The Waikato Times. AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2114, 26 January 1886, Page 2

The Waikato Times. AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

Egtul and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever sue* or persuasion, religious 01 politiral. Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain.

TUESDA V, JAN. 26, 1886.

In recommending something as nearly allied as possible to the copyhold tenure of Eugland for the disposal of the unsold lands of this colony, and for the disposal of such lands as the natives may from time to time choose to alienate, we are, we find, in accord with the feelings of a very large number of our readers. We promised to go more fully into detail, and we do so with the view of disposiug of possible objections to the tenure as being too conservative or unsuited to the times in which we live. No man of sense will be so obtuse as to suppose that it was ever intended to embrace in a copyhold system of tenure for New Zealand the rights and privileges which it gave to the barons of England in (heir copyhold grants to their immediate followers, but it needs no great grasp of mind, to see that so for

from being unsuitable to the times the copyhold system is the most appropriate. The Crown now, as tne Lords of the Manor in England did some six or eight centuries ago, finds itself with a large extent of waste lands in its possession and without the means of utilising it. Whit we want is to induce the settlement and cultivation of the land and at the same time bring about us a host of followers who will do yeoman's service (not in harrying our neighbour's territories or defending our own against him, as in the old days), but in true 19th century work, developing the agricultural, mineral, and industrial resources of the country, and laying the foundation of a future nation in a thriving and prosperous people. We have tried the freehold sale of the public lands, and we find that we cannot compote with the easy accessfrom home and the cheap lands of the American states, and of the Dominion ©f Canada. We have tinkered at our colonial land laws and produced half measures, such as the deferred payment system. and the perpetual lease system, the hybrid character of which, as we showed on a previous occasion, will not meet the requirements of the case. What is needed is to make the land and it's culture an attraction, to render its occupation as a means of livilihood a more certain success, and to seek payment for the broad acres of the public estate, less in the cash value received for its fee simple, than in the development of the latent wealth of the lands, and the elasticity that would be given to our power of enduriner present and prospective indebtedness, which the absorption of a large and steady influx of working settlers would give ; for it must never be forgotten that every time we double our industrial population we halve our present individual indebtedness as a people. If we part with lands valued now at less than they might bo possibly valued at a dozen years hence, when roads and railways and telegraphs and all the facilities of colonisation have reached them, we ■Nhall as a State find our profit for these works in the advantages to '■c found in a settled and populated country, over that of one as at present a barren waste. That is bhe State's gain ; and, if the individual profits at the same time by the increased value of his land, who has a better right, not only to the improvements which he has himself made but to the unearned increment, which those very improvements and the improvements of others like him have created, than he has ? In setting the rent for copyhold land at 5 per cent per annum on the capital value of such land at the time the copyhold tenure is issued, the State or the native owner as Lord of the Manor, as the case may be, reserves to itself or himself for ever a certain rental, which as in our previous, article. We showed in the case of the State would not be less than a yearly rental of a million and a quarter sterling, and on that of the natives a truly magnificent income for a mere handful of people, still living on their own reserves. Surely, looked at from a public point of view, it were better for the colony to secure a perpetual income on the present capital value of its lands, and in doing so settle them rapidly with a prosperous population, than to part piecemeal for ever with its landed capital and continue to see settlement languish, and the present population staggering under a burden of taxation, which so mauy, with an altered condition of land purchase, would flock in to share. As we have said the system of copyhold tenure would do much to popularise our waste lands as a source of investment. The lease would be perpetual in the true sense of the word. Take the capital value of land at say £1 per acre, .md 5 per centum per annum as the rent, the lease would stand at this rate for ever. There would be no renewal at the end of a term, as proposed in the perpetual leasing system of the Government, to enable che land to be re-valued and a fresh reut fixed. No man would be satisfied with such a tenure as that, for though he might be entitled to the value of buildings, fences, «fee, there we a hundred things which go to make up the value of the farms of a district, which are the results of his own and his neighbour's daily toil, for which he and they at the end of the term would be rack-rented. Better the present freehold system than that. But in the copyhold tenure we have advocated he would obtain for a merely nominal rent what all but in name was equal to a freehold. His improvements and the increased value of the land from year's end to year's end would be his own and his children's own fop all time, or his to sell as he might now sell a freehold. Instead also of having to lay out his capital in the purchase of his land, or to pay interest for borrowed money to work it with, he would have the purchase money in hand to expend upou working and stocking his farm. Those who have gone through the mill will know the value of this. Unhappily in their case the remedy pomes late though there are many who woul<} relieve themselves by ielling their present freeholds and start afresh under copyhold tenure, for there will always be found wealthy I settlers, eager purchasers of the | present freeholds of the colony, preferring that tenure, if only a§ a matter of sentiment and oi "holding their properties free of so small an incumbrance as a shilling rental per acre. Of course, if he does not fcak# care, the intending settler may cripple bjmself as he does now, in the case of purc^ase^ by greediness in taking up too large .a pi.ccc of land and subject himself to payment of a rent disproportionate U> fcis means of working the quantity of land he tekes up. The Government, however, would

have in any case to guard against speculation pure and simple in these lmds, and having classed its land as agricultural, to allow no one man or the members of one family under 21 years of age to take up more than so many acres, and in the case of pastoral lands to classify the lands as first, second and third class and limit the area to bo tikon up by one individual in each. The plan may be considered too conservative by some, as giving to the individual instead of to the State the unearned increment. Our own opinion is that the individual settler in a new country, by his self-sacifice3, his hardships, his employment of capital in reclaiming the barren waste and the many risks and difficulties he has to contend with fully earns this advantage. It is in hundreds of cases the only and often the insufficient profit a farmer derives from settlement. Be this as it may, the object of the Government is to attract to its shores, and, when attracted there, to retain by its liberal land laws a population which will settle down and develop the country, and this it can only obtain by making the acquisition of the land as presently cheap, its tenure as prospectively secure, and its prospects of proving a remunerative source of investment as certain as possible. Do this and the prosperous future el New Zealand is secured, be its indebtedness, colonially and individually, ten times as great as now.

The Cambridge Public School reopened yesterd*y, with an attendance of 170.

The Hamilton District High School and Priuiaiy School will re-open on Monday next, the Ist Fetnuary.

The whole of the banks in Waikato will be closed on Friday next, the 29th inst., being the Anniversary of the Colony.

The polling for the election of a member for the Kihikihi Town Board, took place on Saturday, and resulted in the return of Mr W. Thomson.

The Bishops of Sydney, Nelson, and Waiapu, arrived by Carter's coach at Cambridge yesterday afternoon from the lakes and proceed to Auckland this morning.

In the Police Court, Cambridge, yesterday, before Mr T. B. Lewis, J. P., a native named Taiopiri, was fined 5s and costs for being drunk and disorderly on Saturday night.

The new postal notes are now in use and can be procured at all Money Order Offices. They will probably be found a great convenience as a means of

remitting small sums of money. The night school at Cambridge, which was recently aiiccessfuly formed by Mr Cowper, and which he was unable to continue, will be carried on, we understand, by Mr Parry, assistant master of the Cambridge school.

A meeting of the parishioners of S. Andrew's will be held at 7.30 o'clock to-night, in the Sunday-schoolroom, Cambridge, to receive the annual report and balance sheet, and elect office-bearers for the ensuing year.

A meeting of the Oxford Jockey Club was held in the Oxford Hotel on 22nd inst., when it was arranged to hold the annual races on March 17th, (St Patricks Day). The programme of events will appear in future issue. On Sunday evening last, at the Wesleyan Church, Hamilton, the Rev. J. Dellow delivered the first of a series of Sunday evening lectures on the evidences of the Divine inspiration of the Bible. Taking no particular portion of Scripture as a text, he brought forward clear and convincing arguments in favour of the authenticity of the Scriptures, and was listened to with marked interest by a large congregation.

We are requested to correct a statement that appeared recently in the Herald to the effect that the Cambridge Jam Company are not able to obtain supplies of plums at the price offered, 3d per lb, is not satisfactory to the fruit growers. This is not the case, aa the price in quite reasonable, but the directors can only expect to obtain fruit in the later part of the season.

It is claimed by experts, (says the Herald) that the present hot season will probably bring back the peach to a state of fruitfulness. From many parts of the country conies information that the peach tiees are making new wood, and altogether present a promising appearance. There are al»o indications that melons will be plentiful.

On Saturday evening, about six o'clock, the roof of the Hibernian Hall, Hamilton East, was discovered to bo on fire. Owing to the prompt assistance of those residing in close proximity to the fire it was soon got under, and little or no damage done with the exception of a hole beinglrarnt in the roof. A spark from aomo burning furze is supposed to have caused the fire.

The first of the series of Sunday Evangelical Services was held in the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Sunday night at half past eight o'clock, and was largely attended, tho hall being fairly filled. Many nf these for whom the services are principally intended, were present, and we may reasonably expect the anticipations for good will be realised by tho promoter* of the movement.

Last year several special prizes were placed nt the disposal of tho Waikato Horticultural Society; we would recommend the same course being adapted this season. Anyone having a particular interest in any ! branch of fruit or flower culture cannot do better than offer inducement in their way to those employed in those branches, and no time should be lost in making 1 the offers as some preparation is of course necessary.

A native, with an enterprising turn of mind, having obtained an empty candle bu.x, shoe-brushes and blacjcing, forthwith established 'himself in Duke-street, Cambridge, on Saturday, ka a boot-blaplr, " Roll up, roll up, only two herini,' was his modest refrain, and in order to draw the crowd, he pranced about singing, "This is the way we black our boots," &c., after the manner of the infant melody in the public schools. Wo do not think he did a roarintr trade.

The Timaru Herald of the 18th says :— His Honour Judga Ward and Mrs Ward conducted the servioe yesterday morning in the Congregational Church, Mrs Ward preaching very effectively from the subject " The Smitten Rock." We understand this was the first time the Judge has appeared in this new capacity. Both he and Mrs Ward readily and. cordially responded to the invitation of (ha Deacq'ns on Saturday afternoon, and, owing to the sudden indisposition of the pastor, their services were most acceptable. — Mrs C. D. R. Ward conducted * special service in the Baptist Church, E street, last evening. The ftuj}djng was well filled by an appreciative fiongregajion. His Honour Judge Ward conducted the opening service, taking as lessons #celesinßsics, the llfch chapter, and Psalm 126. Mrs Ward selected »« IW tbx<, John iv., 10.

A correspondent at Ngaruawahia writes :— A public meeting was called and held in the schoolroom at Ngaruawahia on Wednesday last. There was only a short notice '{riven, but we had a very good attendance.. The qbject was to discuss the now school site! Mr L. Ify^patriok was votad to the chair,' and after tje I}tfd £.y plained the object of the meeting' several spoke, some for and against the site. At last Mr R. James proposed, and Mr Mcßurnoy seconded : "That the three-acre allotment opposite the old station be accented." An an amendment, Mr E. Fitzpatitck pi closed and Mr Thomson seconded : "ThKf the jGrorapmentbe asked to grant three allotments' "nexii'to the Ca^J; and purchase the rest needful in exchKngft The chairman then put the amendment to the mfiasjng, when seven for it and 12 against, *$K» ino^lon was then put and carried. After that the "school cg'mmitf^e held a meeting. It was aneed that tenders bo called fo. cleaning tho foboo), Tl»o

chairman read correspondence from the Education Board ro candidates, namely, Messrs I), (ioldie and J. M. Lennox. Mr O. Goldio was nominated from this place.

Telegram from Masterton dated Saturday saya : — Bush Hreanre again raging round the city (»ic) and ate enveloping it in "inoko. At Fielding ye«torday afternoon a fiie broke out at Taonui, near Adsett'u Mill. Tn a short time the mill and dwellingh'tuse were surrounded by flame*. A number of houses occupied by mill hands were destroyed with tlvir contents. Some bush htely failed by Bailey liroi. was also burned. Tho house* along the branch line of railway had a narrow escape. On the alarm bumf? given, all hands from Bailey 'i> Mill turned out, and went to the assistance of Mr Adsett, taking horse trucks to remove the furniture and famine. The mill was s ived by the greatest exertions. Upwards of a mile of tramway and a quantity of fencing were destroyed. A shift in the wind was what actually saved the mill, which is only partially insured. The insurance on the dwelling-houses are unknown.

At a meeting of the Hamilton West School Committee, held last evening, a letter from tho Board of Education was read notifying some changes in the staff. Miss Morgan and Miss G. Bell had been transferred, and Miss Scott, formerly a pupil teacher in this school, was appointed to fill one of the vacancies. A letter was received from the head master, Mr Murray, complaining that he was unanle to recover amounts due for providing stationery for the pupils. This letter was ordered to be forwarded to the Beard for instructions, as by the 68th clause of the regulations, teachers must arrange to provide stationery &c, but there does not appear to be any means by which the payment of these small amounts can be enforced. The question of a water supply for the school when duties are resumed was discussed, and it was arranged that the secretary be empowered to get the sp6uts and tanks cleaned out, and until rain conieo, to make arrangement! to get a sufficient supply carted for all the re quirements of the school.

A meeting of the committee of management of the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, was held in the Church last night. Present : Capt. Runciman, Messrs Henry, Geramell, Cochrane, and David Henry. The Rev. J. S. Boyd was in the chair. It was resolved that as tho Church is in a more flourishing condition, the minister's stipend be increased £30 per annuni, and a sum was also voted to supplement the stipend for the quarter ending 31st December last. A hope was also expressed that increased prosperity would still further attend them. It was also resolved that Capt. Steele, Messrs' Knox and Murray be added to the committee of management, and that Mr Henry Steele and Capt. McPherson be appointed auditors for the ensuing year. It was further resolved that the thanks of the committee be tendered to the previous committee for their kind offices, and more especially to Mr J. R. E. Hatrick for his services as treasmer, and also to Mr Trewheelar for his kind offices as choirmaster. The secretary was reqnested to apply to the Borough Council to have a lamp erected near the gate, and also to have the culveit there repaired. At the meeting several members expressed their satisfaction at the improved circumstances of the church. — (Communicated).

The consequences of the natives having possession of a flush of ready ■ cash have been made painfully evident in Cambridge. On Friday night Kirkwoods hotel was swarmed by a noisy and hilarious crowd, and during the forenoon of Saturday there was a " big shout" iv the shape of a 36 gallon cask of ale obtained from the Criterion Hotel, which was fixed up under one of the trees in front of the Public Hall. It was there tapped and the stuff was served out in billies and kerosene tins, and poured down the dusty, thirsty throats, male and female , with the aid of pewter pota and pannikins. The elevating effects of the liquor so disturbed Judge Gill, that he left the court in a state of indignation, after expressing his surprise that the police should have permitted such scenes in the immediate vicinity of the court. It is certainly very shocking to witness the hold our national vices have taken on the native nature, but this last is extremely mild to mad exhibitions of former times.

The following special messages to 1 the Press Association, dated London, January 22 and 23, have been published :■— The aunual meeting of the Federation League will be held at the Mansion House on February 15. Alderman Staples t Lord Mayor of London, will preside. Among the speakers will be Lord Rosebery, Sir R. Fowler, ex-Mayor of London, and Mr Murray Smith, Agent-General for Victoria.— Sibbald Cuirie, a pupil at the Melbourne Grammar School, has been awarded the John Watson Scholarship.— The death is announced of Madame Mourey, who figured in the recent Armstrong case.— H. M.S. Emerald has been ordered to pro ceed to America.— The Queensland Quicksilver Eatate Compauy has been registered, with a capital of four hundred thousand pounds— A Victorian loan of one million and a-half will be placed in the market at an early date.— Mr Murray Smith, AgentGeneral for Victoria, has 'suggested a scheme relative to New Guinea. The various Agent Generals and the Colonial Office are favourable to the scheme, and they are now awaiting the decision «f the colonial Governments before making public the details.

We extract the following from the Bruce Herald -.—The Oamaru Farmers' Club has seriously discussed the question of winding up its affairs and ceasing existence. A motion to that effect was lost, feu* it was decided to discuss, after harvest, "*the importance of the Farmers' Club to the general community." We should be aorry to a^e any of theso associations wound up. They are, or rather might be, really useful institutions. The mistake they make is in supposing that the annual show is the principal item of their work. If they would give that a subservient place, or even in the case of many of the smaller clubs relinquish it altogether, they might do good work. Like many other good thingsnewspapers for instance— these shows are enormously overdone in Nesv Zealand. If three-fourths of them were done away with, the agricultural interest would be decidedly benefited. There are scores of practical matters to which the clubs might give attention, each one of infinitely more moment than the «how itself, or anything arising therefrom. They do these thing's better in Amerioa, and even in Australia, and it would bo well for New Zealand clubs if they would get a little information from those sources and act upon it. Our remarks are only called forth by the fact of the Oamaru Club being placed in this unfoi tunate position, not because we consider that it is » striking illustration of the inefficiency of such institutions. Wo are rather of opinion that it is one of , the test, and does pay some little attentioi to pruofcipal mattors.