Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1879. THE RAILWAY DEVIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 95, 29 July 1879, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1879. THE RAILWAY DEVIATION.

It will be seen from our Wellington Correspondent's letter, that a hitch has occurred in the matter of the deviation. Our correspondent states that the town agent for one of the properties purchased for the deviation has been informed, on asking for payment, that the Government do not intend to prosecute the work at present. This is certainly a very unsatisfactory state of affairs, and shows again how little reliance can be placed upon Ministerial promises. The repeated assurances given that this work would be proceeded with as soon as possible, are seen to have been mere airy nothings. The necessity of the work is admitted. The Minister for Public Works said he knew it wae impossible to work the railway and the wharf to the highest advantage, or profit, whilst the Station was in the main-street, instead of being near the wharf. The inhabitants have over and over again urged the importance for public safety aud convenience, of the work being done as speedily as possible. Promises have been given that it should be done, plans and specifica tions are prepared and lying at Wei* lington ready for tenders to be called, the necessary land has been purchased, end the money has been lying ready for a year, as Parliament last year voted £ 15,000 for the line/ and it was then intended to oxperid the money on this particular wcfrk. Therefore,wefail to see what possible reason or excuse there can be for fche work -being so persistently delayed. We have heard of cases in the township where gentlemen whose land was purchased for the deviation have been put to great inoonvenience. In oae case, a gentleman sold part of his land for the puipose of the deviation to the Government. Yet month after month went by without payment, and at last he wrote to the official who had arranged with him for the purchase, and informed that gentleman that he should charge 10 per cent interest up on the purchase money, as he was prevented from dealing with the land, but was unable to obtain any money from Government for it. In another case a gentleman had arranged with a Wellington firm to invest the money he was to receive for the land purchased from him for the deviation. After a time, a profitable investment was found, and the agents wrote to their principal for the monoy to be invested. He instructed them to call and see the authorities in Welliugton regarding it, and on enquiry at the Government Buildings, the agent learned that it could not be paid until Parliament voted the money. Such a state of things is by no means satisfactory. It shows either gross carelessness on the part of the officials, or elae that the Government are treating the settlers and public bodies of Foxton in a very insincete manner. We suggest that the Local Board should again bring the matter before the Government. It may be rather rude to " nag" poor Mr Macandrew so pereiscently, but desperate diseases need strong remedies. And this certainly seems to be a desperate case.

Crowded Out. — Our report of the meeting of the parishioners of All Saints' Churoh is unavoidably held over.

Whahf Ohaboes. — During his recent visit to Wellington, MrThynne interviewed Mersra Conyers andLawson, the Railway Commissioners, regarding the wharf charges at Foxton, and W9S assured that the matter is to come before the Railway Conference which sits at Ohristohurch during the month of August.

New City.— Marton has been proclaimed a borough. The election of Mayor takes place on August 19, and the election of Councillors on the 21st. The first meeting of the Borough Council takes place on September 1.

Otaki.— F. T. Cowper is appointed Postmaster at Otaki, from July 1.

At Labt.— The two m6n Barton and Smith, who were arrested last Tuesday, oharged with larceny and vagmncy, had a long time tc wait in suspense. As stated

in Friday's issue thoy were brought before the Court on both Wednesday and Thursday, and remanded each day, owing to there being only oue J.P. on the Bench, whilst the law required that the case Bhould bo tried before two J.P.s or one R SI. They were again brought before Captain Robinson on Friday morning, and again remanded owing to the judicial power being too weak by one»half. The men applied to the J.P. on Friday morning for permission to be ill lowed to work in the police grounds, as they found the cells very cold, but wero told that the Bench had no ; ower to order anything of the kind. However, Constable M'Anulty allowed t,hem to warm themselves with a little fencing job, for which the men were no doubt very grateful. On Saturday morning, however, their suspense was ended by a committal to Wanganui Gaol for two months on a charge of larceny, they having pleaded guilty. Their manner impressed us with the idea that they had got what they wanted, — cheap lodgings. They evidently belonged to the criminal class. The two men ■were taken 011 to Halcombe on Saturday nveniug by Constable M'Anulty. An officer from Wanganui met him at that station, and took charge of the men, the Foxton oonstablo returning by the down train.

Cattle Fiiosi Oroua. Djwxs. — On Saturday afternoon last Mr Croker drove through the first half of a mob of 150 cattle purchased from the Oroua Downs Station for Mr Gear, of Wellington. The animals were declared by all who saw them, including several experts, to bo a fine herd, and likely to turn out magnificent beef. The remaining 75 will be driven through to Wellington in a few days.

Eoxtoh School Committee. — A meeting of the Foxton School Committee was held on Friday afternoon last. The principal business was to consider the application of Miss J. H. Patrick, of HokitiUa, for the position of mistress of the school. Owing to there appearing to be some misapprehension in Miss Patrick's mind as to the nature of the appointment, the Chairman (Mr Gray) on Thursday telegraphed to her, asking her if shehad applied to be appointed as mistress or teacher of the infant soliool. To this, no answer was received, and the Committee accordingly passe 1 a resolution recommending Miss Patrick to the Board for the appointment. Whilst the meeting was in progress, however, a telegram was handed the Chairman from the lady, in which she stated that she had sent in her application for the appointment of infant school teacher, and that since writing she had received an appointment to a school in Christchurch. As, however, the telegram did not say the appointment was accepted, the Conuiittce determined to forward the resolution recommending Miss Patrick to the Board^ and also copies of the telegrams that hud parsed between the Chairman and that lady, so that the whole of the information might be before them.

AmtESTBD. — A few daya ago, a jockey named Derrick, who rode Fishhook ■when that horse was disqualified, was offering for sale in Foxton a horse, saddle and bridle very cheap. Mr Whyte, thinking the price too low, would not trade, but the turn-out was purchased by Mr C.Honore at a low figure. . Suspicion was aroused, and as Mrs Putter had lost a gold watch and chain from the Manawatu Hotel, at which place Derrick stayed for several days, it was determined to arrest him on suspicion. Constable MfAnulty started in pursuit on Sunday last, and searched all Monday, but his luck was not on, as Constable Gilleepie and Mr Melvor captured Derrick yesterday between Feilding and Awahuri. The pri oner was lodged in Palmerston Gaol last night, and Constable M'Anulty returned to Foxton by the down train. He will be tried by Mr yf ard, R.M., to-day, at Palmerston, for horse-stealing, and at Foxton to-morrow, for stealing the Wtitch and chain. / Stop the Sand.— The Local Board would do well to arrange with Mr Macavthy, the contractor for forming the footpaths along Main-streot, for fascining the slope of the sandhills, so that the sand may bo prevented from dropping on to the paths. Tuo expjrienoe of the la3t week during the westerly winds, showed very plainly that unless something of the kind is done, the paths will, almost immediately they are formed, be oovered with drift sand.

Mb Watt's Charges.— The statements of the cuaii-nun of the Education Bjard at last meeting were again brought before the Foxlon School Committee on Friday last, when a resolution was passed to the effect that Mr Watt's statement that the Foxton Committee had wasted £500 was untrue, the work done at the school building being good value for the money. The Chairman will have a pretty lively time at the next meeting, as lie has been " slated" considerably during the month.

Telegraphic. — A telegraphic return just published, shows that during the quarter ending 30lh June, 334,303 telegrams were forwarded in New Zealand, being au increase of 21,028. The amount of cash aetuully received for the above quarter was 18,945 10s 2d, Deing £91 19s 4d less than during the quarter of 1878, but the Govern'mcnt telegrams sent during the quarter of this year amounted in value to £7,988 4s od, agninat £5,788 18a 3d the previous year, being an inosease of £2,249 6j 3J. The large increase in Government telegrams was probably caused by the native troubles on the West Coast.

Railway,— We hear that the two single Fairlie engines which are to be placed on the Foxton-Wanganui railway line, have arrived at Wellington per Pleione, and may he expected here shortly.

The Ready Money Stobe It will be seen from our advertising columns, that the proprietors of the Heady Honey Store, which has gained a high reputation in the district for cheap articles, aro determined to meot the times by low-priced goods. The figures speak for themselves, and as the sale is only for 14 days, early opportunity should be taken of the bargains.

Land Sale. — In another column will be found particulars of Messrs|Thynne, Liuton & Co's great land sale, which will be held on August 20. We will refer at length to the properties on a future occasion.

Ayes oa Noes.— The division on the noconfidence motion is to take place to-day, before 4 o'clock.

The Concert. — We remind our readers of the Choral Conoert to-mo: row evenng. The programme, which is published iv another column, speaks for itself. It is ex cellent, varied, and interesting, comprising for the most part pieces have never before been performed in this district. We hope as it is the last concert of the season, to see a large attendance. The prices of admission are very low, being 2s (id and Is

Bovinbßccbntricitibs.— Last Saturday's experience in Foxton showed the necessity of some better plan being adopted in the ferrying of outle. Mr Croker's mob passed through the town quietly, and were placed in the ferry paddook, but directly the work of shipping began, the trouble began also. The animals appeared to be most obstinate, and very great difficulty was experienced in getting them to take the water. About two o'olock, when a good many people were about, one massive bullock got out of the ferry reserve, and rushed violently down the Btroet. Roadmen at work, and stray

paßsenirerß made haste to the first fence or other erection which would afford shelter from the furious animal. Some sor 6 others followed suit, and as fourteen men and boys on horses joined in the chase, the street was filled with excitement, as the bnllooks and horses galloped tlnough the streets. Some distanco beyond the schoolhouse, the animals were turned round, and headed for the ferry ; but upon reaching that point, they again bolted through the street, and were again driven back to the ferry ; the same programme being gono through a third time, the aforesaid bullockleading the charge each time. Ii is unnecessary for us to point out how dangerous suoh eccentricities are in the town. Children are in positive danger of their lives, and ladie« (and even the sterner sex), frightened to a degree, as was \ roved by the speedy retreats of Saturdpy. It is simply a disgrace that the fevry arrangements are such that the animals can get loose, and rush about the town in the manner thoy did on Saturday last. The County Council derives a- very large revenue each year from the Foxton ferry, and we demand, in the interest of the lives of the people, that means he taken to fence in an enclosure down which the cattle could pass to the river, instead of allowing them to rush about the township in the way they do at present. The whole ot the stockdrivers are particularly careful men, and take every precaution to prevent aocident; but they cannot do impossibilities! and are therefore not to be blamed for the bullocks hreakiug away. We trust the matter will come before the County Council, at its next meeting. The Engineer would, we are sure, devise in a very short time, some simple but effectual meaus of preventing such bovine eccentricities as those we saw on Saturday.

The Diocesan Fond. — It will be seen by our report of the meeting at All Saints' Church that his Lordship the Bishop stated on Saturday evening, that it will be impossible to get the Diocesan Fund, which will make up clergymen's stipends, build churches, &c, starting before January next. It was originally hoped to have it in working order by the first of July, but the prevailing depression has prevented this.

Diiowned. — Nothing whatever has been seen of the body of the hid James Hawkins, supposed to have been drowned at Paiaki about a fortnight ago. It has probably b.como entangled in a snag at the bJttoin of the river.

Sxags. — Tho snag in the river near Cap* tain Robinson's residence was on Saturday last removed by the crew of the Osprey. It was/found to bo a taua tree of considerable lorigth. / Pbo9Ress. — We are pleased to note that Customs business at this port is gradually gettiag und"' weigh, the Stormbird on Sunday last having brought up the first instalment of bonded goods, consisting of 1 case of musical instruments, and 1 case of saddlery, for a Feilding firm. We trust this is the beginning of a large and constantlyincreasing trade between Manawatu anJ the home country. The goods referred to were stored in Mr Thynne's bond .

Final Notice.— Mr Crowther, creditors' trustee, gives final notice to all persons indebted to 11. Brown's estate, that unless they pay their accounts they will be summoned.

The Bisuop's Visit. — His Lordship Bishop Hadfield arrived in Foxton on Saturday afternoon, per train, from Wanganui, and in tho evening presided at a meeting, of parishioners at All Saints' ( .'hurch. He also conducted Divine Service on Sunday, both morning and evening. The weather was extremely wet, torrents falling throughout the whole day, but a considerable number braved the elements to enjoy the privilege of hearing a sermon from his Lordship, That in the morning |was a masterly dincourse upon tbe essential principles of the Gospel, based upon Acts, xxvi. chapter, 17 18 versea. The explanation and enforcement of sin as being of neoessity moral darkness was especially telling. The even ing sermon was upon the importance of public worship. His Lordship baaed Uia discourse upon Psalm cxxii. verso 1, and Hebrews, chapter x., verse 25, and showed that though no absolute command to gather for publio worship was given under the Christian dispensation, it was an unwritten law of the New Testament that Christians/ were to do so. He urged the importance or a constant attondance upon religious services as an incentive to personal piety, and as a means of doing good to others by ex ample. His Lordship left per yesterday morniug'B coach for Wellington. Whilst in Foxton he stayed, as usual, at Whyte's Hotel. '

Cattle Chase. — We have received a great many complaints from residents in the township regarding the " cattle chase ," on Saturday. 'One lady who was walking near the schoolhouso saw an infuriated beast coming towards her, and speedily climbed over the fence, but wa3 horrified to find the animal had jumped after her. She obtained shelter in one of tho outhouses near the school. Had no shelter been near she might have been seriously hurt.

The Nrw Post Office — The above building will be completed in a week or two, and will doubtless afford sufficient accommodation for some years to come, as the Tblegraph and Postal Departments willperform their work in separate buildings. A very great improvement has been effected in the publio lobby of the Telegraph office, the miserable pigeon hole having been abolished and a sliding door substituted, whilst the board which did duty as a desk has also given pluoe to one of sufficient height and "slant" to entitle it to the name- of a desk. As showing the growing character of the business done in Foxton by the Postal Department, we may mention that the whole 24 private boyes have been engaged, and that so soon as tho new set are available, sevoral more will bo takea.

The Htdbabad Cabgo.— -The p.s. Samson, which is engaged iv carrying the Hydrabad's cargo of railway material from Hartley's to the ship Matilda, anohored off Kapiti, has only made one trip as yet. She got out early last week with a full oargo, which «vas transhipped, but a heavy westerly gale comiug on, Captain Basoand deemed it advisable not to attempt to cross the bar. He therefore anohored at Kapiti for two days. The Samson returned to Hartley's on Friday, aud having loaded up again, Captain Basoand expected to get; out of the river wiih a second lot yesterday. It will probably take two months to load up the Matilda with tha stuff lying at Hartley's. Captain Gibbon, who has chartered the Sampson and Matilda on behalf of the Adelaide Insurance Companies, arrived per Stormbird on Sunday.

Fbbrtiko Cattle. — Mr Orooker has lodged a complaint with us. He states that the greater part of the trouble on Saturday was caused through the broken condition of the fences around the ferry reserve, and in the •♦ lead ; " also, that both the regular f errymen were away, the persons acting as their substitutes being unused to the work, and therefore incompetent. He says that he was engaged for five hours in crossing 75 head of cattle, and that the damage he sustained in deterioration of the beasts amounted to at least £10. Had the fencing been in a proper condition, the trouble would not have occurred, as he in* tended to punt the cattle over the river, when he found they would not take to the water easily, but found it impossible to do

so, the fencing leading to the puut being in a broken state. 11 0 also states that &n extra payment of 2d per head is made by the drovers to secure good fencing nnd effi cient management, and that unless better provision is made, the stockmen will be compelled to agaiu cro33 their cattle at the mouth of the rivu\ which would mean a considerable loss each year to Foxtoa. We may state that Mr Bowe, the les*eo of the ferry, was away iv Wellington on important buiincss.

The Foxtox Doctjb. — It will be remembered that some time ago Dr Agassiz, late of Clinton, Utago,was accepted by the Foxton Medical Committee as the succe.s.-f ul applicant for the position of resident medical practitioner. For some reason, however, that gentleman has neither arrived nor seat any ap 'logy for or explanation of his long absoncs. The Committee have therefore ceased to recognise him in any way, and have forwarded a telegram to his last known address to that effect. They have, however, been fortunate in securing, through the kind offices of the Hon. Dr. Grace, a gentleman just out from England per ship Pareora. Tue name of the gentleman referred to is Dr. Barbor, his qualifica tions being Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeon*, Ireland, and Licentiate of the Apothecaries' Hall, Dublin. Ho has been in prrctice for 9 year3,during part of which time he had charge of the Cottage Hospital at Oawestry, and also of the Dispensary. He holds testimonials from Dr& Ledwiek, Erm3, Mason, Swarm, M'Dowoll, and Morgan, of Dublin, and from Dr Duvies of Oswestry, whilst Dr .Grace, of Wellington, having recommending him, is also.an additional proof of his qualifications. Dr iiarber will probably arrive by the next stuamer from Wellington, and wo trust his stay in this district will be satisfactory alike to himself, his family, and the settlers.