NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13096, 22 April 1908, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The auction announcements of W. E. Simes, Ford and Hadfield, Victor Harris, lies and Co., C. R. Wilson and Co., Dalgety and Co., New Zealand Loan and M.A. Co., H. B. Sorensen, Conway Matson and Sons, New Zealand Farmers' Co-op., Canterbury Farmers' Co-op., Charles Clark, National Mortgape and Apencv Co., J. H. Davies and Co., Gould, Beaumont and Co., Farmers' Salevards Co., H. Neave and Co., Tonks, Norton and Co., Guinnes3 and LoCren, Baker Bros., and C. A. Lees and Co. will be found on pages 10 and 11 of this issue.

An English mail by direct steamer closes this afternoon at 3.15, and affords a fine opportunity to all at Id postage rate to send "The Weekly Press" abroad. Tho current issue of our popular contemporary, comprising pictures as it does, forms very fine full pages of great interest, and it is particularly suitable for posting to friends at a distance. Tho paper will be obtainable as usual outside tho Post Office and at the various booksellers.

The Federated Painters' Association of New Zealand is holding a conference in Christchurch. Its first sitting was held yesterday, and it will continue to sit this week. The fbllowing delegates are present:—Messrs A. Hart and H. Bell, (representing Christchurch a_d Auckland; Messrs Gibbs and West, Dunedin; Messrs Campbell and Chegwin, Dunedin; Mr Murdoch, Timaru; Mr J. D. Gobbe, Ashburton; Mr Buchanan Napier: Mr Price. Palmerston i Aorth;_and Mr Williams, Nelson. Mr I Hart .s president, and Mr Buchanan i. is secretary.

To-morrow being St. George's Day the banks will be dosed.

A man who was arrested at Otira, charged with the theft of a bicycle, will appear at the Magistrates Court this morning.

The evidence in tho farm labourers' dispute is to be concluded to-day before the Conciliation Board, which meets at the Provincial Council Chambers at 10 a.m.

A numerously-signed requisition has been presented to Mr John Richardson, asking him to allow himself to be nominated for a further term of office as Mayor of Woolston.

The meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council last night was interrupted' by an alarm of fire being given in the borough, and the Council adjourned. The discussion on the estimates for tho year will- probably be resumed this evenuig.

Exclusive of excursionists by tho Rotomahana on Monday, upwards of 500 visitors spent their Easter holidays at Akaroa. Of tliis number, some 345 travelled' by coach, the traffic by that means being particularly heavy on Good Friday, no fewer than 116 passengers being carried by tho two firms. A large number of cyclists and several motoring parties also made th© trip.

At tho Rangiora Magistrate's Court yesterday, Mary Lindon, a married woman, was charged before Mr T. Keir, J.P., with breaking into tho house of Mrs J. Mcßridoj Church street, and stealing linen of tho value of 435. Sergeant Mackay said Mrs Mcßride's house was locked up from the Bth to 16th inst., and when she returned it had been ransacked, and sheets, towels, etc., takon. Some of the articles were found on accused's premises. A remand was granted till next week. Bail was granted in one surety of £50 *

The funeral took place at Ballarat on 10th inst. of Mr David Thomas, whose death occurred in Melbourne at Nurse Samsing's private hospital. Mr Thomas spent over twenty years of his boyhood at Collingwood, his parenthaving previously been Ballarat residents. The interment was made in tho family vault, and floral tributes weTe received from tho Victorian Bowling- Association and New Zealand bowlers, the Melbourne Grammar School, and others. The Rev. Mr Reynolds officiated at the graveside.

Tho nominations for the Mayors of the different boroughs close to-day, the elections being fixed for the 29th inst. For iho city, the retiring Mayor, Mr Geo. Payling, has been nominated, and a requisition is in circulation asking Cr. Chas. Allison to stand for the office. A requisition was presented last night to Cr. W. H. Cooper by the Trades and Labour Council, asking him to come for«-ard as a candidate for the mayoralty of Ohiristchurch. Mr Cooper thanked those signing the requisition, but stated that he had no i-itontion of coming forward on this occasion.

Early yesterday morning heavy showers fell in the city, the gaiuge at the _office of "The Press" registering .06__l. As the day adv_need, however, tho sun came out. and the weather became beautifully fine. At Ashburton yesterday morning heavy rain fell between six and eight o'clock. The Domain gauge registered .23 inch. Press Association messages state that about an inch of rain fell at Blenheim on Monday night. It was very badly needed, feed being absolutely oaten off. Heavy rain also fell at Nelson on Monday night, with a northwesterly storm and a great sea outside. The Penguin was delayed in entering the harbour.

Regarding tho statement that the Government intends to introduce next session further legislation with the object of. facilitating the work of tho Native Lands Commission, the Hon. J. Carroll stated at Auckland yesterday that this would be necessary, so far as he could see, to complete what had already been so well begun. It was probable that provision would be made for empowering the Maori Lands Board to carry on the work at present being done by tho Native Lands Commission. Something of that nature might be considered necessary to carry things to the desired fulfilment aimed at by the legislation of last session.

A Wellington telegram states that tho Socialist Conference has decided not to take any/ political action at present. It passed c series of resolutions : —(1) Affirming that the compulsory arbitration law in New Zealand had not proved advantageous to the workers and had weakened Trades Unionism, and was a warning to the workors of other countries against accepting such a 6ystem. (2) That steps be taken to establish classes for the purpose of educating the youth of New Zealand in Socialistic principles. (3) Affirming the principle of universal peace. (4) Affirming the referendum. Tho party has a membership of about 3000, and it is intended to hold an annual conference. For that purpose a commodious hall has been secured.

A Press Association telegram from Nelson states that at the Police Court yesterday Robert Young Ferguson, a new settler at Tadmor, who had taken a prominent part in the formation oi the local Scottish Society and the recent entertainment of the Ashburton Pipe Band, was charged with having, at Geraldine, on January 29th, obtained £5 from William Baxter by means of false pretences, to wit. a valueless cheque. Accused was arrested at Tadmor on the previous day. He said he could not understand why the warrant had not been served earlier. It had been issued in February, yet the local police knew nothing of it till Monday. Accused was remanded to Geraldine on bail.

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that the Marine Department does not anticipate that the demand for rock o. iters during tho coming season will exceed 20,000 sacks. Tho beds in tho Bay of Islands and at the Great Barr : °.r and on the Woiheke Island are looking better than they have done for years, and the Department is advised by its experts that 20,000 sacks of oysters can bo taken from those localities without depleting the supply to any marked extent. Orders for the oysters will be taken at any Customhouse in the Dominion, and will bo promptly filled. The price at Auckland will bo 12s 6d per sack, customers to pay freight from that port. The Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr L. F. Ayson) will leave Wellington for the north on Friday to supervise operations, when tho oyster • beds arc opened under State control on Friday, May Ist.

Speaking on the subject of the possibility of tho great Piako area of 200,000 acres, which will be affected by the drainage scheme at present in hand, the Minister for Mines and Justice, Mr McGowan, yesterday gave an Auckland Press representative somo impressions of his recent tour of investigation. "There is more good land in the swamp area than 1 thought," said Mr McGowan, "but it is at present impossible to say just what the area is. People who are credited with the necessary experience and knowledge to form an opinion say that it will grow splendid flax, and it this contention is subsequently borne out, then it is safe to say that practically tho whole of the area, including the Government block of 90,000 acres, will become useful." The Government intended pursuing active operations and pushing on the work with all expedition, but it would be several years before the land was in a fit state tp be thrown open tor settlement.

The Dunedin tra_vw»y. receipts for the Easter holidays amounted to £803, or an increase of £160 on the corresponding four days of last year.

The annual meetings of the householders for the election of school committees take place on Monday evening next at 7.30 in the various schoolhouses.

The presence of one or two Chinamen at the banquet recently held at Queenstown in honour of the Premier's visit has been adversely commented upon by several who were present. It was. the "Wakatipu Mail" thinks, ridiculous as well as lowering to the tone of the function for tho Celestials to be present, and tho Premier and members of Parliament must have thought it the reverse of complimentary to themselves.

Rabbits are increasing in numbers so rapidly in various parts of Southern A-uckland that they are becoming a serious nuisance (says a Press Association telegram), and with a view to turning the rabbits to profitable account, the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company is making enquiries with the idea of establishing a rabbit freezing department at the Auckland works. Should the inducement appear sufficient," tho industry will bo started in time for this winter.

Tho following ladies and gentlemen have expressed their wilb'.n_mess to aot as judges in the different classes at the Chrysanthemum and Fruit Show in the Colosseum on Wednesday, May 6th: — Decorative classes, Mesdames H. F. WigraJii, A. E. G. Rhodes, Geo. G. Stead, and Olias. Clark; cut blooms, Messrs J. T. Sinclair Bind W. Jones; pot plants, fruit and vegetables, Messrs T. Turner and J. T. Sinclair. As is usual at this show, tlie table decorations -will be judged by p_b_o vote.

The question of public baths, which has been talked of for some six years past, came up for discussion at the last meeting of the Akaroa Borough Council. Tlie present baths are not only in a bad position, but are very inconvenient and out of date. The increasing number of visitors each year makes the existing want more apparent, and it is urged that it is time first-class baths within reasonable distance of the town wero erected. A motion was carried that the Baths Committee employ an engineer and bring in a report at a future meeting.

The Biennial Movable Committee of tlie Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, New Zealand branch, met at New Plymouth yesterday. New rules regarding the secession of lodges were passed, and provision waa made that lodges could secede or dissolve only with the consent of the central body of the society, and on payment to the board of directors of certain portions of the lodge funds. An important new rule was adopted as follows:—"In places where there is no female lodge within a dis—unce of three males females may, with the consent of the district, be admitted a_id become members of male lodges. They shall _ pay contributions and receive benefit, in accordance with the rules and tables governing female members."

"I strongly protest against unionism, as regards preference to unionists," said a witness at the meeting of the Conciliation Board at Wanganui last week. "My firm employs about one hundred and twenty men all the year round, and I -find that if there are a few unionists they are the poorest and always f men who foment trouble. I say that quite honestly arid advisedly, for that is my experience. 1 do not know why it is, but the Union men are always the worst. Out of ono hundred and twenty, there are only about two unionists. There are no Carpenters' or Bricklayers' Unions in Wanganui, and it is news to mc that there is a Labourers' Union. If my men want everything, they say so, and .we can always arrange matters amicably without reference to Unions."

The Oamaru agent of the Press Association telegraphed last night as follows:—As the late express train was crossing over Thames street this evening, drawn by two engines, tho bogie wheels of the leading engine Oeft the metals and ploughed over the street and on. to' the sleepers on tho ether side. The train was pulled up and' the engine detached' anct run into a siding. The train was delayed' 50 minutes. The street crossing is a dangerous place at any time, and it -.-■ fortunate the accident was no worse. The train had just started from tbe station and was going slow. It is said that road metal had become jammed in the rails and' lifted the bogie wheels off. The engine sustained lit/tie damage, but tbe passengers receivedi a fright.

The annual business meeting. ,of the Nukuroa sub-centre (Studhjjfane) of the St. John Ambulance"c<A-50cia-tion was held on Tuesday.tost and was well attended. Members expressed appreciation, of the Vrork dono by the chairnmn, Mr John Murray, and the honorary secretary,. Mr Robert Sinclair, during the past year. The election of offioers resulted as follows:— Chairman, Mr John Murray; vicechairman, Mr W. J. Roberts; honorary secretary and' treasurer, Mr Robert Sinclair; committee, Mrs Duncan, Mis 3 Roberts, Mt H. I. Shrimpton and Mr H. H Meyer. Arrangements were made for the classes, which are to commence in the first week in May, to be held weekly, instead of fortnightly, as last year. These will be conducted by Dr. M. B. Cru.ck_ha.nk arid Dr. A. Gentry Pitts, of Waimate.

#On Good Friday, under the auspices of the Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union, about 170 Endeavourers went to Taylor's Mistake for the day, the occasion of their quarterly rally. They left town for Sumner by the 9.12 a.m. tram, and immediately on arrival at the seaside started over the hilils. On reaching the camping ground a consecration meeting was held, followed by lunch. At 2 o'clock an open Parliament took place, the questions discussed being "Our attitude to Nolicense, Sabbath observance, and other questions of public morality." A lively discussion ensued. At tbe close of this meeting at 3.30 p.m. the party returned to Sumner for tea, and at 7 an open-air ev_nge_stio service was held in the Cave Rock, the Rev. L. Hudson presiding. The president of the N.Z.CE. Union, the Rev. J. T. Pinfold, delivered an address, which was followed by an earnest appeal from Mr Hudson. The weather was beautiful, tho singing most hearty, and altogether a very enjoyable day was spent. Tho Endeavourers returned to town by a special tram at 8.15.

An Anglican clergyman in Stewart Island was quite sure a little while ago that a Pre_byteri_n brother was a Pagan (says the Wellington "Post"). The Governor was on, holiday down th«\re—so an unauthorised version of a true story runs—and when Sunday came round Lord Plunket announced that he would go to church. A message was sent to the Anglican pastor, who at once bestirred himself to get a record congregation. The people were promptly told about tho honour that awaited them, and when 11 o'clock —the hour for the service—arrived on Sunday the bell was rung as it hasl never been rung before; but his excellency tarried. The bell was rung more, it was rattled till about noon, and still there was no Governor. The the poor parson discovered that Lord Plunket had mistaken the direction to tho Anglican Church, and had strayed into a neigh _k>u ring Scotch kirk. His Excellency said that once ho was inside the building he did not care to leave, but this explanation did not convince the Anglican shepherd that his- Scotch contemporary had not set a snare for the vice-regal feet.

Yesterday was observed as a halfholiday by the offices, etc., but tho business places were open as usual.

At a special general meeting of the Nelson branch of the Railway Servants' Association, it was resolved that the branch disapproves of tho late conference voting a year's salary to the late general secretary, as the voting for the position showed a want ot confidence in him, that the branch calls on the Executive to resign, and that tbo branch feels the work of editing and publishing the "Railway Review" should be placed in tho hands of Mr Hornsby.

Tlie Mayor of Auckland has written to the Premier suggesting that the Government should prepare for distribution among all tho men of the American fleet, a card bearing a suitable inscription and views of Now Zealand scenery, etc., as a nermanent reminder of their visit. Mr Myers also suggests* that an invitation be extended to the Mayors of the cities and boroughs iv the Dominion to take part in tlie reception of tho fleet on its arrival at Auckland.

"Truth's" football competition is catching on. Already selections are beginning to pour into the office, aud i'j is' anticipated that the &tre_m will greatly increase in volume during the coming week. The competition is the chief topio of conversation in football circles, and it is undoubtedly <_oing to create increased interest in senior football. Anyone may participate as lorn; as he or she observes tlio rules and conditions published. Tlie prizes are a .guinea and half a guinea, nnd will be p«osted to the winners immediately the result is announced.

Some residents of Richmond terrace, off Lincoln road and Selwyn street, hdvo been communicating with the City Council under tlie impression that tho name Richmond terrace has been changed to Richmond street, and they have entered a protest against the alteration. This is not so, as the Council, in response to the requisition from residents in Richmond street—which adjoins Richmond terrace—changed the namo from Richmond street to Richmond terrace This was done because tho residents complained that confusion arose through the similarity of names.

St. Augustine's Church, Cashmere Hills, was opened by his Lordship Bishop Julius yesterday afternoon. On account of the structure being as yet incomplete, the dedication will take place on a future date. There was a very large congregation present, many being unable to gain admittance to tho pretty little edifice, and there was a full representation of the clergy. Tho service was conducted by tho Rev. P. J. Cocks, tho lessons being read by the Rev. Harold Purchas and the Yen. Archdeacon Scott. The sermon was preached by the Bishop, who referred particularly to the joyousness of Sudan occasion as the opening of a new church to the service of God. Special Psalms were recited, and hymns sung, the congregational singing being bright and hearty.

Special line in Waders for the coming shooting season. Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering, Ltd., opposite Ballantyne's, Cashel street, are offering a.n excellent line of Waders and Fishing Stockings of 20 per cent, better value than anything previously offered in the Dominion. First-rate English and American Guns at low rates. 6

Simple ideas, if patented, often bring fortunes. Consult Henry Hughes, patent agent, 183 Hereford street( opp. United Service Hotel). Consultations free. 6

Every mother who is anxious that j her children may enjoy perfect health, should insist upon the daily use or Eukol Tooth Paste. This new scientific preparation, if used regularly, completely prevents the decay of the teeth by destroying the injurious microbes which lodge in the crevices of teeth, and by removing the tartar which collects . upon their surface. This moans good, sound teeth, which is an important factor in the health of both children and adults. "Eukpl" is so pleasant and refreshing to use, that the children'will like it—they will be anxious to clean their teeth daily when they use Eukol, whereas now, you probably have a difficulty in persuading them to do so. Secure a tube .of "Eukol" Tooth Paste to-day. You will save your children much pain and suffering in the future, by encouraging the "Eukol" habit now. Price Is per tube at most chemists and afc Wallace and Co.'s, Chemists, High street, but be sure you get "Eukol." No other tooth paste will produce such good result-. 6

A comprehensive range of ready-to-, wear fashions for Easter is to-day on display at the D.I.C. Smartly Tailored Costumes and Coats for Autumn, in fancy tweeds a-nd cloths, rich, furs of varied descriptions, and a new shipment of Model Millinery are prominent throughout the showrooms at the D.I.C. to-day. Sterling values are offered in gloves, _osiery, and lace, and ribbon novelties of every description. Visitors are reminded that no customers are pressed to purchase at the D.I.C. G

Your stubble ploughing can be dono 2s - an acre cheaper with' a Benicia Disc Plough. W; Bassett and Co. 3

"You will remember that you packed and removed my furniture to Feilding. Everything turned out satisfactorily. Nothing was broken, scratched or spoiled. . Accept my thanks for the good work done."—(Signed) G. B. Extract from letter addressed' to the N.Z. Express Company, Ltd. ' 3

We announced a few days back a discount purchase of costumes made by the leading cash drapers, Messrs. Armstrong, Limited. We. learn these have proved a boon to ladies unable to get dresses made on short notice. About one hundred remain for disposal. .

J D.' Clarke, D.8.0.A., F.5.M.0., FII.O. (London), Opthalmic Optician, late»y returned after two years' special study in ' London in reference to eye defects. Latest appliances for grinding <«11 kinds of spectacle lenses. Every frame made to fit each individual face. Specially-built testing rooms, fitted with latest instruments for sight-tt*t-ing. Charge* atrictly moderate. Telephone 2321. Address: 148 Colombo street (adjoining S. Ciarke and Co., jewellers.) _

Now that ladies' dresses have no pockets, a dainty littlo "Vanity": Bag is almost a necessity for carrying purse and handkerchief. Somo pretty kinds at low prices are at Fountain Barber's, 330 High street. 4

The Robey Oil Engine is worth inspection ; call and see for yourself. Full particulars and prices for instalations; also, Sheep Shearing Machinery, etc. Apply, H. McClelland, 224 Cashel street, Christchurch. 1

Ladies' Tailoring Up-to-date.—Mr Eugene Spitz, being well connected with tho leading ladies' tailors in Paris, is able to supply patrons with the latest Parisian styles as soon as thoy appear in this centre of fashion.

Ernest M. Sandstein , F.S.M.C., D.8.0.A. (London), Consulting Optician, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Fifteen years' special study and experience. The most complete and up-to-date optical parlours in tho colonies. Consulting rooms, Cashel street, W. (next Ballantyne's). Hours. 9.30 to 5.30. Telephone 397. 0

If you can judge by the immenso varieties and quantities of New Post that have recently been imported, the sale must be greater than ever. All the new kinds are shown by tho Novelty Post Card Depot, 328 High street. 6

Easter Holiday visitors to Chri__/" church aro reminded that the ___'-''' clothing house in the city for *___W buyers is Armstrongs. Limited. ThS-V' clothing is made by experts, *__»_>,. materials of the firm", election.' lU. i " suit, perfection. In Overcoats tk_r' firm still maintain precedence. ."•