Untitled

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3603, 17 April 1886, Page 2

It may be stated without fear of contradiction that no dependency of the British Empire m the Australasian coioiiies possesses the same advantages as New Zealand does for agricultural pursuits. The.soil m many parts of the colony is both fertile and prolific, and the temperature of the climate is propitious. " .The ; colony is free -;trom those disastrous droughts which frequently thwart the efforts of the best farmers m any of the five colonies of Australia, whose wheat and oats have often to be cut down for hay ere

the crops ripen, owing to then- being attacked, by rust and other cereal diseases. The Hon. D. P. Vander-Byl, a member of the Legislative ; Council of the Cape rof Good Hope, arid one of the; oldest and lm-gest farmers iiftbat colony, who had recently visited .^A-uS* traiia and New Zealand, for 'the "express purpose of familiarising himßelf with agricultural operations m the antipodean dependencies, publicly declared m Auckland, prior to his embarkation for America, where he is now sojourning, that Hew Zealand was infinitely better adapted for the production of grain and root crops than any of the neighbouring colonies. He, moreover, Btated that he found greater skill and agricultural prosperity m Canterbury and Otago than anywhere else m either the South or North Islands. The testimony of this experienced gentleman is valuable, and it is a matter of congratulation to our farmers that he spoke so favourably of their system of cultivation. Such testimony Bhould inspire them to further progress m that direction, with a view to attain the highest possible eminence as tillers of the soil. Mr Vander-Byl suggested that an agricultural college should be established m the colony, similar to the kindred' institution at Glasnevin, near Dublin, where young men destined for an agricultural life would acquire useful knowledge of ploughing, rotation of crops, manuring; draining, irrigation, &c. Unskilful farming has ruined many, and it is a fallacy to suppose that without some agricultural training a farmer can succeed as could be wished. The agricultural statistics recently published by the Government disclose the pleasurable fact that during the past year there has been an increase of many holdings on the lands of the colony, the occupiers thereof being freeholders or leaseholders. Most of these are small farmers who may be regarded as permanent settlers bent upon setting energetically to -work as producers of the soil. The statistical returns state that the depressed condition of the grain market has had a baneful influence upon colonial affairs, and so it has also on the work of production, as will be seen from the following table, which shows the areas under crop with cereals from 1883 to 1886: — 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886. . Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Wheat ... 31,778 23,777 18,533 14,161 Oats ... 21,820 14,490 17,937 17,098 Barley ... 1,763 2,631 2,619 2,618 Totals ... 65,361 40,898 39.089 83,877 From these fignres it will be seen that the deorease m tho area placed under crops during the above period extends to 21,877 acres, or 38 per cent. This decrease has been principally caused by the establishment and growth of the frozen meat trade, the rearing of cattle and Bheep being found to be more profitable than grain growing, especially as the price of the latter commodity has considerably fallen, and is now lower than it has ever been. The estimated yields during the past three years were as follows : — 1884. 1885. 1886. . Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Wheat ... 697,694 665,212 391,267 Oat« ... 646,025 739,933 492,926 Barley ... 77,261 84,996 47,150 Totals ... 1,820,980 1,390,147 931,338 Here the decreased production of cereals amount to 458,814 bushels, of which wheat forms 173,955 bushels, oats 247,013, barley 37,846. This diminished production is not due to decreased cultivation, as will be seen by a comparison of the estimated yield per acre. The following table shows the average yields per acre of the three classes of cereals for the different years : — 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886. Bushels. Bushcli. Bushels. Bushels. Wheat ... 311 29i 80* 27* Ooti ... 39J 37f 41J 28J Barley ... 32* 291 32* 20* This table proves that a serious loss to grain growers has been sustained through drought. In the district . of Oamaru, the loss may be estimated at between £30,000 and £35,000 m cereals. When this loss, coupled with the falling off m prices of every description, of produce exported from the colony is considered, no wonder need be entertained that times are bad, and almost every branch of industry depressed. Let us, however, hope that a reaction will set m, and that the country, with its multifarious resources, will recover itself at no distant day. There was a clean shoot nt the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning. Tho cheap fares for the excursion to Oamaru by rail are published m our advertising columns this morning. Wo have to acknowledge receipt of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Journal for the month of April. II contains sonio very interesting ■ articles on forming matters generally. The County Council works on the Upper Waihao are m train. Most of the " unemployed tenders" have been signed, and; m a few days it is expected that the works will be well m hand. The contracts will give employment to some forty or fifty men. A Gororument parade of the Timarn Naval Artillery, O* Battery NiZ.A., and Timaru Hilloa will be held on the 21st lost, at 7.30 p.m., m review order, on their private parade grounds. Each detachment will then proceed to the school ground for inspection. Mr Bolton, late clerk to the Tomuka Boad Board, and Mr Dyson, clerk to the Temuka Town and. Boad Boards, had the books of the two Boards audited m Timaru on Thursday by Mr J. Ollivier, District Auditor. The books were found to bo quite correct. Notwithstanding the many complaints of dullness of trade m Weimate, it is pleasant to know that only nine persons m the borough are m receipt of "charitable aid." Of the nine, eight are women, and the majority of the eight, widows. Only one man, too old and, decrepid to work, receives assi»tance,' In another column we publish particulars of a bazaar and gift auction held m the Volunteer ITall, Temuka, yesterday afternoon and evening,' m - aid of the funds of the Temuka Presbyterian Churoh. The bazaar was altogether very- successful, and was largely attended,. ■ ■ Yesterday's Lyllelton Times states it is anticipated that about 600 of the North Canterbury . volunteers will - proceed to Oamaru to take part m the Easter encampment. Those who take part m the encampment will liavo to be away from town from Thursday night to Monday night, and during that time, will hare an opportunity of : learning a good deal about the practical work which' they might have to do m case of n*ed. . i

On making enquiries 'yesterday after the litUe girl Oowley who was so severely burnt '.and would have no doubt been very seriously 'injured but for a woman's presence of mind m I wrapping j a blanket round the child, we hear that she' is progressing favourably under thVcircumstances. - '.yAt a special . meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday, a resolution was carried offering the Timaru Harbour Board a half share m the dredge for £8000, subject to an arrangement as to terms of partnership being drawn up by Committees of both Harbour Boards. The weather of late has been favorable to Mesirs Palliser and Jones for the laying of blooks at the breakwater, and a sufficient number having been put down, the work of filling m another monolith will be proceeded with to-day. Should the weather continue fine, the work will probably bo finished late to-night. o Football was commenced at Waimate on Thursday afternoon for the first time, a scratch match being got up amongst the players. Several of the members shape fairly well for young hands, and with a litt'e well directed and energetic practice, the Waimate club should m time render a good account of themselves. A , special meeting of the Levels Road Board is to be held at their offices to-day to consider important matters m relation to the West Town Belt. His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Jnckson) and Councillor J. H. Sutter are to attend on behalf of the Borough Council. The meeting takes place at 12.30 p.m. We remind horso owners that acceptances for tho Woodbury Boeing Club's Easter meeting must Teach the hands of the hon. secretary (Mr Dean) this evening. We learn that the Committee of the Club have chosen an excellent course m close proximity to the township, and that given fine weather this popular country meeting Bhould be very successful. Owing to the fact that the Union Company's splendid and favorite s.s. Wakatipu was at the main wharf yesterday things wore a much busier appearance than usual. The Railway Department smartly accomplished the loading of her, three hatches being vigorously worked all the afternoon. As on former visits here, the Wakatipu was inspected by many people who were much pleased with her splendid cabin appointments, etc. Aft on the vessel were standing many horses and cattle, which seemed but little scared by their — for the time being — novel surroundings. Mr A. H. Boss addressed his constituents at Mornington on Thursday evening, the Mayor of that town being m the chair. He expressed himself as favourable to the West Coast and Otago Central railways, especially the latter, which would open a large tract of land fit for settlers. A number of questions were put to him, and m replying he said that his vote saved the present Government. He would cordially support Mr Stout if he came up singlehanded and had full liberty to choose his own Ministry. The meeting terminated without any vote being passed. There was hooting and howling at the close of the proceedings. A match by the S.C. Football Club will be played on the grounds at Waimatoitai today. Sides will be chosen by the Secretary and Treasurer, and we hope to see a good 'muster of members. The - following will represent the different sides: — Secretary: Backs— H. McLean, Cotter, Vallange, Hobbs, Mullins, TobbwUl ; Forwards— Chapman, Watkins, Hughes, Digby, Tate, Eowe, Clarke, D. MoLcan, Mackay, Scanlan, Hawkes, E. LeCren. Treasurer: Backs — Mills, Macintosh, G. Wood, Fish, Stubbs, Haggett and Laurenson ; Forwards — Gooch, Campbell, Birrell, Chieholm, Futsell, Malcolmson, Haigh, Webb, Lough, Black, Gabiles, and Smith. The ocoulation of {Jupiter and satellites took place last night, and as the weather was fine was fairly visiblo hero. As the moon rose early m the evening those on . the look out daw Jupiter to groat advantage, and watched the planet get nearer and nearer to tho moon. At eleven o'clock^ bank of white, light, fleecy clouds rose from the northward, and a feeling of disappointment came over observers. The feeling was only transient, however, for Jupiter could bo still plainly seen. At 11.40 tho planet, which had been all tho time getting closer to the eastern limb of tbo moon, disappeared, this being plainly noticeable by means of a good fieldglass. Jupiter re-apeared about 12-31, but owing to dense clouds passing ovor the moon, the planet's re-appearance was not visible. For the benefit of the uninitiated, it may be stated, an occulalion happens when the moon passes before and hides from the spectator tho planet. The usual weekly meeting of the 1.0. G.T. Lifeboat Lodge was held last evening, Bro. Anthony Mills presiding. After lodge business tho following resolutions were passed : — "That this lodge desires to record on its minutes its sympathy for the widows and orphans who have lost their relatives and friends m the lato lamentable wreck of tho s.s. Taiaroa at the mouth of the Clarence river " 5 " That the Secretary write to the Bey. Mr Foster, on behalf of the Lodge, thanking him for his earnest .and faithful address on temperance last Sabbath evening at the Congregational Church " ; " Thnt the Secretary write to the Secretary of the temperance alliance at Wellington enquiring what arrangementa can best be xnado' for Air Glover, the temperance lecturer, to visit Timaru." Owing to next Friday being Good Friday, thore' will be no meeting for a fortnight. The Lodge closed at 9.30 p.m. The following particulars of the now ill-fated Taiaroa's first trip should at the present time bo read with great interest : — The Taiaroa left Glasgow oh September 18th, 1875 ; put into Hobart on December 3rd to coal. On the evening of November 3rd, two days after leaving Capetown, Captain Robert Gilphin, who had been engaged m England to bring her out, died while dining with his brother officers. The command then devolved on Ohief Officer Joanness Spiegelthar. Early on the morning of December 10th she stranded on the Old Man Bocks, a quarter of a mile to the N.W. of Dog Island, the accident resulting from want of knowledge of this coast on the part of Captain Spiegelthar. With tho assistance of the s.s. Express she was towed off the same day without much damage, and arrived at Port Chalmers on the 14th, being docked on tho 17th. She cam* out to the order of the Albion Snipping Company. For a time she traded between Port Chalmers and Timaru under the agency of: Mr Keith Ramsay, and commanded by Captain James Stewart ; . and early m 1876 was purchased by - the Union Steam Ship Company and kept m the same trade under the command of Captain Petersen. Since then' she had been mostly engaged m the coastal trade, but made one voyage to Fiji.

We publish m another column this morning bhe nominations for tho Ashburton Boeing Club's Autumn meeting. From tho comparative table published at the end of the List it will be seen that m some of the races the entries are double m number those of the 1885 meeting. If the increase m numbers is any criterion Bport should be firet-olass at the coming meeting. A requisition was being taken round Temuka yesterday. It was for the purpose of asking tho chairman of the Town Board, Temuka, to proclaim next Saturday a public holiday, so that the Temuka Eifles may hare a holiday from the eve of Good Friday to the following Tuesday, to go to Oamaru to the encampment. A public holiday haß been proclaimed at Geraldine for a similar purpose. ' ' - . " This month's Canterbury Farmers 1 Co> operative Journal contains a well written article on the establishment of a New Zealand Farmers' League on the lines proposed by Mr' lieeemith m his recent address to the farmers of South Canterbury, which address was printed verbatim m our columns some days ago. The writer states that such t, league would without doubt be productive of much benefit to the agricultural interest throughout the colony, but would caution its promoters not to bo over-sanguine m their anticipations as to the success of the project. The attention of lovers of the leash is called to an advertisement m another column vrHere it. is announced that the South Canter-; bury Coursing Club will hold their 'opening meeting on the 21st instant. Two stakes are to be run for ; one for " all ages," at two guineas each, and one for puppies at £1 10s each. Nominations must reach Mr Robs (hon. sec.) on Monday next, and the draw is to take place at Mr Wederell's on the 20th. The trysting place is the far-famed Pareora estate, and should the fates be propitious, we look to see a large number of people at the meeting. The annual ram and ewe fair m connection with the Temuka and Geraldine Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held m the old yards at Winchester on Thursday afternoon. There were yarded 176 rama of various breeds, and about 600 ewes and other sheep. Two pens of Lincoln ram lambs were much ad* mired. They were owned by Mr T. Palmer and Mr O. P. McCallum, and were perfect little gems to look at. - There was a fair at* tendance of buyers, residents of the district, but very few of them seemed disposed to treat for the various lots by auction. A large proportion of the entries changed hands privately and at fairly satisfactory prices. Messrs D. Maclean, J. Mundell and K. V. Gray were the auctioneers m attendance. Mr J. Angland, of the Star Hotel, Temuka, had a licensed booth on the grounds, and during the afternoon did a fair amount of business. A meeting of the committee of the Fairlie Creek Library was held on the evening of the 14th inst. Present— Mr J. B. ' Goodwin (chairman), and Messrs T. Caskey, B. Kiddle, and F. B. Gillingham. The minutes of last meeting being read and confirmed the balancesheet for the year ended March 31st was read, showing a credit balance of £21 4a 5<3, which was considered very satisfactory. The balance-sheet was unanimously adopted. The new library and reading-room being finished it was resolved that Mr Eiddle be authorised to provide table, chairs, blinds, &c, also that a public meeting be held on Tuesday, the 27th mat., to' elect a Managing Committee for the ensuing year, the meeting to take place immediately after the annual election of the School Committee. It was also resolved that the purchase of new' books for the library ba deferred till after the election of the new com* mittee. A memo was received from the Secretary of Education stating that the sum of £8 7s7d had been paid into the Bank to the credit of the Committee. The meeting then terminated with the usual compliment to the chairman. . : . .' : <■ '•' ' On account ..of the Easter holidays theshopa m Timaru will be open on Thursday afternoon next, the 22nd inst., instead of being closed at 1 o'olock as usual on Thursday. — [AdVt.3 A Wagga telegram m the Melbourne Argut states that on the Ist inst.: Henry Neville was sentenced to be hanged for the •murder of Mary O'Brien, a girl twelve years of ago, at Narandera m September last. Mr Justice Faucett said that it was one, of the most coldblooded murders that had came under his notice. The prisoner, according to his confession at the police station, had enticed the girl away for improper purposes, and then for some reason — probably the screams of tho girl— coolly, oalmly, and deliberately drowned her m a waterhole, placed a' ( heavy stone (which was produced m court, and weighed nearly 501 b) on her/jand then walked away as if nothing had happened. The statements of the prisoner at the sheep-station had further convinced him (the jndge) of the guilt ot the prisoner. After sentence had been passed, the prisoner, who is a man about fifty years of age and of small Btature, appeared not to be concerned. The jury added a rider to their verdict that at the time the acfc was committed tho prisoner's mind was deranged. The Judge held out no hope, but promised to forward the jury's remarks to the Government. Highway Bobbery Almost,' to sell the poisonous, drunken, purging stuff as medicine to honest men, innocent women, and harmless children to weaken and destroy their systems and health, when pure harmless Hop Bitters can be had that cures always and continually at a trifling cost. Aak drnggiats or physicians. Bead [ ADYT.J " You Don't Know Their Value."— " They cured me of billiousness and kidney complaint, as recommended. I had a half bottle left, which I used for my two little girls, who the doctors and neighbours said could not be cured. I am confident I should have lost both of them one night if I 'had not had the American Co.'s Hop Bitters m my house to use. That is why I say you do not know half the value of American flop Bitters) and do not recommend them highly enough." See [Abvt.] Ambbioak Co's Hop Bitxebs are th« Purest and Best Bitters ever made. They are compounded from Hops, Malt, Buchu, Mandrake, and Dandelion,— -the oldest, best, and most valuable medicines m tho world and contain all the best) and most curative properties of all other remedies, being tho greatest Blood Purifier, .Liter Regulator, and Life and Health restorer on .earth. No disease or ill health can possibly long exist where they are used, so varied and perfect ire their operations. They give new life and rigor to the aged, and infirm. To all whose smployments cause irregularity of the bowels, jr urinary organs, or who require an Appetizer, Tonic, and mild Stimulant, American. Do.'s Hop Bitters are invaluable, being highly surative, tonic, and stimulating, without intoxicating. No matter what your feelings or symptoms are, what the disease or ailment is, ase Hop Bitten: Don't wait until - you are sick, but if yon only feel bad or miserable, ase Hop Bitters at once. It may save your life. Hundreds have been saved by so doing. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help. Do not suffer or let your friends suffer, but use and urge them to use American Hop Bitters. Remember, American Hop Bitters is no vile, drugged, drunken nostrum, but the purest and best medicine ever made. Try tho Bitters to-day. Get at Chemists or Druggists. Beware of imitations. Genuine has Dr Soule's name blown m bottle.— [Adyt.]

In consequence of the advanced price of flour, the Melbourne baking trade have raised the price of the 41b loaf of bread to 6d all round. Messrs Napier and Co., of Glasgow, have received orders to build for the Russian Government six engines of 100(V horse-power each. Another Clyde firm has received orders to build two torpedo rams. The following fine thought, which occurs m Cardinal Moran's last pastoral, is worthy of ; "wida publication': — "The world 'holds nothing more precious or more beautiful than the cultivated intellect of man, enlightened by faith ; and it is worthy of the Church that it should boldly vindicate the cause of Bcience m the same breath with that of religion iUelf." Dr O'Dooherty, M.P. for County Meath, after taking the oath m the House of Commons for the first time, took his seat beside James F. O'Brien, one of the members for Mayor. Several members of the House remarked that this was a remarkable historical picture, and contrasted it with the time when both were made felons for rebellion against the English authorities. Tho N.Z. Times referring to the halfpenny ciroular post system under the regulations printed m the Postal Guide for April, saysDelivery is restricted to the same Post Office at whioh the circulars are posted, including delivery from a branch office or by letter carrier. Circulars are defined to be communications intended for transmission m identical terms to several persons, the whole or greater part of which is produced by type, or other mechanical process. Tho last clause of "The Justices of Peace Aot, 1882, Amendment Act, 1885," contains a provision that m cose any Justice shall neglect to take his seat on the Bench on the day fixed by the rota, he shall be specially summoned to attend the next sitting of the court. The Hon Colonel Brett, no doubt for some very good reason, did not sit last Monday, for which day his name appears on the rota, and consequently he received an intimation to attend on Wednesday. He came, and was invited to take a seat on the Bench. This. he declined to do most emphatically, and made a most vigorous onslaught— in words — npon a Government which could sanction Buch an outrageous proceeding as summoning a Justice to attend a Court, and the Clerk to the- Bench, who had the presumption to be the executive officer m putting into force that. Government's pleasure. The gallant Colonel enforced his remarks by flourishing a thick Btiok, to the manifest detriment of somebody's hat on the table close by ; and having finished' the protest, left the Chamher. -,-LytteUbn Times. SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Mrs Fullarton— Has opened a registry office. Geo; Pearson — Cheap fruit. Mrs Pitts — Wanted Known. Mrs H. Smith— Wanted a servant girl. W.Bntterworth — Imponnded notice. Little Dust Pan— Wanted Volunteers to Secure camp equipments. Pleasant .Point Presbyterian Church — Bazaar and gift auction on the 26th inst. J. Hay, barrister and solicitor — Has commenoed praotioo m Mr W. Davidson's late offices. T. and J. Thomson, drapers, &o. — Special notice. ■ J. McClatohy, hairdresser — Has removed to Shepherd's Buildings. • B. Tnrnbnll and Son — Regular weekly anotion to-day. • • ■ • W. Collins and Co.— -Eeffulor weekly auotion to-day. ' Priest and Holdgate, ironmongers, eto. — Have ontlery, tools, fenoing wire and a large assortment of ironmongery, &c, for sale. " A. J. Qnoloh and Co., ironmongers — Are direct importers of British- and American hardware. Every requisite m the ironmongery can be obtained. Geraldine Connty County Council—Balancesheet for year ending Maroh 31at, 1886. , : St. Saviour's Church, Temuka — Tea and .Concert on the 30th inst. '"' South Canterbnry Conrsing. Clvb — Opening meeting on the 21st inst. W. Evans— Notifies that the B. a. Pelham will sail on the 20th inst.' N.Z. Bail ways — Cheap' excursion to Oamara on the 24th inst. . : lieut.-Col. Bailey— 'Notifies that there will be a Government parade on_ tha 21st inst. Ballantyne and Co.— Business notice.