The Oamaru Mail. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1903.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8090, 7 January 1903, Page 2

The Oamaru Mail. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1903.

Pbesstjbe is being brought to bear to induce the Government to resume the Australian and New Zealand Land Company's Levels estate compulsorily, and it is understood that action will be taken to achieve that end. The Levels is one of those great estates which ought to have been, and would have been, taken long since had it not been for- the niggardliness of Parliament which refused to vote a sufficiency of money to enable a vigorous land resumption policy to be prosecuted, though individual members demanded that estates be taken in their own districts to such an extent that several millions more than was voted would have been required to pay the purchase money. The position) now is that much more will have to be paid for properties than they would have cost had they been taken prior to the great accession in value of produce. This temporary rise will augment the price of land beyond its permanent value. The question, therefore, arises: Would it be wise to purchase a large and valuable estate like the Levels, which is something like 45,000 acres in area, at the present juncture? Probably at least 20s or 30s beyond its real agricultural value would have to be paid for it, for the Court, in assessing the price, would be influenced by the evidence of experts, the majority of "whom are only too easily led away by the glamour of big produce prices however evanescent they i-may be. Besides, assessors, somehow or other, usually have more regard for the owners than for the Government, the repre ; sentiatives of the public, and agents for the Settlers who are to make homes on the land, and are not satisfied to merely assist those who are being dispossessed to secure prices that mean to them a handsome profit on what they have themselves given for their ; properties, but also allow them an Sample margin over and above those prices, out of some consideration or other, which we call prejudice. Luckily, no sentimental .value can be added to the actual value in "the case of a company-owned property like the Levels, as was done in the case of properties which the Government resumed in Hawke's Bay, and which will, probably, therefore be either a burden to the State or to the lessees; but, nevertheless, there is danger that the taking of this property now would entail on the State an expenditure of at least £50,000 in excess of what would have to be paid under a normal condition of the produce market. The Government would be wise to take this into consideration before initiating measures for the Compulsory resumption of this estate. It would be a pity to hamper settlers with rents.based upon an artificial value assessed during an abnormal condition of the produce market. ■ "*

There was some talk of the resumption by the Government of the Kauroo Estate, though, we "believe, the matter did not progress any further. It appears, however, that, the property has now been apportioned.to the heirs in such areas that compulsion cannot be exercised, and, of course, it is not likely, under the circumstances, to be parted with voluntarily.

It is announced that the sale of cattle, etc., of the late Mr William Lowry, will not be postponed, but will be held on the advertised date, to-morrow. Farmers and others interested please note. A memo, from the Telegraph Department informs us that as Atlantic companies do not accept multiple telegrams addressed to several persons in the same town or give precedence to private urgent telegrams, these cannot be accepted for America or Europe when directed by Pacific, and urgent telegrams by any route must take their turn in America or on the Atlantic companies' cables. Probate of the will of the late Hugh H. Wallace, late of Waiareka, has been granted by his Honor Judge Ward in Chambers to Wm. Wallace, the executor thereof, on the application of Messrs Lee and Grave. Mails for Cromarty, Puysegur Point, and Tumaroa, per Invercargill, will close at Invercargill to-morrow, at 5 p.m. A meeting of directors of the Oamaru Caledonian Society will be held in the Borough Council Chambers on Friday next, at 8 p.m. A good attendance is requested. L The crops in Canterbury are reported to ! be' coming forward well, and generally speaking the results are expected to be 1 good, and in some localities excellent. The Ashburton correspondent of the Press, writing on Monday evening, states that with the new year the dry weather has, so far as'can this fickle season be predicted, set in in Mid and South Canterbury. If it continues without too much wind there will be a lot of heavy yields of both wheat and oats. Barley is not much grown. Never in the history of the province has there been such a wealth of pasture at this period of the season. Turnips, mangolds, even swedes (this root crop is not usually grown to perfection in Canterbury) and tatoes are all looking remarkably promising. The West Oxford correspondent of the; same paper writes" that, notwithstanding the trying changes the crops have been subjected to during their growth; they appear to be heading up fairly well, under the present favorable weather conditions. The annual meeting of the North Otago Rifle Association will be held on Wednes-Thursday-next week, and intending competitors are reminded by advertisement that entries close on Saturday, 10th inst., at 9 p.m. There is a, good prize list, and as the Council of the Association have been doing all in their power to ensure the success of the meeting it is hoped there will be a goodly number of entries from Volunteers and rifle shots all over the district. A meeting of the Council will be held at the Defence Office this evening to arrange details. A meeting is called, for Monday next, 12th 'inst., in Keys' confectionery rooms, of all connected with the grocers', bakers', and pastrycooks' establishments in town, for the purpose of arranging the annual jjicnic. We jshall have more to say on this matter later.

The Sierra, with Ihe inward San Francisco mails, reached Auckland last evening- .

Oiir Waimate correspondent writes: The weather in the early days of the holiday time was wet and unfavorable, but during the last week a. great improvement lias ■taken place in that respect, and we are having really good bright summer weather. This has not only already produced good effects on the be-damped and belated grain crops throughout this great grain-producing district, but lias brightened the farmers' prospects and cheered them with hope. The long-continued damp and heavy weather had produced its" natural effects on grain crops, and retarded the working of the land for turnip or fallow. A bright, and not too fierce, nor'-wester came on yesterday, and will be of great good in hardening and developing the crops and dissipating much of the causes of mildew and smut, and the effects of the rather heavy overgrowth of wheat and oats on the richer lands. With favorable weather a very good harvest on a more than average extent of land may be expected this season in this district. Vegetables and garden produce are rather backward, but another fine week's weather will pull up for this. It is about the best season for grass known in "Wanna te county for many years at this time of the year, and never lias this part of the country presented on hill and plain so uniform a verdure over arable and pastoral land.

Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., has written to Canon Boyce, a Sydney Prohibitionist clergyman, as follows : no-licence vote is most encouraging. The figures are not absolutely settled yet, but we have polled 159,600 votes for no-lieence. whilst the trade vote for continuance was only about 143,000. Newspapers of all shades of opinion predict that New Zealand will be a Prohibition colony m 1908. We will welcome a visit from you within the next year or two if that is possible. The next three years' work is the most critical we have yet faced, and any help rendered now will be most valuable. 1 think this colonv is determined to try Prohibition, and if she succeeds the Commonwealth will have to own its indebtedness to Greater Britain in reform work. In replying to the toast of "The Visitors at a luncheon given at Hawera to the bullish cricketers on New Years Day -Mr Warner, the captain, said we should try hard to maintain a better relation with Australia, for they had fine cricketers there, and if a visit could be arranged, say every two years, the result would mean a great benefit to cricket in New Zealand If he might be allowed to give a little advice, he ] would urge the cricket authorities to get out a few profesional coaches, not neces- ! sarily the best players, but good men, of whom there were plenty, and m time there was no reason why cricket should not flour- . ish as it did in Australia. He was very nleased at the hearty welcome accorded the team in New Zealand. Thus far, they had enjoyed themselves greatly, though they were disappointed in the climate, and they looked forward keenly to seeing, not only the grounds and towns, but also the natural beauties of the country. Some observers are anticipating a warm summer this year (says the Taranaki Herald). They base their belief on the unusual wealth of blooms noticeable on the flax and cabbage-trees. The free flowering of these plants is said to presage a hot season. " Up to the present 57 polls have been taken in all parts of Ehe colony on the question of adopting the system of rating on unimproved values, 3 in cities, Ai m boroughs, 1 in a town district, 13 m counties, and 8 in road districts. Christchurch adopted the system by 596 to 516, and Wellington by 1261 to 591, while Auckland rejected it by 1697 to 763. In boroughs 26 polls were carried out of 32, and in counties 12 out of 13, while all the polls in road districts were in favor of the system. Out of the 57 polls, 49 have been carried and A raid by Constable Raynes (says the Clutha Leader), assisted by Constable Jones, on the Criterion Hotel premises here about noon on Saturday, resulted in the seizure of about a case of whisky. In one of the rooms the police found four or five men, a bottle containing whisky, and also several "glasses of whisky in various stages of depletement. No doubt several informations will engage the attention of Mr Cruickstanks, S.M., at an early date. Mr A. J. Cradock, formerly of Kaponga, who for the last two years or so has lived in England, in a letter to a relative, says, -among other things: "Some of the butter factories buy the New Zealand butter and . sell it out as their own make at per lb. 1 have seen the boxes, and know the brand. I had an empty butter-box marked b-apon-ea Factory.' Very strange, but true! Cows Ire selling very dear; nothing any good of a milking cow under £2O; and 1 heard of two being sold recently for the London trade at £52 each without their calves. Good young roan heifer calves are selling 'very well here—at £4 each to wean; £64 is the biggest price I have heard paid for ordinary, but good Shorthorn cows, it is nothing out of the way at Chippenham market to see them fetch £23 to £24 each. Mr Cradock says (and he speaks from personal experience-of both Taranaki and Waikatoj "there is no place better suited for dairyinf than Taranaki in the whole of the British dominions, and you will find those that have left and gone to the Waikato will be very disappointed in a few years. There is no feed there in the winter. You had better sit tight where you are; you wont get better or more level land anywhere. "I find it difficult to get just what one wants in England.' If there is a place to let, there are forty after it, and the landlords are putting up the rents.". A resident of the Buller district, says the Westport Times, underwent a remarkable operation the other day for cancer, which had attacked the root 'of the tongue, the palate, and the lower jaw. He went to Napier, where the growth, with the entire tongue and lower jaw were removed by Dr Garo at his private hospital, ihe patient, the Times adds, is well on the way to recovery. , The (Wellington correspondent ol tne Lvttelton Times telegraphs :—lt has been reported'elsewhere that several changes are pending in the staff of the Bank of New Zealand at the headquarters, but I am unable to find authority for the correctness of the statement. Ministers, when spoken to individually on the subject,_said they were unable to vouch for its truth, and the matter has not been mentioned in Cabinet. ■Mr Seddon, who keeps a jealous eye on this large monetary institution, could, doubtless, state authoritatively whether, any such changes are contemplated, but as he is absent from the seat of Government just now, nothing new is to be elicited till he returns. . . , The Hon. W. Hall-Jones informed a Press representative on Monday last that since the 31st of March last 74 miles of railway had been completed in different parts of the colony. Because of the dearth of milkers, farmers in the Manaia district (Taranaki) seriously contemplate working with female labor. Farmers already having girls in their employ say they are more reliable and effective than men, and that the cows, through getting gentler handling, give more milk, and that better results in every way are obtained. Good female milkers now command from 16a to 22s a week, and on the shares system earn much l«ge* money. ■What the dairy industry means to New Zealand may be gauged from the fact that a few days ago payments amouting to : £IO,OOO were made in EEetahuna on behalf of the New "Zealand Dairy Union. On a farm at Matatoke, near Thames, children unearthed the other day two - hundredweight of leaden bullets and flints. The presence of some metal hoops was the only indication that the bullets had once been enclosed in a barrel. It is thought that they were buried by the hostile natives during the war, and must have been where found for nearly forty years. It is reported that the jawbone, apparently of an extinct reptile, has recently been discovered on the banks of the Rangitikei River, west of the Ruahine range. The specimen, which is of considerable size, it was stated, has been sent "to Christchurch for expert classification. Considerable interest is being taken in the matter hi the north, as the old Maoris in the district have circumstantial stories of an animal _ called by them taniwha. It was a gigantic reptile, and inhabited the inland lakes. The Ruataniwha Plains, they say, were once an inland lake, and, as the origin of the name—rua (the inhabitants or nome of), and taniwha (a reptile)—goes to show, the haunt of- these creatures. The Lyttelton • Times says that, in answer to inquiries, Captain Hutton, curator of the Christchurch Museum, stated fliat he had not received the bone or any intimation of its having been forwarded. In passing through the Wairarapa districtit is curious to notice (says Ehe Wellington Post) one river in heavy and another only a short distance away with the water rippling slowly over the stony bed. _ This was the case in several instances during the past few days. For about four or five weeks before November ffie plain around Masterton and right down to the East Coast experienced a very, severe drought. No rain fell in that time, and yet it was somewhat singular that north of 'Masterton, in the Maurieeville and Eketahuna. districts, where there is a great deal of hilly country, they had an exceedingly heavy rainfall, the country at timert being flooded. Since then, however. Masterton has had its shave of the rain, which lias totally altered the aspect of the country. Where there was little or no grass over a month ago there is now an. abundance. A scar from a burn or scald is often dreaded more than the pain that is inflicted. Chamberlain's Pain Balm heals the injured, part in less time than any other treatment, and unless the treatment is a severe one, no scar will be left. One application gives relief. Try it. G. M. Procter, chemist, sells it.

■V number of people in Christehurch (says ' the Press) lire suffering from ptomaine poisoning, caused by eating cold pressed corned beef, bieach instance the beef was pmchased at. a. local shop, and the sufferers describe the beef as having had no suspicious flavor or any other indication o it* unwholesome nature. One local niedica practitioner is at present attending seven •>! those who are suffering, but thev-.-rre not, verv seriously ill. There are about .en cases altogether. The Wellington ;h veiling lost sass.--The settlers on. the L-angdale Estate (\\ airarapa). which was cut. up for settlement about two years ago. are reported to be making splendid improvements. im ■Mangapakeha swamp, .formerly a great harbor for rabbits, weasels and other kinds of vermin, has undergone a complete transformation. The swamp is now covered with good grass, and a considerable portion has been ploughed and placed down in rape. Very neat residences have been erected at the. bottom of "Elder's laipos, ft couple of jagged hills, and what was formerly I useless part of the estate is likely to become the most reproductive. The Waimate correspondent ot Vive, umam Herald writes as follows: Bright sun and Bummer temperature during the last week have produced marked improvement in the appearance of the crops. irom a rather backward state to that of progress., to maturity. The crops in the district around IWafmate town generally promise, to be good though rather later than usual at this date. Very heavy crops are he. rule along the railway through the rich farming Tand between MakikiTii and Waihao rivers, and it is hoped that Hie danger apprehended during the damp weather ot overgrown and heavy gram crops will be averted by the recent change totaght summer weather. The crops are looking well all over the district, although over a strip of land about a mile along the foot of the Hunter range they are. rather light and backward. Pastures are unusually we supplied with grass, and even the steep lull sides show a softer and greener appearance than usual at this season. The first nor'-wester of this season occurred to-day (the 6th) and was comparatively mild in force and temperature, and will no doubt do good to the growing crops. A well-known South Wairarapa farmer (says the (Leader) has just paid in cash £6200 for 1200 head of cattle. He intends to fatten the animals for six months, when he estimates that he will make a profit of £ISOO on his bargain. Summer complaint is the children s most dangerous enemy and the mother's most dreaded foe. Immediate and proper treatment is always necessary. Chamberlains Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy, given according to directions, is the most effectual remedy known. Every household should have a bottle at ha,nd. Get it today. It may save a life. G. M. Procter, chemist, sells it. When the coach was coming from Raetihi to Wanganui last Thursday an exciting incident occurred., which fortunately terminated without injury to the passengers. As the coach was passing along a precipitous part of the road the off-side leading horse slipped and fell over the declivity, whew it hung by the traces, the remainder of the team having started back with affright. There were some anxious moments while the horses snorted, and the struggling offsider tore the steep sides of the declivity in his desperate endeavors to free himself. The driver of the coach managed to keep the team in hand while the passengers cut through the traces which held the horse, and the liberated animal tflen rolled down into the gully below. The coach was driven on with the remainder of the team. On the arrival of the conveyance at Pipiriki a. man was sent back to the scene of the. accident to investigate matters. Wonderful to relate, he found that the horse, although badly injured, was yet sound in limb.

HAMPDEN—MR SWINDLEY, Resi dent Dentist, will visit Hampden on Thurs day next, Bth inst., and may do consulted al Mrs Horner's Hotel.

The best medicine known is Saundcr and Son's Eucalypti Extract. Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs and colds, influenza; the relief is instantaneous. In serious cases and accidents of all kinds be they wounds, burns, scalds, bruises, sprains, it is the safest remedy—no swelling—no inflammation. Like surpising results pro. duced in croup, dipthena, bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs, swelling, etc., diarrhoea, dysentry, diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs. In use at hospitals and medical clinics all over the globe; patrpnised by his Majesty the King of Italy; crowned with medal and diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam. Trust in this approved article, and reject all others.

We are now showing a largft variety of New Season's Goods. One line.we excel in, and that is Ladies' and Girls' Hats for summer wear. We have a magnificent assortment in all the newest shapes, and are selling fast. Our Trimmed Hats and Bonnets cannot be beaten for neatness and good taste, and the prices are always the very lowest. We have a full range of Ladies' Corsets. We keep only the best wearing and best fitting makes. We have just opened up a special line of Cotton Delaines. Splendid goods, worth 8d per yard; we will sell them at 4%& per yard. Our Prints are noted for cheapness and fastness of color. We have them at 44d, s£d, 6id, up, and our Mercerized Sateens, Lawns, and Cambrics are of beautiful designs and colors, from 7fd to Is 6d per yard. At L. H, TEMPERO'S London House.

Unusual interest is taken in the great auction sale of drapery and clothing now in progress at PENROSE'S Drapery Establishment. People call to mind the way this firm conducted their auction sale last year. Their memory has not failed them. They were told then that every item offered would be without reserve of any kind. It was true of the last sale. It's to be a genuine clearing sale under the direction of Mr Peter Williams, • auctioneer. Dates of future sales will be duly announced. Is the meantime all goods will be sold at auction prices. We sell dresses, silks, millinery jackets, mantles, skirts, aprons, sheetings, towels, quilts, curtains, men's and hovs' suits machintoshes, etc., etc., PENBOSE'S DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENTPeter Williams, auctioneer. At this week s sales 200 pairs White Blankets will be offered to the highest bidder.