TABLE TALK.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 71, 24 March 1919, Page 1

TABLE TALK.

To-day is the autumnal equinox. The steamer Maitai is now reported to have become a hopeless wreck at Kurotonga. ] Mr. Massey states that there has been Ino friction over the disposal of .Nauru Island. The situation in Egypt is regarded aa very grave and the Nationalist riots are rapidly spreadng. Sydney had its 'worst period of influenza over the week end, there being eixteen deaths. The Russian Bolshevists are reported to be preparing an army to go to the aid of the Spartacists. The miners in Britain have postponed their contemplated strike, and thi6 is regarded as a hopeful augury. Since New Year 79 British Indians have landed at Auckland. Only one man could not pass the education teat. The British raiLwaymen have not yet accepted the Government offer, but it is hoped that a settlement will be arrived at. It is officially stated that Patriotic and War Relief Societies may not use their funds for the erection of war memorials of any kind. Two shops and a boardinghouse at Waihi were totally deetroyed by fixe early yesterday morning, and four other buildings were damaged. The Cambridge branch of the FarmersUnion ie protesting against the reduction of the Government veterinary staff throughout the Auckland province. A public meeting will probably .be hell to protest against the Government's action in disfranchising several hundred returned soldiere who did not enrol. Hon. G. W. Russell says that the legislation of last session reducing picture theatre hours is to be enforced, and several prosecutions 'have been ordered. The Minister of Agriculture 6tates that there are 5,396,170 carcases ot frozen meat, 9400 (boxes of butter, and 487,541 cratee of cheese in storage in the Dominion. The locomotive men throughout New Zealand are holding a secret ballot on the question of a strike if the Railway Department does not speedily grant their demands. Goods produced in the oversea' Dominions, except gold, spirits (other than brandy and rum), and hops, may now be imported into the United Kingdom without restriction. The Christdiurch Tramway Board has asked the Arbitration Court to fix its employees' bonus at 10 per cent, instead of 7 J per cent. The men's union is opposing the application. Ladies, when buying Skirts, have th* very best. We make them.—Todd, James and Co., 440, Queen Street. — (Ad.) Don't delay with your old furs. We're getting booked up. Also suits and costumes. Best work in Auckland. Low/ist prices.—Empire Cleaning Co., opp. Town Hall.—(Ad.)