COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9493, 24 April 1894, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Hamilton, Monday. There will be no half-holiday on Wednesday, the shops closing to day after 12 noon in consequence of its being St. George's Day and the race meeting at Claudelands. The report that Friday will be kept as a half-holiday is also erroneous. Mr. T. Buxton having received no satisfactory tender for the erection of cattle sale yards adjoining the Royal Hotel, East Hamilton, will himself at once superintend the erection. The opening sale will be held by Messrs. Carter and Francis on the 12th proximo. Two very important concessions were made by the Railway Commissioners when touring the Waikato ; the one that sheep for export may be unloaded at the Auckland station, instead of at Remuera as formerly. This will be a groat convenience to Waikato flockowners sending sheep South and to the Australian colonies. The other is, that potatoes shall be carried at actual weight, and not, as now, by the ton of 14 sacks. Thus farmers can use smaller bags if they wish to do so. The price of meat.'both mutton and beef, has dropped between. 30 and 40 per cent, in Hamilton, and the farmers as well as the townspeople are the gainers. A good deal of the meat comes from Whatawhata, which until now drew its meat supply from Hamilton. The settlers some eight or ten miles out in the Tamahere and Hukanui districts are employing their agents to run the meat they kill in the Hamilton township. The farmer gets a better price for his sheep and the consumer gets his mutton for from 2d to 3d per lb. The business is, of course, a cash one, so that it is their best class of customers the butchers have lost. Ohaupo, Monday. Threshing operations are well forward in this district, and both wheat and oats are proving very deceptive in the estimates formed of them for the statistical returns. One good crop of oats is, however, to be recorded for the credit of Ohaupo, grown by Mr. Edward Lake, which has turned out, when threshed, 50 bushels to the acre. The sort was a Daraiiih variety. A meeting of the Waikato Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute was held here on Saturday to consider the resolutions passed at the recent conference of inspectors at Wellington, the different branches having been requested to report thereon to the secretary of the Council, Wellington. There was a good attendance, the whole district being well represented. Among those present were: Messrs. Rees, Stevens, Chapman, La Prelle, Dean, Rapson, Hyatt, McPherson, Scott, Smart, and Murray. The meeting passed resolutions to the effect "1. That inspectors should be officers of the Education Department, and subject only to the Minister of Education and the Inspector-General. 2. That the arithmetic teßt cards should be supplied by the Department of Education. 3. That the pass system in standards I. and 11. be abolished. # 4. That the pass and class system in standards 111., IV., V., and VI. remain as at present. 5. That the efficiency of the pass system should be shown by the number of passes gained plus 100 on the number presented. 6. That no change

should be made in present syllabus of grammar. 7. That the solid geometry standard VI. remain' as at present. 8. That the arithmetic, geography, and history (syllabus) remain as at present, and that in geography a text-book such as the " Zealandia Geography "be authorised. 9. Re the proposed revision of teachers' certificates on reports of inspectors, 'That this branch strongly objects to such power being placed in the hands of inspectors, Boards having the power to dismiss incompetent teachers already.' " This was one of the most successful meetings the branch has ever held, and all were of the opinion that the status of the schools should not be lowered by reducing the syllabus, as the bulk of country settlers have only the public schools to send their children to. This branch has been in existence for seven years, and has evidenced that when necessary it can show some vitality It is felt by some that our Auckland friends have acted rather unprofessionally in sending round circulars to members of the Waikato branch, and the teachers in Waikato, asking them to desert . the branch and join the Auckland Institute, more especially as all are members of one body, the Mew Zealand Educational Institute

„. " MoßßrasviLLE, Monday. Messrs. Chepmel], Main, and Parr are the retiring members from < the Waitoa Koad Board, and an election to fill the vacancies will be held on Saturday, the sth proximo, the nominations taking place on the 26th April. Tamahebe, Monday. There was a large and enthusiastic gathering at the schoolhouse on Friday night, on the occasion of the musical and literary entertainment given to raise a fund for painting the church. The songs, recitations, and readings were well received an 3 admirably given, but where all so ably acquitted themselves and did their best, I will not particularise. A handsome addition to the painting fund was the result. , Cambridge, Monday. Messrs. R. Reynolds, R. W. Mears, and T. Walker, are the retiring > members of the Pukekura Road Board, and the election to fill the three vacancies will be held at the Piikerimu schoolroom on the 7th of May, the nominations will be received up to noon of Wednesday next, the 25th instant. The monthly meeting of the Taotaoroa Highway Board was held on Saturday. Present, the chairman, S. Seddon, H. R. Brunskill, and Turner. The' returning officer reported: the x'e-election as members of the Board of Messrs. Seddou and Turner. The clerk was requested to write to the secretary of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society for a supply of young trout, Mr. Brunskill undertaking to take delivery of them and place them in the streams above Hinuera. Accounts paid for road works, £23 3s Id. At the meeting of the Cambridge Highway Board there were present, on Saturday, Messrs. Taylor (chairman), All will, Day, and Pickering. Mr. McLaw wrote apologising for his unavoidable absence in town. The returning officer reported the re-election of Messrs. Taylor and Pickering. A set of 30 six - inch pipes were granted to Mr. Norris for a culvert. Mr. P. Morgan applied for a set of pipes, and Messrs. Day and Pickering were authorised to order them, if, upon inspection, they approve of their being put in. Mr. McLaun wrote requesting the Board to have a road culvert cleaned out. Mr. Allwill was authorised to see to it. The clerk repotted that he had been served with a summons, as the legal representative of the Board, by Mr. Wm. Selby, claiming £100 damages sustained by reason of water from a road drain being allowed to flow into his drain. The Board unanimously agreed to authorise the clerk to employ Mr. Cotter to defend the case, which was fixed for hearing on Friday, the 4th May. The clerk stated that as a statutory officer under the regulations of Local Elections Act, he could not attend on the day named as he had to declare the result of the election of two members of the Kirikiriroa Road Board on that day. Be would consequently be obliged to apply to the Court for a postponement of the case to some other day. A large number of entries were received on Saturday for the Chrysanthemum Show to be held on Friday and Saturday next. A feneral half holiday will be observed in both [amilton and Cambridge on Friday, the opening day. The usual Wednesday halfholiday will not be observed in Cambridge this week. Much pleasure is felt here at the success of our local growers, Messrs. Wells and McDermott, at the Auckland Show. Huntly, Monday. A general meeting of members of the South End Cricket Club was held in the school on Friday evening last, when the proposal to have a social of members and their friends, as a wind-up to the season, met with general acceptance, and it was resolved to have it at an early date. Further contracts for the extension of the Kahuruhura-Raglan road have been let by Mr. Wright, of the Survey Department, one party being out about 14 miles, and another at this end completing the section, which begins at the river bank, including the approaches to proposed punt. The construction and placing on the river of the latter is being needlessly delayed by the Waikato County Council. WADE.

The Wade Mutual Improvement Society held their usual meeting in the Wesleyan Church on the 12th instant. Mr. Enoch Bond occupied the chair. The programme was very interesting, and rendered as fol-—Auto-harp solo, by Mr. H. Manning; essay,entitled, "A Trip to Biskra, the Second Oasis in the Sahara, by Mr. von Ameln; song, by Mr. Wilks ; recitation, by Mr. H. Lloyd ; song, by Mr. H. Cain. The usual votes of thanks and a special vote of thanks to the reader of the essay brought the proceedings to a close. The annual meeting of the Wade Settlers' Association was held in the Presbyterian Church on April 14. Mr. W. B. Manning occupied the chair. The meeting was opened by reading the minutes and a report from the secretary concerning the history of the association. The treasurer read the balancesheet. Both report and balance-sheet gave great satisfaction. The chairman thanked the committee and also the members of the association for their assistance during the past year. Mr. Bayes, who was then voted to the chair, complimented the association and its officers on the efforts they had made in the last twelve months. The outgoing officers—consisting of Mr. Manning (president), Mr. Vickers (secretary), and Mr. von Ameln (treasurer) —were re-elected. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to them for the able way they had conducted the business of the association. Mr. von Ameln brought up the question, " How to raise funds for the erection of a public hall at the Wade." Mr. von Ameln said there were various ways of getting funds for a hall, but he thought the first step to be taken was to unite and put aside personal differences in public affairs. Then union was not onlv strength but meant success. After pointing oat three different ways to further the object Mr. von Ameln said he would leave it to the meeting to decide which step to take. After a long discussion Mr. E. Bond proposed to form a limited liability company, and make £1 shares. This was seconded by Mr. Webb. The whole of the meeting, with the exception of one gentleman, who moved, as an amendment, * r That the hall should not be used for dancing purposes," was in favour of the propasition. He, however, found no supporter, and had to be satisfied with his own vote. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.— Correspondent.]

MAHURANGI. On Thursday, the 12th inst., the Mahurangi Band of Hope held the thirteenth anniversary of the institution. Owing to the dubious nature of the weather and the lateness of the season it was decided to make use of the Masonic Hall. There was a good muster, and 100 children held high revelry in Mr. H. Wilson's paddock, on the opposite side of the street, and various amusements kept the children well employed till four p.m., when they were all marched into the hall, where tea and cake were served ad lib., and to which full justice was done. The tables and wants of the youngsters were attended to by Misses Ragg (2), Thomson (2), Grange, J. Wilson, and F. Southgate, all of whom were unremitting in their endeavours to satisfy their young guests. When tea was over the hall was cleared for a public meeting, which took place at 7.30 p.m. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. Law, president. The large hall was nearly filled by friends of the movement. The meeting being opened, a varied programme was submitted. The first item was an instrumental trio by Mr. and Miss Bradnam (violins) and Miss Grange (piano). This was followed by a song, "111 Awake, my Love," by Mr. Marson, from Auckland, which was encored, and kindly acceded to. A recitation," The Husband Conquers," was next given by another visitor from Auckland, Miss Winnme Overs. This little lady carried her audience with her and gained loud applause. Mr. Aldridge, from your city, spoke on the subject of " Temperance, which to him evidently meant prohibition. His address was well received, and was enlivened with sparkling bits of wit and humour. This was followed by a piano duet by Misses Bradnam and Grange, applause resulting, when Miss R. Grimmer gave a recitation with credit. Mr. Marson sang, "Little Darling, Dream of Me, and, in response to an encore, repeated a part. Miss Winnie Overs again came forward with a recitation, "Little Chris' Letter to Jesus, and was applauded. Mr. Marson gave a whistling solo, accompanying himself on the piano. This was something new to Warkwortn folks, who testified their appreciation in a

marked manner, and, in ttmoTuTZ" — core, a part was repeated. Twomnf * n *• turns, by Miss Winnie Overs and C rec l" 80ng ', J untiDK Eyes," by'K- M noth * concluded tho programme. A vote ft" o ,"' to all who had contributed to th? thank » and evernng's enjoyment was pL^" l which the meeting was closed T,„ ' after to understand that 65 new members M Te " enrolled during the past year. ad ken On the 14th inst. the annual m.„iRodney Agricultural S&. of the Masonic Sail, ark worth Thf dln the scant attendance of only seven ■„" l Wa * » eluding the secretary/ 7 Mr'Vathfe b " was voted to the Chair ' and V" I ** fore the balance-sheet was read hi tha\beto explain that one of the aurlitn,. w , Is hed Phillips, was absent, on account ' J r " C " and consequently no audit had C ulDe «3, Mr. A. Campbell, treasurer read th„ k !na<iesheet, whicn showed fifflfc* balance from previous year of £« T"! a Os 3d, and expenditure £111 ft f e £113 a credit balance of £11 8s lid Vhir.k * n , B sundry subscriptions promised but „,U lth paid would bring the credit to £l 2 #, ft* Mr. Campbell explained that a lar ee tn»J " of entries had been made for the ,h^ ber Matakana,but the exceptionally wet weTrU had prevented any success On ¥..*s* of MS; Harrison, seconded by Mr■ t£ > the balance-sheet as read was passed . X' gect to the auditors' inspection and The election of officers for the cwreK'then took place, when Mr. Lushing w" elected president, Mr. James Harrison 2* president and treasurer. The member? % committee for Mahurangi were \l«„ ° Sainsbury, McNicoll, Trotter, GMoo,"£ W. Angove; for Matakana, & v? Meiklejohn I G. Carrie, S. Croker G San xrA..4-£' Cam pbell. Auditors Aw"' Nathl. Wilson and C. Phillips. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. \V D Hoi' V president, and other officers of the society for their services during the past Own Correspondent.] J°«'-i"»u

CLEVEDON. Mb. James McNamara, who has been a respected settler of Wairoa South for upward*. of twenty years, has recently sold his welf kept farm, and is taking a holiday to Australia. On Tuesday the lni-k instant, at 7.30 p.m a complimentary dinner was given to Mr. McNamara in the WaS Masonic Hall. The tables were verv nrettiU laid by Mr. Robert Could.ey, of theES Boarding-house. About thirty friends of the guest sat down to dinner. Mr. A McNiml occupied the chair; Mr. McNamara to his right, and Mr. James Atchison. J.P 0 n th» left. Mr. D. Crawford occupied the vice chair. Amongst those present I noticed Mr. D. McLenuan, J.P. (Papakura) Mr P Maguire (Ardmore), Messrs. Charles and William Fitzpatrick and A Collie (Panaknra Valley), Mr William Duder (Maritai* After the tables were cleared the chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts; after which Mr. Crawford asked all present to fill their glasses, as he was about to propose the toast of the evening—namely, " The health of Mr James McNamara." He had known him for about 25 years. Their first acquaintance was on the Thames goldfield, Mr. McNamara then being a shareholder in the Otago mine Mr. Crawford spoke in the highest praise of their guest, and, before drinking his health called on anyone present who would like to say a few words. Messrs. A. and D. McNicol, James Atchison, D. McLeunan William Duder, and others spoke highly of Mr. McNamara, and said they were sorry that he was leaving the district, but if at any future time he should come back and settle in the place that no man would be more welcome than their guest that evening. The toast was drunk with musical honours. Mr. McNamara was carried round the room shoulder-high. Mr. Jas. Atchison responded in feeling words for their guest, who was not a public speaker. During the evening a great many other toasts were proposed and responded to. Many present were good singers, and a pleasant night was spent with songs, recitations, etc. At twelve o'clock the com£any broke up by all present singing " Aula! ang Syne."— Correspondent.}

KAWAKAWA. The principal topic of conversation during the past week in our community has beeu the arrival in the Bay of Islands, and to hi! former position at Kaikohe, of Mr. J. W. S. Patterson, together with all his sayings and doings during his eight months' trip round the world, during which time it appears he visited several places in Europe besides Dublin and London, and making every inquiry during that time respecting the state of the gum market. From all his inquiries he considers that there is not, as was supposed, any ring or confederation in the sale of kauri gum, but that, in fact, the market, has .boon overstocked both in London and New York, as he found in the former place alone there was upwards of 2000 tons on hand, and until that was disposed of they could not expect to have any great rise in the London market, whilst in America there was also a large surplus on hand, brought about through the fear of the varnish manufacturers of an export duty being imposed, which deterred them from extending their stocks. It also appears that a man called Astor, a New Yorker, has invented a system of hardening resin to mix with gum. As it is not likely : that the duty recommended by the Commitsi sioners will be imposed, he is in great hopes, now that the silver crisis is at an end, the surplus stocks of gum will soon be worked off, and the demand be as great as ever. In order to add to this desirable end, he stated that he exhibited several lots or choice specimens of kauri gum of different qualities at the Chicago World's Fair, which was very much admired and inquired after, so that, at least, he assured his friends, the gumdiggers, that he left no stone unturned to give every publicity to our New Zealand products. He was of opinion that the several petitions to | the Premier and Ministerial party, relative to finding labour for the diggers durinj; the depressed state of the gum market, particularly in repairing and improving those roads affected by the traffic, would be of very great importance in advancing the price of the t article through diminishing the output, thus ! giving the home stocks a chance of being worked off and increase the demand. I understand that the oontractors for the getting of the 700 tons of coal per month (being entered into by the late Bay of Islands Coal Company) have ceased in consequence of the company's lease having expired on the 31st of March last.

I learn also that instructions have been given to the Government agents to take an inventory of all the property on the ground, With a view, I presume, of recoveriug the debt due by the company, as it appears the royalty has never been paid, so it is likely that this has caused the delay in the decision by the Government of the applications by the contractors and the syndicate, and it is probable that the further working of the coal will be offered by sale or tender, which will set the matter at rest; but, as the supply of coal above alluded to is a very important requirement, and cannot brook long delay, it is to be hoped for all concerned that the matter will soon be settled. It is also reported that the successor of Mr. John Williams, of Pakakaraka, has purchased the Kirikiri Plains, consisting of about 10 square miles, and always considered a barren waste of stunted scrub and tea-tree. His design is to sow the whole plain in furze, as a sheep-grazing run. We can assure nun. or anyone desirous of crying the like experiment, that there will be no lack of seed, there being a considerable area in the interior ot the county overrun with furze, and toe County Council have considerate trouble and expense in keeping the roads clear ot It, as it is considered a moat obnoxious plant.— [Own Correspondent] ALBANY. The road from the township via the farms of Messrs. McArthur and Pannel is now available for traffic, though much requires to be done before it will be much gcfcd for vehicles. This road, passing as it does down a most picturesque gorge, makes a very ? le "f" ride. This road and the main road, l orming an irregular parallelogram, are practicaliym the same length, as I find by measurement on the county maps that there is but a chain or two's difference between the two junctions-* distance of over two miles. Religious services are held fairly regular J in the schoolhouseon Sundays, alternately in the morning and afternoon. On bnnoy afternoon the service was taken by• »r. •». Barber and Mr. Souster, the latter giving a stirring discourse. There was a good atten dance. „ „j I have received from Messrs. treenand Son, of Birkenhead and Dairy Flat flnr series, their catalogue of fruit trees for the planting season now commencing I caw logue is nicely got up, and though the vane ties of trees offered are few in number," contains many of those most suitable for planting for market -purposes. One ot our settlers is, I believe, plan outt his season 300 peach and plum trees, while at &« bourne orchards, the largest in th dl»» an acre in vines and also stone fruit, are to be put out. , •„„ Th« low Driceof gum is having a depressing JSSSVS locality It seems a pity ha more of the diggers fwjkjj £<*• often advocated in the H»ALD ana * land Weekly News) do not own » acres of land to help them to tide over „ "the present Three acres and a « hfl would be to. many a.materall £g*JJ eßfc j price of gum is down.—[Own Loirespuuu