HOP GROUNDS IN TARANAKI. [from an occasional contributor.]

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 971, 30 March 1870, Page 6 (Supplement)

HOP GROUNDS IN TARANAKI. [from an occasional contributor.]

With the immenna advantages nature has bestowed on this Province in the nnmeroup streams that intersect all parts of it, wo are inclined to think that the people who nave so long <l\v elt in the place have not been sufficiently p.live to their own interests, when they have allowed them to continually flow withont making use of the cheap motive power which they afford. These streams too, are not like those found in other parts of the Colony — subject either to flooding or so low as to be unserviceable to use for water power — but are always steady running streams from one end of the year to the other. It is with no intention of censure that we make these remarks, but merely to direct the attention of those settlers who have mechanical skill, to the fact that they might save themselves much manual labour by availing themselves of that power which is already to their hand. We are afraid that the community in directing their attention solely to agriculture, have neglected other things, which it woald not only be profitable to manufacture, but would be the means of retaining the money in the Province which is now sent away. We are glad to be able to say that a few have attempted to manufacture articles which a^e required for our own use-, some of which have been of great benefit to the public, but we cannot but regret that so little has been done in this way. This settlement has been established some twentyeight years, and during that time what have we to show in the shape of manufactures ? We havo a couple of flour mills (one of which we must own is a credit to the town), which are more than sufficient at the present time to grind the whole of the wheat grown in the Province ; we have a foundry, and engineers in the place who can turn out very excellent machinery ;. there is a tannery ■which produces shoe and machine belt leather, a couple of breweries, a candle and soap manufactory, and with the exception of the flax works, we think our catalogue i 3 all told. If anyone will take the trouble to look at our imports they will see that half onr shoes and boots, and nine-tenths of the clothing used in the place, come from other parts of the world, and from people who have neither sympathy nor regard for us in our strnggle with the natives. These, together with the amonnts spent for gorceries, wines, spirits, &c, take from us a large portion of our circulating medium, much of which might be retained in the place if greater efforts were made to manufacture things which we require. Having these facts before us, it is a pleasure when we have to record that anyone has stepped forward and shows that he can prodnce an article which heretofore we have been sending our money out of the place to obtain.

Fonr years since Mr. Martin, a settler in Smart road, entered upon a piece of bush land, and he has now twenty acres or thereabouts in grass. Having thus got his place in something like order — he has lately directed his attention to another industry — the growth of hops. It ■will be in the remembrance of many that in September, 1868, the Council voted the sum of £30 towards encouraging the growth of hops in this Province, which sum was given to Mr. Martin to assist him in laying out hi 3 ground to produce the hops. On Tuesday last, his Honor the Superintendent and a few others, went to Mr. Martin's place to see what progress had been made, when a most pleasing sight met their view. The hop ground consists of an acre of well cleared land, with scarcely a weed to be seen on it. The tall hop plants which are now in bloom, and some ten feet high, as they twine around the poles form several avenues, and as you wander down these vistas, your sense of smell is gratified with the delicious aroma that comes from hops. Mr. Martin, who was a hop-grower in Kent, appears to be well acquainted with the growth and management of the plant, and the preparation of the hops after gathering for market. His statement must be cheering to any one who has any inclination to cultivate the plant. He informed us that in England the plant does not attain (the first year) more than three feet in height, and does not bear ; but here it grows to seven and eight feet, and l>e is also able to gather a small crop from it. This year (which is the second one), Mr. Martin expects to gather from his acre abont 8001153. weight, which will be worth from £S0 to £90. Next year the present acre, will double its crop. Mr. Martin intends to plant another acre next season, so we hope soon to hear of hops ceasing to be an article of import into this Province. The distance to this hop ground is not very great, and no one would regret a ride to witness such a pleasant sight. Mr. Martin appears to have provided himself with every roqnisite necessary for preparing his crop for the market ; and his kiln, which he has built himself, shows that he is possessed of a perfecß knowledge of the business he has entered into. The hop picking will commence we are informed in about a fortnight's time, and as it is customary in England to have a "grand day in the hop garden," Mr. Martin will announce the day he intends removing the hop poles, so any who like to have a pionic there can do so, and thus pass a day "amongst the hops." — Taranaki Herald, February 26.

A Correction for the Southern Papers to Copy. — " Wiremu Kingi (William King), notorious from the part he took in bringing about the Waitara war, is now rendering every assistance in his power to the Cape Egmont Flax Company." Some of our southern contemporaries have been copying thi3 paragraph, but from what joui-nal it originated we cannot tell. However, we may state for the information of our con temporaries that Wiremu Kiugi of the Waitara war notoriety is not the individual who is rendering every assistance to the flax Companies on the coast, but a native who is known as Wiremu Kingi of Umuroa. Wiremu Kingi of Ngatimarn is the native who was concerned in the Waitara war, but he never shows near the European settlements, or communicates personally with the white population.

Accident at Mr. Barcley's Flax Mill. — An accident ocenrred on March 4, at Mr. Barcley's Flax Mill, to the son of Mr. John Douglass, carpenter, by which we hear the boy is likely to loose the tops of his fingors on one hand. Frcm information we have gathered, we learn that the boy had his fingers resting on the cogwheels of the flax machine, and it being set Tn motion before he was aware of it, his fingers were drawn round and crushed.

Departure of Troops from Auckland.— The • City of Melbourne,' which left; Auckland for Sydney, on the 24th February, took away the remainder of the 18th Royal Irish. At nine o'clock the men got into marching order in the Barracks, and at about half-past nine they commenced their march towards the wharf, headed by tho Auokland Volunteer Band. As the men embarked the band struck np the familiar strains of " Auld Lang Syne," " Home, Sweet Home," &c, which was answered by a round of hearty cheers from those on board. At 10.30 the c City of Melbourne' steamed from tho wharf, and soon after took her departure. Colonel Elliot and two or three men of the regiment remain in Auckland for a few weeks to settle matters connected with the regiment. About 50 men have taken their discharge from the regiment, and remain in the Colony.

A New Office. — The Wellington Evening Post says :—": — " It is rumored that Major Heaphy, V.C., has received an appointment as Commissioner of 1 Native Reserves, at a salary of £1000 a-year. The nature of the duties required to be fulfilled in this office are not commonly known, as it is only newly created."

Pheasants are becoming a complete pest in tho Lower Waikato oountry, Auckland. The birds are so numerous, and commit such havoc amongst the cultivations, that the natives have petitioned the Government for compensation for the damage done by the birds.