The Waikato Times

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1287, 28 September 1880, Page 2

The Waikato Times

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

TUESDAY, SEP. 28, 1880.

The Post-office Savings Bank of the Colony is a boon to many, and is evidently so recognised by the people. Affording every facility, for the careful garnering of small savings, it has commended itself to the poor but thrifty, as a means of laying up against a rainy day, small sums, trivial in themselves, but i amounting in the aggregate to a i respectable amount. Indeed, the i Post-office Savings Bank may rightly j be regarded as the people's bank, and would seem to be annually increasing its sphere of usefulness. Since the establishment of Postoffice Saving Banks in the colony in j 1867 no less than 104,662 accounts have been opened, and of which 37,747 still continued open on the 31st December, 1879. No slight proportion of the whole, taking into consideration the many fluctuations in population and changes in the commercial and social position of the people of the colony during the thirteen years interval. The total i amount deposited from the commencement of the savings bank system inclusive of the interest' credited to depositors, was £6,642,431 14s 7d, and the total amount withdrawn was £5,855,426 14s 7d. The balance remaining on the 31st December was, therefore. £78f,005 19s. The total amount of interest placed ,to the credit of depositors since the establishment of the Post-office Savings Bank in the colony was, up to the 31st December, 1879, no less than £245,722 12s 4d, and the proportion of depositors to the population, who have profited by their Savings Bank transactions, was lin 13. For the I same period the proportion in Eng- ! land and Wales was 1 in 14 ; in ] Scotland 1 in 70 ; in Ireland lin 79 ; and the average for the United Kingdom was lin 17. The proportion in Victoria was 1 in 19, and in New South Wales 1 in 38. The steady increase of business notwithstanding depression of trade and diminution of individual earnings is shown in a remarkable .degree. Thus from Ist February to 31st December, 1867, the, first year's transactions represented deposits amounting to £96,372, and withdrawals £26,415. In 1870 the amounts respectively were £264,328 and £209,509; in 1875, £657,653 and £729,759 ; and in 1879, £812,399 and £876,180. Last year the withdrawals exceeded deposits by £63,781, a proof of pinching times and straitened means in many households. It is noteworthy that during the thirteen years the Postoffice Savings Bank has been established in New Zealand in only three years have the annual withdrawals exceeded the annual deposits, namely in the year just given and 1876, when the excess amounted to £32,146, and in 1875 when it reached £72,106. The foregoing extract from the Annual Beport testifies to the confidence reposed in the administration of the financial affairs of New Zealand by the great mass of the people, who know that their savings become absorbed in the general revenue of the colony yet are invariably repaid promptly on demand.

It has been very ingeniously insinuated that we are doing our utmost, in the interests of Hamilton, to retain the present railway timetable, and, as many people are likely to be led away by such mischievous statements, we feel called upon to refer to this matter again. To say that the present time-table suits Hamilton would be as just as to say that it gives unbounded satisfaction to the rest of the district, which we well know it does not. We have Mr Macdonalds own authority for saying that in constructing the present table he endeavoured to make every other consideration give way to what he considered the special interests of the country settlers. If he has not benefited this class, he certainly has conferred no favour upon Hamilton, for of all plaefce in Waikato the greatest dissatisfaction regarding the time-table is expressed w that tpwn. Not many days ago we made it <Wr

fal business to discover the| es of up-country residents on

Sbhis subject, being thoroughly aware that they were not being met by the existing arrangements. To these wishes, as made known to us by ssveral prominent settlers in the Mangapiko and Rangiawhia districts, we gave expression in a sub-, leader 011^ Tuesday last. '"We '£roceedecV upon " 'ine^assii nYpSoiT'^Rar' the convenience of tjiqse who^wished ' ti> do the journey to Auckland ancl" ■back in-two days-ekeuld-be regarded^ but we werb 'not unaware that a considerable number of people were Willing, to;, forego,,t)iis privilege, provided Ihfy' cotflcf-^BlfcfewMiiie early on the third day. We were also aware, as we stated at the time that the opinions of people in different parts of the district varied ve.ry considerably, and the remedy we sug- ■ gested seemed to us the only one which would' meet the demands of all. We do nqt pretend to say that our suggestion was the only feasible one, or that we had attached ourselves* ,to it -fihftllyi t 'JJnlike some other journals, we have no end whatever to serve in our relations with this subject, unless it be the welfare of the people of Waikato, and if we can discover, or if it can be shown us that a better and more practicable time-table than we have suggested can be, constructed, we shall not hesitate one moment to give it our heartiest support.

The particulars which we publish in another column of the journey of ; exploration towards Itotorua, will be read with much interest. To many, ourselves among the number, the fact that there exists a road to the Lakes, the construction of which could be accomplished with the amount of one- year's interest on the sum about to be expended by the Government on another, comes as a surprise. It seems incredible - almost <that a sum of should in these hard times be 'applied to do that which could be attained with less than a tithe of the amount, and. in an infinitely shorter space of time. The circumstances of the case cannot \>e brought too strongly under the notice of the Government, and we trust that no delay will be occasioned in doing so.

It having been industriously circulated by the correspondent of an Auckland paper that Mr S. E. G. Smith has severed his connection with this journal, and joined the staff of a local contemporary, we beg to give the mischievous statement an unqualified denial. "

The Beer Tax duty stamps are a long time in preparation. In the interest of the brewers, the work of preparation should be pushed on with all possible expedition. The Beer Tax is in itself irksome, and annoyance and trouble are intensified by having, as is now the case, to conform to roles entailing a great deal of bother, such as paying, day by day, in ca*li t to the collector of the district in which his brewery is situated, the duty chargeable on all beer sold or removed for consumption during the previous day, or lodging with the collector a sum by way of deposit sufficient to cover the amount of duty payable weekly. On tendering payment of duty, the brewer or his authorised agent must give the collector a statement jn duplicate setting forth the number, sizes, and contents, in Imperial gallons of the several casks of beer sold or removed from his brewery for consumption or sale since the date vrken he last paid duty on beer sold or removed; and on every such occasion shall make and siginn , the presence of the Collector or a Justice of the Peace a declaration that the statement made is true. Conformity to these regulations is now a trouble, and entails much loss of time, both matters which the issue of the Beer Tax duty stamps will in a great measure temper.

The Cambridge Town Board are proceeding with the contemplated improvements to Lake-street. The gradient past the National Hotel has been lessened considerably by means of a quantity of earth taken from the crown of the hill.

There appears to be at present a considerable demand for farms in Waikato ', we bear of more than one eligible property negotiations for which are proceeding.

We are sorry to notice that the dangerous hole in the southern approach to the bridge at Steele's cutting, to which we drew attention a week ago, has not yet been attended to. The wheel guard on the western side of the bridge should also be repaired or renewed.

Secretaries of Cricket Clubs and othetß would oblige by sending., in their communications written in ink And not in pencil, and on one side of the paper only, to ensure insertion and guard against errors.

The second number of the Observer f ally maintains the tone of the first.

The thoroughbred horse Hippocampus, tbe property of Mr Walters, will arrive by this evening's train from Auckland, and will, as advertised, stand the season at Mr B. Garland's farm, near Cambridge.

Christopher James Ashwell, charged with obtaining money (£2) from Mr Finoh, hotelkeeper, of Alexandra, by means of a valueless cheque, was brought up before H. W. Nortboroft, Esq., E.M., at Hamilton on Saturday, and was ordered to be imprisoned till the costs of the case (£4 11s) and the amount of money fraudulently obtained (£2) to be paid ; imprisonment in any case not to exceed one month. The prisoner went to gaol.

The Hamilton Debating uiud wnen in want of debating matter, might consider the following :— " If a man has » tiger by the tail, which would be the best for hia personal safety — to hold on or to let go?"

The following new reading of an old story is suggested to our mind by the cutting of the two oats above the par l* A mother's meeting" in the first page of laat Saturday's Observer :— " If a oat doth meet a cat upon a garden wall, and if a oat doth greet a cat, oh, need they both to squall? Every Tommy has his Tabby waiting on the wall, and yet he welcomes I her approach always with a yawl. And If <* feitten wish to court upon the garden

? jzr t t — tt-, h,ir<tll, why rlont fiesta 'intf sweetly Htnile, ">ad,sp; afandj-iip «p4 .bawif ; ( lif c hw anaJttoan, aw jf^Uwere coltc moro than love t iat made that fellow groan?

At a fancy dress ball at Napier t ho other dfiv, a civtt #erVan| appeared, in evening dress, xciba pft&;nei* on krfpfes ;fn'd elbow;*, an empty wallet lnb*»lled "ten per cent reduitticn " lit his side, and placards bearing- the woeful levends '"economr, " <li hard times, " nt front and rear ; ~b«tt over-liw-'bettpt whs the- inspiriting motto " Nil Desperandum !"

w Wi ii^rstiaad tkqjt ifisf tjks intention of the Cumbiidge Jockey Club to hold -a apring** meeting at the olo«e-of the Cavalry drill |n November. Judging by their past successes, the meeting should prove a thoroughly enjoyable one. to all concerned. '„ N t

It seems a great pity that So useful add soipromfrient an'infttitatton as the G&mbridgp - PupUfc ; Library" .should not have a more presentable habitation. The building i» roomy enough; and the site is a very good one, but a few pounds are sadly wanted to put in repair and make it what it ought to be, an ornament to the street. The Committee, wisely no doubt have expended their funds in the purchase of much needed additions to the ah,elves, and we think the public might be fairly called upon to aid in the otfidr matter.

Thft work of improving Sydney Square has again been resumed, ard it is now intended to sow it with grass at oijce. No time should be lost about this in the present favorable state of the weather.

A special meeting of the Hamilton Light luiantry Corps is called for Thursday night., at which the captain requec.tß the attendance of all members of the corps, honorary and bandsmen, to take into consideration matters of the utmost importance connected with the band of the corps. It is to be hoped that every member will attend.

We would recommend those who have not yet paid a viait to the •' Sightascope" and "Musical Cabinet" now on view at the Oddfellows' Hall to do so at once, as to-night is the last time of the exhibition. The vievrs are very nicely executed, and comprise some of the principal cities in the world. The price of admission is Is, and on entering the building every visitor receives a ticket, which entitles him to a prize, It will be open this afternoon from 2 till 5, and from 7 to 8 this evening,

Fatrons of the turf will no doubt bo glad to learn that at the race meeting given in Melbourne «n Saturday last, in honour of Sir Hercules Robinson, Hia Excellency should see the colours of Mr Vallance's TSeW Zealand horse Cambello borne to the front with ease out of a field of 22 starters in the Farewell Handicap, a sweepstake of 3 so vs., with 200 soys. added, three-quarters of a mile.

A small detachment of the A.C. Force consisting of Sergts. Gooche and Stanger and four men were passengers to Auckland yesterday en route for the Waimate plains where they will relieve an equal number of men who will be sent hither.

A very handsome and chaste silver goblet is on view in the shop-win-dow of MrGL E. Clarke, Cambridge. The presentation of A. A Fantham E*q., for the best bull of any age exhibited at tho forthcoming Caambridge Farmers' Club cattle show, by Lord Darlington the 2nd.

The Cambridge Domain Board have not as yet made any final arrangements for leasing the reserves, some points having arisen regarding the length of the terms allowed by law. The opinion of the majority of the Board ia in favor of granting leases of 21 years, but one or two of the members prefer a shorter term. This would however be a great mistake, as the lessee could not recoup his expenditure upon fencing, laying in grass, planting, &c, for some years, and it would be manifestly unjust to take away the land just as it began to get of value to him. From what we can hear the proposal to limit the period of tha leases to 10 01 H years is very unfavorably received. The Board must offer a reasonable inducement to Jessees or they cannot expeot the lands to be taßen up by a suitable class.

Seventeen tons of White Island sulphur were shipped by Mi* Wilson from Tauranga to Melbourne, per s.s. Waitaki on her last trip.

The Waikato Turf Club purpose holding a spring meeting on Friday, November 26th. A full programme will be published shortly. A rather remarkable bachelors' ball was recently held at Tuapeka. Each bachelor was decorated with an insijrna according to bis age — 'thirty years one ihttle bunch of creeping jeanie ; forty, two bunches ; and sixty, three. The Chairman wore the latter badge, and in a speech, which opened the proceedings, ho informed his juniors there was great danger in delaying too long in a state of celibacy. Take an. example by me (he i said). Behold an old man who will have to sleep the rest of his days where no wife will be seen 1 j An Irish porter, closing a shop one rainy evening, took off his coat while putting up the shutters. When asked why he went out in his shirt sleeves in all the rain, "S'lure" said he, "don't I want a dry coat to go home in ?"

Mr Hugh Fitzgerald, of Cambridge, advertises several small farms for sale. Mr J. S. Biu kland's next regular sale will be held in the Cambridge yards at r o'clock on Tuesday, sth October. The thoroughbred Fevc, the property of R. H. D. Fergusson, Esq., Gorton, Cambridge, will travel the district as advertised elsewhere. Mr J. T. Camp being about shortly to leave Cambridge, requests that all debts be paid by October 15. The Union Bank of Australia (Limited), have altered the days for the half-yearly balancing to the last days of February and August. Carder Brothers and Co. have appointed Mr f. P. Thomson, of Cambridge, their sole agent for the Watkato. Mr Gallagher, proprietor of the Thistle Hotel, Auckland, is prepared to forward cases of assorted liquors to any part of the Waikato. By an advertisement it will be seen that Mr F. Locke has taken over the billiard-room at the Commercial Hotel, where be will be glad to meet his old friends. Mr Kennedy Hill, instructed by the creditor's trustee, in the estate of Charles Kay of Hamilton, will sell by auction on Saturday next, at z o'clock, at his auction mart, part of allotment 35, Hamilton West, with a substantial brick house, detached kitchen, &c, erected thereon, fronting the main road from the Hamilton Railway Junction, Jand extending to the river. Also a lot of scaffolding poles, slates, ropes, and sundries. Tenders arc invited, and will be received by Mr Winstonc, Bank of New Zealand, Te Awamutn, np to 4th October, for the lease for a term ot three years of lot 267, Te Awamutu, fenced and in grass, containing 60 acres. The new Pure Cash .System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called Upon to bcaraportionofthc loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory, Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gairj or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; iust the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is nkw and chkaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Garlick and Cranwkll, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Qucen^ street, Auckland.