Poverty Bay Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, FRIDAY, JAN, 26, 1906. WHAT DOES OUR DREDGING COST?

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10573, 26 January 1906, Page 2

Poverty Bay Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, FRIDAY, JAN, 26, 1906. WHAT DOES OUR DREDGING COST?

Does anyone kuow what is the cost of dredging as at present being carried on at Gisborne? Is it pence, shillings or pounds per cubic yard? Why are not returns periodically furnished to the Harbor Board showing the actual cost? These arc questions that we have asked from time to time, and will continue to repeat until the bushiest of the Board m respect to this matter is put upon a more satisfactory tooting. Vve are provoked to do co m the present instance by perusal of the following statement laid before the New Plymouth Harbor Hoard at its meeting last week : "The amount of £104 3s la has been expended on repairs to the dredge during the past year, m new runner suait, linmg plates, etc., the working expenses costing £2fUl lbs 6d, or a total of £2805 19s Ydj 203,042 cuDic yards of sand and silt have been taken from the harbor at a cost of 3.30 d per yard. The dredge, has been working day and night all the year. "The harbor being now m wucn an excellent condition, it lius been decided by the Board to do away with the night shift and to devote more time to dredging tue inshore berth. "Particulars ol sand removed from the harbor from 1892 as under: — Cubic Cost per Year. yards. Total cost. yard. H s d 1893 ... 15,800 794 1 1 12.06 d 1894 ... 22,616 787 1 8 8.30 d 1895 ... 39,680 853 19 0 5.16 d 1896 ... 67,136 1763 811 6.30 d 1897 ... 114,309 1877 15 10 • 3.U4d 1898 ... 135,290 2501 4 2 4.43 d 1899 ... 232,730 2970 13 1 3.5Qd 1900 ... 134,278 1458 1111 2.60 d 1901 ... 95,380 1403 15 6 3.62 d 1902 ... "103,320 2125 19 3 - 4.93 d 1903 ... 153,190 1587 12M0 2.48 d 1904 ... 200,042 2117 11 0 2.54 d 1905 ... 203,042 2805 19 7 3.30 d Why cannot the Gisborne Harbor Board satisfy the mind oi the ratepayers with a statement m some such form as tins? We believe if that were done it would be shown that the expense of removal of sand and eiit is a great deal more at Gisborne than it is at New Plymouth —the difference, m fact, would be sufficient to pay for a new dredge within a very linuteu period of time. Plainly the duty of the Board is to find c/ut what its dredging is costing, and if it be excessive, as everybody believes it to be, to obtain other plant 1 more suitable tor the work. 'J^he Board has evidence before it of the good- work that has been done higher up the river m lifting sand and silt by means of pumps, at a fraction of the costi of the present method of excavation. However suitable the present dredge may be for the 1 removal of papa rock it is insensate and a wicked waste of the ratepayers' money to continue to employ her almost exclusively on the dredging of sand. Our special correspondent at Dunedin telegraphs stating that the banquet to Sir Joseph Ward by his constituents at Winton has been fixed for Thursday, February Ist. A resident m North Gisborue has called to assure us that the destruction of the silver poplars uu Balhuice street was not caused toy "some vandal," <m t'he Beautifying Society report states, but by a severe 'gale of wind acting upon the leafy top, the post being a foot too short to resist the pressure. Gisborne theatregoers have not yet got into the habit of being punctual. Though it was announced that the Knight-Jeffries Company's performance would start precisely at 8 oJclock a large number of dress circle patrom* wandered m ten minutes and ii quarter of an hour late last evening, to the discomfort of earlier arrivals; who were endeavoring to .follow the dlaloguo of the play. An interesting document was presented at the Magistrate's Court this morning. A native named lopa te Hau, plaintiff m a civil action regarding a buggy; produced an account for £4 13s against the defendant, the particulars of which were fairly accurately depicted m pencil sketches of the various objects, including buggy ' shafts, iron bath, copper boiler, chair, corn sheller and a plough.

Mr G. Heasley, the representative for Messrs E. Reynolds and Co., Limited, ' will be m town for two weeks, and can be interviewed at Messrs Miller and ■ Craig's rooms, Gladstone road. 1 The business of tho Duuedin Cash has ' been taken over by Mr W. J. Alt wood, who hi*, an advertisement m another column drawing attention to tho change of proprietorship. Messrs Miller and Craig advertise a large ;-:alo of drapery, fancy goods, brushv/ai'O, etc., to be held ul their rooms, Gladstouc road, to-morrow, commencing al 2 sharp. Mr E. L. Maude, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, is m receipt of circulars from tho executive of the International Exhibition, giving intending exhibitors aJI tho information they require. These may be obtained on application. Tlio following will represent County Cricket Club against Uniied on Victoria . Domain' to-morrow : Raymond (capt.), Jennings, Loggett, Lange, Murphy, J. H. Hotchier, Siuirp, Heffcrman, O'Donnell, and Baty ; emergencies, Evans, Alorris, and Ferguson. In reference to the stitement published m our report of the Beautifying Association, that the City Band had promised to give an open-air concert from the rotunda m aid of the Society, Mr Pickford, the City Band secretary, desires u.s- to state that as yet no gas light has been provided on the rotunda, so that it ha_ m no way been the fault of the City Band that the conceit has not come off. At a meeting of the New Plymouth Harbor Board the chairman stated that it was decided to push on with the work of extending the breakwater at once, as the next lour months was the best time of the year to conduct the work. Experience had- shown that every foot on i the breakwater represented a saving m 1, dredging. He predicted that the Board would have £3000 available for the work above the ordinary revenue for the past year. A deliberate attempt was mado by someone on Monday night (says the Timaru Herald) to burn down Messrs Morrison Bros.' stores at Geraldine. __

piece of rag saturated with kerosene was

placed against the end of a trap shed adjoining the bulk store and was ignited. The rag was placed m a crevice about 2ft to 3ft from the ground, and alter burning a hole m the weather boards fell out and smouldered away. Tlie lire m the weather boards seems to have burned itself out after burning a hole about lit long. The bulk store adjoining the trap shed is largely stocked with kerosene, oil, and other combustibles.

The yard at the back of the City Buffet was last evening, the scene of a pugilistic display between two young men. Tliis morning the two participants, Hugh Cameron and Heclley Watt were brought before Mr Barton, at the Police Court, and charged with assaulting one another, both pleading guilty. The accused explained that they had both had "a

drop too much," and it was onjy a friendly fight. Sergeant MacKenzie stated tliat this particular place was becoming notorious for such conduct, and being enclosed it was not easy for tlie police to get at. The encounter was a very severe one, and both men showed marks of the fray. A fine of £1 and 2s casts, or four days' imprisonment was imposed m each instance.

A most extraordinary case of blackmail is at present befoi. the New York Courts. The defendant is Mi' Thomas Wickes, a well-known and respected lawyer, formerly assistant-adviser to the City Corporation. The evidence has revealed a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde case m real life. It was to the effect tha. Wickes availed himself of knowledge ai. quired m his practice to write to certain parties demanding money, and always signed himnelf "Lewis Jarvis." Tlie let-

tors always contained allusions to lh. great learning, ability, and ■ trustworthiness of Mr Thomas Wickes. These glowing testimonials, indeed, led ultimately to the disclaniir e that Wickes and Jarvis were one and the same individual. Wilkes admits writing the Lewis Jarvis letters, but denies blackmail.

Thomas Tawera Halberl, the young man arrested at Auckland recently upon a cliarge of obtaining goods to the value of £5 18s 9d from Messrs Common, Shelton and Co., by false pretences was discharged at the Police Court this morning by Mr Barton, S.M. Mr Blair appeared foi the accused. Sergeant MacKenzie stated that he had inquired into the matter and had decided not to produce any evidence, but ask that the information be dismissed. In dismissing the information the Magistrate remarked that he had no' power to make an order for payment of tlie costs incurred, but he hoped the party responsible for the laying of the information would bear the cost. Sergeant MacKenzie said that the question of expenses had been arranged.

An enjoyable shooting match was held on the Makauri range yesterday between teams representing tno married and single members of the E.C.M.R. The ranges were 200 and 500 yards, Bisley targets, seven shots at eacU. The match ended m a win for the Benedicts by eight points. Following are the scores: — Married : Lieutenant Tombleson, 32—25, 57; Captain Colebourue, 31 — 22, 56; Scigeant Morrison, 28—22, 50; Sergeant Poynter, 27—22, 49; Trooper Ngakate, 25—19, 44; Trooper Cole, 29—12, 41; Trooper Barlow, 17—21, 38 ; total, 332. Siugle : Sergeant Pirie, 32—34, 66 ; Sergeant Zachariah, 24—28, 52; SergeantMajor Evans, 27—24, 51 ; Trooper Bruce, 23—20, 43; Quartermaster-Sergeant Zachariah, 22—19, 41; Corporal Parker, 18 —22. 40; Trooper Nolan, 20—11, 31; total, 324.

"Buirdly chiels ' and bonnie hi _k_, were bred on sic a fare as this is," were the lines which occurred to the mind on going through the menu presented at the Burns' anniversary dinner last evening. The catering arrangements were excellent, and the manner m which the various Scotch dishes were presented was a credit to the purveyor. While the dinner was carried out with all the old-time heartiness and conviviality it was matter for. approving comment that no one was the worse for the evening's good-fellow-ship. The tendoncy libations which used to be a feature of Scots gatherings m Burns' own day, and even existed m the memory of older people now living, was entirely absent from last night's symposium. Not that any of the jollity was lacking. Good-humor-ed merriment abounded throughout, and when "Auld Lang Syne" brought the parting^ several who were loth to leave the festive hall, danced a Highland schottische to the strains of the bagpipes. "Mon, but it was a braw Scots' nicht."

Lodge Turanganui, No. 7, U.A.0.D., held a most successful harmony meeting at Patutahi last evening. There was a very large attendance of town and country brethren, nearly 40 couples being present. A tastefully arranged supper was provided by the committee, and a most successful programme of songs and dances was gone through. Songs were contributed by Messrs Parker, Sawyer, and West. The danes music was supplied by Miss Ruth Moore, m her usual efficient manner. During the evening Bro. A. Wade was the recipient of a handsome P.D.P. collar. Bro. A. Sawyer, m making the presentation, referred to the good work performed by Bro. Wade m the interests of Druidisin. The secretary, Bro. G. E. Darton, on behalf of the lodge, presented Bro. J. Georgeson with an illuminated address m recognition of his three years' service as secretary. Universal regret was expressed at Bro. Georgeson's retirement from the office. As the rapid progress made by Druidisin was largely due to Bro. Georgeson's zeal and energy on behalf of the order. Dancing, interspersed with songs, was kept up till midnight, when a most enjoyable evening was brought tp a close with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Before leaving, brethren thanked the country members, especially Bros. Angland and Lyons, for the complete arrangements they had made, and gave hearty cheers for the Druids of Patutahi.

The question of a wheelwright's lien over a Maori buggy was the subject of a civil action investigated at the Magistrate's Court this morning. lopa te Hau (Mr Finn, on behalf of Mr Chrisp) was tbe plaintiff m the case, and sued Henry Stevenson (Mr Bright), of Te Karaka, for the return of a buggy and damages for detention. A counter-claim was put m by defendant for the balance of £5 for the overhaul of the vehicle, together with a small account for a few sundries. The main facts of the case were agreed upon, but the point of discussion was m regard to a number of articles which lopa declared he disposed of to Stevenson for i 34 13s, leaving only seven shillings to make up the balance of the account for £5. Stevenson, on the oth^r hand, swore that he purchased part of au old plough with a number of other broken things thrown m for 10s. Stevenson and a youth named Emett Sullivu||. formerly m his employ, gave Ovidence, from. which it appeared the vehicle had been m Stevenson's possession about two years. Six pounds had been paid on account, but the balance was not forthcoming. On another' occasion.. a scuffle ensued, when lopa and his son endeavored to get possession of the vehicle, which the blacksmith only prevented by taking off a wheel. It was only at this juncture that he first saw the counter-claim for £4 13s. lopa particularised the sale of tho various articles, and an elderly Maori named Panipa Waihopi was called to bear out his side of the story. In delivering judgment, his Worship said that Stevenson having effected the repairs to the vehicle they must be paid for, and until tliey were paid for plaintiff could not recover the buggy; As regards the articles sold to defendant, he believed plaintiff's story was a pure concoction, aud he would be non _uited m the original action for recovery, with costs, £3 3s 2d. Judgment was also given for Stevenson on his counter-claim, with costs, £5.

A Greymouth correspondent states : — "The timber and coal industries are at. present very brisk. The railway to Koss will tan a number of sawmills. The banks have lately purchased a considerable quantity of gold."

While farm labor is reported to be very scarce m the North Island, it is stated that workmen of this class are unable to obtain work m Otago. Last week one man walked from Invercargill to Oamaru m search of work.

The Auckland Observer states: The Honolulu circle of Aucklanders who are "not lost but gone before" was increased by two thy* week. What tale will these tell when they find themselves amongst so many familiar faces?

Those who- want to make £1 go as far as possible m the purchase of goods have a fine opportunity at this selLrngoff season of tlie year. C. Rosie and Co. announce they are giving 15 to 50 per cent, discount on every article purchased

In Alaska they do not do things by halves. Miners are now engaged m turning the course of Kink river, so as to leave dry about three miles of its bed and to mine this auriferous gravel with steam shovels.

A young man was fined 20s at Blenheim for attempting to kiss the proprietress of a restaurant. During the affair complainant slapped him m the face and knocked him down, at the same time describing him as a "dirty, beery-mouthed brute."

A memorial to troopers who fell m the South African war will shortly be placed m po. .lion m the Southern" Recreation Ground at Dunedin. The memorial takes tlie form, m marble, of a trooper standing wpon a marble shaft. The height of the monument will be 40ft.

At a harvest festival at Sydney last week, Mr J. P. M'Arthua', president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the harvest thi6 year would yield about 20,000,000 bu-iels. Tlus meant that there would be added to tlie wealth of

the country about £3,000,000 sterling, with all payments for carriage and ship ment added.

The British Australasian on December 14th, published a full-page cartoon showing Mr- Seddon m the act of kicking a goal on the football lield, while the scoiv ing-board shows the record— Government 60, Opposition 16. The cartoon is entitled "The Big Kick of King Dick," and has over it a. motto, "Ake, Ake, Kia Kaha."

Mr William Australia Graham, of Waikato, wants an area. 60 miles square set apart m the Waikato, and a great agricultural city founded there. For this purpose he demands railway connection made with Taranaki, Kawhia and Gisborne, and canals to Auckland and Thames, not to speak of other concessions.

"Tlie discussion of an old age pension is unnecessary, for it is too far to look ahead," said Mr Carnegie to an interviewer. "The young man now who doesn't drink and who doesn't smoke will make his own pension. In spite of combinations of capital and commercial interests, I think the young man to-day has as much chance to get ahead as tlie youth of yean, gone by." Fiji will provide an attractive stand at the International Exhibition. The

chief product of the islands, cotton, will be shown m all its processes before being ready for shipment, and the other industries of Fiji will be well represented. Tropical fruits will receive special prominence, and a novelty is proposed to be introduced m the shape of growing plants, such as bananas and pineapples. The Wellington Evening Post is making au endeavor ±o resuscitate its agitation of four years ago against '"the child slavery on tlie dairy farms." The Post says the children "are still milking their four, five, six, seven aud more cows m the bitter slush of early frozen mornings." We thought the milking industry was practically at a standstill m the win. ter season, m what the Post calls "the irozen mornings." Perhaps our contemporary has a notion that the farmers run an ice cream business m the winter. — Eltham Argus.

The Automobile Club of France has created a new international race, to be confined to, touring cars, and to be known as the Circuit European. Tlie competing cars are to cover 5000 kilos (3107 miles), and although the course is not yet definitely fixed upon, it will be laid through France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Belgium. The cans arc to be divided into four classes, according, to their estimated speeds and the cylinder capacities of the engines. Passengers, numbering from two to five, must be carried, according to class, aud the vehicles must be of standard touring types. Surveying for closer settlement m Wellington province is just now very active. The Tawaha estate, Wairarapa, has been subdivided into dairy farms, .and will soon be on the market. A portion of Tablelands has been divided into ordinary farms, and named after the old chief Mahupuku. The adjoining estate ol Hikawera will be similarly divided.

Work is also proceeding on the subdiv

ision of the hawtrey estate, and Johnsonvillo and Herctaunga, Oldworthy and Wilford, m the llutt Valley. In the South Island the Waitaki Plains estate, purchased from Mr J.M. Buckley, is being surveyed. Mr Dobson, of Christchuich, has not a very warm admiration for certain types of the colonial youth. At the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board he remarkeu that "There was a very great desire among many young colonials to leave their parents as soon as they are capable of looking after themselves. It doesn't matter to them that their parents have brought them up and done all they could for them; they clear out and leave the old people m difficulties, and never trouble about them. They don't care a fig for them. I know that to be a fact from my own observation during the past 40 odd years." In the excitement following the announcement that the United States would cut the Panama Canal, the fact that Mexico was building a railroad to connect tlie Pacific witli the Gulf of Mexico was forgotten. And ere the excitement had quite subsided, comes the announcement that the Tehuantepec National Railway is completed. Piers lor the harbor terminals at Salina Cruz and Coatzacolcos, where great ocean freighters will load and unload, have uot yet been completed. The great ta-vk has been finished, however, and all Mexico is rejoicing. The road is only 180 miles long, and there seems no reason to question that the desire of Mexico to work up an enormous freight traffic long before the Panama Canal has been cut through shall be gratified.

Mr Blackburne, w.io was manager on the Clay Cross (Derbyshire) • colliery for five yeans, has reported on the Mouut Davey anthracite coal seams, recently discovered m the Paparoa range, which runs parallel", with the coast north of Greymouth. Mr Blackburne estimates that over 40 million tons could hi_ won from the company's .1000 aero area, level free, i.e., without sinking shafUs or pumping water, the dip .of the coal (1 m I) being towards the outcrop. Unfortunately, aa m the case of other West Coast mines, the site is not approachable by railway, and ho suggests an aerial tramway to Blackball, on the Grey Valley line. The companyV. area would, he is of opinion, command a selling price of £5,000,000 . sterling if it were iv England. ,

Much commotion has been created by recent events m the Principality of Schwarzburg Rudolstadt. The prince of that territory, who enjoys a civil list of £13,400 complains that times are dear, that meat increases m price, and that salaries to his servants are higher than when he ascended the throne some years ago. So he sent down his Minister of State to the Diet with the request to induce it to increase the civil list by £1,600. The .Minister explained how matters were, that the Prince had heavy expenses, including the keeping up of his Court and private musicians. The eight Social Democrats m the Diet uttered an emphatic "No.** The Prince replied to their refusal by dissolving the Diet and opening up a grave constitutional crisis, which is being watched by modern Germany with considerable amusement.

The catalysm of Charing Cross station, particulars of which were published a day or two ago was sufficiently disastrous m its consequences. But (according to fuller accounts received) thesre was a narrow escape of an even more striking tragedy. The roof fell at 3.45 p.m.. At that very time the previous afternoon a group of distinguished men were gathered m the station awaiting the return of Lord Curzon. Sir Charies Lyall says they stood chatting on the very spot upon which the heaviest weight of the falling mass descended. The story of the Indian Viceroyalty has its tragedies, notably ths assassination of Lord Mayo. Had Lord Curzon' s arrival m London been delayed by 24 hours he and the friends who came to greet him on his return would inevitably have been buried under the falling roof.

Another valuable discovery has . been made as the result of the 6tructua.al and excavation work which is being carried out by Lord Raglan for the rehabilitation of Castle Rushen, m the Isle of Man, .considered to be one of the noblest and most perfect tenth century castlein the kingdom. Recently the foundations of a minting house were unearthed. Th© sunk fii .place ie almost perfect, and portions of the crucibles, with a large quantity of copper dross, were found alongside. . There were also a large num* ber of Derby coius, and from thi. it is conjectured that here were minted the coins which the Derbys made .currency when Kings of Man. Other discoveries include the foundations of exteusive barracks, which stood against the great glacis wall, on extension of the great dungeon on a level with the liarbor, and the pit of the portcullis gate, which i. still suspended m its draw-place above the castle entrance.

Mr E. N. Sidebottom notifies that he commences tuition on February sth.

A girl named Petschcl, residing at Diboola, Victoria, swallowed a pcacli stono, and although a doctor made every effort to save her life, she expired.

Two visitors from tho United States at present m Dunedin are Mr and Mrs Stillwell. "Charmed with the country; God's own country — if you would just let it alone," was their comment on what they have seen.

The Union Company's turbine liner Maheno, wliich arrived at Wellington on Saturday morning, made another exceptionally fast passage up from Lyttelton. Sho cut out the passage m 9 Hours 46 minutes from the time "full speed" was given at Lyttelton to "stop" at Wellington. Her average speed wars 17.9 ki >ots an hour.

A London paper staton lluit Miss Majie Lohr, daughter of Mr L. J. Lohr "Baby Lohr," a«j 6he was known m the days tliat she visited Gisborne with her mother, Aliss Kate Bishop), who is well known m theatrical circles m Australia, hup been engaged by ilr ahd Mus Kendal for tlieir spring and autumn tours this yecu', and will appear m "Dick Hope," "The Housekeeper," and "A Scrap of Paper."

It has been reported from Nagasaki that it will shortly bo possible to make the trip from England to. Japan with only nine hours' sea-voyaging. The SeoiilFusan railway has been open for some time. The extension northwards to Wiju will shortly be complete. All that is needed then is a connecting link oi about 100 miles of rail from the Yalu river to a point south of Liaoyang to place Fusan m direct communication with Europe. Fast steamers are to be put on to make the trip between Moji and Fusan m eight hours, so,allOwing one hour between Dover and Calais, nine hours will represent the total time at sea for a traveller between England and Japan.

The wind that damaged the Exhibition Buildings m Christchurch on Sunday is described by the local papers as a bowling tornado. The force of the gale Avas terrific, and it was accompanied Dy ram. It» came not m showers, but m drenching sheets, and beat down with great fury. The storm lasted for about ten

minutes, with unabated strength, aud then departed almost as suddenly as it had made its appearance, being succeeded by the brightest sunshine. In several houses, which were m the direct line of

route, windows were blown m. Fences were hurled down, aud m many gardens trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables

were torn up.

An interesting point has arisen m connection with tue fidelity of the Admiralty to the terms of the naval agreement

signed by the Commonwealth Parliament m August, 1903. Under the ugreement (says the Melbourne Age) Australia pledged herself to pay tlie British Government £200,000 a year — on increase of £94,000 a year on her former contribution — provided the Admiralty sent out at once two new second-class cruiuers ot the latest type. Subsequently tlie allotment of the vessels on the squadron of all classes was rearranged, and a promise made tliat three second-class cruis-

ers should be sent. The agreement has been m operation for two years and some odd months, but down to the present only two new second-class cruisers, the Challenger and the Cambrian, have made their appearance on the Australian station. The second cruiser, the Cambrian, only arrived a few months ago, so that for over two years one, not tluee, fresh cruisers were provided _y the Admiralty. This is regarded as a distinct breach of

the compact. The Commonwealth Government is not anxious to embarrass the Admiralty, but it is obvious that there are limits to the amount of disregard of agreement obligation which the Conii uionwealth is prepared to tolerate.