Our Country Letters.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 999, 24 April 1891, Page 14

Our Country Letters.

MARTON. The left wmg of onrold post office is off on extended leave of absence and has found a temporary habitation on Broadway. It was assisted on part of its jenrney by a traction engine, and escorted by half the_ population of the town. It is said that its old site is to be turned into a government vegetable garden, and the products shipped periodicaly to Sydney and Melbourne to test the markets. After the removal of the building long search was made for the ISS7 deficits in the Government account which it was supposed might have been planted there for resurrection at the ope.niog of next session to form a surplus. 'ihe result of the search was not made known here. I was glad to welcome your representative again last week. I trust that on this occasion time and weather will permit him to thoroughly canvass this district on behalf of your papers. The very sight of such a sterling face aa his is proof against a refusal. He might well pass as a single man, and his influence with stubborn mothers would be overwhelming, for really, you know in the matter of taking a paper, especially of the ]Maii> description, the mother of the household is generally paramount. Our local auctioneers, Messra Beckett and. Dick, held a successful stock sale last week. Cattle and sheep both sold-at miraculous figures. It is these small farm associations cannot come to terms with the Minister for Bands over the land tenure question, as they would have some difficulty in stocking their sections at the prices now ruling. Probably in a few year’s time when Mr McMenzie comes to his sences and the purchase clause is again inserted, sheep will be somewhat lower in price. Perhaps the hungry land hunters may avail themselves of the consolation this offers, if there are still available freeholds in Rangitikei of the same description of country from which to choose, and we shall be glad to welcome them. , . . Threshing machine owners are trying their best to get on with their work, but they say It is very wearying- I met two unhappy owners last week commiserating with 6acli other over the position. One said that his machine has done three hours’ work during the week, and the other gave his time at six hourß. However they both took the matter very philosophically. I hear that Mr J. Harris, who has been acting as clerk for the County Council and Marton Borough Council during his brother a enforced absence on sick leave, will now be at liberty to resume hia business as land commission agent. We are all glad to see Mr R. J. Harris about again, and trust he ■will be able to continue bis duties for many

yearß to come. : " Colonel Goiton, of Bulls, leaves for England in a few days, and it is said the firm intend closing their Marton branch. I hear, also, that Mr Dick, of Beckett and Dick, auctioneers, retires from business to his property in the Apiti Block. It is a very pleasant prospect to look for. ward to retiring from hnsiness with a compotency in the prime of life. X had the feel* big once myself, but the fates were against me, as * the best laid plan 3 of mice and men gang oft aglee,’ however, it is consoling to feel that one has the energy to try again. THE WAIMATE PLAINS. I regret to report the serious illness of Mrs Wm Bartlett of Otakeho. Archbishop Redwood has visited Manaia and has held a confirmation service. He was enthusiastically received on hia arrival at Hawera. > ~ Mr J. K. Silby was the other evening the recipient of a very handsome writing desk presented by the members of the Wesleyan congregation in recognition of his services in connection with the choir. Winter seems creeping on apace. The air is very chilly, and old settlers predict a long spell of cold weather, which is doubtless due to a great extent to the ice on the mountain, which affects the atmosphere contiderably, especially when the wind blows strongly from that direction. The local Quadrille Assembly has been formed for the winter, and the prices of beeswax and chalk should now advance to a paying point. . Me Smith of the Pioneer Nursery intends to apply for a colonial wine license. Mr Smith’s wine is now a proverb in the district. A large quantity of it has been maturing for some time, and should main tain the reputa*

tiou of its indefatigable manufacturer. Hi 8 venture should secure the patronage of tho3e who wish for a quiet chat and a social cup without the little anoyances which affect the novice in the hotel. Our local bouifacea are however, particularly solicitous for the w lfare of their customers, aud a better conducted set of house s ! is not to be found. _ The Bank of New Zealand’s new building under the master hand of Mr Fred Sear’ing is fast approaching completion, and will be a most valuable addition to local architecture. Ihe front is very neat and lather imposing by the side of the other odifices. Mr William Shearer has been elected a county councillor to fill an extraordinary vacancy. Mr Shearer hails from Okaiawa, and. is I believe a thoroughly conscientious man ; I am not aware that he has served in a similar capacity elsewhere, but none the Jes 3 for that, the settlers of this part of Waimate may depend on his work being open and above board. His opponent was Mr Ewen Macrae, from near Stratford, a gentleman highly respected for his straight, forward work. He has been on toe council for some time now, but I think ho scarcely had ti e sympathy of the ratepayers, as he lived rather too much at the extreme of the district.

WAIRARAPA. One of the best known ana most prominent figures in the town of Master ton—Sergeant Price, terror of evil-doers and chief of the local police—will in a few days be missing from our midst. Last Wednesday his domestic peace was rudely broken by a telegram from headquarters, informing him that be had been transferred to Dunedin, and that the Hiuemoa was at his service. As the Sergeant is suffering from a disease of! the throat, ho naturally consulted his meuical man, who at once put the veto on his trip by Informing him that Dunedin’s climate was extremely unsuitable. This fact, accompanied by the necessary certificate, was duly made known to those in authority, .and on learning the facts of the case they, with true humanity, decided to put him on night duty in Wellington. Of course, as a move bad been decided on they must make one, and it doesn’t much matter where, to the movers. Truly this seems a season of farewellmg, for yet another sergeant has left us, 4 it may be for years and it may be for ever.’ Since ISB9 Sergeant Bezar has been instructor of drill to the Wairarapa Volunteers, and on Wednesday he, too, unexpectedly received notice to quit. Unfortunately (not being troubled with chest complaint or any other thing of that kind) he had no grounds to murmur, and therefore went. VY hether his place will be filled or not has not been made public. .... Much more interest than usual is being displayed in the school committee elections, and no fewer than fifteen candidates have been nominated. This is a very healthy eitm, as it has generally been loft to a very few willing, but net always capable men, to fill all the public offices of Master*°Tho Rev. W. Rowse, who is leaving for Greytown this week, is to be presented with a testimonial on Wednesday evening. During their stay in Mastertcn Mr Rouse and his family have been justly popular, and it is pleasant to know that his removal will only be to the neighbouring village of Greytown, so that his many friends will be able to find him without a very long journey. Musical circles are about to sustain a decided loss, in the person oF Mr Gant, who shortly departs for the old country on a holiday trip. Mr M. Caselberg is also going home by the next boat, for the benefit of his health. Thus you will see a perfect exodus of leading lights is going on. The Annual Meeting of the Masterton Auxilary Branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held here on Monday evening. The Rev H. T. Robjohns (travelling agent), delivered a powerful address, in which he drew special attention to the rapid advances made by the Society throughout the world, and particularly in these colonies. Mauriceville,’ one of the most important of the smaller stations on the Wellington Eketahuna line, is much to the annoyance of the settlers, left to take entire care of itself, and the consequence is that unless persons to whom goods by rail are consigned are on the spot to take over their belongings, they frequently go astray in a most mysterious manner. It really appears as if systematic theft was being practised in an organised manner, and the sooner the Department put a porter there the better. Otherwise the whole carrying trade will be carried on by road, as the settlers consider it better to pay extra carriage than stand the chauce of entirely losing their goods. Auotliersad fatal accidont occured in this district a few days ago, by which a boy of sixteen lost his life by a gunshot wound. Carelessness was undoubtedly the cause. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned.

(By Telegraph.) Masterton, April 16. In the District Court the case Anderson v. Johnston, a claim for damages for Blander, concluded to day. The jury, after two hours’ retirement, gave a verdict of one farthing. Masterton, April 18. Jacob Junger, of Eketahuna, was committed for trial this morning for sheep stealing. Masterton, April 20. Interest is being taken in the approaching School Committee election. Fourteen candidates are out for Masterton. GREYTOWN. Great preparations are in progress by. a numerous and influential committee of ladies and gentlemen in view of the annual ball and banquet to be held to-night in aid of the funds of the Greytown Hospital at the Palace Theatre, where doubtless as usual a large aud fashionable audience will be present. It may be mentioned in passing that during the past year 47 patients were admitted, receiving the best of care, nursing, and medical attention, of whom two only succumbed to their maladies. Visitors to our pretty township

should pay this laudable institution a visit. It is picturesquely situated, resembling a rural residence, with its pice front garden and clean, neat, and well ordered interior arrangements. The surrounding views from the locality are extensive, embracing views of varied natural beauty. Last Saturday the household effects of Sergeant-Major Bezar were sold by auction at his residence here, prior to the departure of that gentleman to Dunedin. His departure is a matter of regret to his many friends and acquaintances in the Wairarapa, where he has been very popular and highly esteemed, both personally and as an efficient and genial drill instructor. All who knew him heartily wish him bon voyago. Next Tuesday the v.inter season of the skating rink will commence at the Palace Theatre, and most likely will as heretofore be well patronised, especially by the Maoris, of whom largo numbers will bo resident here during tbo sitting of tho Land Court, which, formally opens its session on. Monday morning, commencing with (so it is reported) the much-vexed question of the Wairarapa Lakes ownership and jurisdiction. The annual meeting of the trustees of the Greytown Trust Lands took place last week. The report showed, without going into details, a satisfactory, financial state of affairs, several leases having matured, many of which when granted 21 years ago were covered with dense bush, long ago cleared, cultivated ; and in some cases built upon, streets formed, Ac. These various allotments were offered at auction at upset prices. Most of them sold upon leasehold terms. The Trust bids fair to become in tho near future a wealthy endowment for the useful purposes of. its organisation—education and public utility. During the past year it made the following grants-in-aid:—Public School (Greytown), £4O ; Greytown Literary Institute, £4O; Greytown Volunteer Fire Brigade, £lO ; and an annual grant for two years of £lO to the widow of the late head teacher here, Mrs Bunting, to enable her to accept a scholarship gained by her daughters at the late Greytown examination. The Trust has also between £3OO and £4OO lent upon mortgage at 8 per cent. It is expected that before long the Trust will bo in receipt of a revenue of between £2OO and £3OO per annum. The Trust reminds one of the old London guilds —the older they got the richer they grew. There are just at present several buildings in course of erection in various parts of the township, giving full employment to carpenters and bricklayers, &c., who hitherto lost much time through lack of work to be done. Labourers in the district are in full work, but as a proof of the demand being met by tho supply, sundry mechanics coming on the look out for a job have to return from whence came, and swaggers have to go ‘ further a-fieid,’ of whom there are many continuously passing through the town.

TARANAKI. The weather.has been mostly fine throughout the week with the exception of some showers on the 13th, 15th, and 16th. I here is a battle royal waging in Stratford over the question of the town levels. It is a very difficult and important question, and there has been more than one resignation caused by it. The last resolution was that ‘ tho permanent levels should bo adopted.’ Having occasion to visit the Stratford Sash and Door Factory, I was courteously shown over the premises by Mr Burgess. The great water-wheel was not working when I arrived, but was set in motion for my behoof, and was soon whirling round in the water with a roar that made it useless attempting to speak while near it. It is of 20 horso power, and could be used, I was told, to work tlirre sets of machinery. Above it is the workshop, where all kinds of furniture are manufactured, besides all things appertaining to a dairy that are made of wood* They have already turned out more than a hundred churns, many of them for factories. The water power has been obtained by the erection of a dam across the river, which is soon to be further strengthened by masonry, and after the water has passed the wheel it runs out into the river again by a broad tunnel. Several immense trunks were pointed out to me, from eix to eight feet in diameter at points, which had been borne down the stream and over the dam .during the recent heavy rains. Mr Burgess intends opening a furniture shop in Stratford shortly. Subscriptions are being asked for to assist m formin'* a Town Band. More than twenty members are willing to take instruments under the tuition of Mr Higham, who thinks that within a year they will be roady to perform in public. Arrangements have been made for the purchase of £6O worth of musical instruments which are to be vested m the town. , . Mr Higliam appears to be a skilled master of aIL stringed and wind instruments. He baa now so many pupils in this district that lie every week spends Monday at the Ngaire and Tuesday at Stratford. There are also two pianoforte teachers, who are kept fairly employed with their pupils. It speaks well for the talent and industry of a country population, when, besides their daily work, they will practice music to this extent. A gentleman hero (not a farmer) has several tons of potatoes ready to dig, but finds it so difficult to get anyone willing to work by the day to dig them, that in all probability he will-be driven to employ Maoris. It seems very difficult, if not quite impossible, to get any women to go out by the day to do needlework. Stratford is certainly in want of a well supplied stationer’s shop, and if two sisters or friends were to start such a business —one looking after the shop while tbe other went out doing needlework by the day it would surely pay well. I have heard it said lately that a good boarding house would pay well at Stratford, but I cannot Bay whether this is still the fact, since it is decided to ereot a second hotel. A courthouse is much wanted in Stratford, and it is to be hoped one will be erected opposite the Police Station, as there is there a corner section reserved for public buildings. At a meeting of the Stratford Town. Board tho chairman proposed that the Minister of Lands be asked to reserve about 3000 acres of land out of the land now being surveyed as a borough endowment* This was seconded and carried.

AS HURST. ** The Local Option and Licensing Committee election took place on Monday week, and passed off in a very quiet manner, although towards the close of the poll party feeling was freely expressed. Air T. Nelson, of this township, some twelve months since erected a commodious hotel and applied for a license, which the then existing Licensing Committee granted, although the previous Local Option poll had been against an increase of licenses. The license, however, was annulled as being contrary to the Statue. This year public opinion has undergone a great change, the majority of ratepayers having declared in favour of an increase of publicans’, wine, accommodation, and bottle licenses, whilst the Licensing Committee candidates in favour of an increase were declared elected by substantial majorities, as the following will show : —Waters, 100 ; Nisson, 99 ; Thompson, 97; Bastin, 95 ; Kelsall, 93; Peterson, 79; Hunt, 78; Kilford, 76; Sanders and Haynes, .75 each. For the Local Option poll the voting was as follows :

Mr Hugh Shevwill, of Feilding, acted as Returning Officer. In the evening Mr Nelson gave a ball, which was attended by about thirty couples, and dancing was kept up till nearly daylight. Re the matter of sawdust emptied into rivers from sawmills being injurious to fish I am in receipt of the following from Sir James Hector :— ‘ There is no doubt that if thrown into the rivers in sufficient quantities to taint the water it will certainly poison fish. The sawdust differs from driftwood, as it more readily forms an infusion in the water. Besides, driftwood is generally coated with fresh water algse, that protects the surface from the action of the water.’ Messrs Rimmer, Derby, and Craven are making a substantial addition to their workshop and timber-seasoning room. This firm of carpenters and builders seem to have tho thin end of the wedge in, and, being good tradesmen, will always command a fair share of patronage in the Ashurst district. Mr Clapham has also nearly finished his new tailor’s 6hop. Mr Freeman last week removed to his new place of business. A new house is being built on the Feilding Road by Messrs Bauckham, another firm of Ashurst builders. Taken altogether this township is slowly but surely making headway, and if we can only get the Hon. McKenzie to make such alterations in the Land Regulations that will encourage land settlement, then Ashurst will advance with rapid strides, considering the large area of back countiy open for selection. Tho Manchester Road Board are undoubtedly taking a step in the right direction in offering to lay down a good wide footpath in the Ashurst main street, with kerbing, water tables, Ac., at an estimated cost of about £3 per ebain, provided that ratepayers having frontages pay half the cost. A good footpath each side of the street would indeed bo a boon, and considering that the frontages of many tradespeople in Ashurst are not more than a chain Intrust that the feeling of meeting the Board in the matter will be unanimous. Mr Ernest Becker, an Ashurst settler, and the co-patentee of the new wire strainer, which seems to be daily growing in favour, met with a nasty accident on Monday last when returning home. The horse he was riding shied, slipped, and fell with hia rider, breaking his arm about an inch above the elbow joint. Dr Porter, of Palmerston, was quickly in attendance and Bet the broken limb, and I hear that tho patient is progressing satisfactorily. PELORUS SOUND. Having lately interviewed a gentleman engaged in taking the census in the Pelorus Sound and French Pass districts, I am enabled to give some idea of the progress of settlement and increase of population. ... The increase in the Oroixelles sub-divmion for the past ton years is very small. The number of homesteads has only increased by one in the portion of the County of Sounds comprised within tho provincial district of Nelson. Two companies of fishermen in the French Pass, aud the natural increase of families represent the addition to the population. D’Urville’s Island shows a total of 3 white men, about tho same number as five years since, not permanent settlers. This Island being owned exclusively by Maoris, the total number of inhabitated houses outside Tawera Point is about 22—-reckoning about 5£ persons to each house, this would give a population of 121. In the inner district of Pelorus Sound there has been relatively a considerable increase both in houses and persons. The former have increased by 10, which is some 25 per cent advance on the number 5 years ago. The total population has probably increased in the same ratio, but it must be borne in mind that some of the increase in homesteads is due to members of old-settled families starting in life on their own account. There is, consequently a decrease in the number of members in some large families. The total number of houses in the inner district is about 30, which at 6 persons to a house, would give a totalof 250, making altogether about 371forthe Pelorus Sound and Croixelles sub-divisions, to which must be added 14 houses and 70 inhabitants in the Pelorus Road Board district and Cook’s Strait sub-division, making a grand total for the Pelorus Sound and French Pass districts of 441. These figures are, of course, subject to correction on a full analysis of the.sohedule. Havelock, April 15. The parasite known as dodder, and which commits such ravages amongst the clover cropß in England, has made its appearance in the Upper Pelorus Valley (Marlborough). Professor Kirk, to whom a sample of the clover was sent with the parasite attached, writes thus :—"The dodder No. 1 accompanyiug your letter is oasouta trifolia, clover dodder, which may easily become a ?eßt. 1 strongly advise that all the clover affected should bo immediately cut and burned to

prevent the formation of ripe seed.’’ About six years ago this parasite made its appearance on a patch of red clover grown from English seed in Kenepuru (Mailboronch), and in a very short time completely destroyed the crop. As this species is not generally known in the Colony, the following description by Mr A. D. Webster, an English writer, may be useful:—“The greater dodder is an annual parasitical plant, with twining threadlike stems of a purplish red colour, usually attaining a height of two or three feet. The stem is much branched and destitute of leaves, except here and there a small membranous scale, immediately under tbe branches. The flowers which are bell shaped, or globose, grow in dense round clusters from ten to t wenty in each, are sessile, and of a whitish appearance, slight purplish tinge. Rarely more than half a dozen of the flowers are open at the same time, the lower ones being not half developed when the upper are in full bloom. In walking over the fields the dodder is readily recognised from the pinky appearance it gives the half withered clover that is gradually becoming strangled in its deadly embrace. The leaves of the clover on which the plant is living first become covered with small black spots or patches, gradually tarn unhealthy, and ultimately die back to the ground. The roots of the clover do not appear to be injured.” Although Mr Webster states that ths roots of the clover are not affected by the dodder, the patch of clover in Kenepuru, above referred to, was completely killed ly the parasite. The dodder seems not to attach itself to the white clover, though English writers merely mention it as 11 parasitical or clover brambles, nettles, and grass, &c., &c.” In both cases where it has been observed in this (the Marlborough) district It was on the red clover or cow grass. KIWITEA. Messrs Bartholomew's new timber mill on the Oroa River is now in active operation, and his timber yards on the Kimbolton road present quite a busy appearance. Birmingham i 3 still on the advance. The new baker seems to be doing a big hnsiness, if one can judge from the number of times he is to be met on the roads. Bash burning is given up os a bad job in the district. Mr Johnson set fire to hi 3 800 acres after a few days fine weather, and considering the season got a very fair bum on 600 acres out of the block. There is a great dearth of incidents in this district, nothing more exciting oocuring than aa occasional bleakdown of one of the numerous coaches which ply between Birmingham and Feilding, or a chimney on fire.

PAHIATUA. & The election of a member for the Pukemiku riding, caused through the resignation of Mr 1 1 . Crewe, was held on Friday. Five candidates put up—namely, Messra Burrows. A. W. Sedcole, Puckle, V. Mefealick, and W. Fanell and resulted in the return of Mr Burrows by a majority of 12 votes over Mr Sedcole. A great deal of interest was taken over the matter. The anniversary services of the Methodist Church was preached by Mr J. Saunders on Sunday in the afternoon and evening to a crowded church. The tea meeting was held on Tuesday, after which addresses wore given by several visitors, and friends. 't his is how some members of the County Council talk of the affairs of public interest. One of them stated the other day that it was his intention to run the Council into as much debt as possible, and then to leave them. If this is true, the best thing the ratepayers of the riding he represents can do would be to get up a petition asking him to withdraw, or else to have him ousted. The Methodist congregation are having a church erected in the Village Settlement. Our public library will now be opeD, and from what I hea*-, a large number of subscribers are being enrolled, some of them going in as life members, giving a donation of £5, which will put the library very soon in a financial position. The various school committees intend running Mr MoCardle for the Education Board vacancy, because they are of opinion that a rural member can do more for them than a town member, as they know their wants better than anyone else. Winter as now set in with its cold, long, dreary Dights with heavy frosts.

In Favour Of. Against. Publicans' Licenses., 99 72 Wine „ 94 66 Accommodation 92 64 Bottle Licenses 89 69