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Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 81, 3 April 1908, Page 4

The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 houre from 9 a.m. this day:—''Westerly moderate to strong winds after sixteen hours. Glass rise."

The Mangapai school was closed on Tuesday, owing to the teacher having •been removed to the charge of the Ngunguru school on that day, no successor having then arrived. The school was, however, re-opened-yesterday, a relieving teacher having been appointed pending the selection of a teacher after advertisement in the ordinary way. The committee were notified of the arrangement on Monday, and the relieving teacher, who was previously at Cambridge, was transferred as rapidly as possible.

The threats of the Wellington City Council to compulsorily purchase the Wellington Gas Company's works, have resulted in a rather curious situation being revealed, as the company appear to be unwilling to sell. The company's business is increasing to such an extent thai recently land was acquired at Miramar for the erection of new workgs, preparations toeing already in hand for building a gasometer. After the passing of the Act granting the company rights wi;hin the city, the Borough of Melrose, which is situated between Wellington and Miramar, was absorbed by the former, the mayor of which, now argues that the company has no right to carry its mains through Melrose, and that the best solution of the difficulty would be the purchase of the business by the city. This suggestion was considered by the directors at a meeting held on Monday last, and a reply has been received by the mayor intimating that the Board did not possess authority from the shareholders to negotiate for a purchase. If, however, a firm oiler were made, a meeting of shareholders would be convened. The effect of such a purchase will be to give the Council the lighting monopoly of the city.

The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union decided, subject to the consent of the local unions concerned, to accept a shield presented by Mr. W. Devenish, president of the Nelson College Old Boys. 5 Football Club, for competition between old boys' teams of the various colleges throughout the Dominion. *f* Oi/Jlil :•,.,., ~..

At the conclusion of the meeting of the Birkenhead Borough Council last night, Mr. Wallace, on behalf of the Council, intimated to the Mayor (Mr. A. Keyes) the resolution passed at a previous meeting, asking him to allow himself to be nominated for a further term of office. In doing so, Mr. Wallace referred to the important works now in hand, and the water question likely to come before the Council during tue ensuing year. Seeing that the Northcote Borough Council had been elected, he hoped that the relations between the two bodies would be of a most cordial nature, and that the question of obtaining an adequate water supply would be entered into in a businesslike manner for the benefit of both districts. Messrs. Skeates and Kay also spoke, assuring the Mayor of the unanimous wish of the Council. Mr. Keyes thanked the members for their kind expressions of confidence in him, also for their hearty support of him during the past year, and intimated that, as the Council were unanimous, he would have much pleasure in allowing himself to be nominated for a further term. This intimation was received with applause.

The first meeting of the Northcote Borough Council will be held in the Bay View Hall, Northcote, at 8 o'clock this evening, when the Mayor and Councillors will be sworn in, and other preliminary matters in connection with the new borough dealt with. It is probable that there will be a fair attendance of the public, as a large interest is being taken in the proceedings.

The "Feiiding Star" says that it is stated on good authority that the stop-ping-places on the North Island Alain Trunk Railway will be Wellington, Paekakariki, Palmerston, Marton, Taihape, Horopito, Taumaranui, Frankton. Mercer and Auckland.

Trustees for the picture purchase fund as well as a management and selection committee were elected at a meeting of subscribers held yesterday at the Society of Arts Gallery. The president of the society, Mr. E. E. Vaile, occupied the chair. In t.view of the responsibility of the work of the five members of the selection committee, it was decided that they should have the power to call in the advice of professional artists when they might deem it necessary. The following gentlemen were appointed to the committee:—The Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers), and Messrs. E. Bartley, E. W. G. Bathbone, E. E. "Vaile, and T. W. LeysMessrs. E. E. Vaile and E. Bartley were appointed to the position of trustees to the fund. A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. A. Kidd, MJ?., for his assistance in obtaining a Government subsidy to further the objects of the society.

The Newmarket Volunteer Fire Brigade has received an addition to its funds in the shape of a cheque for £ 5 5/, donated by Mr. Leo. Myers in recognition of their efforts in extinguishing the two recent fires at his house, Del Monte, in Park-road.J The brigade has written gratefully acknowledging the donation.

An Onehunga resident writes: "Something in the nature of a record in railway travelling was registered on the Auckland Onehunga line this morning, when the 8.20 a.m. train from Auckland arrived at Onehunga wharl, some eight miles away, at 9.35 a.m., thus poUshing off the distance in an hour and a-quarter. The extraordinary speed maintained drew from a rather timid passenger the remark that it was reckless travelling of this kind which compelled people to use the trams."

Notification is made in the "Gazette" that the importation of swine into Queensland is prohibited for 12 months from October 15 last. The importation of swine into Victoria or West Australia is- postponed indefinitely, and only stud swine are allowed to enter Tasmania. The importation of ffsiw is sltoinsi in .Souih Austzs&s

An inquest was held by the Coroner (Mr. T. Gresham) yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of "William Dixon, a two-week old infant, It was started that on Tuesday night when'the child was put to bed, he was in good health, but on the following morning was dead. The medical evidence was to the effect that the child was well nourished and healthy, but its death was due to suffocation. The jury returned a',verdict accordingly, adding that the occurrence was accidental.

In the S__. Court yesterday afternoon, before Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., Messrs. Turnbull, Jones, and Co., Ltd., were sued by John Murphy for £30, as compensation for injuries received. Mr. Pilkington appeared for the plaintiff, ( and Mr. Singer for the Ocean Accident Insurance Co., who were acting as guarantors for the defendants. It was stated in the evidence that the plaintiff, after talking to a friend at the corner of Queen and "Victoria streets, had staggered over some earth and fallen into one of the trenches in the footpath which the defendants had made in connection with their work as contractors for the City Council electric lighting scheme. He received injuries to his shins which necessitated medical attention, besides preventing him from resuming his calling from October 19 to December 7. The plaintiff contended that the defendants should have erected guards round the trench. Mr. Kettle, after hearing the evidence and inspecting the scene of the accident, gave judgment with costs for the defendants, expressing the opinion that-any negligence had been on the part of the plaintiff.

A Wellington message states that the 100,000 American Atlantic salmon ova, which arrived from Canada by the Warrimoo for the Fisheries Department, was the first importation of such ova. Mr. G. F. Whiteside, of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society Council, states that in 1907 the Canterbury society landed from Canada 50,000 North Atlantic salmon ova. Some 45,000 were hatched out, and the society ,now has 40,000 healthy yearlings, which will be liberated in June next.

The total births registered in the four centres of New Zealand' in the month of February amounted to COS, against 681 in January—a decrease of 73. The deaths in February were 211—a decrease of 23 on the number in e January. Of the total deaths males contributed 124 and females 87. Eighty-six of the deaths were of children under five years of age, being 40.70 per cent of the whole number. Eighty of these were under one year -of age. There were 47 deaths of persons of Co years an_ upwards.

The council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association discussed' the question of sending representatives to the Olympian Games, to be held in London iv July next. It was pointed out that the council had no funds for the purpose, but it was decided, if the money were subscribed by the public, to send Kerr, of Wellington, and Murray, of CLristchurch, as the accredited representatives of the Dominion from the council. It was also decided to write to Guy Hoskins, Philadelphia, U.S.A., an exNew Zealander, and ask him to represent the Dominion at the games.

Yesterday morning, as the 7.40 goods train from Paeroa to Waihi -was carrying four large cylinders through the Karangahake tunnel, the top of one of the cylinders caught the iron lining of the roof of the tunnel, and ripped away about twelve feet of the lining. The Inspector of Permanent Ways had measured the cylinders and the mouth of the tunnel, and concluded that they could go through. It was found afterwards that the roof dipped slightly about 15 feet from the mouth, and this caused the mishap.

Of the mysterious causes of fire a probable one has come to the knowledge of a leading produce firm in Wellington within the last few days. In selling chaff in sacks it is customary for the purchaser to- be charged for the sacks, on the return of which to the store he is credited back for each sack returned. These arc used over again, but before being refilled they are shaken thoroughly to get rid of any dust. On two separate ocasions, one this week, .boxes of matches have been shaken out, revealing gross carelessness o_ the part of those who have-been handling the chaff at the place of its consumption. The manager of the firm referred to stated that such negligence could very easily be the cause of serious fires, not only in stables or stores, but on steamers which convey empty sacks back to the places where they are filled. One of the boxes so discovered, was a long, flat penny box, nearly full of matches, which a casual kick, undue friction, or heating of the produce might very easily fire. This discovery carries its own warning.

It is stated that sulphur in solution has been obtained by Mr. Frank Cotton, of Sydney, who is described as a genius, whose inventions are claiming the attention* of some of the highest industrial and naval authorities in the world. Mr. Cotton's sulphur in solution is described as a watery, pink-coloured fluid, which "smells like Rotorua," and a '/.nail quantity of the solution in a bath is said to have the same effect as the sulphur baths of the Northern thermal district.

A rise of about £12,000 in the Customs duties collected during March in the port of Wellington, and an increase totalling £8173 in the amount collected in Auckland (says the "New Zealand Times"), indicates that importers rushed consignments of foreign goods into the Dominion before the preferential duties imposed by last session's tariff came into operation. When these abnormal stocks are cleared off, we may expect to find preference operating beneficially in regard to English goods, and the New Zealand manufacturer enjoying an improved demand for his product.

Probate has been granted in the following estates: John Doyle, shipwright, Ponsonby, Auckland; Thomas James Ross, police constable, Auckland; Margaret Eyles, widow, Auckland; Henry Cooke, warehouseman, Auckland; Chas. Cochrane, sen., farmer, Manurewa; William Davis Muckleston, labourer, of Auckland. On March 30, 1908, probate was also granted as follows: Young Warren, gentleman, Auckland; Joseph Bowman, farmer, Kaiwaka; Peier Nordstrum, master mariner, Auckland. Letters of administration have been granted in the estates of "Annie Kay Russell, Hikurangi; Barbara Meaney, Waiwera; Arthur WOloughby Wilson, clerk, Auckland; William Henry Taylor, cabinetmaker, Auckland; and John Henry Robert Woodhonse, clerk, Helensville.

An enjoyable afternoon was spent on the occasion of a return match between the Elbow Tennis Club and the Pukekohe Tennis Club on Saturday, March 2S, which resulted in a win for the Elbow Club hy five games to three. The Pukekohe Club presented a tennis racquet to Mr. Waller, one of their leading players, who is leaving the district.

Shirts, collars, and ties, hats and caps; best selection and best value at Rushbrook and Bridgman's, Queen-street. Or«a» aa SsEtxcrdnys tfli 9 &au— •(_t_4 >

Tenders are being called by the Public Works Department for the erection of a new post office at Birkenhead, and according to the plans lodged at the local office .of the Department, the touilding should be of immense benefit to the residents in the marine suburb. Although only a onestorey structure, the new office should prove equal to the requirements of the district for many years to come. The internal arrangements comprise, -besides accommodation for public and working staff, commodious residential apartments for the use of the latter. The bufiding will be erected in wood.

The bridge across the- Whakatane River is to be built in ferro-concrete, and the cost will be borne in equal proportions by the Government and the Whakatane County Council. At first the local authority was under the impression that the Government would not give their £1 for £1 subsidy for a ferro-con-crete bridge, and accepted two alternative tenders, the one for reinforced concrete, and the other for hardwood. The contractor for the latter brought a shipment of the timber from Australia by the barquentine Mary Isabel. This was transferred to the scow Ganet, which was to carry it to Whakatane. At the last moment, the ferro-concrete contractor obtained the Government's approval of the bridge being built; in concrete, and when the County Council was advised, they decided to construct the bridge of the more expensive article. The other contractor received compensation for the loss he had been put to, and the scow Ganet's orders were countermanded.

Regulations are gazetted setting out the powers and duties of arbitrators, their mode of appointment, the procedure to be observed in any arbitration relative to a renewable lease under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1907, and the payment of costs thereon.

An invention of a very unique character successfully displayed its capabilities in King-street, Dune'din, on Thursday last. The machine not only spreads tar on the road, but also covers the tar with a fine .layer of sand. The layers of tar and sand are beautifully regulated, the mere shifting of a handle and the turning of a wheel serving to regulate the distribution to any thickness. The machine, the "Star" says, is not unlike one of the city watercarts in appearance, and is drawn by two horses.. In its fore part is contained the tank for the tar, combined with a heating apparatus, and aft is a basin for the sand. The tar runs out through perforated pipes under the car, and two brushes, also worked under the ear, and driven with a reciprocating motion, ply to such effect that a smooth surface is the result. A turn of a wheel and the sand .bursts out of the back of the machine and leaves a fine layer upon the tar. The sand, distribution is worked by motor. The work is expeditiously done, and only two men are required for the machine —a driver and a man for the wheels. The inventor, Mr. W. C. Southgate, of North-east Valley,' claims that the machine will do the work of tarring and sanding the streets live times quicker than by hand labour.

The system under which street fruitsellers are allotted stands in ithe city does not always work out as wen as it might (says the "New Zealand Times"). An illustration was given of this on Wednesday. A woman with a child in her arms applied to the Benevolent Trustees for assistance. "Does not your husband have a stand in the streets?" asked the trustees. "No, he drew a, blank this month," answered the applicant, and she proceeded to explain that each month the various stands were ballotted for,,and when there were more applicants than stands a corresponding number at the ballot had to be made up with blanks. The. result of this bail luck was that the husband, .who was unable to do hard work, had to go out hawking fruit and vegetables. The family, who are, paying 12/ a week for a shop with -two 'rooms and a scullery, were granted the assistance they asked for.

The following extract from a letter received from Mr. Sydney Ribband, who is now settled at Taupo, should (says the "Post") make swimmers envious of their Napier brethren: —"When in Napier the other day, the architect for the new city baths, which are to be erected at a cost of £5000, consulted mc on the structure, with the result that I sketched rough plans of a swimming basin, with dressing boxes and seating for spectators, which should give every satisfaction to swimmers. Moreover, there are to be standard high and low diving boards, with a depth of water of 10 feet, possibly 12 feet, under high board. The water is -to be heated all the year round, but the baths are open to the sky. Bathers are to wash under warm water douches before being allowed in the bath, and no one-can walk between dressing boxes and edge of water with their boots on, as the entrance to the boxes is at the back. As all these suggestions have been acted on, Napier should have the most up-to-date bath in the Dominion before next swimming season."

The well-known intercolonial trader Alexander Craig, formerly Kathleen Hilda, has probably made her last voyage under the Craig flag. She arrived at Auckland from Melbourne recently after a very rough voyage, during which a quantity of rigging, sails, spars, etc., and a portion of one of the masts were carried away. To replace these meant a considerable outlay, a,nd the owners, Messrs. J. J. Craig, Ltd., decided not to recommission the vessel. All the gear was taken out of her yesterday, and the barque was then towed out to an anchorage in the harbour, -where she will remain until a sale is effected.

Some slashing patterns in sweaters for winter wear. Sportsmen should look into this. Geo. Fowlds. —(Ad.)

Working men's strong trousers, 4/11 5/11, 6/11 pair. Colonial suits, 21/, 25/G, Very special value at Rushbrook and' Bridgman's. Just above the Grey Statue Open till 9 p.m. Saturdays.—(Ad.).

We lead for laces. Laces and lace insertions in Cream, in Paris, hi "White, in Black. Laces and insertions in all widths. Laces and insertions for 6M. per dozen, to 12/6 per yard. George Court and Sons, Limited, "Bi"- Store 3 " Karangahape-road.—(Ad.) '

Ladies' and children's hosiery and underwear, direct from the manufacturers Special value at Rushbrook and Bridoman's—(Ad.). °

Jackets. Rainproof s. Furs, grand new stock. Special value at Rushbrook and Bridgman's. Just above the Grey Statue Open till 9 p.m. on Saturday.—(Ad.) See those new F_et laces and insertions, __~ 2id., 3M., 4Jd., 6d., to 4/11 per yard at the Lace House! George Court and Sons, Limited. "The Big Stores," Karangahape-road.—(Ad.) Ecivt' clothing tips. Jerseys, r_ from 2/6. Youths 1 and boys" shirts in harvard, flannelette, and ,-_4 mean, -with bands and collars, feom X& Geo, Fowlds (Ad.)

We lead for laces. Valenciennes -aces o?an* „i_~c, Torcioa iaces Ciaen and <-*~;. ; ; rn c .t H_aei? *ace edgings, alLcvcjr laces. We have £5,000 invested iv' Uces. .George Court and Sons, limrted, K Bb- Stßirfc" Kaij_^A_^^ w »_j ri .^ » ■ "* i