Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1, 1833.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5204, 1 November 1883, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TH URSDAY NO V EMBER 1, 1833.

We suppose we must come to the conclusion that the Auckland members have agreed upon the Mokau route for the main line of railway. The following telegram of yesterday's date points very distinctly in that direction: — "An interview between the Chamber of Commerce and the Auckland representatives took place to-day. The Hon. the Premier was ako present. There was a large attendance of members and Auckland M.H.R.'s. Mr L. D. Nathan, chairman, in opening the proceedings, informed Major Atkinson that a meeting of the committee of the Chamber had been held that morning at which various resolutions were passed, em« bodying their views on different subjects which it was considered highly desirable to lay before him. The resolutions advocated the West Coast route for the AucklandTaranaki railway, and greater vigour in the prosecution of surveys. The Premier said the duty of the Government was quite clear. Their intention was to have the counti/ thoroughly explored, and then to make such recommendations to the House as they considered would commend themselves to its judgment, bearing in mind the general interests and advantages which would be derived from less expenditure, more land, and communication between various centres of population. Mr J. M. Clark mentioned that another point in connection with the line favored by the Chamber was that it would tend to open up the King country. The Premier replied that the alternative route would also have this effect, 33 it was made to cro3s Mokau in some part." If the Auckland members are united on what they believe to be their commercial interests, it will be necessary for others also to unite. We know what Major Atkinson's opinions are, but we do not know what Mr Bryce thinks on the subject. One thing is quite clear, if the Government make up their mind to recommend the Mokau route, it will be difficult to carry the central route in face of their influence and the Auckland phalanx, Mr Stevens is the only West Coast member who has given a clear and distinct expression of opinion on the subject.

A.T the half yearly meeting of the Bank of New Zealand, the Chairman stated some facts and inferences of general importance to the community. The deposits, he, was able to state, exhibited a substantial increase, and the advances were slightly greater then they were in the previous balance-sheet. With respect to the stringency of the money market, the causes were being gradually removed, though "the continuance of a tight money market must be expected for another six months at least." The Chairman proceeded to point out the favorable conditions in which hope of improvement is to be found. "The season promises favourably both for pastoral and agricultural pursuibs, and there appears to be a reasonable probability of a fair market for our products. The influence of receDt large shipments of frozen meat, particularly3from the South, is being felt in the stock markets, and en» hanced prices are being obtained by producers, while the numerous cheese and butter factories already at work or being established throughout the colony are not only encouraging the future spread of this industry, but afford to graziers a fair prospect of profit from their labors." Referring to a presumed pressure on the part of the Bank, he observed : "I cannot speak for other establishments, but our policy has been, and will continue to be, to afford reasonable support to every deserving customer, and where such support is denied ii may be taken for granted that the request has not been within the limits of legitimate business. I have pleasure in expressing a conSdent hope that the coming season will show a general revival in business, fostered by the success of our numerous industries." This is a cautious and hopeful view of the prospects. As we have frequently pointed out, it is from the industries of the colony we must expect prosperity. There are no more royal, or golden, or Vogelian roads Apart from industry and industries/ Vo mt UljA gt» h§g}R to mttns the fmt 1

The usual monthly meeting of the Tongariro Lodge of Freemasons will be held in the Institute at 8 o'clock to-night. The jury found a verdict of death from natural causes in the case of the girl Alice Conic, who died suddenly at Wellington. The National Fire and Marino Insurance Company havo declared a dividend ior the half year of 10 per cent, which with the other interim dividend, will make 20 per cent per annum on the old capital. If a Manufacturer's Association is to be formed — and about the desirableness of a movement of the kind there are hardly two opinions — someone must take the lead and call a meeting. That done, we believe everthing else would follow. The estate in Guthrie and Larnach's New Zealand Timber and Woodware Company, which was presented on Tuesday, seems to have realised a great deal less than was anticipated. Assets estimated at £62,630 only realised £28,250, and book debts were £12,680 less than was expected. Mr J. P. Watt has now commenced operations at the Ridgway Brewery, the first brew being turned out the other day. Of its quality connoisseurs speak in the highest terms, and Mr Watt, having procured the services as brewer of Mr Heffer, a gentleman who has had considerable home and colonial experience, is now in a position to supply beer of the first quality. The Yeoman, which will be published at the office of this journal to-morrow at noon in time for transmission by the 'Frisco mail, will be specially adapted this week to give Home readers an idea of the various matters engaging attention in this district and on the Coast. It will contain the usual telegraphic, general and local news, in addition to an interesting story, and some specially contributed agricultural news. The second of the series of lectures given under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association on the subject of Christianity v. Freethought, will be given in the Fire Brigade Hall to-night. The lecturer on this occasion will be th J e Rev. Mr Williams, who has chosen for his topic "The Witness of Christianity to Christ." As the subject just now is engaging considerable attention, we anticipate a good attendance. A parade of the Wanganui Naval Brigade was held last evening, some 43 rank and file being on parade. Subsequently the men marched out headed by the ( Garrison Band. A church parade of the Brigade will be held on Sunday at Kennedy's, where the company will proceed in their launch, the Raumai. The men are directed to wear white jumpei's and straw hats, and the parade will be held at 10 o'clock sharp. In another column 'appears" an advertise^ ment from the New Zealand Tobacco Growing and Manufacturing Company (Auckland), who are desirous of communicating with farmers and others who are willing to grow tobacco. All information with regard to the seed, etc., can be obtained free from the promoter and manager, Mr August Vollbracht, at the Auckland offices, next the Bank of New Zealand. We understand that 700 acres have been already applied for. . A London telegram, dated October 19, states that the L l>eral C<>n«ressi, which has been meet'iig at Leeds for the last few days, has been brought to a termination. The Right Hon. John Bright, the senior member for Birmingham, in the course of an address contended that the powers at present exercised by the House of Lords were inordinarily gi\ at, aiul suggested that the right possessed by the Chamber of vetoing a measure should be placed under some limitation. The time is not yeL come for bigi gooseben^ or monster pumpkins, so in the interval it may not bo amiss to open the ball by recording an instance of extraordinary fecundity that has come under our notice. Mr T. Watson, manager for Dr Cur], informs us that a cow in his charge has given birth to four calves, two mile and two female. They are all doing well, and he thinks it probable they will be reared. The calves are perfectly formed, but their number has j affected their size considerably. The following resolution was carried unanimously at a meeting of the Auckland Education Borrd :—": — " That this Board recognise that religious instruction in schools during school hours is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Education Act, 1877 ; but recommend that school committees allow ministers of relirion the use of the schoolrooms after school hours for the purpose of imparting religious instruction to such of the children who, with the consent of their parents or guardians, may wish to attend for such purpose." By the courtesy of Mr Woon we have been favored with the vital statistics for the district of Wanganui for the past month', During that period there were 19 deaths in the town of Wanganui, and 9 in the surrounding districts, making 28 in all. The death rate is somewhat higher than usual, there being 6 deaths, two of Which occurred in the Hospital, and the balance in the town of Wanganui. Seven marriages were registered during the month, as follows :—: — Church of England, 2; Wesleyan, 2'; Presbyterian, 1 ; Roman Catholic, 1 ; and one took place before the Registrar. The management of the Wanganui Harmonic Society have decided upon Thursday next, the 7th istant, as the date on which they will produce the first half of Elijah, which work it has been decided to split inta two, on account of its extreme length. The second part will probably be delivered in another week from the date mentioned. The oratorio has been under careful preparation f«r some time^ continuous rehearsals being held, aud we do not doubt that the Society will be able to give a very fair representation of the great masterpiece. A full rehearsal with the orchestra will be held to-night, at which a full muster is requested. The management of the Amatuer Christy Minstrel Troupe formed to give a concert in aid of young Coakley, who was hurt at Nelson, have issued their programme for the event, which is to take place on Tuesday next. It comprises a number of those ever popular negro ■ melodies, which, sang with taste and expression, never fail to. gain applause. In addition to the more serious or sentimental part of the programme there are also a number of other selections of various kinds, including comic songs by the corner men, sketches, dances, and all the usual items connected with a programme of this kind, with a laughable burlesque operafarce " Wagaer Outwagged."" The members are making strenuous endeavours to be perfect by the night of the entertainment; which we have no doubt will be a great success. Mr W. H. Foster, of the Wanganui Cordial Manufactory, has been making extensive preparations to meet the season's demand in his business. A new three- horse power steam-engine and boiler, from .Mr Murray's Foundry, has been fitted up for driving the soda water machine. A great deal of labor is saved thereby, while much better liquors are produced, in consequence of the generators being worked to their full power. The soda water especially, cannot be surpassed in this respect. Amongst other introductions of the season, Mr Foster is bottling his ginger ale in q\iaits and pints for family use ; while he produces a new drink, found in a non-alcoholic phosphated beverage named " analeptic." This beverage should prove the joy of the teetotallers, and it is a brillipnt, sparkling drink," quite as palatable, if not more so, than zoedone, rhapsodia, &c. Once introduced, it is certain to become a favorite beverage. An inspection parade of the Wanganui Rifles was held at the Drill Hall on Tuesday evening, Capt Watt inspecting the Government property of the company. After two hours drill, the company were dismissed, and re-formed for a march out, headed by the band, under Bandmaster King. Subsequently, it was agreed that another opportunity of passing in the third-class firing should be given, and for this purpose Friday morning was fixed. It was further decided that Friday and Saturday of this week, and Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday of next week should be set aside for second-class firing. Captain Watt then intimated that the company had to fulfil three daylight parades, and he was desirous of meeting the convenience of the men in the matter. After discussion, it was decided that the fist should be held on Monday morning text at 0 o'clock in Cook's Gardens, the «o«n to 1 S»p ,