GENERAL NEWS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XII, Issue 3209, 4 January 1879, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS.

The steam launch 'Fairy' has been purchased by Mr J. O. Firth, who is using her to tow wheat-laden barges from his station at Matamata, Thames River, down to Shortland.

The fourteenth quarterly competition for the District Belt came ofif at the Government range on the 10th ult. There was a large number of competitors. Seaman Mitchell, of the Naval Brigade, was the highest scorer, having made 63. Seaman Cameron was the second, with the same score

A Supreme Court writ, demanding £SCO damages, is about lo be issued by Mr Gr. N. Brassey. solicitor, against the proprietor of the Evening Har for alleged libellous matter which appeared in that paper on the 30th November, having reference to the Mayoral contest. _ Colonel Fraser has been gazetted a visiting justice to the Thames prison. At a meeting of the Parawai School Committee, held to consider a letter from the Kducatijn Board, Auckland, recommending the amalgamation of the school committees on the Thames, it was resolved that it is not desirable that the Parawai School district should be amalgamated with any other.

The Town Council has resolved to establish a home for destitute children on the Thames Hitherto the children have been sent to the refuge in Auckland, and tho Thames made to pay for their maintenance, but in the future they will be kopt at the Thames. A fine block of land, situated in a beautiful portion of the valley of the Kauaeranga, has been purchased for the purpose of building a refuge on it. Mr Wm. Murdoch has also donated a valuable block on the opposite side of the riven It is expected that the refuge will be ready for occupation about the end of February. The Council has also made an arrangement with the Hospital Committee to keep the destitute old men and women in the borough, instead of sending them to the Home in Auckland.

This Harbour Board has completed arrangements for a lease of the large and powerful steam dredge belonging to the Auckland Harbour Board, She is to be used to dredge the harbour, more especially that portion near the wharves.

In consequence of increasing business, Mennie and Dey, bread and biscuit makers, Grahamstown, have been compelled to erect a large reel oven, manufactured by Mclenzie and Co, of New York. It gives a heating surface of 192 square feet, and it has taken over 40,000 bricks to build it in. The cost of the oven and erecting it was £1000. Father Henneberry, the Catholic Temperance Apostle, visited the Thames on the 16th ult,, and held a mission for a week. Services, were held three times a day, all of which were well attended, many Protestants being present. The most interesting of his sermons was the one on "Mixed Marriages," in which he exhorted his non-Catholic headers not to enter into a marriage with a Catholic, as religious differences would arise between them, and cause great unhappiness. He gave similar advice to the Catholics present.

The annual distribution of prizes to the scholars of the various private and public schools on the Thames took place during the Christmas week.

Captain Moore and Mr F. Snowling, of Shortland, are having built for them a light r draught - steamer, for the Upper Thames trade. She will be 55 feet long, with 12 feet beam, and her engines will consist of two eight-inch 'high-pressure cylinders which, it is computed, will drive her at the rate of ten knots an hour, Mr T. 1 avage, of Shortland, is building the boat, and Messrs Price Bros., of Grahamstown, the engines and boiler.

At the late Licensing Court, a license was granted for a large hotel at Te Aroha, in the Upper Thames district. The proprietor of the house is a Maori,

On the 14th nit. a number of gentlemen J waited upon Mr Sub-Inspector Sullen at his office, in the Government buildings, for the purpose of presenting Mrs Ballen with a handsome twenty-eight days' gray marble time-piece, inlaid with jasper, as a token of the esteem in which Mr Ballen l is held by the community, the rules of the service precluding any presenta'ion to a Government official. Mr F. W. Paul, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, made the presentation, and, in doing so, spoke in glowing terms of Mr Ballen. Mr Bullen responded in a feeling manner, The Colonial Government steamer 'Hinemoa,' Captain Fairchild, made her appearance offTararu on Dec. 18th, flying the New Zealand pennant, and shortly afterwards a boat came on shore from which the Hon. J. 0. Macandrew, Minister for Public Works, and Mr Blackett, Engineer in charge of the North Island, landed and proceeded to take up their quarters at the Pacific Hotel. Shortly after their arrival they were interviewed fay Mr Wm. Davies, Chairman of the Harbour Board, and Mr G. N. Brassey, with a view to assisting them to carry out the objects of their intended visit. Mr Macandrew said he had visited the Thames principally for the purpose of inspecting the Big Pump, and Mr Blackett for the purpose of viewing the country through which the proposed Thamos Yalley Railway is to be constructed, but ostensibly for the purpose of fixing upon a site for the terminus, Mr Davies and

Mr Brassey having undertaken to arrange \ for a steamer to convey Messrs Macandrew and Blackett up the Thames river next morning, the parties were joined by Mr Brodie, County Chairman, and proceeded to view the Big Pump and the Moanataiari mine and battery. At the latter place the party were joined by Mr McCullough, tho Mayor •elect; and Messrs Macandrew, Brodie, and McCullough were conveyed in a truck through the workings of the Moanataiari mine. Mr'Blackett, accompanied by Messrs Davies, Brassey, and aitken, County Engineer, then proceeded to Shortland, and on the way were joined by His Worship the Mayor (Dr Kilgour) and Mr Speight, Mr Blackett proceeding thither to glean information, with a view to reporting as to the best site for the terminus, The party then drove out to Totara Point, from, which Mr Blackett was enabled to obtain an insight into tbe surrounding country, Those who accompanied him pointed out the proposed line as originally laid out by Mr Simpson, and he seemed to be of opinion that it was a feasible proposal. This line passes along the Flat and crosses the Kauwaeranga Creek, on the Shortland side of Bowen-street, across the Shortland Sawmill Company's site; from thence across Grey-street to the beach, and would be continued along the fore-shore to the terminus. Mr Blackett expressed himself very much; pleased with the level nature' of tho country, and the information afforded'him by those who accompanied him. On the following morning Mr Macandrew, iVlr Blackett, tho Mayor, and County Chairman, proceeded by

steamer to Ohinemuri. Mr Macandrcw was delighted with the beautiful country which he saw. Ou his return to Grnl>am<(own, lie and Mr Blackett were enter, tained at a banquet at the Pacific Hold, which passed off very successfully. Mr McCullough, the Mayor elect, occupied the chair; Mr Brodie, the County Chairman, the vice-chair.

Mr Sub-Inspector Bullon, late of the Thames, arrived in Taranaki, to which place he was appointed, on the 29th ult. Mr Sub-Inspector Kenny (Mr Bullen's successor), arrived here from Taranaki on the 20th ult.

On the 20th ult. Mr William McCullough, the Mayor-elect, was sworn in as Mayor.

The annual meeting of Court Pride of Parnell, No. 4409, Ancient Order of Foresters, was held on the 19th ult., at the hall, Owen-street, when the follow ing officers were elected for the ensuing term of six months '.—Chief Kanger. Bro Thos, Heron; Sub-Chief Ranger, Bro Henry Hay; Senior Woodward, Bro George Wilson, P.C.R.; Junior Woodward, Bro. Robert Stone, jun.; Senior Beadle, Bro. James Senior; Junior Beadle, Bro James Coombes, P.C.R.; surgeons, Drs Payne and Rowbottom; auditors, Bros James Smith, P.O. R,., and Robert Stone. A vote of thanks was tendered to Bro 8. C. P C.R. (the retiring Chief Ranger), for the efficient manner he had conducted the business of the Court during the past term.

At the invitation of Mr G. N. Phillips, head master of the Eauaeranga Boys' School, the teaching staff, and about one hundred of the elder scholars, assembled in the Tararu Gardens on the 20th ult., and had a day's outing. Refreshments were in abundance, and games were played, and all appeared to enjoy themselves immensely,

A gentleman, who has just relumed from a visit to the Lake district, informs us that he visited a hot spring which, it is said, possesses tho power to heal or cleanse leprous and scrofulous diseases. It is at present only patronised by the na ives, but there can be no doubt that in a short time afflicted persons from all parts of the colony will flock to this wonderful sanatorium.

Constable Haslett, who was on duty in Pollen-street on the morning of the 26th ult., observed a light in a stable in Mr Norbury's (grocer) yard about three o'clock, but thinking that that gentleman was feeding his horse he did not take any notice of it, and proceeded as far as Mary-street; but. on coming back, his attention was attracted by sparks rising from where he had seen the light. Pie immediately scaled the fence, and aroused the inmates, and, with the aid of water, extinguished the fire, which proved to be in a barrel of sawdust. There is no doubt that, had the fire been allowed to obtain a hold on the shed, a large and valuable block of buildings would have been destroyed, The Christmas and New Year holidays at the Thames were kept up in the usual manner. f>n Boxing Day the annual Friendly Societies fete in aid of the Hospital took place at Tararu, and was an unqualified success. There were about three thousand people on the ground. Sports both equestrian and athletic - were held, and passed off satisfactorily. On the two following days the annual race meeting eventuated. The events were well contested by horses from Auckland, Coromandel, Ohinemuri, and the Thames. Sports were also held at Tarara on New Year's Day. A number of the leading Te Aroha natives have purchased the race horse Yenus for the sum of £80.

Mr T. W. Gudgeon, auctioneer, and author of" lieminiscnnces of the War in New Zealand," has been appointed Registration and Returning Officer for the electoral districts of Waitemata, Parnell, Newton, Auckland City West and East, and will shortly leave for Auckland and enter on his appointment. The Taranaki team of cricketers, which is at present playing in Auckland, will pay a visit to the Thames during next week, and try conclusion with the local team.

_ We haveto record the demise of anotherpioneer of the Thames in the person of Mr John Cook, of the Empire Hotel, papier. Mr Cook was amongst the earliest settlers on the field, leaving a business'in Onehunea to establish himself at the Thames iu 1867, He was also among the fortunate ones, having an interest in the Manukau claim when rich gold was struck there, and enormous sums were paid for an interest in the mine. After a continuous residence of nearly nine years Mr Cook removed to Auckland with his family, and from thence to the Empire Hotel, Napier, of which house he became the licensee some eight or nine months ago. For some time past he had been in failing health, and the announcement of his death, slthough sudden, was not altogether unexpected. He had attained his 59th year, and leaves a widow and a grown-up family to mourn their loss, Mr Cook leaves a son and daughter resident at the Thames, and others in various parts of the colony; Mr A. Otto has recoived a communication from Mr 0. Wakefield, Under Secretary forGoldfields, intimating that the proclamation withdrawing from the goldfield the land proposed., to be held by the Karaka Tunnel Qojfpany having been published, he trusts the work of formation of the company will be pushed on. Plane of the propped workings are in course of preparation by Mr D. H. Bayldon, and when the holidays are over an effort will be. mad© to complete the forma* tion of the company, and arrange for the commencement of mining operations in earnest.

Messrs J. Stewart and D. M. Beere, Government C.E.'s, have arrived, and will at once commenoe the survey of the first section of the Thames Valley Bailway.

His Worship the Mayor, the County Chairman, and the Chairman of the Harbour Board, have.received telegrams from the Hon. Mr Macandrew, requesting them to take steps to obtain the necessary land along the Thames Valley -Railway route. A lad named McKay was gallantly rescued from drowning by another named Adlam on the 3rd inst.

We hope to be able shortly to supply our readers, by means of a special wire running through New Zealand, from the Thames to the Bluff (Invercargill), with later news from all the towns. The wire will be available for the transmission of news up to one o'clock in the morning from all stations.

The following gentlemen have been appointed Governors of the High School for Boys and Girls, which is shortly to be established on the Thames, and for the support of which the Government lately granted an endowment of 10,003 acres of laud at the Te ArohaMessrs. L. J, Bagnall, Alexander Brodie, John Brown, William Davies, James Kilgour, William McOnllough, and William Wilkinson.

The annual meeting of the Hibernian Australasiun Catholic Benefit Society was held on the 23rd ult, The President, iVlr J. M, Foy, in the chair. The report and

balance-sheet showed the Society to be in a gnnii position both numerically and financially. The election of officers for the eitsuincr term resulted as follows:— President, Bro l\Byrne; Yice-president, Bro McOabe: Secretary, f anders; Treasurer, Bro Twohill; Warden, Bro R. Moore; Guardian, Bro Jas. Connolly; and almoners, P.P. Moll hone and P, i'he Rev. P. O'Reilly and P.P. Mcllhone were appointed auditors.

Over two thousand people were conveyed to Auckland from the Thames during the Christmas and New Year holidays. A piano factory is about to be established at Dunedin.

A man named Chase, a relative of Secretary Chase, statesman, of America, living at' Napier, has been left a fortune of ovpr a million by his brother, who lias just died in the States. • Chase, the recipient, is living with the Maoris, and has a Maori wife, by whom he has several children. He does not intend to leave the country, but to buy a large farm upon which he and his family cm live.

It is stated on good authority that the Hon. Major '-'ichmond will be appointed Speaker of the Legislative Council. Sir William Fitzherbert will retaiu the Speakership of the Lower House. A society is being formed in Auckland, which has for its object the suppression of political power by the Roman Catholic Church. This step, it is said, has been induced by the success of the Rev. Father Henneberry's mission. The Rev. A. it. Fitchett, of the Wesleyan Church, Dunedin, an eloquent preacher, ha? severed his connection with that bodyj as he expresses himself " dissatisfied with the itinerant law of the church in its present rigid form." In other words, he objects to the law which requires that a minister shall not remain for more than three years in one parish. He has joined the Rpiscopaliana, who are much rejoiced thereat. The Hon. T. H. Bartley died at his residence at the North Shore, Auckland, on Christmas Day, in the 81st year of his ago. He was an old colonist, and came from Sydney to the Bay of Islands as far hack as 1839; and in 1841 he came on to Auckland, which was then only a small village. He commenced the practice of his profession (that of a solicitor), and did a good business for many years, until he was nominated to the Legislative Council for the purpose of representing the Ministry as one of the Governor's responsible advisers. He proved himself one of the ablest, and consequently one of the most conspicuous members of the Legislative Council, and was appointed Speaker to the House.

A meeting of the football players of Auckland has been held to consider a letter from the Sydney Rugby Union, asking whether Auckland would be will, ing to contribute to the cost of a visit of a team of footballists from England. It was decided to send a reply in the affir« mative. The team will play in all the principal cities of the colony. Public meetings have been held in several of the Southern cities to consider the question of the influx of the Chinese, and in all cases resolutions were passad protesting against the importation of Chinese into the colony. The general opinion appeared to be that the only thing that could stop the influx was legislation.

A man named Donnelly was found dead outside his house in Parnell, Auckland. He was addicted to drink, and it is supposed that, coming borne in an intoxicated state at night, he attempted to reaehthe latch, and fell backwards over an embankment near the door, killing himself. Mr Eoberfc Stone, boat builder, is building a large barge for the Bay of Island Coal Company. She will be able to carry about three hundred tons of coal.

The committee of the Tararu Roitl Wcileyan Sunday-school inaugurated a novelty in the shape of an al fresco tea meeting, without speechifying, and the experiment tried on the 10th ult., at the Tararu Gardens, may be made highly attractive and profitable. The Wesleyans have something like half-a-dozen annual soirees every year—they are proverbial for soirees and collections—and the credit of striking out in a new line to supplement these numerous gatherings is due to the heads of the little Church-School on the Tararu Road, which has recently been moved and enlarged; and it was to raise funds towards liquidating the debt incurred by such removal that the garden party was held. It was a special effort, and it n satisfactory to find it was a complete success. The arrangements for the comfort of visitors were not, perhaps, so complete as might be desired, but this was due to want of expsrience, more than want of effort. The day was specially suitable for a gala occasion, and Mr Bennett's skill and attention to the grounds, aided by nature's unexampled beauty, served to render the place an elysium indeed. There were about 250 of all ages assembled,' and after strolling through the gardens and enjoying the fragrant air, tea was served on the green sward in admired disorder. After tea the united choirs of Shortland and Grahamstown discoursed sweet music, and a number of anthems were well rendered, Messrs Bell and Gribble presiding alternately at the harmonium; The effect was very novel and enjoyable. Various games were indulged in by those present who were so disposed, and the moonlight entertainment passed off most satisfactorily, We believe the proceeds will be nearly sufficient to wipe off the remaining debt on the removal of the school-house. The Kev. R. S. : Bunn, the respected circuit minister, was present, taking an active part in the proceedings.