Our Country Letters.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 998, 17 April 1891, Page 14

Our Country Letters.

FEILDING.

The proposed, long talked of, and much needed bridge over the Oroua River at Aorangi ia now in a fair way to become an accomplished fact. Not only has the Feilding Borough Council already voted its ehare of the cost, but at the last meeting of the Manchester Road Board the following resolution wa3 passed :— ‘ That the Chairman take the necessary steps to have a bridge erected oyer the Oroua River at Aorangi, under Clause 15, Public Works Act, 1889. There is some talk of forming another 'Volunteer corps here in the shape of a troop of Lancers. As there are plenty of good horeea and fine young in the district, X see no reason, provided the Government will encourage the project, why it should not be carried into effect. I understand we are to have a rather distinguished visitor, in the person of the Duke of Manchester, who is coming out to these colonies to see his property, a considerable portion of which is at Feilding, and other parts of the Manchester Block. Mr C. D. Mackintosh, the Wellington gentleman who acted ae judge afc_ the late band contest hare, has now published his fall oriticisms on the affair. --The document, which occupies a column in the local paper, deals minutely and exhaustively with the whole of the playing. Of course, many technicalities are need,, and much of the report is only of interest to musicians, but I may state briefly the substance of what he says of the playing generally of the several bands. The Wellington Garrison’s own selection was played in a style calling for the highest praise. Time was simply perfect, and a metronome cf>nlck"not~have been truer than the conductor’s baton. The style showed careful study and hard work ; the instruments had been carefully tuned ; the cornet soloist ranks as a player of high attainments, and good work was done by the soprano and trombone players. The - test piece was only fairly rendered by this band, both the stroDg and weak being described by the judge. Gray’s piece would hear no comparison with the Garrison’s for providing opportunities of excelling, and as to the manner in which it was rendered the judge’s notes are generally unfavourable. The test piece, however, was exceptionally well played by this band. All the instruments distinguished themselves in the opening movement, and the effect in the double forte passages was grand and sublime. The hand was in perfect tune, volume, and tone, being all that could be desired. Altogether, the playingof the piece is described aß* being as fine a rendering as it is possible to conceive.’ The description of the playing of the Feilding Band is more of a criticism on the various instruments and movements, in which the comet is most commended. Some parts, which are named, were well played by all, and the band has a good body of tone. The Marton Band had chosen a weak selection for contest purposes. - The band was only fairly well in tone, and the style was indicative of first principles. In reference to their playing of the test pieoe the judge does not say much of a favourable nature. The Palmerston Band’s piece waa wholly nnsuited for a contest, was not well played, and would not bear criticism, which would also he altogether out of place with reference to their rendering of the test piece. It may interest seme Wellington people to know that Mr Mackintosh says in his report that * Rienzi,’ by the Garrison, and ‘Linda de Chamouni,’ by Gray’s, were performed in a manner that would have done credit to the giants of the South Island, and would certainly have placed them among the prize winners in a first-class contest. What yonr Woodville correspondent says about the lateness and overcrowding of the trains since the opening of the Gorge line, holds good with regard to this section of railway also. Trains are now almost invariably much behind time, and often too fall to be comfortable. There is another thing whioh I think might be avoided, viz., the almost constant practice of placing sheep, cattle, and pig trucks right in front of the carriages, generally first class, much to the offence, very often, of the olfactory nerves of the passengers* MARTON. We are all born to trouble, and, if I mistake not, that census paper is likely to land me in more than I bargained for. In my last I happened to casually mention that I knew a man in this county who could fill s census paper comfortably if all his family were under hie root on the night of the sth inst. Imagine my astonishment at being addressed this morning by a settler ‘ who would give something to know who wrote that statement ; if the writer meant him he would Blmply say that the case was not properly Btated, that everyone in the County knew that he could do more than fill a census paper, and without missing a line.’ It never occurred to me to count the lines of the paper, but from the space my own lot occupied, and adding those absent, I calculated about two-thirds of the available space would be taken up if all were entered. I leave you to reokon up the numher that could be comfortably entered without missing a line. The tales of the monster turnips, pump. :± kins, cabbages, &e., which occasionally go the rounds of the papers, and whioh at last grow to such dimensions that the incredulous is reached and the bubble bursts, drew a smile from me; no, he was evidently serious and felt insnlted. What was I to do? It would not do to own up. The eituation waa becoming desperate, and after measuring my man from head to foot for a moment, came to the conclusion to recommend him to the attention of the strongest man in the town as the possible author. I met him again daring the day, after he had time to cool down, and myself to recover from the joy of the first encounter. In the course of conversation he told me that ho took a great delight In the rearing of large families, made a business of it, In fact, as a permanent In.

vestment. That as a speculation he thought the increase in the number of children meant a proportionate decrease ia the profit, but that if the Governmeut would see the desirability of adopting the Canadian form of encouragement by giviug 100 acres of land to erery child after a certain number, it would bring the matter more in accord with his permanent investment ideas, and he would be willing to give them every assistance to frame a bill for that object. I told him that I was quite of his opinion, and that it would be well for those who have the responsibility of such extensive business nadeitakings to lose no time in taking concerted action to bring the matter prominently before the present Liberal Government. I therefore reauest all those of your readers who are oarrying on a similar business under extreme pressure to communicate with the editor of the Mail, who will, by this means, obtain a concensus of opinion to guide him for future action on out behalf. The Trioker case is being again brought prominently before the JEtangitikei people, in an endeavour to get a free pardon grauted him and the stigma of murderer removed from his memory. It seems carious that although he has been at large for a number of years, and that all who know him are quite assured of his innocence, he is not yet a free agent in the eyes of the law. His 'punishment has been very severe, probably more so than if he had beeu serving his original sentenoe all the time. 'What pleasure can mere liberty be to him if he is not accompanied by a olear acquittal in every respect. He ia an aged man no v with grandobildren, and probably great-grandchildren, and it is due to them as well as to his own memory that justice, so long delayed, should at last be done him. I much regret to notice in your last issue the death of Mr C. P. Sisson. The last time I saw him was some thirty-three years ago, then manager of a bank in Western Canada. I was only a lad at the time, but nevertheless my recollections of him have been lasting and good. I heard of his presence in New Zealand, but have never had the pleasure of meeting him here. There ia very little to report on agricultural or pastoral matters. Stock of all sorts are keenly competed for at the sales throughout the district. The approaoh of the winter does not appear to deter farmers from purchasing corn largely at the constantly improved figures competition creates. Last winter farmere who had straw to spare cut it for the sheep, this year there will be sufficient grass to carry them through, and I hear of several who intend cutting toe stiaw into coarse chaff and spreading it on the land they intend ploughing for crops. In reply to my inquiry as to its efficacy they say it is quite as good, if not better, than stable manure, as it does not clog the plough, but all goes under and is well covered, which is not the case with ordinary stable manure. That with the chaff-cutters of the present day a large quantity can be out and distributed over the land in a day, whioh is a further consideration. The blacksmiths of Marton have agreed to keep every Saturday as a half-holiday, but I fear it will not work well. The greatest part of their work is, of course derived from the farmers, and if they oannot get their blacksmithing done on what they make their market day in town, they will find means of having it done elsewhere. GREYTOWN. During the past week there has been no lack of public amusements here. The lecturo and exhibition of the Phonograph at the Palace Theatre was a tremendous success. The building was literally packed with spectators from the town and surrounding districts. Doubtless had there been two nights’ performances the attendance would have been equally large and the takings in proportion. On Friday night a concert took place at the Foresters’ Hall. It might be mentioned that this building is undergoing large alterations, not only in its seating but also in its stage arrangements (of which more anon). There was, as might be expected, a very large audience to listen to certain talented ‘ artists ’ from the Empire City and certain of our local songsters. On the same day in the afternoon a distribution or prizes took place at the Morrison’s Bush School, followed by a tea meeting, and in the evening a soiree at the schoolbouse, with the attendance of a local Brass Band. There was a good attendance and the several events gave pleasure and satisfaction to all concerned. On Sunday evening the Wesleyan Church was crowded with an unusually large congregation to hear the farewell sermon of the Rev J. Dellow, who after three years’ pastoral charge of this circuit is leaving for a sphere of ministerial labour at Temuka. His text was 2 Cor., c 13, v 11, ‘Finally, brethren, farewell,’ &c. The discourse was characterised with his usual pathos and earnestness. The rev gentleman is noted for ‘ plain words, stern integrity,’ and is a strict total abstainer. TARANAKI. One of the greatest attractions of Jubilee week at New Plymouth was undoubtedly Gilbert and Sullivan’s aesthetic opera ‘ Patience,’ given on the Ist and 2nd of April, under the direction of Mr T. A. Sparks. The performance commenced at 8 p.m., but very soon after 7 p.m. the house was crowded from footlights to ceiling. Soon the sale of tickets was stopped, but people who had bought tickets in the town during the morning kept arriving, and more benches, steps, and hired chairs were brought in one after another until it became impossible to seat any more. Men were heard offering five shillings to step inside and stand! Two hundred persons were turned away at the doors, and in some instances the money was returned to those who objected to remain in the heat and the crush. It is somewhat strange that those who had the selling of the tickets in the town should not have ascertained the number the house would hold, but inside the Alexandra Hall the management was excellent, and the member of the Jubilee Committee who was in responsibility showed so

much courtesy that the people willingly endured with cheerfulness that which otherwise might have caused considerable irritation. The takings amounted to £lO6. Punctually at 8 p.m. the orchestra began to play. The violiucello played by Mr F. W. Richmond was made by Mr Johnston, of New Plymouth. When the curtain rolled up an exceedingly pretty scene was displayed, the twenty rapturous maidens, most beautifully attired in sesthetio flowing robes and flowing hair being discovered reclining, singing and sighing. All the dresses were magnificent and becoming, and certainly the Esthetic dress looks not only more refined and elegant on tho men but more comfortable too, and why the three soldiers who donned it should make such doleful faceß and - wry * ow’s 1’ it was not easy to imagine. Mrs T. A. Sparks, of Wanganui, acted Lady Jane with great aplomb , and looked very handsome, but had disagreeably exaggerated the make-up of a stout- figure. Her voice And her acting were most admirable. The title role ‘ Patience ’ was filled by Miss Seed, who was simply faultless in every particular. Her clear, sweet voice, her brilliant and spirited dancing made tho whole audience in love with her. Her ‘ milkmaid' dress was exceedingly pretty, and something of the same style might well be adopted by all young women. The music of the opera is pretty and bright, and was exceedingly well rendered. The-words seem trifling and the plot absurd, hut the moral is— ‘ He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay, and there is a deeper meaning under the surface, teaching that those who expect to find happiness in shams and shows are sure to bo disappointed. The Amateur Opera Company have generously undertaken to give a third representation on Saturday in favour of the Recreation Ground's Board, which is. without a revenue and had incurred obligations to the extent of £SO for the purpose of getting the Grounds in order for the jubilee. On the Ist and 2nd of April the Anniversary races attracted an immense concourse of people. The races were well contested, there were no accidents, and everyone seemed to heartily enjoy themselves. The New Plymouth racecourse is a very fine, one, and was in splendid condition. The admirable playing of the Town Band was much, appreciated. There was a great deal of betting. The sum of £4152 was put through the totalisator for the two day’s races, which is a large sum, considering how bitterly people complain of having to pay the Harbour Bate. It is sad to see how general it has become for little boys to smoke cigarettes. Surely the tobacconists ought to be forbidden to sell cigarettes to children, and parents ought to explain to their boys all the dangers of cigarette smoking. The crowding of the trains the week has been extraordinary. On the night of Friday, the 3rd of April there were fully 300 passengers on the train, and a dense crowd on the platform, estimated at 800 persons, young and old. The Taranaki Jubilee must certatnly be pronounced a striking success. Great was the astonishment of everyone on hearing on Thursday morning that the steamer Wanaka had struck on the reef about four miles from New Plymouth, and was hopelessly wedged in between rocks. The weather had been so beautiful that such a disaster was incomprehensible to all. Fortunately no one was hurt. The cargo was taken out of her, and there she was left, and will doubtless soon go to pieces. The local option voting at Stratford was strongly iD favour of increasing all the licenses, so that a second hotel will soon be another feature of this fast-increasing town. Search parties have been going up the Mountain to endeavour to find some traces of a young man named William H. Southwood, who went up the Mountain alone the preceding Thursday, against the advice of several who tried to persuade him not to go without a guide. They found personal belongings of the tourist, but no traces that could lead them to discover him. As the weather on Friday night was terrible, and the cold up the Mountain intense, very little liopo is entertained of finding the unfortunate young man alive. A party of 20, who went up in search on Sunday, were compelled by the heavy snow and sleet to return. Rain fell almost continuously on the 4th and sth. The 6th and 7th were fine days, but heavy rain fell on the night of the 7th and also on the Bth. Towards night a thunderstorm raged, followed by squalls. The 9th was showery, the 10th mostly fine with light showers and much wind.

Some ridicule and irritation have been expressed at the ultra-inquisitive questions propounded in the census papers that had to be filled up on the sth April. The framers of the paper seemed to have mixed up agricultural matters with tho census, and require to know how many fowls one has, and how many pounds of butter one makes in tho year, but seems to have no curiosity as to gooseberries, fungus, and honey, which are often more profitable than butter. WAIRARAPA. The approaoh of been heralded in the Wairarapa by several sharp frosts, and just recently cold raws and very violent winds have been the order of the day. Nothing much of interest appears to be going on ; business is dull and nows remarkably scarce. On Thursday and Friday last large crowds were attracted to the Theatre Royal, Masterton, to hear and see that popular wonder, the phonograph. Never before since the opening night were so many people present at once, and very many who have not entered a playhouse for years turned out to see Edison’s marvel. Of coarse they were not all satisfied, there always aresome grumblers in every community, but the majority were well pleased with the entertainment afforded. The Rev W. E. Paige, rector of St Matthows Anglican Church, who for some time past has been in feeble health, has taken a well deserved holiday, and is now recruiting his scattered energies in sunny Auckland. On Sunday last his place waa supplied by the Primate, Bishop Hadfield, whose impressive addresses were listened to by large congregations. Oar local volunteers have recently had »

vis<t from the newly appointed chief, Major Stewart Newall, and were put through their facings in a proper military style. The Major made some rather scathing comments npon the unsoldierlike bearing of some of the men, but told them that in time he hoped they would get to like him, as he felt sure he should like them. Au effort ia being made to form a Trotting Club in Masterton, but as the number of trotters in the distriot is limited, it is unlikely to result in much unless some outside help is obtained. A few energetic men are, however, taking a lively interest in the matter, and if they stick at it they may be successful.

A good deal of annoyance has been caused of late to the residents of the western side of the Borough of Masterton by the constant overflow of Mr Renall’s little rill, and the consequent flooding off their gardens, to say nothing af the footbpath in many places being under water. This unfortunate water business has been for a long time a terrible cause of trouble and bickering, bat now it seems to bavo broken all bounds, and the next meeting of the Borough Council bide fair to be the very liveliest on record. A perfect deluge of petitions have been prepared and several indignant bnrgesses intend to personally attend and vent their wrath on the devoted heads of the chosen few who are supposed to rule and regulate these things. I say supposed because it is merely supposition, as Mr Renall always gets his own way. After long consideration, Carterton, to the surprise of most people, has made a movo forward, and emulating the worthy example set by Greytown and Masterton, has determined to try a course of modified early closing. On and after Wednesday next all the principal business houses close at 7 pm every evening with the exception of Saturday. Therefore the Carterton * leaper of the counter ’ is consumed with joy, and is looking forward to great things. Notwithstanding the fact that Carterton is a little slow at same things, what is done, is, as a rule, done well. A very strong instance of this is found in the Publio Library, whioh ij one of the most flourishing institutions in the whole Valley, and although over seventy pounds’ worth of new books were bought and paid for during last year, there is still a substantial credit balance on hand, which speaks very highly for the minagement and also for the support afforded by the people of the place. Later. A lively meeting of the Masterton Borough Council took place on Tuesday evening. A number of ratepayers forwarded a petition calling attention to the nuisance caused by the overflow of water from the channels in Lincoln Road. Councillor Gapper moved that the water be at once turned off, but the Mayor refused to put the motion. Councillor Renall moved that the water tables leading from his mill to the railway station be cleaned out. This motion was put and lost. Councillor Gapper, at a later stage of the meeting, moved, ‘ That the Town Clerk be instructed to write to the Railway Commissioners and the Wairarapa N. County Council advising their allowing their engineers to examine the works recently constructed by Mr A. W. Renall in the Waipoua River above the Railway Bridge, as in the Council’s opinion, the sard works were a menace to the Railway Bridge and the town of Masterton.’ The Mayor said he considered that such a resolution would be infra dig, and, therefore, he must rule it out of order. Three applications were received for the position of Borough Surveyor, Mr A. J. Rawson being appointed. (By Telegraph.) Masterton, April 16. Tho District Court opened here this morning before Mr Robinson, R.M. Bankruptcy business came on first, discharges being granted to David Dixon, Henry Jara63 Crawley, Donald G. McDonald, John L. Thompson, and Alexander Grigg. Farther bankruptcy business is fixed for B’riday next. A civil case in which John Winter Anderson claims £SO for alleged slander, by Aaron Johnstoo, is now proceeding. The Eketahuna School Committee have nominated Mr W. W. McCardle for the Education Board. PALMERSTON NORTH. Palmerston North, April 14. The adjourned meeting of the School Committee was held in the Borough Council Chambers last evening. Present : Messrs G. M. Snelson (chairman), F. Bryant, T. R. Walton, J. G. Rush, and A. Drew. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. A letter from the Education Board, dated April 9th, was read, re removal of Miss McDonald to Feilding, the Board not considering such removal desirable in the interests of the Central School. Miss Hames will therefore be oppointed to the Feilding vacancy. The letter was received, and the action of the chairman endorsed. Another letter had also been received from the Board authorising the purchase of certain necessary articles of furniture. A letter was received from Mr Haseldean complaining that exercise books, slates, &0., supplied by him to the school children had been returned as unsuitable, although in every way as good as those supplied by others in the trade, the only difference being in the covers of the books. Mr Haseldean’e letter seemed to imply that there might be a benefit to the teachers of the odd penny, or the difference in the price of certain of the articles, as he said he had known to be the case in Wellington. Resolved that the letter be left in the hands of the chairman to be dealt with, and that he (the chairman) report at next meeting. The report of the Terrace End School for March showed : Admissions, 23; withdrawals, 20; on roll, 304; highest half-day attendance, 241; lowest half-day attendance, 134 ; average for the month, 217.73; average for the quarter, 195.94, the improvement on attendance for the month being marked and giving a claim to an additional teacher. An application was made to have some of the desks altered and for a large map of New Zealand. The report was received, audits recommendations endorsed. The report of the Central School showed : —Average of the roll was 597.25, and the average attendanae 433.6; the highest attendance, 494; ad-

mitted, 14 ; left, 39; now on roll. 586; number of half days open, 36. Mr WatsoD, in his report, reoommencled that Mr Barrett should take the place vacated by Miss Martin The recommendation was adopted. Sundry small accounts having been passed for payment, the inspector's report on tho Terrace End School was received from the secretary to the Board, with a request that it be handed to Mr Von Blarenberg, headmaster, after perusal by the committee. The nominations for the new School Committee will take place on the 20th inst., and the election on the 27tb. A meeting of settlers, with a view to oarrying out a suggestion made a short time ago by Sergeant Castles as to the formation of a cavalry corps in this district, was held last evening at the Club Hotel. There were about 60 prerent, and Mr D. Pringle was voted to the chair, Mr J. Inness being appointed secretary pro tem. The Chairman explained the objeofr-of the meeting, and invited the co-operation of those present. Captain laherwood and other gentlemen addressed the meeting, and 38 names were given in as members of the proposed corps. A letter was received from Captain Loveday offering his assistance. It appeared to be the wish of the meeting to form a mounted infantry troop, with Kharkeo uniform similar to that of the Heretaunga corps, and a committee of five was appointed to obtain information, to report at an early meeting. AU present seemed to be most enthusiastic about the movement, and in was resolved to invite the co operation of the Feilding district. It is currently reported that there will be no fewer than eight applications for new hotel licenses in the borough, viz., by Mr Rowe, of Feilding, Mr Watt, late of the Gorge Hotel, and Miss McCarthy and Mr Walter Freeman—all for houses near the railway station ; by Mr Wylds, for hotel on site of old Central school ; by Mr Heaton, for house halfway to Terrace End : by Mr J. H. Anderson, for house at Terrace End ; and by Mr A. Rush, for house ia Raogltikei street.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce will be held in the Borough Council Chambers on Thursday evening, when the report of the committee appointed to consider the various clauses of the proposed new Bankruptcy Bill will, amongst ether matters, be considered.