LOCAL AND GENERAL

To-dajr is the anniversary of the Taranakj. province.

Between December 12 last and March 5 there were no fewer than 24 strikes on minor matters among the workers in the coal mines of the Martland and Newcastle districts, New South Wales.

The Dannevirke Pork Butchery has been commissioned by the Hawke's Bay Club to select the finest bacon pig and have it specially cured' for the consumption of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales while on his coming visit to Napier.

An autumn crop of strawberries has made its appearance during the last fortnight in the Auckland district. A few crates of these unusual products are coming to hand daily in the city (says the Herald), and are realising ls 6d to Is 9d a chip. This late crop on last year's beds is expected to have a deleterious effect on the next spring crops.

Mr L. O. Hooker, secretary to the Dominion Winter Show, stated that the factory entries for the show which have now, been received are excellent. A number of hew factories are competing this year, especially in the butter classes. The school schedule is now ready for distributioa.

An Auckland gardener states that a sure means of keeping snails away from any tender growth is to encircle tiie plants with a barrier of titree (manuka) close to the ground. It is said that this device has, been tried in Auckland,, and has proved very effective in keeping at bay these pests of the garden.

,As an instance of the large profits that are being made, it was stated by Mr L. Mcllvride at a Wanganui gathering that a girl at one of the woollen mills in New Zealand bought some material she had helped to make at 8s 6d a yard. Later she went to a shop to buy a couple more yards of the material and found the price was £2 5e a yard.

In the Opunake parochial district there will be Anglican services at Opunake, Te Kiri and Kaponga on Good Friday and Easter Monday, list of which is notified in to-day's issue. At Te Kiri on Sunday, April 11, there will be a harvest festival at 7.30 p.m and on the Monday following a sale of produce in the Te Kiri Hall at 8 p.m., with dance to follow.

The ready-made suit has riaem tremendously in price (states the Christchurch Sun). The cheapest suit is now selling at £4 10s, whereas a year ago sac suits sold at ;50s and less. The average price appears to be £6 6s, as against £4 less than a year ago. Yethere again, retailers cannot get enough suits to sell, or, the variety of materials wanted. There is quite a boom in the ready-to-wear business. One man backed a statement that he had sold 50 more suits since January 1 than in the corresponding period last year by producing documentary evidence. Yet the trade maintains that its percentage of profit is not as big as it was.

New goods for boys and men. Boys' double-breasted tweed overcoats, sizes oto 8; 29s 6d; boys' fawn oilskin coats, Fish brand 32s 6d; boys' fawn covert overcoats, size 1 to 5, 37s 6d; boys' raincoats, sizes 1 to 3, 365; youth's tweed overcoats, size 7 to 13, 655; men's trench raincoats from 115s ; fleecy-lined men's double-breasted all wool tweed overcoats from 117s 6d. At Gillett's, The Busy Draper.—Advt. Dairy farm buyers should read W. H. and A. McGarry's column advt on page -*.-—^d-t

. The wealthiest country in the world in proportion to its population is Luxemburg. The leading wealth figures per head are aa follows: Luxemburg, £<&0; united States, £420; Great Britain, £390; France, £300. - Twenty-three Native tribes will be present at the. Maori welcome in Rotorua to the Prince of Wales. A contract for supplying meat to their camp has been let. It is estimated that 30 bullock© and 300 sheep will be required dady. . At the sale of hides held at Strat- ' ford yesterday 4s lOd a pound was realised for a calfskin, this being the I record price for Taranaki (states the j News). Calfskins showed an advance I of from od to 6d a pound on previous j prices, ox hides Id to lid, yearlings j about 2d a pound, while cow hides re- ! mained at par. There was a fair at- \ tendance of outside buyers, but the \ offering was comparatively small. The Minister of Defence for the Australian Commonwealth (Senator Pearce) announced m ivleibourne iast week that the Imßerial Government had decided some time ago to 'issue a "Gallipoli-' clasp with the war service medal. This news will be welcomed by New Zealand sbldiers who served on GalJipoli and will be equally entitled to the ciasp. j "People in the country can't get ' petrol to come to town, but people in '! the towns can get petrol to knock our j roads about," complained a country member at the recent meeting of the Hospital Board (says the .Lyttelton j Times). "These are facts. It is no • laughing matter," he exclaimed after his remarks had been greeted with a burst of laughter. "What is the good of making assertions like that?" re-j torted a town member. "We can't get • petrol either." Another country "mem, I Der. who is also the chairman of a| county council, said that men engaged ' lin public affairs should be given a ! special petrol ration. Th© pub.ic are warned that forged £1 notes of the National Bank of New Zealand are still in circulation, and, if they accept them they will only have valueless paper on their hands (says the Wellington .Post). The notes are genuine, except for the signature, which is forged. They are those which were stolen some months ago from a package of unsigned notes on their way out. Irom England. The numbers run from A 599801 to A6OOOOO and A 600201 to A6OIOOO. A few days ago one of these numbered A 600906 was accepted by a Wellington business man and on being handed in at the National Bank was returned as a forgery. Speaking of complaints in regard to sugar supplies, the chairman of the Board of Trade (Mr G. W. McDonald) said the Board was still trying to improve the system of distrlbution {reports the Post). If there was any hoarding, he was satisfied that it was on the part of consumers. The Board was now making arrangements whereby each grocer would be supplied with sugar in proportion to the amount of his turnover. Th e scheme assumed that sugar represented a fairly finite proportion bf the total quantity of goods handled by the retailer. The Board hoped that this arrangement, in conjunction with measures for the prevention of the duplication of orders, would put all the retailers on an equal tooting. Referring to the New South Wales elections, an exchange says: The system of preferential voting, which was :. adopted, was responsible for a considerable amount of "how to vote" educational work to obviate the somewhat alarming possibilities of informal votes. A figure indicating the order of the voter's preference had to be placed opposite the names of every candidate m the ballot paper, which, otherwise, became informal. As in several electorates there were twenty-one candidates, and in none less than six, the timid, voter -was not to be envied hia task As one paper remarked, "truly the choice must be made a higgledy-i piggledy mass of confusion," but, it sadly concluded, "a Parliament of some sort has to be chosen; therefore, it is a sacred duty to' select the best one possible."" , A somewhat exciting incident occurred at the Waikanae beach on a recent afternoon (states the Gisborne: Times). Four boys were engaged in the rather precarious sport bf "shooting" the breakers in a rowing boat, their escapades attracting the interest of a number of people on the beach. The lads would row out for a certain distance, wait for a break to get under the stern of the boat, and then row towards the beach for dear life. Catching, the impetus of the breakers, the boat would come in at a terrific speed. This performance was repeated time after time,- and then the inevitable happened. A powerful breaker caught the small craft and suddenly swerved round, the boat came broadside on and capsized, emptying the occupants unceremoniously into the water. For a moment it looked as if some of the lads were underneath the boat, but it was soon seen 'that all had got clear and were treating the matter as a bit of fun. They succeeded in righting the boat and bringing her ashore, appearing none the worse for their immersion. Yesterday's Stratford Post, commenting on the campaign for tbe Stratford seat, says: Another big political meeting was held in Stratford last night,^ when Major J. B. Hine replied vigorously to Mr Robert Masters' criticisms regarding the upsetting of the election, maintaining stoutly that the action was in the interests' of clean politics. The speaker wag well listened to, and had, vndoubtedly, a strong following, though the meeting was by no means so entirely with him as that which gathered last Thursday to hear his opponent. Mr Hine did not spare Mr Masters in making his refutations of Mr Masters' allegations, and, as we earlier anticipated, the personal element rather than the actually political has become the predominating feature of the contest. Those who love a real lively platform tussle and a good deal of noise and disputation are getting their innings; and they are likely to get more than enough before the polling day. So long, however, as the mud-slinging, which appears to have been considered the necessary course of conduct, is done in the open, and the heaving of bricks from dark alleyways is not a too frequent pastime of the ardent follower (on. whatever side), we suppose matters will duly right themselves when the electors have the final word. Meanwhile the battle rages, each side expressing confidence in the Tightness of its cause and the certainty that victory lies ahead*. For wash day—"Only Boil WinHeart the marvellous jvashing tablet that has taken the country by storm, is now obtainable in Taranaki. The only perfect washing preparation on the market. No blueing—no rubbing—no soaking. More than pays for itself by jsaving and blueing. £100 guarantee , harmless. Clothes positively wear three times longer. Cost Is five large washings—saves £5. All grocers.—Advt. THE SIMPLEST INVENTIONS "*" Have often proved to be the most valuable. Your idea may be worth a fortune to you if the fullest precautions are taken to protect it. Write or call for free booklet, "Advicf* to Inventors." Henry Hughes. Ltd., Patent Attorneys, 1-57 Featherst/on street, Wellinrrton. — I'

In an address at Wanganui the Rev. H. L. Blamires said that trades unionists who exploited the -heeds' of the people were profiteers.

The violet season, which promises to be successful, has opened in Otaki, and this popular flower should 'soon be flooding various markets from Invercargill to Auckland. Large areas are under cultivation there, and. it is estimated that several growers will make £10 weekly.

There is again a shortage of benzine in New Plymouth, arid the demand is twice the supply (says the News). The small shipments that are received* from Wellington from time to time only afford temporary relief. The Lorain, which is due here from New York towards the end of April,, has 15,000 cases of benzine for this district, but applications made for supplies from this shipment are already considerably in excess of the amount available.

The sugaf shortage was particularly acute in Wellington at the end of last week. Many of the grocery -shops, including some of the large city establishments, had no sugar at all, and customers went from shop to shop in the search for small quantities to carry them over the week-end. A shipment of sugar will reach Wellington this week, but there is no indication that the supply -will meet the demand in the near future;

In ordering a defendant in a civil action in the Feilding Court on Wednesday to give up possession of a house to the owner, Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., coined a phrase that fitted the case: "You must not mix up inconvenience with undue hardship." The owner of the house, who is a returned soldier, had actually secured a house convenient to the other man's work; but because it was hot convenient to Feilding, he pleaded undue hardship, and would not vacate the premises for the owner. Hence the veniict.

In connection with the Wanganui Borough Council's purchase of a steam plant for its power-house, it is interesting to know (states the Herald) that the Council's order was placed just in time, as advice has been received that the agents were instructed to accept for the time being no more orders. Rises in the price of machinery had taken place also, and one councillor informed the Herald that, in his opinion, the ratepayers had been saved from £10,000 to £15.000 by the prompt acceptance of the National Electric Company's offer.

Mr C. A. de Lautour. chairman of the Gisborne Sheeofarmers' Frozen Meat Co., interviewed by the PoTserty Bay Hei-ald, stated that the f *rezing works had about 300.000 carcases in store at present. The prospect of relief before the end of the season was email, but there was sufficient room in the stores to receive all stock that is offering and is unable to get into other works. The present season has been larger than last as regards quantities, and stock is coming in fast now, but it is not thought that the influx will last as long as it did last year. •■"*.

The latest fish Btory was. related in some Supreme Court proceeding? at Gisborne in connection with a_ claim by Maoris for compensation for loss of e^ls through the draining by settlers of the Repongaere Lake. The Maoris, who were awarded by a jury £57 compensation, clai nod that tha -r-els frou: the lake supplied • a.T the foodj for Irais in tHat anjt- other* districts. Mr Justice Hosking became reminiscent, and said he had seen eels six feet in length in Lake Manapouri. A Maori-witness, Taki Kerekere, who was in the bbxj. capped this by saying he had seen eels 18 feet in length, and men had been used for bait. His Honor said he thought this was rather a tall one, and adjourned the Court for lunch. , >

A sensational runaway and a chase and capture .reminiscent' of Wild West tales was witnessed in Masterton on Saturday niorning. Whilst a cab was being loaded with some luggage at the railway sttion the horses took fright, at an approaching motor lorry' and bolted from the railway yard down Lincoln road. Here the chase was taken up hy a- boy named Gourlay mounted on a pony, who pursued the runaways into Colombo road, where he overtook them and caught one of the reins. . On approaching the stock bridge Gourlay noticed that the. horses would crash in-, to the side of the superstructure. He therefore released the reins and, thus freed, the runaways careered on across the bridge. Gourlay again took up the chaise .and, securing the rein v-once more, pulled the, animals tip within a short distance. No damage was done to either horses or vehicle.

Dayton, Ohio, has no Municipal Council. It appears to be getting along very comfortably. Dayton adopted the commission manager, form of Government on August 12, 1913, and a few months later it went into effect. Now we have the story of four years' results and a comparison with the four preceding years under the mayor-council plan. It is a notable showing, nonemore so. Dayton is governed just like any large^cpmmercial enterprise. There is no politics, as politics is usually understood. There is no graft and no secrecy. Any citizen can see at a glance the extent of the city's revenue, how it is raised, and how "it is spent. The government exists for the benefit of the people. It stands in loco parentis to all the citizens, young and old, rich and poor. The city buys in open market and it keeps house with frugal but efficient •economy. The city's institutions have been humanised, but the authors tell us frank'.y that much remains to, be done*, and they tell us what it is*. It is an alluring picture and a credible one. It goes far to remove the- reproach from American municipal government. I want work—work in every home. I will solve your wash day troubles and make your clothes as white as driven snow. I am "Fairy Wonder/ Queen "of washing powder. At all stores. — Advt. • OINTMENT WITHOUT SECRET. There's no mystery aT>ouo Bee Ointment. There's no romance attached t.*i it. Stories of fortunate accidental discovery do not belong to Bee Ointment. nor do tales of gypsies and herbs. Tt is composed solely .of medicaments that have been tested by the years and found suitable for purposes of healing sores, burns, bruises, abrasions, eczema and similar skin troubles. We gladly supply you with a free sample. Bee Oint , roent Proprietary, Box 399, Wellington — Advt Motorists! Petrol reduced by viper case by having an "All-friction" Carburettor on your engine. Also gives easier starting in cold weather and smoother running. Will use half kerosene.—Manning Machinery Co., 5 Bedford row, Chri«+^li"^ch.— Advr We can show you a great selection of men's smart union shirts, just the right goods for the cold weather, 10s 6d and 12s 6d. Jury and Co.. Hawera.—Advt. You can get it cheaT-ier at tbe Bon Accord Drapery, nevt Scotch Bakery. "Worth five times it price," is what | everyone says who tries "NAZOL" for colds, catarrh, sore throat, and hay fever. "NAZOL" quickly gives relief. [ 60 doses cost Is 6d.—Advt. I

The Dannevirke gas works are to be taken over by the municipality on iViii/ i. J It is said (reportß the Hawke's Bay Herald) that an enterprising Chinese capitalist is making strenuous endeavors to capture a monopoly of the fruit • trade in iNapier, and has made tempting offer© tor several of the leading businesses at present carried on h'v European traders. In one case an apparently extremely high figure was ot- • iered. but was refused, and a sum nearly double set down at which thf fruiterer was prepared to sel). The Celestial departed, but returned shortly afterwards' and stated his willing- ' ness to close the deal even at this big advance. However, the European declined to go oh with the transaction. Mr Leonard Stowe, for many years Clerk of Parliament, ha& for some time past been laid aside by illness, the result of an accident sustained some years ago (says the Post). The trouble had be&i increasing for a long while, with the result that a leg had to be amputated. The operation was very successful, with the result that : Mr • Stdwe is making a quite satisfactory recovery. A solicitor arrived late in Court yesterday morning, and was informed by tne Magistrate that he had missed the bus in two cases in which he was to appear. The solicitor , replied cheerfully: "No doubt the Court, in its -mercy, will grant a rehearing," adding that be understood the time for^ the commencement of civil business was 10.30. The Magistrate said he had not thought of that, and agreed to reinstate the cases,, remarking in doing so that he had been informed that counsel had gone to NewPlymouth. This the solicitor characterised as a gross exaggeration, and said he would not go till that night. , At a meeting of the South Canterhury^branch of the B.S.A. the question of Chinese fruit retailers was discussed at length. One member suggested that a picket of returned men should watch the Chinese 6hops and take a note of those persons who dealt with them, with a view to publishing their names in the daily papers. This, suggestion, although popular, devolved into a question of "belling the cat," nobody being willing to serve on the picket. It was stated that every effort had been taken to prevent a certain firm of Orientals opening up business in Timaru^jbut efforts had failed, and hence the Chinese were conducting business in opposition to returned men. It was stated that certain of the Chinese in Timaru exposed for sale silks and tobacco at times when other businesses were required by law to be closed. As a result of the recent increase in coal miners' wages, the price of coal is to bet increased (says the New Zealand Herald). /The Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd., has announced the following increases to retailers as from Monday last: Household coal from £1 8s 6d a ton to £1 10b 6d, steam coal from £1 4s 'l° «!■ "through" coal from 18s 6d to £1, slack from 7s to Bs. The* av-eiv i* age increase is Is 6d a ton, but for , bulk of the output, which is sold for household use and steam purposes, the increase is 2e a ton. The prices quoted are f.o.r. at Huntly or Rotowaxo. It ;. ■ » understood that all other . mines throughout New Zealand are passing 1 on the extra wages charge, but _& in^ »■ crease in the prioe of coal is not nni- > form, owing to the fact that until this • national agreement the miners W6re s working under1 local agreements which were not uniform. It is stated that i ; the increase in the case of ' certain ; southern coals is as much as '-So a\da. i The Taupiri Company has notified the Board of Trade of its increases. No information is available as to what the ; ret%il charges are to be, but it is unL del-stood that the Board of Trade has V .agreed to certain increases.':■*, [ At the smoke concert given/ to com- , petitory at the Hawera motorcycle. } sports a short time ago some, of the , speakers criticised the Napier Club be- . cause of the small amount of priW . money it offered at its meetings. Bold hints were thrown out that if the prizes . were hot made more attractive riders [-J-* would refuse to compete at jthe -meeting. A"two-day motor cycle race meet- . ing is to be held at Easter, and the , prize money offered will, according to | the Hawke's Bay Herald, total £150. !- Addressing a public meeting held at ' Wanganui to protest against the high r cost of living, the Rev. H. L.J __v mires said when he looked round at " the well fed, well clothed and sleek gathering he wondered whether the question was not the cost of high UVJ ing, (Laughter.) What had im{>ressed returning soldiers to New Zeaand was the waste of good food. People preferred to eat new bread in- ' stead of old bi-ead, and a handful of tea was often used for .afternoo-q. tea. If it cost 1$ ncr lb. it would be used just the same. Men were greater sinners. England is a good place to be out of just now, to the managing director of the London Stores, Melbourne. In the heart of th© Empire at present rooms are never let for more th^n a week, in order that incoming; oversea passengers may be accommodated. After.Mr Meyers had been at his hotel for six days, notice was given him that his room was required. Taking; a taxi at about 10 a.m., he taxied all day, visiting every hotel he passed. Ultimately he was rewarded by discovery, about 5 p.m., of three small rooms, which he rented at a cost of £30 per week, and arranged for food for his party, which comprised four members, at the rate of £28 per week. One day was sufficient—the food was practically uneatable. All the time Mr Meyers was. in London he, never tasted butter •or sugar, whilst meat was strictly rationed. Asked fvhat he thought of. future business prospects, Mr Meyers said prices must go much higher, and eventually, unless something happens, ccods wou'd not be procurable at all. Everywhere in England and America .th-* i same conditions ruled. With-a world starving for goods, manufacturers had more than they could do.