TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1881.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1420, 9 August 1881, Page 2

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1881.

We advance nothing very startling or new, when we say that for farming in Waikato to pay the agriculturist must enlarge the scope of his operations. The old beaten tracks of cattle and sheep-raising must be abandoned, partially at any rate, and more lucrative employment must be found for the farmer's time, and of a nature in which he can compete Avith' success against his wealthier neighbours, the larger proprietors. This we believe has come to be accepted as a fact, but notwithstanding, we fail to observe that any extraordinary efforts are being put forth to bring about a change for the better. The attempt has certainly been made to tcsfc the capabilities of the Waikato for grain-growing, but it must be admitted it has been attended with an indifferent degree of success only. Generally speaking, our lands cannot compete, as regards the growth of cereals, with other parts of the colony, and enterprises in this direction have on the whole resulted in losses. In time to come, when the soil has been sweetened and otherwise rendered fit by repeated cultivation, we make no doubt our harvest fields will yield plenteously ] but that time has yet to come. In the meantime there is an undoubtedly safe course which might, and which we feel confident will be taken. From time to time, as opportunity offered, we have referred in these columns to the adaptability of this soil and climate for the culture of sugar-beet, and more recently we have been enabled to adduce positive proof in support. The prime mover in what promises to be a grand scheme for the farmers of Waikato, if they will only embrace it, is Mr W. A. Graham, a gentleman associated with the district since its foundation as a European settlement, and one who has unceasingly laboured with a view to its advancement. In another column in this issue we print the first portion of a papf3r on the subject of sugar beet culture delivered by Mr Graham at Tauranga a fsw days ago, and we earnestly commend it to the attention of all Waikato farmers. Prom what is already known of the capacity of our lands for the production of roots of all descriptions, little fear need be felt on the score of the paying quality of an enterprise such as that referred to by MiGraham, even had we not the results of Mr Pond's analyses of beet roots grown at Pukerimu and Hamilton before us. Mr Graham's Hamburg friends are perfectly satisfied upon this point : what is required by them before embarking in the business here is a guarantee that a sufficient quantity of roots would be grown for a certain number of years, at the end of which time success or non-success would have determined matters. There is little fear o* failure, however, and all this now required is the co-operation of the farmers, which is necessary only as an earnest of good faith. The Hamburg people will take a large proportion of the shares themselves if only this can be accomplished, and are prepared to send out the necessary plant and machinery, along with a competent manager to superintend the operations. Surely it needs no argument to induce enquiry (at any race) into so important a matter.

The Offences Against the Persons Act Amendment is the short title of a bill which created a good deal of sensation in the House last Wednesday. It originated with Mr "Weston, the newly-elected member for Grey Valley, being his first effort in the direction of judicial reform. It dealt with two distinct' offences, clause 2 providing that it " shall bp no defence to a charge or indictment for indecent assault on young persons under the age of 13 years to prove that she consented to the act of indecency ;" and clause 3, that " any person con- ] victed of assault upon his wife, or female with whom he is cohabiting, committed either before or after the passing of this Act, the Court may, if it shall think fit, in addition to, or in lieu of any punishment at the time of the passing of this Act by law imposed for such offence, direct that offender be once or twice privately whipped, provided the number of stripes does not exceed twenty-five at each such -whipping, and that the Court in the sentence shall specify the number of stripes to be inflicted and the instrument to be used ; provided also that in no 1 case shall such whipping take place after expiration of six months from the passing of sentence; provided also that at each whipping,, jthe medical officer of the gaol shall be present when the said punishment is inflicted ; and if he be of opinion that the prisoner is not able

to bbeatr t the whole or part of punishment so awarded, may order infliction of the whole or part of the said punishment to be postponed, land phali, "within seven, da^s alter the .making bf such order, send a report in writing stating his reasons for making such order to the Colonial Secretary." As might be anticipated, the last made proposal created' the lion's share of the discussion. What is assumed to be the judicial unity section of the House, to a man, was strongly in favor of the passing of the Act, while the more plebeian class opposed it with equal unanimity. Mr Weston himself is an ex-uiagistrato, or judge, and his sentiments in moving the second reading were more than re-echoed by Messrs Fulton and Hall, both of whom had in their day occupied similar positions. Following in the same strain was a number of mem bers who usually vote and act with that section of the House, Canterbury being conspicious for its unanimity on the occasion. The arguments employed were all of the stock order, delivered with an extreme unction which showed that the spirit which kindled the faggot and worked the thumb-screw, had not altogether died out from amongst us. These men were ready to go aimost any length in the cause of the unprotected female, regardless of the fact that in their well-meant endeavors to repress one evil, they were paving the way to a perfect pandemonium of sin and misery. In using the cat, the suffering of the individual, is comparatively light and evanesent, compared with the injury done society. The public mind is brought into contact with a debasing influence, and, on the principle that familiarly breeds contempt, the wrong done to the community at large is rendered incalculable. Social restraints are, so to speak, set at nought, and a reign of terror consequent upon personal violence and brute force encouraged. Not only is the bill bad in principle, but in itself it is weak, and its tendencies as a measure demoralising. At the very onset the objectionable clause commits a blunder in placing the countesan on a footing of equality with the lawfully married woman, thereby giving to the former a status, or at all events a recognition hitherto disallowed in the legislation of the country. We have no intention of setting up pretentions to squeamishness or false delicacy, but at the same time we state emphatically that this is an order of things hitherto very properly honored in the breach. Moral observances have become weak enough without their open violation obtain- | ing a recognised footing in our legislative enactments. Then again the design of the bill is crude and imperfect in law ; the word assault receives a very wide interpretation — a mere threatening demonstration accompanied by the slightest possible amount of personal violence is sufficient to constitute the offence — and yet under the proposals of this bill the gravest possible consequences are made to ensue. Fortunately for the credit of the New Zealand Parliament, the bill was not permitted to pass unchallenged, and to the credit of Sir George Grey be it said that he argued that view of the question with great force and effect. The other clause, or rather provision, was likewise challenged, although with less determination. The result was that the entire bill was thrown out on the motion for second reading, despite the fact of its being largely patronised and patted by the Government. Altogether the affair is not likely to improve, the political status of its originator. Mr Westom entered Parliament with a certain amount of prestige, which so far as his political career has yet gone has certainly not been well sustained.

Pressure on our advertising columns compels us to hold over a large amount of interesting matter, including our travelling correspondent's first letter on the Waipa district, a leader, and other items. I

The weather last night was extremely boisterous. Rain fell in torrents, and the wind was unusually high. We expect to hear of much damage having been done.

The Cambridge Total Abstinence Society iutend giving another of their social gatherings on Thursday evening next in the Cambridge East Schoolroom.

We hear on very reliable authority thatiMeesrs Maclean and Co. of Fen Court have disposed of a portion of their property to an English Company.

The Te Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers will give a ball in the Public Hall on the 10th inst, at which all their comrades in arms and well-wishers generally are expested to be present,

I Mr H. Vaughan, the new proprietor of the Commercial Stables invited a few of his friends to take an outing on Sunday, and drove them in his 'bus with 'a'spanking four-in-hand team as far as Cambridge. The party returned about 5 o'clock, delighted with their drive.

The tender of Mr Peter Bice has been accepted for contracts No. 1 and 2, and the tender of Messrs Page and Wiseman, for contracts No. 3 and 4, for the drainage works advertised for by the Waikato Land Association. Nine tenders were received, and those accepted were the lowest.

At the annual meeting of the members of the Waikato Turf Club to be held at Delaneys Hotel, on Thursday, the 18th inst., the following business will be introduced :—-Election of committee and consideration of the annual accounts. It is probable also that the question of amalgamation of the Club with the Cambridge Jdckey Club will be brought forward.

The household property of the late Major Hay was disposed of by auction 1 on Saturday last at his residence, Cambridge, by Mr H. E. Cotton. There was an unusually large number of people present, all of whom attended apparently with the express intension, of baying something it having been known that the Major was possessed of many desirable and

useful article's. His;library had been well chtifceb, consisting of many valuable works bdfch ancient and n.odcrn, each of which brought unexpectelly Ur#e prices. In fact everything sold well, the lots in some,eaeeB. bringiug far .more.than their original value; > f * , '

We would draw the attention of the Hamilton Borough authorities to the bad state of the road between Seddon's Hill and the rorner near -the,. Police Station, Hamilton East.' ' 'I'here are several treacherous holes, dangerous even in the daylight, but which are positive pitfalls after dark. • ,

We are informed that the rich lands found Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, anil Rangiaohia are showing the beneficial effects of the late rains, followed by intervals of warm sunshine, in the vigorous springing of the grass and the winter sown grain crops, with the natural effects upon the condition of the live stock of all descriptions that are rapidly picking up what they m.iy have lost during the more trying period.

Potatoes are in active demand throughout the Waikato agricultural districts for Auckland. The farmers of Rangiaohia and Alexandra are realising good profits upon their fine crops of last season, and intend placing a larger extent of land in potatoes this year. This is a crop for which the land m these parts is particularly well suited, and should it be the case that the Auckland demand is the result of some considerable orders from th 6 Sydney market, the outlet for such crops may be rapidly extended.

There is on view at the shop of Mr James Stuart, Cambridge, a pencil portrait of the late Major Hay, drawn by Mr H. E Keesing, of Cambridge. Those who were intimate with the gallant old gentlemen would not fail at first sight to recognise the portrait as that of their old friend and neighbour. The portrait is a really creditable one, and as it will be on exhibition for a few daya is well worth going 1 to see. This is not, we may add, the first production of Mr Keesing's artistic Kenius which has met with public approval.

Our Te Awamutu correspondent writing about the Highway Board embroglio, gives the following 1 version :— " There were six candidates proposed for the five districts, the two contesting Te Awamutu going to the poll. Mr. Sloane was returned by 54 votes against only a few over 20 polled by Mr Walton. The losing candidate then opposed the return on the ground that the whole of the six candidates for the Board should have been polled for and not only the two for TeAwamutu, Thecase therefore is referred to the Colonial Secretary for decision and excites considerable interest here.

The Rev. C Grif&n delivered his popular lecture "Old Clothes" on Friday evening 1 lasfc at the Wesleyan Church, Cambridge. There was a large audience, and the lecture was listened to with the greatest interest. Th chair was very efficiently filled by Mr Hosking and the church choir rendered selections at intervals during the evening. "We regret that we are unable to find room for even the briefest outline of this very interesting lecture. At tho close the Rev. Mr Bull informed the audience that the next lecture would be given in the Public Hall by tho Rev. Henry Dewsbury, of Auckland.

A correspondent writes a long letter from Ngaruawahia complaining about an alleged untruthful version of Tawhiao's reoeption at Ngaruawahia given in Saturday's Obsn ver. We would respectfully recommend our correspondent to send his correction in the first instance to the editor of the journal against which his complaint is made.

A complimentary concert to Mr Culpan, prior to his departure from amongst us, is being talked of. There has never been anyone in Hamilton who has done so much to assist in musical matters as Mr Culpan. It is needless to call his services to mind, but we teel sure the promoters may safely reckon, not only upon those endowed with musical talent to assist, but also upon the public, who will assuredly give a bumper house as some slight recognition of the sacrifices of time and comfort made in their behalf by Mr Culpan in times past.

On Satirday evening Messrs John Howe and Tom Margefcts gave an entertainment at the Hamilton Hall, assisted by two or three local amateurs. Though not so well attended as it deserved, the entertainment was well appreciated by the audience. " Box and Cox" went in a style that would have given the greatest satisfaction to any audience. The local songs of Mr Howe, especially that of the " Wreck of the Tararua" were well appreciated. Mr Margetts in his sketches was applauded to the echo. Last night the entertainment was well attended. Mons. Calon presided at the piano. The company, as announced by advertisement, will shortly appear at Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Mr J. B. Whyte, M.H.R., writing to Mr L. B. Harris in regard to certain public works required in the Lower Waikato district, BayB he has made the necessary enquiries regarding the amount of Government land to be opened up on the j west side of the river, and hopes to get a direct vote from the Minister of Lands for the punt at Huntley, as well as for one at Churchhill. Were the Local Public Works Bill to pass, these matters would of course be provided for, but he hoped by one means or the other to get what was required, the application being so manifestly reasonable. He further stated that he was in hopes of getting a stationmaster and telegraphist for Taupiri.

The usual monthly meeting of the Hamilton Highway Board was held on Saturday, when thers were present — Messrs Steele (chairman), Atkinson, Ridler, and G. Edgecumbe. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, the Secretary read the correspondence, which chiefly related to matters of routine. It was resolved "That the alteration of road on lots 50 and 56, Te Hapa, be advertised, in accordance with the Public Works Act, and to inform Mr T. Aitken accordingly." It wa3 also resolved to call for tenders for a drain to connect Coleman's outlet with drains on the 15-chain swamp, Hamilton-Whata-whata Road. The following accounts were passed for payment:—R. Davis, £1 9s; Rogers, 6s ; E. Wright, ss; P. Munro, £1 16s. This was all the business.

As we noticed in our last issue tenders have been invited for the extension of the Hamilton end of the Thames Valley Railway. This extension will complete the line as far as the commencement of the proposed bridge over the Waikato, large quantities of the material for which have already arrived: The work comprised in this contraot is the formation of the line from the station ground to near the river, the clearing and levelling of the land for some distance on either side of the line between Viotorid-Htreet and the river, platelaying and ballasting, and 'also the cutting and lowering of Victoriastreet, and re-forming tho same for about six chains, the erection of a first class crossing, and the necessary fencing. We notice that 531b steel rails are to be used, this being the present standard rail for the colony. A very desirable change from the 401b rail which has generally hitherto been used. Although this contract is not very extensive, the fact of tenders being called is an earnest on the part of the Government that they intend

at once proceeding with the completion of,' the long-talked of railway to tho Thames Valley.

A correspondent at Te Awamutu j mentions that on the oecubion of rawhiuo's visit'to-that plnoe-His Mrijeaty was hiirhly delighted with the perform'nice on the piano of" Miss Lewis, the laughtei of the proprietor of tho Cential Wnikato hotpl. His Majesty placing iiimselt on hi* royal knees 111 iront of the instrument executed an impromptu royal fantasia, that more than made up for any w.int of mus-u'al education by the extreme «l»iiifc of the performance. It need not ■ie said that H'ih Majesty's personal satisfaction was complete, and that if the -ati-f ictiou' of any ot his listeners was lt>ss decided, courtesy and hospitality would not permit of other than a t>mile of su| p ij-eil approval. On the same occasion .t genilemeu who happened to be a visitor to the place wishing to furnish a subject of common iuferest on which to converse with His Majesty took a set of false teeth from his own mouth, and obligingly handed them to His Majesty as one of the evidences of the pakeha's superiority in overcoming 1 the deficiencies of nature. The honor of the ingenuous beholders of such a feat as that of a man taking his teeth out out en matse, and the expressions to the effect that it must be Taipo and tho 4 anxious inquiries whether the teeth were taken from a dead mann skull may be better imagined than described. Most of the arms of His Majesty's retainers are described as Id double barrelled muzzle loading shot guns, much injuied by rust and perfectly useless at more than thirty yards.

A meeting of the members of the Hamilton Troop, Waikato Cavalry, was held on Saturday evening at Gwynne's Hotel. The chair was occupied by Lieut. Johnson, and there were about twelve members present. The minutes were confirmed. A letter was read from Sorrgt.-Major Seddon resigning his position, but stating that he was desirous of remaining an honorary member. The letter was received. The Chairman drew the attention of the members to thp proposed Volunteer and Public Hall for Hamilton West. At the time the Hall waa firrtt spoken oi, the Troop had promised £luO, but at the present time in the face of the low state of their finances, consequent upon the reduction of their pay, he would like to have an expression of opinion from the Troop on the matter. After discussion, it was pro posed by Sergt. Coombes and seconded by Trooper Ellison that the Secretary be instructed to notify the Public Hall Trustees that the Troop is not in a position to subscribe anything towards building the proposed Public Hall at the present time, but in the event of the pay being continued the Troop will assist at some future date. Carried unanimously. This was all the business, and a vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting.

The members of Lodge No. 17, L.0.L., will meet m the Lodge-room, Ngaruaw.ihia, on Friday next, .it 7 30 p m. The Rev. H. Bull will deliver a lecture on " The Life .md Times of John Wesley" in the Wesloy.in Church, Hamilton, to-morrow evening, in aid of the new Church building fund. The M.iyor will preside. Messrs W. J. Hunter & Co. will sell at Oh.iupo, on Thursday, the 18th inst., <i large number ot well bred cattle, stores, fat cattle, weaned cahes, cows, sheep, &c, &c , .it 1 o'clock. Two notices by the Newcastle Highway Bo.ird appear in our business columns. We draw attention, to an announcement of the Waikato Ste.im Navigation Company in another column, containing a list of manures, fencing- wire, timber, &c, &c, all of which the) arc prepared to supply on reasonable terms. The Taraahere Road Board notify their intention te close certain roads in that district. Messrs H. Newell & Co., Lemonade and Cordi il Manufacturers, Ngamawahia and Hamilton, make. 1 very important and, what is more, very poetical announcement in another column. Mr K. Hill will sell on Saturday produce, etc. Messrs Clark and Gane advertise several choice properties for sale. A notification by the Cambridge Boad Board concerning the load deviation at Ewcn's Hill appears elsewhere. Messrs B. Tonks and Co., Auckland, advertise that they have only a few of the " Champion Grain Drills," with fertiliser attachment, left, and early application is necessary. Mr K. Hill has for sale seed potatoes, oats, bacon and luuns, fencing wuc, rollers and pins, chaff, apples, etc. Messrs B. and J. Coleman, butchers, Hamilton, notify that the large amount of support which has been accorded them by the public of Hamilton has placed them in a position to supply the finest quality of meat of all kinds, and at the lowest prices. This old established firm still keeps up its good name. The new pure cash system now being in'tiated by G. and C. will certainly pro\e 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 irrillinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder of a co-operative society, without the risk ol beingcalled upon to bearaportion of the loss should the year's business pro\c 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 gam 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, bed 'i*u;p 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 bo 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 piesent stock is xi'w and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Garlick amd Cranwell, City HallFumishing Arcade Queenstreet, Auckland