Our Country Letters.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1014, 7 August 1891, Page 13

Our Country Letters.

TARANAKI.

We have had very cold weather all the past week, sometimes showery, and on the night of the 30th heavy rain. Some snow fell at Stratford on the 31st, but not enough to give the little ones much idea of snow. The day was very stormy, and the wind icy cold. On the 24th the Stratford County Band gave their first concert. Considering how few months they have been practising together, they did remarkably well. They Were assisted by Messrs Highain and McMillan and bv most of the amateurs both of Ngaire and Stratford, the Ngaire Orchestral Society, and the Ngaire Glee Company rendering valuable services, and an excellent concert was the result. The nio-ht being very dark and cold, and the roads and Stratford streets being deep in mud, there was not such a crowded audience as the talented performers deserved. The concert concluded at 10.30 p.m., after which a dance took place, which was kept up until 2 a.m. _ The result was a very satisfactory addition to the funds of the band. On the 25th an entertainment was given by a travelling company, under the name of ‘ Carl Hartz’s Carnival of Croesus.’ It was announced that 150 useful presents would be distributed. As a matter of fact, not much was given, perhaps because the attendance was not large. Sunday is the day to go out if you wish to see Taranaki on horseback. Though the 26th was cold, and even threatening, innumerable riders coursed along the Mountain road, of all ages and both sexes, sometimes singly, but more often in parties. It must be bad weather indeed when the Sunday riders cannot take their outing. It makes a healthy and pleasant change after the hard and somewhat monotonous work of all the week. On the 27th a wedding took place at Ngaire, when Miss Hobson, daughter of the popular manager of the New Plymouth Sash and Door Company’s Ngaire saw mill, was united by the Rev. IV. H. Kay, 8.A., to Henry Mathew Stowell (Hare Hongi), who is known amongst, amateurs as an especially clever violinist. Miss Robson has always been foremost in •getting up benefit entertainments at the Ngaire, and most generous in aiding by her talents those got up by others. The wedding was attended by a large number of friends, and dancing was kept up all night. When the young couple departed the Ngaire station was thickly strewn with rice. , On the 28th another bookseller’s and stationer’s business was opened in Stratford by Mrs Blair, one of the earliest settlers in the neighbourhood. The shop was prettily decorated and was kept pretty busy all day by those wishing to get an early pick amongst the lovely dollies, picture books, library books, and games and nicknaeks of all kinds. Mrs Blair will also do needlework, and keep readymade articles of clothing, which will be a rrreat boon to the farmers’ wives, whose time is mostly taken up in active occupatloThe Hawera footballers visited Stratford last Saturday, and played a match with the Manganui team, resulting in a win for the former, who showed superior combination in their play. The perpetual lease system, with the purchasing clause, has been regarded with

great favour in this part of the country. Many young men have been able to take up land under that system who could not have done so under any other. It is not a little amazing to see a Liberal Government seeking to do away with the purchasing clause, and thus throwing difficulties in the way of poor people acquiring land. This wish to have a piece of land of one’s very own, is one of the strongest in the hearts of most pioneers and settlers. For that they will work and endure as they certainly would not do for merely rented, land. When the question mooted amongst people in England : Shall we leave our homes, leave our country, with all its many comforts, advantages, and cheerful society ? What is the strongest incentive of all that makes them answer in the affirmative ? It is this : ‘InL ew Zealand we can get land of our own , we cannot do that here. When a man knows that his land is his very own, and will go to his son and to his son’s son, he will put work into it and spend money upon it far beyond what he would do upon merely leased land, upon which he _ will expend no more than will bring in a speedy return. Whatever may be said of the whole Bill, the attempt to abolish the purchasing clause is not regarded with general favour.

GEEYTOWN

Mr Glover’s temperenee lecture, and the annual meeting of the Greytown Temperance Society, both of which occurred here last week in the Fire Brigade Hall, has had the effect of infusing new vigour into the temperenee movement here, especially in the direction of prohibition and noncompensation. A petition is reeei\ ing scores of signatures in favour of Mr Joyce’s, M.H.R., motion, now before tlie House. It will be forwarded to that "entlemail without delay' for presentation. It is worthy of remark that the ‘ swinish mizzling,’ so often witnessed some 25 years a"o is a rare occurrence at the present time ; whether from moral restraint or want of funds is an open question. The rapid progress of educational enlightenment during the period indicated has, doubtless, had much to. do with the outward semblance of sobriety. A handsome shop and dwelling has just been finished and occupied by its owner, Mr Loasby, bootmaker, of this town, who well deserves the success he has achieved by industry and perseverance. Last Thursday evening the annual general meeting of parishioners .of St. Luke’s Church occurred. During the year 50 children have been baptised, and 29 voung people presented for confirmation. The offertories showed a large improvement upon the past year. Sundry entertainments and a bazaar produced £74 8s lid The vestry contemplate shortly building a Sunday school, towards which £SO has been promised in £5 subscriptions, inaugurated by F. H. Wood, Esq,, Parishioners’ churchwarden. The curate nominated Dr Bey as his churchwarden. The following gentlemen were elected ior the ensuing 12 monthsparishioners’ churchwarden, F. H. Wood, Esq. ; vestry, Dr Spratt, and Messrs R. Bright, G. Flux, L. St. George, M. Maxton, G. Wyett, W. Street; Auditors, Messrs S. Vindwelland W. Armstrong. . The weather during the past week was very variable and cold, but has now changed to really beautiful spring weather. Its continuance will, doubtless, cause the snow to melt on the ranges, with the usual result of overflowing rivers and superfluous irrigation upon lands adjacent thereto.

WANGANUI.

Blusterous weather for the last week, and, consequently, much anxiety about the loading of the Duke of Sutherland. However, as I am writing, the weather improves and 1 the great steamer bids fair to have an easy task this trip. With due solemnity the carcase of the first sheep killed at the Wanganui Freezing Works, is to be, this (Tuesday) evening consumed by a select company at the Rutland Hotel. The sheep, a wether of Mr Ewen Campbell’s, has been in the freezing chambers since it was killed. Report says something too of frost-fish having been preserved by the same means to grace the same festive board. One thing is certain to those who have any acquaintance with the movers in this viz., the guests will have every opportunity of ‘ doing themselves thoroughly we have had quite a little whirl of excitement. Fire brigade annual banquet on 30th, naval ball on 31st, and three nights this week ‘ The Mikado.’ Rinking, which has been dormant for some time has set in again, this time under the auspices of the Garrison band. Mr Tasker (the last lessee of the rink) is to be manager. Skating goes are in the drill hall, and it is lucky for the success of the Alexandra Cavalry ball and the Naval ball that they were successfully got off betore the regular skating began. Another link with the early days of Wanganui has been severed by the death, at Waitotara, of Captain Thomas Another death which took place recently will be read with regret by many up and down this coast. Mr E. B. Dickson, for some timo post master at New Plymouth and latterly Registrar of the Native Land Court at Wanganui, passed away last

week. During his residence here he took an active part in Anglican Church matters acting as incumbent’s churchwarden and lay reader. His funeral was, by his own roquest, of the quietest possible kind. There has come under my notice within the last week one of the saddest cases conceivable. A woman whose husband held a good billot on the West Coast of the South Island, received a telegram from him from Wellington, directing her to proceed to Wanganui where ho would meet her. She did as he desired, previously selling off what little furniture she had and using the money to pay her debts. She arrived liere with her two young children to find herself practically stranded, her husband not having turned up, and in the course of a few days she was delivered of twins. At time of the birth she was lying on the floor. Some ladies have taken the matter in hand and she has been provided with the bare necessities of life. Castlecliff is going ahead. The influx of population consequent on the opening of the freezing works, has led the Education Board to ask, whether the Harbour Board would grant a site for a school. On the motion of Mr Parsons, a plot of land was agreed upon to be leased for the longest term allowed for the rent of one shilling. . The Education Board are not going to let Mr Blair slip through their fingers if thev can help it, They want to establish a school of art if possible. The Board do

not give satisfaction to everybody, .ot there would be something radically wrong with them if they did. Mr Hutchison M.H.R., has left us now finally, at least, he has let his house to Dr Saunders, and last week there was a big sale of furniture and effects. Mr Banis got good prices, though one or two of the best articles were passed in. The real truth is that Mr Hutchison’s furniture was too elaborate and expensive for the ordinary houses here. There is one thing which crops up now and again and about which nothing seems ever to be done. There is no doubt whatever, that the growth of amateur dramatic and operatic performances is exercising a marked effect upon the professional travelling companies. Here in "Wanganui we are visited pretty frequently, but in the majority of cases, by companies which cannot pay expenses. This is due partly to the excellence of the local amateur work, but also in a great measure to our lack of a proper theatre. The Oddfellows Hall is, both as to size and equipment, eminently unsuitable, and good companies cannot get enough money into it. It would he a great thing if the Drill Hall Trustees would line their Hall, and make it fit for performances. Competition might possibly improve tlie method of doing business adopted by the present lessee of the Oddfellow’s Hall. Wanganui would then get visitors of a better class, aad perhaps be freed from the attention of the less talented companies. Within the last week another couple have started to solve the question ‘ls marriage a failure.’ On Saturday last Mr F. Field, of the Bank of Australasia, marriod Miss Clara Kitchen, eldest surviving daughter of Mr Daniel Kitchen of Wellington and Wanganui.

FEILDING.

The principle public event of last week wa3 the Fire Brigade Sports and Entertainment, which took place on Wednesday, when a half holiday was observed by the townspeople. The proceedings commenced at one o’clock by the ringing of the firebell, at which time all places of business were closed for the remainder of the day. A procession was then formed, in which the firemen with their engine marched to the Oval, headed by the Feilding Brass Band, and arriving on the ground'the sports programme commenced by a firemens’ 200 yards handicap, which was won by A. W. Watts, who is known among the lYellington athletes. Next came "the one-man engine competition, which was won by T. Kitchen in 51 2-sth seconds. There were four other competitors, whose time ranged from lmin Ssec to Imin 49 3 sth sec. The prize in this event was a silver medal presented by Foreman Woolcott of the Wellington Brigade. There was an auction sale of a large assortment of goods presented to the Brigade, and on the whole good prices were realised. Next came a football match, Feilding Fire Brigade v. allcomers, resulting in the former beating the latter by 4 points to nil. A ten-men engine competition followed, in which Captain Morey’s team beat that of Lieutenant Shearer’s, the latter failing to strike the disc. The proceedings wound up with a pig hunt, which was a most exciting and laughable affair, and unlike the recent so called stag hunt it was a real genuine chase, the quarry seeking no sympathy, but using its utmost resources to escape from its 100 to 150 pursuers, the successful one being J. Matravers. The sports were largely attended, and greatly enjoyed by all. In the evening the firebell was again rung at 7 o’clock, at which time the bell tower was illuminated with coloured lights, and rockets, bombs, and other fireworks were discharged. Afterwards there was a musical and dramatic entertainment in the Assembly Rooms, when a capital programme was gone through in such style as to delight a crowded audience. Thus ended one of the most successful and enjoyable afternoons and. eveniugs amusement everjpield in Feilding, and

which brought good financial results to one of our most useful and now deservedly popular institutions, the total nett proceeds of the day, including subscriplions, being about £4o. On Friday there was one of the largest Masonic gatherings ever held in Feilding, the occasion being the installation of the W. M., avid the investiture of officers of the Feilding Lodge, N. Z. constitution. The W.iVl. elect, Bro W.A L. Bailey was duly installed by J.F.M. Bro E. Smith, and the former thou invested the following officers with their respective insignia : S. W. Bro Sherwiil, J.W. Bro H. Worsf.dd ; S.D. Bro G. Bray, junior, JD. BroJ. G. Morey, I.G. Bro G. A. Bailey, Tyler, Bro Gregory, Treasurer, Bro J. H. Stevens, Secretary Bro Foster. After a short interval for supper, when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were «iven and honored, an adjournment was made to the Assembly Rooms, where a ball was held, attended by from 50 to 60 couples, and dancing was kept up till about 3 o’clock next morning.

The old immigration barracks are to be renovated and properly fitted np as a place of drill and other purposes of the Manchester Rifle Volunteers. Amongst other things tilings there is to be a gymnasium, with single sticks, boxing g lo v es > dumb bells, horizontal bar &c. provided for the men’3 use, which will be sure to give a fresh interest to the corps. At last a start has been made at the Feilding end with the work of erecting a telephone, or telegraph—l am not certain which—between here and Awahun, 4 miles distant, which when completed will prove of immense advantage to the people of both places. With this, and ihe new buildings iu course of erection, and other improvements going or projected. Feilding is certainly progressing, and getting more like London every day.

W AIR ARAB A.

Tlie all absorbing topic here at present is the Licensing question and the impending licensing election. Naturally, after being beaten in law and put to expense by having to defend the action to unseat the Prohibition candidates, the anti-liquor party is incensed, and is sparing no efforts to again return men pledgsd to close the houses at the expiration of the present term. Great help is being afforded this side by Mr T. W. Glover, who has delivered a number of stirring addresses to very large audiences. The local papers are also flooded with correspondence on the subject, and even the various clerics preach sermons about it. Meanwhile the publicans say little, but are silently doing their best to nut in a committee whose motto is ‘ Moderation ’ and not ‘Prohibition.’ The struggle will doubtless be a great one ; how it will end Friday next will tell. During the month of July we have been favoured with an unusually dry spell of weather for the time of year, as the following observations of the rainfall taken by Mr Joseph Bennett of Masterton will ; July, 1891, 1.91 inches on 11 days ; 1890, 7.31 inches on 21 days ; 1889, 4.84 inches on 16 days; and 1887, 3.46 inches on 16 days. The rainfall for July, 1891, it will be seen, is considerably less than it has been in the corresponding periods of the last four years. Some weather prophets are predicting an exceptionally wet summer to make matters even. Let us devoutly hope that they may prove themselves false, or otherwise our farmers will have a rough time of it. Masterton has just lost two gentlemen who will be much missed by the community at One of them is Mr Rudolph T. Hirschberg, of the Bank of Australasia, who lias been transferred to Stratford, in the Taranaki district, where he will take charge of a new branch. Mr Hirscliberg’s transfer means a well-deserved promotion, but at the same time his departure will be a matter of regret to a largo number of friends. Mr Hirscliberg was a prominent member of the Masterton 4 ootball Club, and did a great deal towards bringing the club up to its present high position. Mr R. R. C. Coleman (the other gentleman to whom I allude) leaves us under less favourable circumstances, for through an unfortunate weakness of the eyes he has been obliged to throw up his appointment in the Bank ot New Zealand, and proceeds to England tor treatment at an early date. Mr Coleman, who is possessed of a very fine tenor voice, has made himself very popular here, and no entertainment will seem complete without him. He was always ready and willing to give his assistance to any good cause, and on all sides the deepest sympathy for him is teit and expressed. Just lately we have heard very little about the rabbits* and such being the case it is pretty safe to presume that the ever-vigiiant inspector is keeping landowners up to the mark, and that the war of destruction upon the furrv fiend progresseth well. No cases for ‘failing to destroy’ have been aired in Court lately, but still the bitter experience ot last year lingers vividly in the memory of many. One elderly gentleman who was siu<fied out as a victim has taken it so much to "heart that he has withdrawn almost entirely from public life, and should anyone venture to accost him or to pass the time ot day, ho will sorrowfully say, ‘ Do not speak to me. I am a convicted criminal. I have been caught and punished.’ His offence was simply ‘ failing to destroy,’ and he was convicted and fined the minimum amount. Great preparations are being made for the Annual Ball of the Masterton Volunteer Fire Brigade, which is to be held on Wednesday next. There is little doubt but what it will be a big gathering, and that the residents will show a proper regard for this valuable institution by appearing in force. When it is recollected that the members of the Brigade get no reward at all for their splendid efforts to preserve life and property, their endeavour to raise funds to pay the cost of their engine shed is bound to be generously responded to.

(By Telegraph.) Masterton, July 31. The following gentlemen have been nominated for the licensing election to be held on 7th ot August :—Moderate party, S. W. Cave, T. E. Chamberlain, Geo, Heron, Jno. Hessey. and W. Perry ; prohibitionists, C. K. Daniel, E. Feist, J. McGregor, B. P. Perry, G. W. Woodroofe, Licensing matters are just now exciting great interest. Mr Glover, the Temperance lecturer, is here, attracting large audiences. Mas teuton, August 4. A man named Priestman, who is visiting Masterton, went on a shooting expedition yesterday, stating that ha would return in half an bour. He baa not since been heard of, and ic is feared that something has happeued to him. A search is being made, so far without result. Another batch of unemployed, mostly from the South Island, arrived in Eketahuna to day. As work is plentiful in the bush they are likely to find employment without going to the relief works. Masterton, August 5. The worst forebodings regarding the safety of the man who left tho Occidental Hotel, Masterton, saying he should return in half an hour on Sunday last, have been realised. His body was found this afternoon on the Waipoua River bank with a ballet wound through the head. The circumstances, so far as known, point to suicide. An inquest will be field to-morrow morning.

The Theatre Royal, .Masterton, was packed last night on tho occasion of the diuoussion, Moderation v. meeting was fearfully rowdy, the chairman, Mr WMowes, stating that it was the most disgraceful meeting he had ever seen in Masterton. Messrs Glover, Robb, Woods, and Riga spoke on the Prohibition side, and Messrs Walker, Pownall, and Carraid championed Moderation. On both sides strong personalities were indulged in, interruptions were frequent, and tho chairman had the gieatest difficulty in keeping the meeting from becoming a perfect uproar. An elderly man, an old settler named x. W. Shuto, was knocked down by a horseman whilst proceeding home from tho meeting. He is severely cut, and will be prostrated by the shock for some time. Michael Hanratty, a prohibited person from FeatherstoD, was charged this morning with drunkenness and vagrancy and was sentenced to seven days by Colonel Roberts, R.M., on the latter charge. Mr Tennyson Smith, temperance lecturer, is expected to visit Masterton shortly. . A meeting of persons interested in hunting will be held at the Marquis of Normanby Hotel, Carterton, on the evening of the lltb. inst.