COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9066, 29 May 1888, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from our own correspondents.] Hamilton, Monday. A serious accident occurred to a little boy three years old, a son of Mr. Thomas King, gardener. The child fell from a work bench, and broke one of its legs below the knee. The child was taken to the hospital, and with the assistance of Mr. R. F. Sandes, who administered chloroform, the little sufferer's leg was set by Dr. Kenny, and the child was taken home to its parents. Athletic sports have languished of late in Waikato, and as much for the reason, as anything else, that it is difficult in these times to find the necessary funds. The amateur nigger minstrel troupe, themselves many of them athletes, have hit upon the expedient of giving an entertainment . on Wednesday night on behalf of the funds of the cricket and football clubs, and as the churches have not been bleeding the public lately in a similar way, are likely to nave a good house. The hall was filled again to overflowing last night at the evening service of the Salvation Army, and as a consequence the various church congregations suffered. A large number of persons of all classes and denominations are regular attendants at the evening services. Whatawhata, Monday. Some of the culverts and bridges need seeing to in this district. On Saturday as Mr. Moore, of Kaniwhanawha, was proceeding to Hamilton he narrowly escaped what might have been a serious accident with a heavy load, the wheel crushing into a faultyculvert. Tuiiikaramea, Monday. Some years ago certain of the old settlers subscribed and built a schoolhouse, which was vested in' certain trustees, Messrs. Vicars, Glasson, and Hatfield, and to which more recent arrivals in the district have contributed nothing. At the present time it is sadly in need of repairs. Five or six years ago the Education Board, in lieu of paying rent for the building, lined it. and built a brick chimney, and it was hoped that in consideration that the Board has the use of the building, the same course would have been taken in the matter of the much-needed repairs. Application was made by the trustees, through the committee, but refused. Waiwera, Monday. In a large paddock kindly lent by the Hot Springs Company, athletic sports were held on the Queen's Birthday. Upwards of 300 settlers attended. Following are details of the different events:—Maiden Race, 100 yards : Won by G. Ryan by a few inches from S. Connolly. Waiwera Handicap, 100, 150, and 200 yards: G. Ryan, 11 points, 1; Martin Wcn/.lick, 8 points, 2; J. Boon, 7 points, 3. Hurdle Race, 120 yards : R. Ryan, 1 ; M. Wenzlick, 2; T. Cunningham, 3. Handicap Walking Race ; R. Ryan, 30 yards, 1; T. Jenkins, scratch, 2. Running"High Jump : A. Thorburn, 1. 100 Yards Handicap (open). Altogether 24 events were got through, the finishes in the principal events being very exciting, inches separating the placed men in most of the events. About £30 was distributed in prizes. A dance in the large hall brought the proceedings to a close. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Te Awamutu, Monday. As some considerable discussion has taken place in Waikato as to the respective merits of winter and of spring wheat as a crop from a farmer's point of view, the following may be of interest. Mr. W. Taylor of this place lias grown this year, after potatoes, a crop of winter wheat averaging fifty-five bushels per acre, and Captain Rutherford has taken a forty-eight bushel crop of winter wheat after a wheat crop the previous year. WADE. There are evident signs of progress in this much-neglected district. Several new settlers have cast in their lot with us recently. Among the most recent is a gentleman from the South, who has purchased the well-known property of Mr. Morris Kelly, jun. Ho has renovated the old house, and is, I understand, going in for fencing and other improvements upon a large scale. There is also to be seen a fine new cottage upon the property adjoining the above, built by Mr. Erne Bond, 'who. will, I have no doubt, judging from the energy and perseverance hitherto displayed by the Bond family, soon transform the fern into smiling pastures. A short distance down the river is also to be seen a new cottage, just built by Mr. Knaggs, upon a very pretty place, and where there is an admirable site for an orchard, and I have no doubt, from the well-known proclivities of the family, that he will booh nave a flourishing orchard there. There is also to be seen on the road to Wainui another large new house just built by Mr. Dunn, who a short time since removed from the Okura, and I have no doubt that he will soon change the appearance of the landscape by substituting beautiful paddocks of grass in place of tea-tree and fern. The county roads in this district want attending to badly. I do not know if they are left in the present deplorable state intentionally as a punishment for our being unwilling to be absorbed into the county. ARATAPU. A house belonging to Mr. Hugh Coutts was burnt to the ground a few days ago. : The painters and paper hangers were renovating the house when the fire occurred. The flames spread so rapidly that very little was saved. . Local option at Aratapu declared against any increase of licenses, but at Dargaville an increase is desired, though there are already three hotels in that district. Now that we have a lawyer resident in this district, it is considered necessary that another should journey hither to be present on court days, so that both sides may be placed on an equal footing.' Their presence makes itself felt very substantially. Formerly wo could get justice at a moderate cost; now, when parties appeal to the Court to settle their little differences, it seems; an

expensive affair. Instead of costs averaging about 10s or less, as formerly, about 60s seems to be the thing, as at last court day costs , were allowed in nearly every case amounting to nearly £3. ; * ' The truck system still exists in these parts. A lady in a near settlement was remonstrated with for taking in dresses; to make, as it was likely to interfere with the store' belonging to the owner of the place, where a dressmaker was engaged on a guaranteed weekly wage. '', Insurance agents have made a thorough canvas of this place. Mr. Alderton, for the Government Office, it is said, took one hundred lives; Mr. W. Gray, for the Australian Mutual, has been almost as successful, and he is still on the warpath. Mr. Newman, of the Colonial Mutual has also been about. We had some heavy rain last Thursday and Friday, and on the evening of the latter day a great deal of lightningabout the most vivid that I ever saw. Our footballers played their first club match last Saturday. The contest was fought out at Mangawhare, in response to a challenge from the Maropiu football club. A great deal of interest was centred in the game, as was evidencod by the large number who travelled up in thes.s. Zephyr to witness the match. Nearly three hundred were present on the field, both teams having their partisans. The Maropiu team was captained by Mr. Kelly, of the Maropiu Hotel, who deserves credit for his management. The team, mostly natives, was a heavy one, and wore blue uniforms; the Aratapu, red and black ; were much lighter, but were more practised in the game. Maropiu were hard pressed throughout the game, but broke through once or twice, putting their opponents to considerable risk. The Aratapu passed well, and played an open fast game, which was not what the Maoris had been used to. A pass from Bassett to Lowrie and Lowrie to A. Legge, gave that speeler a show, which he made good use of by passing three tacklers, and touching down between the posts. C. Leggett kicked the goal. A long and well-judged throw in, near Maropiu's goal line, by Keane, gave Legge another slant, ana he again touched down between the posts. Leggett goaled again. From kick-off in the second spell Keane followed up smartly, secured the ball, and being collared, passed to Alex. Smith, who ran in near the goal post. No goal this time. Later on C. Molloy with a fine dribble brought the ball through, and was on the point of scoring when an opponent held him. Besides those mentioned A. Johnson, Bassett, and W. Barber did good work for Aratapu. Kelly, Willis, and some of the Maoris did excellent work, but the Maori backs were not up to their work. The game was one of the quietest and most friendly I have witnessed.—[Own Correspondent, May 16.] RAHOTU. An ordinary meeting of the Parihaka Road Board was held at their office on the loth instant. Present: Messrs. W. Bayley, N. Syme, M. Fleming, J. Mcßeynolds, G. W. Gane, J. McHardy, and J. Stevenson. Mr. Mcßeynolds was elected chairman. The clerk read the result of the election, namely, McHardy, 64 G. W. Gane, 63 : Mcßeynolds, 56; J'. Stevenson, 55; E. J. Morgan, 41; J. Dudley, 27 ; and J. J. Elwin, 14. He had declared the four first-named gentlemen duly elected. It was resolved to lease the recreation reserve for three years. Mr. Gane inquired if the election had been publicly notified in accordance with section 35 of the Local Election Act ? The clerk replied it had not, it never had been before, but be had sent it to the Colonial Secretary for insertion in the Government Gazette. A letter was read from Mr. Rutherford, for a culvert to be put in to allow him to get into his flax mill. Mr. Syme proposed, Mr. Bayley seconded, " That a culvert be put in, the cost not to exceed £2." The Board had recently put one in for Mr. Stevenson, who was also in the flax industry. Mr. E. R. Morgan asked for a culvert to get into the bush section. A discussion took place, some advocating his just claims as well as the others. The overseer said making culverts to everybody's land meant a big job. Mr. McHardy said he had to put in his own at his own expense. Mr. Stevenson said he would know more after being on the Board a few years. He ought to have made the Board do it. It was left for the overseer to report on. Mr. Syme asked the reason of the notice of the annual meeting not appearing in both weekly papers. The clerk said he sent it, but it must have gone astray. A list of ratepayers owing sums up to £6 was laid on the table, and all are to be sued. The Government will not give any subsidy after June 30. Resolved, "That the clerk get the passbooks balanced up for the meetings." Mr. Gane moved, " That the overseer lay off a few chains of draining on the Ngariki Road, at a place indicated, caused to be impassable by the settlers in the open carting firewood, &c, out." Before Mr. Gane could finish, Mr. Bayley said no member should come to a meeting" and move a resolution to spend money without giving notice of motion at a prior'meeting. Mr. Gane brought Mr. Bayley to book, showing his inconsistency, he just having come to the meeting, and moved, "That a culvert be put in for Mr. Rutherford, at a sum not to exceed £2." After this, Mr. Gane finished his resolution, and it was resolved that the overseer report at the next meeting. Notice is to be given to clear the gorse off the road, and the Board will meet on the second Wednesday in every month. Accounts were passed, and notice of motion given by Mr. Bayley to strike a rate of £d in the £1. Notice of motion was given by Mr. Stevenson, " That members are not to draw their 5s travelling expenses who are living within five miles of the place of meeting. " Mr. McHardy said this came with very bad grace from Mr. Stevenson, who only lived a few chains away. Mr. Gane said he was not aware of any member but Mr. Stevenson, himself, living within that distance who ever drew the 5s each attendance. Mr. Syme said it must be to prevent himself (Mr. Stevenson) drawing it.

Much interest was taken in the road board elections. A lady went and recorded her vote. It is a pleasure to see that people, whether ladies or gentlemen, who pay rates, will take steps to select people to expend their rates for them. It is to be hoped other lady ratepayers will follow her example.

The weather continues fine. The flax industry is going ahead apace, and rates continue high.—[Own Correspondent, May 17.]

PUKEKOHE.

Sixteen members and one visitor (Mr. Hobbs) attended the weekly meeting of the Mutual Improvement society on the 30th of April. Mr. Crawford was elected as a member. The Rev. Mr. Law delivered his annual address as president of the Society, and spoke very ably upon his well-chosen subject, " How to make life a success." The lecturer does not regard acquired wealth as an unqualified indication of success, but advises young men striving after success to take a well-defined object in view, to adopt the best means in following that object, to look at things as they are, not as one would wish them to be, and to begin at the bottom, trying to make themselves useful, and a blessing to their fellowmen in the different spheres wherein they are placed, however humble these may be. Selfcontrol, energy, perseverance, fidelity, industry, and stability of character, he considered as essential qualities which would lead to success : and all legitimate attemps to obtain it should be encouraged. The successful ones were divided bvthe lecturer into five casses—(l) Producers (farmers); (2) miners ; (3) manufacturers ; (4) distributors (merchants) and (5) rulers. Speaking in the ensuing discussion about the last mentioned class, a considerable difference of opinion with regard to the best form of government—Monarchy or Republic—manifested itself to such a degree that it was found worth while to devote some future evening exclusively to the thrashing out of this delicate question. Messrs. Wilson, Fisher, Hobbs, Engster, and the president took an active part in the discussion, at the close of which Mr. Law kindly consented to write his address down in the book of essays . kept by the class for such purposes. On May 7th 25 members and Mr. Thomas Allen, as a visitor, turned up at the ordinary meeting of the society, Mr. Law occupying the chair. Both a motion and an amendment proposing to fine members who failed to speak when required by lot to do so, on impromptu speech evenings, were put to the meeting and lost, and the still more drastic amendment to relieve the ladies altogether from membership, regarding them merely as welcome visitors, was ruled out of order. It is, however, to be hoped that these more or less gentle hints may have the beneficial effect of bringing all the members to a proper sense of their duties in connection with a class bent on mutual improvement. The new writer of the Budget, Mr. Wright, introduced his paper with a short leader about North New Zealand's past, present, and future. Although the principal features were only touched on in this brief article, it was a very interesting one, creating a desire for more about the same subject on some future occasion. Sir Robert Stout's letter dealing with the agricultural outlook of our colony formed another interesting topic of the Budget; also some clippings, as well as original pieces of a humorous or scientific character. Messrs. Law, Fisher, Allen, Wright, Macdonald, Hooper, and Engster discussed and criticised the various subjects brought forward.—[A Correspondent.] .; DAIRY FLAT. The adjourned annual meeting of ratepayers was held at the office of the Pukcatua Road Board (the Dairy Flat school-house), on Saturday, the 12th of May, at half-past three p.m., Mr. James Inglis, the chairman of the Road Board, being in the chair. The minutes of last yoar's annual meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman stated that the

balance-sheet had not beeh received auditor, and submitted the f oUowb,* SS? the Which was passed, subject to th! *?*, passing the accounts . as miW** ? U( W ceipts : In National Bank £§ Bank of New Zealand, minU • P, lod in Board. £10 (April 30);'tSeami fM Uc »«s 18s 2d; rates on Crown B|H«S subsidy, £51 16s 9d; T. Seaman /* "d; 17s lid; T. Seamanfrates)^ 7B «2 on Crown lands £28 19s 8d; subsidy hß*** 7d: grand total, £371 6s 2d p ' ? J 12 « (June, 1887): John Foley (culvertf Sb*** entry, 30th of April, £10; A. Z}i f8 «*: making), £14; lawbook, 14s2d-P w (r^: ton (bridge), £14; A. W. ThorL." ,Clinwork), £8 12s; account rendered IT c?* l man), £10 0s 9d ; commission on CmlV S( *- (£2B 19s 8d), £1 9s ; commission on IT , at <* 17s 3d), £4 7s 9d ; Messrs. Jeff" ami (T (£l3 [cutting approaches and culvert), £ 1 , L"'''" T. Moyles (clearing road), £2 143. v ß6 *; Wilson and Horton (advertising 'f\f;Mr. Kensington (tracing, & c £i tj l «i vance by chairman, £2 6s 2d • stam,. i 1 a ''- lOd-making a total of £92 14 s o^ I*'1*' &c -.«s on works, &c.; money in National IhMS! 16s lOd ; in Bank of New Zealand ife? 8d: total £300 8s 6d ; from which it' l' 5 deducted for cheques not drawn «i i P w * loaving to the credit of the Board W,S?i frand total (expenditure), £371 Q s o"{ i. S: ilities of the Board :—Works utul u " tract: R. Brunton. £11 ss; Thomaf tT £39 ss; W. Griffiths, £6; N. CasS f 1 ?' total, £57 14s, which leaves a credit )t\ S; to the Board of £220 18s when all li«Sr? w are paid. At the meeting of the Board fe on May 12, in the school-house Mr T. eld Inglis was re-elected chairman, 'without position, for the sixth year in SUe ' J> The best thanks of the ratepayers are d ° U ' this gentleman for the painstaking eto ability with which, year after year ho"'"' ducts the affairs of the Board', free of li expense to the ratepayers, The oar uU solved that the chairman should advertix re dog tax. e » .. At the regular Sunday evening service of the Salvation Army, a collection was tat up to obtain money to purchase lamps and oil to light the building, when a good sum V obtained. "** The rain which fell here on Tlmrsd-. Friday, and Saturday last caused a verv hi fresh in the creeks. A large number of 1 were taken down by the fresh.-[Lucas' Cref Correspondent, May 14.] Ci

MAHURANGI. During the last few weeks two of our settle* have found themselves minus their horse* both of which seem to have been stole ' Indeed, one has been recovered, but so alter in general appearance as to be scarcely re'. - nisable by the owner, black lead having been so efficiently applied to a, white blaze on the face as to entirely change its appearance Our local constable is making due inqui r i 6 j about the one still missing. With a considerable degree of pleasure I have to chronicle the advance of our town ship. Just now, in West Warkworth a seven-roomed house is almost finished and has been secured by the Wesleyan community as a residence for their minister. A laree new store is also well advanced for Mrs Bo wen, and another about being erected by Messrs. Macklow Brothers for Mr. Rendall A blacksmith's shop is also in course of erection for Mr. Alexander Warin. Surely times cannot be so hard as croakers seem to think. The local lodge of Masonic brethren will hold their anniversary meeting on Sunday the 20th instant, when they will also hold 'a special service in Christ's Church, Warkworth, at three p.m., to which visiting brethren are invited.—[Own Correspondent!

HUNUA. Recently the Rev. T. Norrie preached here to a very good congregation, on which occasion the singing was also very good, but there is great need of a harmonium, and efforts are being made to secure one. _ Regret was also expressed that the service, is only held monthly, when so large a congregation can be obtained; and intimation was made that a monthly Sabbath service will be commenced on May 13th, at Maketu, at 11 a.m. and at Ararimu Valley at 2 p.m., and the latter service will be available to some who attend here, and indeed equally convenient The day-school is again opened, having been closed for a few weeks owing to the prevalence of whooping-cough. he election of the school committee passed very quietly, and, with one exception, the old members were elected.

Mr. Hirst, who was ever ready to take his part in public matters previous to his severe accident, is rapidly recovering, and may soon be able to resume his useful place as an active and industrious settler.

The Road Board has done a piece of excellent work in the metalling of some of tie worst places. Prospecting for coal and tiering operations still continue, and the discoveries already made are highly approved of by competent authorities in regard to the quality and workable character of the coal already found.[A Correspondent.]