THE HOT LAKES CHRONICLE AND Tourist' Journal. "This fact I will chronicle." WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 1895.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 123, Issue 123, 17 April 1895, Page 2

THE HOT LAKES CHRONICLE AND Tourist' Journal. "This fact I will chronicle." WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 1895.

No other country on tlio face of tho earth than New Zealand offers a better excuse for dwelling upon the very much discussed question of seismic ph noineuu and no locality offers better opportunities for making observations regarding earth tßem.irs than this Hot Lakes District. The subject is one which has had much attention paid to it by goologisis, and although their opinions have differed considerably in i lie past, it is satisfactory lu note, from recent seientitio journals, that a convergence of idem is beginning to be made manifest The establishment •>* n »«ißmtimetric observatory on the slope of Mount Vesuvius was a most important step and led to tho invention of special appliances for determining the preciso extent aud direction of tho tremors which affect the earth's crust from time to time. To so high a degree of perfection have those instruments attained that the most minute change of level, eveu to the one-thousandth part of an inch to the mile, is recorded. Tests, made by explosions in mines and so forth, further testify to the reliability of these earthquake recording pendulums. The observations already made go to s!m v that a welldefined earthquake tltnury is one of the possibilities of the immediate future, and at no distant date scioutslic men may bo able to proJict with accuracy the imminence of earthshakes. and demonstrate their periodicity with as much confidence as in the caso of comets. Certain important points have at all events been elucidated by the studies made, viz., that tho winter mouths are more favourable to their occurrence than summer, and that the pressure of the atmosphere, though not the cause, has undoubtedly an influence over the phenomena. The theory held by Humboldt that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions were the effects of a common cause, (the action of the molten centre of tho earth on its crust,) has for many years been disputed. In place of this an opinion has been set up, based On the observations to which we have referred, that the subsipence of strata undermined by water is the explanation of both phenomena. When it is considered that a country like Japan, which may be said to have ju-t sprung into civilization, according to western ideas, has been for some time engaged in the stud}' of these phenomena, it seems strange that a district so favourable to such observations in a British Colony, should have been neglected by scientists. The establishment of a seismometric obser* vatory would not involve much expenditure and would materially aid Europeans savants in their investigation of phenomena of universal and peculiar interest.

Iy another column will be found a digest of that part of the business dono at the recent Maori Parliament held here which more particularly affects tho Pakoha. The roport is unique for this reason that it is contributed by the Secretary to the House whoso name is appended to it and is printed as received from him VEBBATim et LiTEUAfiJt. Tho portion to •which we would direct the attention of our readers is where tho intention is oxpressed of sending delegates to England, in the event of the Native Eights Bill being rojected by tho House of representatives next session, to lay their grievances before the Im>

perial Parliament whose function it is, they consider, "to interfere between the Government of New Zealand mid the Maoris; which duty and the honorable fulfilment of the Treaty of W'.aitangi demand." The illegal acts complained of relate to the " unjustifiable confiscation of extensive tracts of land by force of arms and by past legislation on native matters which had been disastrous to the natives." The oilier matters considered by tho Parliament which went oat of sessioa on Saturday last were, we understand, purely bearing on their own tribal interests, but we have reason to be lieve that resolutions were passed which will cause tho voices of the native members of the House to bo heard on many questions of general politics next session in Wellington.

'•lrs J. Wright, fromTauranga, accompanied by her head dross*-maker, c:ni Le interviewed at Mr Brent's from to-mor-row (Thursday), till Saturday. As Mrs Wright lias brought a small stock of millinery and mantles with her, the ladies of Itotorua should take this opportunity of inspecting tho same and also have their patterns taken for dressmaking. Fit and style guaranteed,—AnvT.

At the Board of Education meeting in Auckland last week a letter was received from Itotorua. referring to the refusal of the local committee to sanction the use of the Sehoolhouse for the purpose of holding divine worship. It was stated that such refusal was said to have emanated from the Chairman of the Board. Mr lTdy said that the statement made by him was never intended to apply to divine worship, but only against the; use of the building being granted during the week for the purpose of amusements, such as travelling shows. Mr W. Edwards who had been spending his holidays at Rotorua was the unfortunate subject of an exciting experience on his homeward journey on Monday last. The sudden swerving of the train, as it proceeded at full swing round a curvo, near Matamata Station, caused Mi- Edwards to lose his footing, and threw him off the platform. The train proceeded some miles before the attention of the driver or conductor could he drawn to the fact, but as a jigger happened to he at hand, the unfortunate traveller was quickly reclaimed, though in an unconscious state, and made as comfortable as possible on the train. On arriving in Auckland he was conveyed home by his friends, Messrs Gilmer and Foster, and beyond a severe shaking is not likely to experience any serious result. The accident points to the advisability of establishing a belter means of communication between passengers and those having charge of the train.

On Sunday nest an interesting ocrcm my will take place at Makctu, when Bishop Williams will ordain, as deacon, a Rotorm native named Raneku Huumiu. The o.tndidute studied at the Maori College, Gisbourne, under Bishop Williams before liis election to the bishopric. On aceorUit of the activity now I>nin<* evince 1 in building operations throughout the district, the Rotoiti sawmill, which is owned by Mr W. Kelly, M. H. R., and managed by Mr W. Henshaw, is having its resources fully tested. The Mararoa and Mamuku mills, and also that owned by }[,.,«,.< TCI Tiros, and Williams find some difficulty in filling the orders which arc flowing in.

No bettor evidence could bo bad of tbe implicit confidence with whicb the future of Botorua is regarded than is afforded by the stately building gradually uprearing itself in Fenton Street and which will be known as the Grand Hotel. Mr McCallum, the contractor, is pushing the work rapidly on, the bliok chimneys are completed, the cellarage accommodation finished, and the roof will apparently be rcaily for its iron sheathing in about a week's time. The lower window frames are all in position and convey a faint idea of the general appearance which will bo presented later on. Considerable expense is being incurred in the matter of bar fittings and it is anticipated that that portion of the building will be open to the public early in June. The Palace Hotel is now undergoing a much more satisfactory process of reconstruction than certain financial institutions of which we have had painful experience of lato. One portion of the building has been shifted, the second is in course of being removed, and the third and last instalment of the gigantic hostelry will shortly follow. As soon as the house is in situ the renovation of the interior will be commenced, and in this matter no pains will be spared in providing for the comfort of guests. Mr Keys is using every effort toward expediting the work, and it is confidently anticipated that the hotel will be open before the contract time —the first week in June. In the meantime Mr and Mrs Johnston extend a cordial welcome to casual visitors to the temporary premises. A football match between the local men and a team representing tbe Mamnku and Mararoa Sawmills took place on the Pukeroa Reserve on Saturday last. Owing to the forbidding aspect of the weather play did not commence uuiil a later hour than usual. The game which was rather one-sided resulted in a victory for Eotorua by 12 points to nil. Messrs W. Dansey, (captain), G. Dansey, Martins, (2), and Mitchell were included in tbe home team, the others being natives. The visitors were captained by Dalton, the others being G. Steele, W. Steele, Given, Wilson, Boord, P. Welsh, A. Steele, Power, Wallace, D.ilbeth, Whitwell, Giles, Young and D. W. Steele. Mr J. W. Webber acted as referee.

Samples of a consignment of garden or verandah chairs imported by Mr J. H. Taylor may "be seen at his Mart near the CiIROXICLE office. The framework is of iron, a wooden seat being attached; they are light, easy and comfortable and can bo easily folded and stowed away when necessary. They aro most suitable for out of door use as they aro impervious to the effects of the weather and practically indestructible.

The Right Rev. W. L. Williams, Bishop of Waiapu, will visit this part of his Diocese about May 19th. Tho Ven. Archdeacon S. Williams will probably be here about Hay 12th. The Hon. John Henry, who held the portfolio of Treasurer in the Tasmanian Ministry prior to the present party coming into power, has made Bathgate House his headquarters while touring the district during the past fortnight. Mr Henry and party left on Monday for Auckland en route home.

Mr B. D. Dansey, Postmaster, is ut present enjoying a well earned holiday having Leon relieved of hi; duties on Monday last by Mr J. Salmon of the Auckland office. Constable Murray will act as Clevk of the Court in the interval. Mr D.uisey will be .absent about a month, but does not contemplate straying very far from Kotorui during his vacation.

Mrs li. Graham, as notified in our last issue, hits resumed the control of the Lake House Hotel, and inserts an advertisement in another column drawing attention to tin, leading features of the house which will prove attractive to guests. Extensive alterations and improvements will be made before the tide of tourist traffic sets in next season.

As notiiied in another column a meeting of householders will take place in the Schoolroom on Monday evening next for the purpose of electing a new committee. Nominations may be made right up to the night of the election, so it is impossible to give a list of intending candidates. Of the old committee Messrs Dunsoy am! Cprlctt have signified that it is not" thoir intention to stand again, out it is quite possible that sufficient pressure may be brought to bear on these gentlemen to cause them to alter thoir decision. Messrs Williams, Purcell and Fitzgerald may be regarded as likely oandidates, and several fresh aspirant; may be looked for in the persons of Messrs Thomson, D. Steele, H. W. Neighbour, F. Hall and Murray. There was a large influx of visitors to the town and district during the recent holidays, and it is most regrettable that the weather Was so intensely disagreeable during their stay. Captain Edwin, certainly, did what he could in raising the hopes of our guests by prognosticating a change for the better after the lapse of twelve hours, but the promise was not fulfilled until Monday by which time a large proportion of visitors had departed. The various hotels and boarding-houses were taxed to their utmost from Good Friday till Easter Monday, but the resources of most of these establishments are of so elastic a nature that all requirements were satisfactorily met. A correspondent writes drawing the attention of the local authorities to the condition of Tutanokai St,, between the Courthouse and the llailway Station, and points out that if the roadway is not metalled before the winter's rains set in considerable inconvenience will be experienced by drivers of teams and other vehicles. Last year it will be remembered that nothing was done until the road was almost impassable and then it had to be fascined.

A general exodus of natives took place on Monday morning, when the last contingent of chiefs and others who have been attending to their legislative duties took their final departure. Many of these amongst whomis Mr Hone Heke, M.H.R., will proceed to the King's parliament which is assembling at Maungakawa, near Cambridge. At that meeting the business done here will be considered, and amended or agreed to, according to circumstances*

Amongst the visitors on yesterday's train from Aucl;!"-- 1 Mr D. J. Quinn, a representative . Sydney Evening Notvs and Tow .d Country Journal. Mr Quinn who is touring >Te\v Zealand partly on business, but mostly on pleasure bent, will have an opportunity of exercising his descriptive powers in conveying to Australian readers some idea of the marvellous beauty of the " Wonderland. " Mr Louis Ueckc, the well known author of " By Reef and Palm," was a fellow passenger with Mr Quinn from Sydney, but remains in Auckland for the present. Mr Beck'; is now on the literary staff of the Town and Country Journal.