COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9399, 4 January 1894, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

- • ' • ,'*.. [FROM OUR OWN correspondents.] , Hamilton, Wednesday. The Manukau team play Waikato on Sydney Square to-morrow, and will be entertained at a smoke concert at LeQuesne's Hotel on the same evening after the match. The establishment of a Produce Association in London to arrange the weekly price of butter and to induce a number of firms to adhere to the price arranged is being regarded anxiously in Waikato. Nothing has done so much to revive the agricultural prosperity of the district as the establishment of creameries throughout the district, and with fair play their number will yearly increase until the industry reaches ten times its present growth; but there is a turning point in the price of milk, and that price must depend upon the price which can be obtained for the butter at home, at which it will neither pay the milk supplier nor the butter producer, and it is dangerously near that price now. All depends, in fact, upon its price being maintained at the price given for the best Danish butter, to which it is not one whit inferior. Mr. Reynolds declares that it cannob be sold at a profit under Is per lb. If it be sold at less, 1 then the difference must clearly come out of the price of the milk, and if that be lowered, then the supply will fall off, and farmers will turn their attention to some other production than that of milk, about which there is undoubtedly much drudgery. But if Mr. Reynolds is to succeed in his endeavours, he must have the support of the producers of New Zealand, and what applies to dairy produce applies to fruit, frozen meat, and other produce consigned home by the producer. If not consigned for sale to Messrs. H. Reynolds and Co., it should bo consigned only to members of the Association, a list of tho firms that have joined such Association having been already published in the Herald, and further notice of the expansion of which will doubtless be found in that paper from time to time. These firms pledge themselves to fix a price weekly for produce in the London market, and not to sell under that price. These are evidently the men who should command the colonial trade, who will oppose the present cutthroat system which prevails of agents coolly selling to the first customer who comes along at a price that cauuot pay the exporter, but which pays hi 3 charges of freight and commission, leaving to the exporter the too common returns, " did not pay expenses." The New Zealand exporter in backing up the new Association by his patronage will not only be benefiting himself but will be doing his duty to the colony and the trade he represents by pursuing such a course. Let him consign his goods to those only who will do their best for the colony. Referring to the election petition received l against the conduct of the late County elecj tions, Mr. A. Primrose, chairman of the Waikato County Council, at its late meeting said that a petition had been lodged under the Local Elections Act by a ratepayer, for the purpose of quashing the elections, on the ground that there was some informality in the appointment of the County Returning Officer. What the idea of the matter in the minds of the petitioners was, he (Mr, Primrose) was unable to understand; but* eventually, after puttine him (the chairman) to the trouble of engaging a solicitor to defend, the petition at the last minute had been withdrawn, and, he supposed, there was no remedy. By the getting up of a groundless petition, the Council had been put to the expense of two guineas, and the Magistrate had refused costs to a greater extent than 10s 6d, Mr. O'Neill's account being £2 12s Gel. The ratepayers had thus been mulcted in a sum of £2 2s, which ought, in all justice, to come out of the pocket ot the person who nad instituted proceedings winch he had not the proofs to sustain. At the meeting of the Hospital Board today, there were present the chairman (Mr. A. Primrose), and Messrs. Hunt, Bond, Jones. McQuirk, Smith, Lang, Teasdale, Seddon, Browne, Chepmell, Clark, and Kusabs. A letter was read from Mr. wood asking to have his stay at Te Aroha extended, and on the motion of Mr. Chepmell, seconded by Mr. Seddon, this was agreed to to the extent of £3. A letter was read from police Inspector Hickson stating that Constable Cavanatrh had done nc more than his duty in the steps he had taken in respect to the case of Mrs. Forstcr, and referring the Board to the action of the magistrates in committing, and the evidence of the medical men who examined her in support of Constable Cavanagh's charge of lunacy. It was resolved that the relief granted to Mrs. Kellow, of Ngaruawahia, should be discontinued from this date. Miss M. Gibbon was appointed probation nurse to the hospital out of five applications. The Board passed a vote of thanks to Dr. Kerr, late of Hamilton, for the trouble he had taken in Sydney in procuring the electric battery for them. Whatawhata, Wednesday. The local races here on New Year's Day, ware a great success. The Ngaruawahia Band added to the general enjoyment. The following were the events: — Handicap Hurdles: McGarry's Mistake, 1; Jolly's Adventurer, 2; Reid's Daphne, 3; Deceiver Kingfisher, Mosquito, Musk, and Liberal also ran. Maiden Plate: Adventurer, 1; Kelvin Grove, 2; Wild Rose, 3. Whatawhata Handicaj): Hodgson's Rosebud, 1; Mistake, 2 ; Te Kooti, 3. Galloway Race : Greave's Kosher, 1 ; Searancke's Paramoa, 2; Kothwell's Virginia, 3. Settler's Race : Only two started ; Mask, 1; Virginia, 2 ; won by half- ! a-length. ■ Ladies' Bracelet: Rosebud, 1; Roth well's Last Chance, 2 ; Wise's Ingarie, 3. Te Awamutu, Wednesday. A Maori Mission Meeting will be held in the Public Hall here on Friday evening, when addresses will be given by the Rev. Hauraki Paul, and other native clergymen, on the general work of Maori missions in the colony. Musical selections will be rendered by some Maori youths, lately students in the Three Kings College, both in English and Maori. .Alexandra, Wednesday. There was quite a crowd on New Year's Night gathered in the Public Hall at the annual festival of the Christmas-tree, which was artistically arranged, as indeed was the fete itself, by Mr. Chappell, to whom a vote of thanks was moved by the Rev. Mr. Wilson, and enthusiastically endorsed by ,the assembled company. The concert and recitation by the school children was very much appreciated, and reflected most creditably on Miss Allen. The most popular part of the entertainmeut was of course the distribution of the toys.etc.,on the Christmas-tree, of which there were 275 gifts, which took a long time, and caused a merry uproar among the children. The Rev. Mr. Wilson said that he had seen many Christmas-trees at Home and in other countries, but none to compare with the one of to-night, and finished by proposing the vote of thanks to Mr. Chappell. The room was then cleared for dancing, the first three dances being left to the children, who then retired in favour of their elders, who kept it up till daylight. POKENO. The annual soiree in connection with the Pokeno Presbyterian Church eventuated on the night of the 29th December, and was an unqualified success. Fully 300 people wore present, and testified to the creditable display of good things provided by Mrs. and the Misses Crosbie, two tables; Mrs. Brown and Mrs. R. FitDess, one table each. The following ladies were in charge:—Mesdames Brown and Fitness, and the Misses Bcnning, Brown, and Crosbie. The public meeting was held in the church after the tables Were removed, the Rev. Mr. Findlay in the chair. Despite the close and sultry state of the weather, the large audience listened attentively throughout to a somewhat lengthy programme, and bv the impartial rounds of applause, showed their appreciation of the rendering of each item. The following visitors assisted materially towards tho success of the evenings entertainment:—Miss Weblcy and tho Rev. Scott West (Auckland), Misses Cornthwaite and Mr. G. Mackey (Bombay), Miss Buttimore and Mr. T. Wright (Paparata), Mrs. Findlay (Pukekohe), and Mr. J. Anderson (Mangatangi.) The programme was as follows: —Chairman's remarks, Rev. Mr. Findlay; instrumental, " The Sentinel's March," Miss Brown; anthem, "Happy New Year," choir; recitation, " When You Were a Girl," Miss J. Muir ; duet, "The Saviour's Birth," Miss Warn and Mr. Crosbie; recitation, "A i Fashionable Choir," Miss Webley; anthem, " The Whispers of Heaven," choir; solo," I Cannot Sing the Old Songs," Mr. Mackey ; solo, "Oh Had I Wings Like a Dove," Miss Buttimore ; clarionet solo," Maritana. Mr. T. Wright; anthem, Jesus, Wc Our Voices Raise," choir; solo, "The Bridge,' _ Mrs. Findlay; recitation, " Little Marys Wish, MissF. Muir; solo, "Far in the Past," Miss Shanks ; address, by the Rev. Scott West: anthem, "The Future Lies Before Me, choir; recitation, " The Fancy Bazaar," Miss Webley; solo, "Thou Art. Passing Hence, Mv Brother," Mr. Anderson ; clarionet solo, "Scenes That Are Brightest," Mr. T. Wright; anthem, " No More Tears, choir ; . recitation, "The Starless Crown,' Miss Buttimore ; solo, "He Prayeth Best Who Loveth Best," Mr. Mackey ; solo, "My Am Couutrie," Mrs. Findlay ; anthem, Jesus, Lover of My Soul," choir (Miss ; Coruthwaite taking the alto solo); duet," Beautiful Home on High,"- Miss Warn and Mr., Crosbie ; r» citation, The Faithful Lovers," Miss Weblev (encored), " The Maid and the Bachelor; anthem, " Praise and Magnify His Name, choir Mrs. Kingsford presided at the organ with her usual skill.. Miss Webley was undoubtedly the star of the evening. That talented young lady contributed, with her well-known ability, no fewer than four items, the last being given in response to a most emphatic encore. Votes of thanks to the ladies who provided the good things, and to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the after meeting, were carried by acclamation. The Benediction brought the meeting to a I close.--[Own Correspondent. [

' ' MARERETU. *' ' Sheepowners in this district are steadily increasing their flocks, and it is pleasing to note paying considerable attention to improving the breed of their sheep. Mr. H. C. Nutsford has recently brought into the district a pure-bred Leicester ram, bred by Mr. \ P. C. Tnrelkeld, of Inglewood, Christchurch. This ram took second prize at the last Agricultural Show in Auckland. Mr. Nutsford deserves great praise for his enterprise in introducing into our district a sheep of this description. v On Wednesday, December 27, Mr. M. Worthington and Miss M. Morland (both of Mareretu) were united in the bonds of matrimony. After the wedding a superb wedding breakfast was given at Mr. H. Sykes's house, where a large number of friends attended to shower upon the happy [>air their good wishes and congratulations.— Own Correspondent.] PUKEKOHE WEST. There area large number of acres of oats in stooks ready for carrying, but the weather being dull and damp, will not permit of this being done, It we get some good harvest weather this week, a large area of oats (principally dun) will be placed in the Stack. ;_ Christmas Day passed \ away very quietly with us. Service was held in the English Church, in the afternoon, at three o'clock, the Rev. McFarland officiating. A good sermon, appropriate for the. day, was delivered in an able manner, and the choir, under the management of Mrs. Pilgrim, discoursed some very nice Christmas pieces and hymns. On Saturday, the 30th ultimo, Mr. Buckland hold his monthly cattle sale, instead of on the Monday (Christmas Day), There was a largo number of the public present, and a big muster of cattle, especially calves and yearlings? Dairy cows were fairly represented, and brought good prices, ranging from £4 10s to £6 10s; dry cows, from £3 to £4 2s 6d: young useful bulls, from about £3 10s to £4; steer beef, from £6 to £6 2s 6d, and £6 14s each; yearlings, from £1 15s to £2 10s; calves, from 12s to £110s ; pigs, dull of sale, from 3s 6d to 8s each ; horses, none offered. I am requested to mention, for the benefit of your numerous country readers, that no dehuite arrangement has been arrived at re auctioneers' commissions, which was supposed to have been settled in favour of the settlers after the last September sale. Agitation is still to go on, and a public meeting held in Pukekohe Hotel next Hunter and Nolan's cattle sale here.— Correspondent.] PAPAROA. A very interesting ceremony took place on the 27th December, in the marriage of Miss Annie Hardie, eldest daughter of Mr. Joseph Hardie with Mr. Edward C. Whitehouse. The ceremony was performed at the Matakohe Chapel, by the Rev. J. J. Mather, in the presence of many friends, and at the conclusion rice-throwing was freely indulged in by some present. The bridal party then returned to the residence "of * ; MrV>;Hardie, where a sumptuous repast was" provided, of which about forty-five, partook; after which the;" customary speeches being made, the company gave their best wishes to the bride and bridegroom, and hearty thanks' to Mr. and Mrs. Hardie for their hospitality. The wedding presents are numerous, and both useful and valuable. ':'<■ > '' '•; Mr. A. H. Whitehouse, who is well-known in thesis districts as a commercial traveller, having been to the World's Fair at Chicago, lias invested in one of Edison's phonographs with the latest improvements, which he intends to exhibit in his rounds through the country. The phonograph is a splendid success. It was exhibited here on the Ist instant, and was heard tolerably well all over the hall. The specimens given were chiefly musical items, being accurate and distinct records of cornet and piccolo solos, band music, and songs, etc., with a whistling piece in imitation of the mocking bird; in each of these the minor details, such as the piano accompaniment could be easily heard by the audienco; and by the aid of the tubes, the inflection of the voice, etc., is distinctly heard. In addition, Mr. Whitehouse gave a brief and graphic description of his visit and his improssions of the Americans and the show. The night was unfortunately wet, keeping many away ; but none of those who went regretted doing so.—[Own Correspondent.] MAUNGATUROTO. The Acclimatisation Society has offered a prize of £2 2s for the greatest number of hawks' heads that shall be exhibited at the forthcoming show of the Otamatea Pastoral and Agricultural Association in March next, conditionally on not less than 50 heads being exhibited. In view of the great amount of mischief which hawks cause by killing young lambs, poultry, etc., I trust that our young people will trap and otherwise kill a sufficient number ot hawks during the next few weeks of their holidays to enable them to lay claim to the handsome sum thus placed within their reach. It is of course understood that the heads sent in for competition become the property of the Association.— Correspondent.] HUIA. On Boxing Day a large party of excursionists arrived here by the Northern Company's s.a. Kanieri, and spent a very pleasant day. As the tide was, the steamer drew too much water to get to the Manukau Timber ComEany's wharf, so passengers were landed at larama Point, where the steamer can come within a hundred yards of the rocks. The proceedings were very much enlivened by the Onehuiiga Brass Band, which, under the able couductorship of Mr. Gatland played at intervals some choice dance music. Among the visitors I noticed Mr. Barnes, agent for the Northern S.S. Company, Mrs. \ate:3, mayor of Onehunga, and many others of note. It was a very pleasant sight to see the groups of picnickers dotted among the bush, right and left, to the summit of Mamma mountain. During the afternoon some of the excursionists had a dance upon the green, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. The pohutukawas, being in full bloom, were very much admired, also the scenery, many people being on their first visit here, were in ecstacies with the charming retreats on every hand. As five o'clock drew near the Kanieri's horn sounded, warning her passengers to prepare for departure. During the embarkation the band, stationed upon the rocks, played some lively airs, ending with "Auld Lang Syne'' as they themselves left the shore. Although upon previous occasions some slight damage has been done to fruit trees, etc., I am glad to note that none whatever was done on Boxing Day. There is one thing to which I should like to call the attention of excursionists—that is, the danger to cattle, etc., in leaving broken bottles on the ground. A meeting of the school committee was held on Monday, and there were present: Messrs. Turnbull, Barr, Higham, and Kennedy. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the tender of Thomas and Peter Higham, for cleaning the school, at £3 per year, was accepted, the school to be swept every week, and scrubbed once a month. Some discussion took place as to the advisability of asking the Board to erect a schoolhouse, but nothing was decided upon.—[o\vn Correspondent.] TE KOPURU. Some time age, when the Kopuru Band of Hope broke up, the funds belonging to the; society were handed over to a committeei consisting of the head teacher, chairman of school committee, and Mr. Barclay, to be devoted to prizes for the school children, £1 to be divided annually amongst the children who had attended most regularly, and 103 annually to the third, and the same amount to the fourth standard for proficiency in arithmetic and spelling. It was provided that an examination should bo held annually separate from the regular examination, for the purpose of these prizes, open to all children attending Kopuru School free; any other children to pay 6d each. This examination took place in the school house on December 20. The prize for attendance was divided between Margaret Molloy and Maud Foreman, who had not missed a single half day that the school was open. In the spelling competition in the third standard, the committee were obliged, to divide the prize after a lengthened contest, between Mabel Leabourne and Murray Molloy. Mabel Leabourne also took tho prize for arithmetic, after a good contest with W. Wright. In Standard IV., the arithmetic prize went to Frederick Cox, and the spelling to Margaret Mcllroy. In addition to these prizes, the teachers themselves resolved to present prizes to the Ist, 2nd, sth, and 6th Standards. The contests for these resulted in Standard 1., arithmetic, Charles Game; Spelling, Alice Burgess ; writing, Myrtle Allcock. Standard II: Arithmetic, Mabel Robertson; spelling, Margaret Molloy; writing, May McDermott. Standard V. Arithmetic, James McDermott : spelling, Harold Cobbald. Standard VI.: Ethel McCabo. ; .:.■•, Ihe annual children's entertainment in connection with the breaking up tpok place in the hall on Thursday, 21st. . The hall was crammed. The teachers have had only the week after the inspector's examination in which to prepare for ithis event, but they seem to have made the most of the time. In the absence of the chairman of committee (Mr. M. Cobbald), Mr. Joseph Molloy made the necessary introductions. The programme was a lengthy one. There were several tableaux :—" The Old Woman that Lived in a Shoe," "The Babes in the Wood," " Dick Whittington," "The Marriage." Two scenes, one a selection from King John, "Hubert and Arthur" (rather too ambitions); and this other, " The Doctor's Visit," a duet, Edith Game and Margaret Mcllroy. Recitations by

Ethel McCabe.Kate French, Jas. McDermott, and Frederick Cox ; a chorus and dance by girls, " Weel May the Keel Row;" imitation instrumental music by boys: a song and march by fairies; grand march by boys and girls Good Night," sung by girls dressed in nightgowns with candles already lit. The dressing of the parts in the different tableaux, the fairy dance, the grand march, the keel row, and the two scenes were very tasty and good, and considering the number of characters, indicated surprising trouble. The applause was vigorous throughout and encores frequent, particularly so in the keel row dance and the grand march. The evolutions in the latter under the directions of Mr. Perkins (junior teacher) excited great admiration. The four recitations were given with spirit and effect, particulary so those of Ethel McCabe and Frederick Cox, " Gertrude of Wyoming"and the "Influence of Temptation. The instrumental accompaniments were kindly furnished by Miss Rhodes and Mr. J. Molloy. During an interval Mr. Joseph Molloy presented the prizes won at the examinations. He complimented Miss Ethel McCabe on being the only one who had hitherto passed the sixth standard at Kopuru. On behalf of the committee he begged to thank the teachers for the way they had brought the children on. The inspector's report was the best one thev had ever had at the school. Three cheers" for the teachers were here lustily given. He urged the parents to send their children to school; regularly. A dance concluded the meeting. Ihe proceeds (after paving expenses) are added to the Band of Hope fund, so as to keep it permanent. Only three children have failed to pass at the examination, out of an average attendance of nearly a hundred. One of these was but a new arrival.—[Own Correspondent.] BOMBAY. . On Thursday evening, 21st December, the Pukekohe West Band of Hope Choir, assisted by the Paparata Choir, gave the service of song " Reclaimed" in the Paparata Church ; proceeds in aid of the Sunday-school. Mr. Usher read the connecting narrative, Mr. Fisher wielded the baton, and Mr. G. Worsley presided at the harmonium. Mr. Webster also accompanied on the flute. The pieces were admirably rendered and at the close the Pukekohe friends received a most cordial vote of thanks. * , On Saturday morning, 23rd December, a meeting of the milk suppliers to the creamery was held at the creamery to discuss the percentage which is being: given by the proprietors of the creamery. Without exception, I believe, all are dissatisfied. The result of the meeting was that Messrs. A. Reynolds, Brownhill, and James Sturgeon were appointed a committee to take samples of milk and send to Mr. Pond for analysis. One of the largest, if not the largest, suppliers told me if he did not get better satisfaction he should get a separator for himself, for he can easily make his number up to fifty head.— Correspondent. TAR A. The annual breaking-up party of the Tara school was held in the above schoolroom on Friday, 22nd December, and was a great success. Everyone seemed bent on making themeselves as sociable as possible, thus everything passed off as . satisfactorily as one could desire. During the afternoon the children ' were kept amused with racing, jumping, etc., until tea was called. Mr. Bond was here called upon to make a few remarks which were suitable to the occasion. After the usual ceremonies the inner man was attended to in real earnest. In the evening—Mr. Bond being voted to the chair—the prizes given by Miss Cameron were presented, each scholar receiving a well-selected book. After this a lengthy programme was gone through, Mrs. Willie Stewart and Mr. Janverin playing the accompaniments. The following was the programme :—Piano solo, Mrs. W. Stewart ; song, "Rain of the Roses," Misu Martin; recitation, "When I'm a Man," Masters Wharf Campbell, and McLeod ; recitation. "Swallow and I," Mary Campbell and Amelia James.; song, "Comrades," Mr. T. Webb; duet, "Waves of the Ocean," Mrs. W. Stewart and Miss Ada Wharfe; recitation, " The Tempest," Katie Campbell; recitation, "The Bee and the Dove," Lillie Wharfe; song, " Love Me When I'm Old," Mr. Malcolm ; recitation, Mr. Nobody," Master T. Eyor; song, "A Flower from Mother's Grave." Mr. J. Webb; recitation, "Nell and Her Bird," Lizzie James;" recitation, " Sturdy Jim," Harry Bond ; comic song, "Knocked Him in the Old Kent Road." Mr Sharpe (encored, and responded with " When Shall We Meet Again ?"); piano solo, "Swing Waltz," Violet Bond recitation, "' The Stroller's Story," Mr. Boock (who received great applause); song, Strangers Yet,"Mr. H. Bond: recitation, "Sayingand Doing," Pada Campbell; recitation, " First Step," Pansy Gaboline; duet, "Indiana Waltz," Mrs. W. Stewart and Miss Sarah; recitation, "Hang Up Baby's Stocking," Lavina Campbell; recitation, Mr. Powell; song (trio), " The Crossing Sweeper," Misses Wood, Steward, and Bishop; recitation. "A Leap for Lite," Frank King; song, "The Sailor Boy," Mr. T. Webb; recitation, Work While You Work," Nellie Gaboline; recitation, "John Maynard," Paul James; song, " 'Arry," Mr. Sharpe (encored); recitation, Alice James. This ended the programme, at the close of which several of the scholars presented their teacher (Miss Cameron) with a handsome book as a token of their combined gratitude and good wishes and esteem for her patience and perseverance with them during the past year. Miss Cameron thanked the children, and said their present was a great surprise, but an agreeable one, and she hoped to see them all returning to their duties again prepared to do themselves and her as great a credit as they had done during the past year. She then wished them "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." A vote of thanks was returned to the chairman and those who had taken an interest in making the affair such a success. Dancing was kept up until the small hours of the morning.—[A Correspondent.] WAIPU. Like the rest of the world, we are holidaymaking at the present time, and picnic and pleasure parties are often on the move. Day school picnics, Sunday-school, and private picnics have beeu indulged in to such a degree that it would ">almost lead to the conclusion that this form of enjoyment is the very height of human happiness. The annual soiree in connection with till Waipu Presbyterian Church was prepare* by ladies of the Church, and held in tlif Library Hall on the evening of Christina* Day, and was a pronounced success in every way. The financial results amounted to th* handsome sum of £19 10s. After the tea tables were cleared, a select programme of sacred vocal music was given by the choir, which seemed highly appreciated by the audience. The following pieces were sung : —Anthem, " l''or Thy Tender Mercy's Sake," choir; solo, "The Prodigal Son." Mr. D. M. McLeod; recitation, "Little Jim," Master L. Campbell; anthem, "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me," choir ; solo, " Qireen Esther's Appeal." Miss C. McLean; dnet, "What Is Hope," Miss C. McLean and Mr. D. M. McLeod; reading, "Simson's Wedding," Mr. J. Brook; anthem, "In Judah is God Knowa." Miss McDonald has been engaged teaching music in the district for a considerable length of time, but has decided to remove to Auckland. This lady's efforts to improve the musical skill of her pupils have been very much appreciated, and on severing her connection with her pupils, she was the recipient of several very handsome presents, as marks of esteem from those who had been under her tuition. We have had two days of steady rain, with easterly gale, and no sign at present of the weather clearing, which is causing much anxiety to the promoters of sports and races, as the success of these ventures depends entirely on fiue weather.— Correspondent, December 29.] tmmmmmmmmmm.mmmmmmmmmmmm*