COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9179, 20 April 1893, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Hamilton, Wednesday. THERE is but little doubt that the state of the railway bridge here is responsible for the death of the late Mr. Clark, Inspector of Permanent Way. When first built it was planked, and many people, men, women, and children, made a practice of using it to their great risk. The railway authorities then endeavoured to put a stop to tho practice by issuing notices against using it for this purpose and by prosecuting offenders. This was found to be insufficient to put a stop to the practice, and the planking was taken up ; but even this has had but only a partially deterrent effect, Men and boys arc to be seen occasionally crossing it, and it is said that one person made a narrow escape by laying down beside the train as it passed upon the bridge, while a well known surveyor, breaking down before he was fully across, was seen to go on his hands and knees and work his way in that fashion for the remainder of the distance. The bridge is still much used on race days, a great difference in distance being saved by using it, instead of going round from Claudclands by the Hamilton traffic bridge. The railway authorities have been blamed for removing the planking, but surely anyone would ho-va thought that no man in his senses would attempt to cross a high and long bridge like this by stepping from stringer to stringer, and it is proposed that the Railway Commissioners shall be requested to replace the decking. Thin would only increase the danger. At one time it was proposed that a foot-bridge below the permanent way should be constructed, but wnen the railway authorities wete appealed to, all that could be obtained from them was that if the Borough Council were prepared to construct this footpath at their own coat, they would give their permission. The cost would have been something over £100, and the Borough declined to undertake the work. Will it do so now? If it will not, then the best plan is for the railway authorities to strictly enforce the law of trespass, and not only to leave the bridge undecked, but to construct a lengthened cattle guard at each end of the bridge, which would render the attempt too perilous for anyone to adopt. The Salvation Army has commenced the levelling of the site opposite the lawu tennis ground in Victoria-street for their new barracks. At the football match on Saturday between the Hamilton East and West schools, the game resulted in a draw, each side scoring two points. During the game a boy named F. Hunt, playing for East Hamilton, broke his forearm above the elbow, and was attended by Dr. Brcwis, who refused to take payment for his services, expressing his intention to give his services gratuitously In the case of all accidents arising out of football. Noaruawauia, Wednesday. Messrs. H. J. Saulsberry, of this town, and W. Waters, of Whatawhata, have been nominated for the two vacancies on the Newcastle Board. Nominations will still be received up to the 'list instant for the vacancies. Mr. H. J. Saulsberry, the well-known Ngaruawahia baker, has sold his business to his brother, Mr. T. Saulsberry, arrived lately from Melbourne. Mr. Saulsberry intends going in for farming now that ho has sold his business, and will re-occupy his farm at present leased to Mr. Barford, containing some .'SOO acres, on the Waipa. Mr. R. C. Burt and Messrs. Burt and Guy are pushing on their road contracts (four) from here towards the Waingaroa Springs. The road for seven miles through Firewood Creek is formed to a width of from 10 to 12 feet, and there will be no difficulty in taking a dray over it when completed, as the grade is very easy. I* is expected to be finished in about six or eight weeks. Mr. E. Fitzpatrick, J.P., one of the firm of Friar, Davies, and C 0.., is about to proceed on a holiday trip to the Old Country. Mr. Fitzpatrick leaves early in May. Taupiri, Wednesday. Mr. T. H. White rode through from Raglan to Taupiri on Monday last, the rain falling throughout the day. He reports the road as being in a very bad state, especially over the mountain. Mr. Thomas Evans, of Hamilton., the contractor for Langley's hotel at Raglan, will have the work finished about the cud of this week, and speaks of it as a very handsome and well-finished building, affording firstclass accommodation to visitors to that popular watering-place. The following members of the Taupiri Cricket Club have been chosen to play the Tuhikaramea team on Saturday next at Hamilton : —Messrs. E. B. Cox (captain). C. Gleeson, B. Heusely, W. Fuller, J. C. Hill, C. Loveil, A. Taylor, A. Hall, H. Walsh, J. Campbell, J. 11. Mollars ; emergencies, W. Sopcr and G. Mellars. Cambridge, Wednesday. I The entries received yesterday evening for the Chrysanthemum Show, to be held hereon Friday and Saturday next, are exceptionally good. The total number of entries for cut blooms amount to 1156, and for children's bouquets, 357. Of this number 222 are from the Cambridge school, 99 from Hamilton, and the balance from all parts of the district. Given fine weather, the show must prove a very great success. A buggy accident happened in Duke-street on Monday afternoon, f artunately, however, unattended with any very serious result, although the escape of the occupant, a little girl named Emily Young, daughter of Mr. .lames Young, was little snort of miraculous. It appears that Miss Minna McCrae, loft the buggy standing in front of Mr. Well's store, in charge of the little girl named, when by some unaccountable means the horse became ' frightened and went off at full gallop. The little girl heroically held on to the reins, but she was unable to check the runaway's career. When near Mr. de Blois' shop the buggy capsized, and the little girl was thrown on to the footpath. She was immediately picked up by Mr. McDermott, and carried back to Mr. Wells' store, when it was found that beyond a shaking and a few scratches the child had escaped unhurt. When the buggy overturned it collided with a barber's post, and the horse got clear and continued at full gallop down the street in the direction of home. It is a common practice to let buggies stand in front of the stores without being tied up, or having some competent person in charge, but this accident, which might have had a fatal result, should act as a warning. Mr. Tennyson Smith opened a three nights' season in the Public Hall on Sunday evening. There was a very large attendance. The Pukekura Mutual Improvement Society spent a very pleasant evening, when an essay on " Tennyson and his works" was given by Miss Simmonds.

WAIUKU. Ok Thursday last an excursion party (fishing), and those who did not care for that sport could be landed as picnickers, left Waiuku by the a.s. Manukau at eight o'clock a.m. There was not a great number on board, and consequently all remained for the fishing. The reason why more were not present was attributable to the farmers being busy with thoir farming operations. Those who availed themselves of the opportunity, however, did not regret it, for they really had a good day's sport. There were about twenty excursionists on board, and between 500 and (500 fish were caught, mostly schnappers. The fishing ground selected was off the Awhitu or Kauri Point toward Papakura Channel, and the way in which the fish wore hauled in was surprising, some by threes, and a great number of doubles. Tho steamer arrived home at Waiuku about six o'clock , p.m., everyone well pleased with their day's sport. An ash oar was picked up on Saturdaylast on the beach at Manukau Heads by Mrs. Moeller, wife of the lighthouse-keeper at that place. On the oar it was distinctly printed " Gowanburu," which is evidently a relict of that ill-fated vessel. We were favoured last night with a nice rain, which will be very acceptable to the farmers, for their grass, etc., recently sown. The s.s. Tain O'Shanter has just arrived laden with sawn timber. It is surprising the quantity of building material that has arrived here during the past live or six months. The Rev. W. J. Connie, formerly resident Presbyterian minister here, is paying us a visit, after an absence of nearly two years. The rev. gentleman during his residence here was very popular, and he has made many calls on his old friends, who were numerous. He leaves here for the South on Saturday. Messrs. Cross and party, telegraph line men, have been here for the past four or live days, repairing the line where necessary, and also making external improvements to the telegraph and post office. They intended to make a start towards Manukau Heads, but was prevented by the weather setting in wet. This afternoon has turned out very wet, and there are at piesent no signs of improvement. —{.Own Correspondent, April 18.] TE KOPURU. Tuk Kopuru Football Club have held their annual meeting. Considerable interest was shown. Mr. T. Elliott is captain and Mr. Joseph Molloy secretary. It was decided to prepare a ground in a paddock at Mr. Webb's, distant about a mile from Kopuru. I The first practice took place on Saturday. A goodly number of players and spectators mustered. The ground was in good order. Whether it will remain dry enough during the ensuing winter remains to be soon. Sides were chosen'by Messrs. W. Legge and J. Molloy. and some fairly good play resulted. ; But it is when a match is on that interest is i aroused in the game.

The rifle club seems to have died out. The target is in good order, and the shooting platforms complete. There is a shed for the accommodation of shooters, rifles, ammunition, etc.; but still no shooting goes on. It seems a pity so little interest is taken in this fine pastime. _ Good progress is being made with the big outlet drain near Matthews'. This is being made by the Tatarariki Drainage Board. When completed it will be the largest drain in tho Wairoa, being 14 feet wide by 0 feet deep.— [Own Correspondent.]

WAIHEKE ISLAND. THE settlers here held their annual picnic on Saturday, April I, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The place of resort was the same as last year, namely, Coromandel, and judging by the large number of settlers who turned out, Coromandel would seem to be a favourite place with the people of Waiheke. The Coromandel Steamship Company, with their usual liberality, placed their steamer at the disposal of the settlers, and this, together with the great kindness shown by Captain Scott and his officers, made the day s outing an unqualified success. Coromandel was reached about 11.30 a.m., and Captain Swindley having kindly secured a paddock, the excursionists were soon enjoying themselves in the usual manner of picnic parties, namely, in games, dancing, etc. These were kept up until about five p.m., when the party began to move towards the wharf, and at six p.m. the s.s. Coromandel had started on her return voyage, which, owing to the calm weather and clear moonlight, proved exceedingly enjoyable, Just before leaving the steamer Mr. J. H. Watson, in an able speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the promoters of the picnic, and this being seconded by Major Birnie in a neat, though short, speech, was carried amid groat cheering, all hands seemingly highly satisfied with the Waiheke picnic of 1893.— [A Correspondent.]

' WAIPU. Mr. Elliot, teacher of the Cove school, delivered a lecture on the evening of the 10th inst., in aid of the Waipu Library Funds. The subject chosen was " Epitaphs," and although the subject was a grave one, the lecturer presented it to his hearers in an entertaining and attractive manner, managing to sustain their interest during the whole of his discourse by the introduction of fuany examples of tombstone humour. On Thursday, the 13th inst., Mr. Norman McLean, son of Mr. Ewen McLean, of Finlay son'a Brook, was matrimonially united to Miss Mary Eraser, second daughter of Mr. Donald Eraser, of the Braigh district. The wedding ceremony was performed in the church by the pastor in presence of a large number of the friends of the bride and bridegroom, who had assembled to give the happy pair the customary congratulations, and cast showers of hymeneal rice over them as they took their departure to spend the honeymoon in the city.—[Own Correspondent.]

MANGONUI. Tiik home cricket team have recently played a couple of cricket matches, coining off victorious in each. The first match was against Totara. The total scores for the first innings were : Totara, 76; Mangonui, 56. In the second innings Mangonui were nearly all disposed oft" for a few runs, when Wrothall and Robinson made a stand, running the score up to 34. Tim left Totara with 26 to make; they only, however, made 23. The match was a most exciting one. In the second match Maugonui beat Kaitaia, with five wickets to spare.

RAGLAN. The contractor who was lately stopped by the Maoris at Waitetuna has thrown up his contract. The engineer has arranged with Mr. Smith to proceed with the work, and on the completion of grass-seed sowing, proceedings will bo taken against the Maoris if they interfere. It is high time that these native obstructions were put an end to. In the case of Mr. Smith the matter has become one of persecution, and, as he observes, it has got to such a pass that either the Maoris must he stopped or he must quit. All this trouble with native affairs is caused by one or two half-castes and others who are constantly working the Maoris up. It is a great pity the Government do not watch their opportunity, and make it unpleasant for these individuals. Remove these stumbling blocks, or agitators, and there would be an end to the native difficulty. A law passed next session making these persons liahle to prosecution for wrongly advising the natives would go a long way towards the prevention of these petty grievances. A large number of holdings on the main road are being fenced off, and the ground cleared, burnt, and sown down. Next season the aspect of a groat portion will be altogether changed for the better. There is still plenty of room for improvements. The steady influx of new blood an& capital into the district will effect it in time. The Government b.s. Hinemoa, Captain Fairchild, arrived in this port on Saturday morning early. She lay here all day, the crew being employed in re-erecting the beacons, taking soundings, etc. She left on Sunday morning. The s.s. Glenelg, Captain Austen, arrived on Saturday morning, and was occupied the whole day in discharging and taking in cargo. She left on Sunday morning for Onehanga, via Kawhia. A large amount of common building timber is being imported into the place. This shows that we are progressing. I think with a small outlay of capital this class of timber could be got in the district. The matter is worth the consideration of those who have a little means, as it would find employment for a number of settlers and keep a good deal of money in the district that now goes out. Most of the settlers are engaged in sowing grass. The weather at present is very suitable for that purpose.[Own Correspondent.]

MAT AT A. Thk steamer Katikati arrived here on the 13th April with a full load, including three or four tons of grass and clover seed for Messrs Mannings and Thomas' run ; also some for Messrs. L. Douglas and Porring's run. The former gentlemen are having a twelve-roomed house built on their run at the Herepuru stream. Mr. Arthur Warbrick is contractor, and is making very good progress with the work, and expects to finish the job in a few weeks from now. Mr. George Creek received a lot of timber, bricks, and other building material by the steamer today. He intends building a summer residence here. We bad Mr J. C. Firth, of Auckland, down here this week, looking round the country in quest of pumice suitable for some work connected with his insulation process. He was very pleased with the appearance of the land and district generally. Father Maden is still hard at work building the new church, aud hopes to have it completed in a mouth or six weeks. There is no harder worker in Matata than Father Maden, and he is well liked by both natives and Europeans. Mr. Ben Savage's sons, who took up tho Awakaponga lands, are getting on well with their clearing, and expect to have most of it down in grass this autumn. We have some grand hot springs near Mount Edgecombe. There is one bath there, at least 50 yards long by 20 broad, that will cure a great many eye complaints. I speak from experience. 1 had been suffering from my eyes for nearly a mouth. 1 went up to the baths, and had been there only three days when I found an improvement had set in, and in one week I came back quite recovered. It is a great pity that the Government could not see their way to make the road from Rotorua along the Rotoiti Lake, and through the Haehaenga bush. The cost would not be so great, and then tourists could go to Rotorua by train and return by way of To Haehaenga, and see the splendid sights at these hot springs, have good sport on the two small lakes there shooting ducks and swans, returning by way of To Toko to Whakatano, thence by steamer to Auckland or Matata, aud on to Tauranga, taking the steamer from there. The Haehaenga bush contains the best totara forest 1 have seen for a long time. The Government should try and buy it, and keep it as a reserve for their future wants. Elliott Brothers' llaxinill at the Umuhika is in full swing, anil the fibre when baled looks well. The steamer Katikati is to come here again iu about a week hence for another full load from this mill. There are still a few good blocks of Crown land to be had in this district, but it is fast being taken up.—[Own Correspondent.]

TE MAT A. A MF.KTINii of the Band of Hope was held in the Mata school house on Thursday. The night was a fine one, so we had a larger attendance than on any former occasion. Mr. John Carter as usual occupied the chair ; and, after giving a short address, the following programme was gone through : —Song, Miss Carter; reading, Mr. S. L. Graham, Wanted, a Younit Man song, Miss' Graham, " Father, Dear Father, _ Come Home reading, President, "Mr. Skinner;" ! song, Alias E. Graham, " Please, Give Me a i Penny, Sir;" song, Mr. Garvey; reading, ; Mr. J. Graham, " How To Save Ones ! Bacon;" song, Master Pat. U'Connell, i "Mary Had a Little Lamb;" song, Misses | Sanderson; song, Miss E. Graham, "Bell Mahone;" address, Mr. Hales; song, Miss Graham, "The Broom:" recitation, Miss Kate Sanderson; song, Mr. Hales. Hymns 49, 398, 111, 107 were selected from Sankey's collection, and sung at intervals during the ' evening. Miss E. Graham played the har- « mouium accompaniments, and did so iu such

a creditable manner as contributed no little to the success of the evening. The weather has taken a. chance for the better lately, which we hope will last for some time, and give us a chance to prepare for the coming winter, which is fast approaching.—[A Correspondent.]

KAHOTU. Tub following resolutions were carried at a meetina- of ratepayers "That we, the ratepayers in the Parihaka Riding, disagree with the proposal of the Taranaki County Council to declare the Parihaka Riding a special ratine district, for the purpose of raising £2000 under the Loan to Local Bodies Act, as we have lost all confidence in the supervision of our roads and general administration by that Council." An amendment was proposed, " That a loan of £2000 be raised to repair the road and bridges," which was lost by 17 to 2. " That wc, the ratepayers in the Parihaka Riding, emphatically decline to agree to a special rate, or the raising of a loan, so long as this district remains a part of Taranaki." Carried by 17 to 2. "That this meeting of ratepayers strongly protest against the reckless statements made by Mr. Price at the special meeting held on \V ednesday, the 22nd March, as contained in the report of the Taranaki News of the 23rd, viz., ' That the majority of ratepayers in the I anhaka Riding were not in favour of separation, only one or two who could not get into the Council.' Such statements made by the chairman (of the County Council) only shows his gross ignorance of the ratepayers in this district." Carried by 17 to 3. "That a committee of the Egmont County Rill, also a committee of the Taranaki County Council, be appointed to define a boundary for the new county."—[Own Correspondent.]

NEW PLYMOUTH. THE Taranaki Agricultural Society, in conjunction with the Horticultural Society, held their autumn show of flowers, roots, grain, dairy produce, etc., in the Drill Hall, 011 the 13th. There was a good attendance of the public Some of the chrysanthemums were very fine. Garden produce wao well represented. Some of the exhibits of potatoes were very good. The feature of the show was dairy produce (this being essentially a dairying district). There were a large number of exhibitors in this class. The rumour that the VVaitara Freezing Works tiro closing for good is incorrect. They are only closing down their works for a few weeks on account of the high price of stock at present. A rifle match was held yesterday between the Rahotu Rifle Club and the newly-formed New Plymouth Club, which resulted in a win for "New Plymouth. The shooting was not very good on account of the wet state of tho weather. Some of the prisoners arived here from Wellington by Friday's train, to commence repairs to the breakwater as soon as the necessary arrangements can be completed. The amount of money subscribed by the people in the district towards repairs up to date amounts to £860 odd. The Supreme Court sat last week and disposed of the criminal work. The Crown v. Hendry aud Pease, for perjury in the land dummyism cases, being the principal ones. Hendry was acquitted, and Pease's sentence was deferred till next sitting of the Supremo Court through a point of law being raised, but later on in the session that point was waived, and he was this morning sentenced to three days' imprisonment; but as the sentence began with the opening of the Court, the time had expired when sentence was pronounced. * The football season opens next Thursday, with the first of the clip matches for the season, at Stratford.— Correspondent.]

OAONUI (OPUNAKE). Mr. Holmes has used all the energy he has with the satisfactory result that his flaxmill is in full swing despite the damage done by the recent flood. Mr. Murray, inspector of schools, paid his visit of inspection hist week, and I hear the results are good. The inspection was on the Tuesday, following a four days' holiday, Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Easter Monday, then previous to that there was the Christmas holidays. How it will compare with those schools which were examined before Christmas I do not know yet, but I think it is a sort of a handicap. _ I will refer to this subject on a future occasion. The butter factory is in full swing, under the management of Mr. G. W. Geary and Mr. Elliss, his assistant, and without doubt the quality of the butter is unsurpassable. The factory is a picture of cleanliness, and everything in it. Putter is made daily. The milk is of good percentage. I see by your paper that some of the milk up your way is very poor. Grass here is abundant since this spell of fine weather, with a shower or two. Sheep are looking remarkably well. The roads are being repaired; but a great failure here is bo much native land from which we derive no rates, although the Maoris use the roads as much as the whites. It is to be trusted the Government will take action to make them pay, for many of them cart their I milk to the factory.—{Own Correspondent.]

OPUNAKE. Mr. Eyes, a late Superintendent of Marlborough and M.H.R., is, I hear, invited to go ever and contest the Marlborough seat at the next eketion against all-comers. I am informed that he is undecided yet, but will shortly make up his mind. Mr. F. McGuire, M.H.R., is to pay us a visit shortly to let-rn our views on politics before the House meets. The Taranaki County Council are repairing the damage done by the floods ; but at a meeting of ratepayers, held in the Town Hall on the 2oth ultimo, Mr. G. W. Rogers, chairman of the Town Board, occupying the chair, stated the object of th« meeting was to deal with the proposals of the Taranaki County Council, who had suggested that a loan of £2000 should be raised under the Loan to Local Bodies Act. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. W. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Chapman, of Rahotu, and carried, "lliat the ratepayers present will not agree to supply the Taranaki County Council with special funds to repair damages in the Parihaka Riding, but are agreeable to supply the same to a new county separate from North Taranaki." It is the universal opinion of the ratepayers that it would be very unwise to trust any more money to those constituting the Taranaki County Council. Mr. Maxwell and Mr. P. M. Chapman pointed out that it was a moral necessity to secede from Taranaki. Great praise and credit are given W the stewards of the Pungarehu Race Meeting, it being a good meeting. Beautiful weather was experienced, and the stewards were very zealous in carrying out their duties. The refreshment booth was patronised most liberally both by ladies and gentlemen, taxing Mr. and Mrs. Hickey's abilities to the utmost, while at the same time giving the greatest satisfaction. Mr. Hickey is an adept at catering. Although he bad a booth 40 feet by 22 it was not large enough by onehalf. The table was one of the best 1 have had the pleasure to sit down to on any racecourse in New Zealand. The table was well supplied with everything desirable during the whole day. Mr. Coibott, the hon. secretary, was most courteous every way. The starting was excellent, showing that Mr. Wills was the right man in the right place. Mr. Layard, vice-president, was very assiduous in his ollice at the totalisator. The club will be in funds. A good sum was run through the totalisator considering the meeting. The club are to be congratulated on the result of their meeting.— Own Correspondent.]

lb is lamentable to have to record a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, as mysterious in its origin as tho 0110 which took place a short time ago. It has occurred in a farm at, Guestling, in Sussex, tivo miles from Hastings, and about seven from Rye. How it arose there is no evidence to show ; probably somo person or material from tho Continent conveyed the infection to tho farm from Hastings or Rye, and it is now suggested that all butchers or drovers arriving from the Continent should bo fumigated on landing. There is no reason to doubt that the Agricultural Department will be able to suppress the outbreak, the district all round tho farm having been made an infected circle, so that tho removal of animals out of it will be prevented until all danger of extending the disease has disappeared. Deafness Permanently Cured.—A gentleman who cured himself of deafness and noises in the head, of many years' standing, by a new method, will be pleased to send full particulars, with copies of testimonials, etc., for two stamps. The most successful treatment ever introduced. Address, Her bkbt Clifton, 51, Upper Kenniugtou Lane, London, S.E To enjoy good health, take only pure unadulterated articles of diet, such as Arthur Nathan's Reliable Tea, which cannot be excelled for purity and delicacy. Invalids specially should get it. 92 To Darken Grey Hair.—Lockyers Sulphur Hair Restorer is the quickest, best, safest; costs less, effects more than any other. The colour produced is most natural Lockyer's Sulphur is the only English Hair Restorer universally sold. Anyone wishing to make a present, and in doubt as to the most suitable thing to purchase, are advised to call on Messrs. Boylan, Taurield and Co., importers of art pottery and choice fancy goods, 174, Queen-street. You can't expect to grow younger »s the years roll by, but you can preserve the attractive colour and youthful freshness of your hair by using Mrs. S. A. Alleu'u Wvrld's flair Restorer. «