COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9219, 23 November 1888, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from our own correspondents.] Hamilton, Thursday. Great dissatisfaction was expressed a short time ago when it was discovered that twenty head of cattle purchased at Ohaupo sales by a Hamilton butcher, and driven down late in the evening, had been placed by the ranger for the night in Bradley's paddock, one of the grazing paddocks let at a high price for the grazing of burgesses' cows. The matter was referred to at the Council which was then sitting at the time, and the ranger was ordered to either charge the owner Is 6d per head for the night's paddocking, or hold them as if impounded. The demand has brought forth a letter from Mr. Qualtrough, which will lead to an important discussion at the next meeting of the Council. Mr. Qualtrough writes asking the Council for a reduction for the charge of Is 6d per night on 20 head of cattle (being the full charge for a week), stating that he had been 111 the habit 01 putting cattle on dark nights when coming from the Ohaupo sales in the borough paddocks for Md per head. The lecture on the " Siege of Lucknow," given by Colonel Forbes last night, was fairly well attended. The object was the procuring a lectern for St. Peter's Church. The stage was prettily decorated. The rendering ot "Jessie's Dream" by Mrs. Connell was much admired.

At the R.M. Court to day, in the case, Waikato County Council v." William McGregor Hay, for driving over tiie Narrows Bridge at other than a walking pace, contrary to the by-law of the Waikato County Council, an important judgment in favour of the defendant was given by Captain Jackson, as follows :—ln this case it has not been proved that the Waikato County Council have the legal control of the Narrows Bridge. This bridge spans the Waikato River and connects the counties of Waikato and Waipa. By the Dth section of the Public Works Act, 1884, which Act was in force when these by-laws were made by the Waikato County Council, it says that every bridge across a river at a point where the two banks are in different counties, whether or not the Counties Act of 18711 is suspended in either of such counties, or in both, shall be under the control of the Governor, or of such one of the counties or of such local authority within each of such counties, as the Minister from time to time may direct. Now, it does not appear that the control of the Narrows bridge has been given by the Minister to the Waikato County, as provided by the %bove-mentioned Act, and the informant in these cases, the clerk of the Waikato County Council, knows of no such control being given by the Minister, and has never seen any document relating to them on the matter. "lam therefore of opinion that the Waikato County Council had no legal power to make this by-law as far as the Narrows Bridge is concerned. This case will be of general interest to County Councils. Judgment was also given in tne case of the Rabbit Inspector v. Wells, and a fine of 20s and costs inflicted. Mr. Hay, for the defendant, gave notice of appeal. In a similar case versus McNaul, judgment wassuspended for the result of the above appeal. Mr. J. S. Buckland and Mr. J. W. Hunter held sales to-day in the borough yards. There was not much demand for store stock, but dairy cows aud springers realised good prices. Colonel Forbes' lecture last night on the " Siege of Lucknow" was as successful financially as it was interesting as a lecture. The sum of £S 4s was taken for admittance. His Worship the Mayor presided. Cambridge, Thursday. A young man named Ed. Tocken died this morning at Fencourt after a short illness. Tocken. whose people live at TaranakL was engaged breaking-ill horses with Mr. Chadwick for the Auckland Agricultural Association. On Monday, after a severe struggle with a buckjumper, which failed to unseat him, he drank freely of cold water and bathed while in a very heated condition. The same night ho was taken ill, and remained delirious until his death. Te Awamutu, Thursday. At the Courthouse, before Captain Jackson, R.M., the police proved a case of cruelty to a horse by a native, who was fined 10s and costs. In another case of cruelty to pigs, the native dafendant got the benefit of a doubt. There were several cases by J. L. Mandeno. liquidator of the Cheese and Bacon Factory Company, against defaulting shareholders for unpaid calls and interest, judgment being given for amount claimed and costs. At the Resident Magistrate's Court yester ; day, judgment was given in the case of Bond v. 'Kennedy, £10, the value of a horse hired by defendant from plaintiff, and killed by a stake while in. defendant s charge, in jumning a fence. Judgment was given for defendant without costs. A native named Tautara was fined 10s and costs for cruelty to a horse. Mr. Johns, of Te Rahu, who has been experimenting in the growth of wattle bark as an article of merchandise, has had a satisfactory return from the Auckland firm of tanners to whom a portion of the bark was sent. It was found rich in tannin, and was estimated as worth between 6* and 7s per cwt. Judging by the few trees he stripped for the bark sent to Auckland, Mr. Johns roughly estimates that an acre of wattle would yield from £3 to £4 per acre— an excellent return, considering that the trees will grow rapidly anywhere almost when once sown without further attention. Mr. E. B. Walker, of Cambridge, has taken considerable interest in the growth of the black wattle, and his experience would doubtless he of general interest if known. The Waipa County Council have undertaken a very necessary work, the re-forma-tion of the Te Rore- Whatawhata Road, which will be put in hand at once. Kihikihi, Thursday. The trouble entailed upon Highway Boards in working the provisions of certain Acts of the Assembly is laborious, ami the Kihikihi Town Board has just been made an example in point. Some time ago it went through, as it supposed, the proper course for taking land lor non-payment of rates, and sold the same, but when the purchasers applied to register, it was found that the whole proceedings were illegal, having been undertaken under an Act long since repealed. The purchasers of the land are now going for the Board, and the Board is going for its solicitor. Foul brood is said to prevail very generally amongst the bees in some parts of the Waikato.

Ohaupo, Thursday. Mr. W. J. Hunter has met a want much felt by buyers and sellers ot sheep here by building a convenient and commodious sheep dipping apparatus, Ln which any sheep suspected or condemned can be washed before hoing t>»Uou frnm rim «ale yards. The water is received from the roofs of un( ] is caught in a large cistern, giving a practically inexhaustible supply throughout the summer, anil the dipping apparatus, which is constructed within the yard, is covered in from the weather. Tauwhark, Thursday. Three cows, two yearling heifers, and a bull, pure-bred Ayrshire, from the imported herd of Mr. Nolan, of Auckland, arrived on Tuesday at Hamilton, for Mr. Dodd, of this place. The introduction of Ayrshire and Jersey blood into our W aikato dairy stock is a necessity, if excellence and profit are to be secured.

WAIUKU CAVALRY TROOP. On Monday last, at half-past nine a.m., the half-yearly training of the " A " Troop, Ist Regiment New Zealand Cavalry, commenced at Waiuku. There was, as usual, a good muster, there being only three absentees, 66 being on parade. The Troop fell in on Bowen Square under the command of Captain Barriball, Lieutenants Barriball and Manning also being present. Shortly after Major Hamlin came on the ground, and a preliminary examination of the arms and accoutrements took place, after which the troop was drilled in the carbine drill and sword exercise by their otlicers. A mounted parade occupied the afternoon. By the s.s. Manukau at halfpast tour p.m. Lieut.-Colonel Shepherd and Captain Coleman, the cavalry drill instructor, arrived. On Tuesday morning the troop had mounted drill, and was put through a number of movements by their instructor and officers. Afternoon was similarly occupied, after which Captain Coleman put the troop through the judging-distance, which kept the troop till sundown. On Wednesday morning the troop went through their independent and volley bring, making a fair average, besides other drill, occupying about three hours and a-half. At three p.m. the troop fell in for inspection, at the conclusion of which Lieu-tenant-Colonel Shepherd addressed them, and said that the marching past was very fairly done, but not so well as he had seen previously. This he attributed to the horses m part being in good condition were somewhat lively, but he thought more was attributable to the men not keeping them in proper check. He coinplimente J the men on their grand muster, and hoped they would pay every attention to their instruction, and not talk in the ranks. Eacli of the parades fell in on Bowen Square, and was marched to the parade ground, headed by their fine band under Bandmaster Lonergan. Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd complimented the band on their etiioiency in so shore a time.— Correspondent.] TAIRUA. Our new manager, Mr Thos. Edwardes, arrived here on the sth inst. Mr. Edwardes comes here from Whangapoua, at which place he was manager for the late New Zealand Timber Company. _ Since his arrival he has been having the mills, &c., put into a 1 horough state of repair, and everything got

ready for starting when required. Mr. Hendry has been appointed accountant, and entered on his duties on the 7th inst. The stock of sawn timber is being rapidly reduced. In addition to the cutters which are constantly running between here and Auckland, the brigantine Aratapu is now at the wharf taking in timber for Sydney.[Own Correspondent.] OMAHA, The roof of the teacher's house has been covered with corrugated iron, which has improved its appearance, and has permanently stopped the leaks. All the buildings very much require painting, especially the school, which has not had any paint for about eleven years. A petition has been numerously signed, requesting that a mail be forwarded to the Leigh post-otiice every Friday, which, on presentation to Mr. 3. B. Biss, was at once ' complied with. This is a great convenience, as we can now have our mail within a few minutes of its arrival. I During the last session of Parliament the Government promised to finish both ends of I Dacre Claim Road. It is now being pro- | ceeded with, being let out in sections o the village settlers, and when completed will be | the best road in the district, and we shall i liave comparatively a level road to Wark- i worth. Crops of all kinds are looking splendid, especially fruit, which orchardists report as being heavy. Apricots and peaches are very go d. The peach appears to be recovering, as the trees are making a lot of young growth, and are looking more healthv than they have i done for se eral years. We have had very cold S. and S.W. gales, which are causing a great deal of fruit to fall oil'. Several of the settlers are going in for wheat-growing. The Messrs. Wyatt Bros, and Mr. Selwood have all sown more or less, and it is looking well for a good crop. It is to be hoped the sparrows will not destroy it. Owing to the continual showery weather, the roads are in as bad a state as they were in winter. Our spiritual wants are well looked after. Clergymen of different denominations visit us regularly. On Sunday morning the Rev. 11. McKinney held Divine service in the hall. There was a good congregation, and the Rev. J. Haselden is to preach in the same •. lace next Sunday night. The Pakiri Football Club gave a social in the Omaha Public Hall, on the evening of the 14th instant.— Correspondent, A)th November.] RAGLAN. The steam flax mills are now in mediae res, grinding, scutching, &c. The fuel with which they feed the furnaces is sot hard-by the mills, thanks to the persevering exertions of Mr. \V. Liddel, who has discovered another capital coal seam, the quality of which is just htted for what it is used. It is tar better and cheaper than wood, and very little labour is required, so the tiax millers jan now make up for loss ot time. I cannot say with any degree of truth that we have had 4*2 inches of rain in a night or day, neither do I wish, for it would be very • iisastrous to many farmers. Our land is undulating, and'if such torrents did descend continuously for a night or day, they would >weep vegetation off cultivated lands, but we nave had some very heavy rain, which lasted ibout an hour ; quite long enough. Even in that time, a road at the skirts of the town, Known by the euphonious cognomen of " Rutty Gully," was a good fair sized brook. It is deeply to be regretted that Mrs. W. EI. Wallis, the wife of one of our oldest and most respected settlers, at Okete, has had to oe taken by easy stages to Auckland, to get advice from some of the leading medical men there. _ It is thought that the malady is a combination of rheumatism and incipient paralysis. The former complaint nowadays can be remedied, but I trust the latter sickness may exist in imagination only. We anxiously await news from Mr. Wallis, who is shortly expected to return. I hear our two sick men, Messrs. Kersel and Petty, are on a fail - way of recovery : Doth cases arose from accident. We are pleased and proud to state that we have but little sickness in the district, but when we do nave any we are not contented until we can show a clean bill of health.

It is now definitely settled who has the mail contract. Mr. Charles Sutton, who has given universal satisfaction for the past four years, has the contract for carrying Her Majesty's mails for the two years ending December, 1890. It is well to mention thai your " Own Correspondent'' lias not written tor over two years, nor does he write, to any newspaper other than the Weekly News, and consequently cannot be responsible for any remarks touching the district and people made in any contemporary newspaper. The good folks in this district are in high glee at the thoughts of a likely visit from the New Zealand peripatetic philosopher, or the New Zealand Vagabond," alias "Mr. Tramp." Should that gentleman contemplate tramping thus far, we trust he will wait until the weather has settled, when he will be doubly lewarded both in mind and in body, and peradventure estate, if he brings more than a collar-box.

I am somewhat surprised that the ladies of the district do not form a lawn tenuis club. I feel sure it only requires starting to become an established fact.

It is to be deplored that the cricket club has ceased to exist. That, 1 opine, only requires a revival to re-constitute it, and place it on a sure basis.

The patriotic spirit was rife here on the 9th, H.R.H. Prince of Wales'birth day. A general holiday was made, but the weather was against us, nevertheless, it did not damp the ardour and determination of the pleasure-seekers, who turned out in numbers. The dresses of the ladies were both becoming, fashionable, and lady-like, and in some cases almost tit to grace the {grandstand at Ascot. The juveniles went in tor rural sports and rustic games, and seemed thoroughly to eujoy themselves. As the day began to wane the crowd thinned perceptibly, but only temporarily — the ladies to their evening toilets, and the gentlemen to prepare the hall for the _ night's amusements. The bachelors outvied one another in their efforts to have everything comfortable, to make the Raglan 9th November ball a great success, which they certainly accomplished. At 8.3U the first dance (quadrille) began, and dancing and refreshments ad lib. were freely indulged in till break of day. The ladies looked charming, but the honour rested between Miss I'egler and Miss Lena Moon. The Wesleyan Minister, the Rev. G. Stephenson, has gone to Auckland to attend the yearly meeting. Mr. Pegler has kindly consented to otficiato during his absence. The s.s. Rowena is expected hourly to take away surplus wool, flax, and produce.—[Own Correspouuent, November 17. J

PAPAROA. The idea of a concert to raise <» . as a benefit to Eddie Birtles, who has lately had to undergo the amputation of a foot, the result of a serious accident, was conceived by some friends, -Mr. Skelton being prominent in maturing the plan. It resulted in the public being called together to an excellent urogramme on Friday, the 16th inst. In the absence of Mr. A. Colbeck, who had been asked to preside, Mr. Skelton made a firstrate chairman. The programme was as follows : — Instrumental auet, piano, the Misses Coates; song, "Scenes That Are brightest," Miss Ovens ; song, '' The Soldier's Dream of Home," Mr. John Wright; song, " Anchored," Mr. Morath; encore song, "Good Company:" piano duet, Master Tom and Miss F. Skelton: comic song, "Emigration," Mr. James Wright; piano solo, Miss Rust. At this juncture Mr. Wilson proposed, " That the proceeds of this entertainment be appropriated to meet the hospital and travelling expenses of Eddie Birdies ; and that the balance be held in trust for tiie purchase of a cork leg at the proper time; Mr. Skelton and the mover to act as trustees." This was seconded by Mr. T. Coates, and carried with applause. The rest of the concert was well carried out, concluding with the National Anthem, after which the usual votes of thanks were accorded. Without posing as a musical critic, I may remark that the singing of Mr. Morath was exquisitely rendered, and the whole of the programme was justly appreciated for its excellence. Substantial aid has been received from several friends, which, added to the proceeds of the evening, will amount to about .€l7. 1 have great pleasure in stating that the entrance tickets were kindly given by Messrs. Wilsons and Horton. The concert was held in the schooi, the only available building. After the concert a number of the lovers of the dance obtained permission to use the school till twelve o'clock.

On the loth instant a well - attended Band of Hope meeting was held at Pahi, at which Mr. Parsons presided. Recitations were given by Willie .Smith, Florence Hamlev, Margaret Dowuie, Margaret Morris, John Uownie, and Mr. Smith. Mr. Hatnes addressed the meeting; and, in addition to several pieces which were sung by the children, the Misses Adams, Haines, and Chadwick sang " Peace, be Still Mrs. Chadwick and Mr. Morath sang "Speak Gently;" and Mr. Morath, " Cherry Ripe." There was also a violin and flute duet, "Good News from Home," by Master Chadwick and Mr. Morath. On the same evening a Band of Hope meeting was held at the Homestead (Pajjaroa), at wiiich Miss Kirk and Mr. A. Worker, of Mauugaturoto, took part. — [Own Correspondent.] WAIUKU. A cricket match was played in one of Mr. E. Constable's paddocks, on Saturday hist, bet veen the Waipipi and Waiukti Schools. The teams were captained by Mr. Worsley and Mr. Raymond Brown respectively, ine

match resulted in a win for the former by g Sheep-Bhearing ia going on as fast as th* weather will permit, but has been much re tarded by the wet and showery weather of late. The clip will be very good, also the quality of the wool. e On Wednesday evening last a concert and Christy Minstrel entertainment was civon in the Temperance and Public Hall. for tht purpose of raising funds to buy a champion belt for our local volunteer troop. Desnit* the threatening appearance of the weather the hall was filled to overflowing. Maior Hamlin, as chairman,after a few introduce, remarks, called upon Mrs. A. M. BarriH»i? and Mr. J. Flexman for an instrumental duet piano and violin ; song, " The Four-leaf Sham rock, well received ; Lieutenant A. M Ban-; ' ban sans " If I Only had My Way," and was followed by Miss Hockin with a son* Carrier John" (applauded); cornet duet' Messrs. F. Deed and T. Bright, "Twr Wandering Stars" (applauded); "The nu I h Gentleman," by Mr. Constable S well received, and was followed bv' Mi™ Tierney, with "Home They Brought Her Warrior Dead," which she sang splendidly and had to submit to an encore, and renli„,i with " The Blarney." " The Stolen Child was nicely sung by Mrs. A. M. Barriball The Chairman now announced that Lieut' Colonel Shepherd would present the lonservice medals. The Colouel was supported by Captains Coleman and Barriball, and nine medals were presented to Lieutenant .Man j niug (who obtained his medal before pro ! motion), Sergeant-Major Barriball. Sergeant j Barriball, and J. Bright, Quartermaster Sergeant King, and Troopers Hammond' Smith, Watts, and Douglas. The last three were not present, but have their medals The colonel congratulated the troop upon so many men having received the medal, and was also glad to learn that others would be receiving theirs in a month or two. It argued well for the troop that so many men°had stuck together. He was informed that the corps was formed and the. men sworn in on the 24th May, 1866. He agreed with the remarks of Major Hamlin, that if the ladies only took an interest in the corps it was sure to be successful. ' Major Hamlin, at the request of the members of the band, pre sented Bandmaster Lonergan with a photo graphic shield of the members of the band and in doing so paid a graceful tribute to the gains and careful instruction Mr. Lonergan ad bestowed upon the members of the band which had brought them, in a trifle over' twelve months, to such a pitch of perfection. He hoped the shield, when hanginc in Mr. Lonergan's room, would frequently remind him ot the pleasant hours they had spent together. The Chairman announced ten minutes intermission, after which he would hand the meeting over to the " Waiuku Black Hussars." When the curtain rose, after the intermission, our nine friends were all ready, and went through their part of the programme right well. Some of the local hits were capital, and drew forth loud applause. The performance was kept up until half-past ten, and well it was, for about half-past eight the rain came down in torrents, accompanied by thunder and very vivid lightning, cattle being clearly seen more than a mile away. At the conclusion the usual vot s of thanks were passed, after which the seats were removed, and the youth and beauty of the district enjoyed themselves dancing till the small hours. The proceeds of the entertainment amounted to over £12, [ which is very satisfactory.—[Own Correspond J dent.]

WAIRARAPA. Farmers and graziers are all rejoicing over the splendid rains occurring of late, some three inches of rain having tallen in fortyeight hours, and within a tew days a second fall of rain occurred, and the ground has received a thorough soaking which must do incalculable good to the crops, which were languishing for want of rain. All pasture lands and the hilly country have benefited considerably. Floods were very heavy all through this district. The rivers in the Whareawa overflowed their banks, inundating all the low-lying country for miles, the loss in sheep drowned being considerable. Several sheep farmers lost upwards of 200 and 300 each. A few cattle and horses were also overtaken by the flood, and swept away. No loss of life occurred, although I have heard of several narrow escapes. Shearing is almost finished on all the principal large runs, and the reports from all quarters are to the effect that the wool crop this year will be considerably more than that of several years past. Owing to the tine winter and abundance of pasture the stock are in splendid condition, and the clip of wool heavy. Farmers are putting in turnips very extensively this season, and areas of 100 to 100 acres are put in by several. The hay crops are looking fairly well, but the yields will not be very heavy—the growth being retarded in the early part of the season by the scarcity of rains. The orchards have suffered considerably of late from the high winds which have prevailed. During a day and night of last week a perfect nurricane visited the district, and the effect was very disastrous to all trees and fruit.

The next item of interest to agriculturists will be the Masterton Pastoral .'Show, which comes off on the 22nd instant. The entries for which have been very satisfactory, and in excess of previous years. Canterbury will be well represented in short horn cattle and Lincoln sheep, and I trust the clerk of the weather will be in an amiable mood 011 that occasion, as it requires good weather to make a show a success.

Anglers are having plenty of sport. The rivers and creeks in the vicinity of Masterton are well stocked with trout. Several disciples of Izaak Walton last week bagged as many as five and six fine fish during one evening. Anglers say the heavy floods of late destroyed a great many young fish. The Wellington Acclmatisation Society co-operating with the Masterton Society have done a lot of valuable work in distributing game and fish. Red deer are increasing in South Wairarapa, and occasionally the settlers see a hera of eight or ten basking on the hill sides.

A further section of seven miles of railway, between Mangamahoe and Eketahuua will be opened next mouth. The contractor has been unfortunate of late, the heavy rains causing large slips, and water undermining the embankments causing some of the works to subside, which will be a serious loss. When this extension is completed a gap of twenty miles will remain between JEkatahnua and YVoodville. It is a great pity Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay are not connected by rail. The fact of Wellington and Hawke's Bay being connected via Palmerston means a heavy loss to Wairarapa by tratfic and goods being diverted. The country between _ Masterton and Woodville, thanks to the liberal land laws, is being speedily settled, and thousands of acres of what was virgin forest two years ago is now grassed and fenced, and carrying miay Ete "