LOCAL & GENERAL

Wairarapa Standard, Volume III, Issue 135, 19 August 1869, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL

Spread of Scab in East Waiuakapa. —ln our issue of Bth Jnly, we stated that iu some of the flocks iu Mr. Telford’s district lately pronounced clean, this disease had made i t appearance. Mr. Telford wrote to ua saying the report was incorrect, but our informalii n having been given on very good authority, wc could only imagine that Mr. Telford must have misunderstood the meaning of the paragraph in question. We therefore inquired of him the state of certain flocks, naming the owners individually. Mr. Telf, rd has again written on the subject, and his letters aro inserted in another column. He says that the flocks referred to, never had a clean certificate from him, and wc can only say in reply that we never said they had. Wo said that the disease had made its appearance in some of the (lochs “ lately pronounced clean,” and the very action that Mr. Telford himself is now taking in summonsing several sheepowners for allowing their diseased sheep to stray and thereby infect other flocks “ lately pronounced clean,” is a proof of the truth of our remarks. As for the “ sneering” tone, we leave our readers to judge as to whether Mr. Telford or ourselves are the greatest adepts, but wo cannot imagine that a man like Mr. Telford, with practical knowledge so grent and who has been so eneJgetic in his efforts to eradicate the dsseasc, can bo so ignorant not to be aware tnat the straying of the diseased sheep infects the flock among which they have mixed. There are no less than three cases to be decided to-moarow in which Mr. Telford himself charges individuals with allowing their diseased sheep to trespass on their neighbour’s lands, and Mr. Telford should be aware that this fact at once cancels the clean certificate previously held by them.

JJeef. —Holders of fat cattle are now asking 3|d per lb by the carcase. Every probability exists that the value will materially increase.

Gold in Wellington. —The following is an extract from a private letter dated Wellington, 6t!i instant: —“ I saw with Mr. F. E. Wright, of Goathurst Farm, a magnificent sample of alluvial gold of about three ounces, which he assured mo two men had got and washed from a creek in less than a week. I have had conversations with an old experienced Victorian digger, and shewed him samples of quartz, he assured mo that with such prospects in Victoria men would work with a will.” Another correspondent says—- “ There has been a good deal of talk in Wellington about a discovery of auriferous quartz reefs, made recently in that remote part of the world—Stewart’s Island. The first re. ports by telegram from Dunedin are that the reefs are very rich. Government had a telegram stating that specimens which had been tested, yielded at the rate of 24 ounces to the ton; bnt subsequent accounts show that this is much exaggerated. The latest reliable information is that various Specimens have been tested at Broad, the watchmaker’s, in Dunedin. Some contained gold, and many did not. A party has gone from Invercargill an d their report may bo looked for in a few days. The reef is very difficult of access. Be ports have also come from Wanganui of a gold discovery up the river, but it is commonly supposed to be a canard. Numerous companies are forming and have been formed in Wellington for prospecting at Terawiti, Makara, Porirua, and other places, but no results hove followed worth speaking of as yet. I’. 1 ’.

Telegraph Charges.—A notice has been posted in every Telegraph office in the stating that after Ist. September one uniform rate of charges will be made for messages transmitted. The price of telegrams from any station to any station will be 2s. 6d. for ten words, and 3s. 6d. for 20 words. It appears to be framed on the same principle as the postage on letters, that is, one pays just the same for sending a message from papier

to Invercargill as from Feathers! on to Grey' town.

Alarming Prospect.—ln drawing attention to the preponderating number of girls to boys bom iu this district iu the lost fortnight* and recorded in our columns this week, we may state that we have taken the trouble of reckoning up the number of each sex born in the Wairarapa during the last six weeks, and find that the daughters almost exactly double the number of sons born.

Early Spring.—There is every prospect at present of a very early season. We have just reached the middle of August, and peach trees are to be seen blossoming, and gooseberry and other fruit trees are commencing to shoot. If we hare no more frost, we shall probably witness a good fruit season. We notice the Maories have commenced to plant their early potatoes in their bush clearings.

BiSTCErPTCIES. —We regret to observe that Messrs W. Tonks junior, ’Duke and Merson, and E. Fairbrother, of Carterton, have filed tbeir schedules in the Bankruptcy Court. Self Reliance.— lt being generally thought asking England to allow the troops to remain, shews the downfall of this policy (which as started by Mr. Weld will we feel confident, yet prove the only policy by which New Zealand can escape from her difficulties), we extract the following from toe admirable pamphlet written lately by Mr. Weld, “ 1 would not say that the few soldiers who are now occupying the stockades in the town of Wanganui, should be removed at this instant in the face of the enemy; such a step might be considered as a sign that the Queen had withdrawn her protection from the settlers, and might encourage the fanatics.”

Steeple Chase. —The Greytown Cavalry Troop will celebrate their sixth anniversary on Monday the 23rd instant. It will take the shape of a steeple chase or paper hunt, from Fuller’s across Morrison’s run, to Tweeddale’s gate and back. One of the members of the Troop will leave the “ Rising Sun Hotel ” about 10 a.m., and the remainder of the Company will start at 11.30. It will be a capital test of the horsemanship of the Troop, and no doubt many will attend to witness it.

The Geettowx Lock-up. —The manner in which the prisoners are kept in Greytown is a subject of considerable importance, and we a raw the attention of the authorities to the great danger that exists of an accident occurring. We will suppose that a man, drunk perhaps, is locked up in the cell; owing to there being no residence for the policeman, he is, of course, supposed to rent a house of his own. The prisoners are left alone, and if any accident, such as a fire or illness, were to bike place there is no one to attend to him. A man might be burnt alive before as.-i, taucc could be afforded him. Again the constable hj is to be absent serving summons over a large tract of country—sometimes 10 or 50 miles from head quarters. Thesejourncysnecessitale his absence sometimes for one day sometimes two—and during his absence who is to care for the unfortunate prisoner ? Is a man to remain hungry and thirsty ? Even the Maori cannibals are "looked a ter on board the hulk and fed, and is there not to be the same amount of care shewn on the unfortunate drunkard ? The fact is, there is not a sufficient number of policemen in this district. Two years ago, four were retained and their offices then were no sinecures ; we leave it to the consideration of our readers to imagine the increased work which is entailed by a greater population scattered over a larger district. Under the circumstances, why do the authorities think it can be performed by half the number ?

Police. —We are very glad to say that Constable Bradey has taken up his permanent residence in Greytown ; and we feel certain that a stop will be put to the disgraceful proceedings that have been lately enacted here.

Sales in Greytown.—A sale of a trap and a horse under a distress warrant was held in Greytown on Saturday last. The trap realized £5 and the horse £llss. It appears very unfair both to the owner and to the creditor, that property should be sacrificed in this manner. Hardly a dozen people knew that the sale was to take place at all, although a notice was put up in the dim dirty window of the Court-house and in the Public Houses. Of course we shall be regarded as looking on it in a personal light, when we suggest that all sales of such a character should be advertised, but why should not greater publicity he given ?

Military Changes.— We understand that the command of the Militia in the Lower Yalley wOl he given to Mr. Baird, and that Captain Tally will take the Featherston Company.

Gbbxtcwx School. — A meeting of the Electors was held in the School-room on Saturday night. There was a good muster of Electors, and the proceedings—always of a rowdy character—did not differ on this occasion from the character previously obtained. A resolution that as other schools in this town are maintained without the aid of compulsory taxation, there was no necessity to assist the Government School by levying a rate in the ensuing year, was proposed by Mr. Arnot and seconded by Mr. Ramsav, and carried with one dissentient. A committee was afterwards appointed, and Mr. 11. Udy senior to combine the offices of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer,

1 oad Steamers.—T!;a following information regarding road steamers has been placed at our disposal. It was given in reply to some questions asked by Messrs. W. & G. Turnbull by George Duncan & Co , London. Our readers will remember that an article on their advantages appeared some time back in , oar col amus : —The price of a six-horse power engine would be about £300; the india rubber tires, included in this sum, cost £l5O,

and arc stated to be easily pat on ami last a considerable term. The water —100 gallons—is sufficient when drawing a load for a run of from 10 to 15 miles ; but. if required, the capability of carrying could be increased. W° understand that these questions were put with a view to getting one to carry timber from the Wairarapa to Wellington and obviate the necessity of the expensive carriage by horses. The road steamers appear to have been well tried and thoroughly approved of.

Raising the Taranaki.—The efforts to raise the Taranaki, sunk in Bowden’s Bay, are progressing favourably. Her mastheads are now out of water, but she is supposed to be so much damaged—especially her woodwork —from worm and other causes, that she will not be worth much more than she will have cost the Wreck-Recovery Company by the time they get her up. Masteeton Road Meeting.—A public meeting of the rate-payers of Masterton was held iu tiie school-room, on Saturday, the 7th instant, to fix a rate for the formation and repairing of the district roads during the en suing year. There were present the Chair, man of the Road Board (Mr. Crayne), Messrs. Bannister, Woodruff, and Dagg (Wardens) ; also Messrs. Renaii, Masters, C. Dixon, W. Perry, W. Adams, W. Abbott, G. Chamberlain, R. Morton, A. McKenzie, and T. W. Shute. Mr. Reuall proposed and Mr. Masters seconded, a formation rate of 2d. per acre and a repairing rate of Id. per acre. This, Mr. Ren .ill intimated, would raise a sura of about £2'*t> —t he district containing about 16,000 awes, lie held out no hope of further aid from the Provincial Government, and ad. vised the people to put their hands in their pockets and do now, what they must eventually, i.e., make and repair their roads at their own expense. Mr. T. W. Shute proposed, as an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. G. Chamberlain, that the rate be Id. MrRenall raised the objection that Mr. Shute never having been rated was not a rate-payer. This objection was over-ruled by the Chairman (Mr. Crayne). Mr. Woodruffe proposed, as a further amendment that the rate be id., Mr. A. McKenzie seconding. Mr. Renall denied the power of the meeting to thus assess the rate, and maintained that the duly of the meeting was merely to fix it. This objection having also been over-ruled, Mr. Wood ruffe’s amendment was put to the meeting and carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. This will realize about £4O, a sum quite insufficient to keep in .repair the lines of road already formed, not to mention the formation of new lilies imperatively called for. The people can yet take action in the matter, as the meeting was not convened in comformity with the re. quirements of the Act—no advertisement having been inserted in the local paper as required by the Act. Volunteer Land Claim Fund—Subscriptions from most of the Companies iu this district have been paid, and as soon as Mr. Cundy’s documentary evidence is complete the action will be tried.

Waiearapa Pioneer Gold-mining Company (Limited). —There having been more shares applied for in this Company than were originally proposed, a meeting is called for Saturday next to take the matter into consideration. It will also be a subject fir dis cussion as to whether the quartz reefs, terraces, or plains should first be prospected. We hope that speedy steps will be taken. There will be a demand for a few experienced men to work on the system adopted in Wellington. Thoroughly practical men are the sort wanted. We hope to see a good muster on Saturday.

Store Cattle.— We believe there is a demand for 300 head of store cattle of 2 years and upwards; the purpose being to remove them to Taranaki.

Public Houses. —Featherston, it appears, is growing, and three public houses are not considered to be too many for the population. We learn from the “Evening Post” of Monday last that the application for a license for an hotel at Featherston, made by J. W. Hod" der, which had been referred to the Wairarapa Bench for their consideration and returned with the favourable consideration of Mr. Wardell, the Chairman, was heard. Mr. Quick supported the application, and Mr. Allan opposed. The application was granted, sub. ject to the condition ol certain alterations which were considered requisite in the house being made. Flax. —The following extract from W. W_ Tickle & Co.’s Trade Circular, of the 11th June, received by the last mail, i s quoted in the “ Evening Post” of the 16th instant. The prices can only be deemed most satisfactory:— “20th May—497 bales and 50 bundles New Zealand offered, and 97 bales sold at £32 up to £3B 10s. for dressed; 4th to Ist class sea damaged, at £26 10s. to £3B ss. 2nd June—--73 bales New Zealand sold chiefly at £3l 55.. a few lots better quality, at £3B ss. per ton. 3rd June —Of 180 bales New Zeeland 104 sold at £3l 15s. to £36 15s. 9th June—l 76 bales New Zealand sold, ordinary, £2B 10s. to £3l 55.; middling, £34 ss. to £3B 10s.; good £4O 15s.

Land Coitet. —A sitting of the Native Land Court is announced in the “ Gazette ” of the 17th, to be held at Masterton on the Ist September next. The Akura case will then be decided.

Maneheha. —This chief we hear is very ill at Otoraiaand Dr. Spratt has been atteniing him. We understand his illness is a good deal exaggerated.

j A Solicitor. —We believe that the time : lias arrived when there is employment for a 1 reallv respectable solicitor residing in the j Valley. There are now many deeds to be ! prepared and executed in Wairarapa. The 1 expense, with loss of time of going to, waiting about, and coming back from Wellington, is felt to be a serious addition to the cost of law, ' the consequence of which is, we doubt not, attended with neglect in the transfer of pro- ' porty which may be followed by costly and distressing lawsuits.

A Book Club.—lt is proposed to form a Book Club. Twenty members, subscribing one pound the first year, and less afterwards would provide more good fire-side reading than any person would get through in a year, if the money was sent homo to some such house as Mudie’s, in Loudon, with instructions respecting the selection needed. Or, as economy is the order of the day, an arrangement might possibly be made with the Wei" lington Book Club to take their books after pc' rusal at a considerable reduction on cost price. Those inclined to join such a club had better send in their names to this office, and suggest a meeting on the subject.

Feaiheeston Tea Meeting. —A tea meeting was held in the School-house Featherston, on Thursday last, it was very well attended, and the proceeds, amounted, we believe, to upwards of £B. It was got up, we understand, to pay lor lining the school-room, and we can only advise those in Qreytown to “ go and cto likewise.” After tea, dancing took place and was kept up to a late or rather an early hour of the following morning. The elite of the inhabitants of Featherston were present, and all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The party separated very well satisfied with their florin’s worth of enjoyment. The large pile of empty bottles at the back of the school-room, amounting to several hundred dozen, would be a suspicious circumstance by itself were it not satisfactorily accounted for by the knowledge that the school-mistress’ husband follows the occupation of a brewer.

Remission of Scab Finf,s.—The following was the motion made by Mr. Fox referred to hy Mr. Andrew in his letter of the 24th ult.j with a copy of the Eetnru laid before the House of Hepresentativos in accordance therewith ;

“ Mr. Fox to move, For a Ectum of all penalties which having been inflicted by any Bench of Magistrates or Resident Magistrates in the Province of Wellington during the year ending Ist June, 181)9, for offences against the Scab Acts, have been remitted oy the General Government, specifying the reasons for such remission, and whether remitted by the advice, without the advice, or against the advice of the Magistrates inflicting the penalty.” ItETUKN Of all penalties indicted under Scab Acts by Magistrates in the Province of Wellington, and remitted by ilis Excellency the Governor:—

Haute and address of person on whom fine was inflicted.—John P. Bewiey, sheep-farmer, Eangitikei, By whom and where the case was tried.— Not stated in the petition. Penalty inflicted.—£so.

Reasons for remission.—The urgent request of His Honor the Superintendent, of Wellington, supported by Die Hon. J. Johnston, who accompanied thepetitionerat an interview with the Colonial Secretary, tiiat the line be remitted.

Whether remitted by the advice, without tlie advice, or against the advice, of the magistrates inflicting the penalty.—Without the advice.