The Waipawa Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1879.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 2, Issue 134, 24 December 1879, Page 2

The Waipawa Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1879.

Another year has come and wellnigh gone, and we have now reached that season of joy and gladness which speaks of “ peace on earth and goodwill to men.” The past has been a most eventful year. To many it has been prolific of trouble and vicissitude. Not a few who began the year in comfort and affluence, have met with unforeseen disasters, which have stripped them of the savings and investments of a lifetime; and at a period when it is doubly trying and difflcult to have to begin life afresh, reduced them to a state of dependence and poverty. The pressure has been wide-spread and general, and keenly felt by all ranks and classes. At home and abroad trade has been depressed, and almost every industry in a state of stagnation. The commercial world, in particular, has been generally paralysed, and public credit and confidence undermined and shaken. The events which led to and the effects which followed the disastrous stoppage of the City of Glasgow' Bank, have made their influence widely and severely felt, and produced a general feeling of public suspicion and mistrust. This appalling disaster, whilst absolutely ruinous to the unfortunate shareholders, has more or less affected and disturbed the commercial word at large. The other failures of a kindred nature which, one after another, follow'cd this event, whilst in themselves partial and limited, and greatly overshadowed by the great Scottish disaster, helped to swell the tide of misfortune, and in no small measure added to the general distress. Alongside of the commercial misfortunes which have sw'ept over our land, the mother country has suffered severely from a general depression of her various industries. In mining, manufactures, and agriculture, there have been stagnation and distress. In the large towns and other populous centres, tens of thousands, able and willing to work, could find nothing to do, and for their own and family’s subsistence, were dependent upon charity. Many had a hard struggle to live, and with difficulty was famine kept at bay. To add to her other misfortunes, the mother country has during the year had two disastrous and inglorious wars on hand. The Zulu war, for the present concluded, and the Afghan campaign, still uncompleted, have entailed a lavish expenditure of treasure, and great sacrifice of life. Both may have been unavoidable, but certain it is, that, that, so far, they have been barren of everything but disaster, and anything but calculated to add lustre to the British arms, or secure respect for the British name. And the last bitter drop in the cup given England to drink is the ruin which presently threatens her agricultural interests. For the last two or three years th# seasons have been backward and. unproductive, and as a consequence, farmers have been reduced to severe straits. But the season just past has beendhe moat unfavorable of all, and the agricultural distress is now widespread and general. So far as the mother country is concerned, the past year, as a whole, has been the worst experienced for the last half-century, and will long be remembered as a redletter year in her annals. With every industry and interest disorganised and d pressed at home, we could not fail to experience the effects abroad. The relations which exist between the mother country and her colonial dependencies are far too close and intimate to be otherwise. Our suppliee and product® ar© bo largely

drawn from and consumed by the mother country, that we could not possibly pass scatheless through a crisis which has made itself so widely and bitterly felt. Nor have we done so. Over the whole of New Zealand and the other Australasian eolonies there have been stagnation and depression, and all their usual accompaniments. The decline in the demand for and prices of wool, our chief product, has led to a tightness in money, and a corresponding scarcity of employment. Perhaps we have little cause to complain, and certainly Hawke’s Bay has so far felt the depression to as small an extent as any other part of New Zealand, with the exception of Auckland ; and with a new loan guaranteed, the prospects of a productive harvest, and other symptoms which clearly indicate that trade is reviving and the worst over, we may hope soon to see a return of our old prosperity. We w'ould, however, do well to remember that there is “nothing new under the sun,” and that what has once happened may happen again. The severe times through which our country has been passing are unmistakably the fruits of our own folly, and plainly teach us a lesson we w'ould do well to lay to heart. The evils experienced have resulted from two causes. For years back the great desire has been to amass wealth, and this led to the adoption of every means, legitimate or otherwise, calculated to secure this end. Banks became large gambling concerns, and business a game of chance. Whilst the legitimate trader was hardly recognised, tho speculator was encouraged, supported, and petted. And to this departure from legitimate trading we largely owe the crisis through which we are just passing. Speculation led to the downfall of the City of Glasgow and West of England Banks, and the Bank of Cornwall, and speculation in land has been largely the cause of tho present state of things. As a nation, we have been guilty of gross improvidence and reckless extravagance. Our thoughtless .and intemperate habits have prevented, in many cases, any provision being made for a rainy day, and when the evil is at the door, there is no alternative but suffer for our folly and neglect. It is to be hoped that tho severe lesson wo have received will be attended with salutary effects, ami put ail arrest upon the material and speculative spirit of our age, and teach all classes the necessity of prudence and economy. But if not, darker and deeper depths are yet before us. For certain it is, that as we now sow, so shall we reap in the future. But sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. There is no use in creating imaginary spectres for tho special luxury of terrifying ourselves and others. Any such pastime would, at the present, be highly reprehensible. We certainly hope that the times may soon be far more prosperous than they now are. But dull times, notwithstanding, we trust the present may be a season of joy and rejoicing to all, and that no family amongst us shall want their usual Christmas holiday and repast. To conclude, we w'ish all our readers “ A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” and sincerely trust that they and theirs may be spared to see and enjoy many returns of this auspicious season.

To-morrow' being Christmas Hay, Divine service, will be held by the Rev. J, C. Eccles, in St. Peter’s church, at 11 a.m On Sunday next, there will be Church of England service at Waipawa at 11 a.m., Kaikora at 3 p.m., and at Te Ante at 7 p.m. Hi vine Service. —The Rev. J. U. Spence will preach at .Hampden on Sunday nevt at 11 a.m., at Onga Onga at 3 p.m., and at Waipawa at 7 p.m. We regret to hear that rust lias shown itself unmistakeably among the crops at Patangata What promised to be a fine crop, the property of Mr James Collins, has been destroyed by it.

A correspondent from Porangahau sends us an account of an inquest, held before J. D. Canning, Esq., on the body of Frank Boyle, who was drowned near Blackhead, a short time ago. A verdict of “ accidental death” was returned. Masonic. —The meeting of the Abercorn Lodge of Freemasons, E.C., held at the lodge room, Waipawa, on Monday evening, was of a more interesting character than usual. In addition to the ordinary business, the installation cf tho W.M. and officers for the ensuing year took place. Bro. Dr. DeLisle, P.M., ably assisted by Bro. Wundrum, P.M., and Bro. Kerruish, 1.P.M., in a very impressive manner, conducted the installation ceremony. The following were installed officers for the year :—Bro. J. Chicken, W.M.; Bro. J. Westmoreland, S.W.; Bro. A. St. C. Inglis, J.W.; Bro. Rev. J. Spence, Chaplain ; Bro. D. Guy, Secretary ; Bro. L. Bickerton, S.D.; Bro. B. B. Johnson, J.D.; Bro. W. Goldsmith, 1.G.; and Bro. C. Grenside, Tyler. In the course of the evening, Bro. DeLisle alluded to the Masonic church service, in aid of the funds of the Hospital, to be held at Napier on Sunday morning next, and requested as many brethren as possible to be present and give their mite towards so deserving a charity. After the usual toasts and sentiments, tho brethren dispersed at an early hour.

By late Melbourne papers to hand, we have intelligence of some very “ tall cricket,” nothing approaching it having ever been recorded south of the Equator. A Tasmanian team was sent over from the “ tight little island ” to do battle against the East Melbourne cricketers, but had to go back again without even obtaining an innings. The total scored by the East Melbourne Eleven was 742, out of which 250 has to be placed to the credit of Horan, who carried out his bat. This splendid batsman was ooe of the Australian team sent to England.

By our advertising columns, it will be seen that a meeting of the ratepayers of the North Ruataniwha Road Board District is called to consider the desirability or otherwise of merging the Road District into the County. The meeting will be looked forward to with gr at interest as a practical test of the resolution of the Council declaring all roads in the County County Roads. Waiptkurau Town Hall Co. (Limited). —A general meeting of the above was held yesterday forenoon, at 11 o’clock, in the Company’s registered offices, Waipukurau, Mr W. Finlay Wilson occupying the chair. A resolution was proposed by Mr H. Wilding, seconded by Mr Winlove, to the effect that the remaining 315 unallotted shares field by the company should be issued to existing shareholders, or to parties not at present shareholders, should the existing holders not feel disposed to purchase, at the rate of 10s per share, pro rata. This motion was adopted y the meeting, and instructions given to the secretary to communicate same to the shareholders, also to dispose of the unallotted shares as s >on as practicable. Mr Gow proposed, and Mr W. C. Smith seconded, that Mr W. F. Wilson be appointed secretary to the company, in tiie place of Mr Wilding, who tendered his resignation, and that Mr 11. Wilding, be appointed a director in the room of Mr J. L. Sterry, who also wished to resign office. The meeting agreed to accept these resignations, and duly confirmed the new appointments, as above. The remaining business was unimportant.

The case, Price v. Renata Kawepo, for malicious prosecution, is concluded at the Supreme Court, Napier. The jury have given a verdict for the plaintiff (Brice) of one shilling, each party to pay his own costs.

The winning numbers in Mr J. L. Sterry’s art union appear iu another place. It will bo seen by our advertising columns that there are some alterations made in the programme for the Kopua sports, on New Year’s Day. Prizes for throwing the light hammer have been added.

There is no lack of amusements advertised for the holidays. Cricket matches, athletic sports, and race meetings all hold out their ditferent attractions. On Boxing Day, tiie Waipawa Athletic Club hold their annual sports, and the Waipawa County Cricket Club play the Port Ahuriri Club at Waipukurau. On Saturday, 27th inst., tiiere will be another cricket match at Waipukurau. The Onga Onga races are announced for Monday, the 29th. On New Year’s Day, the Kopua Sports, and the Takapau races take place. On the same day, the Hawke’s Bay and the Waipawa County Cricket Clubs play the return match at Hastings.

Correction. —Mr Robert Scott, painter, &c., at Waipukurau, carries on business in a house next door to Mr Jolly’s bakery, and not on the premises recently occupied by Mr Nash, as stated in a recent issue.

Tiie following is the first oration made by the lion. John Martin to the “ Lords.” It does not impress one as being the speech of an orator :— u Well, sir, I consider this a very bail Bill. In the first place, it will prevent capital coming into New Zealand, and in the second place, the taxes that are wanted from the country could be got from tea, sugar, and beer, and would not have cost more than .£25 or £3O a year to collect neither. Therefore I shall vote against the Bill.”

In a Eangitikei paper to hand, we notice Sir W. Fox announces that he will deliver a leciuro on “ Tilings in general.” We once knew a young man, who, being asked to give a lecture in aid of the funds of a certain church, chose “ Nature” as his subject. Wo understand the subject was necessarily treated somewhat discursively. Lawn-tennis is tho ugliest and silliest game ever invented. It obliges women to run, and hence there are moments w r h *n the prettiest girl engaged in this imbecile game becomes a fright. Men who play lawn-tennis should when they are tired of it, ait down and hem handkerchiefs or darn socks. To sco an able-bodied man, witli hair upon his face, playing this game is one of the most humiliating spectacles that can be imagined. The Athenzeum learns that Miss Colenso, a daughter of tho Bishop of Natal, is engaged in writing a history of the Zulu war.

Alarum Compass.—The Electrician states that Mr 11. A. Severn’s mariner’s compass causes an electric bell to be rung whenever the vessel is off her course. The captain of the ship sets the index hands to a certain angle, allowing the steersman a given latitude for deviation either to port or starboard. Should the ship be steered off her course beyond the limit allowed on either side an electric alarm bell rings, and continues ringing until the right course is resumed. Mr Severn will be remembered by many as having visited Napier about two years and a half ago, when he delivered a course of scientific lectures, which were greatly appreciated. Messrs Menztes and Co., of E linburgh (says the European Mail), havo just published a pamphlet on the financial condition of New Zealand, in which Mr Fleming, late selecting agent for Her Majesty’s Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners at Dundee, denounces the financial condition of a colony which, he says, has been borrowing so freely during the past 15 years, that there is now due to bondholders about £50,000,000. (?). Notwithstanding this fact, Mr Fleming predicts that it will shortly be in the market for another £5,000,000; and he wishes t* caution intending emigrants against being “decoyed aw ly to New Zealand by one-sided and misleading statements, and entrapped into the purchase of land at ruinously high prices.” It is a pity that a man who professes to know all about New Zealand should put forward such nonsense.

The excess of the exports over the imports, which for the past three ycais has been the most remarkable feature of the United States’ foreign trade, still continues. The imports for the fiscal year—which ends with Juno—amounted to £92,000.000 sterling, the exports to £149,000,000. The excess of the exports was consequently £57,000*000^

The Revue Medicale says that Hr. Greliet, of yichy, states that he Ui never failed in relieving hiccough, i.e., not dependent upon any appreciable morbid condition, by administering a lump of sugar soaked with vinegar. The largest bridge in Europe will be completed next year. It will cross the Volga in the Government of Samaria, Russia on the Siberian railroad line. The Volgn, i t the point of the bridge, is about tour miles wide in the Spring season, and in the autumn 4,892 feet. The bridge will be supported by twelve piers, eightyfive feet high, with ioe-entters 85 feet high, at a distance of every 3G4 feet. The ice-cutters are covered with granite. A temporary solony i£ established for the working-men employed on the bridge ; it occupies about 5G acres, and has GO different buildings insured at 180,000 roubles Two thousand men are employed, and among them are 100 Dalian masons. Three steamers and seventy barges are used constantly for forwarding wood, stone, and other materials. The bridge will cost about three-quarters of a million.

A story is told of a crafty American skipper who escaped the clutches of a hostile cruiser by hoisting the yellow’flag, and exhibiting one of his crew over the bulwarks siitehed up in a hummock, as if about to be flung into the sea. As his vessel was lying off a port w'heie the yellow fever was then raging, the privateer took the alarm and sheered off. Even this (says the New York Times) was exceeded by tho episode of the Egyptian was of 1839-40, when Admiral Napier’s squadron was cruising in the Levant. The look-out man of an English frigate one morning saw’ an Arab in the water, seemingly in danger of drowning. A boat was lowered and the swimmer picked up, but heilied shortly after being brought on board, with all symptoms of the plague, and was quickly followed by the captain and a fourth of the crew. It was afterwards found that this desperate fanatic, finding himself death-stricken, had deliberately swam off to tho ship with the intention of carrying tho infoctiou among his enemies.