NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13375, 17 March 1909, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The auction announcements of Charles Clark, Harris Bros., Farmers' Saleyards Company, Tonks, Norton and Co., Conway Matson and Sons, New Zealand Farmers' Co-op., New Zealand Loan and M.A. Company, Gould, Beaumont and Co., H. Neavo and Co., A. E. Craddock, C. A. Lees and Co., and Baker Bros, will be found on pages 10 and 11 of this issue.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that J. 11. Gunsom, merchant, yesterday issued a writ claiming £2*090 damages for alleged libel from Geddis and Blomfield, proprietors of the "Observer." The suit is in respect of an article published in the issue* of the paper of the 13th inst. concerning the recent Harbour Board election. The Naoier agent of the Press Association telegraphs that, at tho Supreme Court yesterday, Mr Justice Edwards remarked that it seemed to bun it might bo a good thing if a law were passed prohibiting youths who had not reached years of discretion from being allowed to frequent tho vicinity of racing stables, as in such places a great deal of vice originated. To-day is St. Patrick's Day, the anniversary of the birth of the patron Saint of Erin, on which, all Irish men and women feel it incumbent on them to illustrate personally "The Wearin' o' tho Green." Beyond the closing of t'-e banks and the Government offices, there will be no outward' and visible sign of the holiday. Tho annual concert, which is always held on tho evening of the day in aid of the tuaidis of a very deserving charity, is the rendezvous for largo numbers of patriotic son 3 and daughters of the Emerald Isle.

An extraordinary accident happened to a young man named Arthur \\ illiarhs employed as a wheat-lumper at the Hopetoun railway station, last week (says the Melbourne "Argus ). The nio-'ht being very hot, he decided to sleep on top of a stack of wheat li bags hie-h. Shortly after midnight he dreamt "that he was at work, and appeared to see a load of wheat approaching. He arose to hasten towards the load, with the result that he walked right off the stack, and only awakened when he struck the ground, about 20ft below. Ho is now under the care of Dr Mendelsohn, suffering from a broken wrist and bruises on various parts of the body.

As an illustration of tho methods resorted -to by smugglers of opium to get the drug through the Customs, it is interesting to mention (says the '"Sydney Daily Telegraph") that the Minister has in his possession a dried lemon, the inside of which has been replaced by a quantity of the drug. At Dubbo. hist week, two tins of onium. valued at £5, were seized by Senior-constable Meagher, on the premises of a local Chinese storekeeper. The officer followed a carter Irom the station, boarded his trolley, and was present at rlu* delivery of the parcels, which he demanded to be opened. After a search he discovered the opium in a bag of peanuts. Considerable interest is being taken in the meeting te be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Rolleston street, Linwood. tliis evening. Tlie meeting has been arranged by the executive of tho Canal League*, in response to tin* invitation from the Linwood Citizens' Association. The fo!lowfn_; gentlemen are amongst those who have been asked to speak, cither by the executive or by the Association :—Drs. Thacker ar.d Russell. Messrs T. N. Horsley, TT 11. Ijoug'hnari, 11. J. Otley. John Jamieson, J. Cameron and W. \Y. Tanner. His Worship the Mayor will preside, and the meeting will ccrameuce at 8 o'clock.

In the Mandeville and P.angio.a rood district .€IG3 t's 3d has been expended in the .suppression ol small birds since the last annual meeting of the Board.

Detectives J A Kennedy and McLeod arrested a nitinLat- Little Kiver yesterday on a. 'harge of obtaining money ui'der false pretences. Detectives Ward und Gibson arrested a man al-lt-gi-d 10 bo a deserter from H.Ju.S. Powerful. it ha.s been arranged that the next Saturday afternoon recital by Dr. firadctha-.v shall take place on the 27t!i inst. A.s <»v the ic-.-nier occasion, tiio programme of organ number.-, will !*o of a popular character, and there will be one vocal solo. The testimonial subscribed by the people ot" Canterbury will be presented to R. Arnst at Freeman's rooms tomorrow evening, when a meeting of the champion's supporters will also be held to consider the challenge- from Durium, of Canada. If the challenge i.- accepted Ainst will leave for Canada next mouth The South Canterbury Hospital Board arc- making t-conomits in connection with the management ot the Timaru Hospital, and the expenses this year, judged by the estimates which were framed by the Board yesterday, are going to be considerably Jess than they were last year. Among other steps taken with a view to curtailing expenses two members of the staff havo been dismissed. As the result of an been dismissed.

The Christ-church Garrison Band will play the following programme on Sydenham Park rotunda this evening, commencing at 8 o'clock: —March, "The King's Colonials'' (Evans); overture,

"Light Cavalry" (Yon Suppo) ; selection. "The Emerald Isle" (Ord Hume) ; waltz, "Gold and Silver' (Franz Lehar); Afro-Celtic intermezzi!. '"Cleopatra. Finnogan" (Moret) ; cornet so'o, "Killarr.ey"' (Baile) ; lancers, ""The Wearing o' the Green'" (Kaps): march, "King; Cotton," by request (Sousa).

At a meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital Board yesterday it was decided, subject to the approval of the Ashburton Hospital Trustees, that tho two bodies should join iv the erection and maintenance of a consumption sanatorium at Fairlie, on the basis of South Canterbury paying two-thirds of the cost and Ashburton one-third. ibo sanatorium is to bo managed by a Board of seven members, four appoint«.l to represent South Canterbury and three to represent Ashburton. Tlie South Canterbury members were elected yesterday—Messrs Craigie, Muslin. Francis and Gillingliam.

Speaking last night at tho 1.0.0. F. banquet. Mr T. Fj. Taylor, M.P.. said that he felt it was a scandal to penalise the applicants for the old age pension by valuing their home and furniture as against the* pension to be granted to them. This produced tho effect that thriftless people got tho full value oi the pension because they had been careless and had not exercised selfdenial. Ho said ho would strongly advocate that the homes nnd iurnituro should not count against the pension when there was no income derivable from either. He also urged that the discharge of the duties of citizenship entitled n man to a right of employment in his own country.

The Timaru Borough Council last night resolved, in connection with the renewal of the waterworks loan of £00,000 next year, to submit to the ratepayers proposals to add loans of £18.000 to improve the water supply, £0000 for permanent improvements to streets, and £4000 for municipal buildings. A proposal to raise a loan of* £7.300 for a town hall or theatre was dt*ferred till next meeting. A resolution abolishing the ward system was finally confirmed. Tbe valuation of tho borough (annual value system) has just been completed. The total is £95,029, an increase of £-1913. One of tho six wards shows a decrease of £2.

In connection with the Sumner gasworks scheme, the Mayor stated at the Borough Council meeting last evening that, the report prepared by Mr A. Ford (of Wellington) was a very comprehensive one, and as it contained confidential matter he suggested that it should not bo read but be referred to the Lighting Committee*. Mr Ford, he remarked, was of opinion that the works would pay. and ho went into a lot of figures, comparing Sumner with thirteen other towns, and showed that tho scheme would bo worth aelopting. Roughly the capital needed was £9000, and the consumption was estimated at 3J million feet at 10s per thousand fec*t. For the second year there would ba an expenditure of £1003 10s Id, and that would cover interest at the rate of 4J per cent, on the capital and 2 per cent, sinking fund. The revenue would bo £1998 19s 3d, and this would leave a profit of £390 9s 2d. This could be used in further reducing tho price to the consumer. Mr Ford went into the question of getting a supply from Lyttelton or Christchurch, but ho disposed of both of these ideas. It was resolved to refer the matter to tho Lighting Committee.

It i.s not often that a man of eightyfour years of ago and a woman of seventy enter into a matrimonial compact, but such a case was before Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., at tho Auckland Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon (says a Press Association message). Alice Hickey proceeded against Patrick Hickey, her husband, for failing to maintain her, and Patrick Hickey proceeded against Alice Hickey for alleged assault, and asked that she be- bound over to keep tho peace towards him tor twelve months. Patrick Hickey was, it was stated, eighty-four years of age, and his wifo about seventy. They were married in August last, the husband, it was alleged, representing that he had £200 in the savings bank, and a mortgage of £500 over some* property. A month after the marriage Hickey "cleared out," saying that he was going to Rotorua for his health. Evidence was given by Mrs Hickey to the effect that she was now unable to support herself owing to the fact that her siuht -was failing. Sho denied ever having assaulted Hickey. After hearing evidence his Worship refused to mako an order for maintenance ns the old man had nothing, and the application to have Mrs Hickey bound oyer to keep the peace was adjourned sine die, to be brought on at twenty-four hours' notice.

A gentle-faced, silken-coated collie appeared in the .District Court at Sydney one morning last week (says tho

"'Morning Herald"). The canine aristocrat, in unaccustomed 6iirmundings, bore in appearance anything but tho character given him in tho plaint— that he was a dog of fierce, ami "mischievous nature. Neither did he give the impression that he was accustomed to rush out and attack persons "lawfully" riding bicycles, as was alleged. However, there was one thing quite obvious, and that was that he was anything but overweighted by the enormity of the charge against him that ho had caused the plaintiff. Mr John J. Frost, to be thrown from his wheel. nnd had been the prime factor in tho loss of a tooth and the acquisition of pund-ry bruises and damage to man and bicycle to tho ns.ves.sed extent of £50. He made his bow to the Bench as his owner. Mr M. J. Maker, on his liehaif, pleaded not guilty, and then retired while the evidence was heard. When the case was concluded the elfig left the Court decorated with a blue ribbon of victory, for the* Court decided that tlie cyclist must have been riding st so iliigb a rate of speed that, in.—toapi ot" his having a caso against the dog. the <!oji ap;>eared to have a very gcc-l case against the cyclist. In short, that, instead of tbe dog running at the bicycle, the* bicycle ran at the dog and over him.

On Thursday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, at the Walblvam public soliool. tho Mayor (Mr C. Allison) will, on behalf of tho .-school Committee, present Sergeant- li. Tench. the winner of the .South lsh.n<l Public .Schools" Cadets' shooting match, with a silver medal.

11l the course of a conversation with a "Press" representative yesterday R-r-riiiug. the Hon. T. Mackenzie stated ihat in all probability the eni*. reed r. tiremeut of Civil Servants as they reach the age of l>o yeans will be c< niinued by iiie Government as a matter ol" .settled policy.

It is understood that there is every p,-. I .ability of a tender being accepted this week for the I'nion Stcmn .Ship Comrary's new office on CnstomhoiUiO Quay. Wellington. The new building has 'been designed by Messrs Gric-hto.il and McKav. of AYoMir.gton. and will have a very imposing appearance.

The officers and M-veral of the brethren of the Civic Masonic Lodge* have arranged to return the visit paid them some time ago by the representatives of Lsxlge Pacific. Wellington, Loving here on Saturday next. It i.s e\-peeled that ihero will l** a prxxlly contingent from here on the occasion

Tho City CVuncil's advertisement for amplications ior the vacant l*ost of assistant inspector ha.s brought forward :i very large number cf candidates. During yesterday the very small and inconvenient public office of the City Council was. crowded at times with intending applicants. who desired to peruse the conditions.

Hop-picking is in full swing at Mr I". Trash's gardens at .Stoke, whioh present a busy" scene every day with the -small arniyof pickers at work (says the •-.Nelson "Colonist"!. Already about thirty bales have lieon gathered, and picking is expected to last about a fortnight longer. The crop is a heavy one, mid the hops are of exceptional qual:'tv. It i.s anticipated that tho yield from these gardens will be about sixty bales.

The monthly meeting of tho Linwood Citizens' Association will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Rolleston street, on Friday, at 7.30 p.m. A deputation from tlie Saturday Half-holiday Association is to be received, after which Ihe meeting will be devoted to the disoussin'.* of tramway matters concerning the district. In connection with tho latter. Mr Pearce, representative of tlie district, has accepted the Association's invitation to be present at the meeting, when the needs of the district will be. placed before him.

Mr W. Scott, secretary of tho Employers' Association, who 'has returned to Dunedin from tho West Coast, informed our Dunedin correspondent that he found the majority of miners desirous of peace, but there are malcontents in the way of Labour loaders, mostly recrait arrivals in tihe Dominion, wbo are trying to start strife. On tho whole, however, the feeling between the employer and employee is, if anything, better than it was last year. Ho was struck with the great mineral possibilities still before the West Coast, and in a very short time ho thinks that the output will be trebled.

The Commission set tip to investigate several important questions relating to the drainage of the Pohangina., Oroua and Manawatu Rivers has mado its report. Four schemes were considered by thc Commission, which recommends the cutting of a new channel for the Manawatu river, starting at Fishermen's Point, then cutting into almost a straight lino for Foxton, through' tho flats to the re-turned bed of the river, which it will cross, then cutting through a point, at MataVarapa. This scheme would reduce the distance from Foxton to the Heads by two miles, and the cost would be about £350,000. The Commission is of opinion that tho Stato should bear some portion of the cost.

Mr J. R. Triggs, Conciliation Commissioner for Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, ha.s returned from a tour throutrh his districts. During this visit he interviewed the Labour Department inspectors at Timaru,, Oamp.ru. Dunedin, and Invercargill, to confer with them in reference to proceedings to be taken in any disputes likely to arise. Mr Tr.iggs.also called on the presidents and secretaries of the employers' and workers' associations in each district, to get them to bring ■about, if possible, private conferences between the parties, so as to endeavour to fettle disputes arising, without bringing such dispuites before tho Conciliation Council or Arbitration Court. Mr Triggs lias arranged to attend any meeting in any part of his'districts when requested to do so, such requests to lie mado through the Labour Department inspector in each district. In pursuance- of this arrangement several meetings have beon arranged between delegates from employers and employees.

For less than £100 we can supply you with an L.K.G. Milking Machine plant to milk 25 cows in 90 minutes. "W. Bassetf and Co., 23 Manchester street.

Smart fashions for gents, youths and little boys are displayed in tho D.I.C clothing and mercery departments. There is no greater value possible than the D.I.C. city suit, which is well mado in reliable tweeds, and which both lor wear and appearance equals tho highest grades of bespoke tailored suits. D.I.C. city suits can bo obtained from 55s 6d complete. o

Farmers and others arc reminded that the best Plow. Harness, Castor, and other Oils arc obtained at McClellimd and Anderson's, 224, Cashel street, Christchurch. Also think of the Robey Oil Engines, also Steam. 6

Eyestrain, Headaches. —Ernest M. Sanistein. F.S.M.C, D.8.0.A., London, Consulting Optician, may bo consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Fifteen years' special study and experience. Latest methods and instruments. Consulting rooms, Cashel street W. (next Ballantyne's). Hours, 9.30 to 5.30. Telephone 397. 0

Merchants having goods for delivery should get us to handle their consignments. We collect goods, ship them, pay dues, distribute goods at other end, and collect charges. Try our system; it's economical, labour-saving. Now Zealand Express Company. o

Engineers will be interested in a very "line range of the famous "Cleveland" Drills just opened up by Messrs Hastie, Bull and Pickering (opposite BaUantvne's). A very full lino of metal thread screws is being shown by tiie faamo firm. 0

"Ring out tho old; ring in the n"w!" To-day, Messrs Armstrong, Limited, advise us, will close out their Summer Trading Period, and Autumn and SVinter necessaries and fancies will rule. The firm's cash system of doing business has. as it should do, resulted well for the company and its customers. They make no losses, and clients get better value than possible where any other system prevails. Our leaders may easily test this. 6

Any of our readers who have not tried Armstrong, Limited, for Men's and Boys' Apparel have been losing money. 6 Golf Balls, Black and White, Red, White ant! Blue. Red Dots,, Dimples, Kites. 2 Colonels, Hawks, etc., at LewU and Anderson, 221 Cashel street. 1

Tlie following report of the Canterbury rivers was received at 9 a.m. yesterday:—Ashley, Wairaakariri (north ar.d south branches). Ashburton 'lower, and mouth), clear: and Selwyn, Rakaia, Ashburton ('upper), Rangitata, Opihi, and Waitaki, fishable.

HUMAN PARCFXS. Th«* London correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald says that if a total stranger to Ix*ndon wants to go to a distant locality and has no idea whore it is, tho best way is to walk into the General Post Office and demand l to l>o despatched. It will seem at first a curious, demand, but it will have* no morbid effect upon the young lady behind the wire screen at the counter. AH she says is: "Threepence a mile, please." and '"What address P" You pay in advance. Sho knows the distances. When you have paid. n

button is presse-d, anel n messenger Ik*v appears. He takes the voucher, an-.! off you go in his can*. If yew wish to ride you may elo so. paying your own fare only. If you walk, the messenger boy conducts you most- carefully, makes a way lor you through tlie thronging sidownlks. and at each crossing waits for the traffic to be ln-I-.l up—takes no risks whatever. It may occur to the "parcel." especially if it bo one o-l the feminine variety — that «ome of the* shop windows .ire worth inspection. She may loiur and look at thorn if she* pleases, but it is a variation from ihe contract, and must be paid for. The puree! arrives finally at the appoint**! pine*, the messenger takes a receipt for hi in, or her. and- the transaction is complete. Tho utility of this human parcel service is endle-ss. Messenger boys convey country visitors from railway stations to the suburbs. They take parties of children to pantomime matinees, and call for them when the jvorformance is over. Deaf, blind, and lame people are cononcted all over Loudon Til perfect safety.