The Waikato Times..

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1200, 6 March 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times..

Equal and exact justice to all men, Ot whatever state or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6.

The somewhat lengthy correspondence between Mr Potter and the Colonial Secretary, which we publish elsewhere, will be read with general interest. The matter is one not merely local, but of Colonial importance, and the thanks of every flockmaster in New Zealand will be accorded to Mr Potter for bringing forward a project so much calculated to benefit the chief industry of the colony. The devoting a room, say in the Auckland museum for this Provincial District, for the exhibition of samples of wool of a distinctive character, forwarded by authorised and competent officials (and the necessary staff, as the letter shows, is in active existence at the present time), would have a doubly beneficial result. • It would enable a settler intending to grow wool to the greatest advantage to know exactly where to goto procure sheep that would produce the exact staple of wool which he desired to grow. As it is now, but few men, comparatively, enter into sheep breeding scientifically, and are able to systematically carry out the production of wool of a high class and distinctive character such as would command the highest prices in the home markets. Of the 5980 owners of sheep in tho Colony, no less a proportion ihan 1019 own toss ihnn

500 sheep each, and with the great bulk of these a sheep is simply a sheep. Their flocks are started in the first instance from culls of other flocks that have literally been weeded out for some defect or other, or to make room for better blood ; and if in some instances better bred rams are procured, the improvement is only partial after all, and does not secure what Mr Potter, as a practical man, points out as the chief desideratum that distinctive character of wool which a manufacturer would at once place his hand upon as exactly the description required for his particular branch of manufacture. New Zealand, and especially the North Island, is, we say it without hesitation, the best adapted of any country in the world for the production of a first-class wool. We have neither the keen frosts of winter, nor the severe droughts of summer which in other countries injure the staple of the wool while on the sheep's back. We have green feed all the year round, which, with the advantages of climate above referred to, causes an even and regular growth of the wool. And this is all important, for where there is a sudden check caused to the growth of the wool, whether by cold or by the falling off of feed, there is an alteration produced in the wool at that period of its growth which weakens the texture of the fibre at that particular place, and leads to a break when in course of manufacture : the staple is, in fact, destroyed. Strange, however, to say, New Zealand, with all its advantages, does not command the first prices for its wool in the home markets. Taking the average values realised for the produce of even good flocks in the London sales for 1878 for these colonies, we find that Tasmania is ahead of us from Jd to f d per lb. ; New South Wales, from |d to 3Jd per lb. ; and Victoria, from 4d to 4£d per lb. This is not as it should be, when really the difference in value should be in the opposite direction, and far more markedly so. Our readers may not be aware of the fact; but the increase of every penny a pound on the price of wool exported from this Colony means the addition of a quarter of a million sterling to the income of our flockmasters, a sum which, one way or other, has much to do with elevating or depressing the general prosperity. The great object is to produce a wool which will be purchased by the manufacturer direct, and not pass through the hands of the London broker. If the manufacturer could find within the Colony an article suitable for his particular requirements he would at once deal with the grower, and the wool would be shipped straight to the factory, purchased at the top market price. As it is, the uneven, irregular, ill-sorted wools are bought in bulk by the broker, and sorted out into regular distinctive classes of wool before the manufacturer will look at them. The wool from the same flocks are not even of a regular description — we are, of course, excepting those of a few who devote experience and intelligence to the task of wool production — and the same bale will produce a valuable wool alongside of a sample which, although it look almost as good to the unpractised eye, the sampler will at once see will lose 60 or even 70 per cent, to bring it to the required standard, owing to the quantity of yolk or fatty matter it may contain. Thus a settler sends home what he really thinks is wool, but really is not half wool, and wonders that his bales have realised so inferior a price. It is to prevent all this that the system of classification of the various staples of wool suitable to the requirements of manufacturers has been advocated by Mr Potter. The machinery which would secure the authenticity and supply the necessary information concerning the several samples to be marked and catalogued for exhibition in a local museum, he looks for in the sheep inspectors already appointed throughout the Colony, and doubtless in these gentlemen would be found the most suitable and efficient workers in the new department of wool classification. The machinery is therefore at hand, though, of course, the fact cannot be disguised that some considerable increase in salary would have to be made to many at least of these gentlemen if this additional work and tax upon their time is called for. Some of them are underpaid as it is. A couple of hundred per annum for a sheep inspector for this district is simply an absurdity, for that gentleman's travelling expenses, when on duty, we happen to know, is actually in axcess of his salary, and the greater part of his time is taken up in the duties of his office. Still, the project broached in the letter elsewhere is of so important a character that, though the Government may have given the stereotyped reply "that the present finances of the country will not allow of its being carried out at this time," we feel quite certain that the Assembly, composed as it is of so many who can appreciate the importance of the subject, will take a different view of the matter — for, once before the public, it will become a subject of popular concern. It will be for our Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, our Farmers' Clubs, and similar bodies to take the matter in hand, and with the belief that they will do so, and successfully too, we shall feel proud if the publication of the correspondence in this journal shall lead to results of so important a colonial concovn.

In our last we printed a letter from Mr Henry Buttle on " The Thistle Question," which want of space prevented our referring to in that issue, as it was our avowed purpose in first adverting to the subject, to awaken a thorough interest in it by means of correspondence ; we are pleased to find we have been successful. At the same time it is necessary to guard ourselves against the charge laid to our account by Mr Buttle, of calling the thistle a " fine thing — a thing to be encouraged." If Mr Buttle will do us the service of reperusing our two short articles on this subject, he will find that, so far from approving of the thistle, we have used arguments against them, which are in effect the same as those adduced by our correspondent. We have not, on this account, closed our ears to the other side, and hence, perhaps, has arisen Mr Buttles misconception. We shall be happy to see Mr Buttles example followed by others of our agricultural readers, believing that a thorough discussion on the subject cannot fail to result in great benefit to all who are in any way affected by what Mr Buttle ironically calls those " beautiful flowers."

Colonel Leckie arrived in Hamilton ■ on Thursday evening by the late train, and was met by the officer commanding the district, Colonel Lyon, with whom he proceeded yesterday morning to Cambridge. Colonel Leckie will hold inspections at Alexandra, Te Awamutu, and Cambridge, arriving in Hamilton next Tuesday, and holding review of Volunteers as announced in our advertising columns. By reference to the latest quarterly Army List available, we find that Colonel William Leckie entered Her Majesty's 39th Dorsetshire Regiment of Foot on the 10th of March, 1843. He obtained his lieutenancy on the 16th April, 1845, and became a captain on 2nd April, 1852 ; brevet major, 6th June, 1856 ; and major of his regiment on 23rd October, 1860. He served at the siege and fall of Sebastopol in 1855, including the attacks on the 18th June and Bth September (Crimean medal and clasp, Knight of the Legion of Honor, and Turkish medal). It is to be hoped that the visit of Colonel Leckie bears some evidence that the Government intend to take greater interest in the Volunteer movement than they have hitherto. An emergency meetingof the Cambridge Railway Committee is, we notice, convened by advertisement for Tuesday next. We understand that the business to be brought before the Committee is the appointment of delegates to confer with members of the Waikato County Council appointed for that purpose yesterday, as to the desirability of the two proposed Cambridge railway lines. The reason for this step being taken is that the Minister for Public Works will be in Waikato soon, and it would be desirable that a deputation should meet him and urge upon him the necessity of a line to Cambridge. We would advise the settlers of Waikato to be of one mind as to which line is the best and to ask for that, and that only, lest by asking for too much they may get nothing. The Newcastle Highway Board holds a meeting on Monday, when we hope the disgraceful state of the bridges on the Ngaruawahia -Hamilton road will meet with their attention. Another plank is stove in in Hall's bridge, near Pukete, and the bridge is absolutely in a dangerous condition for horse and wheel traffic. The present road to Whatawhata from Hamilton will shortly be fenced across by new settlers fencing in their land. We trust this matter will receive attention of the Newcastle Highway Trustees. There will be a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council on Monday evening, when the resignations of the Mayor, and Crs. Cumming, Knox, and McDonald will be officially received and discussed. It is likely there will be a more than usually large attendance of the public in the "gallery." The contract for metalling the main road through the Pukekura Highway District is almost completed, and a good road will then exist between Cambridge and Walker's Gully. On the approach road at this latter place there are one or two slips which ought to be looked to. There are already several candidates proposed for the vacancies in the Hamilton Borough Council. Amongst those we have heard the names of Mr Philip Le Quesne, J. Mullions, and Angus Campbell. Dr Beale is also spoken of as Mayor. In our report of the proceedings of Waikato County Council will be found an opinion of Messrs Hesketh and Richmond, respecting the sum of £100 in dispute between the borough and the county. The letter will be read with interest. Me Lovegrove's old shop in Greystreet, Hamilton East, is being rapidly fitted up for Mr Robert Harris, who will recommence business there. The end shop in the buildings, occupied by Messrs Small and Coates, is being fitted up by Mr Pearson, builder, for the occupation of a Mr Fowles from Queensland, who will open it in a short time as a chemists and druggibts store. We were yesterday shown by Mr J. Moses, of Hamilton, some very choice specimens of a very superior class of men's and boys' clothing, which he has imported direct from home by the British Empire ; and is able, therefore, to sell at some 20 per cent, less cost than if purchased from a wholesale merchant in the colony. The goods are of a very different class, both as regards make and material, to those usually procurable in the colony, as an inspection will show. Amongst other goods, we noticed some remarkably choice specimens of gentlemen's knickerbockers and tweed riding breeches. The promenade concert which it is proposed to hold in Mr G Wynne's garden on the evening of Thursday next, on behalf of the Band fund of the Hamilton Light Infantry Volunteers, deserves to be I well attended, for the members of the Band since their enrollment have been ever ready with their services in similar undertakings got up for other public purposes. And, really, in helping to make the Hamilton Band thoroughly efficient, by enabling them to procure good music and necessary instruments, the Hamilton public will be helping themselves, for to our Baud we must look on many a future occasion to make a holiday doubly enjoy- , able. There have been several changes in ! the Band since they last appeared before the public. Bandmaster Simms, being J necessarily often absent from Hamilton on his professional duties, has resigned that position, which is now held by Bandmaster J. O'Connor, while Mr Simms still remains a member of the Band as euphonium ; Mr W. Allen is solo comet ; MrF. Locke, first ditto; MrC. McKenzie, second ditto; Mr W. Sutcliffe, second ditto ; Mr P. Munro, third ditto ; Mr P. Henry, E flat clarionet; Mr G. Barker, B flat ditto ; Mr G. Allen, F flat jticolo • JVJv C. Small, first tc7ior horn j Mr .J

Connolly, second ditto ditto : Mr J. Wright, first baritone; Mr A. Scott, j second ditto ; Mr R. Edwards, tenor trombone ; Mr J. Vincent, E flat bom- { bardon ; Mr J. Edgecumbe, B flat ditto ; Mr S. Tucker, big drum ; Mr E. Martin, cymbals ; Mr J. Somers ; the side drum not being yet apportioned. The Band, it will be seen, is a full and strong one, and constant practice and a natural love and taste for music in the individual performers have led to a very great amount of proficiency, considering the short time it has been organised. The Hamilton Band will doubtless give a good account of itself on Thursday evening. Mr W. C. Breakell left Hamilton on Thursday in company with Mr Simms for the neighbourhood of Pukete to undertake the necessary surveys for the deviations of roads proposed to be made on the lands of Messrs Walsh and McNicoll. Mr Breakell returned to Hamilton yesterday, leaving Mr Simms to carry out the work. In expectation of the Hon. Mr Oliver's visit to Waikato, the Waikato County Council have determined that he shall not leave the district without having had prominently brought before him the more specially needed public, works, the construction of which the Waikato has a right to look for. And forward amougst these is the Cambridge Brcnch Railway. As both Mr Fergusson and Mr Kirkwood remarked at the Council, the Cambridge people care little which of the two proposed lines, that to Hamilton, or that to the Narrows Bridge, is decided upon, so long as they have a railway ; but that it is not only fair but most desirable that the branch line from Cambridge, whioh passes through a country likely to ensure a large amount of traffic and to furnish a profitable feeder to the main line should be constructed by the Government. The Chairman, Captain Steele, was largely in favor of the original line of route, and the conclusion arrived at was — that as it was immaterial which the route was, so long as a line was constructed, and that if deputations, one say from Hamilton and another from Cambringe, waited on the Minister of Public Works with requests clashing with each other, nothing at all would be done — it would be well to hold a meeting of Hamilton and Cambridge representatives, then to discuss the matter and resolve on one project which both wonld endorse. If was finally decided that Captain Steele and another member of the Council shonld meet two gentlemen at Cambridge on Tuesday, chosen by the Cambridge Railway Committee, and agree upon a course of action in which all should unite in urging on the Minister for Public Works the carrying out of this important undertaking. Rate Colleclors in some places may have a difficult time of it, but the billet must be an easy one at Grahamstown, where the population, as designated by a Waikato County Councillor, yesterday, must be frightfully honest, if the experiences of the clerk of the Waikato County Council are to be taken as representing the ratepayers proclivities of the Grahamstownite.s. It appears that Capt. McPherson sent valuation notices to two residents at Grahamstown, notifying that the property of one was rated a £1 l,that of the other at 9s; almost by return of post he received from the former, a post-office order for £4, with the further information that the balance should be forwarded at an early date. The second party, a well-known boniface, sent 9s forth writh, and both must have felt somewhat agreeably surprised when they received their money back, less the rate of exchange, with a letter from the clerk, that they had mistaken a simple valuation notice for a demand for rates due. They pay up well in Grahamstown. To-morrow (March 7th), there will be no service at the Hautapu School-room. There will be a special service for children at St. Andrew's, Cambridge, at 3 p.m. The Rev. R. B. Coming will address the children, and will distribute the prizes awarded for the past half-year. The collection will be in aid of the Sunday School.

Captain Dawson desires the Band of the H. L. I. Volunteers to parade at the Oddfellows' Hall, on Monday evening;, at half-past seven for drill (with instruments). The Hamilton Volunteers will parade for inspection by Colonel Leskte, at Hamiltan East, on Tuesday at half-past one. James Walton Esq. of Te Awamutu, is appointed Agent for the Church Missionary Society in collecting' rents, and in the general management of the property of the Society established at Te Awamutu, to whom in future all rents are to be paid. The Rangiaohia Highway Board invite tenders until Saturday next, for cutting down and clearing furze, &c, off a certain road. On the thirteenth instant a first and final dividend will be payable 1 in the estate of George Lovegrove. The programme of the Ohinemuri races, to be run on the nineteenth instant, appears elsewhere. Mr Bright's sale of Mr. E. Waytc's chemist and stationery fittings, at Cambridge,, is post* poncd to Saturday next, thirteenth Inst. Notice is given that the stock-in-trade and business premises of Mr James Martin, arc now for sale by tender. Stock lists will be open for inspection on and after Tuesday next.