LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10456, 24 July 1925, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The result of the North Island v. South Island Rugby match to be played at Invercargill l to-morrow should be received in Ashburton about 5 p.m. It will be posted at the " Guardian' Office.

Mr Joseph Collins, the American teacher who was reported as missing in London, has been located in Edinburgh, where he is attending an educational conference, says a cabled message. He explained that his train left King's Cross earlier than he expected, and he was unable to return to tell his wife. In the meantime the rmlice had been searching London for; two days, x

"A grand-daughter of tho famous Te Whiti is Llie head girl of the Pungarehu School, and she is a credit to her race," reported the senior inspector (Mr J. A. Valentine) to the Taranaki Education Board (states an exchange). Of the 72 pupils at the school 33 were Maoris, he added.

A Dunedin telegram states that work proceeded without a hitch on the wharf yesterday, all steamers being fully manned. It is estimated that the loss in wages during the idle period of seven days was £3500, while the loss to the shipping companies in wages, wharfage dues, etc., was £4OOO.

The Main Trunk expVess on Wednesday collided with a cow near the site of the Palmerston North power house. Tho force of the impact was such as io hurl the unfortunate animal over a fence into an adjacent paddock (relates the "Standard"). One of the air brakes couplings was torn off, but otherwise the engine was undamaged. •

The Tauranga County Council (states \ an exchange) has decided to ask the Government to fix- a uniform scale of pavment of reasonable travelling expenses and allowances to members of local bodies, "thus remedying the present unsatisfactory method of such payments and obviating the Audit Department's irritating tags too frequently found on local bodies' balancesheets."

"If a member has something to say that he does not want put in the papers then he shouldn't say at, said Mr J. Vigor Brown at the last meeting of the Napier Harbour Board (reports tho "Daily Telegraph"). He was referring to a request by a member who had asked "the gentlemen m the corner" to drop their pencils for a moment while he said something he did not want in print. .

The fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Nursing Division was held in the Ambulance Room. After a short first aid practice, Mrs Withell, Plunket Nurse, attended, and a paper was read dealing with the aims, objects, and work of the Plunket Society. Mrs Withell then answered a number of questions- concerning the training of Plunket Nurses, and also the treatment of common ailments of babies.

By conceding provisionally the demand of the stokehold crew of the Wairpori for, the employment of two trimmers, the Union Steam Ship Company has settled the dispute, and the vessel was to leave Greymouth for Sydney on the midnight tide ;last night. The Waipori has a cargo of white pine timber, and this is one of the factors inducing the company to effect a settlement on the men's terms, as deterioration > would set in if. the ship lay for an indefinite period at Greymouth. The firemen who were imprisoned for refusing duty were released last evening and rejoined the vessel.

Yesterday afternoon the visiting pubils from Christchurch Technical School defeated the Ashburton Technical School at rugby by 22 points to nil. Mr W. Grieve refereed the game. Mixed net ball and basketball matches were played, Ashburton winning one by 11 points to 10, Christchurch being the victors in the other by 15 points to 10. After tine sports the visitors were entertained to afternoon tea in the assembly ball, which was decorated with streamers in the colours of both schools, when an enjoyable programme was given. The dainty oaikes provided were all made by the girls in the cookery classes, and reflected 1 favourably on the work being done in that direction. The visitors left by the express for their home town.

There was a good attendance at the Salvation Army Hall last evening, when a pleasing concert programme was gone through. Ensign Pratt presided. Lieutenant Osborne, First Canterbury Mounted Rifles', in presenting Bandsman P. Frew with a baritone, referred to the great strides the Army Band had made of recent months, and hoped that the same rate of progress would be maintained. The following programme was presented, all the items being well received: —March, "Undaunted," band ; company song, "Calvary," songsters; instrumental quartette, "Spring," bandsmen; vocal solo, Mr H. J. Chapman; humorous item, Mr G. H. Carson; cornet solo, "Zelda," Lieutenant Osborne; selection, "Eventide," band; vocal solo, Mr W. S. MeClymont; cornet quartette, bandsmen;.euphonium solo, Bro. Jackson; company song, songsters; cornet duet, Messrs Osborne brothers; vocal solo, Mr, W. S. MeClymont; humorous item, Mr G. H. Carson; selection, "Hosanna," band.

" The Education Department has already done a great deal to relieve parents of "the expense of providing primary school books, inasmuch as all reading matter for standard classes is provided free through the medium of the School Journal and supplementary continuous readers," stated the Minister of Education (Sir James Parr) in the House yesterday. " The cost to the State at present is not /lees than £IO,OOO a year. The number of text books in other subjects has ■ been restricted as much as possible, the authorised list now containing only five books, all of which are uniform throughout New Zealand. This obviously cheapens the cost to parents. Further, in all cases where parents are unable to afford to purchase books these are provided free. Beyond this the Department is not prepared to recommend the Government to go.'' In reply to Mr Witty and other members, Sir James (Said that to make all books free in primary schools would involve another £IOO,OOO to. inaugurate the system, with an annual recurring expense of £25,000 to £30,000. The education expenditure last year was £300,000 in excess of that of the previous year, and he could not ask Cabinet for the money needed for a complete supply of free school books, especially as the expenditure must continue to increase when 5000 additional children went to school every year.

The 1925 model Chevrolet Sedan is now on view at G. H. Carson's garage. The bodywork is by Fisher, whose bodies are recognized to be of the highest class. The colour is aquamarine blue with black trimmings, of the new Duco enamel. The radiator shell is non-rust-ing white metal.. All windows may be | lowered or raised. The seats are roomy,' well-sprung, and upholstered in rich velour. An automatic, windshield Av>per is provided. Disc wheels and balloon tyres are standard'equipment on the Sedan. This new Chevrolet Sedan is really good value .at £350 complete. You are invited to inspect the cw or send for a catalogue which is waiting for you.—Advt.

A full-grown oyster wuV,'pr> 'luce about nine million eggs.

The committee to which the Synod of the diocese of Christchurch delegated its right of nomination of a bishop consists of Dean Carrington (Bishop's Commissary), Mr H. D. Andrews (Chancellor), and Canon J. de B. Galwey (Registrar).

A telegram from Hamilton states that it is reported in the Press that Mr J. J. Fox, of Feilding, organiser of the Dairy Farmers' Union, has issued a writ against Mr W. Goodfellow, of Hamilton; claiming £SOOO damages in connection with a statement allegedly made by the latter.

Vivid jets of flames from a transformer near the electric power station lighted up the town shortly after 10 p.m. yesterday. The trouble was caused through two insulators breaking down, causing arcing at 11,000 volts at the transformer at the Public Works main station in the Power Board's yard. The extent of damage to the transformer is not yet ascertained. The Deisel stand-bv plant was brought'into use for a little over four hours while a spare transformer was being connected.

In stating the case for defendant during the hearing of a charge of speeding, in the Magistrate's Court this morning, counsel said that two lady passengers in the car had been approached to give evidence, but were diffident about doing so. The Magistrate: I don't see why they should be diffident about coming here. Counsell: Well, you see, perhaps they did not know you were such a pleasant peirson to appear before. (Laughter.) ; The Magistrate: I'm sorry, but I haven't got half a crown.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge, No. 26, 1.0.0. F., was held in the lodge-room last evening, Bro. D. Milne, N.G., presiding. Four candidates were proposed for membership and one initiated. Sick pay amounting to £l7 was passed for payment to 15 members. During the meeting a degree lecture was held. The Social Committee reported that the annual ball would be held on August 5. It was decided to ask the Wakanui members of the lodge if August 22 would be suitable for holding a special meeting in their district.

A London cablegram says: The British Commonwealth Labour Conference, including delegates from Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, and Palestine, will opera at the House of' Commons on Monday. Mr MacDonald will preside. The agenda includes interDominion migration, trade relations, the Geneva Protocol, international Labour legislation, tho condition of Indians in British colonies, industrial legislation and labour protection in mandated territories.

The New Zealand Bible-in-Schools Committee, recognising that school committees more than any other body represent the parents, are desirous of obtaining the opinion of such committees as to the desirability or otherwise of Mr Isitt's Religious Exercises in Schools Bill becoming law. They,have accordingly sent copies of the Bill to all committees with a request that they shall take an early vote on the question and forward the result to Wellington to be reported to the House,, where the Bill now is being considered.

Despite the unpleasant weather conditions, about 70 couples attended the annual ball of the Foresters' Lodge, No. 6729, which was held in the Orange Hall last night. The hall was prettily decorated with greenery and paper streamers, and the floor and supper arrangements were good. A long programme was gone through, Mrs Mitchell's orchestra supplying the music, and Bros. R. Beach (secretary) and O. Bax acted as M. J s.C. Great credit is due to the committee, Sisters W. Gourdie, I. Hosken, and Bros. J. Burton, P. Choak, C. Bax, and R. Beach, for the able manner in which the dance was conducted.

A movement is on foot to induce Mrs T. E. Taylor, a prominent worker in the Prohibition movement, to contest the Christchurch North seat at the general election this year. Mrs Taylor is the widow of Mr T. E. Taylor, who was Mayor of Christchurch and member for Christchurch. North at the time of his death, in June, 1911. In the Reform interests, Mr J. A. Flesher, ex-Mayor of Christchurch, who has not previously sought Parliamentary honours, and Mr E. R. Andrews, a member of the City Council, who stood for the seat at the 1922 election, have been mentioned as prospective candidates. It is probable that other names will *be submitted to the conference. The official Reform candidate will be selected by a conference of delegates on August 4.

The closing of the Repatriation Department has caused difficulty over the absorption of its former head and another official, which prompted Mr Langstone to ouestion the Prime Minister, alleging that the Government Insurance Department, from which these officers were lent, refused to reinstate them, because it had no vacancies, while the head of the Department refused to draw salary until it was made up to the amount he received as Director of Repatriation. Mr Coates stated in the House yesterday that the matter was being discussed between the Government and the State Insurance Department, the point being that the former head of the Repatriation Department, who was given a position in his old Department, maintained that he should continue on the salary he recently obtained. This j officer did valuable work, and he had | earned something more than he was . now getting.

The Education Department has increased its correspondence school staff, which now provides education for 504 children in remote backblocks, also disabled children who cannot attend school. The Education report states that owing to the . exactitude, thoroughness, and comparative independence under which correspondence pupils have to work, and to the definite correction and comment on individual work of scholars as well as to intimate and helpful guidance given by parents or elder members of the family, it is found that in many respects the pupils of correspondence classes have distinct advantages, compensating for some of their disabilities. | It is expected that a. considerable proportion of these children wjll in many respects quite hold their own with I children taught in the ordinary ! schools. The expenditure on the correspondence school amounted to approximately £3 10s per head. As the Government grant allowed toward the salary of teachers in Grade O schools is £ls per unit of average attendance the correspondence system of tuition represents a very considerable economy, while it provides education quite as good as, if not better than, that generally provided in Grade 0 schools.

A hare drive at Wakanui. on Wednesday", in aid of the school prize fund, was responsible for the destruction or 130 hares. About 35 guns took part.

A fractured rib sustained by F. Kennedy in the Town v. Country; Rugby match at Christchurch is keeping the Celtic player confined to bed in Ashburton.

The Rakaia ploughing match is being held to-day, in spite of the wet weather. The conditions were bright early this morning, and all teams put in an appearance. Rain ' came on later, and continued steadily.

The Greymouth Borough Council last night passed a resolution asking the Government to increase the duty on imported timber and coal, j so as to protect two vital industries, which are at present languishing through unfair competition with the imported article.

Last night Constable O'Grady arrested a woman who was found drunk 1 in a railway carriage after the arrival of a slow train from Timaru. She bailed herself out this morning, and left for Christchurch. At the Magistrate's Court this morning Mr E. D. Mosley ordered that the amount of her bail (£2) be forfeited.

The tax upon traction engines and f trailers is considered excessive by the ..' Ashburton branch of the Union. A meeting of the committee this|| afternoon decided to call the attenlionF of the Minister of Public Works to;,' this. It was stated that the heavy charges* . would be passed on to farmers by owners of tho engines.

The executive of the Advance Ash-i? burton Association was entertained ata social by the Fire Brigade, when. Superintendent T. Barber presided.'. The guests were* thanked for their;:; assistance to the brigade by permit-h" ting a combined effort at the lastfe Labour Day gala, andy appropriated toasts were honoured. Several musical items were given.

Patrons of outdoor sports will have-; a fair programme from which to choosey - to-morrow afternoon. The County?* Rugby football competitions will beg continued in all grades, and a junior Association football match will bef played at Wakanui;, The. ladies'* hockey competition games should at4| tract good numbers. The Golf Clubftj has arranged a mixed foursomes match.;:^

The members of the Tinwald branch: of the Young Helpers' League met at the school yesterday for their biennial box-opening. Mrs J. Cow From the collection, together with a|r donation from the president, the nardo Homes will benefit to the extentp of £5 16s Bd. After an enjoyable, concert given by the members, tea wasp handed round. The afternoon wasj| brought to a close with a hearty vote> of thanks to the president for her helpand interest.

The proposed increase in the railagecharges of wheat and flour was discussedlv at this afternoon's meeting of the Ash-? burton branch of the Farmers' Union. Members stated that the increase*." would represent about |d a bushel ex--,; tra on the cost of wheat production, | for the charge would revert, to'the producer. It was decided to urge the Minister of Railways and the Board of Management to consider seriously the question before putting the proposal into force, as any increase *in charges would be fatal to the production of wheat and flour.

The committee of the Ashburton branch of the Farmers' Union met; thiac afternoon, when there were present: Messrs H. Watts (chairman)* S. H. Lill, H. Sinclair, Protheroe, D. Mclntyre, G. W. Leadley, F. Frampton, ;: J. Moore, and W. T. Lill. The MidCanterbury Provincial Executive advised that 15s a member was the levy for the year. Ten shillings of. this., was required for a Dominion levy, and 5s for a provincial levy. The secretary*: stated the branch had very much over-, subscribed, and nothing wag "owing to> the executive. The branch ha'd £45 to its credit at the bank. The annual balance-sheet had been forwarded tol the executive.

The first world's championship but-' ter competition, which will be held at» the forthcoming Auckland Winter Exv ihibition, is creating intense and widespread interest in the dairying world. The entries, which closed yesterday> total 87, of which 43 .are from Ne«f, Zealand factories. The fact that pve£ half the entries come from overseas is striking evidence of the importance attached to the competition by the leading butter producers of the world. Australian factories are particularly well represented with a total of 29There is an entry from Denmark, thf Dominion's chief competitor in th» world markets. The Central States of America—Minnesota, Wisconsin, and lowa—have forwarded and two have also been received from Fiji. Strong competition is expected front Ireland, no fewer than nine separate entries having been received from that country.