The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1888. The Central Route.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2886, 30 April 1888, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1888. The Central Route.

Mit Buchanan, M.H.K., recently spent an autumn holiday by riding through the central route of the North Island Trunk Railway and taking voluminous notes' of all that lie saw en route. It is pretty well known tlmt Mr Buchanan is an expert in land values, and also that he is painfully accurate when detailing matters of fact. It is, therefore, with some surprise that we notice the Wellington Evening Post makes the following brief reference to Lis recent expedition: ■

Mr Buchanan, is contributing to the W&irarapa Standard an account of his recent trip along the central route of tho Main Trunk Railway. As was to be expected, his report upon the country is unfavorable.

The "as was to be expected" is slightly discourteous, and it would have been as well if our contemporary had assigned some reason for Mrßuchanan's report being a matter of course. A short time back the Post represented that Mr Buchanan went North as a sort of agent for a Ministry which is opposed to the central route, but Mr Buchanan has distinctly denied any connection with the Ministry with reference to his late trip, and this cannot be assigned as a reason for his unfavorable report, Does our contemporary mean that the unfavorable report was expected, because, as a matter of fact, it is known to very many for years past that the land which Mr Buchanan passed over and condemned is absolutely worthless. We could give our local contemporary the names of reliable witnesses who have traversed the country years ago, and found it to be exactly what it is described to be by Messrs Buchanan and W, H, Beetham. We do not suppose, however, that our local contemporary is prepared to admit this, although the evidence as to its correctness is simply overwhelming. Hundreds of thousands of acres, of land along the central route are not worth half-a-crown an acre for reproductive purposes, Cattle or sheep going on such land would absolutely dje of starvation. Of course it might be possible for the promoters of the projected railway to representauch land to be worth one or two pounds an acre, but Messrs Buchanan, W. H. Beetham and other trustworthy witnesses will wake any inflation of values of this kind a somewhat difficult operation. They are men Tylio know the actual worth of land to sixpence an acre, and it will be hopeless to blind the public into a belief that the central route opens up good land, As a matter-of-fact, all good land on or' near the central route is occupied by Maories, but the worthless and valueless country is reserved foy palteha speculators. Messrs Buchanan and Beetham have done the Colony good service by calling public attention to the nature of the country through which the .central route passes, To construct a line through such fl country in the present circumstances of tha Colony would be simply criminal, It would be adding another railway swindle to the long list which now cling like a mill-stone round tha neck of New Zealand, The Post may sneer at Mr Buchanan, but that gentleman will be quite able to make good all he lias stated, It is singular that the Post, while rejecting Mr Buohapai's report, accepted Dr. Newman's and Mr Brace's, alluding to the latter on March sth in the Mewing [terms': — It is, no doubt, exceedingly satisfactory to learn, on tho evidence of Dr, Newman and Mr Bruce, that the Main North Island Trunk Eailway, if carried out by the Central route, will open up such a vast extent of valuable country. Now, Dr. Newman, it is well under-

stood, knows practically nothing about land, and Mr Bruce, who does know a little, was too cautious to commit himself. . He left all the tall talking to be done by the rash and foolish doctor, The Post, however, coolly rejects the evidence of experts, and " learns" from the bubblings of a raw inexperienced land baby like Dr. Newman,

The Masterton Lodge of Freemasons meets to night.

To-morrow a weekly quadrille assembly will be opened in the Theatre' Royal. The Masterton String Band provides the music, The thermometer at Mr W. Dougall's during last night went down to 29 degrees, or three below freezing point. If the whole of the solid land were reduced to one leyel under the ocean, then the surface of the earth would be covered by an ocean with a uniform depth of about two miles Messrs John Bannister, Chas. Forsberg and Guilder Gunderson, havo been elected members of the Mauriceville Road Board, The congregation of the Masterton Presbyterian Church are tryin? to reorganise their bible class and young men's literary association for the winter, and with this object in yiew will hold a social gathering in a week or so. Conductor (aftef the accident): "Well, sir, we have at last found your valet, but sad to say, lie's cut in two" English tourist; "Aw, vewy distressing; Sorry to trouble you dontcherknow, but would you see in which half ,is the key of my trunk?' 1

Mr John Taplin of whose trustworthy and expedition as a carrier, most of our residents li&ye in the past had ample proof, announces that he willcontinue to carry goods at the lowest rates, as usual between -Masterton, Taueru, and East Coast, Orders and goods can be loft at Messrs Caselberg & Go's. / Latest English files announce that at last a match has been arranged between Smith and Sullivan, for the championship of the world and £IOOO, which amount may be extended to £3OOO. London prize ring rules are to be observed, and the match is to take place on the Continent about the end of May, Returns received last mail by Masterton exporters of frozen mutton, show gross prices in London and the provinces of 3{jd to Gd a lb, Those rates mean that the owners,'will nett here from Is Gd to lis per sheep. It may be mentioned that the total cost of slaughtering, freezing, and the shipment of sheep,including commission, insurance, and all charges is from 13s to 10s each, less tho credit allowed for pelts and fat, Mr W. flercock while thanking the public for support accorded to the late firm of flercock and Taplin, notifies that he will continue in the carrying trade, and that he or his Masterton agent, Mr Thos C D'Arcy, will receive goods for all parts of the District. Mr flercock has bad long experience and has given universal satisfaction, flo therefore, merits and will no doubt receive a fair share of the trade that is going.

On Saturday evening a pleasant reunion took place at Mauriceville, after the final Road Board meeting of the year, when Mr Jessen, the Chairman, invited the members and a few friends to celebrate the occasion by spending a pleasant evening at his residence. After partaking of dinner, speeches were made, interspersed with songs, and those present spent a very enjoyable timo, quitting the banqueting hall shortly before the stroke of twelve, so as not to infringe on the Sabbath morning. Before leaving, the health of Mr Jessen, and of Mr and Mrs Jessen senr. was drunk with musical honors, the compliment being suitably acknowledged by the recipients.

The Masterton Borough Gas Committee met on Friday evening last—Present - His Worship the Mayor, Crs Perry, Macara, and Muir. Tiie gasworks manager reported that everything was going on satisfactorily excopt that the number of consumers was not increasing, and that the small out-put much increased the expense of manufacture. He urgently recommended some steps,if possible,being taken to induce more consumption of gas. There hadbeon 127,882 cubic feet of gas made during the month, and this being from 11 tons 15 cwt of coal, was at the rate of 10,882 c, feet per ton. The manager also reported that the main pipe in Dixon-street had''been yery carelessly laid, the grading and depth below the surface being irregular and faulty. Advantage had been takon if the alterations in this street, to relay the pipe and properly grade it, The Town Clerk was instructed to write to the railway department regarding a reduced coal freight, and also as to the ?as being laid on to and burnt at the Masterton railway station. It was decided to recommend the Council to pay a bonus of L 3 to Mr James flearden as compensation for his temporary and valuable sorvices as acting manager, pending the appointment of the permanent manager, Mainjs news,—Dr. Soule's American Hop Bitters, which are advertised in our columns, are a auro cure for ague, biliousness and kidney compaints, Those who use them say they cannot be too highly recommended. Those afflicted should give them a fair trial, and will become thereby enthusiastic m the praise of their curative qualities.—" Portland Argus.' Sppyrara & Ability,-Dr. Soule's American Hop Bitters so freely advertised m all the papers, secular and religious, are having a larpe sale, and are supplanting all other medicines. There is no donyin? the virtues of the Hop plant, and the proprietors of these Bitters nave shown great shrewdness and ability in compounding a Bitters, whose virtues are so palpable to every one's observation,— 1 Examiner and Chronicle.' Travelling is much easier and less expensive than it was in the Jays of the pioneers of New Zealand. When they wanted tq travel it was generally done on "Shanks Pony" and (lie inducements were not those of pleasure hut rather qf hqrd toil. We have, however ohanged all that aiuljone of the grcatest.inducements is now being held out by the proprietor of Te Aro House, Wellington, WnATis it; necessarily (the purchase of Eive's bankrupt stock of Drapery and Clothing and the determination to sell it at such astonishingly low prices as must command an immense qipount qf travel by coach, railway and steamboat to the peijtre of (ittraction Te Aro House Wellington. Wiieiie is it; At Te Aro House, you may bo sure as it could hardly be elsewhere that you pould possibly obtain such remarkable bargains as you will doubtless secure at the Te Ai'o'House sale of Bjye's Bankrupt Stock, When is it; on Monday, Tuesday the first of May—We shall then it 10 ii}. the morning gommence the sale of this stock of Eive's which comprises a lot of good sound useful Drapery and Clothing and the public may tjike our word for it that there is not a particle of rubbish among the various lots that will be offered for sale on Mayday at atTe Aro House, Wellington.

Ji? you want bargains such as you never yet dreamed of in Dresses, Mantles, Millinery, Calicoes, Sheetings, Blankets, and Men's Boys' and Youths' Clothing do not fail to make a bee line for the scene qf sale or if you caunat do that, come'by steamboat coach and railway, your fare will be a matter of no moment when compared with the advantages you will gain at the sale of Eive's bankrupt stock at Te Aro House, Wellington, -Am,

Mr Geo. Ooker advertises the Theatre Royal fixtures for the present week. Messrs Lowes and lornsaddto their stock sale list for May 9th, 40 fat sheep and 40 mixed sheep. Messrs Lowes and lorns announce an extensive sitlo of furniture etc, for Saturday next. " The next direct steamer mail for England leaves Masterton, on Thursday, 3rd May, at (j. 15 a.m. The Dunedin Eveniug Herald says that Sir Robert Stout 1m? no intention of re-entering; political Two lots of Southland Cheese arriving in London in good order were Bold for 52s per cwfc, which is considered satisfactory; a third lot in irregular condition made an average of 48s per cwt.

We learn from the Pahiatua Star that the petition in favour of a Pahiatua County lias now been signed by 182 ratepayers. Only 40 more signatures are required, which Mr Sedcole hopes to get in the course of a day or so. The Pahiatua Town Board have unfortunately made another muddle with the special order to bring the Loans to Local Bodies Act into force. The meeting to confirm the order should have been held on the 18th instant, but according to the Pahiatua Star it lapsed. An election will be held on Monday, 21st May, to fill tho place of Mr John Morrison, who retires from the W'hareama ltoad Board.

The fire-bell a few sleepy tolls at a quarter to ten yesterday morning. The cause was a mild outbreak in a chimney somewhere down by.the ffaipoua, Our local contemporary is nothing if not sportsman-like. Its last issue says; " A resident of Mud Alley had been out, shooting pigeons with a spring cart." Whatever does it mean ? Most people use a gun, _ The firm of Messrs Hercock and Taplin is now non-existant, the partnership between Mr Win. Hercock and Mr J. H. Taplin having been dissolved. A public meeting is convened in the Temperance Hall to-night, by the Masterton Town Lands Trust for the purpose of considering tho new Town Lands Management Bill as amended. Mr Wm. Catt, junr, who has for somo time been Carterton's only barber, has left that township, and will open a hairdressing and tobacconist's shop at Danevirke. Messrs Lowes and lorns report at their land sale on Saturday last the following properties were disposed of:—On account the Public Trustee, section 72, Opaki, containing 81 acres, A, McLeod, £2 15s per acre; section 73, Opaki, 120 acres, A. McLeod £2 per acre; sections 16 and 17, Berriman, for £37 10s. Brake and harness, poultry, produce, etc,, coucluded the sale.

The Crown leases in the vicinity of Piccadilly Circus, and Piccadilly, London, have been falling in rather thickly during tho last few months. As an indication of the enormous value of property in the neighborhood, it may be mentioned' that short leases of twenty-ono years are bein? granted at an advanced rental of from 80 per cent to 100 per cent, We are requested to remind our readers of Messrs Lowes and lorns' extensive sale of stock, implements, etc,, at Gladstone, on Wednesday next, llie list will embrace 1300 sheep, cattle, farm and hack horses, farm vehicles and implements, and general farm requisites, all of which am to be sold without reserve, in consequence of the property having changed hands. In November last a selector named Wilson forfeited a deferred payment section in tho Woodville Survey District, the area being 305 a2r Hp, Since the forfeiture the land has been twice submitted for competition, but no offers were received. The Hawke's Bay Land Board determined to submit it once more at the original price (£525 4s 7d, and J132 improvements), and if it would not sell, reduce the upset-price. It was offered by auction in Napier again on Tuesday, but instead of the usual apathy, the Commissioner was deluged with bids until it was knocked down at £BOO, which-with improvements added means L 932. Tho reason assigned for this sudden interest is that the property is adjacent to the supposed copper mine. Some time ago Mr Sinclair George, of Eketahuna, leased 50 acres of land near Alfredton from Government Through an error in the plan Mr George was led to believe that a corner fronting the Alfred-ton-Tenui road and an unmade road was included in his lease; and he felled some bush on this with the object of building an accommodation house, Recently, says the Pahiatua Star, he was notified by Government that the said corner was part of a Native reserve leased to Mr Good, and he must therefore give up possession, Mr George put the matter in Mr Hutclion's hands, with the result that Government have agreed to pay £3O as compensation,

Mr George Steveenson, of Wanganui, tho well-known - trainer and owner of race-horses, was killed on Saturday by a railway truck acoident at Greymouth The local Captain and Lieutenant of the Salvation Army, have received orders from Major Lovelock to " farewell," and will proceed next week to take charge of Otahuhu, near Auckland, The Rev Mr Dellow preached in the Masterton W'esleyan Church yesterday, both moruiug and evening. There was a crowded congregation, chairs having to be placed up the aisle to accommodate those present, Mr Dellow in appearance lias aged since last here but lie still retains his clear, powerful, and impressive voice and uses it with telling effect, The sermons, teeming as they were with graphic illustrations were listened to with rapt attention, and from his first utterance to his concluding word tho clergyman had the earnest attention of his heaters. The Salvation Army had a high day yesterday in Masterton. The meetings were led by " Major " Lovelock who is at present on a visit to the town. The "Major" is one of those jolly kind of njen who have the happy knack of atonce placing themselves in concord with their audience, aud he quite succeeded in carrying them with him in his quaint style of illustration, the illustrations themselves being very often harder hits upon immorality and vice than the application itself. The " Major" has examined the various books and papers in connection with the local finances and has,' we understand, expressed satisfaction at the liberality of the public,. There will bo a coffee supper at the barracks to-night, preceded by a public meeting, Major Lovelock will be present at this, and also the Rev. Mr Rowse. Mr H. E. Eagle, ofMaiiriceyille, had yery narrow escape qn §atqrday last from a fatal accident: He was killing a pig for a neighbour, and yhen in the act of slaughtering it, the knife slipped, and completely severed geyeral of the muscles of the left wrist, and also on? of the chief arteries. Messrs Vilo and Rowe, who were present, affixed a ligature above the elbow, and by doing so, undoubtedly saved the sufferer's life. He was sei)t down to Masterton, where he was at once taken to Dr Beard. Mr Eagle lost a lafge quantity of blood, and was reduced to a very weak state, bqt, from the latest inquiry, scorns to be progressing favorably,

Tenders aro invited by Mr T, E; Chamberlain, Upper Plain, for digging potatoes. Ratepayers are reminded of the £3OOO loan poll 011 Friday next. Captain Edwin wired at one o'clock to-day" North-east to' north and west gale within twelve hours Glass further fall. Indications of rain."