COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10048, 7 February 1896, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FBOM our OWN correspondents.] Hamilton, Thursday. Lieutenant and Adjutant Grant, who has been parading the rifle volunteers at Te Aroha during the last few days, came down to Hamilton yesterday for the purpose of inspecting the Government property in charge of the Hamilton corps.

It could not, I think, fail to strike the readers of tho article in last Saturday's Herald how great a similarity existed between our creamery system and the mode of transit of the beet juice, as pointed out in the method adopted in Belgium. Now, we send our milk to the nearest creamery, and the cream is there extracted, and sent away by rail to bo made into butter at Ngaruawahia. The beet, in like manner, can be rasped and pressed at the various local rasping houses in each district, and the juice sent on in underground pipes to bo mado into sugar at Nguarawahia or other central place. The. pulp left behind oan easily be removed for pig and cattle feed in the same way as tho skim milk is now obtained for oalf and pigs feed, and in this way tho farmer gets his pulp without being under the exponse and trouble of having it brought back all the way by rail from the sugar works. The Belgium scheme cannot but take the Waikato farmers by surprise, and be the meaus, if carried out, of giving a great impetus to the beet industry in the Waikato, for it would remove the one great obstacle to its success, tho difficulty of transit of so large a quantity _ of roots over our already overtaxed roads in the wet season.

Ohaufo, Thursday. Mr. W. ,T. Hunter held his first sheep fair of the season yesterday, and under somewhat disheartening circumstances. Several circumstances contributed to cause a lowering of prices, namely, the proposed shutting down of the Waikato Freezing Company's works, the uncertainty of the turnip crop, and the unsatisfactory results of Messrs. Nelson and Co.'s operations during the last season. Buyers wore cautious, and prices generally were lower than last year. There was a very slack demand for rams. Mr. Tierney's lambs realised 6s Bd, and they were a choice lot. Mr. E. Y. Cox, of Shaftesbury, had a nice lot of ewes in the two-tooth class, but they were passed in at 6a. Other lota of both ewes and wethers wore sold at 6s, Mr. Ross, the sheep inspector, had a busy time of it, and ticketed off some 3500 for dipping. Prices ranged from Is sold by Mr. C. Bispham for 50 merino ewes to 10s paid by Mr. W. Sharp tor 15 pure stud Lincoln ewes. The price of rams ranged from 4s to 30s, the price for a border Leicester ram bought by Mr. W. Chitty. Cambridge, Thursday. The Fruit Evaporating Factory is now in full working order, and is putting through about a ton of apples per day. It has a capacity for two tons, but owing to the harvest operations the supply of apples is not yet coming forward fully. Soventeen girls find employment at the factory. The weather is extremely hot and unpleasant to-day, but very suitable for the harvest. Most of the crops havo now been got in. Wheat is expected to yield well. Te Aroha, Thursday, Tho Te Aroha Rifle Volunteers went into camp, last Thursday, for a week, under Captain J. A. Cochrane and Lieutenant Wild, with Sergeant-Major Carpenter, from Auckland, as drill instructor. Last Sunday morning the company mustered in camp for church parade, and, headed by the band, under Bandmaster Gordon, they marched to St. Mark's Church, where the hon. chaplain, Rev. F. G. Evans, conducted the service; preaching an appropriate discourse from the text, " Stand fast in the Lord." Duriug the offertory the baud played a suitable selection of music, and the sacred song, "The Final Muster," was contributed by Miss Wainwright with groat expression. This afternoon the volunteers marched to the range, to go through their annual course of instruction in volley and independent firing. In the evening the tenia were struck, and a public social held in tho Town Hall. A rifle match, which has been arranged between the Te Aroha Rifles and the Thames Navals, will be held on Saturday, loth instant.

The contractors are busily engaged at present removing the Catholic chapel from its present site on the hill to a more oonvenient situation in Whitakor-street.

A harvest thanksgiving service was held in St. Mark's Church on Tuesday night, at which there was- a good attendance, the Rev. F. G. Evans officiating. The church was beautifully decorated, some really fine specimens of fruit and grain being shown. Mr. Evans gave an apuropriato discourse. During tho service the following solos wore contributed " Consider the Lilies, Mrs. Neal; " Heaveuly Rest," Miss Williams; "The Reaper and the Flowers," Miss Flatt. Miss Wainright presided at the organ with her usual ability. A temporary wooden erection is at present being put up on the site of the Club Hotel, which was recently destroyed by fire. Mr. Schultze, the present licensee, intends to apply for a transfer of license to a new hotels to De erected at Huntly. Rotorua, Thursday. The concert in aid of the sufferers by the late fire carao off on Tuesday night and was a great success. The amount realised was £23 17s 6d. Besides this a sum of £24 2? 6d had been collected by lists sent round by Messrs. Malfrov and Dansey. The relief committee mot last night and apportioned the fund as follows Maunder family, £24 ; Farroll'a wife, £7; Giles, who saved Maunder's child, £5; Henry Miles and tho two Assyrian hawkers, £4 each. Farrell's friends, who had been telegraphed to, have not yet responded. Rosa's friends sent the police authority to act, and the funeral took place on Tuesday, Archdeacon Williams officiating at the grave. Mr. and Mrs. Maunder have not yet recovered from their terrible experience. They have migrated, however, to Hamilton, where they have friends. The taugi over Wi Maihi Rangikaheke is being conducted on the most elaborate scale; tons of flour and provender of every description, alive and dead, have been procured for tho commissariat, and I am informed that nets are being used at tho mouths of the Wait«te and Ngongotaha for tho purpose of capturing the big trout there. Mr. 0. Malfroy has received instructions to represent the Government at the funeral and will go to Awabou for that purpose tomorrow.

[By TMOBAPU.-OWN OOBRESVONDENT'S. ]

Waihi, Thursday. A movement is on foot at Waihi to form a volunteer rifle corps. There are, it appears, several enthusiastic shootists hero, including ex-champion Parslow, late of the "A " Battery, Auckland. A petition to the Postmaster-General is being largely signed, asking for the appointment of a letter carrier, and the institution of a letter box in town.

A man named Jack Johnson, employed by Mr. Val Brown, met with a painful accident) while jacking logs in the bush, it appears that a log swung round when demanding the hill, and struck him upon the leg, causing a fracture below the knee. He was brought into the Waihi Hospital, whoro lie waa attended to by Dr. Wright. WAICKU. On Monday ovening last the monthly meeting of the school committee look place in the Road Board office. The Members were all present, Mr, C, T. Barriball in the chair., A certificate was received from the Board of Education showing that Master William E. Alexander, of tlie Central school, had gained a scholarship. Tho lad has reason to feel proud with the result, as out of a large numbor of competitors he was sixth 011 the list. It is also creditable to Mr. Large, head teacher of the school. The committee decided to nominate Messrs. Udy and T. Cooper as members of the Board of Education, and unanimously agreed to vote for Mr. Kirkbride also.

Ou Anniversary Day the Star of Waiuku Lodge of Oddfellows, A.C., celebrated their first anniversary by holding a picnic in Mr. A, M, Barribalfa paddock, ana singing and dancing in the Temperance and Public Hall in the evening. The 8.8. Woka arrived about ton a.m. with over 40 members of the Auckland and Star of Eden Lodges, besides upwards of 100 other visitors, including the Onehunga Band. The Waiuku Lodge had conveyances in readiness, and the brethren were driven to the ground. It was estimated that there were fully 400 people present, and all seemed to fully enjoy themselves. A cricket match between the visiting and Waiuku Lodges was played, and won by the latter. It was decided to have a oneinnings' match. The visitors batted first, and were all disposed of for 44 runs, of which Midgley contributed 20. Waiuku got more than the required number for the loss of five wickets, A. Bent (21) and A, M. Barriball (19) being the prinoipal scorers. In the evenin" there were about 200 present. Bro. Webb, D.L) G.M., presided. A very enjoyable time was spent. Refreshments were provided for the visitors about 9.30, so as to be in time to catch the steamer advertised to leave at ten o'clock. Bro. Webb, on behalf of the Auckland members, heartily thanked the Waiuku .Lodge for the hospitable manner iu which they l&d beeu treated, and asked the company to join iu singing " Auld Lang Syne;" after which he called for three cheers, which were given with a will, and responded to. The steamer left the wharf at 10.30, the band playing and the people cheering.' all apparently having thoroughly enjoyed their outing, ; -[Own Correspondent. £

BOMBAY. '\ , On Friday evening. January 31, thi anmia i j distribution of prices . gained by thi Dunra t attending St. Peter's .Sunday-sohotT, took £ place in St. Peter's Church. A shoi, Dro . t gramme of sacred music was arrange*- n( i 1 an offertory taken upon behalf of tli'o'nn- i day-school Bible fund. The Rev. E. J, i c . I Farland presided. The' proceedings v, 3 I opened with hymn 341, Ancient and Model,, i and prayer, after which an organ 1 solo Wii < given i 1 by Mr. Dent, after which -a vaiiem! programme was successfully rendored. In addition to the general prizes, the Rev. E. J..McFarlaud,gavo a number of special prizes for answers to Scripture questions, and Mrs. Proudo gave a special prize in her class, The following are the recipients of the prizes, viz.: First class, boys (Mrs. Prouae's class), George Uornthwuite, 1; George Proude, 2, and speoial; Edmund Harris, 3, and special. Second class, boys (Mr. Long's class), John Cornthwaite, 1; John Farrar, 2; Albert Harris, 3, and special. Third class, boys (Miss Farrar's class), Alfred Browuhill, 1; Harry Cornthwaite, 2; Arthur Cornthwaite, 3. First class, girls (Mrs. Stratford's class), Annie O'Neil, 1, and special; Mabel Brownhill, 2, and special; Annie Masefiold, 3. Second class, girls (Miss Jackson's class), Sarah Farrar, 1, and special; Cissy Cornthwaite, 2, and special; Emily Carter, 3. Third class, girls (Miss S. Masefield's class), May O'Neil, 1; Nellie Carter, 2; Ethel Harris, 3. Harry Farrar. I Mrs. Proude's special prize. Mr. McFarlaud 1 thanked those present for their attendance, and stated the offertory could go to purchasing Bibles for the Sunday-school. Mrs. MoFarland and Mr. Dent played the accompaniments. Hymn 215 and Bencdiotion closed the meeting. The annual Band of Hope picnic was held in the Wesleyan Church paddock on the afternoon of the 29th January. There was a very large attendance. The usual and popular games wore indulged in, and races for the juvenile members. Quite a number of useful prizes were given to the successful competitors. Between five and six o'clock tea, etc., was served, the committee working most assiduously to make everything run smoothly. The expenses, etc., was contributed to by nearly every family in the district. In the evening, the church was taxed to its utmost capacity to find room for those present. The Rev. Mr. Oldham occupied the chair. A nice lengthy programme was provided by the indcfatigible secretary, Miss J. Brownhill, the items being well rendered. The usual votes of thanks were accorded to those who

had made the picnic and meeting a success and to the chairman. A very enjoyable day was closed with a hymn and Ben ediction.— [Own Correspondent.] WHAREORA. The _ Christian Endeavour Society held a meeting in the church on January 26, which was conductcd by Mr. Owens, assisted by Mr. Legge. The musical portion was conducted by Miss Rust. A picnic took place in one of Mr. Dent's paddocks, close to the creek, on January 29, at which the residents and friends from a distance attended. The weather was very hot in the morning, but about noon a refreshing breeze came along, which was very acceptable to everybody—man and beast. After the usual games for old and young, sweethearts, wives, and husbands, were indulged in, and the good things disappearing, with the sun, telliug a tale of cows to be milked, the company broke up to wend their way home to resume their duties. This is the driest season that lias been known for many years; but the sun's scorching rays are tempered by the cloud of smoke that has hung over the district for weeks. The grass on all slopes has a woeful look, not a green blade to be seen anywhere. Mow is the time that common corse stands by the poor struggling settler like his best friend, and those who have it on their farm has something for their stock to be proud of. And yet ninety-nine men out of every hundred condemns it as a plague, but the Sathurst burr intends to have a little say about that, and promises to knock a little commousense into some of the heads north of Auckland.—[Own Correspondent,] WADE. The monthly meeting of the Settlers Association was held in the Agricultural Hall on Monday, the 27th January. The evening being fine, the gathering was very large, and a pleasant and instructive evening was psssod. Mr. Evan Bond presided. After the usual routine of business was disposed of, the secretary brought up the question when and where to hold the annual picnic. After some discussion, it was unanimously decided to hold the picnic at Mr. Sawkins' place about the end of February, probably on the 27th. The following interesting programme was then proceeded with Piano solo, Mr. von Ameln; recitation, Miss Fuuke; song, " Sweet Chiming Bells." Miss Bond; song, "The Arab's Farewell, Mr. Pye; paper on " The Chief Hindrances of Colonial Agriculture," Mr. von Ameln: son", "A Flower From My Mother's Grave, Mr. Howel; dialogue, " M: - 3. Brown's Valentine Lessons," Misses Funke, Sidwell, F. Sidwell, and Messrs. von Ameln and F. Church; song, " Sweet Marie," by Mr. von Ameln, brought the proceedings to a close.

A picuic in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday-school was given to the children on January the 30th, at Mr. Bayes' place, Orewa. Gaines of all kinds were engaged in, and kept up with great spirit throughout the day. The Sunday-school teachers are energetic in providing games for the children, and an enjoyable day was spent by all. The Saturday evening dances are still kept up with great spirit. The bridge at the Dairy Flat, near Mr. 0. Jeffs' property, is in a very dangerous state, and in the event of any accident occurring the County Council will bo responiblo.—[Own Correspondent.]

MARAETAI. We have at last succeeded in inducing the owners of the Waitoa to run a special excursion to Maraetai, and thus assist the energetic proprietor of "Normanhurst" in his neverceasing efforts to bring this place prominently before the public of Auckland as a select seaside resort. Never has the lovely beach of Sandown Bay presented such a lively scene of mirth and enjoyment as was witnessed on Anniversary Day after the arrival of both the Waitoa and Beatrice. The latter vessel was chartered by a large party of ladies and gentlemen, numbering between fifty and sixty, who having been rowed ashore by Messrs, Williams and Towns in boats belonging to "Normanhurst" boarding establishment, promptly took up the position reserved for them under the shade of a large pohutakawa tree in the grounds adjacent to the house, and there enjoyed a real good picnic. An impromptu cricket match was played on the beach, whilst others availed themselves of the tennis court placed at their disposal by the proprietor. Others again wandered into tho magnificent bush at the back, and secured kits and baskets full of ferns as mementoes of their first visit to Maraetai. Great regret was expressed by all when the whistles ot the steamers intimated that it was time to re-embark. The Waitoa was the first to leave with a full complement of passengers, the Beatrico not getting away till two hours after, when three hearty cheers and a "tiger" were given for Host and Hostess Williams, and the party joined in sinking "They are Jolly Good. Fellows." Maraetai is fast coming to the front rank as a holiday resort, it being recognised by all the visitors this season as second to none in the province. Your readers will also be pleased to learn that the petitions for both the extension of the telephone to Maraetai and the wharf are numerously signed, and that we have every reason to expect that both will receive favourable consideration.— Correspondent.] KAIPARA FLATS. Thanks to the kind efforts of Messrs. J. H. Anderson and L. Wyatt, a very successful dance took place on January 31, in aid of Public Hall funds. Despite the heat of the weather which mititates the pleasure of dancing, there was a largo attendance, and dancing was kept up with great spirit uutil past midnight, everyone appearing to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Messrs. Brott and F. Anderson were the instrumentalists, and gave general satisfaction. The annual meeting of the library committee was held on the evening of the 31st January, in the library, Mr. Clements presiding. The previous committee were re-elected with the exception of Mr. Salt's nomination to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Mr. John Mellville, a gentleman whose loss is much felt, as he took a warm interest in all local public matters. The usual routine business was gone through, and the secretary was desired to purchase the usual periodicals as soon as possible. Subscribers whose subscriptions are paid up have the option of nominating new books '■n the amount of their subscription if notice is sent to the secretary before next meeting. The thanks of subscribers arc due to Miss Hyatt, the honorary librarian, for her courtesy and general care of library. Dense smoke prevails in this district today (February 1), occasioned by large bush fires in the Tvuhoa and Hoteo districts. It is at great risk to property that tires are lit while everything is so extremely dry,-{Own Correspondent.] NORTHERN WAIROA. The continual dry weather and excessive neat is causing much hardship in somo of our townships where water is scarce, and where landlords have made but very indifferent provision for the supply of water to their tenants. When it is rememberod that , the houses let to tenants have no tanks pro-

ided,. and in most instances h*™ ~ rimitive spouting- Cnerall » ™ ve ftp jnants themselves— will h« ,by tood that there is little or no war afr" ipu. There is water at several anri„ Ata * lie hills at the back, but carter# * 3 ln easonable, and seem inclined to nr™ C Un ' tie necessities of others. four si ill y U|)011 wo casks is the lowest quotation th ai* f ? r nd at this price a man with horse iL an, without great exertion, make »„ Clr{ ve shillings a day or more Thi ty carcely be called a fair charge Upon m C ? n re earning between fivo and seven .Km*" 0 er day. "Hllingj As another instance of the wav in lt's district is overlooked from time" lc h J, Htice that Captain Brouu, the Gov»? We ' Etymologist, recently paid a trir, to "J 1 "' 1 ron Pahi, and Maungaturoto (which h„ i ,l:i * 10 kfree from the codlin moth) amlli""' wentijn to Mangonui. Ho has not vet k D to thidistrict. yet "ten The'cguiar meeting of the Kauri Ul, , Good emplars was held on Tuesdav °* IDf! ' Wl the usual routine busineL'p o ' mier Si,ffi e ld endeavoured to proved • )'n'i^ er „, any 01rcu| nstances, was " justißabV' This the Lodge would not " r,t with, ancthe honourable member for h' " t6e was called upon to form a Ministry -J n WI '• CorrespoHent,] \ TE ARAL The annua) meeting of subscribers to ti, Aral and langawai districts' incornora .i library wasield in the library on the " th i January, wlch was only poorly attc , u ihe treasure reported cash in handani commencemnt of the year, £3 6s; r,> w ? during year £2 7s: subscriptions due , S! total, £6 os. ,The secretary read the lei*,?,' which statd there were ten subscribers »> present, tw. having left, and the new LI came in deing the year. Messrs \V » Farrand, JOeek, C. Bishop, and F ra „; were propoid as trustees for the current year. An iccount for rates received from the OountyDouncil was also brought un ln i it was conslered the Council should let them off, as theyiad always used the building [, election another purposes without chart.,, It was reslved, "That Mr. Farrand, the chairman 6 the committee, write to the Council on She matter. 1 ' A genera! conversation took jlaco as to the present state of thebuildiiyused for the library, and it Was decided to make application to the only existing trutees of the church for permission to put the boks in the vestry. The buildim, used at preant for a library was built many years ago n a teacher's residence, then altered into a school, and it was the school committee \hich gave permission to have the library tferein. There were six trustees and a propel deed of conveyance. At pre. sent the trusties were all dead or removed from the dijrict. Like many other thin™ in country ditricts, what should have been everyone's we has been nobody's busies, It is on the mve to have a public meeting in a few weeks to fill up this and the church trust, also tie cemetery, and to make arrangements 'or their future working.[Own Correspondent.]

PCRT ALBERT At the annual getting of the Port Albert Mutual Improvement Society the following were elected officefe for the ensuing sis months Mr. G. B. leid, president; Messrs, L. P. Becroft and J Hirst, vice-presidents • Miss May Gubb, icretary; Mr, Sydney Gubb, treasurer. At the annual matin? of the Port Albert Band of Hope the uilernamed were elected officers and committee for the current year: —President, Mr. Gtorgo B. Reid; vicepresident, Mr. Sydney Gubb; secretary, Irs. Sara Reid; treasurer, Mr. D, Becroft; committee, Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Gubb, Mrs, E. Hartnell, Mrs. E. Becroft, Mr. A. Hartnell, Mr. P. Becroft, and some others.-{Own Correspondent.] MATAKANA. The Matakana School Committee has nomlnated Messrs. J. F. Cooper aud Whitehead for the Board of Education, and decided to vote for these and Mr. VVrieht. Given fine weather, the approaching Rodney Agricultural Show promises to be the best ever held by the society. Apparently the drought has come to stay too long; already it has destroyed ull hope of variouscrops.HA Correspondent.) HOKIANGA. We have had hot dry weather here for about three weeks. A big Maori Court, an S.M. Court, and a five-handed J.P. Court have all taken place about one time.

HASTINGS. The firebell tower, which is now completed, is one of the best-constructed buildings that has been erected in the town. The height ol the tower is forty-two feet, and thesound ol the bell can be heard for miles around. Mr, Brouch, the contractor for the job, who it also captain of the Fire Brigade, mar be congratulated oil the first-rate job lie has com. pleted. The surveyors are at work cutting up tin Southland Estate in suitable blo;ks toi settlement, the ballot for which will soot take place. As the greater portion of thf land is in a good locality, there is every probability of the estate being fully applied for. The portion of the Flaxmere Estate vhich has lately been taken over by Captain Russell's'brother, is now being built upon and in a few months' time the homestead will present a very comfortable appearance. The relaying of the footpaths where the concrete channelling has lately been constructed is now being proceeded" with. Ibis work will entail a considerable outlay, which could have been avoided had the kerbiug beeu built on a level with the footpath. The New Zealand Clothing Factorv Ins secured one ot the finest business sites in tie town. This enterprising firm has arranged to take possession of H. Williams aud Sons' ironmongery establishment, and Mr. li. L Knight has disposed of his hardware stock to H. Williams and Sons, who also take over the shop in which Mr. B. L. Knight has carried on his ironmongery business. Messrs. Blytho and Co. new brick shop ii rapidly nearing completion. Messrs. Hyde and Co,, the well-known hairdressers, have just completed extensive alterations in one of their branch establishments, which can now claim to be one of the best saloons in the district. Mr. Robert Wellwood, one of our oldest settlers, and who can justly claim to be one of the pioneers of the town, will bo leaving his farm at Southland Estate at the end of this month. _ There is no one in the district more deservingly popular than Mr. Wellwood, and everyone of our community will deeply regret the loss of such a sterling good settler from our district. Mr. Charles Apperley, who has recently purchased a business site next the Protestant Hall, will soon begin to erect a smithy on the property. Mr. W. Symonds, whose carriage aud waggon works has of late reached such large proportions, has lately added a complete sawmilling plant to his extensive establishment.

Mr. Mason Chambers, of Turoa station, is leaving on a visit to the old country. Mr. Giblin will have charge of the station during his absence.

'lhe'i'omoana Freezing Works have one of the finest fire-extinguishing plants in the colony. At a recent fire at the works the quantity of water poured on the flamea can only be compared to the bursting of a hug waterspout. Owing to the unprecedented spell of dry weather the hay and grain that are in stacks are in great danger from grass fires. On Saturday last four large stacks of lucerne, were destroyed on Longlands station. Mr. Charley Gordon, one of the popular owners of the Clifton station, is having t handsome residence erected on one of th» most charming spots on his splendid estate; the view from his intended residence enbraces a beautiful panorama of moniitai'ia, valleys, rivers, and ocean scencry. Mr. W. Maddiaon, of the well-knowii storekeepers, Maddison and Co., have purchased the late Mr. T. Foreman's private residence on the Havelock Road, and has entered into possession of it. A requisition to the Mayor of Hastings, asking for a meeting of ratepftfeis to be convened for the purpose of discussiug certain • borough matters, is being signed.[Own Correspondent.]