COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8539, 13 April 1891, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM OUR own CORRESPONDENTS'. Hamilton, Saturday. At last night's parade of the Light Infantry Volunteers: seven new members were proposed, and the company was put through a very useful drill by Captain Reid. It was declsed to purchase two Martini-Henry rifles for the men to have an opportunity of practising with at the butts. The company is also to be provided with undress head-dress, the Glengarry, which will be very light and more convenient than the helmet for ordinary indoor parades. The Fife and Drum Band, under Bandmaster McKenzie, is making good progress. This band is composed of the proper material, and will bo a great advantage to the corps—there is nothing more stirring than the lively strain of fife and drum. _ !

Ngaruawahia, Saturday. A large meeting of ratepayers, to discuss the action of their representative in the County/Council in not advocating the claim of the road between Stone's corner and this township, is ; expected. ' There have been several accidents of late, and vehicles have .been more or less injured in traversing this road, in one case, a fortnight ago, a trap being pretty well knocked to pieces. The local option poll for the town of Ngaruawahia will bo taken on the 24th instant at the office of the Town Board, and the poll for the licensing committee on the same day.- The nomination of candidates must be sent in by noon of the 17th instant. Cambridge, Saturday. The cider factory established by Mr. Barwell on Mr. Sharp's premises, on the Cam-bridge-Hamilton Road, is now in full swing, and presents quite a busy appearance with its various heaps of apples waiting to mature, and all sorts of apples appear to be grist for the mill, though the favourite varieties appear to be the Golden Russett and the bitter sweet. Mr. Barwell was talking of experimenting 011 a small quantity with a sufficient mixture of quince juice to give the cider that rough taste on 'the tongue which cider drinkers from the old country insist upon as being the proper thing. At the present time there is a cellar 90 feet long in which are double rows of cider, either fermenting or racked off and ready for bottling. _ This cellar is full, and another of similar dimensions will be at once started upon. As yet, nothing has been done at the factory in the way of drying and canning apples ; but, when the cidermaking season gets a little slacker, this work will be commenced. The cider press, which is a very large one, on the latest American principles, is now worked by steam instead of by horse power. Ouaui'O, Saturday. Tuesday, the 28th instant, has been fixed upon as the day for taking the local option poll in the Jfukekura district, and Oiiaupo County office as the place. The polling for the Newcastle district, will be taken at Whatawhata Schoolhouse on the 25th instant. Nominations of candidates for the licensing committees of the above districts must be sent in to the County office, Ohaupo, by noon of the 21st instant. Hitntly, Saturday. Messrs. Ralph Bros.' new dip has become unworkable, owing to water having gained the upper hand of the pumps. Work has been carried on since the late disaster until the beginning of this week, when it was found that water was rapidly coming into the din. Every effort was put forth to stop the inflow, but they proved unsuccessful, and about ton o'clock on Monday night the dip was abandoned. The pumping gear has since been removed. It is surmised that the water was coming in from the Hakanoa lake, and that any effort to pump it out would be futile. A new shaft will most probably be sunk in close proximity to the Huntly Hotel, where a seam of payable coal is known to exist. Messrs. Ralph Bros, have been very unfortunate in the working of the new dip, and it is to be hoped their new undertaking •will be more successful.

MAHURANGI. After a week's fine weather, which was taken advantage of for clearing off by fire quantities of rubbish and other debris left after bush burning, on Thursday last the weather changed, and an easterly downpour of rain was the result, effectually putting an end to burning for the present season, and sowing grass seed is the industry of the district for the time being. The low prices that have recently ruled the fruit market have induced a desire shared by many in the district for something of a more lucrative character, and I notice that glass-houses for the purpose of grape culture are now having a degree of attention that a few years ago would have been considered bordering on folly. The success that has attended the attempt of Mr. F. Woodcock, of Way by, to grow grapes under glass both for dessert and winemaking has induced others to embark in the same direction. Messrs. Woodcock's vineyards, particularly the glasshouses, are considered, and deservedly so, one of the lions of the district, to which the visitor's attention is often directed, with most gratifyin"; results. Whilst on a recent visit I was informed that the crops for this season was estimated at about live tons, nearly all of which would be made into wine, for which there is now a demand which cannot be supplied, and a much greater quantity could be readily sold. Amongst our more local imitators, I have seen splendid samples of grapes grown by Mr. Andrews,of Phillipsville, whose vines of only two years gave a very good result, the bunches of the Black Hamburg variety varying from 24 to 41b in weight. The berries were also well developed, both in size, flavour, and colour. Great credit is due to Air. Andrews for the evident care and attention he has given to the vines. I understand that the whole of this season's crop have been sold for dessert purposes, winemaking being deferred till the vines are at full bearing. Another glass-house, that of Mr. Walter Grimmer, of the Dome Valley, might also be mentioned. He contemplated making grape juice for a temperance, or rather teetotal drink, but with what results the future will probably determine. Others further afield are also following the example of Messrs. Woodcock, who are to be heartily congratulated on being the first in the district to start the new industry, which promises to be of considerable importance. On Saturday, the 4th inst., the Warkworth Race Committee held a meeting at the Warkworth Hotel, when most of the members were present. The minutes of the previous meetings were read and confirmed, and the secretary directed to procure the present rules of the Auckland Club, also to communicate with other clubs respecting registration under the Metropolitan Club rules. After debate, it was agreed to hold a concert and ball next month, the proceeds of which were to be devoted to laying down the present course in grass, the committee to meet again in three weeks, to make final, arrangements, and meantime each member to use. his best endeavours to make the concert a success. — [Own Correspondent.]

VICTORIA VALLEY. I have to report for general information that we are all alive and in the enjoyment of robust health. Our boys are rushing into manhood and our girls into womanhood, and everything is going on as merry as a marriage bell. All we require is a freer circulation of that medium by which the world seems to be actuated —I mean hard cash. However, we try to be contented with what the gods send us. There is another thing of vital importance to us, and that is the opening up of this district by roads ; not the scurvy, lousey, fourfeet tracks that the last Government had such an affection for, but good roads and bridges, by which the people can get their produce to market. There would be no lack of prosperity in this place if we could only get a market for what we can produce, and new settlers would rush into the district. However, with our present Government we have hopes that we will receive some consideration from them, and it is nearly time we did. Our representative (Mr. R. M. Houston) is a man in whom we have implicit confidence, and we know • that our interests will be well looked after; in fact, not only the interests of his district, but the interests of the whole colony will be safe in his hands. We had an excellent cricket match here on March 28, Victoria against Kaitaia, and a better country match I have not seen for many years. The Victorians won by twelve runs. The match was well contested, and a very enjoyable day was spent by both young and old. The whole' proceedings concluded with the inevitable dance, both sides singing the National Anthem. The weather is really delightful. We are on the look-out for a visit from the Minister of Lands, when wo hope to lay our grievances before him, with what result I know not.— [Own Correspondent.]

KAEO. On Saturday evening, March 28th, a concert was held in the Wesleyan Church, to provide funds for lighting and cleaning the building. The room was tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers. As usual, the concert began at eight o'clock, instead of 7.30 A choir of seven voices, sane- two sacred songs, viz., "God is Calling" and "Rock of Ages." The latter, a fanciful setting, I did not appreciate so much as the simple and familiar tune. Mr. Campbell recited, in a quiet but effective manner, "The Natural Bridges of Virginia." Mr. E. Shepherd recited, Nothing to Wear." The pronunciation of this young gentleman will stand much improvement. A sacred song, " Too Late," words by Tennyson, was sung by Miss L. Hayden. The time was too quick, and the song devoid of passion. Miss JE, Nisbet sang, " Tired." I would recommend a course of training to secure distinct articulation in this case. An excellent reading, cojnbining humour and pathos, and entitled, "Jacks Yarn, or the

Three Parsons," was given by Mr. McCracken. Miss Hawkins, the recently appointed assistant teacher, played two pianoforte pieces. This young lady's playing is decidedly superior to anything in Kaeo, and should be an excellent model to all so-called pianistes here. The song '/ Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" was tastefully sung by Mr. K. Gibbs. Mr. William Gibbs sang, "The Model Chapel." .Certain lines were supposed to be sung by an invisible choir, to illustrate the singer's reference to the oldtime ring" of the singing in the Model Chapel. The "invisible 7 choir would have been better omitted, as their singing had not the " old-time ring," unless that means something like a funereal chant. Mr. Burgess sang "The Sailor's Welcome Star" very fairly. Mr. Brighouse contributed a humorous speech 011 the object of the concert. Great praise is due to Mrs. D. Hayes for the trouble she took in initiating and organising the concert. It is a pity a larger number of people did not attend to show their practical sympathy with the very laudable object. A few weeks ago, Mr. Campbell, teacher of Te Maori school, delivered a lecture on "George Ticknor and Robert Dick. He described well the patience, capacity for painstaking work, and calm, inflexible resolution of licknor. His life was a complete, harmonious development. The possessor 01 ten talents, lie used them well. His lather said of him, "I never disapproved of anything he did." We had a capital account of Dick, the baker-naturalist, who knew every rock, plant, and insect of Caithness. An excellent idea was given of his wonderful enthusiasm, toil, and modesty. He only took one day's holiday in his life, and that was to walk 00 miles in search of a plant. The two lives were finely contrasted. Altogether, the lecture was worth several times the sixpence paid for admission. The proceeds were devoted to purchase of the nucleus of a school library.—[Own Correspondent.]

WAIMATE NORTH. On Easter Monday a service of song, " Pentecost," was given in the church. The minister (the Rev. P. Walsh) read the connecting reading. A good number of people from the neighbourhood attended. After the service Mrs. Wyatt-Watling entertained a number of friends at the parsonage. A party of a dozen ladies and gentlemen rode into Opua. on Wednesday, April 1, over the newly-surveyed track as far as the survey is completed, and on to Opua over the track recently cut. The line of road in the valley is remarkable for its straight and level character and for the few difficulties to be overcome. The ascent to the ranges is by a grade of one in eighteen, except a short pinch that will come out in formation. Over the ranges the present track mounts and descends every knoll. The graded road will go round. It took about four and ( a-half hours to get from Waimate North to Opua, but the graded track will not be more than fourteen miles, including the distance travelled on the Falls Road. ' A resident in the North has from time to time had to pay for the depredations of a St. Bernard dog on his neighbour's sheep. The amounts have at last totalled up to nearly £.50. The dog is quiet enough now, and will certainly kill no more.—[Own Correspondent.] WAIPIRO (WAIAPU). Tiie Waiapu County Council met atTuparoa (Sir Geo. Whitmore's place) on the 19th inst. It was decided that a rate of three farthings in the pound should be levied forthwith. No other business of importance was transacted. Sergeant Villers, A.C., assisted by Constable Gerrard, has completed the native census of Waiapu County, and has, without doubt, arrived at a very fair estimate of the number of Maoris inhabiting the coast between Hicks Bay to the northward, and Marahea, the southern boundary of the county. Approximately they number 2220. It would be quite supererogatory to enumerate the number of European residents in the same district, especially ratepayers. Suffice it to say they are not quite so numerous as the Maoris. Hohepa te Piri, brother of Haira te Piri (who was executed for the brutal murder of Mr. and Mrs. I'ook some time ago), and who is strongly suspected of complicity in that mournful tragedy, was arraigned before Messrs. Wallis and Boyd, J.P.'s, at Waipiro, on the 20th March, charged with stealing the sum of £7 18s from the person of a native woman named Te Wharau, who, with her husband, lletikia Wairuohu, lives at Hcraharaura (Jerusalem), a large native settlement situated about twelve miles inland. The circumstances of the theft are, I think, worth narration. It seems the woman, who had £11 13s concealed within the bosom of her dress, went to sleep in her whare during the daytime. The prisoner, who knew that shehad the money about her, entered quietly shortly afterwards and removed £7 18s of it from lier bosom, apparently without waking the woman. But not unobserved ; a crippled youth (unseen by the culprit) witnessed the whole proceeding. He, justly apprehending that to say anything to the thief at that juncture would be dangerous, waited till he had left the village, when he told his mother all about it. She at once recognising her loss, started for Matahiia (Waipiro Station inland), where her husband was working, and informed him of the circumstance. Hetekia at once started in pursuit of the prisoner, and overtook him while he was having something to eat at a settlement on,the road to the coast. He at once asked him for his money, to which Hohepa replied, " Wait a little" (Taihoa). After the meal prisoner strolled leisurely away, followed by Hetekia, till they arrived at a creek, when an altercation ensued, which ended in a struggle between the two—Hetekia, though a strong, muscular,, fellow, getting the worst of it, and being obliged to call for assistance. This was promptly rendered by some Maoris who had followed the prisoner. Secured and searched, the money (£7 18s) was found in his trousers pocket. He (the prisoner) was then released by the Maoris. But the husband laid an information the next day before Mr. Wallis, J.P., in consequence of which he was apprehended, "all unaware," and very cleverly arrested by Constable Gerrard (Kake), of Waipiro, who, well knowing what sort of a customer he had to deal with, pounced upon him while he was quietly sitting outside his whare at his own settlement. There is no doubt but that had the prisoner (who has several previous convictions against him, and is a desperate character) entertained the slightest apprehension that lie would be arrested, he would have taken to the bush again as he did formerly, and caused a deal of trouble ; and it is to be hoped that condign punishment will remove him from a district in which even his own countrymen and friends fear, hate, and mistrust him. Sergeant Villers, A.C., prosecuted, Mr. Dalton interpreted, and the prisoner, who had " nothing to say," was committed for trial. The foregoing was written on 'the 20th lilt., on the evening of which, about teatime, Hohepa te Piri escapcd from the local lock-up, of which I have already apprised you by wire. All pursuit was unsuccessful. Constable Gerrard s dog caught up to the escaping prisoner, but with much tact lie set him on further, and the dog ran past him. Constable Gerrard was crippled at the start by having to get through a barbed wire fence, which Hohepa cleared at a bound. Captain Talbot, Messrs. Massey, Hewetson, and others of the station joined in the pursuit. In consequence of some ugly threats which the prisoner made previous to escaping, Constable Gerrard secured his arms, ammunition, &c., and shadowed his whare all night, in the hope that he might catch him ■ returning thither, but Hohepa was far too clever to be caught in that manner, and, having gained the busli, has since wisely remained there. Sergeant Villers and Constable Sefton, of Awanui, and Constable Ryan, of Tologa Bay, have arrived, and active measures for the re-apprehension of the prisoner are evidently in progress, the police being, however, very reticent on the subject. March 23. Hohepa te Piri was re-arrested to-day in the bush contiguous to his settlement, under the following circumstances : —Constables Gerrard and Sefton and Mr. Harrison (ex Auckland Navals) had been on the look-out with a field-glass on the top of a high peak commanding an extensive view of the adjacent country, and noticed a native woman, who has since turned out to be Hohepa's daughter, moving suspiciously about. She was "shadowed," with the result that Constable Gerrard and Sefton, with a party of natives, heard him cough in the dense bush which they were traversing in all directions. They at once secreted themselves, and the exprisoner walked, unsuspiciously into their midst. A native named Pekamu Waiti shouted halloa, and (as he describes it) Hohepa's eyes dilated (whakana) as he prepared for a bolt. Whereupon Pekamu covered him with his gun (hitherto concealed), as did Constable Gerrard with his pistol, and, seeeing the game was up, Hohepa did so he was told, sat down and surrendered quietly. He has since been committed for trial for the second offence of breaking gaol, and was conveyed in charge of Constable Sefton per a.s. Southern Cross to Gisborne on the 25th ult., concluding this episode. Everybody here, of both races, is heartily glad of, and will sleep the sounder for, the re-apprehension of this character, and too much praise cannot be awarded to the police department in our district for the prompt, speedy, and effectual measures which led up to his second arrest. He distinctly averred that he would have a life for the degradation he had suffered, and it is probable that he would have fulfilled his threat sooner or 'later. I don't suppose he will have many opportunities of killing any--1 body now, however, for some time to come.