The Daily Times. The oldest Manawatu journal: Established 1875. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1883.

Manawatu Times, Volume VIII, Issue 367, 4 October 1883, Page 2

The Daily Times. The oldest Manawatu journal: Established 1875. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1883.

We are informed that the Borough Council sat from ,10 o'clock till mid* night last evening discussing the mvers Conservation question m Committee, What decision was arrived at, how it was arrived at, m what direction the Council are moving, or whether their action is likely to serve the interests of the ratepayers they are supposed to represent we are of course unable to say, the reporters being ordered to withdraw. As a general thing however, it is admitted by all who have had any experience that the more public tbe proceedings of a public body are, and the less the work is that is done ii^ Committee the better for the ratepayers as. a body. Secrecy m pubic matters invites the suspicion that someone ov other is not gejttjqg his rights. "We are far from imputing to the present Councillors any action that will noti>ear the light, b,ufi if it will bear it why should it be kept jn darkness? The course that has been adopted by the Council of doing all its njost important work iti com.ujitt'-e affords q,r> exceedingly bad prepedeut, for ho\yever much the Counpil a<» at present constituted may be trusted aud trustworthy, a time may come when it will be composed of members who will need careful watching. It would be haid to alter the mode of doiug business then, but it is easy for the present Council to do so now,and we trust they will j

Some time ago Mr ,T. M. Meek published a pen and ink drawing entitled " A Chronological Tree of New Zealand," which attracted greai, attention. Sime then h* has produced two f'eautiful sketches entitled "The Christian's Keepsake," and "The Beauties of Shakespeare." The originals were sold for a large sum and lithographed copies, thcwork of a Melbourne firm, are also find* ing ready sale. The break m the bed-plate of the crane m the river is so serious that a new iron casting will be requireJ, and the crane must be laid up for about a month at the least. The bed-plate and one of radial arms are broken through, the whole having by fair wear and tear been worn very thin. There has been no alteration m this part of the crane since it was obtained from Dunedin. — Chronicle. Dr Lemon wag m Wanganui, Friday last, and conferred with Mr Hassell, the engineer to the Harbour Board, as to the telephonic communication with the Heads. Dr Lemon staled that he would orders for the poles to be immediately supplied, and that the men at present engaged m laying the telegraph j line at Sanson would be put on to the I vVanganui»Ca-tleoliff line m about six weeks' time. — Chronicle. The AH Nations Baz<ar at Wellington, m aid of the Catholic Church was opened on Tuesday and is expected to prove a grand successWoodyears 1 circus will shortly visit the Manawatu District. The New Zea'aud Clothing C mipnny's new advertisement appears m this issue, and is worthy of careful perusal. The Post says it is not expected that the Syduey Annexation Conference will take place earlier than the last week of November, and it is possible that it may be d« layed until early m the following month. The Victorian Premier writes to the effect that, after collating the viewß of the various Australasian colonies, he finds that an earlier date than the end of next month would be inconvenient to the majority. It is probable, therefore, that the Premier and Mr Whitaker will leave New Zealand by the last Sydney steamer m November. It is understood says the Post, that tenders will foe called m a day or two for the Tongaboe contract, which is for filling up the 6} miles still unlet of the gap between Hawera and Manutahi. Unfortunately there will be a consider* able interval between the invitation of tenders and the completion of the con* tract. There are some very heavy works on the Tongahroe section, and it [ is estimated that the contract will occupy at least a year m carrying out. In fact it is not anticipated that the through line I of rail from Foxton to New Plymouth \ wll be opened for traffic much earlier than Christmas, 1884. Bat slow progress appears to be made with, the extension of the Wellington^Napier Bail way southward from Makatoko and northward from Mpsterton. The next contract on the former length will not be finished until the early part of next year. The nine-mile length now m progress from Masterton to Opaki is gradually creepiug along, and is not likely to be opened before the new year. This section will be a troublesome one to work, Opaki not being suitable for a terminal station, and it will m all probability have to be carried on an a branch, an engine and train being run out as required. In that case Mascerton would tstiU remain practically the terminus of the line, — Post. Tenders are invited for clearing flax on the Oroua Downs Station. The Borough Council last evening discussed the matter of damage done by larrikins at considerable length. All the members were unanimouJ m the opinion that the destructive tendencies of these gay youths should be cheeked, and it will be observed that a resolution with that object m view was carried. At the Council meeting last evening Cr Mowlem enquired why the drunking fountain, which bad been ordered some twelve months ago, had not arrived. Cr Ferguson said be had sent for it twelve months ago, but could not procure one of the kind required m Melbourne, and he bad since forgotlon all about it. It will be observed tbat the Borough Council has resolved to appoint a Charitable Aid Board from among its own members. The Mayor and Crs Snelson and Walker were constituted the Committee, on the motion of Cr Ferguson. In moving this Cr Ferguson said* he placed Cr Snelson'a name on the Committee, because no society of the kind wonld be complete without the aid of Mrs Snelson, who had always taken desp interest m these matters. He had suggested Cr Walker's name because that gentleman had plenty of spare time, and the Mayor's because he should be on all Committees by virtue of his office. Cr Walker at first declined to act, but Cr Lin ton having pointed out that he was specially fitted for the posi* tion by reason of bis leisure and age, and the other members expressing similar views, he consented to act. Messrs Halcombe & Sherwill's stock sale takes place at Feilding to-morrow, when an excellent list will be submitted. The entries will be found m our advertising columns. Several additions have been made to Messrs Steveus & Gorton's sale for Tuesday next. Notice is given by Mr Tricklebank tbat he has let the Princess Brickyard to Mr Georg h Fleet, and that there will be plenty of bricks on hand shortly. With reference to a letter which appeared m last night's Manatvatu Standard, signed •' E. H. Grrigg," we feel it our du*y to state that the matter is m the hands of Messrs Haakins & Bakpr, solicitors, who will communicate with Mr McJ£elvie| the p.-oprietor of the paper referred to. More than th|s we cannot say at present. Several additions have been made to Mr Snels>ii'j» advertisement of his stock sale fur Saturday next. In addition to this sale, JSIr Snelson also announces a ale of furniture and effects, at his rooms. Mr Greenwood, dpnlist, V»ys his professional visit to Palmerston to-mor-row, and may be consulted a: lioe's Hotel. The elder Roy was sentenced to two months imprisonment without bard la* bor ansl the younger wis lot off, his father becoming surety to/ bi» good behaviour.