COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8663, 4 September 1891, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM our OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] >• Hamilton, Thursday. The erection of a building for a new soap factory has been commenced by Mr. Vincent on his property in Hood-street, West Hamilton. The manufacture intended is that of a sand soap, but it will differ from that manufactured by Mr. Pearson in East Hamilton, in that no carbolic acid will be used, but some other material, ammonia in some form, it is said. The invention, a notice of the protection of which recently appeared in the New Zealand Gazette, is that of an East Hamilton bootmaker,) and he. lias found in Mr. Vincent a partner with the necessary capital to carry out the undertaking. 'J'lie tender for the Hospital supply of beef and mutton, at all-round prices of Ski for each, and fowls at Is Gel each, was accepted yesterday. Considering the prices charged elsewhere, the contractor has a good thing 011, 3Jd for sirloins and 3d for the round of beef being the retail prices in Cambridge and other townships. Tin. contract just thrown up was at '2d per lb, allround prices. In other supplies the price is sometimes too low to ensure a good article. Dr. Kenny, who has analysed the milk supplied to the Hospital, complained yesterday that it was of very inferior quality, and as it is imperatively necessary that all things used in an hospital milk should be pure, the clerk was instructed to notify the contractor that this would be imperatively insisted upon. On its being asked at the Hospital meeting what was the contract price, it was found that it was only Gel per gallon for milk supplied in the morning, and 6Ad per gallon for milk supplied, in the evening, two daily deliveries at the ridiculous price of lid per quart for a sixgallon daily supply. The ordinary retail price of milk to families in Hamilton is 3d per quart. r|ll -o Hospital Board acted very wisely yes 'day in sanctioning the erection of two new wards, having the accommodation of six beds in each, with necessary lavatories attached, and indeed space at the end of the passage ' separating the two for an extra room, suitable either for isolating a patient or to be used -for a sleeping apartment for one or two of the nurses. The plans, specifications, etc., were some time ago prepared by Mr. T. H. White, architect, of Taupiri, but abandoned on account of the expense, but, as the Board has now some £500 or £600 f\t its disposal for the purpose, and as the number of patients is steadily _ keeping up to nearly the maximum capacity of the accommodation of the hospital, some'lß to 20 patients, the Board has wisely determined to proceed with the building ,at once. The following are the returns of patients received into the hospital each year since its institution 1887-88, 72; 1888-89, 82; 1889-90, 117, and in 1890-91 as many as 185 patients. At a meeting held last night a quoit* ing and bowling club was formed with a subscription of 10s 6d per annum and os entrance. Mr. LeQuesne has kindly offered the use of ground for a bowling green. A man named John Collins was yesterday charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court with furious riding, and lined 10s and costs. Nuaruawahia, Thursday. A town reserve of 10 acres was leased on Monday last by tender. Mr. Charles Starr, butcher, of this town, was successful tenderer at a yearly rental of £10 5s 6d. Whatawiiata, Thursday. Mr. 11. Reynolds was well received by the milk suppliers here on Saturday, the. price offered, 2j}d, being considered a satisfactory advance for the present. _ The factory will be reopened on the 21st instant, and alternative tenders for the carting of the milk either to Ngaruawahia or the Frank ton railway will be called for. The trustees of the factory building, which belongs to the settlers, have last week paid off the second instalment of £100, the money borrowed to erect the factory, leaving now only £100 debt upon it, which it is hoped next season's profits on the milk bought by the factory will clear off.

Oiiaupo. Thursday. Some amusement was caused by an item of news which appeared in yesterday's Herald, that it was proposed to run Mr. Napier, of Auckland, for the VVaikato seat. The Government must secure a better and more popular candidate, if they intend to start with a chance at all. Mr. J. A. Tole has been spoken of by the Liberal party here, and would have a better chance. There are quite a host of local candidates, however, whose names arc freely referred to, such as Messrs. 'Primrose, T. G. Sandes, Sutton (of Raglan), Hill, Ede;ecumbe, Lake, Castleton, and last, but not least, Air. John Fisher, of Pukerimu, and these should afford choice enough without going outside the district. Te Awamutu, Thursday. It has been finally arranged between Mr. Reynolds and the milk suppliers of the district that our factory shall be opened this season for the makii 3 of cheese, instead of butter. The price given for the milk for the whole nine months will be 3d per gallon, the whey given in, equal to $th of a penny. Mr. James Banna tine will act as manager for Messrs. Reynolds and Co., and it is intended to export the whole or nearly the whole of the cheese to London. It would, however, be a public benefit if some portion of the cheese were sold locally, as since the manufacture of cheese by the factories has been abandoned for that of butter, a good quality of cheese of VVaikato make is scarcely to be obtained in the retail shops and auction rooms in most townships in the Waikato. Huntly, Thursday. The annual examination of pupils attending the Huntly district school took place on Thursday and Friday, the 27tli and 28th August. Mr. Crowe, Inspector, conducted the examination. The Inspector reported the examination as being very satisfactory, and reflecting credit 011 Colonel Smith, the headmaster, and his able assistants.

PAPAKURA VALLEY. The services at the Presbyterian Church here were well attended oil Sunday evening, the 30th August, notwithstanding the darkness of the night and the bad state of the roads. The Rev. T. Nome preached from Philippians i., 23. "Having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better," and at the close of the sermon he made a feeling reference to the useful life and sudden and much-lamented death of the late Rev. Alexander Reid, of whom he spoke in most eulogistic terms, as having known him so well for a period of 36 years, and having had his valuable assistance in labouring among the soldiers and military settlers when lie had to leave his station at Kopua, on the Waipa. Suitable hymns were well sung by the congregation, led by Miss Reid and accompanied also by her playing the .harmonium. In the devotional services earnest prayers were offered, full of sympathy for the widow, the children, and other sorrowing friends.— Correspondent.] DRURY. On Saturday, the 29th August, Mrs. David Blake, of Pukekohe, after a lingering sickness, died at her residence there, at the early age of 20 years. The funeral took place here on Mouday, and was well attended, many' of the friends from Pukekohe and other places being present. The Rev. W. F. Finlay was the officiating minister, and conducted the services in a solemn and impressive manner. The Rev. T. Norrie also took part in the services, and read a portion of scripture, and gave a short address at the residence of the Messrs. Blake here, and also led in prayer at the Drury Presbyterian Cemetery. The deceased was buried alongside the remains of two of her children who had preceded her, and she has left another two of tender years, and her husband, and an aged mother— has affectionately attended her in her last illness, and other relatives to mourn their loss. Deceased was married here in her mother's house, only six years ago. Much sympathy is felt for the sorely afflicted family on whom successive bereavements have lately fallen. —[Own Correspondent.] WAITAKERIE. During the winter season muddy roads have been a very formidable barrier to getting about, but ju«t now we are beginning to forget the miseries to which we are subjected in showery weather in the shape of mud, and that in some places of no mean depth. Nevertheless, I should by no means advise the tourist to attempt the waterfalls till later on, when it is to be hoped the combined heat of the sun and influence of wind will have minimised these mud holes, and render the tourist's visit pleasurable in all aspects. , vVhooping cough is rather prevalent m Swan son. I understand that it has interfered with the usual school routine. One baby, a very young one, is reported to be seriously affected. . There seems aho to be a disturbance in the school committee. The chairman sent in his resignation in writing, which was accepted, and a new one appointed; but it appears that No. 1 repented of sending in his resignation, and claims, on some trifling technicality not observed in accepting his resignation, that he is still chairman. So Swanson lias at present two chairmen of school committee. What the outcome will be, is hard to conceive. / , , , ~ „ At a late benefit given on behalf of a gentleman who has lately kindly officiated at the harmonium at Swanson us occasion required, it is reported that the refreshments were anything but of a teetotal character, judging from results. _ ■■. , I am glad to note that orchard planting is extending in this district. I noticed that one of the latest to engage in it is Mr. J. Sinclair, who has made a very creditable commencement on. the land immediately joining bis store. For acreage in orchards,

Waitakerei is making rapid utricles in rivalling its pioneer neighbour in that line, so well known now to all fruitgrowers, the Waikomiti district.—[Own Correspondent.] , RAGLAN. ' A meeting of the Raglan Mutual Improvement Society was lield in the Public Library on Wednesday, August 2Gth, Rev. R. Williams in the chair.- The subject for the evening was " Elocution," most ot the members giving readings or recitations, which were, on the whole, well rendered, and fairly criticised. At tW next fortnightly meeting Mr. Rendell will i\ad a paper entitled, " A Peep at Our English Cathedrals. Mr.'E. O. Wallis had a narrow escape oil Thursday evening last. While unloading ilax at the new wharf, he in some manner pitched forwards, and fell over into the boat, striking his head upon the gunwale. He was picked up insensible, but after a '.ittle time he recovered, aid was able to wait up to the township ; .awl, I believe, with the exception of receiving a severe shaking, lie is now none the worse for his accident. The s.s. Glcnelg; \ Captain Norbiry, arrived here oil Thursday evening, and left the following morning for Onenunga via Kawhia. \ The first properly Organised quarterly meeting of representatives of the Raglan Church district was 'he'd, in the Public Library, on Saturday last.\ the Rev. 11. J. Williams presiding. The tallowing representatives were present :-4Ruapuke, Mr. Jackson ; Te Mata, Me?sn. Jerome and MePherson; Okete, Mr. Wallis; Raglan, Messrs. Rendell, Sewell, and Henry. The appointment of Mr. Rendell as secretary, and ill - . Sewell as treasurer, were confirmed. Favourable accounts were given of the several districts, and the secretary was instructed to report accordingly to the union. It was decided to 'hold the next quarterly meeting at Raglan 011 Saturday, October 3, at eleven a.m. _ \ The sitting of the Native LaVds Court will close here this week. In all probability the To Akau subdivision will be today or to-morrow. The Court.vill open at Mercer next week. I paid a visit to the new find (lift springs) a few days ago, but the state the tide being unfavourable, a thorough iifcpection could not be made. Mr. Rendell happened out several of the springs by the aid (J dynamite, but, through being uncovered nly at low water, it renders it difficult to lo any work to open them out, or to judge of their real value. \ Mr. Speight has been upon a visit hoe in connection with Government Insurance iusiness.—[Own Correspondent.] \