The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1785, 13 December 1883, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Equal .uul e\.u t justii c to all men, Ot whatsoever st.ite or persuasion, religious or political. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbnbed by fj.nn.

THURSDAY. DEC.I-}, 188 J.

Tliti opinion is of general belief, that any portion oil this colony which does not exhibit a prospecv from C/jc di bcviption or quality of its land, of over becoming prosperous or progressive through its agricultural capabilities, usually hi the long run develops borne other redeeming feature, which materially assis's inputting ib on a par \vith more favoured portions of the country. Iv support of this assertion, we may instance the cases of the 'fhame-*, liokitika, and Jvumara, which, but for the liberal supply of minerals which .Nature has been pleased to portion out to them, would to-day be in a much less prosperous condition than they are. There are exceptions to almost all rules, and the district of Te Aroha is one, where the land is, generally speaking, of an excellent description, and upon which, judging from existing circumstance. I }, Nature has bestowed lavish attention. Gold is now being found there in payable quantities, and now with the Hue battery which lias been erected by enterprising capitalists, much larger returns should lie secured in future than there have been hitherto. We predict that in time, this must become one of the most progressive districts in New Zealand. News which must gladden the heart of every person who takes an interest in the welfare of the district over which this journal principally circulates, has lately been published in our columns. We refer to the discovery of coil and iron ore which has been made at Raglan. As far as the information which we are in receipt of yet tends to show, we may infer that the coal seam, which its six feet in thickness, and of fair quality — as may bo proved by the specimens now to be seen at this office — is very convenient to water carriage. A committee of gentlemen, amongst whom we notice the names of the hon. Mr Chamberlin, Messrs W. Duncan, Wallis, and T. B. Jlill have been appointed by the Raglan residents to take steps to ascertain the true position and value of the seam, and as they are to give a report at a mooting to be held on the 22nd inst., we shall then no doubt have reliable information on the subject. With iron ore, limestone, and coal in such close proximity to each other, it is only reasonable to anticipate that before long some of our enterprising capitalists will perceive a safe field for investment. At present there seem to be no reasons for supposing otherwise. We already know that the Raglan stone is for buildingpurposes equal to any stone in the colony, and when burned makes excellent lime. Could not the coal be profitably used for this purpose ? If the iron ore proves good, and can be found in sufficient quantities, the coal seam is just in the right place. The advantage Raglan possesses in having such a fair harbour cannot be over-estimated when considered iv relation to its mineral resources. As their development proceeds, their export will be thus found to be comparatively easy, which fact should hold out an additional inducement for monetary investment. At one time it was asserted that copper ore in fair quantity had also been found near Raglan, and we believe an effort was made some years ago to have a small quantity of it taken to Auckland, with the object of having it analysed. What was the result we do not know, but have heard that the subject is likely to again to receive attention. We Jiavej howeyer, we think, said enough to -convince any one, that, much mineral weaUh is likely, to

trict, and we. may with all propriety bo permitted to indulge in a hope that it may before long 1 show signs of becoming more prosperous than it lias beon hitherto, and that it will be roused out of its dormant state. In another column it will bo observed that the county chairman lias received intimation that a tolograph lino is now in course of construction, to connect the Hamilton station with one there, and we have been informed on reliable authority that when fine weather sets in the sum of ,£joo is to bo expended in repairing the road ovor the Hakaramata range. I he road botweon here and thore is at present almost impassable, and it must be a source of gratification to all who have occasion to use it to know that means are to be employed to improve its existing condition. At no time have we seen more reason to predict that a better future is in store for Raglan, and of this we feel equally certain, that no effort will be spared by those who now form the committee already spoken of to bring matters to such an issue as will facilitate the advent of a new era in the history of the Raglan district, which we so earnestly hope for.

The complete programme of the Whatawhiita New Year't, Day sports is piinted in another column.

A fine pair of fillies, Musket's profjeny, have been pin-chased by Mr Ashbury, late inembei for Brighton, for transhipment to Kn#land. -N.Z Herald.

The weather, which has been most unseasonable for so long a period, at last .shows signs of inipioving, and none too .soon foi the gi.iin ciops.

Mr Forbes Gordon having been appointed leturning officer for tin; Town District of Kihikiln, tho election of the first five commissioners will take place on the sth provinio.

Mr Meredith, of Te Rore, who some days ago was <>\ei here spaying cattle for Mr Thomson, has proved himself to be an adept in hU art, for not one of the many beasts which he operated on have died. — [Ruapuke Cone-j-umdent.]

In another column will be found the full piogiamme of the Ngayiiawahia Boxing l).iy Sports, which piomise to bo very hiiccessful. The time for receiving entries has been extended until to-morrow (Fiiday).

The Rotor ua correspondent of the New Zealand Heiald telegianhed on Tuesday : — To Kooti, with 70 follower^, halted lti^t nighl at the Awahou, .six miles from liero. Ho will piob.ibly not come mto the settlement until to-mouow. The natives appear not concerned about his ykit, the reason of which has not yet transpired.

We would remind owners of racehorse-, that the ontiiei for the Hurdles, Handicap, and Trotting Handicap, and Stooplochii.se, of the Cambridge Jockey Club's Now Yen mooting, cloie on Monday c4euing novt, the 17th in>fc. Kntrius for tlio ] > üblicjui's Puiso will be rocei\ed on the 2Sth in 4., when the accei)tancas for the othei ovont-5 die payable.

Professor Herbert will give an onti'rtaiiimuiit in tho Cambridge Public Hall to-morrow evening, when, we have no doubt, lie will be patiomsed Hbeially by the people of that di-.tnct. The eiitoitiiinment will consist of feats of legoi domain, and, judging fiom the hUoce->*> of Piofe»-o] Heiboit\ jneviom ijeifoinicinces, \ve fool cei tain all who attond will bo highly outui tamed.

The members of the Alexandra Diam.itic Olul), who hiivc ho often and. so geneiously given their services on behalf loc.il charities, intend giving an enteitainnicnt in aid of their wauhobe fund this evening. The piogr.unnie compiles "A ]J.iy after the Fair" and "The Aiea Belle," and the club will no doubt leceive th.it amount of public niippoit which they .so richly desei ye.

Next Monday evening the concert in aid of the Cambridge Hait School Libicuy Fund will bo hold in the Public Hall, when <i pumicing programme of miisic.il and literary contributions will be submitted. Several rehearsals have uh uady taken place under the conductorship of Mr T. A. Bell, and if we are to judge fiom these, Monday evening's entertainment will be a musical treat of no mean character.

At the last monthly meeting of the Cambridge Town Bomd, a petition bigned by nfty->eveu ratepayers, praying that the town board would lecon.sider their decision not to allow cattle to lun on the btieots of the town during the day, wai laid on the table. The board had already made up it-, mind on the matter, they ha\ing picviously agreed that thi^ should be done.

The long and much talked of cricket match between Cambridge and Ale<caudia will, weathei permitting, be played on the latter's giound on .Satin day next. Judging from general ropoit, each will put on its best strength, and both Clubs haying .scored several wins this season the premiership will doubtless be hardly contested. The Cambridge team will leave punctually, that the game may commence at 10 o'clock sharp. Teams will be published in Thuisdayh ishiie.

Sheep-worrying by dogs is again becoming prevalent in the Cambridge district. On Tuesday morning Mr Ja^. Taylor had occasion to complain of this costly nuisance. Several dogs from the town \isited his place at an early hour in the morning, and made considerable havoc among the .sheep. One has already died. Mr Taylor succeeded in impounding one of the canine invaders, and will retain him until the o\\ ncr turns up to claiir*

At the meeting of the Cambridge Town Boaid held on Monday evening last, the question of appaining an inspector under the Adulteration of Food Act was diijcu-jbed. Ci. Johnson thought it was nearly time the provisions of this valuable act were enforced, and believed that the w hisky and other spirits in hotels should be nio'it 4Ci upulously examined. Cr. Hewitt .suggested that Cr. Johuson himself (who, by the by, is a disciple of the Blue) should visit his (Or. Hewitt's) premises, and sample the precious liquids of which he seemed to entertain such an unholy dread. It is needless to say the liberal offer of the vi bane publican was thankfully declined by the veteran " Blue."

The following Special telegrams dated London the 10th, 11th, December have been published in the N.Z. Herald :—: — The Pall Mall Gazette says, that, by establishing a Federal Council, the Australian colonies have taken a long stride in the right direction, unless indeed it proves that the pace has been forced too rapidly to last. — The Thnaru harbour loan of £100.000 has been fully covered at an average of £98 ss. — The "Victorian torpedo boat Childers proceeds to Portsmouth on Thursday. — The Spanish Press insists on an extension of the Ctibtonis concessions by England under the new treaty to wines of 38 degrees. — France profe&ses a policy of colonial conservation.

Under the Bills of Exchange Act of last session, Clause 90 should be carefully considered by business people who have been in the habit of taking promissory notes from aboriginal natives. It reads as follows: — " No bill or note made or given after the passing of this Act shall attach any liability to any aboriginal native unless it shall, if not written in Maori, have a Maoii translation indorsed thereon ; and shall also show upon its face that such bill or note was duly interpreted to such Native at the time of the making or acceptance thereof, and that such Native understood the liability imposed thereby : Provided that this section shall not apply to cheques.

The Chairman of the Cambridge School Committee has received the following commission from the Board of , Education re the recommendation of the committee regarding the re-modelling of th 3 teaohing staff ;— " Sir,— I 'am directed t> acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 2dth ult., forwarding the resolution of the committee* relative to the staff of the district High School. , In reply, I, am directed to inform you" that' the consideration of the subject has been' deferred until after, the annual meeting of householders for, the district." In deciding, as' above) the iljoard, n has,ltaken t »• vgrjr jtwjse*" pourgfi,J $jf\§ r,6% ;#^^ye ? ,tbin|;,^gHl#

but to the committee itfelf. All concerned', in the change will npw have a fair opportuuity of thoroughly disoussing thcfquestion.

The correspondent of a contemporary forwards the following particulars of the destruction try fire of the store -and dwelling belonging to Mr Birss, atOliinewai. on Thursday last ;— The fire occurred under the following circutnstaucpfl, Mr Birrs being absent from home at the time :—Mr*.: — Mr*. Birss went to milk, a few yards from the house, leaving a littleboy aged three and aluilf years, and a girl about six years in the house. It appears the children got some matches, lit a candle, and were playing, when a dre*s that was hanging on the wall caught fire. The flames ian to the roof, quickly setting it on hre^ Theories of the children brought Mio Bircs on the scene. She could do nothing more than save a 801b. bag of flour. Mis.s Craig, Mis. Bias's sister, loses everything. Mr. and Mm. Birss have nothing left after many years of hard work. Fully £350 woi th of property is destroyed, and not a stitch left but what they stand in. Mr Bh\ss was about to insure, but put it off from time to time.