COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9402, 8 January 1894, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

(from our own correspondents.] Hamilton, Saturday. A man named Black, who had been severely ! injured by a fall of earth on Thursday, while working at Putaruru, was brought down to the Waikato Hospital yesterday. On examination by Dr. Kenny, it was found that no bones were broken, though the unfortunate man had received more or less injury by being jammed against the truck he had been at work filling at the time of the accident, by the fall of the earth. Mobbinsville, Saturday. The work for repairs on the station road, Okoroire, were tendered for as follows, and the Piako County Council dealt with them on TuesdayVoysey and Burgess, of Waihou, £40; JohnClarkin, Hamilton, £50: J. Barber, Tapapa, £29; Robert Mackie, Te Aroha, £27 10s ; Hugh Rae, Okoroire, £40. The tender of Robert Mackie was accepted. Messrs. L. D. Nathan ana Co. wrote to the Council, stating that if the Council would take the tops off the two hills on this road, spread the earth on the lower portions, and well cover it up, they would bear half the expense. It was resolved that in carrying out the above tenders the engineer should do such work. A sum of £70 has been offered by the settlers of the Gordon Special Settlement, to repair the main road in the settlement, provided the Council would expend the same amount. As it was •hown, however, that a sum of £350 had already been spent on this road, as against £245 estimated for it, the Council declined to do more than give 10s per £ raised by the settlers. , Hckanoi, Saturday. A couple of stacks of grain were destroyed by fire yesterday at Hillside, the stud sheep farm of the Waikato Land Association. Mr. Coates' threshers were engaged threshing for the company when a spark from the set fire to the loose straw. Nog only were the stacks burned, but Mr. Coates' threshing machine also. The traction engine was not injured. It was at once hitched on to the drum, but the wheels of the latter got locked, and it was impossible to drag it beyond the reach of the flames. Mr. Coates will be a severe loser by the accident.

MAUKU. Christmas and New Year seasons of joy and mirth have come and passed away, and as far as one can judge our people all have taken a fair and justifiable share of relaxation from their everyday toil. Our school children of Patumahoe and West Mauku have been dismissed for their six weeks' holiday. At the latter, the chairman, Mr. H. Crispe, attended on the last morning, and said a few words to those present, and also informed them who had gained the prizes j for best attendance during the last year, and which were given by himself, Mr. Walker, the the two teachers. Mr. C. j Dunning, and Miss M. McGee. The prizes \ went as follow :—Within one mile of school : Master N. Cotter, Ist Master B. Finlay, 2nd, Over one mile: George Gallagher, Ist; Annie Gallagher, 2nd. \ The stores of Messrs. Fulljames and Henry, ! of Patumahoe, put on quite a gay appearance, being decorated by nikau and tern trees. Onehotel was also decorated with evergreens and trees and the Union Jack, and altogether Patumahoe village looked all alive, and all had an increase of trade from people on holiday bent, -*''-" ~:;y '" " ~-----,t> - New Year's Day did not prove very auspicious for picnickers, of which there were quite a number on the move, but it was not by any means inviting to start away from home, but still many faced the elements and carried out their plans for the day. The abundance of rain is causing the grass to keep quite fresh and green, which is very beneficial to stock.

There has been very little wheat sown in the surrounding district this season; the low price prevailing for flour has deterred farmers from planting. There is a good breadth under oats, and I never saw that crop looking better than it does this season.

Mr. W. Spragg, manager of the New Zealand Dairy Association, has issued a circular stating his willingness to meet the suppliers if they will arrange for a meeting, when he will talk over matters in connection with the creamery. A meeting has been arranged to be held at West Mauku School on Saturday, January 13. The main question that disturbs the minds of suppliers is the percentage of cream returned in their monthly accounts, and where the trouble comes in is that the suppliers have no check on the teste taken by the manager, and have a notion that they are troated unjustly, but they must remember that it is of no interest to the manager to drive supplies away, for with the,ir present plant and expense they could work up nearly double the quautity of milk they are receiving, and therefore their profits would be so much better. There is little doubt that the erection of creameries in our country districts has been a wonderful benefit to every settler, and let them ask themselves the question, how would they like to return to the old system, and not say too hard things of those testing their milk if their returns do not quite come up to their expectations.— Correspondent.] PAPAROA. In consequence of the excessive rains of winter, a piece of road between the school and the Post office sunk nearly three feet in the centre of the roadway, greatly impeding traffic, and making the road dangerous in the dark. The authorities appear to be afraid to touch it at present, and are waiting for dry weather to consolidate the ground before making up the roadway to the proper level. There is a difference of opinion as to the cause of the depression of the ground. ' It is probable that the slipping away of the road has been accelerated by concentrating the flow of water in the stream near by, which in times of rain (frequent of late) becomts a little torrent, into a 24-inch pipe,' thus helping to loosen what has for years been a treacherous piece of ground. Mr. Dodds has recently finished a contract for throwing an embankment across the creek on the Paparoa-Matakohe road, over 20 feet in height. This will force the floodwater off about three hundred acres, through a pair of pipe-culverts of 30in. and 27in. respectively, which have been laid in concrete at the bottom of the creek, with terrific force, with what results it remains to be seen.

It is pitiable to see a stream of water flowing down the middle of a formed road, as I saw it last night, and which may be seen in almost every direction, destroying the work of the past. It is time efforts were made to keep the water off the formed roadways. The Paparoa Wesleyan quarterly meeting was held on tho 3rd January. The evening was very wet and only eight were present. The Rev. J. J. Mather presided. The receipts for the quarter were £2 above the expenditure, so that the deficiency now stands at about £33. To meet this, it was resolved to ask the friends in several of the centres to, arrange for soirees, and that special subscriptions l)e solicited throughout the circuit, Mr. Sturch to collect on the Kaiwaka side, and Messrs. J. H. Trounson and R. Hames on the Paparoa side. In accordance with routine Mr. Wilson, senior circuit steward, retired, and Mr. Pheasant became senior, an<i Mr. Trounson - was unanimously elected, junior steward. It being understood that a deputation from the Auokland Christian Endeavour Union would be in the neighbourhood at an early date, it was decided to reQuest them to visit Paparoa, to set forth the aims and methods of operation, with a view to organising a society. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, the 3rd April.— [Own Correspondent.] MATAKOHE. Mr. A. H. Whitehouse gave an exhibition of the phonograph, in the Public Hall here,, on January 3, and despite the inclemency of the weather, a fair number of wondering people came; some even from afar, to hear the revelations of science, and were not disappointed. Mr. Whitehouse, who, by the way, is a Matakoheite, has just returned from the World's Fair, in Chicago, bringing with him one of Edison's phonographs, and

to now touring the northern dJstrlfite, giving exhibitions of that instrument, together with. » description of what he saw and heard while in America. We had records from the phonograph of band performances, taken or Heard 'in -the' Chicago Exhibition, grounds ; also songs, the articulation being gjjjfj"* clear. We have to congratulate our erstwhile fellow ; sef tin upon his enterprising and versatile'genius. -•■**' ■. - . *• We in the Ncfth should now unite in pressing for the amounts placed; upon the estimates at the close of last session. f , 11 .the money is to do us any material good against the coming winter, it should be handed ever at once.—{Own Correspondent.] •. ! ; ■

■■-* > ' PARUA BAY. "','. i Th* annual meeting of subscribers to the Public Library was held in the library-room of the Public Hall on Saturday, 23rd inst. Mr. Downard was elected to the chair. The treasurer presented a balance-sheet for the past year, which had been duly audited,as followsßalance in hand (December, 1892), £1 16s 2d; receipts for year 1893, £4 ps; total, £6 Is 2d; expenditure, £5 l(te 4d; balance in hand, 10s lOd; total, £6 Is 2d. Outstanding arrears amounted to 17s, but only 4s of this amount were for the current year. i Resolved, " That the balance-sheet as read be adopted.. Mr. Morey, sen., who has during the past ten years performed the duties of librarian, tendered his resignation of that office. He is now 77 years of age, arid finds himself unable to come through all kinds of weather to attend to those duties. The chairman and other members, in accepting his resignation, spoke in high terms of the services rendered during the past by Mr. Morey. On the motion of Mr. Mallabond, seconded by Mr. Beasley, it was resolved that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Morey for the attentive manner in which he has performed the duties of librarian during his long term of office, and for the courtesy displayed and assistance rendered at all times to persons visiting the library. The meeting desired to show their appreciation of Mr. Morey's long services, and also their respect for the man himself, by constituting him an honoraay member of the library for the remainder of his life. Mr. Morey thanked the members present for their appreciation of his services and their kind expressions towards him. The following gentlemen were then elected members of the committee for the ensuing year Messrs. Mallabond, Morey, jun., Pitts, Downard, F. All wood, Beasley, Morey, sen., A. Williams, and W. Worthington. This concluded the business of the general meeting. At a meeting of the Library Committee, held immediately after the general meeting, Mr. S. W. Downard was elected chairman. The question of a successor to« Mr. Morey, as librarian, was then discussed when the meeting was informed that Mr. Harry Downard had expressed his willingness to undertake those duties. The members of the committee were all pleased with the offer, and elected that young gentleman aa librarian and treasurer. This concluded the business of the day.—[Own Correspondent.] WHANANAKI. Owing to the re-appearance of measles, the Whananaki school committee decided to ante-date the Christmas holidays by a fortnight, and the former accordingly began on December 11. This step saved the school average for the quarter. At the meeting of the Social Club on December 23, the following resolutions were carried :— That the name of the Whananaki Social Club be changed to the Whananaki Settlers' Association ;" and 2, " Thatths secretary write to the proper authorities representing the need of telephonic extension to Whananaki, and to ascertain amount of guarantee, if any, required for such extension." With regard to the first resolution, the new name adopted therein is felt to be more comprehensive and more expressive of the nature of the society, besides carrying more weight in outside correspondence than the old name. The Settlers' Association will deal with all public affairs in connection with the settlement, as its membership roll includes the great majority of the adult population. , Mr. flaszard and survey party, during December, have been camped at the Point here. They have surveyed the block of land j proposed as a public reserve, and marked out cemetery and wharf sites thereon. In anticipation of an early start being made with the Whananaki-Tutukaka road being made, Mr. Haszard commenced to re-open and peg the lines on the former, before Christmas. It is rumoured, however, that the £500 allocated for this work, and which is actually paid for by neighbouring Crown land selectors, has disappeared in the maze of departmental finance. In the latter case the authorities will have no peace from this quarter till the said funds are found. A general picnic in connection with the Settlers' Association, was held on Boxingday at the Tafera Bay. The morning commenced fine, and a gathering of about 50 adults and children assembled at the rendezvous. Soon, however, heavy thunder showers came on, and spoilt what wonld otherwise have been a most successful affair. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson very kindly placed their house at the disposal of the large party, many of whom indulged in dancing to enliven their forced captivity. The evening turned out somewhat finer, and various games were entered into very heartily by the young people, while quoits, etc., afforded amusement for the older members of the community. —[Own Correcpondent.] KAIPARA HEADS (NORTH). The rate at which sand is encroaching from the western shore upon North and South Kaipara is causing considerable uneasiness to settlers. On South Kaipara, near the Heads, the invasion is quite striking. A large cluster of bush, stationed inland, which, not many years ago, afforded shelter for cattle, is now nearly enveloped, the tops of she trees being only discernable. On the North Heads, all along the coast, the encroachment is still more distinct. Plains, which afforded superior pasturage for cattle and horses, spacious dells once covered with grass, flax, and fern, and lakelets, are being covered by the destructive element. All along the West Coast, where not resisted by preoipitous cliffs or salubrious shores, the encroachment is incessant. Various. < schemes have been propounded for its resistance, but, as yet, no effectual remedy has been discovered, so that it is anticipated that large areas of cultivable' land all along the West Coast will be submerged. .

Wakaretu, a "contiguous to the Heads, with a number of comfortable wooden houses and handsome' church, is. now practically abandoned. The gumfields at Ru Point and other parts bordering on Kaipara harbour attracted the native population, and cultivation has been almost discontinued except a few patches of kumeras. Prior to the discovery of gum, the natives here are said to have raised annually splendid crops of corn, potatoes, kumeras, onions, melons, squash, etc., had numerous herds of cattle, and lived comfortably and healthily. Now they are wholly dependent on the gum store for support. The chauge has not contributed to their comforts or morals. On the contrary, the gumfields have been a curse to che natives, a source of disease and sickness to themselves and to their unhappy offspring. The Northern Union* Steamship Company have now six boats well equipped for passenger traffic and towage plying on the numerous rivers, bays, and estuaries connected with Kaipara harbour. The energetic manager of the company, Mr. R. K. Douglas, is indefatigable in his endeavours to meet the wants of the public, and develop trade on the large settlements on the Wairoa and its tributaries. Up to the present time it is satisfactory to learn, that the efforts of this spirited company, under its able manager, have been attended with excellent results. Anxious to meet the demands of the large passenger traffic expected this season, the Osprey has received a thorough overhaul internally and externally, so that in regard to space, accommodation, and comfort, she will be found second to none plying on cur colonial shores. She calls at. the Heads and all along the intermediate ports four days a week to land passengers and mails on her passage between Helensville and Dargaville, and vice versa.

The arrangement between she Marine Department and the company for the lifting and depositing of buoys in all parts of the harbour appear to be working satisfactorily, and when i once complete arrangements are effected will be of considerable saving to the department; The tug-boat Durham which now occupies the moorings of the defunct Government launch, has been altered and improved to meet the demands made for towage, buoying, and other harbour duties. When a vessel appears in the offing, the lighthouse keeper at once gives notice to the harbourmaster, who - displays the necessary signalß, and the Durham, if not engaged with another vessel, loses no time in going over the bar. , Mobt of the ships coming now into harbour ■ are towed up the Wairoa and load at Matthews' Te Kopuru, and Aratapu. Some small craft go to Dargaville. When laden, the vessels are all cleared by Mr. Wyllie, the energetic postmaster at Te Kopuru. - When cleared, a captain.telegraphs to ■< a tug-boat at the Heads, "Ready to sail," and . if wind and tide are favourable, the vessel is frequently towed over the bar at one tide without any detention. Vessels going to Port Albert and « ?.» to *" are towed up the eastern part of the harbour, by Captain Smith, the harbourmaster, and when cleared and ready for» sea are towed over the >. bar at < one tide. It r was this detention when clearing = at % the: Heads ;, of "which f! Captains I a °d owners, justly complained, and caused ; the Minister, of Marin? -to make the change

now bo Mcmhle to vessels frequenting PabiandPorlJbert. , - , •_~ The little Qvernment launch so daftly at her mooring! and so t active in; lifting and laying the sill buoys, ■is now laid on aj Helensville,lavender, awaiting the judgment of thl Marine Departm«nt.—[Own Corresponded] » . j JwOODHILL. A concert af ball was held In the schoolroom, on Dec&ber 26, to wind up the annual school picnic Mr. Monk, M.H.R., presided. The concert iftopened by Mrs. i Armstrong, followed by 4 from Maori Mends, which was well SunT A dialogue by the pupil* showed that gat care must have been taken by their tealer, Miss Fulton. Song, by Mr. Harden, nib with considerable applause. A song. Miss fattmere, was deservedly applauded. Son Mr. Durham. Dialogue, by 'Master Willia and Miss Jane Osborne, was was very laugb )la; Song, by Mrs. V\ .Monk, was encored. ; Irish comic song, by a Maori friend, was uioubtedly the performance of the evening, p. dialogue by Miss Fulton and Mr. Pendlly was very laughable. > Mr. Pengelly was I his elemisnt as the quarrelsome husband! A song by Mrs. Montgomery and a recitat by Mr. Pengelly were well received Atl he conclusion of the concert, the aged Maofchiei asked permission to say a few words So the audience. The Key. Hauraki traiated the nged warriors remarks. .He lid:-"I wish to say a few words to the clldren of the white nuan concerning our [respective destiny. „ Many years have iased since these hills and valleys echo! the war song of the Maori warrio| The white man can smile on his childreiknd picture for them a bright and happy ftfure. Not so with the Maori. Ho must 100 forward to the dark abyss of oblivion. Do lot think, oh white man. that 1 envy you. Jo, for if it is the wish of God chat the Mali should go down before the white man, !is will be done." A vote of thanks to M ; Pengelly and the chairman closed the coi serb, after which the hall was cleared for stance, which was kept up till morning. Grit credit is due to the committee (Mess i. Osborne and Pengelly, and Mrs. Mackie) their able management.— [A Correspoofent.] ' \ KAIWAKAThe Christina tree in connection with the Kaiwaka scttol was on view in the school house on Wednesday, December 20, While the whole 6 the juvenile portion of the community were in attendance to extract the tffullest amount of enjoyment therefroh, the number of adults present unfortunately was far below previous gatherings. Thl, however, did not arise from any lack of interest on their part, but was attributable to \he unpropitious state of th« weather. The tee, a young kauri, was both profusely and charmingly decorated with useful and ornamental articles of a miscellaneous character The whole arrangements were carried outiby Mr. Leslie, jun., Mrs. Ross, Mr. J. S. Cflhoun.and other members of the commitie. The children were regaled with tea] cake, etc. These also were awarded pises from off the tree. After tea, the dewing of prizes by adults was participated ik Some fun and amusements was naturals the outcome of this performance. Mr. Tames Hastie was the fortunate winner \i the "bride," a sweet thing of its specks, with an amount of apparent amiabihtysecond only in quantity to that possessed by the. young gentlemaD who drew her. I understand there were a number of articles left unsold. These, lam informed, will be brought out at Eastertide, when it is i proposed to give the scholars another treat. At tke conclusion of the programme a dance Vas engaged in, and thoroughly enjoyed by tiaose so-minded. The Rev. John W. Hayward, who is on a visit to this district, assisted Mr. Davidson on Sunday, December 24, by preaching the sermon at the morning service. The sermon was applicable, instructive, and clearly delivered.— Correspondent.] OMAHA. A soiree in connection with the monthly dance took place on Friday night, December 22. A substantial tea was provided, to which a good number; did ample justice.. Dancing then commenced, and was kept up till break of day, with the exception or an interval at midnight, when the tables were again loaded with all kinds of good things, and was appreciated by the company. The committee of management were assiduous in attending to the requirements of the company. Mr. Fred Savage very efficiently performed the duties of M.C., the music being provided by Knaggs Bros., and a very enjoyable evening was spent by all. Several songs were well sung during the evening, and Mr. Hardy gave a stump speech on "Marriage," which contained some good advice to the young people. [Own Correspondent.] '-, — C

c' TAUHOA. ,- The Maoris afc'Pohutahi, on the south-west-ern end of our district, have been holding high revel in the handsome new hall lately built by them. The first day (25th) was devoted principally to their native guests, who came from Rikau, Makarau, Helensville, and some even from Waikato. Enormoua supplies of eatables were provided, and the meals were served in the hall in European fashion, and a staff of white-aproned waiters were most assiduous in attending to the wants of their visitors. On the 26th the day was open to all Maoris and Europeans and some 150 availed themselves of the opportunity. The guests on arriving were met by the Chief Pahanui, who cordially welcomed them and escorted them to the hall. Dancing commenced immediately after tea, and was kept vigorously going till long after daylight. Everyone was highlv pleased at the hospitable manner in which they were entertained, and general admiration was expressed at the style in which the new hall (which is 60ft. by 24ft.) has been built.

Christmas has passed somewhat quiutly by this year, the usual dances, picnics, eta, being conspicuous by their absence, one or two private ones except ad, the stormy weather which has prevailed being, I presume, the cause.

, I have, as I write, a turkey gobbler who has dispossessed a sitting turkey hen of several of her eggs, and is sitting on them himself a few feet from her. He is, to all appearance, going to hatch them, as he only leaves for food every other day, and when approached ruffles his feathers iu the same manner as the hen. I »m an ignoramus in turkey lore, but surely such a state of things is unusual. I should be glad if " Agricola " would enlighten me on the subject.—[Own Correspondent.] ■

MANGA WAI. ,_ As an erroneous report is being actively circolated in this and neighbouring districts, I take the following from the supplement to the Church Gazette of December, 1893. After enumerating 82 settlements where the Home Mission clergy have visited and held services, it goes on to state that Waiuku and Mauku were placed under the charge of the Rev. H. M. Maynard by the Bishop on November Ist; Te Aifamutu, Alexandra, Kihikihi, and Rangiohia under the charge of the Rev. W. H. Wilson on January Ist; Howick and Flat Bush under the charge of the Rev. R. G. Boler on March Ist; and Paparoa, Pahi, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Pukekararo, Kaiwaka, Hakaru, Mangawai, and Te Aral under the charge of the Rev. W. Horsfall on May Ist. These gentlemen, with one ;- exception, are known here, as they have officiated at the different places of worship within the districts n * m Of course they are all licensed by the Bishop, and it is folly to propagate reports to the contrary. I hear there "is to be a. show of produce, etc., this year, at Hakaru ; the prize-winners !.M last year would like to know wha,t is to be done as regards their unpaid prizes. Will the treasurer see that they are paid this time? It is to be hoped he will have a meeting after the show and distribute the prizes out of the money taken that day. This is an easy matter with a smart secretary. Another thing there might be added to the list— best and second best ploughman, and the drawer of the straightest furrow. "Speed the plough" is the agricultural motto, and it ought not to be forgotten. Shearing, again, might be added; really good 1 shearers are scarce. Draining also could be represented. The best-cut truss of hay, the best five acres of turnips— thero were a few exhibits, last show hat might be termed "novelties," and a sum should be set aside for. prizes for these if deserving. The olive oil would come in here, of course.— Correspondent.] <