Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY). SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1883. A NEW INDUSTRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5237, 15 December 1883, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. (PUBLISHED DAILY). SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1883. A NEW INDUSTRY.

Among the industries which are coming into the foreground in the colony is that of bee keeping. In Auckland, where industrial enterprise finds most favor, bee farms are are being conducted with profitable results. ■ But to achieve this end the pursuit must be carried on in a systematic way with modern appliances. The success of the Matamata apiary under the management of Mr Hopkins is a proof of what may be accomplished by the application of science and skill. The old idea was that the market was limited, and the price unremunerative. This has been dispelled by successful exportation^, and by the net profit shown during a series of years. In Wanganui recently attention has been directed to the matter, and several of our settlers are going into the industry with the prospect of making it pay. Of course they have got out of the old wasteful way of bee keeping. The first ei-ror is in the old box-hive which requires that the bees shall be killed or at least the combs destroyed. People wonder that the bees die, without the application of brimstone, but they would not be surprised if they knew the habits of the insect, and were aware that three-fourths of them die from damp through the hives not being waterproof, and the other fourth from want of food in the winter months. It might be said that every "colony" or hive lost in this way is the sacrifice of property worth twenty shillings at least. Yet not a single colony need be lost if proper hives are used. The model hive that is fast becoming the standard in America, and is"already the standard in this colony, is the Langstroth, so called from its inventor, an English clergyman. The advantages of this hive is that complete command is obtained over the bees, so that their wants may be attended to; that the bees and combs are not destroyed, the honey being extracted on the centrifugal principle, and the combs replaced. Many other advantages are possessed by them, especially lowness of price. To meet the demand for these hives, the Wanganui Sash and Door Factory Company has commenced to manufacture them on a large scale. It will also be seen that Mr Willis has advertised that he is agent for the different appliances used in the apiary. Under the new system of beekeeping, the average product of a colony in a season is SOlbs of honey, a return that would give a farmer a welcome addition to his income, if he kept fifty colonies, as he could do without much trouble. There is no extraordinary amount of special knowledge required. The Bee Manual (price 2s) will give all the information in an accessible form that is needed, though of course the industry is a progressive one, and has its own literature. The bee-master has within his reach a pursuit at the same time pleasant and profitable, and everyone may be a bee-master as well as a bee-keeper after a little study of the best methods pursued by those who have experience in the science.

The entertainment in aid of the fund for school prizes came off at the Wangaehu school last evening, and proved highly successful, the room being full. The various items given by the ladies and gentlemen who ho kindly took part were extremely well rendered. A very satisfactory amount (£5 ss) was taken at the door. Considerable disgust is being expressed at the action of the Marton-Rangitikei Jockey Club, in sending out such a botched up list of acceptances, and enquiries are being made as to their power to raise the weights of horses in the manner that has been done, in the big handicap, after the owners have accepted. The top weight remains the same, while the next five horses get two pounds added on and the three lowest, seven pounds each. Consul's name does not appear in the first handicap, and now he is weighted at 6st 12 lba.

The ship Siren, from Calcutta, which arrived recently at Adelaide, brought six camels for service on some of the Northern stations, with eight native attendants. Among the reasons urged by a Paoria woman for a divorce arc : Drunkenness, swearing, obscenity, arson, filthy habits, incompatibility, infidelity, brutality, laziness, cruelty, bigamy, and non-support. She married him to spite her father for boxing her ears. News has just reached Paris that Madame Le Prince, a French lady, has succeeded in making the ascent of Mont Blanc. Upon her return to Chamounix she was received with great demonstrations of honor ; the inhabitants cheered her, saluted her with the firing of guns, and presented her with a beautiful bouquet. The members of the Garrison Band will fire on the morning of Boxing Day for the cake that was presented by the officers of the band, at the 200 aud 400 yard range ; ten shots at each range. The following are the handicaps : — Bandsmen Mooseman and Cox, scratch ; Henley, 10 points ; Sergts. Creighton, Richardson, and Bandsman Signal, 12 ; Corporal Bedell, 15 ; Bandsmen Coakley, Fraser, and Anderson, 18 ; Drummer Adamson, 20 ; Bandmaster Hunter, Corporal G, Spriggens, Bandsmen JEtees, Coatos, J. Spriggeus, Russell, H. Hood, D. Murray, O'Hara, and Creighton, 30 points each. The last report of the chief inspector of stock in New South Wales furnishes some facts aud figures strikingly illustrative of the expansion of pastoral enterprise in that colony. The number of miles of fencing is estimated at 920,000, which, at an average cost of £51 per mile, represents an expenditure of £46,920,000. There are 9475 dams, representing, at an average cost of £101, £956,975 j there are 15,853 tanks, which, at an average of £180 ss, have cost £2,858,404 10s ; and there are 2195 wells, which, at an average of £307 10s, have cost £674,962 10s —being a total outlay of £4,460,342 for water supply and storage. It must strike the New Zealand squatter that in regard to the last mentioned item he is much better off than his Australian confrere. A Manawatu paper says : — "Mr Wiggins, who, we may remark, arrived at Naples by the steamer which Mr Charles Hulke resumed his voyage from that port to London by, and who met that gentleman at London some months after,informs us that he believes Mr Hike's intention after taking some degrees in science, is to "go on the roads " as a popular science lecturer, with of course plenty of paraphernalia. It may not be long, therefore, before we hear of our friend dashing round the colonies with a sect of lectures ala Procter. " Mr Hulke it will be remembered, was formerly schoolmaster at Kaitoki, and was very popular in Wanganui. Subsequently, he was appointed to the position of head master at Foxton. The news of his coming out as a science lecturer will be received with some interest. We have all heard (says Atticus) of the i Chinese tailor who copied, upon the new coat he made, the patch which appeared upon the one sent to him as a pattern. Something of that sort has occurred in the experience of one of the Melbourne banks, who wished to have an improred pay slip and a receipt form for the money paid in on oue paper. The form of receipt was to be perforated so as to be easily detached, as postage stamps are, from the pay slip by the receiving teller at the bank counter. To that end, in the form sent to the printer the place of the intended perforation was indicated by a line of dots, which looked comprehensive enough to any intelligence but that of a Chinese tailor. When the slipsprinted in thousands — were sent in, it was found that the dotted line had been carefully copied in dots by the printer, and no perforation whatever had been made. The clerks of that bank are profane when speaking of this new form of a printer's error. A daily English paper has been lately started in Paris called the Morning News, and in the matter of news it is giving a lesson to the French journals, for it contains the latest information from all parts of the world, whereas the French newspapers only favor their readers with the meagre telegrams of the Agence Havas, which are generally two or three days behind any other telegraphic source of information. There are two things we never have understood, viz., why the French, who pass half their day reading newspapers, and another considerable portion of it in theatres, do not rise up and periodically hang a" newspaper editor and a theatrical manager. The newspapers generally contain an article upon the stSte of political parties, puffing that which the particular journal represents ; a city article recommending the purchase of some particular security in which those connected with the journal are interested ; about half a dozen bad jokes ; the same number of faits divers ; a dozen or two extracts from contemporaries, generally beginning "our talented and sympathetic confrere writes ; " and a considerable number of paragraphs which are paid for, urging all to buy hair washes, soap, and other such articles. The opinion of Edwin Booth, the American tragedian, upon Irving as a stage manager is interesting reading. He says : — ' ' Mr Irvine; possesses more patience than I do, as I frequently noticed during the two weeks we were rehearsing ' Othello ' at the Lyceum, before we played in it together. He is despotic on his stage, commanding all points, with an understanding that his will is absolute law, that it is not to be disputed, whether it concerns the entry of a mere meesenger who bears a letter, or whether it is the reading of an important line by Miss Terry. From first to last he rules his stage with an iron will, but as an offset to this he displays a patience that is marvellous. At rehearsal he will sit upon the stage among his players, watching every movement and listening to every word, aud instantly stopping anyone — Misa Terry as readily as the messenger — who does not do exactly right. Mr Irving rises, explains the fault and gives the proper form, and that part of the scene is immediately repeated. As he is very exact to every detail, and requires its elaboration, to a nicety, you can readily imagine that the scene, does not quickly reach perfection, but his patience holds out against every test it receives. Over, and over, and over again the line is recited, or a bit of action is dove, until all is perfect. At the Lyceum one sees the perfection of stage discipline, and in Mr Irving the perfection of stage patience." Our Goat Valley correspondent writes :—: — A meeting of the School Committee was held this evening. Present — Messrs Craig, Stone, Mitchell, Russell,and Wicksteed (chairman.) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. £7 15s was handed over to the treasurer by different members as proceeds of the concert held on Friday last there is probably a small balance uncollecfced.) It was proposed by Mr Mitchell, and seconded by Mr Craig, that Mr Moyle be paid £1 6s for work done when completed to the satisfaction of the chairman. Carried. Proposed by Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Stone, that Mr Beechey and Mr Wicksteed be authorised to purchase prizes to the value of £3, to be distributed on the same 3ystem as last year. Carried. Proposed by Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Craig, that Mr Stone be authorised to purchase paddocks and chains for the school ground gates, which was carried. It was also resolved to purchase ropes to repair the swings and merry-go-round. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Rupell for his kindness in casting out the timber and other things required for the concert. Arrangements were made for the distribution of school prizes, and some ladies are to be requested to act as judges of the school children's gardens, for which twelve prizes have been given by various friends. These consist of books and money. They are for plants, pot plants (grown at the school), border and edging; Ist. 2nd, and 3rd prizes for best garden ; Ist and 2nd for best bouquet (made iv the school by girls) ; and Ist and 2nd for the best annual, etc. I have not troubled you with an account of all our meetings, but perhaps this may give a hint to some of the country committees of what can be done to amuse and interest the children. I think the idea of childrens' gardens might be largely acted on in country places, to the great advantage of all concerned, as giving the children a taste for a healthy and innocent home amusement hereafter, and one that will never pall. On the contrary, the more it is entered into, the greater will ho the pleasure derived from it, and it is within the reach of all the country,

A pure short-horn heifer, valued at about £1,000, and a pure bull, both from the herd - of Messrs Robertson Bros., of Oolac, havo been recently bought to be sent to Scotland as specimens of Victorian pure stock. Mr Johu Li Hall is in a trying position just now, stagomanaging Dunning's Opera Company in Melbourne and trying to learn opera at the same time. ' ' Manola " is now inactive rehearsal to fol ow "Boccaccio," and the conductor Mr Van Ghele has all his work out out in attempting to coach the unmusical " Johnny " Hall. Both teacher and pupil begin to recognise that it is a mistake for a low comedian to take to opera bouffe. Recent Californian papers contain accounts of a prize fi^ht which took place at Frisco lately between Harry Manyard, champion light weight boxer of California, and a pugilist named Scott. Manyard weighed lOst, and his opponent 12st 121bs. The latter was backed to " koock " Manyard out of time in four rounds, but the champion proved an easy victor. This Manyard is a New Zealander. His proper name is Billy Winchcombe, and in the early days of the Thames he eked a subsistence peddling cabbages, thus earning the soubriquet of " Cabbage Billy." The London correspondent of the Melbourne Argus writes . — ' While disposed to view the frozen meat trade favorably, the most experienced salesman discountenances the idea that an unlimited market can be found for Australian and New Zealand mut* ton. They consider that for some time to come 2000 sheep a week could be absorbed all the year round at prices which, though much below those obtained for English and Scotch mutton, would prove remunerative. If large supplies are sent, they may be dis- . posed off, but the prices will suffer. So many people flock to Hawarden Church when it is known the English Premier is going to read the Lessons at his parish church, that the recto/ has found it necessary to send the following letter to the Liverpool Post : — " Sir, — As there seems to be a general impression that Mr Gladstone will regularly read the Lessons in Hawarden Church on Sundays, it may be well to point out that his help is only occasionally given when needed, and that therefore if strangers come from a distance there is risk of disappointment. Next Sunday, for example, Mr Gladstone will not read the Lessons. I may add that it is obviously undesirable to announce beforehand when he will do so. — Yours, &c, Stephen Gladstone, Rector of Hawarden, October 2, 1883." The tone of mail advices from China by the steamer Whampoa reflects in a marked manner the anticipations of an early outbreak of hostilities with France. The Hong Kong Daily Press of 4th October says : "A private letter received here yesterday from Canton states that one mercantile firm there has made arrangements to remove to Macao, being profoundly convinced that ere long the Chinese will make another attack upon Shameen. It is also believed in Canton that war between France and Chinia is imminent, and large numbers of the wealthier Chinese residents have left the city and gone into the interior. It also states that the Chinese newspapers published in Hong Kong were all warned by the Registrar-General, on the 17th September, to be careful what they wrote, and that they had attended to the caution.' An Aucklander complains that at a concert up north he was involuntarily utilised aa a "flower chucker." "Scarcely," he remarks, "had I seated myself when I was interviewed by a matron who was laden with beautiful bouquets of most lovely flowers. Imagining that talent and genius were about to be rewarded in a country which was not the prophet's own, I allowed a smile to grace my classic and intellectual features, and prepared for the ovation . But I was disappointed. The lady certainly did present me with a lovely bouquet, but with the request that I would throw it to her accomplished daughter, who would shortly appear on the stage, and who would be annoyed if some flowers were not . thrown to her." The victim weakly assented and afterwards found that a number of others had permitted themselves to be similarly utilised, so that the maiden had the satisfaction of standing amidst a pile of floral offerings. Whatever (says the Pall Mall Gazette of a recent date) may be the ultimate designs of Russia iv the East, at the present moment her policy is notorious pacific. The watchword of tht new Czar since his accession has been peace, and every act of the new reign has shown that under Alexander 111., as under Alexander 11., " la Russie ne boude pas, elle se recueille." During that period 1 of recovery, even her bitterest enemy must admit, Russia is driven by circumstances to pursue a strictly conservative and pacific policy in the East. In this way she is brough directly into the line of English policy, which is, in the best sense of the v/ord, conservative and pacific, in the Balkan Peninsula. These arms being the same, the two Powers were in substantial accord, and they have found no difficulty in acting, together for the removal of the causes which threatened the tranquihty of the East, andin opposing designs which menaced the stability of the territorial arrangements of the Treaty of Berlin. The Salvation Army (says the Oamaru Mail of Saturday) must haA T e had a very quiet time last evening, for a large number of their patons visited the circus, that is, they remained outside the tent and had a "free circus" to themselves. After the circus band had finished playing outside, and dusk came on, the larrikins thought their time had come to commence operations. They opened by running away with the trap ' on which the money-taker was placed. The vehicle was drawn into the middle of the ground before it was stopped, and on one of the men violently remonstrating at this behavor, he was struck by one of the larrikins. Thsn commenced a wild sceue, and it was thought on two or three occasions that they would take the tent by storm, but the police who were stationed at the door evidently terrified them. A number of Salvation hymns were then sung, which appeared to give them more " pluck " for committing further damage. They again got hold of the trap — which belongs to Mr J. Williams of Oamaru — and ran it into the creek opposite Messrs Meek's mill, breaking one of the shafts. Damage was done to the tent and other portions of the circus, and there is not one of the two or three hundred wretches who engaaed in this diabolical scene Jast evening but should feel thoroughly well ashamed of himself. Particulars have been received of a shocking affair in the district of Ballina, where madness among dogs is prevalent. At Corbally a sheep dog, owned by a man named Rogan, becoming suddenly violent, rushed into the hoxise of a man named Wright, bit a boy aged five years severely on the arm, and then rushed at a man named Barnes, w.ho attempted to drive him off, and it also bit him. The owner of the animal then arrived, and succeeded with a few scratches \ in bringing the dog into the stable, where he ■ attempted to stab him with a hayfork, but the dog rushed at and caught him by the arm, knocked him down, and would have killed him were it not that another man / came up and killed the dog with the hayfork. The animal, however, held on to Rogan's arm until he actually tore away the sinews and laid the bone bare. Rogan is completely prostrated. The other man bitten is also unwell, and it is feared he will succumb. The little boy died a most horrible death. During a performance at the German ! Theatre at Prague the spectators suddenly heard during the first act a violent roaring and hissing, which threw them into tremendous consternation. It was thought that the theatre was burning. Everyone rushed to the doors, leaving umbrellas and opera glass- 'S behind. One lady fainted away in the pit, and a door into the top gallery was forced through. It was observed on this occasion that the public took no notice of the numerous doors used in cases of necessity, but thronged only towards the principal points of egress. In the midst of the greatest confusion the director appeared on the stage, announcing that there was no danger, the hissing being merely owing to the bursting of a steam pipe. The firemen were on the stage directly the public became composed, and the performance was resumed after a lapse of 10 minutes. At Kaschau, also on Monday, owing to a false alarm of fire, a most terrible crush ensued at the circus. Many persons were badly bruised, among them a Catholic clergyman, who waa dangerously injured.

Our local peds and others interested will bear iv mind that the entries close this evening for the Wanganui Rifles' sports on Boxing Day, at 9 o'clock. Capiain Jeannie White, from New Zealand, Avho has charge of the Salvation Army station at Williamstown, Victoria, is styled "The Hallelujah Maori." Cap «am Edwin telegraphs at 12.10 p.m. — Bad weather approaching between north-: east and north and west ; glass falling, and rain within 12 hours. The weather continues very unsettled. A Govprnment parade of the Naval Brigade is called for Wednesday evening next, to give members that have not done so an opportunity of qualifying for capitation. The Garrison Band will attend. During the past week two patients were admitted and two discharged at the Hospital, This leaves 18 patients now remaining in tho Hospital, consisting of 16 males and two females. A sitting of the R M. Court was held this morning before Mr Ward, R.M. In the case O'Connor v. Culkcen, which was an application to hear "evidence, Mr Hutchison appeared for the defendant, and on his application, evidence was taken to be forwarded to Auckland. It will be seen from advertisement elsawhere that on Monday next Mr A Barns holds a sale of Mr A. B, Hogg's furniture, books, etc. at his resident Berkely House Guytou Street, that gentleman having decided to leave Wanganui for Wellington. The goods comprise a valuable lot, and should be disposed of at satisfactory prices. The following members of the Alexander Cavalry have intimated their intention of taking part in the head and rings competition in connection with the sports on Boxiny Day : — Captain Sommerville, Lieutenant Harrison, Sergeant-Major Wisdom, Sergeants Laird and Higgie, Coporals Garner and Mussen, Lance-Coporal Hogg, Troopers Brooks, Strachan, E. R. Morgan, and Farrier J. Morgan. Several more names are expected, so that an interesting contest may be expected. We learn that Mr C. S Cross has received a letter from the Secretary to the Auckland Club enquiring whether it is possible to arrange a cricket match for the month of March, about the time of the Autumn Races. He has replied stating that a match can be arranged, and he will get together an eleven for the event, comprised of players from Wanganui and Rangitikei together. An interesting match may be expected, certainly something of tbe kind is required to waken up cricket in this district. A meeting of the sports committee of the Wanganui Rifles was held last evening, at which several matters were discussed. Subcommittees were appointed as follows : Gate : Sergeant Aamodt, Corporal Ward, Volunteera Hughes, Campbell and Turner. Racing : Color- Sergeant Wild, Sergeants Bush and Remington, Volunteers Mercy, Hackett, J. B. Ley don, and Hollis. The question of deciding as to the disposal of the grand stand booths has not yet been settled, but it is proposed that there shall be only one publican's booth, the purchaser to have the option of taking either the grand stand or outside booth. There will be one refreshment booth, and probably a room will be set apart for the use of ladies or families who bring their own provisions. The arrangements as to the cards, &c, was left with Lieutenant Jones, Sergeant Remington and the Secretary (Sergeant Ross.) We learn from Mr Filmer that Mr Hutchison, the manager of the Picton Coal Co., has resigned his position, owing to very bad treatment which he has received from the directors. It appears that there was a difference of opinion between the directors, which came to the knowledge of the Wellington directors, who passed a resolution urg ing the directors to abandon the limestone works* |that were |°oing on as ' recommended by Mr Hutchison. The directors, unknown to Mr Hutchison, got Mr Derham to report on the mine, who reported adversely to the work being continued. Mr Derham and Mr Hutchison were selected, out of 24 applicants, as the two beat engineers for the work, Mr Hutchison being finally accepted, and it is therefore very unfair to him that Mr Derham should be selected to report. Mr Hutchison offers to come to Wanganui to explain to the shareholders that the work will pay if carried on on his recommendations, and to show that Mr Derham's suggestions are not feasible. If the shareholders are agreeable to pay his expenses here he will meet them, and go into the matter. Mr Filmer would be pleased to hear from shareholders on the subject.