NOTES FROM THE WAIKATO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4050, 5 November 1874, Page 1 (Supplement)

NOTES FROM THE WAIKATO.

[fwo.m our. own correspondent.] I Newcastle, October 30, 1874. The new Post and Telegraph Office hero is completed and ready for occupation, as soon as the Inspector of Telegraphs can find time to come up and pass the work, and arrange for the removal of the instruments. Now that the weather is fine, perhaps Mr. Sheath will enjoy the trip up, and so complete tlie work that other arrangements contingent upon his arrival may likewise be set right. The collector of the education rate has been here during the last few days for the purpose of making the formal demand, made necessary according to the Act ere the money can be recovered. It is amusing to hear the young men bachelors discussing "strata; gems to avoid the payment. I think, however, Mr. Kate Collector will be one too many for them, or lie belies his appearance. It appears that the demand for the rate must be made before the end of the year, or it cannot be recovered. Mr. James Stewart, C.E., has arrived on his official visit. The Government is to be congratulated on having the services pi! a gentleman whose professional experience and integrity ara so well known:- I have no

doubt that Mr. Stewart will do all he can to bring the contractors on. the line up. to time, so aa to be able to run the trains as soon as possible. Major Cooper, commanding officer of the Engineer Volunteer Militia, has arrived on Ms usual inspection tour. Has the Church of England Synod suspended its sitting ? If not, I wish you would bring under their notice the desirability of increased clerical assistance here. Of course there are three clergymen in the district—the Revs. B. V. Ash well, Lloyd, I and Brady. The former gentleman has done his share of work; but the extent of the district, and the daily increasing population, requires increased assistance, or redoubled efforts on the part of those who are already here, in the work of the Gospel. Messrs. Lloyd auc.l Brady have been away to the Synod, and I do not think the latter has returned yet. It seems to me absurd that a district like this should be lefc for an instant, for to carry out the work in which they are engaged to a successful issue it requires their mightiest efforts. I have seen the immigrants arriving here stay over Sunday, but no one has taken the trouble to enquire into their spiritual condition—to encourage them on their way with words of advice for their guidance. This, the work of a clergyman, I have never seen performed. In Auckland, where I sometimes go, and on going to church on a Sunday, I have found two clergymen doing the services. Surely one is suitioient for that, and send the other one here, or into some other district requiring him. It is invidious to draw comparisons, but I cannot j help it. lam a Protestant; but if the clergy ®f our Church in the Waikato would take j pattern by ;he Rev. Father Golden, the only Roman Catholic clergyman in the district, they would be more appreciated. I travel about very much, and the.-e is scarcely a settlement in which I do not see Father Golden or hear of him ; he is always on the move, and does not wait for a Sunday to celebrate the services of his Church: any day and a time most convenient to all does Father Golden labour. I feel very strong on this point, for where teaching is neglected there wili be found crime. I regret to liken the Church of England to the parable of "The Rich Fool," hoarding its revenue and neglecting that religious consolation to its members it is bound to give.

Mr. John Taylor, the contractor for the Waikato Bridge, will shortly commence operations. The material is expected daily. Whsn I travel 1 like a comfortable hostelry wherein to rest my weary head and aching bones. Here, my friend, Mr. Harris, of the Delta, is the gem of politeness and anxiety to see his friends comfortable. At Hamilton we are to have one of the same sort—one of your Auckland men, Mr. Gwynne, who succeeds Mr. Harper. If all I have heard of Mr. Gwynne be true, we shall have no more grumbling in that place. Ease and comfort is much wanted there.

The threatened opposition to the Waikato 'Times seems to have died away. The Times, however, will be removed to Hamilton, to a more central position for the district. The roads are now very good, enabling the coach from Auckland to arrive here at 5.30; but I fear Mr. Carter manages to squeeze out some of the stoppageallowance on the road. I heard one traveller complain very bitterly of not having had time to eat his dinner; whether he took too long over it or Carter was in a hurry I cannot say, but personal experience tells me that Carter is "a little too sharp on feeding time." However, I expect it is difficult to please every one, and on the whole Carter is very much liked. Major To Wheoro, the Native Commis-sioner-in-Chief of this district, passed through here a few days ago, en route for Auckland, on business. I expect the gallant officer has found some encroachment on the rights of his people, which requires the usual salve of the Native Office to heal.