Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1326, 30 December 1880, Page 2

Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 30, 1880.

Op all the Acts which were passed in 1876 to improve the system of our local Government, and they were numerous, that which is known as the " Rating Act" of that year is certainly one of the most practical and useful. In moving the second reading of the Bill, the Hon. Mr Hall stated most truly " that it would provide a short, simple, and uniform law for the levying and recovering of rates," and it would, said Mr Hall, be a very (/rent boon to the people. By " the people," the honourable gentleman of course meant the dwellers in the land, not the absentee-holders, whom this law was specially framed to deal with. Before this Act came into operation, there was really no practical means of reaching absentees, who, while they neither paid rates nor in any other manner contributed towards the improvement of the particular locality where their property was situated, were quite willing to allow the resident-holders to pay large rates, and by thus taxing themselves year after year, to increase annually the value of the whole of the land. The injustice thus wrought on the residents, by the absentee-holders, was great. As an illustration, let us suppose the case of a township of 600 holdings of equal value. We will say that of this number 450 belonged to residents, and 150 (a by no means over-estimated percentage) were the property of absentees, hi order to raise, say £22 10s, the residents, who were the only parties who paid the rates, had to tax themselves to the tune of one shilling in the pound. Now, if the absentees had only contributed their quota, a rate of ninepence paid on the 600 holdings would have sufficed. Now, these absentee-holders consist (for by notices in our columns of the 23rd December we are reminded that they are not creatures of the past) of two classes. Firstly, and by far the greater portion of them, are the original military grantees of the allotments, who have left the Colony, never to return to it. Secondly, are the " speculators." These we will not dignify by the name of " Land Sharks," but as they are a smaller fry of the same species, we will designate them " Land Dogfish." These latter are ever ready to buy up allotments, and to continue to hold them so long as they are not compellable to pay any rates for them, expend no labour upon them, and so long also as the mere act of holding continues to increase the marketable value of such allotments, The Hon. Colonel Whitmore, while agreeing in the debate with theHon. Mr Hall, that the then proposed law would be of great advantage to the country, considered that as the Bill evidently intended that the absent-holders should be rated — and the hon. gentleman might have added — "and be compelled to pay their rates," it was only right that steps should be taken to let such absentee-holders know what they were liable to pay. The result of Colonel Whitmore's intervention was that the law, as now framed, insists on q,

many preliminaries being observed before the land can be sold for payment of rates. Among these it is obligatory upon the local body, *yen after judgment is obtained, to illow at least eighteen months to elapse before sale. Of these eighteen months, the last twelve must have expired after a " Gazette" notice in a local newspaper has been inserted, notifying that it is the intention of the local body to sell. More than this, it is provided that the proceeds of such sale shall be appropriated — first, in payment of rates, interest, costs of suit, and all expenses incurred in recovering such rates, and that the balance shall be paid into the Public Trust Office to bear interest at 5 per cent., and to be held in trust for the owner or his representatives, should he or th-sy ever claim it. Now, with regard to the Absentee Military settlers : the percentage of them who return is extremely small. Moreover, in practice, the twelve month's notice by advertisement, which the local body is compelled to give, after having obtained judgment six months previously, generally results in bringing to the fore such of them as are in existence, or if dead, their representatives. As to the " Land Dogfish" class, they are generally brought up with a smart round turn, and as soon as they are sued, clear off all arrears for which they are legally liable. We say " legally liable" advisedly, for we have heard of one " land dogfish" who, "as a rich merchant in Auckland did dwell," and who, though almost a millionare, pleaded the statute of limitations, and thus declined to pay his share of what was equitably due from him. He preferred that the residentholders should increase the tax upon themselves. These land dogfish are therefore not to be considered for one moment. They belong to the creatures who can pay and won't pay, and therefore must be made to pay. The power to make them pay is the " boon to the people" to which the Hon. Mr Hall referred. The advantages resulting from this power of sale are threefold. In the first place, the rates in all future years will fall less heavily upon the actual occupiers of the land. In the next place a larjje number of township allotments, which are at present virtually held by "dead-hand," will be thrown open for public purchase and competition. Thirdly : The allotments thus released from bonj dage will, in many cases, be purchased by new comers who will thus, both directly as well as indirectly, contribute to the wealth and prosperity of many a township which is at present crippled through the " masterly inactivity" of the absentee owners. The residents, thi'ough their Highway Boards, have the remedy in their own hands. Among those who have already availed themselves of this " boon to the people" are the local bodios of Kirikiriroa, Newcastle, Tuhikaramea, Raglan, Karioi, itc, &c., and by our issue above referred to, we notice that Cambridge North and Kihikihi arc also considering the propriety of taking a move in the same direction. One word of advice to all " Boards" who have not as yet taken action. It is this : It takes over eighteen months to obtain your remedy, ami an act of Parliament might, at any time, be passed, which would utterly deprive you of it.

The Honorable the Attorney General arrived in Hamilton on Tuesday evening, and purposes spending a few days in Waikato.

We are asked to state that there will be a \V;itcliuijrht Service *t S. Peter s at 11 SO p.m. to-morrow Friday, and at Holy Trinity Nyaruawahia, at 733 p.m.

At the R.M. Court Te Awamutu, on Tuesday, before H. W Northcroft, E»q, H.M., only a few uniraportaub civil cases were heard.

We understand that the Rev. H. S. Davis inaugurates his charge of the Lower Waikato district by holding services at Ngaruawahia, Taupiri, and Hnntley next Sunday.

The full programme of the Promenade concert in Mr Cumming-'s grounds on Saturday will appear in next issue.

The firing for the District Prizes by the Hamilton Light Infantry Corps takes place to-day at the range, Hamilton East. Competitors will assemble on Svdiißv Snuare. at 2 D.m.. sham.

The children attending the Ohaupo School were entertained at a picnic, in one of Mr Mams paddocks on Boxing-Day A number of friends kindly assisted, and a very enjoyable day was spent by the youngsters.

By some strange blunder a goods train came through Ngaruawahia from Auckland on Friday night xmannounced. It broke down the gates at the bridge, and seriously endangered the lives of the peopie in the township. Who is responsible for such an occurrence ?

Duringtheholidaystheweatherhas been ino&t unpropitious, and farming operations, hay-making, &c, are being seriously interfered with. The extremely heavy showers on Tuesday and yesterday and during last night may be expected to have a bad effect on standing orops.

A meeting of the members of the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, was held on Tuesday to take into consideration several matters affecting their welfare, after some discussion the meeting was however adjourned.

A member of the Piako County Council writes contradicting the statement ©f our Cambridge correspondent that the meeting of the Council held on the 22nd met. was conducted privately. The writer points out that according to the Counties Act, no reporter could have been excluded.

We have to acknowledge from the Government Printer, the receipt of tho Statistics of the Colony of New Zealand for tho year 1879, with abstracts from the Agricultural Statistics of 1880, to which we shall take an early opportunity of referring further.

A peculiar accident happened to a young man named Weeks, working at the Coal Mines at Huntley, yesterday morning. Ho was steadying a truck down the incline from No. i drive, and not cal-

culating on the Btiddeh stoppage of the truck at the foot of the slope, wjiß preoipitated right over it, failing heavily on his left shoulder, breaking his collar-bone. The sufferer came up to Hamilton by lust evenings train, where his injuries were attended to by Dj^ Sander, under whoid skilful treatment he is now doing well. '

Bro. Barton, the Right Worshipful Grand MHster ot" the Orange Institution in New Zealand t met the Sons of Ulster No. 9, L.0.L., at the Victoria Hall on Tuesday eveuing. There was a large attendance of the Brethren. Bro. Barton, who was introduced by the orflhipful Master Bro. Grwynne 1 , addressed the Lodge at some length, complimenting them on their working, &o. This being his last official visit as Grand Master he took leave of the Lodge, and trusted they would still progress. He announced that he would visit No. 21, Cambridge on Thursday, (this) evening.

On Saturday the Festival of Christmas was duly observed at S. Peter's Hamilton. The decorations, which were less extensive than in former years, were confined for the most part to the Altar, chancel, pulpit, prayer desk and lectern. The services were Holy Communion, at 8 a.m., Matins and Holy Communion at 1 1 a.m. The anthem being taken from the Gospel of the day. There was no regular sermon, but the Incumbent said a tew words of kindly Christmas greeting and blessing from the Altar rails. The Rev. Gentleman also gave notice of a New Year's eve service at 11.30 p.m., to last a little over half-an-hour.

The following extracted from our Poyerfcy Bay contemporary referring- to the gentleman who is to succeed to the head mastership of the Hamilton Eist School will be of interest to our readers in that neighbourhood : — On the occasion ot the breaking up ot the Gisborne Sohool, the principal, Mr. Maberly, was presented by the children with iv magnificent family Bible and markers. The presentation whs preceded by the following address :— " Mr. Maberly, Principal of the Gisborne Sohool. Sir : We, your Pupils, deBire you to accept our sincero expressions of regret that you are so soon about to take your departure from us. We feel, that we are about to lose the valuable teachings of a good und kind friend, and one who has always shown an anxious desire for our advancement. We respectfully beg that you will accept the humble offfriigs we desiro to make you in affectionate remembrance of your many attentions, and we trust you will permit us to join with your name that of Mrs. Maberly. Wishing you in your new sphere all happiness and prosperity, and praying God in his infinite mercy to watch over you and your dear children, we remain, your affectionate and grateful pupils." On receiving the presentation at the hands of the senior pupils, Mr. Maberly returned a very feeling reply, expressing his regret that he would soon lose sight of those young faces he had so long been familiar with. A dreadful accident occurred on the Eller.-lie Racecourse on Monday, by which h jockey named Nolan lost his life whilst riding in the Cup race. Deoeased wa9 well known iv the Australian Colonies. He was at a very early age brought to Melbourne, and, indeed, may be almost recognised as a native of that city. He leaves sisters and relatives now in Melbourne, and a young wife and two children to mourn the result of the Cup of 1880. Nolan was about 28 years of age. He won the Champion race on Prido of the Hills. Nolan .served his apprenticeship to Mr Filgate, of Melbourne. He has been in New Zealand for three years, under engagement to Messra. Vallance and M i^on. His principal wins in this stable were on Pinfire, in Wanganui and Napier. During the present season, especially at Christchurch, as Mr. Walters horses were training at Messrs. Mason and Vallance'a stables, Nola'i rode for Mr. Walters, and won several events with Billingsgate at the Christchurch meeting, besides making a grand second on Pisratorious in the big event— the C. J. C. Handicap. Nolans employer* state that he was a steady mid roliablo man. Just before the accident, a gentleman on the grand stand remarked to Mr. Walters that Libeller was running well ; when he answered, **If he docs not win, it will not be for want of good management, for he has the best jockey in the colony for the weight." Mr. Walters, we may remark, was much affecteted by the accident.

The nomination of candidates for the office of Councillor of the Borough of Hamilton, rendered vacant by the election of Councillor Knox to the mayoralty, took place at the Council Chambers on Tuesday at noon. The following nominations were made :— Mr, R.F. Sandes, nominated by Messrs* R. Gwynne, and C. Walnutt, and Mr. Charles Tippin nominated by Messrs. W. dimming, and W. N. Searancke. It is to be regretted that at the present juncture, Avkeii Hamilton West is so largely over represented, that the election of a Councillor for the other side of the Borough should be opposed. At present there is only one Councillor, Mr. Mullions, who resides in the East side of the river the rest including the Mayor being all residents of Hamilton West. It is as unjust as it is unwise to bring into play any of the antagonism which of necessity exists between the two divisions of the Borough. In case an appeal to the burgesses is made the election will take place on the sth of January. A strict believer in family discipline in Auckland rejoicing in tho name of Joseph Cagley, has been arrested and remanded for beating his wife within an inch of her life with a heavy oudgei and fracturing the wrist of his son with the same weapon. A Firm Foundation. — EstabliKhing a partnership.

We have been requested to draw attention to a clerical en or in an advertisement which appeared in Saturday's issue. Mr Kennedy Hill advertises that lie will sell at the National Hotel, Cambridge, on the .ith proximo, •in allotment in " Cambridge West. It should ha\e been "Cambridge Juist." Messrs Duffus and Dick, general storekeepers, Te Awamutu, have dissolved partnership.

Air JJunus will liquidate all accounts due by tbc late firm.

Special attention is called to the price list of the Roddnow Manufacturing Co., of Boston, published in these columns. All those wishing to secure an excellent and correct timekeeper arc recommended to address themselves to this old and reliable firm. No further evidence of their manufactures will be required beyond the following facts : The firm was established in 1849, and since then have gained prire medals at the Exhibitions of London, Pans, Vienna, &c, for excellence of manufacture. They arc appointed, by warrant, watchmakers to the Queen ef England, Prince of Wales, the Emperor of Russia and the Bey of Tunis.

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 s.ile must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their di apery millinary, and clothing at such prices lor c.ish as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bcaraportionofthe loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garltck and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence whit h the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to gi\ c the pure cash system .1 t.ur trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just 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. ( G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is npw and ciikapi y bough i. An inspection is invited. — Garuck \\n Cr \nns 1 1 1., City Hall Furnishing Arcane Queunstrcet, Auckland.