NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13596, 3 December 1909, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Plasterers' Dispute will be heard by the Arbitration Court on Tuesday, December 7th. His Honour Mr Justice Sim will sit at the Provincial Council Chamber at 9.45 a.m. on Saturday, to arrange the order of hearing of the civil and banco cases now awaiting trial. Some 6f the ancient business premises in the upper portion of Victoria street, which have done duty since the earliest days of tho city, are being demolished to make room for buildings of more modern design. A special meeting of the General Committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association will be held on Monday next, at 2.30 p.m., to vote for a member of the Board of Governors of Lincoln College. There are two nominations, Messrs T. Teschemaker and G Jameson. The fact that the high pressure water supply is now available in the central portions of the city is assisting very materially towards improving the system of street sprinkling. The water carts are now enabled to take in supplies at numerous points, th.is .obviating the nece__ity of travelling long distances in order to reach the few sources that were formerly available. The Hinemoa will leave Wellington this afternoon on her southern trip, and' should reach Lyttelton to-morrow morning, when all stores for the southern lighthouses should be shipped by keeper?' .gents. As the vesi3.rl ia going to Campbell Islands, any stores for the West Coast should b? shaped at Bluff on her return about the 20th inst. The vessel is expected to leavO for the West Coast between Christmas and New Year. The Matron of the Samaritan Home wishes to acknowledae gratefully the following gifts:—Clothing and hats, Messrs Bailantyne and Co., >.Z Farmers' Co-op., Mesdames Bates, Starkv, Jackson, Purchas, Sandstein, Chilton, Johnston, and White. Dr. Arthur Sandstein; cakes, etc., Messrs Gill and Freeman, V.M.C.A.. and Misses Broadway, Spreydon __ Church social, per Rev. Dunnage, Spreydon Literary and Debating Society, per Miss Jackson; brawn, etc., Progress Butchery ■ magazines. Miss Wilson, Mesdame3 Sheppard and Purchas. All arrangements are now completed for proceeding with as little delay as pcssiblo with the work in connection with the Ashburton high pressure water supply scheme. The special loan money of £.5,000 was placed by the Bank of New Zealand to the Borough Council*; credit yesterday, and the Council's general account was transferred to the Icoal branch of this bank on Monday, the taking over of the general account being one of the conditions on which tha Bank of New Zealand agreed* to finance the loan. Mr Williams, of Dunedin, the engineer who has been appointed to carry out the work, has made some minor alterations in the original plans, and all is now ready for calling for tenders.

The speech day of the Boys' High | School will take place on Wednesday. j December IMb. Ills Excellency the \ Governor will distribute tho prizes in the college hall at 8 p.m. A special meeting of the Executive of tho Canal League is to be held on Wednesday morning, nt which the chairman (the Mayor of the City) is to submit proposals of an important nature. The children attending the Ashburton Borough and Allenton Schools, and those attending the Elgin School, together with a largo number of parents and friends, held their annual picnic at Timaru yesterday. At a meeting of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, held yesterday, Messrs Hern, Fox, and C. D. Morris*were appointed to represent the Christchurch members of the '•Trade at a conference to Ix? held in Wellington on Tuesday next, to consider tbe position in regard to the recent agreement entered into with the representatives of the Nolicense party. Messrs Russell and Anthony write:— "In Thursday's issue of 'The Press.' in tho list of 'estates' certified by the Stamp Office was included 'Francis J. Smith. £1500 odd.' This is rather misleading, as that assessment refers to only a small portion cf the estate included in a deed of settlement. The estato itself has not yet been finally assessed " The quarterly meeting of the Christchurch Ljcensing Committee, held yesterday, was marked by a refreshing brevity and unanimity. All the hotels received favourable polico reports, and the applications for transfer of licenses, which formed tho only business to be dene, were approved of without objection. Tho Rev. R. S. Gray presided, in the absence of the chairman, Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M. Three cases brought by tho Cooks' and Stewards' Union against the Union Company concerning payment of overtime, in which ths union's ap.p'eo.l was upheld by tho Arbitration Court ot Wellington on Wednesday, came before tho Magistrate yesterday for the penalty to be fixed. The Magistrate 6flid that the coses had been test cases, and he imposed fines of £2, with £1 6s costs, in each case. Mr T. Sullivan, of Cheviot, secretary of the South Island Main Trunk Railway League, has received the following telegram from the Hon. T. Mackenzie: —''Must congratulate you most heartily on success of pile-driving ceremony and banquet. It must bo gratifying to you to know your efforts brought about so successful a result. I have most pleasant recollections of my visit to your prosperous district. Kindest regards." As one result of the recent deputation of representative tobacconists to Wellington a meeting is to be held here next week for tho purpose of forming a Tobacconists' Association similar to like bodies which already exist in Auckland and Wellington. The Dunedin tobacconists also propose to form such on association. A New Zealand Association will then be formed for the purposo of conserving the interests of the trade as a whole. The Tramway Board expect a shipment of poles to arrive shortly, and as soon as they come to hand the electrification of the Burwood line will be proceeded with. Regarding the extensions authorised some time ago they will (with one exception) be put in hand as soon as a shipment of rails arrive, which it is expected will bo about the middle of January. The exception referred to is the extension via Windmill road, in connection with tho Board will make no move until the question of the widening of Windmill road is decided. Important additions and improvements have recently been made to the Ashburton branch of the Bank of New Zealand. The premises have been lengthened to tho extent of an additional forty feet, a new room for the manager built, the accountant's room considerably enlarged, and extra space provided for tho accommodation of the public. When the new furniture i. in, and the newly -plastered walls tinted, the interior of the building will present a pleasing appearance, and the building will be one of the most up-to date of the country banks in tlie South Island. At the meeting of the Old Colonists' Committee yesterday, Dr. Hight mentioned that he had communications from Miss Torlesse and Mrs Freeman with reference to letters from the late Mr Edward Gibbon Wakefield, which had never been published. These included correspondence from New Zealand with Dr. Rentoul. the editor of the "Spectator." Miss Torlesse wanted an assurance that if these letters were deposited in the Museum they would not be allowed to be copied without the permission of the owners. Mrs Freeman mentioned that if her children did not wish to keep them, she intended leaving her collection of Gibbon Wakefield Telics to the Museum. The matter was left in the hands of Dr. Hight. At the meeting of the Early Colonists' Committee yesterday, Mr James Hay referred to the diary of Hempleman, one of the pioneers of Banks' Peninsula. He soid that Hempleman, in his diary, mentioned the importation to Akaroa in 1839 of h number of cows and bulls, some of which were purchased by Mr Hay's father and Mr Sinclair. It was also stated that Lake Forsyth was at that time a. Maori harbour. Mr Hay also spoke of a letter from a gentleman who visited Port Cooper in 1839, and went to the top of the Port Hills. Hp described the plains as being one vast swamp, with two patches cf bush, Riccarton and Pa.r/anui. Mr Hay expects to be able to obtain Hempleman's diary for the old colonists' collection in the Museum. On Wednesday afternoon, ot the conclusion of the stock sale, a meeting ;of farmers was held in Geraldino to form a branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Mr JR. Skinner was voted to the chair, and' called en Mr A. Thoreau, the provincial secretary, to explain what had been done by other branches. Th* secretary stated that if a. branch was established at Geraldine, there would then be a branch in all the centres of the South Canterbury d:'s- | trist. After a g?neral discussion, it was I unanimously resolved to form a branch iat Geraldine, and Mr R. Skinner was ! elected chairman, and Mr M. Vueetich secretary. Mcsrs E. Mnr.phv, J.Wharton, J. R. Brotlie, W." B-entti". F; Lvsapht, T. Bhnr. G. Summerfield. J. Kelland, H. MoKenzie, J. Connolly. H. Hearn, J. M. Barker, Burt, and Scotfc were appointed a committee to take the initiative in -ecuring members. A somewhat anxious timf wes ?pp"t by tliofe on board the big Shaw, Savill steamer lonic, while sho was enveloped in fog and mist off the Wellington Heads from Monday afternoon till Tuesday afternoon. She ran into thick weather about 2.30 p.m. on Monday when south of Palliser Bay. Later the fog lifted a little, and a* course was made for harbour, but down came the thick misty folds again l>efore the vessel had gone far. Speed was reduced, the look-out strengthenod, and soundings were frequently taken. All through Monday night the fog draoed the big liner like a pall, while her foghorn boomed out a continuous warning. About daybreak on Tuesday morning those on board were surprised to find that the tidal currents had taken the vessel to the north-west, and as the mist, lifted a little Karon Rock was ob=erv.d not far away. The lonic immediately headed south again, and cruised about alowlv till the afternoon ; sun bad dispelled t&e grey obscurity.

A meeting of the creditors of P. B. J. Mora, butcher. Sydenham, will be held at the Official Assignee's office at 11 a.m. on the Bth inst. A mild outbreak of chicken-pox occurred among r. few children on the j Athenic during the passage from Eng- j land The patients had practically recovered before arrival at Hobart. In recognition of the bravery displayed on a recent Sunday at New Brighton by Messrs Owles and Ritchie, the residents of the resort got up a shilling subscription for the purpose of making presentations to tha young men. _*he (presentations are to he made by the Mayor of New Brighton, on the pier, at 3 p.m. to-morrow. Between three and four hundred entries have been received for the newlyformed Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club's first meeting at Lancaster Park to-morrow. The initial gathering promises to he largely attended, especially as all cricket matches have bebn postponed in the interests of tho meeting. A conference of delegates of tho Amalgamated Society ot Engineers has been sitting ia Wellington during the past two days, and was expected to conclude last night. The conference discu_sed the conditions under which engineers are now working, and if they decide to ask for a new award, ono covering all the Dominion will be sought. Fruit-hawking is becoming quite a popular occupation in Auckland. It is stated that only the limited supply of fruit prevent, the streets from being over-run with hawkers. One man is said to own seventeen hawkers' carts and about a dozen barrows, and to have the men driving his carts on commission, whilst those who ply his barrows are compelled to buy their fruit from him. A somewhat gruesome matter came before the Early Colonists' Committee 'yesterday. A gentleman wrote stating that ho had in his possession the original of the confession Burgess mado 1 when on his trial in Nelson for the Maungatapu murders, and the dying speech made on the scaffold by Noon, alias Kennedy. The committee declined to consider anything with reference to these documents. The fact that Christmas Day this year falls on a Saturday is likely to lead to some confusion amongst shopkeepers, esnecially amongst tnoso who arc not under awards providing that in tho event of Christmas Day tailing on a Saturday it shall be observed on the Monday following. In order to have matters definitely settled, the officer in charge of tho Labour Department here is having enquiries made. As the result of the recent defalcations of an ex-emoloyee in the Dunedin City Corporation, extensive reports by an outside accountant were furnished to the Council, fflicb, on Wednesday night, decided that the reorganisation of the office staff should be «nec t « d ' to provide for r. permanent audit department and that applications be called for'the position of city treasurer I at £500 a year. B'g-gun practice will he carried out from the guns at Fort Jervois, Lyttelton, on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 8.30 to 10 P-m. The danger area will be between the Heads and Fort Jervois, and vessels must carry the proper navigation lights to ensure their safety. Day practice will be earned out between 4.40 a.m. and 6 a.m. every morning of next week. The Woolston Band gave a promenade concert in the Woolston school grounds on Tuesday night in aid of the tennis court, but owing to the inclemency of the weather there was only a lair attendance. The music was ntuch enjoyed by those present, and the band promised to repeat the programme at a later date. Mr Smith (chairman) congratulated the band upon their recent performances at Invercargill. A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that a preliminary enquiry was held lost night by theXJfficer Commanding the district (Lieut.Colonel Wolfe) into the case of Captain Knyvett. It is understood that it was decided that tlie case should be referred to a Court of Enquiry (court-mar-tial), the Officer Commanding considering the cose too serious for rflm to deal with. In the meantime Captain Knyvett will remain under suspension. The St. John Ambulance Association aro at present busily' engaged in .weparing for "Ambulance Saturday" (to-morrow), and Mr C. J. Treleaven (tho secretary) has made elaborate arrangements for. the collection. In all nineteen stations, representing 150 workers, wijl bo engaged, and they trill extendi from Armagh street to Lichfield street; It is hoped the public will respond handsomely to tho appeal. A strong easterly blew all day yesterday, raising clouds of dust along the city streets running east and west. Late in the afternoon the gale subsided. A strong wind blew in the Ashburton district all yesterday. It was just what was needed, and it will have a most beneficial effect in checking the spread of rust amongst the cereal crops, and also prevent the fungus attacking the pastures. Large areas of tho oats crops are now well out in ear. and there is every promise of many heavy yields,of"hdtrr wheat and oats in variou. parts of tbe district. - k A successful sale of work was held in connection with the Upper Riccarton Methodist Church last Thursday, November 25th. The stalls were in charge of the following:—Needlework, Mrs Macann; flowers and pot plants, Mrs Carr and Mi_s Westaway; sweets, Mesdames Biges and Macdonald ; books and post cards. Misses Lovellsonish; produce, -Miss Lowe and Mr Biggs; refreshments, Mrs Roberts and the Misses Macann and Pratt; bran tub, Miss Peach; Christmas tree. Misses Cawkwell and Kemp; portrait sketches, Mi F. Lovellsonish; weight judging, Mr Brock; nail driving, Messis Macann. The Conciliation Commissioner (Mr J R. Triggs) and the employers' and employees' assessors in the Plasterers' Union case, which was before the Conciliation Council recently, met on Wednesday night in order to try to arrive at an agreement regarding tho clauses in dispute—those regarding wood and metal lathing and sub-letting, but no agreement was arrived at, and the partial agreement arrived at was duly filed yesterday. Before the Arbitration Court yesterday. the secretary of the Union (Mr H. Huegins) asked that the case should be heard at the present sitting of the Court, and his was granted. The Court will "hear the matter next Tuesday. A charge of horse-stealing against two men named Smith and Cooper .ended rather unexpectedly at the Ohakune ScM. Court yesterday (says a i Press Association message). The m'-n ' Avere arrested in Wanganui, charged with stealing seventeen horses, the property of Muggeridge. a sawmiller of Ohokune, and remanded to Ohakune. j Yesterday Mr Patterson, solicitor, of Wanganui, applied for leave to have the case withdrawn. Mr Mackay, who appeared for the accused, objected, unless an order was made for costs. Sergeant Beottie said the horses were in the hands of the police, and they had a bill of about £9 for their keep. After considerable argument Mr Kerr, S.M., consented to the withdrawal of the case, j conditionally on all .costs and charges being paid by Muggeridge, the horses i to be returned to the accused.

The Government is a holder of building sites to the value of about £9000 within the area of the EUeralk • Town Board, according to a statement made by the chairman of the latter body. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Labourers' Union is at present taking a ballot cf its members on the subject of bringing the threshing machine owners before the Conciliation Council. The baliot will be "- ' o.i Saturday. As the result of the Auckland Wei. come Clubs recent production of Pinero's 'Tito Magistrate,'' the sum of £42 mid will be handed over to the Societiea for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animate and Protection of Women and -' Children. We have pleasure in directing the at* * tentkm of cur readers to-day to a sup. plement accompanying the present is- ' sue, detailing attractively the bargaia inducements offered by Messrs Anastrong and Co., Limited, for their aa*' nual summer sale. Just when the sea. son makes it doubly welcome the com. pany have planned a sale that com- ■ pletely upsets every competitive argn*' ment, and demonstrates more forcibly - than over before, that when it come* to genuine, big-value-giying, ''Arm. strong" distances all rivalry. Our friends are advised to avail themselves of the opportunity. 4 Being suitably attired adds, in .4 measure, to the enjoyment of ft - holiday outing. Probably the roost effective part of a lady's toilet ia her hat, and ladies de_iriug to appear at their best aro invited to call and sea some of the D.I.C. Holiday Hats. There are Hats suitable for all occasions, as:—« IVonnot-shapo Motor Hats in Prunelle. etc., at lis 9d: Rustic, Panama, aaa other Trimmed Hats, from 10s 6d; serviceable Galatea Hat 3 for the httle ones, from 4s lid; Muslin Washing Hats for children at os lid, etc.—3 the D.I.C. 4 It will pay you to visit Clark awi ' Procter's before buying Christmas Gift* elsewhere. High class goods. Low ." . prices. 118-120 Colombo street. tf Try a little Wyandotte for washreg up milk cans. Free sample here. W. Bassett and Co., 23 Manchester street. ■ ■" * Hartnett Milking Machinal, Robey Oii Engines, Wolseloy Shearinc Machines, aro tho three -leading machines in New Zealand. Faxtknlaxa and prices for Complete laataUa> tions. McClelland and Anderson, 224 Cashel street, Christchurch. 6 Q B. and C. The quickest, beat, _ ; an-J cheapest medium for sending. .* Christmas and New Year mementos to friends across the sea is the New Zea« land Express Co.'s service. Reduced • t-riff for door to door service. V.;