COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9719, 15 January 1895, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENTS.) Hamilton, Monday. The full-dress concert given at the Hospital on Friday night by Mr. Adams, of Auckland, was well attended, although the night was showery, Invitations had been issued to about 70, and with few exceptions all were present. One of the large wards had been prepared for the occasion, a few beds having been left in it for the U3e of those patients desirous and able to enjoy the concert, though unable to be moved or to bear the fatigue of taking their place amongst the audience. The inmates of the Old Men's Refuge were ranged at the end of the room, and the nurses iu uniform scattered amongst the audience, amongst whom I noticed the rev. the incumbent of St. Peter's and the Rev. Father Amandalino. At the usual interval tea and cake were handed round by the nurses, and Dr. and Mrs. Kenny were indefatigable in seeing to the comfort of their guests, and in looking after those of the patients and other inmates of the hospital for whose enjoyment in the first instance the entertainment had been provided. There was an excellent orchestra, Mr. S. Adams and Mr. T. H. White playing first violins, and Miss Louie j Kerr and Mr. S. Harker second violins, Mrs. S. Adams viola, Mrs. Kenny 'cello. Dr. Kenny double bass. Mr. T. Adams and Mr. Stewart cornets, Mr. Stewart clarionette, and Miss Searancke pianiste. Amongst the most noticeable performances was the violin solo of Mr. S. Adams, from "II Travatore,"' and " Forget and Forgive," by Dr. Kenny. In the second part Miss Celia Dampier was particularly happy in the violin solo, " The Last Rose of Summer." The song of "Daddy," by Nurse Gibbons, was loudly applauded and encored, indeed encoring was the order of the day, or rather night, so thoroughly did the audience appreciate the performance. Almost the last piece on the programme was the cornet solo. "Ora pro Nobis," by Mr. T. Adams, which many considered the gem of the evening. A* th« conclusion the orchestra played the first verse of " God Save the Queen," and then breaking out into " Auld Lang Syne," they were joined by the whole company and the greater part of the audience, and so ended one of the most enjoyable concerts ever held in Homilton. I should not omit to mention that at a lull in the performance, Mr. Primrose, the chairman of the Hospital Board, took occasion to thank and congratulate on their success, Mr. and Mrs. Adams and the ladies and gentlemen who assisted them in the musical department, and also Dr. and Mrs. Kenny who bad taken so much personal pains in making the concert so socially enjoyable a success. Mr. Adams returned thanks for the compliment paid him, saying it was a pleasure to meet so musically appreciative an audience. At a meeting of the Athletic Club Committee held the protest against Grattan alias Hurley in connection with the cup race was upheld and the first prize awarded to Wright, with Conling second, and A. McKinnon and Taylor equal for third place. Grattan was further disqualified from ever running again at Hamilton. We have had close muggy weather with intermittent heavy storms of rain and continuous wet since Wednesday last, so much so as to make the oaten hay harvest a very risky affair with farmers. Indeed, if the present weather does not soon change, we shall soon have a bad harvest, for the grain is ripening ii&t and with a continuance of such weather it will be very difficult to save the crops in good condition. Some little dissatisfaction is felt at the non-production of the return called for at the Waikato Hospital Board by Mr. Furze of the list of hospital fees remaining unpaid by discharged patients. Instead of a list of such liabilities and the persona owing them, merely a return of last month's fees, paid and unpaid, was placed on the table. There is a general feeling that the expenses of the Hospital are unnecessarily increased by the indifference and professed non-ability of those using the hospital to pay the charges for treatment, and when it is stated that out of £356 19s liabilities incurred by patients, during the past sir months, only £75 had been received, it can readily be conceived that, say for the last six years, the arrears must have run up to a pretty considerable sum. Of course a large proportion of them are not recoverable, and may well be remitted on account of the circumstances of those owing them, but amongst so j many there must still be a large number who ; are able, but not willing, to pay, and the making public the list of defaulters would cause such persons to be pointed oat, and enable the Board to get at them. If indeed the return went no further than the Boardroom, it would enable the fourteen members representing and living in the various parts of the hospital district to run over the list and point out to the Board the defaulters living in their particular parts of the district who could pay more or less if pressed to* do so. This, it is believed, in the actual in tention of Mr. Furze in moving in the matter, and it is satisfactory to notice that on the unsatisfactory and mistaken nature of the return made at the last meeting of the Board, it was resolved to have a, list made out for next meeting of all moneys owing to the institution. Attempts have been made for some time past by members to get such a return, but the matter has been allowed to be shelved, but the public may rest assured that Mr. Furze is not the man to allow this to be the same in his case. There are many who believe that the charges at the Waikato Hospital (28s per week) are to 3 high, and that if a lower charge were made, say of little more than one-half, there would not be so large a proportion as £75 only paid out of £350.

Cambridge, Monday. If the complaint made by Mr. McVeagh of the annoyance occasioned to himself and family by the Salvation Army is correct, it can scarcely be wondered that the Borough Council should endeavour to frame a by-law to secure the inhabitants from similar treatment. _ Mr. McVeagh thus writes to the Council: —" On Sunday morning, the 30th December last, a number of persons belonging to the Salvation Army assembled with a drum and a number of musical instruments immediately outside my house in Chapelstreet. They proceeded to make a deafening noise, which made it impossible for any member of my family to carry on any conversation, and caused a great deal of discomfort and annoyance, and when requested to desist they declined." The letter goes on to ask the Council to pass a by-law to protect the people of Cambridge from such annoyance, and the Borough Council referred the matter to its Legal and Finance Committee to frame one. A similar annoyance committed nightly in the case of an hotel, in one of the Waikato townships by the Salvationists some time ago was put a stop to, when moral suasion failed, by the use of a garden engine. A special meeting of the Borough Council, for the fixing a day for the public halt holiday, will be held at the Borough Council Chambers on Tuesday (to-morrow), the loth instant.

Morrinsville, Monday. The Piako County Council ha«ve received a telegram from the Hon. A. J. Cadinan saying : —" It was understood some time ago that the Piako County Council would take the necessary steps to secure the land required for that part of Thompson's track running through private property, on the understanding that the Government should survey, and the survey was made in 1891. Has the Council acquired the land since?" A second telegram was received as follows :— " Have any negotiations been opened between Council and settlers for land far Thompson's track ? If so, how do they stand ?" The clerk read his replies to Mr. Cadman as follow: That the Council had not acquired or even entered into any negotiations for any land for the track, but as regards the owners of such land, the Council believed that Messrs. Cox and Herries would give laud through their farms for nothing if the Government would fence the road. He recommended the Government to apply direct to Messrs. Miles and Co., of Christchurch, the only other property owners on the line of track. The chairman of the Council said that Mr. Cadman was incorrect in stating that the Council had acreedto acquire the land if the Government made the survey. The following tenders for road works have been accepted : — Gordon settlement road through native land, B. Montague, £5 15s ; Mackie's road, Wairakau, R. Mackie, £5 5s ; Ox ford -Cambridge road, between Oxford and Norria's corner, P. O'Grady, £39 10s ; forming 220 chains of Okoroire road, near Rich's, W. Sweeney, £24.

The Piako County Council will have to be ac the cost of collecting a rate on native lands, the Colonial Treasurer having:, in answer to the request that the Governor should be advised to declare that native lands in the Piako County should be exempted from rating under the Act of 1894, replied that Ministers do not see their way to so advise His Excellency. The cose of collecting this native rate will not be recouped if the whole rate be collected.

In answer to a request of the clerk of the VVaikato County Council that they would reconsider their determination not to pay their share of the licensing expense*, and so save the recourse to an action for their recovery, the Piako Council resolved, on the motion of Mr. Chepmell, seconded by Mr. Harrison, not to alter the decision already arrived at.

Tatjwhare, Monday. A presentation has been made to Mr. Speeke, late manager of the cheese factory, who is leaving the district. The presentation took place at the house of Mr. F. W. Browning, when there was a large attendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Kihikihi, Monday. f The returns of milk received from the suppliers to the local factory, deducting the five Thursdays in December, was over 1000 gallons

! daily, or 28,337 gallons altogether, a very large increase on the corresponding month in 1893. Rotobca, Monday. I understand it is the intention of the Government to make this place a centre for a stipendiary magistrate and survey and land purchase, also to have the police staff augmented by a sergeant. Mr. Gill, land purchase agent, has just concluded for the Government the purchase of the extensive blocks of land, Rotomahana, Parekaranga, Okahn, and other blocks of several miles frontage to Rotorua Lake, altogether an area of 167,000 acres, for which about £20.000 is to be paid. Mr. Gill's ability and tact is highly spoken of here, and in this last purchase, undoubtedly, great praise is due to him. Our coaching fraternity has taken another change. The firm of Messrs. Lorigan, Marchesseau and Co., has dissolved by mutual consent. Messrs. Mcllroy and Marchesseau take over the business, but confine themselves to Rotorua local and side trips. The Rotorua-Tauranga, also the Rotorua-Taupo mail service, has again been secured by Mr. E. Robertson. * Lake House is shortly to be under the supervision of Mrs. Graham, of Wairakei, Mr. J. Mcßae having arranged to take over the Palace. Messrs. Cook and Son, tourist agents, have opened an office in Ohinemutu, old township, under the management of Mr. M. Short, who held that capacity last year. Lady Glasgow is expected here next week. The Galatea wool case litigation, carried on for over two years amongst the natives, and latterly in the hands of Mr. Purchase, of Messrs. Wynyard and Purchase, solicitors, Auckland, was amicably arranged on Saturday. Dr. Macgregor, Government Superintendent of Hospitals, is here on his official visit of inspection.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Tauranga, Monday. Since Christmas there has been quite unprecedented moist, humid, weather which culminated on Saturday in steady persistent rain, which continued throughout yesterday. The weather has at last cleared up, but extensive damage has been done, and ) the majority of the hay crop will be lost. Crops of oats and wheat are seriously damaged, as those cut a week ago are yet in stock, and the balance has not yet been cut, as nothing could be done owing to the weather. Fortunately it is reported that the majority of the crops have not started to sprout, and if fine drying weather sets in and continues the hearts of farmers will be greatly relieved. The maize crop is coming along amazingly, and grass is abundant all through the district. Mr.Waddel, the dairy expert, reached here overland from down the coast last evening, and has been busily engaged to-day posting himself up in the requirements of the district. WAIPU. The Waipu Cricket Club had a very good concert on Friday, the 4th January, the engagement of Mr. J. Fuller proving a great draw, for, in spite of a dark and wet night, there was a full house. Every performer was recalled by the audience in expression of it» intense enjoyment of every item given. Mr. K. Campbell presided. A vote of thanks was accorded to all the performers who had so kindly given their assistance at the concert.— [Own Correspondent.] WHANGATEAU. OCR Domain Board, which has been in a state of lethargy for some months past, awoke on the 31st of December. No doubt the balance-sheet required for audit was the cause. There being no chairman, Mr. Greenwood was elected to that office. Mr. A. H. Meiklejohn, secretary, handed in his resignation, which was accepted. Mr. G. H. Sadler was appointed to the vacant office. It was decided to call tenders for some repairs to the hall, also to advertise a public meeting to be held on January 19 to elect one person to fill a vacancy on the Board. This election will cause »ome excitement, as there are several candidates coming out, Mr. Duncan Knaggs being one in the interest of the Cricket Club.—{A Correspondent.J PORT ALBERT. On the evening of New Year's Day the annual meeting of the local Wesleyan Methodist Society came off in the Temperance Hall. The fine weather, holiday time, and many friends of the society, here and in adjacent districts, combined to render the tea meeting and evening meeting very successful. At the latter the Rev. Mr. Law presided, and besides his own adddress, Messrs. Cnllen, French, J. Legge, A. Neal, and Rev. Steventon. and Mr. Greenwood, evangelist spoke. Among the musical contributors were Mr. and Mrs. W. Armatage, Miss Grice, Mrs. A N. Worker, Miss Kays, Miss N. Longbottom, etc. The usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close about 10 o'clock. We seem fairly launched on the holiday dissipation of the season. There have been the usual number of picnics, family and semipublic; the pleasant home gatherings of scattered kindred; and those social reunions which aid to make life less sordid and somewhat more worth living. There has been one wedding here this week ; some more to follow later. The N.E. gale on Thursday and Friday last sent down a large quantity of apples, etc. On trees that were well covered with fruit there appears quite sufficient left for maturing. Apart from crops, the fruit trees genetally appear to be nearly all in a very healthy and"thriving condition.

The local Good Templar Lodge appear to be fairly prosperous. There are usually one or two initiations at every other meeting. Meetings seem well attended, and interest fairly maintained. Its esoteric teaching still seem, however, but faintly apprehended. This may be nothing singular. The higher life, in any of its varied forms, under any of its many names, ever had, and has, few votaries wholly determined to fashion the ideal into the actual and real.—[Own Correspondent.! WAIRARAPA. The returns from the Masterton railway station for December show that the following items were sent to Wellington :—3225 bales of wool, making for the season, up to the present, 6300 bales; 51,100 feet of timber, and 13,614 sheep for freezing during the month. Fine weather favoured the MastertonOpaki race meeting on Boxing Day. A good attendance was the result, all privilegeholders coming out well in their venture. The sport was good, fair fields, and good exciting finishes the order of the day, over £2600 being put through the machine. The next outing for the public was the Caledonians' New Year's Day gathering at the Masterton Park, where a good programme was provided. There were counter attractions in the Wairarapa Race Meeting, who held two days' racing on the Ist and 2nd at the Tauherenikau course.

Pheasants are being sent to Sydney from the Acclimatisation Society's Hotchives in Masterton. The Mallard ducks imported by the society are thriving and increasing steadily. Several young broods have been successfully hatched out, and consignments sent to other districts.— Correspondent]. HASTINGS. The Christmas and New Year holidays, with their attendant races, sports, picnics, and excursions are now oyer, and we have to face the new year of 1895 with all its trials and tribulations. From all sorts and conditions of men and women have I heard terms and expressions of unqualified praise and admiration for the Christmas number of the Auckland Weekly News. Nor was the praise more than the number deserved. The local sale of the Auckland Weekly News was unprecedented, and hundreds were posted from here to the home country and the neighbouring colonies.

I regret to have to chronicle the death by accidental poisoning of E. Moore, a local ropemaker, who died through taking a dose of carbolic acid in mistake for brandy. A milk runowner, named Coyle, whilo having an artesian well sunk on his property near the Havelock Bridge, struck a. spring of mineral water, which is supposed to contain valuable properties. The Rev. Canon St. Hill has purchased Mr. W. Nelson's Takapau estate, containing over 6000 acres. The price realised was at the rate of £4 5s per acre. Mr. W. Guthrie, the well-known Havelock fruitgrower, has purchased a small building site near the Carlton Hotel at £500, being at the rate of £25 per foot. The principals for the roof of the new Catholic Church are being put in position to-day. A miscellaneous collection of labourers are at present deepening the drain that runs through the hop gardens. This drain may claim to be historical in the annals of Hastings Borough administration, and may in the near future form the nucleus of a ship canal. The codlin moth has appeared this year in full force, and the orchards have suffered accordingly. It is difficult to get a sound apple in the district. The local storekeepers did a very moderate business during the holidays. Nothing definite has been settled by the Government as to the size of the new postal and telegraph buildings; but it is understood that Mr. Fitzroy, the mayor, is in communication with the Government about the matter.

There are at present thirteen boardinghouses (private and public) in Hustings, which is rather rough, on the licensed victuallers .

There is opposition even in running the local water cart, from 9s lid to 8s lOd per day, the contractor to find man, horse, and harness. How wonderfully economical the Borough Councillors are in small matters. If they only carried it out in its entirety the rates would be much less. No one tendered for supplying the Hastings Boroueh with dog collars. Would it not be a good idea if the ranger seized upon the cattle supposed to be suffering from cancer tind hare them slaughtered? The skins could be utilised for the manufacture of the dog collars. The buckle* and wax-ends could l>e got cheap from Sydney, and the mayor could borrow au awl, and the sergeant and constable could make the collars up in their spare time. There is a wrinkle on the cheap. , , „ Owing to the slackness of trade a wellknown business firm from Wellington who have a branch shop here intend soon to shut down. t - l_ - •t- LThe latest novelty in weighing machines has just been imported from home by Mr. A. Hat ton, the well-known butcher. The scales are. on the platform system, and "are automatic. A marble slab forms a bed through which < the balances .rest; a small disc, encased in glass, registers the weight up to 90lb. The trays are solid brass ; and so equal is the balance a threepenny piece will, if put on the scales, bring the machine down. . , __ , , The owners of sections on the Havelock road opposite Mr. J. C. Cullen's residence ought to be made to trim the fences on their sections which overhang the footpath, causing a nuisance. A large number of old soldiers with a big thirst made their usual appearance at Christmas time, and for several days were a big nuisance to the business people whom they happened to know by name.—[Own Correspondent.]