LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tin Defence authorities have fixed March “i>t hj as the last: day upon which employers and others may lodge applications tor leave tor members of the .'l7i)i Hein forcemeats.

There is every indication that the Marion Show, to be held to-day. will be a record success. The entries far outnumber those of previous shows, and, given line weather, a very large attendance is expected.

The latest arrivals in our footwear section include a delightful range of ladies’ and children's camel hair, Arctic cloth and tell slippers. Many of the styles and colourings arc decidedly smart, and the prices rangi from Is dd. .See them to-day.—The. 0. M. Boss Company, Ltd.*

At the Borough Council meeting last night Cr. Crabb moved thath the Postal Department be notified that the Council has recently undertaken to re-num-ber all houses within the borough, and that they be asked to Include the correct numbers in the new telephone lists. The motion was carried.

Present weather indications are for stormy southerly winds northwards of Farewell Spit and Kaikoura and freshening north-east winds elsewhere. We can expect cloudy and misty weather and rain probable generally with rivers flooded on the East Coast of the North Island. The barometer is unsteady in the north and has a falling tendency in the south. Owing to the large number of complaints received with reference to straying horses and cattle on the borough streets, it was decided at last night’s meeting of the Council that the ranger be written to to the effect that the Council was very much dissatisfied, and unless some alteration takes place, would have to terminate the present agreement. The abattoir report presented at the Borough Council meeting last night showed that during the month of February the amount of stock slaughtered was as follows: 17.1 cows, 27 heifers, 29 oxen, 793 ewes, 250 wethers, 16 calves, 247 lambs, and 243 pigs. .Six cows and three pigs were condemned. Slaughtering fees amounted to £1.22 I3s 3d. chilling fees £l3 15s 7d, and weighing charges £3 16s 3d, a total of £l4O os Id. A telegram from Mr Murray, secretary of the Waikaremoana Hydro-Elec-tric League, was read at. the Council meeting last night staling that on account of the heavy seas and flood in river, he regretted that the proposed visit by delegates would have to be deferred for a few days, and that he would wire the Council when weather conditions wore satisfactory. In reference to the letter of “Doubting Thomas” in connection with the C.T. Crusade, Mr A. W. Gallichan, the chairman, has shown a “Times” representative the audited balance-sheet signed by Mr W. E. Bendall (Government auditor). It appears that the amount of £36 4s 4d challenged by our correspondent is duly included in the balance-sheet and vouched for. The amount mentioned was for potty expenses, plus 10s lOd not shown in the prevoiusly published statement.

The Oroua Lodge of Druids held their regular meeting last night. A.D. Bvo. R. C. Cobb presiding over a good attendance of members. Two now members were initiated and two candidates proposed for membership. It v.as decided not to elect delegates for the Friendly Societies’ Council this year, the members considering that it was not serving any useful purpose. Bro. Puddle was appointed to take the place of Bro. Cobb on the Final Battle Campaign Committee. P.A. Bro, A. G. By all was presented with the trophy won by hirg, during the recent euchre tournament'. After passing toe quarterly accounts and transacting the usual routine business the Lodge was closed.

Says the “Wairarapa Age”: The clamour for denominational schools is growing in Acw Zealand, and there is a danger of the Dominion being overrun with this class ot Inslitution. 1 hen wc may expect an irresistible demand for State aid. In his opening address at the Methodist Conference last week, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair said: “ Methodism, which was born in. a university, must ever care for the higher education of its young people. The need is urgent for the rc-cstablishmeul of secondary schools on a distinctly religious basis under the control ot the church. 1 his question must be approached afresh ■with a view to something definite being done.” The Presbyterians have spoken of schools of their own. Ihe Roman Catholics and Anglicans already have them in many districts. V\ e shall next year of movements by the Congrcgationalists, the Baptists, the Bnitarians, the Plymouth Brethren, the Salvation Army, th(! Church ot ! hrist, and the dozen and one other religious denominations. There is no knowing whore the thing will end. ,

The opening of a New Zealand Masonic hutment at the front in France, as announced in a recent cable message, is but part ot a larger scheme which the Masonic Gram! bodge of New Zealand has in hand. Iho executive of the craft has made arrangements with the Y.M.C.A. for the management of such institutions, and hopes in the course of a few months to have a number of hutments in operation in the area of the Western front manned by the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The one hut already opened is situated within the New ' Zealand Artillery area, and bears over its facade the inscription, “Masonic Cheero Hut,” while inside there is the further legend; “Yon arc the guests of the Freemasons of New Zealand. All are welcome.” Free refreshments are provided in the hutments for soldiers of any of the allied armies, without any distinction.

Messrs K. Wilson and Colcpihoun waited upon the Borough. Council on behalf of the Philosophical Society to ask the Council to consider the advisability of an annual grant to the Society. They thanked the Council for the help it had given the Society during the Id years it had been in existence. The Society was entirely dependant on members 5 subscriptions, which membership had considerably fallen off owing to the war. The Museum had grown to such an extent that the accommodation was taxed to the utmost, and was valued at £SOO. The Society was essentially an educational institute and had a valuable library of scientific works. The weekly attendance averaged from 80 to 100 people. The Mayor assured the deputation that it had come along in plenty of time for the estimates, when the matter would be considered. He fully recognised the bom-ill; of the (Society and hoped the time was not far distant when a. new building would be at the Society's disposal for a museum. He assured them that the matters mentioned would receive every consideration at the hands of the Founeil. The deputation thanked the •'onncil for the reception received and withdrew.

The finest FLUID M AGNESIA is SHARE AND’S. Mon* freshly made than imported hinds. Guaranteed highest strength and purest quality. Larger bottle —lower price.

McMENAMTN, Fcilding, men’s wear specialist, has standardised the price of his “Ready Tailored” Suits for one week only every suit is going for 55/-.

For polishing linoleums, lioorcloths, leather goods and furniture, TAN-OL is most efficient and easy to use.