Country News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 214, 16 October 1875, Page 15

Country News.

An attempt is being made to establish a farmer’s club in Marton. The railway works at and near Palmerston are reported as progressing most satisfactorily. An attempt is to be made to supply Foilding with water by means of artesian wells. Land in the Patea district is becoming valuable. Some purchased at £5 an acre has been sold at £l5O the quarter-acre. A money-order office and savings bank will be opened at Hyde (Otago) from the Ist No vember next. The Wairarap'i, Standard confesses that Mr. Waterhouse’s support of the Abolition Bill has caused it some surprise. They have had a court case at New Plymouth lately as to the quality of some bacon sold at auction. Rashers of the bacon were frizzled, and tasted by tho magistrates before deciding the case. When people went to the immigration barracks in Taranaki to hire single girls from amongst the arrivals by the Chile, they found the article in short supply. Nearly all the single girls had plighted their troth to the single men during the pleasant voyage. The works at the Rimutaka tunnel are now progressing most favorably; as the tunnel goes in the rock become much easier to work, and in consequence progress is greatly facilitated. The railway engine, it is expected, will run over the line as far as the Upper Hutt within a fortnight from date, as platelaying and ballasting are at present proceeding at a rapid rate.

According to the Greytown paper, a month has elapsed since tenders were sent in to the Provincial Government for the Greytown viaduct. Contractors who arc waiting for an answer are getting impatient. A passenger by an evening train from Dunedin informs the Brace Jfcraid that before entering the tunnel at the Chain Hills the train came to a standstill, and about 100 of the passengers got out and pushed the train up the incline until it reached the level, when it was again able to proceed on its way. One Saturday evening lately, according to the Bay of Plenty Timex, an Armed Constabulary boat loaded with long Snider rifles, on its way from To Telco to Ohiwa, capsized, and all the arms, &c., were totally lost. The arms were being taken down to Ohiwa for shipment on board the s.s. liowena, to be returned to stora

Street-digging in Hokitika is apparently not yet exhausted as an industry, according to a West Coast paper. At the last meeting of the Borough Council, a letter was received from Mr. J. B. Henliam, requesting permission to mine for gold on the upper and unmade portion of Tancred-street, and guaranteeing to leave the ground in the same state as he found it.

It seems from the letter of a correspondent to an Otago paper, that the most noticeable manner in which the people of that province mark the improvement effected by railway instead of coach travelling is that it lessens the expenses in the fashion of wayside drinks. It is calculated that under the coaching system a traveller from Tuapeka to Dunedin would spend some 20s. in drink, whereas, even doing his best now, he has not time to go beyond a shilling. At the Carterton Police Court lately, before 11. S. Wardell, Esq., R.M., and Messrs. Yallance and Bcetham, J.P.’s, a case was heard which excited considerable interest. The local paper gives the following resume of the case: —The plaintiff, John Greatliead, sued E. Ticehurst, executor to the late W. Greathead, of Masterton, for £IOO, an alleged loss for removing from his custody a horse placed in his hands to train for the Southern Chief Produce Stakes. Mr. Stedman appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Beard for defendant. The former called the plaintiff to prove the damages sustained. John Greathead swore to incurring an expense of £25 for oats, hay, and grazing while the horse was under his charge. Messrs, 11. Bright, W. B. Allen, and J. O. Hayward were also called, but their evidence was not material. G. Greathead, at whose farm the horse was placed by John Greathead, gave a very different account of the expenses incurred to that sworn to by the plaintiff. The Resident Magistrate in summing up the case commented severely on the contradictory nature of the evidence given by father and son, viz., G. Greathead and John Greathead, and gave judgment for one guinea, the nomination fee paid by plaintiff, holding that the other damages claimed were not proved. Each party was ordered to pay his own costs.

The settlers at Palmerston, says the Wanganui Herald, have just received the best possible proof of the inability of the Provincial Government to carry out the works for which money was appropriated during the last session of the Provincial Council. The Provincial Secretary had been applied to in regard to the erection of the Manawatu bridge, on which work a sum of £6OOO was to be expended. The reply is just what we expected it to be. The Provincial Government have no money, and imply that the General Government are responsible for the work remaining undone, as they are not allowed to enter into contracts unless they have the money. Were the Eangitikei and Feikling settlers to inquire about the Rangitikei bridge, they would probably receive a similar answer. It would be absurd to believe that such excuses can blind the settlers. The Estimates have been nicely buttered year after year, but nothing extraordinary was ever done, nor was it intended to complete a large number,of the works the appropriations for which stood most prominently in the Estimates. The settlers in these districts will have to wait quietly till provincialism has expired, when their wants are likely to be attended to. The Westport Times of a recent date has the following remarks on Government Life Assurance : —“ The appearance amongst us of the chief agent of the Government Life Insurance induces us to review some of the leading features of a scheme which has, we believe, proved an unparalleled success in insurance business. We believe that the Government first turned their attention to the matter in 1868, when the failure of the European Company produced an amount of misery not easily to be imagined, and scandalised the business of life assurance so much that one of the greatest institutions of modern times was in danger of being brought into general disrepute. Life insurance is one of those means of saving which should lie removed from all possible speculation ; it should be made a certainty as nearly as anything human can be so made. In London, at the present moment, it is stated that immense excitement prevails in consequence of the returns of insurance companies having in terms of a recently passed Act been presented in both Houses of Parliament, and Mr. Sprague, an eminent actuary, having stated in a letter to The Times that ‘ an examination of the accounts of certain companies has led him irresistibly to the conclusion that the companies in question are insolvent beyond all hope of recovery.’ These circumstances lead almost irresistibly to the conclusion that the New Zealand Government has acted wisely in undertaking the protection of insurers within the colony. Indeed, it is truly a political duty—for whatever is the duty of the young, the middle-aged, the man of wealth, of moderate means, or of the poor, and in fact of every section of society ; whatever tends to promote habits of ' forethought, industry, and economy in the community ; whatever tends to give a large number a stake in the colony, and to increase the stake of those who already hold one; whatever tends to promote prosperity, to diminish

pauperism, to alleviate and largely to prevent destitution, and to keep those who might become criminals out of the way of temptation ; whatever does all this it is obviously the duty of the consistent politician to watch over and promote by every means within his reach. Indeed it requires no great strain upon the imagination to picture to ourselves the business of life insurance, when takeu up by a Government, marching forward as a groat reforming power arresting the tendency to improvidence, poverty, and crime. The Government Insurance affects us all, whether we wish it or not, for we are jointly guarantee of the payment of every policy'when it becomes a claim. It thus becomes the interest of each and all of us to insure, and to do our best to induce others to do likewise —thus, if A insures and so protects his family, it is his duty and interest to see that B does likewise. Eor B may die, and A may not only have protected his own family, but may have to contribute his share to the support of B’s family. Since the passing of the first Act there have been several amendments. Last session an Act was passed consolidating all former Acts, and rendering the profit made in the department divisible among the assured, and as the expenses of the Government are much less than those of any company can be, it holds as a necessary consequence that the profit will in all probability be proportionately great.” A correspondent, writing from Pahautanui under date October 13, says : —“ Through the past week we have had heavy gales, alternately from the north-west and south-west. Those from the north-west were particularly violent, and our usually placid bay was white with foam. In fact, the last month has been very stormy, cold, and unseasonable, and the settlers declare it is the most backward spring they have ever experienced here.” A Pahautanui correspondent writes as follows :—On Monday evening last au entertainment was given in the schoolroom, Pahautanui, consisting of readings, recitations, and instrumental music, at which the Pahautanui brass handmade its first appearance before the public. As I happen to be one of the members of the band and blow one of the instruments, of course it would not do for me to “ blow ” here. Suffice it to say that the audience applauded and appeared satisfied. No doubt they made allowances for the short time (only a few months) since we first started. Mr. Fred. Bradey, the treasurer and chairman of committee, made a statement, showing the financial position of the band, in which it appeared that the instruments, music, &c., cost £59 ss. 10d., towards which the public had subscribed £lB 125., and the members of the band, £4O 13s. lOd. During the evening, some of the school children recited some short poems in a very creditable manner. Mr. Singer read “ The Battle of Flodden Field,” and Master James Toomath recited “The News of Battle.” Mr. Fred. Thompson read “ The Execution of Montrose ” and “ Mary Queen of Scots.” Mr. Loundes and Mr. Stanley Singer gave amusing readings. The whole of the pieces were well rendered, and duly appreciated by the audience, which was very numerous. The sum of £3 2s. 9d. was netted in aid of the band fund.

A good story (says the Herald) is told by the busybodies in Wanganui of a somewhat well-to-do farmer, who carries on his operations not 100 miles from the Ivetemarae district. Having been very successful in the early days of the Bendigo diggings, and also in labor times in the farming line, he became, properly speaking, rich in worldly store. Something, however, was -wanting to complete his happiness, and he began to feel “single blessedness a fib.” Determined on giving the ladies of Wanganui a chance, he mounted his horse and rode hither, where he had not been for upwards of two years. As he walked slowly along Taupoquay, intently scrutinising each lady passerby, and hanging his head, and muttering something when they passed, one may be excused for having looked rather intently at him, and for having endeavored to fathom the meaning of the strange muttering. The farmer stopped near a well-known corner, and our informant, pretending to be looking for someone behind, listened quietly, and heard the following exclamations :—“ Great heavens ! what heads ! what dresses ! what walking ! and what vanity !” Stopping a moment to recruit bi’eadth, he went on: “I’ll go and marry a Maori woman first.” Our friend, thinking himself safe no longer, passed the stranger quickly. He was gazing thoughtfully at the pebbles at his feet, and looked very much like a ruined man. On inquiry it was ascertained that that strange, rich, single farmer left Wanganui for his quiet home on Saturday evening last with the full intention of spending the rest of his life a recluse. So now some of the ladies of Wanganui have had the Golden Ball thrown to them and have carelessly let it glide over their shoulder. Verb Bap. RANGITIKEI HIGH WAX' BOARD. (from ouk own correspondent.) The first meeting of the present Rangitikei Highway Board was held in the office, Marton, on Saturday, 2nd inst., at half-past ten o’clock, as appointed by the Superintendent. Present—Dr. Curl, Messrs. A. Milne, A. Simpson, It. K. Simpson, C. Galpin, J. Bull, and A. Cameron. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The election of Chairman for the ensuing term was the first business that engaged the attention of the Board, On the motion of Mr. Galpin, seconded by Mr. Bull, Mr. A. Milne was unanimously elected to fill the ollice. STANDING ORDERS. On the motion of Dr. Curl, the Board resolved itself into a committee to discuss and amend the standing orders under which the former Board conducted its proceedings. These were, with some slight alterations aud additions, agreed to and adopted. board’s seal. It was decided that the seal hitherto in use should be adopted by the present Board}

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. On the motion of Dr. Curl, seconded by Mr. Bull, Mr. R. J. Harris and Mr. Thoms were re-appointed Secretary and Inspector respectively, at the former rates of remuneration. • MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read a d confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The Secretary read the following correspondence : Letter from the Superintendent, appointing the 25th October instant as the day for hearing objections to the opening of Cameron and McKay’s and Harper’s roads. Letter from the Provincial Engineer, advising the Board that he had received instructions from the Superintendent to give his attention to the approaches to the Tutaenui bridge, previous to the receipt of the Board’s letter of the 6th ult. in reference thereto.

Letter from Major Willis, notifying that he had been credibly informed that it is the opinion of the Attorney-General that no existing line of road can be made over to private individuals except by Crown grant, and that lie should, therefore, not consent to any exchange of roads through his property, until satisfied that ho should be put in secure possession of the abandoned line, free of expense. Resolved that Major Will in be informed that the Board will take the necessary steps to secure him a title to the road it is proposed to abandon, running between sections Nos. 52, 53, and 54, provided he sanctions the opening of the line along Dr. Curl’s boundary, as an outlet from the Mcllardie’s road to the Tutaenui line, in lieu thereof. It was further resolved that the road surveyed and laid off by Mr. Davy, along Dr. Curl’s boundary, through Major Willis’s property, leading from the Mctlardie’s road to the Tutaenui line, he opened at once by the officers of the Board.

Letter from Mr. C. F. Hauneke, explaining that his application of August 23 had reference to his frontage to the Makiri Kiri line, and not to the Puki Papa line, as considered by the Board. Resolved that the Inspector be instructed to examine the road in question, and report at the next meeting of the Board. Letter from Mr. Joshua Toms, requesting that the gravelpit opened on his land last year be fenced in, and offering to do the same, viz., seven chains, for £5. Resolved that Mr. Toms’s offer bo accepted, on condition that he allow the Board to make use of the pit as required. Letter from Mr. James McGregor, advising that the bridle track runs through the property of the Messrs. Lowrie, and that he is not bound to give them another road through his property as applied for by them ; but that he is agreeable to grant a right of road on condition that the same be formed and enclosed with a well planted good ditch-and-bank fence, with an iron gate on each side of the road, and the hedges kept properly trimmed every year. Resolved that Mr. McGregor he notified that the Board has decided to open a road through his property, leading to section No. 225, and as the land through which the road will run is now open, he can have no claim whatever for fencing. inspector’s report. The Inspector’s report, as to the works required in the several wards, was read and received. BUSINESS. It was resolved that the resolution bearing on the clearing of flax, toitoi, and scrub from off the sides of the road while clearing furze, be rescinded, and that in future all arrangements in connection therewith be made a special matter by the Inspector, and by him reported to the Board ; and that he be now instructed to take sharp measures with all who have not cleared off their furze agreeably to notice. It was resolved that tenders be called for the following re-metalling in the different wards, to be opened at the next meeting of the Board :—No. 1 Ward, 105 chains ; No. 3 Ward, 95 chains; No. 4 Ward, 160 chains; No. 5 Ward, 120 chains ; No. 7 Ward, 85 chains. ALLOCATION. The following amounts were allocated to the different wards, for the purpose of road formation and other necessary works :—No. 1 Ward, £SO ; No. 2 Ward, £IOO ; No. 3 Ward, £IOO ; No. 4 Ward, £l6O ; No. 5 Ward, £IOO ; No. 6 Ward, £l5O ; No. 7 Ward, £2OO. TENDERS. The following tenders were opened and dealt with as under For cutting and embankment ou the north end of Union line : Daniel Stevens, at £69 ; Hugo Newman, £7O; James Beard, £94 ; Louis Hintze, £ll2. The tender of D. Stevens was accepted, and the others declined. APPLICATIONS. Messrs. Barnett and Goote made application in person for the formation of about 40 chains of tlio bridle track into a cart road, in addition to what they have already in hand, to enable them to get their produce out to market, llesolved that tenders bo invited for tlio required work, to bo opened at the next meeting of tlio Board. Mr. Charles Allsop made personal application for a right-of-way as au outlet from his property. Resolved that the Warden and Inspector be appointed to examine and report at the next meeting of the Board, upon Mr. Allsops’s requirements. TREASURER’S REPORT. The Treasurer road his usual monthly statement, from which it appeared that there was at date a credit balance of £521 12s. lOd. ACCOUNTS. Accounts, amounting in the aggregate to £236 6s. 3d., were passed for payment. The meeting then adjourned until Saturday, November 6, at half-past ten a.m.