NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13546, 6 October 1909, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Tho auction announcements of Austin and Graham, Harris Bros., C. A. Lees and Co. ( Baker Bros., Gould, Beaumont and Co., and Canterbury Poultry Co.. will be found on page 11 of this issue. The Government is organising the Boy Scout, movement, and Dr. Makgill has been appointed to the command' of the North Island (says the "New Zealand Herald"). Executive committees are being formed in the large centres of population. The Rev. W. E. Gillam has been appointed to the executive for the Auckland district, and will act as senior chaplain. Mr G. B. Devereux, Of Epsom, has been made secretary of the Auckland section. The various groups-now being formed in the city and suburbs are asked to appoint secretaries. The V.M.C.A. will probably be the headquarters for Auckland.

Mr William Nosworthy, M.P., has heen instrumental in having placed under offer to the Government about 700 acres of land in the Longbeach district for closer settlement mirposes.

Tho adjourned meeting of ladies in connection with the Christchurch Domains Board's fete will be held in the City Council Chnmbors" on Monday afternocn. The fet* will be held in tho Gardens on Thursday. February 10th.

The Post and Telegraph Department intimate that Conway, Keinton, Combs. Lyndon, Marran-dellas. Moss Dale, to Rako, Th • Gates, and Waudle Downs are to be telephone bureaux as from October Ist.

At Wellington on Mcnday, his Honour Mr Justice Denniston granted piobate of tho wills of J. K. Hamilton (Mr Hamilton), Elizabeth Haskms (Mr Andrews). 11. Cook (Mr Stringer), and C. Y. Wall (Mr Weston). Letters of administration were granted in the estate of Louisa Mabley (Mr Weston).

Our Greymouth correspondent telegraphs that the Bcaley end of the Otira tunnel is now in eight chains, tho ground boing favourable to progress. At the Otira the distance now exceeds three-quarters of <i mile, whilst with bricking and lining good progress is being made.

The last of tho series of lectures ty Professor Bickerton on the impact theory will be given in tho Canterbury College Hall to-morrow night. On Friday afternoon a meeting of citizens will be held in Mr Hornibrook's rooms to consider what should be done- to bring the theory before tho .scientific world.

Our ffanmer correspondent writes:— A prisoner named Creagber escaped from the Hanmer Prison Camp early on Monday morning, having effected his escape by removing the window out of the hut in which he was locked th© previous evening, and taking a bicycle belonging to ono of the foresters, made good his escape. As tho camp is understaffed, no nipht watch is kept, as the warders are already doing double duty.

Practically no information has been sent down to the local land office relating to the blocks of bush land in the North Island set apart for occupation by retrenched Civil Servants and landless people. The fact that the Weeks are now available for selection has been neither advertised nor gazetted, and it seems that information can only be obtained from tho land office of the district in which tho blocks are situated.

The Canterbury branch of the Navy League have almost completed arrangements in connection with the entertainments to be given in celebration of the anniversary of Trafalgar Day. In the afternoon about 1200 children from the higher classes in the public schools will attend an illustrated lecture to be given by tho Rev. E. Eliot Chambers in His Majesty's Theatre. In the evening, at tho same place of amusement, a moving picture entertainment will be given for adults. Amongst the films to be exhibited will be a. series depicting scenes from "An Englishman's Home." In order to impress on the audience the means to be adopted to avoid the possibility of the scenes . becoming translated into reality, there will follow several films dealing with naval subjects.

At yesterday's meeting of tho Domains Board, Mr W. Dunlop objected strongly to the proposal of the Canterbury College Tennis Club to erect an eight-foot, enclosure on Hagley Park. The speaker said that if cages like that were to be permitted to bo erected indiscriminately, thero would soon bo no park left for tho {public. The chairman (Mr H. J. Beswick) pointed out that the Board had 1 expressly agreed to different clubs being granted .permission to occupy certain (portions of the park. ■Jdr W T olfe §aid that although that might bo so the Board had scarcely dono. the right thing" in the interests of tho public. Subsequently an application for a cricket pitch was received from a private club, also asking permission to fence. Permission to tence was refused, but the application for a pitch was granted, subject to a suitable ground' being available.

Tie Committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals mot last night, Mr T. C. Field presiding. Mr Field was elected chairman for the year; Mr D. B. McLaren vice-chair-man; these gentlemen and Mr J. SpilIcr to constitute the executive. The Minister of Railways wrote that the complaint of the Society in respect to th© condition in which certain cattle hat I arrived by rail from Southland! at Addington was being enquired into, and a further reply would be sent in due course. Tho chairman said that in the letter from the Society the- desirability of someone travelling with stock, and tit • the time taken on a- journey being limited to eighteen hours, had been impressed on the Minister. A lady wrote asking for a supply of literature for distribution, in order to further the objects Society, and it was decided to comply as far ac possible with her request. Mr J. C. Lord was elected a member of the committee. Votes of thanks were accorded Miss Hayward and Mr Beardsley for tho assistance rendered by them in connection with the recent entertainment.

The monthly meeting of the Waimakariri Harbour Board was held on Monday evening. Present—Messrs W. Doubleday (chairman), W. E. Parnham, L. Edmonds, J. M. Young, J. Wright, W. Coup, and J. H. Blackwell. The Public Trustee notified that a sinking fund to repay the loan of £2000 at A,pril Ist, 1937, could be made in twenty-seven payments of £42 7s if the rate of interest remained at 4 per cent. The matter was referred to tho Finance Committee. An offer to rebuild the •wharf recently removed was held over. The signalman reported an average depth of 9ft on the bar. The steamers during the month had brought in 420 tons of coal and timber and taken out 270 tons of produce. The Wootton had grounded at Stewart's Gully on September 24th, but came off next day. The receipts were £48 3s 6d, the debit bnlnnce was £170 13s, and accounts for £20 17s were passed. A motion of sympathy with Mr B. L. Lissamnn, a member of the Board, in his illness, and best wishes for n speedy recovery were carried. The Board then went into committee.

A couple of bright little children—a boy and'girl aged about twelve years— were, through force of circumstances, compelled to make their- appearance in Court yesterday morning. Their mother hod left them some time ago m charge of their father, but he had since been accidentally killed, and a neighbour had then acted as their guardian. ThA neighbour -was unable to provide; for them any longer, and she asked Mr W. R. Haselden. S.M., to commit them to an Industrial School or Receiving Home. Both children felt their position in Court rather keenly, and the chubby, rosy-faced little girl was very distressed throughout the proceedings. The boy, who did not bear such a robust appearance as his sister, also commenced to cry before he left Court. The lady with whom they had been hying said that they were extremely well-be-haved children, and had a very taking manner. They had got on well at school, and she was sorry to have to part with. them. Their schoolmaster, she said, would also speak highly ot them. The Magistrate said he did not care about committing such intelligent, well-mannered children to a State institution. He thought that if the matter was known, some kindly disposed person would come forward and take charge of the little ones, who were only placed in their present position through force of circumstances. He said he would adjourn the application for a week, in order to see if s°nieoEie would •offer to take charge of the children.

Mr F. C. Guernsey will lecture to the Canterbury College Arts and Crafts Guild on "Crafts" on Friday evening instead of on CTTe 15th in&t., when tho usual competitions will Ixs held.

At tho meeting of the Springston South branch of the Farmers' , Union, at which Mr G. Gray, of Lincoln College, lectured on "Water and the Soil," the chair was occupied by Mr G. Mciiean.

Colonel Hawkins.will inspect the Amuri Mounted Kifies on Thursday, and tho inspection of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry at their camp at Aldington will, therefore, take place on Friday, and not Thursday, as had previously been arranged.

Speaking to a "Press" reporter yesterday, Mr F. Waynioiith, who had jusfc returned from a trip to England, said the genera] opinion in business circles in that country was that trade- would never improve until a change of Government had been brought about. The Budget had upset the industrial world and had uttony demoralised the people who had to look to the safety of capital.

The new electric organ-blowing apparatus recently installed for St. Luke's Church by Messrs Brown Bros., electrical enginet-rs, was tested for the first time yesterday, and very satisfactory results wore obtained. The feature of this apparatus is that tho motor is controlled by an automatic cwitch operated by the wind from the bellows, and is eet in motion by pressing a button at the key-board.

"That Which Men Most Need" was the subject of the address at the V.M.C.A. men's meeting on Sunday afternoon. The speaker, the Rev. K. S. Gray, after referring to some recent discoveries concerning the power of radium, went on to emphasise the need of men, and especially Christian men, possessing power if their lives wer© to be effective for good. Mr Gray spoke of the means whereby this power was to be attained, and urged that even as the magnet only retained its power by constant use, so men lost what they did not use. During tho afternoon, the Oxford terrace quartet party sang "Like Men That Wait." A large number of strangers remained for the strangers' welcome tea which followed.

A -'orresnondent writes in reference to the complaint as to the dust on the New Brighton tramline:—"l would like strongly to protest against an easilyprevented evil that should receive an immediate attention and remedy at the Board's hands. The insjdo filth, dirt, and dust of this morning's smoking trailer leaving New Brighton at 8.28 a.m. baffles description. Passengers growled with intense disgust immediately upon .entering the car, and_ to save their clothes from contamination they were sitting on books, papers, and parcels they had with them. Tho dust rose in clouds from the miserable seats covered with carpet, but, to crown all, the remains of a past mess lay in the car to the annoyance of everybody. In theso days of sanitary reform it is surely not too much to ask the Board to arrange a system of thoroughly cleansing the cars , , and see that it is carried out."

When the Maori College -was opened by his Excellency the Governor at titaki on Monday, owing to the limited number of invitations the Maoris did not attend, but hold a gathering afterwards (says a Press Association ' message). A short service in the openair Tvas conducted hy Bishop Wallis, after Avhich the Governor formally declared' the buildings open for the training of Maoris in all such things as make for their well-being in body, soul, «nd spirit. The Native Minister telegraphed his appreciation of the fresh step in advance in the education of Maori youths, and hoped that the College xvould prove a powerful factor in training students to make worthy and able citizens of the Dominion. Mr Fowlds, Minister for Education also sent an apology for his absence, and best "wishes. Speeches tvere made by the Governor, Bushed Wallis, Mr Field, M.P., and Mr Byron , Brown, chairman of the meeting. Lord. Plunket also addressed the Maoris.

Though the Wellington Crematorium is ready for use it cannot legally begin its sanitary mission till the Oity Council's regulations have been approved by tho Governor-in-Council (says the

"Post"). The by-law is now being considered' by the Government authorities, but it is not thought that it will be sent beck with any "tags" to create delave. It is anticipated that.the Banebe purely a matter of formality. Moreover, the corporation's offi* cers are confident that if an application was made for a cremation now thoy could immediately get the necessary permission to comply with the request. A doubtful point is still unsettled. The, Act seems to provide that in no case is cremation permissible unless the deceased has stipulated for tho process in the will. A question arises: Would the City Council be empowered to cremate a body which has not boon identified or has not been claimed l for burial by relatives or friends? The intention of the Act is not very clear in this matter.

At th'e fortnightly meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council on Monday night, correspondence was read from the Health Department regarding its proposal to appoint an inspector to inspect the suburbs outside of Christchurch at an annual charger to be fixed according to the population. It was decided not to agree to the proposal. The Christchurch Gas Company wrote, acknowledging receipt of replies to circulars from residents willing to take a supply of gas. The Town Clerk reported that since the last meeting building permits for fire dwellings had been granted, valued. as follows:—One at £400, two at £300, and two at £100. Forty-nine names of householders agreeing to become consumers of gas if supplied by the Christchurch Gas Company had been forwarded to the company. The Sanitation Committee reported that the employees had reported on the dilapidated state of many of the sanitary conveniences, and that owing to these defects the men's time was wasted and nuisances caused. The Committee had instructed the Inspector to 6end out some 30 notices to owners, requiriii? immediate attention to the matter. The report was approved.

The fortnightly meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council was held last evening. Present—The Mayor (Mr J. H. Blackwell), Crs. Bate, Wylie, Brunsden, Hayman, Geering, Robb, and Bugg. A letter from the Treasury intimated the payment of £500, fifth instalment of the channelling loan. In the surveyor's report it was stated that from Smith street to Davie street six chains of channelling and kerbing had been made in error, and he recommended that the cost shqjild be transferred from the loan account to the general account. This was agreed to. Tho jeceipte were £14, the debit balance £78" 10s 2d, end accounts passed amounted to £104 7s od. The credit balance of the channelling and asphalt account amounted to £768 13s 4d, and accounts passed amounted to £70 os 6d. The credit balance of the <ras account amounted to £181 2s 103. Mr J. Higgins was appointed temporary foreman. The Works Committee reported in favour of making a footpath on tho embankment on Sidey Quay, which was agreed to. The lease of the cemetery land having expired, the Cemetery Committee was requested to report on tho eradication of noxious weeds. It was decided that the Baths Committee report on the necessity for additional shelter. The Council decided to hold a special meeting to introduce the heavy traffic by-law. The Mayor referred to the coming band contest, which was, he said, expected to be a great success. Sitting as a Domain Board, the Council passed accounts for £9 18s for improvements in the Domain, «nd sundry matters were ordered to be attended to.

Tlie Waimakarirs river waa 3ft above normal, and still rising yesterday-morn-ing:. It was then raining steadily at tho Bealey.

In i Masterton orchard is to be seen at the iirc&ent timo a lemon tree bearing a fine crop. Tho fruit is full size, and almost npo enough to gather.

Tho first of thi! series of municipal band concerts for* the season will be given in tho Victoria square rotunda on Thursday evening, tho 14th inst."

A movement is on foot at Greymouth to induce the U.S.S. Company to run a West Coast Sounds excursion trip at Christmas with the popular passenger steamer Arahura.

Tho City Council propose to raise n special loan of £750 for the purchase or' a recreation ground at Beckenham. Tho special roll to bo usf'd for the poll can now be seen at tho Council ofEco.

An election to fill an oxtraordinary vacancy on the Sunmor Borough Council will be held on Thursday, October 28th. Nominations close at noon on October 21st. Mr 12. G. Wood has consented to be nominated.

Another '"X" engine which has been built at Addington is to to shipped to Wellington in about a week's time, an/1 is to bo used in connection with tho new express service on the Main Trunk line.

The sub-committee appointed to frame the. draft programme for tho fete in the Domain Gardens in February next will pay a visit to the Gardens during the present week to inspect the ground.

A large number of passengers booked for Lyttolton and Southern ports of New "Zealand, who came out from England in tho Tainui, arrived from Wellington by the Maori yesterday morning-

At tho annual meeting of tho Otago Motor Association on Monday night, it was decided, owing to tho New Zealand Automobile Association having been allowed to lapse, to take steps to form an automobile association for the South Island.

A meeting of head teachers will beheld at the Normal School at noon on Saturday, October 16th, to consider a proposal to hold a school garden produce exhibition in connection with th© nest annual show of tho Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club.

The annual report of the Gisborno Sheep-farmers' Frozen Meat Company showed a profit for the year of £28,925, in addition to which concessions upon produce brought to tho works havo been allowed amounting to £2513. Stock treated, during the year numbered .-—Sheep 246,000, cattle 7809, calves 24.4.

At tho Magistrate's Court, Blenheim, yesterday, Francis Joseph Crispin was charged with attempting to commit suicide b.v shooting himself with a peariflo at Flaxbourne on August 23rd. Ho was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called on. Crispin has only just been discharged from tho hospital. One fear which you escape by living in Eltham is the fear of drought. In 1906 the rainfall was 51.20 inches; i.i 1907, 62.25; in 1908, 46.88; and oo far this year it is 51.35. The average for tho last three years is 53.44 inches. This, however, is small compared with another Taranaki town, Inglewood. If this latter town had many months averaging* tho same as did September, the rainfall for tho year will be slightly over 200 inches.

Undoubtedly one of the leading favourites among the washing dresses is the new Silk Zephyr material at Is lid, as now on show at the D.I.C. This effective fabric comes in all the popular shades, but its dainty toxturo and the many pleasing colour schemes are creating such a demand that it bids fair to be among the first lines that will be "sold out." . Ladies are advised to call and sco these Zephyrs at tho D.I.C. ■ ■ - . 4

Q. B. and C. The quickest, best, an>l cheapest medium for sending Christmas and New Year mementos to friends across the sea is tho New Zealand Express Co.'s service. Reduced tariff for dopr to door service. 4

You -won't let the grass grow long under your feet if you have a "Royal" intermediate geared Lawn Mower. W. Ba&sett and Co. I

Merchants and Importers realise that expert knowledge is essential in all businesses. J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., as Customs and Forwarding Agents aro qualified to place such knowledge, at their disposal. 4

About the most unpleasant feeling on 3 can experience on a hot and dirty day in summer time is a soreness of the eyes, caused through the continual rubbing, trying to get the grit out. Goggles keep the eyes nice and cool, and a large assortment, from Is upwards, is to be seen at John R. Procter's, Oculists' Optician, 180 High street, Christchurch. 6

"We have been frequently asked to give credit, or accept for our goods by instalments. We are compelled by our system of pricing to decline giving terms—it would mean raising prices all round —-an injustice to our ready-money clients." Armstrong' and Coy.. Limited. 4

Lawn Mowers from 20s including Shanks, Excelsior, Great American, and Philadelphia; Rollers and General Garden Tools at Lewis and Anderson, 221 Cashel street. ■" 4

The right goods, at the right moment, at the right price, can be relied , up at Messrs Armstrong's, Limited. Their correct methods of buying and selling are to the advantage of their customers and themselves. The new stocks are commanding attention. 4 "Life on the ocean wave" is worth living. Use the "Ocean Wave," and spend washing-day at the seaside. The "Ocean Wave" is Hastie, Bull and Pickering's marvellous Washing Machine, now on view opposite Ballantyne's. 6 Messrs Fountain Bros., Dentists, hare removed from Colombo street to over Wardell's, Cashel- street. Painless Dentistry in all its branches; fees moderate ; all work guaranteed. 6 Hartnett Milking Machines, Robey Oil Engines, Wolseley Shearing Machines, are tho three leading machines in New Zealand. Particulars and prices for Complete Installations. McClelland and* Anderson, 224 Cashel etreet. Christchurch. 6