SMALL RUNS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5745, 15 October 1885, Page 2

SMALL RUNS.

The Land Act of 1885 will form an epoch in the settlement of the colony. The provisions for leasing small runs are essentially different from anything previously enacted in any colony respecting the settlement of pastoral country. The tenure is what is known in the Old Country as "fixed." The first term is for twenty-one years, and, subject to a valuation, renewable for periods of twentyone years in perpetuity. Thu3 we have the principle of perpetual leasing applied tn pastoral lands. In the first instance the run is submitted to auction, and the rent is 1\ per cent on the value so ascertained. There is no minimum of area. The maximum is five thousand acres. Improvements and residence are conditions. No one person can hold more than one run. Freedom of transfer is allowed, and improvements are not included in the value, at the end of a term, on which rent is paid. This is a brief summary of perhaps the most important piece of legislation passed through the Legislature for many years. The principle is specially applicable to a vnst extent of land in the interior of Luis Island — rou^h country suited for grazing purposes, in which runs of from ICOO to 5000 acres might be takan up with the prospect of a profit. We understand that a considerable tract of country in this district will be submitted under the system before the end of the year, when settlement, so long suspended with such disastrous results to Wanganui, will go on once more under conditions favorable to enterprise and success.

To-day was the day fixed for receiving nominations for the Harbor Board, but at the time fixed for closing none had been received. Mr E. N. Lifiiton has commenced proceedings against Burns for not supporting his wife and family. The case wili come on for hearing on Saturday. The committee of the Borough Council which is to go through the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions .Act, will meet on Monday evening at 7, with the Borough solicitor.

Messrs Walker and Hatrick have just received a large supply of Sydney oranges and Fijian fruits, inclusive of pine apples and bananas. The consignment has arrived in capital order, and should sell without difficulty.

A test of the stone brought in from Pohangina yesterday, was made by Mr Forbes. The average secured was reckoaed to be equal to 3ozs, to the ton. The prospectorb for the company are going out to the ground again.

There will be no dearth of amusements in Wanganui during the next few months, Besides the two circuses we will have the Colorado Minstrels from the 3rd to the 6th of next month ; Lingard's Diorama of Scotland will be here from the 7th to the 14th The Juno Company play about Christmas time, and Mr. Alexander has secured the Theatre during Christmas week for his pantomine. The Hugo Minstrels will probably be here this month.

Some person blessed with an extraordinary love for damaging property has been at work on Mr Martin's windows. Two of the panes have been scratched over with a diamond ring in such a manner as to completely disfigure them, and interfere with the appearance of the photographs on view. We trust that the police will endeavor to ascertain w hose handiwork this is with a view of getting the culprit brought to justice.

A special meeting of the Borough Council was held to-day at 11 to coueider the election of a nominee for ihe District Board under the Hospitals Act. There were present — His Worship the Mayor, Crs Neill, Jackson, Tod, and Powell. His Worship read the notice requesting the Council to meet and appoint a member for the Board. He proposed that Cr Jackson should repre&ent the Wanganui Borough in the District Board, Cr Powell seconded. It was resolved that the hour of meeting should be fixed at iioou on the sth November, place of meeting Borough Council Chambers.

At the Police Court this morning, Wm. Rex Rose, alias Thompson, alias Dawson, was brought up on remand from Wellington, for having, on the 17th May, 1883, forged a cheque for £3 6a, purporting to be signed by David Peat, A second charge was also brought against the same person for forging a cheque for a similar amount on the 19th May, the same name being attached. Inspector James applied for a remand for 8 days, &o as to allow a witness from F^apier to come over. r I he application was granted Mr H.. A. Lomax, J.P., occupied the Bench. Mi Greenwood, J.P., who was also to have attended, was not present.

The Press, Post, and Telegraph Cricket Club has come to an untimely end owing to lacfc of interest. The committee decided to sell the plant and pay off their liabilities.

Owing to the limited attendance of members, the annual general meeting of the Wanganui Rowing Club called for last evening, was adjourned until Saturday evening next at 7.30. o'clock at the Victoria Hotel.

The following have been elected members of the Union Boat Club :— Working members — Messrs Foden, J. Creighton, P. Garner, J. Carroll, C. Oliver, P. G. Harwood, P, Keegan. — Honorary Members — Silas Wall, James Souness, C. A. Aamodt, T. Denby, Sinclair. T. Dickson, W, L. Meek, R. M<> Liren, C. King, O. Hughes, John Young, A. Gower, and W, Mahoney,

We have to congratulate Mr A. D. Willis on securing the first prize for chromo-litho-graphic printing at the Exhibition. When the prize lists first came out we were rather astonished that his name was not mentioned, and concluded that the work must have been overlooked. This now appears to have been the case and the exhibits have met with the recognition they deserve.

The Native Minister has received word to the effect that Ngatai Te Mamaku, the chief of Taumarunui, has consented to the erec tion of a post office at Taurnaruoui. This chief, who was one of the greatest of obstructionists not long ago, is also doing his utmost to facilitate the progress of the railway. The same chief has also a request t> make with regard to the steamer on the river, to the effect that he hopes there will be one on it as soon as possible.

A not uuimportant feature on Tuesday night's Borough Council meeting was the motion authorising the Foreman to call for tenders for clearing Bell and Harrison Streets. The staff of borough workmen has been greatly reduced of late, and the Mayor thought that it would not be a bad practice to start calling for tenders for work such as this in place of increasing the staff. There are plenty. of small contractors who will willingly take up such jobs and they can be carried out as cheaply as would be the case were the borough workmen employed.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr W. H. Warren will read the " Christmas Carol " at the Aramoho School house to-morrow (Friday) evening, As an exponent of Dickens Mr Warren has been very successful, his readings being highly appreciated in many plac-s in the North Island where they have been delivered. It is some time since Mr Warren was in this neighbourhood, but we have a lively recollection of a pleasant evening spent on the last occasion. The reading will be given in aid of the org m fund, and it is expected that a good audience will attend.

One of the Oamaru Borough Councillors who has resigned because of the provisions of the Local Bodies Contractors Act, in a communication intimating the fact says :—: — "I may be allowed to remark that if the selling of an article in the ordinary course of trade by a councillor to his council is a contract, then I think there can be no doubt that the using of the gas or water supplied by the council to aDy ratepayer would disqualify such ratepayer from acting as a councillor, because as the council contract to supply, and the ratepayer contracts to pay, for water and gas, or either of them, then a contract exists between the two, aud therefore every councillor using the council's water or gas is disqualified, and therefore all are liable to heavy fines for so acting."

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Progress and Industrial Association was held last evening when there were present — His Worship the Mayor (chair), Messrs Ellis, Anderson, Olark, Young, Hughes, Strachan, Williams, Drew, Wilkinson, Tawee. J. L. Stevenson, Aiken, Nettleship, Dr Sorley, and the Rev Mr Treadwell. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Messrs J. Brown, G. Bowern, E. Filmer and O. Hughes were electei aa new .members. Mr Drew read a letter received by him from Grafton New South Wales', covering a sample of sugar retailed thf re at 2sd per Ib. The writer expressed his belief that it wou'd pay merchants to import it into New Zealand rather than to endeavor to make beet root sugar hero At the present time there was. the writer said.a wider spread feeling of dissatisfaction in New South Wales with other colonies at want of reciprocation. The agricultural community in that colony had joined with protectionists to endeavor to stop importation of timber, oats, wheat, bacon, hams, cheese, &c, from New Zealand and other places- What the freetraders desired there was reciprocation, and he trusted the Association would endeavor to assist them in this by opening up a market for their sugar, and endeavoring to find a market there for New Zealand products. The letter was held over.— i The chairman then introduced Mr Warren, who opened his remarks on Protection, by alluding to the causes which had led England to adopt Free Trade, This he attributed to the fact that England's population was increasing beyond the food supply. H e then went on to r discuss the present state of England's trade, arguing that American goods were swamping ''ngliah, and that now there was a feeling in England towards Protection again. Proceeding then to consider New Zealand and her industries, Mr Warren said we wanted population and cultivation. Our exports had been mainly of wool, and this it was to be hoped would continue a large item, but manufactories were also wanted At present, however, manufacturers were at once opposed by those who had vested interests ; to meet these the tariff should not be prohibitive, but protective. The merchant could say that as the manufacturer was doing him harm, he would, by underselling him, send him out of the market. They needed not only one manufacturer, but as many as they could get into the colony. Mr Warren here read a letter sent by him from England, asking for information as to the likelihood ot success in the manufacturing of varnish m the colony. He had replied that the person who wanted to start the manufacture of varnishes would meet opposition from the merchants who preferred sending the kauri-gum Home and selling the imported varnish. H« had since received a letter from his correspondent stating that a relative had left V ngland with the necessary machinery to go in for varnish-making, being determined to try it. Going on next to consider how protection should be granted, he said that he would be willing to assist only those who had established themselves in manufactures, and he would not go further than this. Mr Warren here told a story about a carriage built by Mr Falconer in Napier which had been compared with an English one, and had been decided to be better than the imported carriage, the cost of which was £250, as against £350 for the English article. Another industry which had been established here was caudle-mak-ing, and he could say that before the tariff of 1879 this industry was languishing, but since then it had prospered. The next thing be had to consider was how the protection should be secured. It appeared to him that it must be done through the tariff. With this protection he would like to see the lands well settled, and also to see the Government create a department of trade and agriculture. There were a number of plants, such as cinchona, which could be grown profitably here, and the State should endeavour to introduce them. After reviewing the various heads he had touched on Mr Warren concluded by alluding to the great importance of the question. It should be considered calmly all over the colony, not with a view of pandering to a cry for protection only because it was a cry, but with a view of settling an industrial and industrious population in this colony. There must be some preparation made for the future colonists, more especially for the developement of our youth. The speaker then resumed his seat amidst applause. At the request of the chairman Mr Wilkinson made some remarks on the subject, he having on a previous occasicn read a paper on it. Both of the speakers spoke more than once and the debate was concluded by a vote of thanks to Mr Warren for his interesting and able lecture. It was decided that Mr Williams' paper on "Grain" Bhould come on at next meeting.

Doctors Gave Him up. — '*Ia it possible that Mr Godfrey is up and at work, and cured by bo simple a remedy?" "l assure you it is true that he is entirely cured, and with nothing but Am. Co's Hop Bitters, and only ten days ago his doctors gave him up and said he must die." "Weila-day ! V that is bo I will go this minute and get some for my poor George. I know Hopa are good" Kead

Mr Finch Hutton, one of the members for South Lincolushire in the House of Commons who recently visited the Australian colonies, has asserted that the statesmen of Queensland have been robbing the colony for the purpose of filliug their own pockets.

The report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Wauganui Rowing Club on Saturday nigh*-, although not of extraordinary length, states the exact position of the Club. It is in & healthy state, although there are a number of subscriptions still outstanding. Attention is called to the manner in which certain members had knocked the tubs and scuils about. The staging ia in good repair, but will need to be carried further out, owing to the continual silting which is going ok. Referring to the Wanganui regatta it says that the club won the maiden and senior inrigger races. The former they had won six times out of seven. The outrigger races they could not show up in, as the boat was leaky and knocked. A new four-oar coxwainless boat had therefore been ordered from Mr G. Cummins, to carry an llj-stone crew, aud cost £45. This was now in the Exhibition, and was highly spoken of. The plant was insured for £400. It consisted of three racing out-riggers, and 2 practice out-riggers, 2 racing in-riggers and 3 uub3 besides a gooi supply of sculls. During last season 30 new members had been added to the list of mem bership. The report concludes with a special reference to the loss sustained by the removal of Mr H. E; Blythe.

At the Wanganui County Council a conversation took place with regard to the present system of local Government in that county and the desirability of having the road boards merged with the county. The chairman pointed out that Cr Kennedy was the only person who waa preventing this now. It was necessary that &ome steps should be taken, but unless the Mangawhero people were agreeable nothing could be done. Cr Poison pointed out that the old difficulty was done away with under the new Act, as that provided thai all the monies collected in a riding should be expended in that ridmg. At one time the Mangawhero people might have suspect-d that the promise to spend the rates in this manner would not be carried out, but the^Act provided that they must be. After further conversation on the matter it was allowed to drop, though it seems likely that dome stepi will be taken to have the idea carried into effect.

A meeting of the Wanganui County Council was held this morning, when there were present — Crs Sommerville (chair), Poison, Blythe, Kennedy, McDonald, Porteous. The minutes ot the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Considerable discussion took place with regard to the closing of the Eastern Line. It wa3 decided that the resolution of the ratepayers should be confirmed. A letter from the Rangitikei County Council relative to letting the Kauangaroa Ferry for a term of years under certain conditions to Mr McDonald, was received. The Council decided that they would not approve of letting it for any lengthy period, but they would let it for one year at £10. An application from Mr Brightmore, Putiki, for a slaughtering lisense, was &upported by a petition of neighbours, but objected to by the natives. The matter was adjourned to give the necessary time required for advertising the objections etc. Mr Georgetti waited «>n the Council relative to the expenditure of money through the Aberfeldie estate. It appeared that in January last a meeting of the residents in that locality was held, when it was decided to make a special rating district, and to decide on what part of the Upokoogaro Koad the grant was to be expended. Mr Georgetti was present, and appeared by the minutes to have agreed th t it should be spent on opening the road from Aberfeldie to the main road, the balance to be used on the road from Peel's gate through Power's. Now, however, he objected to it, on the ground that a certaiu portion should • have beou spent on a road nearer to hx» property. The Council informed him that they could do nothing in the matter, the special rating district having been gazetted, and the minutes of the meeting declaring that the settlers were unanimous as to how the money was to be divided. Cr Sotnmerville handed iv his resignation as member for the Kaukatea Riding. — The Chairman's deos on was received with regret by all the memberß. Councillor Keunedy said that he believed that th«re were few men who sould carry on the work as well as Cr Sommerville. The Chairman and himself were the only members present who had come in tvith the Council, and he was sorry to think that he was now going to resign. Cr Poison also expressed his regret, aud urged that the Chairman withdraw it. This Cr Sommerville declined to do, and the resignation was then received with regret.

By an advertisement in another column it will be seen that Mr Martin, Photographer, has on view at his studio photographs of His Excellency the Governor, copies of which are offered for sale. — Advt.