COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9213, 16 November 1888, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

' [from our own correspondents.] Ngaruawahia, Thursday. The difficulty of housing the Maori fever patients from the Waipa river settlements has been spared to the Hospital Board. Andrew Barton, the well-known Waipa chief, was here yes<"°>day for the purpose of forwarding a communication to tne authorities, that in consequence of .the great improve- j ment in the health of those who were sick, there will be no occasion to send any of + hem to the hospital at Hamilton. Hamilton, Thursday. Shearing is pretty well through 011 the several farms in this part of the district, and the yield of wool is _ generally reported as good. Mr. Coates finishes shearing on Tuesday, and from 400 sheep will get an average of 111b of wool per sheen, some yielding 151b and 161b. Eleven pounds of wool, and a lamb worth 7s 6d, with three ewes kept where one beast could be carried, will give a large margin in favour of sheep over cattle, and, in itself, I a very satisfactory return. I Mr. Sutton is again the successful tenderer for the carriage of the Raglan-Hamilton , mails, and at a price some ±2 lower than |;

the contract of. last year. Mr. Sylvester McGuire is the new contractor for the mails . from Hamilton to the two railway stations. Victoria-street and Frankton, and Mr, Hugh Kelly, of Hamilton, is the successful tenderer for the mails between Tamahere and Hautapu and the railway station. Mr. J. McNicol s first drove of fat cattle, sent by road instead of rail, to the Auckland market has started, and will arrive at Remuera about the 19th. It mustered 70 head of very choice cattle, made up by contingents from several farms in the Cambridge, Pukekura, and Te Awamutu districts. _ It is calculated that a considerable saving in cost will be effected by driving by road, as well as putting the beef in the market in a superior condition than if sent by railway. Mr. H. P. McPherson, one of the original settlers who came over with the 4th Regiment from Melbourne, died to-day. For nearly a year past he had been an outdoor patient of the Waikato Hospital, having suffered from an attack of paralysis. On Tuesday he had another attack, and succumbed to-day at noon. His life was insured in the Government office for £150, which, as he died intestate, the Charitable Aid Board will doubtless claim on behalf of his young children, for whom they are providing m the Auckland Home.

Te Awamutu, Thursday. The following tenders for works in the Rangiaohia district have been accepted — Grading the Lake Road, McCullum, 5Ad per cubic yard ; grading near Mathews', Bearsley, 44d cutting, formation 4s 3d per chain; grading Holden's Road, Given and Son, 5d per cubic yard, cutting and formation os per chain ; Te Awamutu-Rangiaohia Road, Bearsley, formation 30 feet wide ss, and 66 feet wide 8s per chain, clearing 2s 3d per chain, and laving pipes 12s per set; gravelling portion of Te Awamutu-Rangiaohia Road, R. Potts and Co., 26s per chain. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Cambridge, Thursday. The Trinity Presbyterian Church anniversary soiree took place last night, in the public hall. The audience was numerous and appreciative, and the excellent programme submitted sent everybody home satisfied. The programme was as follows : —Piano duet, " The May Queen," Messrs. T. Harley and McDermott: address, Rev. W. Evans ; song, " The Outpost," Mr. H. Wilson ; song, " My Lady's Bower," Mrs. Chambers ; recitation, " The Legend of Horatius," Mr. G. W. Russell; song, The Cradle Song of the Poor," Mrs. C. Hunter ; song, "Four Jolly Smiths," Mr. H. Steele; song, " What Bells are Those?" Miss Wallace; "Some Traits of Scottish Humour," Rev. R. Scott West; song, "The Golden Portal," Miss Murray; song,, "The Laird of Cockpen," Captain Reid; duet, " The Venetian Boat Song," Mrs. and Miss Chambers; song, "Mary of Argyle," Mr. P. Garland; duet (selected), Mrs. Hunter and Miss Wallace; recitation. " The Little Knowing Boy," Mr. G. W. Russell; banjo selections, Mr. Davis. PAPAKURA. The funeral of Mrs. Xorrie, the lamented wife of the Rev. Thomas Norrie, took place on Friday, the 9th instant, and was largely attended. The following members of the Auckland Presbytery were present, and took part in the services at the manse, and at the cemetery Revs. J. Macky, G. B. Monro, R. F. Macnicol, D. W. Runciman, and R. Sommerville. The Rev. 0. R. Hewlett (Episcopalian) also attended. A large representative gathering of the settlers trom the various districts of the charge attended and showed their sympathy with the bereaved, and their respect to the memory of the deceased. The Rev. Mr. Macky, as one who had known Mrs. Norrie from her first arrival in the colony, gave a most impressive address, and the whole service was very solemn and affecting. On the following Sabbath, funeral sermons were preached at Drury, Papakura, and Wairoa by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol to large and attentive congregations, and at each place he paid a well-deserved tribute to the character, virtues, and Christian graces of the deceased, by which, in the memory of her goodness, she " Being dead yet speaketh."—[Own Correspondent.]

OTAMATEA. Since last week we have had very rough weather, blowing a gale of wind nearly the whole of the time. The fruit trees have consequently suffered very considerably, and the promise of a very good crop, as was anticipated at the various orchards round about, is very materially lessened. Some time since Mr. Shakespeare, who is residing on his station at the Opou. met with rather a serious accident, having broken his collarbone while out riding. Under the care, however, of the surgeon. Dr. Montaine, and the good odices of Mr. Willie Channon, who is attending him, be is fast recovering, and will soon be about again. There are great preparations going on just now amongst the natives here to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of one of their favourite young women. Invitations to their pakeha friends are being issued, and a great ' Hakari " is in course of preparation.— Correspondent.]

ARATAPU. Our district shows many material signs of real settlement and progress, and Aratapu mill hands seem to have had a good share in the settlement of the country. I could mention several who have gone from here to become settlers at some distance from us. Rawene has t.iree of them, Waimate North three more, and in the Northern Wairoa several of the Aratapu mill hands, past and present, have acquired holdings, and are making excellent settlers. .Seventeen or eighteen of this class I could name, a fact from which we may well hope and expect that before the timber industry has dwindled to comparative insignificance, our district will have within itself the means of taking an important position independent of that industry. Among the most successful of those who have recently become tillers of the ground I might name Mr. Wordsworth, who, although still keeping up his connection with the mills when they ate at work, has made such excellent use of tiie time when the mills have been idle, also of his spare time when they were at work, that he has secured for himself the means of a good livelihood, independent of his mill work. His plot 01 beautifully-kept land, at the foot of the Kopiiru Hill, would compare favourably with the Auckland market gardens. He always has a good stock of each vegetable, in its season ; and his orchard, too, is so well looked to that it fruits well. His peaches last year were of extra fine quality, and the trees well laden. Two shillings and Is 6d per dozen were willingly paid for the tine fruit. Strawberries, too, can be had throughout the season : they and the peaches are now looking remarkably well. Industry and attention is the cause of his success. Water is laid on by pipes reaching to all parts of his garden enclosure, Mr Wordsth having due a reservoir on the hill, in which is always to be found a good supply of water, and thence pipes are laid into the garden. Added to the garden. Mr. Wordsworth has cows milking, and horses on hire. He has a numerous family, mostly boys, and the whole family work together for the success which they deserve, and will assuredly attain. Mr. Wordsworth contemplates building a house near his garden very shortly, so that he may save the time now spent in travelling to and fro, and also that he may better look after his property. We have an abundance of shipping in our river just now. Two large vessels at Aratapu—Charles Bal and Lindus—the Annie Wilson at Dargaville, and six vessels at Te Kopuru. Mr. John Black, well-known in this district, has taken the position vacated by Mr. W. H. Pountenay.—[Own Correspondent, November 13.]

KATIKATI. A very successful day's sports took place in Mr. 13. Macdonnell's paddock on Friday, 9th instant. The sports consisted of the usual foot-racing, horse-jumping, etc., and were witnessed by a large number of people, who came not only from the settlement itself, but also from the surrounding districts, many journeying a considerable distance to be present. The weather, which threatened rain in the morning, held up wonderfully, though the evening was bitterly cold, and so the entire programme was "one through without any unpleasantness from wet. A committee to carry out all arrangemeuts had been formed some time back, and to these gentlemen was mainly owing the success of the meeting, neither pains, trouble, nor expense being spared to make the thing " go. The principal prize winners were the Messrs. R. Tanner, who had come up from Tauranga to compete; Mr. T. O'Connor, who won the hop, step, and jump; and Mr. H. Myunsel, who carried oft' throwing the cricket ball. Rumour lias it that a gentleman from Waifcekauri, I think by name Ellsmere, who ran second in the 100 yards, under somewhat unfavourable circumstances, has arranged a match with the winner of the race, H. Tanner, for £'25 aside. The match, it is said, will take place here at an early date, and needless to say the backers of both are confident of success. The cricket season is now well opened, and promises to be & more successful one than any we have had for years. _ Our club has received a welcome addition in the persons of five carpenters who are engaged on Mr. McDonnell's new hotel, .11 these gentlemen being enthusiastic supporters of the games. _ A local match takes place every Saturday in the paddock kindly lent to the club by Mr. James Lockington, and creates not only a great amount of interest amongst players themselves, but seems to draw a considerable number of spectators to the ground. As might be expected, players are much improved, and

hope to be able to give a good account of themselves in some of the outside matches already being arranged for. A challenge was forwarded to Tauranga, asking that club to send a team against ua on the 10th, but a reply to the effect that it was impossible to do so, has postponed the match for a short time. It is further contemplated to try conclusions with Waiorongomai, Te Aroha, Paeroa, and Te Puke.—[Own Correspondent.]

WHANGAREI COUNTY COUNCIL. At a meeting of the Whangarei Count* j Council, held on Friday, November 2nd, the : following tenders were received for works on the Great North Road No. 1, Waipu : D. R. and J. R. McLean. £3 10s per chain; Austin, McKay, and McKenzie, £2 16s per chain, earthworks, £6 18s (accepted). No. 2, Waipu : D. R. and J. R. McLean, £3 per chain. Austin, McKay, and McKenzie, £2 lis lid per chain (accepted). No. 3, Waipu: J. A. McLeod, metal, £2 17s per chain ; gravel, £1 17s per chain. John D. McLean, > metal, £2 15s per chain, gravel, £2 7s 6d petI chain. Norman and Christopher McKay, metal, £2 2s fid per chain; Austin, McKay, and McKenzie, grave], £1 19s B£d per chain ; D. R. and J. R. McLean, metal, £2 15s per chain ; gravel, £1 14s per chain (gravel accepted). No. 4, Waipu : John D. McLean, 1 metal, £2 19s 6d per chain ; gravel, £2 4s 6d. Austin, McKay, and McKenzie, gravel, £1 19s Sid per chain. J. A. McLeod, metal, £2 14s per chain; gravel. £1 14s lid. Norman and Christopher McKay, gravel, £1 19s 6d per chain ; D. R. and J. R. McLean, metal, £3 per chain; gravel, £1 9s per chain (gravel - accepted). No. 1, Whangarei-Otaiku : Edwin Vyle, earthwork, lftjd per yard; gravel, £1 18s per chain. Weaver Brothers, earthwork, lOd per yard, gravel, £1 17s 6d per chain; H. Cheeseman, earthwork, 9d per yard, gravel, £1 14s 9d per chain. J. Colton, lump sum, £119. Harry Morgan, earthwork, 6d per yard, gravel, £1 ISs per chain. James Jackson, earthwork, 9d per yard; gravel. £1 10s lOd per chain (accepted). No. 2, Wha-ngarei-Otaiku : Edwin Vyle, earthwork, lOd per yard ; forming, £12 6s ; metal, £2 os per chain; limestone metal, £4 10s per chain. James Jackson, earthwork, 9d per yard; forming, £12 6s; metal, lump sum, £77 lis for 44* chains: lump sum for the whole, £119s 7s (id. James Sands, earthwork, 9d per yard : forming and pipes, £9; metalling, £16s per chain ; day labour, 6s per day (accepted). No. 1, Kamo-Hikurangi: F.Johnson, earthwork, Is per yard: forming and metalling, £8 IDs per chain. D. and A. McLeod, earthwork, SAd per yard ; forming and metalling, £7 os per chain. James Jackson, earthwork, 10d per yard; forming and metalling, £6 12s 6d per chain lumpsum, £125 lis 6a. David Cleary, earthwork, 9d per vard; forming and metalling, £6 9s 6d per chain ; day labour, os 6d per day (accepted). No. 2, Kamo-Hikurangi: David Cleary, lump sum, £131 12s 6d; Thomas Johnson, £128 13s; James Jackson, £1%; D. McLeod (accepted), £78. No. 1, Hikurangi-Wairua: Daniel Cleary, lump sum, i3lO 19s 6d ; Thomas Johnson, i' 262 13s ; Donald McLeod, £223; N. and J. Mclnnis, £195 16s. No. 2, Hikurangi-Wairua: N. and J. Mclnnis. £39 10s; T. Johnson, £24 10a: Weaver Brothers, £19 18s 4d: J. Jackson. £18 2s (3d; John Giles, £16 I3s ; J. W. and W. A. Kerr, £12 19s. No. 3, HikurangiWairua : J. Jackson, ditching, £21 10s ;pipeclay, 2s per yard. Weaver Brothers, ditching, £19 4s; pipeclay, 2s oid per yard. Thomas Johnson, ditching, £14 8s; pipeclay. 2s 6d per yard. J. W. and W. A. Kerr, ditching, 110 10s ; pipeclay, Is 3d per yard (accepted). No. 1, Hukerenui: Waulds and Payne, lump sum, £141 los ; Weaver Brothers, £123 18s 4d; James Jackson, £120; N. and J. Mclnnis, £115 ; W. Taylor, £115; T. Johnson, £114 16s; Carl W.* Weiss, £95; Maniera Whatarau, £95; and D. McLeod (accepted), £92 12s. The above contracts will be paid for out of the £1750 special vote allocated to the portion of the Great North Road intersecting Whangarei County. Four other contracts were also let at the same meeting, viz., No. 1, Manaia, H. Morey, £4 14s ; Nos. 1,2, and 3, Mimiha, S. P. Greenleaf, £15.— Correspondent,]

ACCLIMATISATION AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS. A PUBLIC meeting was held at Kawakawa on Friday, the 2nd instant, in Mr. Hastings' auction rooms, to organise either an independent Acclimatisation Society or a branch society from the parent society at Auckland. There was a fair representative meeting of residents and country settlers. Major Stoney was voted to the chair, but previous to any explanation of the object of the meeting, Mr. Walter Swift, the proprietor of the Star Hotel, Kawakawa, and who has landed property in the district of over a thousand acres, objected to the calling of any meeting for such a purpose. He considered it both premature and unwarrantable, nor was such required, to introduce any pests to the farms in the county. There were already more than was acceptable, and he deprecated the movement altogether. The Chairman, in reply, stated that it was evident the meeting, which was fully represented in the interest of the farmers, coincided with him, that it was rather Mr. Swift's remarks that were both premature and, in fact, unwarrantable, as there was evidently a strong feeling amongst the residents and land occupiers towards a movement in this direction ; that the promoters of the movement and conveners of the meeting would fully explain the object of such a society before any steps would be taken to form such a society. Mr. Empson, in reply, stated he was one of the promoters, and that he and some other gentlemen present, some of whom were also farmers ana ratepayers as well as Mr. Swift, being also patrons of field sports, and seeing the many capabilities of the county, and the great neglect of the little game in it, had resolved to call this meeting as a preliminary step, to learn the public view of the movement. which, he was glad to see, was, with the single exception, most favourable to it. Mr. Harris also spoke of the desirability to form such a society, more particularly for the. purpose of importing salmon and trout ova, and other fish into the beautiful rivers all over this and the adjoining county of Hokianga and the many lakes scattered over the said counties that were now all but untenanted with the finny tribe. He was surprised to hear of any objection to the introduction of fish and the filling of the rivers and lakes with such desirable food' which was required by all. Mr. Goodhue, who is noted as an orchardist and a famed horticulturist, also spoke in strong terms of the advantages of such a local society distinct from the parent society. Ha enumerated as advantages of such a society the importation of improved and valuable trees and grassses, which such a sooiety could foster and encourage to the benefit of all. After considerable discussion and many suggestions as to the steps to be taken to organise the society, it was finally agreed, on the motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Goodhue, " That this meeting appoint a committee of three for the purpose of obtaining from the Auckland Acclimatisation Society all information and advice as to the formation of either an independent or branch society for the Bay of Islands County, for the purpose of introducing fish into the lakes and rivers, game birds, hares, &c., as well as horticultural requirements, and also information as regarding the local powers and action (independent) of such a society." This resolution was passed unanimously. Mr. Goodhue proposed, and Mr. J. A. L. Hall seconded, and it was carried, " That such a committee, according to the foregoing resolution, consist of Messrs. Reed, Empson, and Harris, to make all the necessary inquiries, and report to a subsequent meeting, to be convened for that purpose." A vote of thanks to the chairman and to Mr. Hastings for the use of his rooms terminated a most interesting meeting in spite of the little cloud that appeared at its commencement.—[Own Correspondent.]