COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8881, 18 May 1892, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from OUR OWN correspondents. J Hamilton, Tuesday. It comes privately from a very reliable source that it has been arranged to do away altogether with the Native Department, and to add the portfolio of Native Affairs to that of the Minister of Justice, and to appoint the Hon. Mr. Cad man to the conjoined offices. Mr. John Knox held a very successful sale of goods and produce 011 Saturday. There was a full supply of poultry, and full prices were realised : Turkeys, Is (id to 3s 9d ; table fowls, is Id to 2s ; chicks, 9d each : potatoes, guaranteed of good quality, 3s Oil per cwt; onions, Id per lb; cabbages, 2s per dozen; table carrots, 4d per bundle; barley, 3s to 3s Gd per bushel; oats, Is lid ; cheese, 4.Jul; hams, 7id per lb. In spite of the spread of eodliti moth and the very poor returns for orchard produce last s-jason, planting will, now that the weather is breaking up, be soon proceeded with briskly. 10veil though new orchards may not be so freely planted as heretofore, there will be a great deal to be done in replanting better sorts of apples, and sorts which are not so liable to the attacks of the moth as others, for orehardists will have observed by this time what sorts arc most subject to its attacks and those which even escape altogether. A judicious thinning-out or reworking of the former kind will have to be undertaken, and there will be a very j general replacement of plums and peaches for apples. Mr. George Mason, of Claudelands, lias made extensive preparations to j meet the coming demand, especially in the I matter of peaches and .Japanese plums. 0 iaupo, Tuesday. The question of holding an annual root show was discussed at last week's meeting of the Club, but left over for consideration to its next meeting A very sensible remark was ms.de by Mr. Clark, who pointed out the unsatisfactory method of giving prizes for the best half-dozen or so of any particular root. This was 110 evidence of good farming. Any man can, and this is what is done, work up a few roots in a rich corner to almost any size. If, however, prizes were given for the best growing crop of a certain specified area of turnips, wurtzcl, or other roots, a much more satisfactory result would be obtained, and the best farmer would get the prizes. Mr. Richard Reynolds has announced ! that his Company — Messrs. 11. Reynolds and Co. —intend offering a prize at the Waikato Agricultural Show, to be held at Claudelands in the spring, for the cow that gives the most butter from two consecutive milkings, and that he himself would supplement it with a second prize.

[ill' TELKOKAI'II. —OWN" Ci>KIiKSCOM)NT.J KriiiKim, Tuesday. James Troy, alias' Thompson, was brought before Messrs. Maudeno and Walton, J.l'.'s, and charged by Constable Lowther with being unlawfully on the premises of T. Anderson, hotelkeepcr, at midnight, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour at Mount Eden.

MAHURANGI. I have great pleasure in noticing the efforts nut forth by the young folks in the Dome Valley, who, under the able leadership of the Rev. S. Griffith (Wesleyan minister), have formed themselves into a mutual improvement society, with the laudable object of improving their intellectual status, and continuing the education begun in earlier life; and on Monday, the 9th iust., a social entertainment was held in the Wesleyan Church, as a conclusion of the tirst three months of its existeuce, and the intention is to hold something of the same kind quarterly. The meetings of members are held each alternate week. Before the entertainment was a business statement read by the treasurer, Mr. F. Jordan, which showed a credit balance of 18s (id. A varied programme was then submitted, and commenced with an instrumental piece by Messrs. Braduam and Vial (violins) and Miss Brad nam (organ); Messrs. Chamberlain and Moor then sang a duet, when Miss Ethel Boon followed with a recitation ; the rev. chairman gave a humorous and hearty address : Miss Boon sang a solo, and Misses Coollum and Phillips a duet; Miss Griffith following with a solo. Messrs. Boon and Grimmer then came forward with a dialogue and Miss Barton sang a solo. Next came Miss Gribblewitha recitation, given in her inimitable style. Mr. H. Wood gave a recitation, and Mr. N. Wilson, junr., a reading. Misses Chamberlain then followed with a duct, and as a conclusion Messrs. Bradnam and Vial (violins) and Miss Bradnam (organ) gave a grand instrumental termination to a most successful gathering. Mr. T. Wilson, on behalf of the Society, proposed a vote of thanks to those who had so kindly taken part in the proceedings, and had rendered such efficient help towards the success of the evening. This was seconded by Mr. G. Moor, and carried with acclamation. Great interest was shown in the success of the movement, and members may lie sure that they will have help and assistance from men of thought as well as men of action.

The Mahurangi Band of Hope gave an entertainment in the Masonic Hall, Warkworth, 011 Wednesday, the 11th instant, when there was a good audience present. The Rev. S. Griffith, president of the Society, occupied the chair, and explained that, in addition to the usual variety cf jam tart and other sweets, something of a more solid and substantial character would be forthcoming that night. The meeting was opened, as usual, with song and prayer, after which, as a prelude, Messrs. Bradnam and Vial and Miss 1 trad nam gave some musical selections, and, as might be expected from these lovers of music, those present had their usual treat. A dialogue, "Valentine's Day," was the next item 011 the programme, and was taken part in by Misses Cribble ami Ragg, and Messrs. Boon, Wood, Grimmer, and Haddock. This met with general applause, when Miss M. Williams sung a solo, also gaining a good verdict. Mr. Nathaniel Wilson now claimed the attention of the meeting with his lecture, on "The Drinking Customs of the Ancients," in which lie gave a comprehensive yet brief history of the use of intoxicating liquor from the very earliest period of human history, and during the whole time that it was used showed that its usual accompaniments were debauchery and immorality, and that even great nations had been brought to ruin through their subjects, or rulers, giving way to the pernicious vice of intoxication. The precepts of ancient philosophers against the immoderate use of wine and other fermented drinks were largely quoted, and in bringing his lecture to a close, deplored that the eonsuption of intoxicating liquor was increasing in Britain, notwithstanding the many temperance organisations that at present exist for the purpose of reducing the evil, and lie considered there was no remedy for the evil but total suppression of the traffic, and concluded with the words that the noblest aim of humanity is to help your fellows to a better state, and sat down amidst vociferous applause. The lecture was divided into two parts, and must have cost Mr. Wilson a great deal of time and trouble to collect the facts, and proving industry of 110 mean order. Miss Ixy Pulham gave a recitation telling a pathetic tale in a very nice and pleasing manner. Mrs. Shoesmith sang the song " Take Me Home Again," gaining well-do-served applause, also the song True Till Death," when storms of applause followed. Another instrumental selection was given by Messrs. Bradnam and Vial, and Miss Bradnam, applause following. The 'Jhairman then announced that the programme for the forthcoming exhibition to be held in connection with the Band of Hope would shortly be issued, and he hoped that the young folks would begin work in earnest, and that they would bear in mind that the reputation of Mahurangi was at stake, and he trusted that this exhibition of the works of industry would maintain the prestige obtained three years ago. Votes of thanks to all were carried by acclamation, when the meeting terminated. I would call the attention of ratepayers to the statement made in the report of the proceedings of the Rodney County Council in last Wkkki.y Nkws, wherein a resolution is stated to have been passed, " That the expenses incurred in the Resident Magistrate's Court, Warkworth, King v. Woodcock, damages caused by extraordinary traffic, be

paid." A number of ratepayers were present when the case was heard, and I am sure will bear me out when I say that such a way of disposing of ratepayers' money should not be allowed.— Correspondent.]

HUNTLY. A meeting, of the Huntly natives with reference to the forming of a football club was held at their settlement near by on the sth of this month. They decided upon forming one, and gave it the name of " Whawhakia." The question of joining the Auckland Rugby Union was gone into, which eventually terminated in the subject being held over for future consideration. It may be of interest to your readers to know that these natives are the well-known " champion canoe pullers " of the Waikato, and that it is with the determination of similarly distinguishing themselves in this line that has led them to this conclusion. It is to be hoped that all lovers of the noble game will wish them good luck ; in any case if they do not succeed in claiming the championship it will help to push on the game in this district. —[A Correspondent.]

TUAKAU. On Sunday evening, May 15, the Presbyterian Church was filled with a large congregation of worshippers, the occasion being also the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's supper to a large number of communicants. This commemoration is held twice a year in connection with this church. The Rev. Mr. Pindlay preached a long and impressive address, the subject of the rev. gentleman's remarks being " The Christian's duty with regard to the keeping holy the Sabbath Day." At the close of the sermon Mr. Findlay called on any youthful or other persons wishing to become members of the church to come forward, or any members of other churches wishing to commune with them to join in the impressive ceremony. After the communicants had partaken of the sacrament the rev. gentleman then addressed them, exhorting all to the importance of trying to lead exemplarv lives ; also telling them that the eyes of the world would now be upon them, watching for any slip or fall any of them might make, which the world would be sure to make the most of, and the reproach would fall more on the Church than 011 the individual member. The congregation were again exhorted to try and follow in the footsteps which had been trod by their gentle Master while here upon earth. The congregation were then committed to the care of their heavenly Father, and after singing a hymn, the benediction was pronounced, when the congregation dispersed.— [A Correspondent.]

KAUKAI'AKAPA. A Blue Ribbon" entertainment took place in the hall on Tlmrday evening last, Captain Dawson (president) in the chair. There was a very fair attendance, and a good programme, which was commenced by a piano solo by Miss Alice Sinclair, which was well received. The Chairman remarked that this was Miss Sinclair's first peformance at a Bine Ribbon concert, and he was very pleased to reckon her as one of his future assistants. Song, by Mr. Von Amelia, received due applause. Song, Master Johnston. This was his lirst appearance likewise, He did very well, and. as tiie chairman remarked, if he is spared to sing in other ten years lie will sing like a man. Song, Mrs. Goodwin, "My Heart is Over the Sea," received loud applause. The reading by Mr. G. W. Murray riveted attention throughout, and received a volley of applause at the close. Song, Miss Wilkins, sung with much feeling, and encored. Piano solo, Miss Maud Murray, was played in line style, and received well-merited applause. Song, Mr. Bond, " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," was encored. Recitation, Mr. D. Simcock. Reading by the Chairman, very appropriate, and received hearty applause. Duet, Mrs. Goodwin and Mrs. Hill, Convent Bells," brought the proceedings to n close. The Chairman intimated that this was the last entertainment for the season, as after this month the weather was uncertain and the roads lad. lie took the opportunity to thank all those who had so kindly assisted at these meetings. But for the help he had received he could have done nothing. He felt convinced that the meetings had been appreciated, and that they had been a means of good. In a short speech Mr. G. W. Murray proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Captain Dawson for the able way in which he had conducted these gatherings. Warmly responded to. The company sang, " God Save the Queen," and dispersed. A large gathering of the parents and friends of the children attending the Sunday-school, took place in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday, 15th May, to witness distribution of prizes on the occasion of breaking up for the winter. Captain Dawsou, superintendent, gave an interesting account of the school since it was opened in the spring. v A strict record of the attendance of every child had been kept, together with marks to denote whether the lessons had been properly prepared or otherwise, and the prizes awarded accordingly ; only it was all prizes and no blanks, tor every child attending is presented with a book, and that of a kind that could not fail both to interest and instruct the recipient. Besides, there was an extra prize for the best attendance in each class. Captain Dawson gave a most favourable report of the manner and behaviour of the children attending t.he school. He never had to correct a child for misbehaviour during the ,'U times the school had been opened, and tile record showed that the lessons had been well prepared throughout. This gave him very great pleasure, and he felt proud of his children. After distributing the prizes in his usual kindly manner, he thanked the teachers who so willingly and ably helped him in the work, and likewise those who had interested themselves and aided with funds. Mr. John Sinclair, in a short speech, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Captain Dawson, and His stair of teachers, for the earnest and eflieicnt way in which they had discharged their duties. Captain Dawson then read the following statement of accounts, after which Sankey's hymn commencing, "God lie With You Till We Meet Again," was sung, and the gathering dispersed. Receipts Cash in hand from last year, 4s l()d ; present, 10s ; proceeds from concert, £•> ID'S fid ; total, £t5 Os 4d. Expenditure : prize books, cards, and class books, £5 19s'2d ; cash in hand, Gs 2d; total, £(i os 4d. The accounts were duly audited. [Own Correspondent. I

HOKIANGA. Owing to this district having been so exhaustively reported and commented upon by the two leading writers from your office, there has not been much left to write about. The residents and many others who are interested in the district would like to be able to obtain, in pamphlet form, the whole of the articles headed. " Due North : A Trip to Hokianga." Added to the pamphlet the interesting account of the well-known "old identity," Mr. John Webster, would bo acceptable. Now that the fruit season is over, we have not much to boast about excepting the large growing crops of lemons and oranges. Business men look very dismal. Two of their number have already retired. I refer Mr. S. 11. Godden, who assigned his estate, and Mr. W. B. Jackson, who filed. Who follows next? I fear one or two more, judging from rumours which arc afloat. Who can wonder, now that all bush work has ceased, and that tl\e Kauri Timber Company have closed their mill at a moment's notice, and thereby thrown a number of industrious people out of employment unexpectedly. One poor man recently brought his wife and family, with all effects, at a cost of nearly £'20, from Whangaroa. This expense might have been saved had he received timely notice. Fortunately for many the gumfiolds are open to everybody May the diggers have good luck. Cattle continue to be shipped in large numbers. Already nearly 1500 head have been taken away. In a few months' time we expect to suffer by having to pay tall prices for beef. Lodge Hokianga continues to have regular monthly meetings, but as reporters are not allowed admission to Masonic Halls, I cannot say how this lodge progresses, but we cannot but help noticing how well and harmoniously the members work together in everyday lifeTwo accidents have to be recorded, one of which was fatal. I refer to Mr. Melia, who lost his life by drowning. He was well known as night-watchman at the Kauri Timber Company's Mill at Kohukohu. Unfortunately, lie lost his situation last week, and appeared to be down-spirited in consequence. The other accident occurred to Mr. A. C. Yarborough, who had several ribs broken through a horse falling upon him. He is now much better, although very weak. He was to be heard recently at the County Councillors' Conference held in Auckland. It is earnestly hoped that he and his fellow debaters may succeed in squeezing some money for roads, etc., out of the Government coffers. liokianga, especially, wants aid. With a huge overdraft of £500, and plenty of forced expenses" against a revenue of about £300, we cannot be expected to make the roads even safe for horse traffic, let alone suitable for dray traffic. I will now refer to the recent school committee elections. At Pakia (Heads) the residents refused to elect, and as a consequence the harbourmaster, Mr. George Martin, was made commissioner. At Rawene a committee of seven was elected without opposition. It consists of Messrs. George Clendon (chairman), R. Parkinson, J. E. Flood, J. Bryers, E. McLeod, and E. Howe. At Motukaraka, the following gentlemen were elected Messrs. J. Stephens (chairman), Bowring (secretary), and three others. At Kohukohu a little excitement took place,

It appears that the late chairman had given offence by being instrumental in having a certain motion passed which did not meet with much favour. Ibis, with the action of some of his overzealous friends, caused an aversion of feeling against his being elected. The following discloses the numbers polled:— S. Anderson, 14; Captain Smith, 13; D. B. Wallace, JO; VVm. Brownlee, 8; Wm. Maxwell, 14; A W.Ellis, 12; Geo. Halliwell, 10; A. C. Yarborough, 6; C. Olive, 6; T. Chapman, 1: A. B. Heather, 6; R. Brassington, 4; and das. Regg, 0. The latter two retired from the contest. The first seven were elected, and subsequently Mr. Anderson was made chairman, and Mr. Wallace was appointed secretary. On the 24th May a regatta takes places at Rohukohu, when the Championship of the North is to be rowed in wager skiffs.—[A Correspondent.!

HERE KINO. The weather for the last few days has been wet and stormy, but it has again become fine. The river rose in a fresh, but as a great part of the crops had been gathered in but little damage has been done. The roads, however, are in rather a bad state, and moat of them will soon be almost impassable for foot-passengers. The late School Committee election was closely contested. The parties were pretty equally matched, but one of the opposite party coining late, the chairman of tne old committee was elected as chairman of the meeting. The nomination of one candidate, the father of children attending the school, and himself for nearly three months residing in the district, was refused by the chairman, and the voting of the opposition party being thus thrown into confusion, the supporters of the late chairman gained a majority in the new committee, and the old chairman was elected chairman of the new committee. The committee elected are: —H. C. Powell (chairman), R. Ford, R. B. _ Curling, R. Vercoe, R. Bowman, C. Smith, and W. Hunia.— [Own Correspondent.] AIM ATE NORTH. Mr. A. C. Steele, the manager on the Omapere estate, has been troubled again by dogs worrying his sheep. He has to add 24 to his already heavy losses. Notwithstanding his most extreme care, he has failed to identify the dogs. The dog tax question is to be brought on again in the County Council meeting on Monday next. It is said that the natives have fully decided not to pay. They will simply offer a passive resistance. _ If any of them are carted off to caol, they will be martyrs in a good cause. Mr. F. Hewitt, a settler here, has lost a son aged 1G by death under rather unusual circumstances. Nearly the whole of his family have been suffering from the mumps." No one thinks seriously of this troublesome affliction, but in this case the lad was unable to take proper nourishment, so that his strength gave way. As the North is now claiming attention, it is in order to say that one of the most important works has been commenced—the Opua-Waimate road. At present it is but a six-feet track from the wharf at Opua, progressing inland. When completed, this road will allow settlers to get their waggons alongside the steamer. At no part of this fine harbour can this be done at present. —[Own Correspondent.]

VICTORIA VALLEY. There are a great many subjects concerning a rising district that requires to be kept befose the public eye, otherwise its interests will be neglected, not only by the Government, but also by the people themselves. Now, this part of the colony has been systematically neglected in the past to a very great extent. ISo doubt we have a very energetic member in the House of Representatives who will keep our wants before the Cabinet, but that is no guarantee that our condition will be improved. Six months ago the Honourable the Minister of Lands visited this district in concert with Mr. Houston, and the Chief Surveyor, Mr. Mueller, when the Minister, when interviewed by the settlers, admitted that the state of our roads was in a deplorable condition, and he promised certain small monetary grants, not one of which has been made available as yet. Now the winter is approaching and our roads will be impassable for the next five months, and all the settlers who happen to be so unfortunate as not to be able to get in their winter stores, will have to plod through a sea of thick mud and dirty water for a distance of nearly twenty miles. Now, how on earth can settlement progress under such hard conditions? The land is of the best quality, and the climate is unequalled in this or any other part of the habitable globe. The only remedy that I can see is tor the Government to take over the main roads to the ports, make them thoroughly fit for traffic, let the County and the Road Boards where they exist, see to the bye roads, then, as Sir Julius Vogel remarked, "we will advance by leaps and bounds," but until then, this beautiful district will pine and dwindle into a state of chronic consumption, from which it will never recover. lam sorry to be forced to take such a gloomy view of things generally, but it is forced upon me. The late rains, if they have spoiled the roads, have set the grass growing in a most luxuriant style.—[Own Correspondent].

ONEWHERO. Social gatherings have been very much in vogue in this settlement these last few mouths, though through some oversight on the part of your correspondent they have been allowed to pass unnoticed. I now, therefore, hasten to make amends in remedying the omission, by recording one of these friendly events, which was celebrated on Friday night, 13th May. The site chosen was a building kindly placed at their disposal by Mr. Hamilton. The night was the most boisterous, rainy, and unpleasant experienced for j\ long while, which 110 doubt deterred many visitors from other districts being present; nevertheless, the building was soon comfortably filled by the youths and maidens of the settlement, who heeded not the " war of elements" outside. The swelling music soon put life and mottle into their heels, and soon the floor was filled with cheerful partners. All care and sorrow appeared to lie thrown to the winds. On went the harmonious dance, instinct with youth and life—poetry of hum motion —till mirth and music shook the building. Tempting eatables were supplied in abundance. The building has one noted peculiarity, which somewhat mars it for dancing pur* poses, though to the mind in search of scientific facts it is an object of interest. The floor is found to be exactly six inches higher at one end of the building than the other. This is accounted for by the fact that, when the building was in process of construction, after having been properly levelled, and about half built, the earthquake, which occurred about twelve months ago, disturbed the foundation, after which it was found that the irregularity had crept in. These social reunions cannot have other than a beneficial effect on the minds of he young people living in a back settlement such as this. I abhor and from my very soul detest that narrow - minded spirit which would strip life of its healthful graces, rob youth of its innocent pleasures, pluck from maturity and age those happy recollections and ornaments, and make existence but a narrow path toward the grave. Could that intolerant spirit have full scope and sway upon the earth, it must have blasted and made barren the imaginations of the greatest men. Of course there is a season for everything, and time for all things. Mr. Wilson, manager of the Onewhero Co-operative Dairy Association, has just returned from a trip through the districts of the Waikato, which he had undertaken for the purpose of obtaining a thorough insight into the practical working of the creamery system there. He reports that the Onewhero district will in every way bear favourable comparison with any of the districts in the Waikato, both as regards pasture as well as the supply of pure water obtainable. At the present time in many parts of the Waikato the wells have nearly all gone dry, and in some parts the water for ordinary purposes has to be carted for miles. The Raglan County Council appear to be very lax in seeing that the Dog Registration Act is properly enforced where it ought, that is, 011 the scores of collarless native dogs all over the county. Good law-abiding subjects, such as hard - working settlers, newspaper correspondents, and other peace-ably-disposed persons, pay up without a murmur, while the Maori landlord is allowed to go scot free.—[Own Correspondent.]

instant, to nine months, with hard labour, for perjury committed in the Resident Magistrate's Court, in the case Ptinigei* v. tlurlimann. ' A meeting of the school committee was held afc the schoolhouse on Wednesday evening, the 12th instant. .Present: Messrs. p. C. Meredith (chairman), J. Bates, J. Boddie, W. Williamson, Gvrynne, and T. Lloyd. Minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Resolved, " That the school re-open on Monday, the 16th instant, and that the cleaner be authorised to thoroughly fumigate the school with sulphur before that datii. Proposed by Mr. J. Bates, seconded by Mr. Williamson, "That Messrs. J. Boddie and T. Lloyd by appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month." Resolved, " That Mr. J. Bates be appointed to countersign all cheques with the secretary." Resolved, " That the secretary write to the Education Board for six copies of the Education Act, for use of committee." Resolved, "That) the committee meet on the third Friday in each mouth, at half-past seven p.m." This being all the business, the meeting adjourned. [Own Correspondent.]