more fully into this subject. What we have here written has for its object chiefly to induce members to show, by their presence at the next meeting, on Monday Week, that they still take an interest in so valuable an institution, and are ready to lend their aid to make its usefulness more widely felt than it has ever been.

Our last night's telegraphic advices announce the arrival of Sir George Grey, X.0.8., in Auckland. We are pleased to learn that the honorable gentleman is in the enjoyment of good health.

We have the best authority for stating that the Government have decided to resume the system of payment to Volunteers. The members of the Waikato Cavalry will recieve 7s per day. We trust this action will be made retrospective as well, in view of the expense to which the Volunteers have lately been put.

At a meeting of the Hamilton Band Committee, held at Gwynne's Hotel last night, the resignation of Bandmaster Calon was considered and accepted ; also that of Peter Henry ; and in accordance with Rule 9, the Secretary was instructed to call in W. Allens instrument.

Good reports reach us from the Waihi goldfield. It i 3 said that a four foot reef, showing gold freely, has been cut in one of the claims.

The Whatawhata Bridge has been inspected and passed by the District Engineer, Mr Hales. Mr Hope, the Clerk of Works, will now proceed to Te Bore to undertake the supervision of the erection of the bridge at that place.

The Native Minister, attended by Mr. Parris and Hone Pihama, arrived at Lyttelton on Saturday on business connected with the liberation of Maori prisoners.

Mr Vickerman, the Engineer in charge of the district, has completed the survey of the proposed branch railway to Cambridge, having, as we have already said, principally followed what is known as Breakell's line.

The Cambridge Road Board is about to take measures to have the embankment at E wen's Hill widened before the approach of winter. The step is one which will bo applauded by all who have occasion to travel by this road.

The opening of the Whatawhata Bridge has had the effect of induciug the settlers in the Raglan district to come a little oftner out of their shell, and it is already clearly evident that the work is a .great boon to Jthe districts beyond the Waipa.

We are sorry to learn that, owing to failing health and the increasing pressure of business, Major Murray has been compelled to resign the command of the Thames Volunteers, who will thus lose a valuable and enthusiastic officer, and one whom it will be hard to replace.

Lady Gordon, accompanied by the Misses Gordon, and suite, arrived in Auckland by the mail steamer from Sydney, on Tuesday. Her Ladyship proceeded straight on to Onehunga, spending Tuesday night on board the Hinemoa, which steamed for Wellington direct yesterday morning.

The Hamilton (S. Peter's) School Feast comes off on Saturday. The children will assemble at their schools at 9. 30, and start at 9. 45 for Claudelands. Parents are invited to assist during the day in amusing the children.

A Calico Ball, the invitation list of which embraces the whole of the Waikato, will take place at the Oddfellows' Hall, Hamilton East, on the Queen's Birthday, the 24th May. The stewards are evidently determined that the affair shall be a success, and with a view to this, it is t understood that the music will be supplied by an Auckland Quadrille Band.

In the House of Commons on March 10, in reply te Mr Bradlaugh, Mr G. Duff said he bad seen statements in a New Zealand newspaper as to the punishment of natives there being in excess of their sentences; but it. would be impossible for Her Majesty's Government to base any representation to the Colonial Government in JSlew Zealand on those statements. Papers of an authoritative character bearing on the subject wonld shortly be laid upon the table of the House,

Mr Hill, of Matahura, who, it mil be remembered, suffered considerable annoyance from certain natives living in the vicinity last year, has again been made the victim of their vagaries. He having refused to take th.6 hint tivgo off his own land, the Maoris have taken occasion to pull down certain of 'his fences, and do other damage. It is quite time the authorities took some steps to abate this nuisance. ' • >

The Mayor of Hamilton having watted on. Mr Viokerman the onicer in charge of Public Works in Waikato, in regard to the discrepancies in the npeoifications for painting the Hamilton Bridge? that -geutleioan proceeded to Auckland yesterday to consult with Mr Hales, Dintrict Engineer, on the matter, It is a pity iv view of thn near approach of winter that so much delay should be occasioned.

A gentleman residing in Cambridge informs Ub that, he had an interview with the Ngatimftra chief Pineha, who took such an interest in the Te Aroha murder case, and that he expressed his full satisfaction with the decision of the jury. He is of opinion that no good can be done by more blood hpilling, and is desirous of maintaining the peace in the Hauruki district.

An effort is being made in Cambridge to organise a Choral Society. Years ago Cambridge possessed an excellent Harmonic Society, and there is no reason why the proposed institution should not be equally 1 successful. A public meeting will be held early in May, at which we hope to see the initiatory steps taken.

New Zealand must be a perfect paradise for the legal profession, to judge by the way in which the ranks of the lawyers are being increased. No less than eight new names have been gazetted within the last week or so, three of these being those of English barristers, who have been attracted to these shores.

Under the "Animals Protection Act, 1880," the provincial district of Auckland, excepting the Counties vi Cook and Wairoa, is appointed a district, and by proclamation, dated the 13tU April cunent, it is notified that cock pheasants and Californian and Australian quail may be taken or killed within the said Auckland District from Ist May to 31st July ; both inclusive, subject nevertheless to the restrictions in the said Act ; and further, that licenses to take or kill such game within the said district shall be issued on payment of the sum of forty shillings each, and that licenses to sell such game shall be issued on payment of the sum of five pounds each • and the Secretary to the Acclimatisation Society at Auckland is appointed to issue the said licences.

Mr Goodwin, Assistant Inspector of Schools for the Auckland Education District, is at present on a visit of inspection to the Schools in the Raglan District, namely, Raglan, Te Mata, Ruapuke and Waitetuna. The inspection is being made now in consequence of the difficulty which would be experienced a couple of months hence—which would be the proper time — in getting anything like a full attendance of pupils, owing to the bad state of the roads during the wet season. It is also understood that Mr Groodwin, while in Raglan, will make the necessary arrangements, consequent on the resignation of Mr Pegler, who for many years has satisfactorily filled the position of teacher there.

The other day some of the leading residents of Cambridge took occasion of the presence of Mr Benner, who during the year's absence of Mr Reynolds so satisfactorily filled the position of postmaster to present him with a testimonial of their regard. The presentation, which took the form of a gold albert chain and locket, was made by Mr J. P. Campbell who referred in eulogistic terms to the manner in which Mr Benner had carried out the duties of his office. An address signed by about sixty of the townspeople, was also read to the sarae effect. Mr Benner in replying expressed his pleasure at finding that his services should have met with such approval, and thanked them heartily for the good wishes they had expressed towards him. A voto of thanks having been accorded the gentleman who got up the presentation, the proceedings were brought to a close.

The census enumerator at Patea refused to accept a number of papers from persons who had described themselves as Freethinkers. An appeal was made to the Dunedin Freethought Association, with the result that the Government were communicated with, and the Patea enumerator informed from headquarters that he must not interfere with the filling up of the "religious" column in the oen&us papers.

In a letter to the " Otago Daily Times," Mr W. A. Mosley says: — " Sir, I hope that all who love the Bible, all parents who read the Bible ia their families, will come forward to say to the Legislative :—lf: — If you do alter the law, it shall be that the Bible — the common standard of Christian truth — shall be read iv the public schools. Have we as Englishmen lost our love and veneration for the truth of the Bible ? Surely not. Let the gentlemen of the Bible in Schools Association stand firm to their standard, and they will find the great mass of the people of New Zealand at their backs to help them."

Our evening contemporary, says the N.Z. Tuna,, has at last excelled even in its own acknowledged proficiency in the compilation of sensational paragraphs. Under the heading " Singular accident during an earthquake, " it gravely tells this tale and possibly expects its readers to believe it :— " Two slight earthquake shocks were felt on Saturday last at Coromandel. Mrs Kaynham, wife of a settler living in the Waikato, was standing on the train platform when the jerk threw her off. She clung to the carriage, but was thrown clear of the trucks. When she was picked up her jaw bone was found to be shattered and her side injured." Considering that Coromandel and Hamilton, where the accident happened, are about a hundred miles apart, and that the shocks of earthquake occured on Saturday and the accident on the following Monday, that is a very singular accident indeed. The fact is, two messages have been published together in much admired confusion. Reference to the accident at Hamilton was made in our telegrams yesterdaj r morning and republished last evening by the Post, and the message over which the mistake has occurred is merely an extension of the same item of news.

The Government intend to prosecute every person connected with the Mount View Asylum against whom a prima facie case is disclosed in the evidence given before the late commission. The Crown solicitors are oaref ully considering the evidence.

How doctor's differ ! The Auckland morning paper in referring to the death of Earl Beaconefield the other day considerately allowed that he was a talented man, but denied him the quality of "greatness," while its namesake of Whanganui says Beacoonsfield was one of the " greatest men of any age."

The "Wanganui Herald? speaks somewhat strongly on. the question of the re-election of Mr Bradlaugh. for Northampton, which oar contemporary regards as a " vindication of the right of freedom of opinion in religious questions." He further states that Mr Bradlaugh is only one of many atheists in the House of Commons, and that only the Inquisition could keep that assembly pure of members professing no religion. "As for Mr Bradlaugh' s political principles" continues our contemporary," ihey are thorough, and, we believe, on. the whole, sound. His attack on perpetual pensions lias earned for him the thanks of millions in the mother country, and it is evident he already wields a power over the masseß of his fellow countrymen, hardly second to what John Bright exercised in his most

vigorous days. If, from a religious point of view, this is to be regretted, let the professors and preachers of theology ask themselves what they have been doing these eighteen hundred years."

flffrs/ Hampson, female evangelist, is drawing large houses in Dunedin.

The manufacture of potato starch, farinaceous food, arrowroot, and similar products, has been commenced on a large scale.

The Lusitania from Sydney takes 10,0001ba. of frozen beef, mutton, &c, on tho homeward pasbage.

Charles Lewis Stewart, of Te Aro Club, has been summoned for selling liquor without a license. About a fortnight ago we was fined £200j[on a charge of a similar nature.

The attendanbe at the Melbourne Exhibition on Easter Monday was 22,000, being the largest yet reoorded. The carved Maori house behind the New Zealand Court of the Exhibition has been presented to the South Kensington Museu m , London. Auction sale* are being held, and the Exhibition iB rapidly being oleared.

The case brought against Hobbs and Goodwin, proprietors of tho totalisator at Christchurch, by Snider and Drake bookmakers, was on Monday morning adjourned on the application of Mr Joyce for one week. This will enable defendants to attend the Timaru races with their machine, much to the annoyance of the bookmakers.

The Kelly Eeward Board has awarded Superintendent Hare £800 ; Curnow (schoolmaster), £550 ; Constable ( Kelly, £377 ; Sergeant Steele £290 ; Superintendent Sadler, -2240; O'Connor, of Queensland, £237 ; and Guard Dowsett, £275. The above distribution of money is not entirely approved of by Mr. Berry, who intends to take time to consider the matter before acting on the report. The Police Board has requested Mr Berry not to give effect to the recommendations of the Award Committee until they have completed their inquiry, but this he declines to do.

Professor ReuU, the German Commissioner at the Sydney Exhibition, has presented the Canterbury Museum with the exhibits shown by the Minister of IMucation for Wurtenburg. These consist of 109 models in planter of Paris, 20 in wood, and 9 works in folio, containing several hundred diagrams .

The following extract from a letter we have received from Mr Archibald Murray, M.H.R., will be specially interesting to the electors of Bruce: — "I had hoped, if possible, to visit my people once more before the session, to see if they would suggest anything I could do for them before I retire from political life, but may be unable to find time to do so, you might, therefore, kindly let it be known that I will be glad to receive letters and suggestions addressed to me at Wellington, to be left there till the session opens, care of General Assembly Librarian. The Representation Act will claim couch consideration, as upon just representation the right and interest of the people depend, and I think there should be no prorogation or dissolution without its being passed. There should be no increase in the number of representations. While population would be our basis, the populous place should not be permitted to entirely swamp outlying districts. You may, by looking, see my resolutions on the subject to have been moved on a second reading of the Representation Bill last session. You see the Manawatu County Council's circular, and may think with the Council that higher education at public cost is too expensive for our means, engenders extravagance, and may lead to a collapse of the whole State system of education. I think the higher branches should be paid for, as in private schools, and the fees go to the school boards to pay higher salaries, &c. There should, however, be liberal bursaries or scholarships to both sexes, so that the youth of ability, though poor, could rise to eminence, and poverty be no bar to the reward of merit, and thus would the State get the best worth out of all its citizens. The proposal to abolish the exemption of £500 in .the property taxmay be just and expedient, but if there is an exemption, certainly residents should have a preference over absentees. Local Government requires a reconsideration of the whole question next session, and then make the subject one to be considered by the constituencies during next election, before it finally becomes law. My impression is, we have far too many taxgatherers. Much better would it be were the people to depend less on Government and officialdom doing all for them, and trust more to themselves. I have faith in certain old sayings about ' things which are everybody's business,' and 'the eye of a master,' &c." A person below the middle stature observed, he could boast of two negative qualifications viz., that he never wore a great coat, nor ever lay long in bed. The Palmerston Road Board objects to being merged into the Wai kouaiti County Council. The members think they can manage their own lacal affairs as well and more cheaply than the County Council can. Me Wkeden, late station-master at Riverton, was presented with a gold albert guard on the occasion of his leaving that town for Dunediu, to full an appointment iv the Railway Department. At the last meeting of the Southland Land Board the Ranger reported seizing 1 one lot of 600 posts, and another of 2000 in Island Bush, Longwood, cut by parties who were not in possession of licenses,

Mr >S. McLernon has opened out a large addition to his well-assorted stock of jeweller}, consisting of the latest designs and novelties. Mr McLcrnon guarantees the safe and prompt return to any p.irt of the W.ukato of articles sent to him for repair. I A sale of 2,000 feet scantling and weatherboarding, 200 bricks and sundries will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, at the Voluntcet Stable, Te Awamutu. Mr J. S. Buckland will sell, on arrival at Cambridge, about ten da>s hence, 25 heavy and light draught horses from Wairarapa. Mr Alfred Buckland will sell, tomorrow, at the Greyhound Yards, a number of useful hacks at 11 o'clock; and.it noon, racehorses. The Burgess Revision Court will be held at the Council Chambers, Hamilton, on Saturday ne\t, at noon. Mr Louis James, of the Railway Hotel, Frankton, has on draught, a really excellent sample of Colonial beer, brewed by Mr William Cumming (Waikato Brewery). Any person found trespassing in search of game, on the property of the "Waikato Land Association, will be prosecuted. The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried _ out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bearaportion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public haye hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial;' whether they gain or lose the first >ear. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount ot five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay af the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value Of their stock during their lite cash sale, the present stock is ur.vf and chSaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Garlick and CitANwetx, City Hall Burnishing Arcade Queen. street, Auckland