Test of the Volcanic Mud. — A Disappointing Result.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 207, 3 September 1886, Page 2

Test of the Volcanic Mud. — A Disappointing Result.

The series of tests which have been proceeding for more than two months, under the direetic n of our gardening contributor " Hortus," have reached a stage when the results may, we think, be exhibited to the public. We regret that they are unfavourable to the fertility of the

mud deposit. The lighter deposits of volcanic sand and ash were not tried. The mud used v a< collected by the editor of the STAR in the vicinity of Lake Rotoiti, ten days after the eruption. The experiment was commenced on the 24th of June, under conditions exceptionally favourable to the mud-, because the plaiv's might have partly supplied the want of ammonia, ift the soil from the air and the, water

Used in irrigating them while growing in the hot bed. The seeds used, peas, were also well adapted for making the most of these advantages ; the result is, therefore, the more disappointing. The test was a comparative one — the pure mud being placed side by side with pure furnace ash and pure sand, and also with composts of mud and loam, sand and loam, and pure loam. For a time the plants all progressed well together, as was to be expected, so long as their life depended upon the vital force and nutriment of the seed, but when they came to draw, upon the soil, the plants,in ..furnace ash gradually dwindled and died off, the plants in sand, previously the tallest, showed signs of failing, and 'those in mud followed suit, although not in so marked a degree. The plants in the composts went on with increased vigour. The following table shows the relative heights of the ■ plants now : — No. Inches. I—Pure volcanic mud 15K 2—Pure silver sand i$M 3-Turfy loam v 19 4 —Two parts loam and one part Volcanic mud .. .. .. .. .. a.-.'i s—Two parts turfy loam and one part 6 —Pure furnace ashes .. ~ .. died 7 —Two parts turfy loam and one part furnace ashes .. .. .. .. -'4!^ The plants in the volcanic mud look stronger than those iil the Sand, but are ill every respect less vigorous than any of the others. It is satisfactory to notice, however, that the mud s'eefns to exercise a beneficial effect when mixed wilh loam, and as that is the condition of most of the lands affected by tfte deposit, the eruption will have caused no permanent damage to any of the settlements on the East Coast, but will, on the contrary, have done them good. The mud-covered area beyond the reach of the subsoil plough is, after all, a very narrow area between the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua and the western shore of Tarawera.

" Hon us " reports as follows upon the results of the experiment : "In the earlier stages of this experiment the peas in the pure saml grew faster than in any of the other compounds. After reaching a certain stage, when the roots were beginning to draw nutriment from the soil, the plants in the mixed soils soon outstripped both the pure mud and pure sand ; the plants in engine ashes about two weeks ago died out. The peas in all the mixed compounds show a fine, healthy, strong growth, with good colour in the foliage. The peas in the sand and mud are of a short, stunted, weakly growth, foliage; not very healthy-looking, showing, in my • opinion, a great want of fertilizing materials in the soil they are growing in. Although only a smal) portion of the mud has passed through my hands, I would like to express ray opinion of its immediate future capabilities of producing crops. At first I : thought it would immensely benefit stiff, retentive soils, but after a short period that opinion entirely changed, as I found that when watered it was even more retentive than most soils that are used for agricultural purposes. Such being' tlie case, it would injure them. For light fern land or light sandy soils with a good deal of vegetable matter in their composition, the mud would, in my opinion, he of benefit, rendering them more retentive ; that is to say, where the mud is not too deep to permit of the ordinary means of cultivation properly mixing them. Wherethedepositisof such a depth that it would be impossible to get it mixed by ordinary means, or where the roots of crops could not rertch the original soil, the mud would, in such positions, be of very little value, as even if irrigation would germinate seeds and keep them alive during the moist spring, the hot dry summer would cause the mud to crack into large fissures, which would be ruinous to crops."

The plants in full growth may now be seen by anyone interested at the publishing office of the Star, Shortland Street.

When Mr Stuart Cumberland, litterateur and thought-reader, was in Auckland, he intimated his intention to travel Uome via the new Canadian Pacific rnilroid, which has only just boon opened. We, there fore, entered into an arrangement with him for a scrios of letters describing this now routo of trnvol, which is of great interest and importance to colonists in connection with the present Pacific mail sorvico, and the propoeal to establish n direct line to Vancouver. Tho first of those lotters will appear in ourSuPi'LKMflfc'T to morrow, and as it gives a graphic picture of life in the districts of Western Canada, it Bhould bo road with verj great interest.

We ben to acknowledge the following further contributions to the Star Shilling Subscrip'ion on behalf of the Benevolent Society : —Bs, from the staff of tho Auxiliary Lunatic Asylum at Avondale, per Mr Alfred White; 4s, from Mrs White and three children, Rusee'J-atreot, Arch Hill.

Our woekly market price-list published to-day shows a slight advance in maize, which is quoted at 3s 6d per bushel (wholesale), and ft fall in tho value of potatoee, which aro worth from £4 to £4 10s wholesale. There is a slight change in the gum market, the supplies for August having amounted to 404 tons. Butter and eggs remain at last week's values.

Captain Edwin advises at 12.50 p.m. to day that tho same weather indication exist as those wired yesterday. The barometer will have a further rise, with squally weather.

The Resident Magistrate has arranged to hear the charges of perjury ariainrr out of the notorious Maori rape case on the 15th instant. No less than fifteen or sixteen witnesses will require to be examined.

A meeting of the executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon for the purpose of considering a communication from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, asking their cooperation and actual representation on a deputation to the Premier and PostmanterOeneral to urge the temporary continuation of the subsidy to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, on condition that tbo rates be reduced. After discussion it was decided that it would be best to leave the matter in the hands of the Government.

The outcome of the recent conference of the Executive Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and a delegation from the Brokers' Association has been the forwarding by the Chairman, Mr J. Lamb, of a letter to the Minister of Mines urging the Government to import an expert from America or elsewhere tp rerjort on the various classes of ore in the Hauraki goldfields, and inquiring if the Government would subsidise liberal local contributions to such an object. Mr Lamb, in his letter to the Hon. Mr Laroach, says :—" From the various reports of experts received from San Francisco and elsewhere, we have abundant evidence that some of our quarts is very valuable, and it is further clearly demonstrated that no one procees will be found sufficient to deal with our varied class of ores, and that it will be found necessary in practice to use stampers, concentrators, pans, and furnacee, 4c. The great drawback felt at present is the want of the necessary practical experience of the many processes in use in America and elsewhere, and the scientific knowledge required in connection with them. It is therefore believed that a very great benefit would be conferred upon the mining industry, and would be the means of reviving thecommercialintereststhroughout the country'if the Government could see their way to secure the services of a thoroughly practical man, with tho special knowledge required to deal with this subject.

The time for necessary applications from selectors of lands uuder the Village Special Settlement system on perpetual lease ond by deferred payments, closed at 430 this afternoon. At two o'clock about one hundred and Bixty applications had been received for tho leases, and about six for deferred payment sections. As we predicted,the largest numberof applications aro for the Punakitere Block, there being some instances as many as five persons after the samo section. The lottery will take place to morrow in the presence of tho Commissoner of Crown Lands, the Assistant Surveyor General, Mr John Lundon, and the officers of the Lands Department, and the result will be announced to the public at noon on Monday.

Mr Herbert A. Philips, who took very active part in promoting a benefit for a family in distress, sends us the following particulars of proceeds and receipts : — Tickets sold, £22 3s 6d ; taken at doors' £13 Oi : total receipts, £35 12s 6d. Expenses—House and 'bus, £7 5s ; music, £2 15: autko.'s fees, £2 lis; advertising and printing, £2 12s ; sundries, £3 8s Id : Total, £18 lis Id ; leaving a balance of £17 Is sd, which has been duly handed to friends of the family for their use.

We understand that the China Steam Navigation Company, owners of the s.s. Wkampoa, will, if sufficient encouragement is given them by Auckland importers, despatch to this port from Foot how two steamers every year, which no doubt would be of considerable benefit to the port. The Whampoa's consignments were delivered in splendid order, and appear to have given perfect satisfaction.

Mr R. Logan, of North Shore, has turned out a handsome racine whaloboat on " spec." Sho is in most respects eimilar to the whaleboat built by him last, season, and promises to be very fast.

The terribly boisterous weather told slightly against the attendance at Mr Wright's mission services in St. David's last night. Still there waa a good gathering, and the evangelist gavo a capital addroes full of pathos and exhortation, and there is not the sligbtost doubt but fruit will result from his mission. This evening Mr Wright's services will be brought to a close in St. Davids, and if there are any in or around the district who have not had the pleasure of hearing him thoy should mako a point of doing so to-night. Prayer meeting at 7, service at 7 30. A collection will be tuken up at the cljso of the service this evening.

The following cases were decided at the R.M. Court yesterday, subsequent to our going to press :—A. A. Kay v. Llewellyn Bros., c'aim, £15 6s, for wages. Mr O'fV'e ighor appeared for tho plaintiff, ond Mr Keetley for the defendant. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for £13 Gs Sd, with costs, £2 18s. Thomas v. Graham, claim £7 10s, for commission. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Keetley for the defendant. After hearing the evidence, His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff for the full amount claimed with coats.

Robqrt Jfonkiqeon, contractor, a dobtor, has male the following statement to tho Official Assignee:— I have carriod on the businoss of a contractor in Auckland about 15 years. In the whole course of my career Ibavenever been inanymonetarydirhculties until about 12 months ago, whon I came in conflict with the Harbour Board in connection With a contract for woik on the Reclamation Wall, I claimed £1,500, and only got £670, This and some minor losses, bad times, and a large family taxed my resources beyond my power. The last 12 months have been spent in almost enforced idleness, no work being available In the hope of thiogs taking a turn, I have usod every moans in my power to moot engagements, but pressure on tho part of two of my creditors compelled me to tnko tho present course. My debts, unsecured, amount to £1,437 Ss, and I estimate a surplus of £1,000 over my secured debts, which amouat to £I,SOO. In addition to this surplus, my aseets are as folio .vs : riant, machinery, and material, £7">o ; horees, drays, etc., £150; book debts, £200 ; tramway shares, £100; R..M. case pending, £11,0 J interpst in a patent right, £1,500 ; furnituro, £10; and leasobold interest in dwelling-house, X6O. In this way I show a surplus of £3,123 12s, but I am quite nwaro that these values could not be roalised at tho present time, There are several contracts to be open shortly, and if I were free to continue my business, I feolconfidontl could do better for the creditors if I had time given me, than it would bo possible for them to realise out of a forced .sale, and in tho interest of all concerned I am quite willing and prepared to do all in my power to make the best of it. To the best of my belief , everything is disclosed, both as regards I debts and liabilities.

Some people wore greatly exorcised tho othor day over a cablegram giving the substanco of a " successful address " delivered in London by n certain "Baron" Norton, in tho course of which colonial topics were handled in a way more free than accurate. The "Baron's " utterances have formed the theme of Bevoral leading articles in New Zealand papers, although all confessed thcmsolvcs puzzled about the gontlomau's identity, some supposing him to bo Lord Norton, formerly Sir Charles Addersley. It turns out that the so-callod " Baron" is a labour " hadgatator" of the Garrard stamp, named NortOD, calling himself the representative of the Sydney Trades and Labour Council, who has been making himself rather conspicuous in London lately. From a special telegram to the " Sydney Morning Herald," wo learn that ho applied tho other day for an interview with tho Secrotary of State for the Colonies, but it does not appear that he got it. That speech of his, the occasion of which is not disclosed, is doubtless tho moat " successful" ho has ever delivered, sinco it has procured for him tho title of

Baron—a titlo which mo«t people wi!

agroo should bo enlarged to " Barren of Ideas " In justice to Baron Rcutor, tho telegraph man, wo should add that it was not his agents who eont by cable the ravings of tho new "Baron." Tho seventh annual stallion parade takes placo at Groen Lano on Saturday, tho ISth Septembor. Kutrios are due tho previous day.

Tho Homo Bay 'bus which leaves the tram stablos at 5.30 a m. daily has, on account of its antiquated nppearanco, become a standing (yea, a running) joke of tho travellers who are compelled to patronise it to town every morning. It is one of those old ricketty coaches which is a danger to occupants, as several pereons got their knees injured by it. One of the windows being broken, ono very humane brother brought a piece of zinc, gimlet, and fcrews, and patched the window np. This zinc business caused a great sensation as it was being put up. The 'bus would moke a fine coffee stall, to be seen only at night. No doubt tho tram car authorities aro open for such an offer. The "Church Gazette for Septembor contains some very interesting articles upon various topics. Ono contrasts tho ordination and the early clerical work of a young man in the Old Country and in this ; an-

other summarises Bishop Ligbtfoot's proof of the genuinenoss of the lotters of Ignatius, whilst a third is devoted to a history of the formation and constitution of the Church of Now Zealand. Lotters, extracts, ond paiochral and diocesan news complete the number.

In snothcr column will be found the acceptance of the challenge thrown out by J, Doro, of the Onehunga Rifles, to liro any Auckland Volunteer. Gunner J. Webster, of the A Battory, has joined issue with Dore, and the match will take place on Wednesday next, at Mount Eden range. "Si" Webiter will bo remomberod as having made tho good score of !)5 points out. of 100 at tho Wanganui meeting, hold in February last. We would call the attention of our reiders to the advertisement of the Melbourne Cj.'s ealo of the assigned stock of drapery and clothing purchased from the trustees in the estate of Hannkcn Bros., of Queon-etreet. From the quotations given it will bo eeen that a saving of fully one-third can be made on all purchases during the sale. Buyers of drapery and clothing should embrace this opportunity of making their spring purchases. Water consumers by meter aro reminded that unless accounts Jue and rendered for quarter ending 31st ult., are paid before 7th inst., supplies will be cut oil'in terms of notice. Working men who have a little cash, and wish to spond it to advantage, call to-morrow at Earle & Montgomery's, whero tho prices will bo ac follows :—Teas, Is 4d. la Sd, li 10d, and 2b 11 per 10 : coffeea. Is Id. Is 6d, and la 8d ; sugars. 2d. yjd. 3d,and 3jd ; tapioca, rice, sugo, split leas. 5b for la; currants and sultanas, (id per lb; raisins, 7d ; 7ib-bag flour, la ; 71b do catmeal la Id : bestCaDtub potaiocs. 20lb lor Is ; kerosene, ifgall tin for 6i; ploklo-, "id ur,d 8d per bottle: large bottles eauco, 8d each ; sardines, I'd ; biscuits, from 31 to 61 per lb ; salt butter, 6d to B<i; fresh do, lOd and is ; chiete. beat in tho market. 7d ; bacon and hams, tip top Bt.tiir, 61 and 7d. Kverj-trjing oise equally cheap and quality guaranteed at Enrlo & Montgomery, Co-operative Store and Farmers' Agency, Karangahape Roa J .-[ADVT]