CUSTOMS REVENUE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2770, 9 August 1883, Page 7

CUSTOMS REVENUE.

A Bio Feast. — The native Lapus at Parilmka havo (says the TaranaU Uei-ahT) been vicing with each other m feasting To Whili and Tohu. To Wliitu's bapu, however, excelled anything that had previously been accomplished. Tho liapit provided a thousand loaves, which were baked at Pungarehu, four bullocks were killed, and a large number of pigs ; besides pastry, puddings nnd jellies from Opuuake, and wine, ale, etc., to wash it all down with. The ofiieers and men of the A.C. Force were asked to attend the feast, and during the repast To Whiti m a speech said that they were invitod to show the world that the natives had no ill-feeling against the Europeans.

Mormon Missionaries Among the Maoris. — Tlio Auckland Jlerald says : — Elder Bromley, who for some time past has been lho head of the Mormon mission nt Auckland, leaves for Salt Lake by tho outward San Francisco mail steamer. His successor, Klder Stuart, with his nephew, Mr Stuart, nro at present m tho Waikato district, among the natives ef Wootu, who have joined their faith. They claim about one hundred converts among the Kingitcs. These two Mormon missionaries are studying tho Maori lnnguage, with n view of paying special nttention to the Maori mission. Elder Bromley has had a Mormon tract translated into Maori, by a Maori who is thoroughly conversant with tho English language, and '1000 copies of it distributed among the natives, for tho purpose of making them acquainted with the leading Mormon religious tenets.

Gold m Canterbury. — The Ash burton Mail of Saturday states that Mr T. Davidson, of that town, had visited tho gold workings north of the Rakaia. On or near the beach, about six miles north of tho mouth of the river, he found betweon forty nnd fifty persons at work prospecting, and holes sunk m all directions. Ho washed several dishes of stuff and obtained several " specs " of gold, but m nothing like paying quantities. The gold is found m " ruby sand " (whatever that may be) m patches nlong tho beach, and is very fine. On Friday, the Mail states, they were shown some "miniature nuggets" nlleged to have been picked up near tho mouth of the Ashburton. Their Alford Forest correspondent writes that considerable excitement prevails there about certain reports of goldbenring quartz having been found m that locality. Specimens are shown freely, nnd a good reef was stated to exist within a hour's walk of the post-office. This correspondent states that samples were obtained from a reef at Pudding Hill some years ago which yielded at tho rate of 7dwt to the ton, and the saui3 reef is being tested ngain.

Napier Harbor Works. — The Napier Harbor Board aro by no means satisfied with tho plaus approved by the English judges appointed to consider those sent m for improving Port Ahuriri. The plau3 received by the Board were sent Home, unopened, to Sir John Hawkshaw and Mr Abernethy, for them to select the most suitable, and it will be remembered that a Mr Culehcth's plans md estimate of £250,000 were awarded tho ..ritprisEC. At a recent meeting of the Board (wo learn from the Howie's Bay Herald) tho Chairman, Mr J. D. Ormond, said that, m anticipation of tho arrival of the judges' decision, every preparation had been made for obtaining the necessary power for carrying out the work and for raising the money required, and bills had been drafted as part of those preparations. But Mr Culcheth's description of his plans was quite a disappointment. It was evident that obtaining a depth of 20ft of water m live years, as proposed byMrCulcheth, was not worth the expenditure of a quarter of a million, nor m fact was it what was required or expected. Indeed it would bo idle to think of proposing to levy a rate to securo a loan for so inadequate a return for so largo an outlay. Ho had therefore come to the conclusion that it would be useless to proceed this session with tho Bills that had been drafted. The Board should obtain further designs, and by stating more clearly to the judges of tho designs what was really wanted, to get from tlioso gentlemen such a design as was wanted. Resolutions were passed condemning the approved design as not meeting the requirements of the district ; regretting that tho judges had been limited to a cost of £250,000 ; asking the judges to further consider the plans and advise whether cither of them would secure accommodation for such steamers as the lonic, say 27 feet depth of water, and if not would they prepare a plan themselves ; nnd that the existence of tho present harbor works should not be allowed to prejudice the consideration, of independent works m tho vicinity of Napier. The judges, Sir John Hawkshaw and Mr Abernethy, are to be written to asking them to reconsider tho plans on tho basis of the resolutions.

TnE Winchester Grain and Peoduce Storage and Dressing Co., Limited. — An adjourned meetingof the Provisional Directors of tho above was held m the Wolseley Hotel, Winchester, on Thursday last, Mr Deßcnzy being voted to tho chair. Mr Murray read tho following resolutions of tho former meeting. — (i) "That m tho opinion of this meeting it is desirablo that a Company be formed for tho purpose of Btoring and dressing grain and other produce." (2) " That tho capital be £4000, m £20 shares, and that the first issue bo 100 shares, and the calls as follows : £1 on application, £1 on allotment, and the balance m calls, not exceeding £2 10s per share, at intervals of not less than three months." Tho names of tho Provisional Directors wero also read. A telegram was read from Mr Postlcthwaite, M.H.R., re site, and Mr Skinner was requested to reply, thanking that gentleman for the interest ho was taking m tho matter. Apologies wero read from several gentlemen who were unable to attend the meeting, but who hoped tho project would be carried out, A letter was read from Mr Inwootl re site, and ono gentleman present was willing to make a gift to tho Company of a piece of ground for tho building near tho railway station. Mr Murray stated that about 150,000 bushels of wheat would pass annually through tho Winchester station, without counting seed. It was the opinion of tho meeting that tho unsatisfactory condition of last harvest's wheat as received by English buyers would havo a tendency to depreciate tho value of next year's shipments, and ono gentleman stated that farmers who had only gained their experience m tho colonies could hardly bo expected to bo m a position to understand the process and mode of selling and dealing with grain m foreign markets, and tho material advantages they would derive from a scheme like thut now before the meeting. The draft of tho prospectus was then read and generally appiovcd.

Theathe Royal. — Tho Timaru Artillery Volunteer Brass Band, assisted by tho Public School Fife nnd Drum Band, gavo a vocal and instrumental concert m the Theatre Royal on Monday. Tho attendance was very good, considering the weather, the pit and stalls being filled, while inoro than two-thirds of tho circle seats were occupied. As tho concert was under tho patronage of tho C Battery of Artillery and Fire Brigade, the officers and a great number of tho men attended m uniform. Absut seven o'clock m tho evening tho Band assembled, and marched through the Main Road playing appropriate music, and on returning to the theatre, just previous to starting the concert, played two or three selections outside its doors, and also opened with a grand selection. Three glees wero eung by the Wosleynn church choir during the evening, and also eongs by the following ladies and gontlemen: — Misses Clarke and Muskcr ; and Messrs Foster, Warrington, and Gilchrist. Instrumental

pieces were given by the Misses Clarko nnd Ball, and by Messrs Perry and Hatton. The concert was altogether a success and the Band are to be congratulated for providing those present with one of the most enjoyable musical entertainments ever held m the new Theatre Koyul.

The Disasters or Mat 1-1-tit, 1882.— Among the despatches from His Excellency tho Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, we find the following : — " Government House, Auckland, 21st May, 1883.— My Lord,— l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch, No. 15, of the * sth March last, covering a copy of a correspondence which had passed between the Eoyal Humane Society and the Colonial Office, concerning tho request made by the Government of New Zealand, that the' gallant efforts of certain persons at, Timaru, m this colony, to save life from drowning, should be brought before tho Society. The Committee have evidently acted undera misapprehension as to the facts of the case. This colony 'has no Humane Society recognised by the Governor.' I lcam, from the enclosures to your Lordship's Despatch, that there is ' a Society m Melbourne bearing the name of the Eoyal Humane Society of Australasia,' but as neither I nor my Government have any cognizance of that Society, New Zealand cannot be regarded as within its sphere. I transmit herewith a copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Ministers on the subject, and I huve the honor to suggest that, should your Lordship see fit, these facts should bo brought to the notice of the Committee, m order that the case may be adjudicated by them. I have, &c, Wli. F. DurMMOND Jeuvois."— Enclosure referred to: " Memorandum for His Excellency. — In returning to his Excellency tho Despatch and enclosed correspondence, respecting an application for the Eoyal Humane Society's recognition of efforts to savo life during a storm at Timaru, m May, 1882, the Premier has tho honor to reply to the question put by nis Excellency, that it docs not appear that the Royal Humane Society of Australasia, at Melbourne, has been recognised by New Zealand, or indeed that any correspondence lias taken place with the New Zealand Government regarding that Society. The Premier would be glad if nis Excellency would ask the Colonial Office to communicate these facts to the Eoyal Humane Society, and to slate that it is the desire of this Government that New Zealand cases of bravery with respect to saving life should be considered and dealt with by that Society. (Signed) Fhed. Whitaker, Wellington, May Sth, 1883."

Coi.Lii;n Company. — The first annual general meeting of the Timaru Steam Collier Company (Limited), was held m the Municipal Buildings on Tuesday. Present — Messrs E. Stanscll, J. Jackson^ J. Shears, W. McGill, I. rotors, G. Gabitcs, W. E. Quinn, A. Hart, W. M. Sima and D. M. Eoss (Secretary). On the motion of Mr Jackson, Mr Stansell was moved to the chair. After the minutes of tho last ordinary meeting had been read and confirmed, the Directors' report was read as follows : — " Your Directors, m order to comply with the Articles of Association, beg to submit the following report and first annual balancesheet for the year ending the 9th day of July, 1883 :— The Company's agent, Mr Tapling, m company with the constructor, Mr Watson, proceeded to England on tho 3rd day of August, 1882, with a view of contracting for the steamer, but owing to the unprecedented activity m tho ship-building trade, they were unable to place the order for delivery before tho end of August, 1883 ; and they report that if tho order had now to be placed it could only be done at an extra cost of £1000, and for delivery by the end of 188-1. The original capital of the Company has been fully subscribed, and there is paid up m respect of such capital the sum of £i! 38; but on account of the high price m the ship-building trade, your Directors submitted to shareholders iv proposal for increasing the capital to £14-,000. This proposal was adopted by the unanimous vote of shareholders at a meeting held on the 16th day of January last, and was confirmed at one bold on tUo*lslh day of February. The total paid up m respect of both issues is £i'JG3 10s. Tho preliminary expenses amount to .i'l3l 16s Id, of which sum £37 2s lOd has been written off to the debit of profit and loss account. Profit and loss account shows a credit balance of £82 17s lOd, which amount is carried forward to next year. In accordance with Articles of Association, three Directors, Nathaniel Tapling, John Jackson, and John Meikle retire, but are eligible and offer themselves for re-election. It will be the duty of the meeting to appoint two auditors. Mr Andrew Hart, the present auditor, is a candidate for re-election. — J. S. GiD3ON, Chairman ; D. M. Eoss, Secretary." The audited balance-sheet was read, of which, the principal figures are given m the above report. The election of three Directors resulted m Messrs N. Tapling, J. Jackson and J. Meikle, the retiring Directors, being reelected, on tho motion of Mr Gabites, seconded by Mr Shears. Messrs A. Hart aud W. E Quinn were, on the motion of Mr Jackson elected Auditors to the Compauy. A letter from Messrs Tapling and Watson, received by tho last English mail, was then read. It wa3 m reply to one sent by the Company suggesting certain alterations m the internal fitting of the s.s. Timaru. In the concluding part of their letter, Messrs Tapling and Watson informed the Company that the vessel would be ready for launching about the end of August. Tins being all the business, the meeting adjourned, a vote of thanks to the Chairman being passed previous to doing so.

Proi-osed Woollex FACTonY.— A preliminary meeting of persons who are taking nn active interest m tho establishment of a woollen factory of sonic sort m Tiuiaru, was held mMr Stubbs' oflice on Monday, There were present— Messrs A. Orm3by (m the chair), Clapham, McKcnn, W. Jones, Stubbs, Bruce, Courtis, Hart, Wells, Morgan, JJbble, Bcckinghani, McCahon and Chapman. The meeting first discussed the merits of two schemes that havo been talked of, viz., the setting up of a small factory at a moderate cost to weave yarns to be imported from Home, and tho starting an independent, selfcoutninod factory to carry on all processes necessary to convert raw wool into tailors' nnd drapers' goods. Mr Clapham, it will be remembered, has advocated the former scheme, b\it he explained that he only approved of it a3 an alternative to nothing at all m the way of a factory, and as a nucleus of a future complete establishment. It was explained by Mr Clapham and by Mr Melvean, a person who is familiar with the woollon manufacture at Home, that while thero is still plenty of room m tho colony for factories turning out the same classes of goods as those already m existence, thero are classes of woollen goods largely consumed which are not produced m Xew Zealand at all, — technically called worsted goods — and ho advocated tho erection of machinery for the production of this article. This suggestion was favorably received. Mr W. Jones and Mr Clapham produced estimates of cost of plant m some detail, which Mr MeKoan, the only person present able to pass judgment upon them, considered wero near tho mark. The figures were discussed at length, the general conclusion being come to that about £GOOO m cosh would suflice to buy land, erect buildiugs and machinery, und run the factory for three months. That sum would only provide (unless the estimated cost of knd and buildings could be reduced) for a small factory to commence with, but of course caro would be taken to arrange premises and plant bo that extensions could be readily made. Tho estimate, also, provided for a steam engine of sufficient power to drive, nn extended factory. A resolution was passed affirming the desirability of forming n Company under tho name of " The Timaru Worsted Spinning and Manufacturing Company," with a nominal capital of £10,000 m :6l" shares. Two Committees were formed, tho ono to make enquiries regarding available sites and cost of buildings; tho other to prepare detailed estimates of the machinery required, with its probable cost; both Committees to report to n meeting to be held on the 14th August. It was pretty generally admitted that, m order to secure the support of the business people of the town, the sito must be within the Borough, or very near it. A good deal of time was spent m threshing straw, but the discussion must have had the effect of familiarising those present, who woro previously ignorant of the matter, with the probable requirements and chances of buccoss of such a factory as proposed.

Laroe Crayfisii. — Son.c remarkably fine crayfish were caught with a net by some fishermen near tho rocks at the back of the baths on Tuesday afternoon.

Hard Frost.— The frosts of the last tew nights have been the hardest of tho year. After an exceptionally mild and open season, indeed, we are (now getting colder weather, and longer stretches of it, than are usual m this district. The thermometer went down to 19ideg Fahrenheit on Sunday night, showing 12Jdet; of frost, and was nearly as low on Saturday night. Many garden plants which had previously stood out well all through tho winter, havo succumbed under this severe

The Diamond Fields. — Preparations are already being made for the influx of population to tho Alford Forest diamond fields. We hear that Messieurs Lewi3 and Thompson, surveyors, of Timaru, left here on Monday for the scene of action, being employed by a runholder m the neighborhood of Mr Jacobsen's discovery, to lay out a township. The diamond fever has not actually broken out at Timaru yet, but premonitory symptoms of all alarming character, are distinctly visible.

Wixtee Phesomesa.— During the last week or so, the weather being clear and frosty, some line mirages have been visible from Timaru, especially to the northward. They have been of the particular kind known as " looming," in -which the objects seen appear elevated above their true position. On Sunday morning a long stretch of the Ninety Mile Beach thus loomed up, the break m the cliff at the mouth of the Bangitata being clearly discernible, while the similar gap m the higher cliff at the mouth of the Ashburton was doubtfully made out, and the summits of Bank's Peninsula were to be seen over tho sea as blue-grey hillocks. It was a truly beautiful spectacle while it lasted.

The Timabu MrsECM. — Mr Moss Jonas, one of the Committee appointed to receive articles for the Timaru Museum, desires to acknowledge receipts from Mr M. Salek, Mif s Salelc, Mr McKenzie, Mr F. Williams, Miss S. Jonas, Mr Fraser, Mr Davidson, Mr E. H. Lough and several other gentlemen who did not give m their names. Amongst the curiosities m Mr Jonas' hand 3 are a kiwi, a morepork, a penguin, a native hawk, a double-headed chicken, a swordfish, several samples of marble from Kakahu, a collection of ancient and foreign coins, besides a number of other articles. We ore pleased to see so many articles coming forward, and we hope Tery shortly to see the wholo of the collection of the Committee on view together where the public can see them. We have to acknowledge the receipt, ourselves, of a young octopus, from Mr W. J. Tennent.

Gold and Diamonds.— A telegram states that a report has reached Cbristchurch that gold-bearing quartz has been found m tha Hakaia Gorge. Such a discovery "would seem necessary to explain the presence -of gold at the mouth of the river. The news received regarding the diamonds sent Home has caused great excitement, and the alleged quartz reef being m the near neighborhood will add to it if the report receives confirmation. A largo number of applications for diamond-prospecting licenses have been taken out. We are informed that several owners of freeholds m the neighborhood of the " diamond field " are about cutting up their sections into townships. Most of the "field" is a snow-field at present, and ice crystals are just now plentiful whether carbon crystals are there or not.

Waimate District School. — The monthly meeting of the Committee of this school was held on Monday evening last. The members present were the Eev. J. McKee (Chairman), G. Manchester, S. W. Goldsmith and G. Bannister. The minutes of the last monthly and the last special meeting were confirmed. The Master reported that fourteen pupils had availed themselves of tho High School course lately commenced, the pupils taking not less than three of the prescribed subjects each. The amount of quarterly fees received from pupils was £6, which was paid m to the Committee's credit. Six pupils were still m arrears m regard to payment of fees. The master was directed to collect the unpaid fees, as payment m advance was required. The incidental allowance for the current quarter, £18 3s Id, was received from the Board. The Board forwarded a five gallon vessel of ink for the school, but declined receiving five empty ink jars which the Master had sent to it. The Master said the Secretary to the Board had told him 2s 6d each for empty jar returned would be allowed. The letters on the matter were handed to tho Master, witli a request that he would euquire further into the matter, and inform the Committee. The Chairman said the business arising out of the hist special meeting as to the increase of salaries of the fourth and fifth teachers would now be considered. He believed he only expressed the unanimous feeling of the Committee when saying Miss Grant deserved great credit for the manner m which she had tilled her position as fourth teacher and passed her last examination. He thought it would be advisable to recommend the increase of her salary by at least £10 a year, especially as she now took the place of Infant Mistress, lately occupied by Mrs Martin. He also thought the fifth teacher's salary ought to bo increased. TheincomearisingfromHigh School fees woidd enable the Board to do this, and also allow an increase to the Head Master. The Head Master, who was present, on being referred to, said the fourth and fifth teachere quite deserved the encomium passed on them by the Chairman, but he, tho Master, feared this increase of salary to some members of the staff, without any corresponding increase to other members, who deserved equally well for their services, might cause jealousy. The Chairman said he considered the Head Master and fourth and fifth teachers were those principally affected by the institution of High School education. On the motion of Mr Manchester it was resolved — " That tho consideration of the distribution of High School fees be deferred to next quarter." A letter wa3 received from Mr Phillips, contractor of the new school buildings, advising that his engagement as contractor terminated on the 31st of May, that was, one month after the completion of tho building ; and that ho was not responsible for any alterations or repairs requiring to bo done after the end of May last. Ho would, therefore, ask the Committee for payment of 12s for repairs to doors, etc. Tho thanks of the Committee, on tho motion of Mr Bannister, were tendered to Mr Goldsmith for his action m securing a bell for tho school. Accounts for firewood, etc., amounting to £12 3s 6d, were passed for payment. It was resolved to ask the Board for payment of 12s for repairs to doors, and 393 for the ICaimate Times' account for adr vertising the establishment of the District High School, these accounts not being considered to come within the proper incidental expenses of tho school. The Secretary was instructed to apply to tho Board for the sum voted for supplying a bell to tho school, the bell having been lately obtained and hung m the school tower. Messrs G. Manchester and F. Smith were appointed Visitors for this mouth.

Can-aiiy, Pigeox axd Poultry AssociaTiox.— The Committee of the South Canterburr Canary, Pigeon nnd Poultry Association whs hold at'the Criterion Hotel last Tuesday! Mr J. Bull presiding. There were also present, Messrs Verdon, Maher, Newton, Bower, Dow, Yclland, Coup, Collins, Warrington and Merson (lion. Secretary). The Secretary reported that the canary cages being made by Mr Mcßao were m a forward state, and would be found satisfactory ; also that he had obtained promises of a number of special prizes from various well-wishes of the Association. Some conversation took place regarding the distribution of gifts m connection with the show, which it was decided some time ago to iutroduco this year as nn additional attraction. The gifts will bo given by members, and will consist chiefly of birds, song birds and others, together with a variety of other articles. This feature is usually added at bird shows m Christchurch, and was part of the programme at the Ashburton show last week. A good list of gifts has already been obtained. It was decided that the Association would supply pigeon cases for the show as well as canary eage3 and fowl pens. The following judges were appointed. For canaries : Mossrs Wadsworth, Adamson and D. M. Boss ; for poultry : Messrs Cookson and Todd ; for pigeons : Mr Mcrson, with power to choo3O a coadjutor. Tho show is to be held m Messrs Wilkin and Co.'s rooms, on the 17th and 18th inst., and entries close next Saturday evening.