NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13646, 1 February 1910, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Frozen Meat Conference was probably the most important of its kind ever held in the colony or Dominion, and the large picture of the representatives published in a supplement to this week's "Weekly Press" will prove a valued memonto of the occasion. The main illustrations celebrate the Hobart Centenary, and constitute a portfolio of beautiful and interesting pictures, which will please New Zealanders as well as Tasmanians. At the Ashburton Court yesterday, before Messrs Hugo Friedlander, W. W. White, and EL A. Lloyd, J.P.'b, Nicholas Fitzgerald was charged by Richard Milner Buchanan with atsauJt. Mr G. H. Buchanan appeared for Fitzgerald, who pleaded not guilty. After evidence had been taken, the information was dismissed, with costs against the informant £1 3s. The chairman of the Canterbury. College Board of Governors mentioned at the meeting of the Board yesterday that the new chemical laboratory would shortly be completed, and he moved that the. Prime Minister should be invited to open the new building. The Board, he said, was deeply indebted to the Government for assistance received towards the cost of erection of the laboratory, and it would be only a proper thing that Sir Joseph Ward taiould be invited to open tho buiiding. The motion was carried. In the Farmer pages of "The Weefclv Press" this week will be found a full report of the recent Frozen Meat Trade Conference and editorial comments thereon. "Korari's" Notes are on "Tar Branding of Sheep" and "Scottish Mutton and Now Zealand Lamb," and "W.W.D." contributes .-» j column of notes under "Tussock nnd rurrow." Country correspondence h from Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Waira- ', iapa, and Southland, and there is a report of a visit of members of Parliament to the Canterbury Agricultural College. In the commercial pages will be found a quantity of lata market news and reports upon the crops.

The proceedings of the Conciliation Council yesterday, dealing with the thrteshmg mills dispute, were occasionally distinguished by remarks of an acidulated character. The Com ir.issioner remarked that the feeling in the farming industry between the employers and the employees, as represented by the Union, was not so amicable as that which existed in other indnstries. He was in hopes that the day's proceedings would have assisted to bring about .1 better feeiing. Unfortunately, another storm succeeded the expression of this conciliatory sentiment. Mr Paterson. a Lnion assessor, took exception to some remarks passed by Mr Evans reflecting on the competence of Unionists, and bluntly labelled it as a lie. Mr Evans, who said that the same epithet bad been applied to a previous statement of his. indignantly demanded a withdrawal from "Mr Paterson. Mr Paterson unequivocally refused unies-. Mr Evans withdrew hie reflection on the Union. Mr E?ans threatened to withdraw from tho Conference, but acceded to the request of tho Commissioner and others to stay, an explanation having been made that neither side was to put extrem-j interpretations on statements made in the heat of debate.

The Timaru Boroagh Council has consented to give a site in Timuvu for the work of the St. John Ambulance Association. Our Cheviot correspondent states that it is reported the railway line will be cpen to Mina in a few days. A teir.porary shoot for the trucking of sheep has been erected, the timber used being local pinus insignis. Fines varying from £2 to £5 were imposed by the Wellington magistrate Vfstfrday on four m*n caught .relaying "hazard, n game of chance, in a" public place, says a Press Association telegram. Instructions have been given by the Minister of Defence that in future all firing on Sundays by the Permanent Force, Volunteers, Cadets, and Rifle Clubs is to be discontinued. This will apply to artillery and rifle practice at manoeuvres in the coitrse of annual training or in any other military connection. The public are again warned that spurious coins are in circulation. A member of our staff was shown last evening an almost perfect half-crown —perfect as far as milling and stamping are concerned. It was only by very cloeo examination that defects could be noticed, as the coin, though light, rang fairly true. Tradesmen and business people would do well to scrutinLso coins received from casual customers. The Greymouth Chamber of Commerce has (cays our correspondent) sent a telegram to the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Railways, appealing for a more up-to-date conveyance of maiLs and passengers, to leave Ohristclmrch at 8.20 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and to leave Greymouth nt 6.30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Lyttelton'in titno to oatch the ferry steamer on those days. This would enable tho journey to Wellington from Greymouth to be made in 24 hours. At an adjourned sitting of the Magistrate's Court on Saturday morning, before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., Charles J. Carter, magician, *on the information of the Cojlector of Customs, was chaxged with having 758 pounds of printed posters in his possession, these being uncustomed goods. The Crown Solicitor (Mr T. W. Stringer, K.C.) appeared for the Department, and Mr Cassidy for the accused. Carter pleaded guilty, and was fined £87.4s sd. The Magistrate reduced the fine to £21 16s Id, under .-action 282 of the Customs Law Act, 190 S. Preaching in the Springston Methodist Church last Sunday evening on the nature and obligations of the Christian Sabbath, the Rev. J. T. Pinfold raised a protest against the proposed Sunday runs of the Xorth Canterbury Motor Cyclists' Club. He said that considering the largo numbor of public holidays that we now possess, it was a shame that the sanctity of the Sabbath should bo infringed by such runs throughout the district, and said these runs had a demoralising effect on the young men who were led to join in them. Hβ also expressed regret that the Council of Defence, in its general order for Lord Kitchener's visit, had not left the Sabbath free from any military exercises whatever.

In connection with the forthcoming competitions under the auspices of the Christchurch Literary and Musical Competitions Society, the judges ftppointed have notified their intention of awarding the following marks in the various competitions:—Elocution : Gesture 15, quality of voice 15, enunciation 30, .pronunciation 30, emphasis 20, inflection and modulation 25, general conception and interpretation 60; total 200. Instrumental mhsic: Technical 25, interpretation 35; maximum 60. To this will be added marks as per general condition 13. Vocal music: Quality of voice, preductiorij placing and balancing 30, enunciation 25, pronunciation 25, time, tune and phrarfng 50, general conception, interpretation, artistry and temoerament 70; maximum 200.

Friday last being the thirtieth anniversary of the consecration of Lincoln Masonic Lodge, the "brethren entertained a large number of their friends to celebrate the occasion. The visitors included most of the Provincial Grand Ledge officers resident in North Canterbury, and the function, in spite of the wet weather, proved very enjoyable. Mrs W. G. Cookson played a piano solo, and a trio for viola, clarinet and piano, was given by W. Bro. W. G. Cookson, and Bros. I). Sinclair and A. Cookson. Songs were sung by W. Bros. Walker and Cookson, and Bro. H. Schwartz, and an exhibition of legerdemain was given by Mr L. Cookson. In an interval, W. Bro. J. A. Frcstick addressed the company on the aims and objects of Freemasonry, and received) a very attentive hearing. After sup.per dancing was indulged in for a oouplo of hours.

At the bearing of the dispute between the Farm Labourers' Union and the Threshing Mill Owners yesterday, the Union submitted some seventeen or eighteen clauses of a proposed agreement, but the only one which was accepted was that providing that no eack should contain more than 2001b of grain. This, as is well-known, is the statutory limitation, which could hardly btr changed by an award of the Court. All the other clauses were debated at length, but not one was accepted. Mr A. Patereon, an assessor for the Union, remarked dHiring tho proceedings that this was the most extraordinary sitting of the Council he had attended since the new Act was brought info operation. The employers' representatives had objected to the different clauses, but they had not brought forward a single alternative proposal, as was the custom in these industrial disputes. He expressed the opinion that they w«ro there simply to prevent the framing of an award. This impeachment was not denied by Messrs K. Evans and W. Sheat, who early in the proceedings had given plain intimations thiit they did not consider that a, workable award, setting out hard and fast conditions, could be applied to the industry. The result of the conference—the reference of the dispute to the Arbitration Court—was a foregone conclusion almost from the first.

The annual general meeting of the [ Lyttelton Times" Sick Fund Society was held in the Gloucester Chambers on Saturday evening. The president (Mr A. Foster) occupied the chair, and tnere was a fair atiendariece. The reptrt, -which was adopted, showed that the receipts for the year had been:— Contributions £151 is 6d, entrance fees 14s, and interest £130 2s 4d; and the expenditure, working expenses £31 11s od, amount expended on library £?.! ids lid, refund of interest £2, refund of contributions £6 8s; showing a .profit for the year of £105 Os 9d. The iSoa- J 8 i v F O £1 1Os ' °nd the assets L 1360 6e 6d. The election c/ officers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr F E. Hyman; president. Mr \V. G. Atat-If; vice-presidents, Messrs G. Brown, P. Pavitt, and W. F. Cooper; committee, Messrs A. Foeter, A. Burrowes. A M. Sugden, H. J. Gretton, D. McLennan A. \V. Woodward, G. Ardley, C. Edp-ar, \\. Beynon, C. Schumacher, W. "Woods, A. J. Wilkin, H. Bean ; hon. treasurer, Mr F. E. Hymen; secretary, Mr J. Jackman; librarian, Miss A. Amy; hen. assistant librarian, Mr TV. F. ■oooTOr. A number of rules were a- !- tcred and passed. S:ck allowance was increased by os per week. It was decided, on the motion of Mr E. Harris seconded by Mr W. Xorrie, "That the newly-elected executive take into consideration the advisability of establishing c superannuation fund in connection -with the society." A vote of thanks to the chair, retiring officers, and the auditors, brought the meeting to a close.

On- the 20th ult. the stun of £21,000 was distributed by the Stratford banks in milk cheques. A meeting of the creditors of Edward Stephen Milk, labourer, or Hanmer, is to be held at 11 a.m. to-morrow. It is rumoured that the Government intends establishing a receiving station at New Plymouth when the proposed wireless telegraphic scheme is carried cut. Tho Guessing Competition Sub-Cun-mittee in connection with the Domain Fete to be hold on February 10th havo arranged for competitions as to the weights of * sheet? and a lamb, the quantity of cloth in two rolls, and the number of peas in a bottle. Professor Scott, a member of the New Zealand University Senate, h\s inlormed the chairman of the Canterbury College Board of Governors tliat for the future the Senate will supply the Board with reports of the different examinations held hy the University. Mr H. Townend was associated wi,th Mr Edgar F. Stead in connection with the. recent visit to the Glenroark Sanctuary, when tenro young .black teal and Canadian goose -wore secured and brought down for the Acclimatisation Gardens and the Chid Lakes. A Pros Association mesvi£o 3t*t*» that, according to the Inwrcaryill Customs return for January, tho amount of beer duty collected during the month represented an increase of 5.'572 gallons in the consumption jf locally-niado beer. The request of the Executive of the Domain Fete, which takes place on the 10th inst., for gifts in tho shape of produce, etc., has been very liberally responded to. As arrangement* are being made to provide for a large number of visitors ot afternoon tea, gifts of cakes, tea, milk, etc., would be ac-cent-able. The big snar or log which was eeea in Cook Strait recently hy the officers of the Pateena was nrobably the obstacle which was passed a few daye ago to the south-east of Stephen Island by the baroue John Lockett. Captain Wyjde, of the latter vessel, is inclined to believe it is tlie trunk of a big tree, and is a nasty thing for any vessel to run against.

Tlic Stanroore Brass Band will play the following programme in the Domain Gardens on Sunday, February 6th:—March, "Christian Endeavour' , (E. Newton); glee, "Spring's Delight" (MuHcr); cornet solo, "There's a Land" (Francos Allitsen) ;■ anthem, "Save Mc, O God" (Round); fantasia, "Sabbath Chimes" CE. Xewton* : march, "The Enchanter , (J. H. White). Now that the subscription to the Public Library hos been very considerably increased, the subscribers feel that they are entitled to more now looks than has been the rule lately. Instead of being able, as they should, to mt the late6t fiction, it is not until books of this class have been here for h considerable time that they find their way into the Public Library*

Our correspondent writes:—"Everything is shaDing well for the Kaikcura Agricultural and Pastoral Association's. Show, to be held on March 16th. Entries are expected to eclipee previous vcars. A large number of M.P.'s and Ministers are expected to attend. Many deputations are already being arranged to meet tho Ministers, the principal one having as its object to endeavour to push on the main line*, which project is not making progress at nresent." .. ■;'

lie ferry steamer Mararqa- was delayed for three hours last night owing" to a slight mishap in the engine-room. At 5.30 p.m., when tie engineers were about to "take a turn" out of the engines preparatory to sailing, the valve spindle of the etartingrgear carried away. The spindle was at once taken out and sent ashore for repairs. Owing to the workshop being closed down, it was some time before the job could be put in hand. ' The repairs, however, were carried out' as smartly as possible, and the starting-gear put in order, but it was 9.15 p.m. before the vessel got away. A strong southerly was blowing, and as the vessel was to be driven hard, ihit would heln to make up some of the lost time on the passage up.

The "Pelorus Guardian" states that a good deal of interest is being taken in the operations of the Messrs O'Brien, who are camped on the banks of the Wakamarina, about two miles from the L\vep Creek Accommodation House, and are engaged :n diving for gold in the deeper portions of the river. Until the party have tested the possibilities of the scheme they are using a hand-pump for supplying the diver with air, out later on hope to instal an Up-to-date pump. Tha gold is found in the crevices in the bed of the river, some of these extending right across from bank to bank. Tho three brothers take four-hour shifts in the diving-dress, and though not very garrulous as to their finde, one gathers that they are making a orust.

At the meeting of the Joint Committee of the Early Colonists' section of the Museum, on Thursday next, the report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the resolution of the Board of Governors:—"That the Early Colonists' Committee be recommended to consider the advisability of organising a public fund for the assistance of the objects the committee have in view," will be brought up. At the lo*t meeting the question of the appointment of a sub-committee to carry into eSect Mr Mosley's motion, viz.:— "That a sub-committee be appointed to enquire into the cost of and the possibility of collecting funds for the erection of a stcne or brick addition to the Museum in which to display the relics and exhibits of Early Canterbury," was deferred until this meeting, unci the matter will come up for consideration.

In conversation yesterday with a rember of the 3taff of "The Press," the chairman of the Works Committee of the City Council, Cr. Otley, referred to the remarks which were being made with respect to the condition <A some of the city streets. He pointed out that it was all very well to cite the instances of cities with but a very limited mileage of streets to keep in order, and having !oan money to do it with. In Christchureh they had merely tlio rates to meet the expenditure on the streets, whilst the mileage was very great. If the ratepayers wanted perfect streets, then they must be prepared either to pay increased rates or to sanction a loan for the purpose. Referring to the Papanui road, which was o'-id or the streets spoken of as being in a bad condition, Ct. Otley said it had been re-laid twice by the City Council since they had taken it over, and once by the St. Atbans Council just before Greatei Chnst church constituted. To nut the streets in thorough order meant that they must go in for a totally «lifferent system, vhich would be very costly.

The annual meeting of the Now Zealend Gi:n Club Association took place on Saturday afternoon at tie ClarencV>n Hotel. Delegates from the various clubs -vrero present as follows: —Mcesrs V. J. Rhodes, W. Vaughan, R. Graham, E. F. Stead, W. J. Moir, P. C. Walsh, R. Heaven, M. F. Ryan, A. H. Kimber, H. McEiroy, J. Sharp, A. Bell, X. C. Vjsle, H. Coe, and J. W. Casein. Mr Stead was voted to the chair. The report and balance-sheet ■were read and adopted. The live bird championship was allotted to Wanganui, sparrow championship to Dunedin. and clay championship to Springston. Officers for 1910 were elected as follows: —President, Mr G. Rutherford; vice-presi-dents, Messrs F. Redwood (South Island), T. A. Bamber (North Island); executive, Messrs Ryan (Canterbury), R. Martin (Otago), E. H. Eoclee (Marlborough), G. R. King (Hawte's Bay), J. Bra&sell (Wair&rapa), and J. W. Cassin (secretary and treasurer). Mr C. H. Chavaiutee was appointed official referee.

The first meeting of the City Qmn. : I cil after the holiday recess will be linH tI on Monday next, at 7.30 p.m. ' ?| The matron of St. Helens Hospital -2 gratefully acknowledge* a weekly rift of flowers from Mrs Smdlie, CasTanlr* "3 ulllS. ;£ The criminal sittings of the Supreme - ~ ? Court, which open here on Mondw **" n*xt, will he heard before Mr Jn«ti» - :; Sim. w*w«e -

The official opening of the Addiaeton school will take place on next at 2.30 pm. AftexnoS t£ will be provided for visitors.

The meeting of the Canterbury Bowl ing Centre, which was to be" heH last evening, has been postwmed uaffl Thursday evening next. *

Even durmc last month the roads S' erP /°,°ad in Ohura district (oa the * Stratford-Ongarue route) that cnaSn ■ had to be n ac ked to the factory. ' . Owing, perhaps, to the tarring be- •■ in 2 somewhat hastily done, tha tomU way in -Manchester s [reet. between ■ Gloucester and Worcester street*, is cutting up pretty badly. * The Council of tho Acclimatisation ' will meet on Wednesday next, ' t.i consider the applications for it* shooting of the dear in the Ilakaia Gorge. *e**i» The New Zeahnd Tramways tion will hold their triennial conference ' in ChnstCiiurch on loth February. The " Auckland Union has appointed as dflp. " Messrs Rosser, Richardson, and : therry. The ceremony of unveilinc the memorial in St. Paul's. London, to the ' •"- l te Ir Sedtlon will be performed by the Duke of Arjjyle at an early date; This memorial will be next to the GreT memorial. r Tlie local office of the Labour Deport. ment « finding difficulty in getting tie* class of men for railway works at Do mett and for the tunnel*works at (Him. An attempt is being made to obtain ' tunnel men from Dunedin. The reported discovery of cold in tie " vicinity of Ohakune turned out to he "' a hoax. Some practical jokers gilded ' a piece of scoria, with the resultthal ■"- Ohakune was thrown into a state of "" great excitement—till the truth came "/ Out. "*J

'\, nev J»r thought your Worship would split guineas," remarked aa '■# Auckland lecal gentleman in a re- : M proachful voice, when only allowed 10b S| 6d in a case where an adjournment wae :! «!£ granted owing to the illness of a wit- '\% ness. - $t It is probable, in connection witfc the new Picture Theatre being erected '-'J' in Gloucester street by tb* T, J. West Proprietary, " that * *" number of improvements, which hay* >£ been found to work admirably in bourne and Sydney, will be introduced ' -■ here. , :VWho cap nam« the New Zwlaad - > Dreadnought? Well, the Cajbiufr can and will name it, but there .it ** fire pound note awaiting the nan, vonaa, or child who first anticipates, the Obi.. net's choice. This stimulus to intellect i» offered by our enterprising contemporary "The Weekly trees," whickpub. \ lishes full details oJ the competitian vi - •- its current iseae. v ' 0 .. Tbe business of J. M. Heywood and ~ Co., Ltd., is to .facilitate the clearing •'-* and* shipment of goods to and from ;•; other parts. To tbat end agenricajbare -' '-. been established in all centres, both of ~# the colony and foreign countries, ffiip- -..**' ments of any sice Jrosi. the smallest -FparoeJ to a houseful of furniture pren h\ prompt and careful attention. Time -7 ft' and business hare been lost by the s> handling of shipments by- inexperienced' \Jbr I and irresponsible agents. Every - ad--W£-' vantage of our Trorid-iride covering over Sfty.yeare—our plant, eetabbshed and well connection *re at your eerrice. telephone or tclegraplj -n* wien ymr/5| wish for ratee or information. Manchester street, near Clock JTower. 0 On few subjects are there so many popular delußion-j as in regard to the -jM eyeeigbt, and the results are often' f ?fj lerioiu. The defect which is by most general conies ■ ,trith. advancins $| years. Although the ejght tnay rcmaio iyy perfectly good tor diitinoe. yet the eye ;.#;-j cannot aeoommodate itaelt |» sesr oV t*s jeota; consequently glasset are^»eeded; ■'?/•<& Consult John R. Pro-.-tor. Optician, 180 High street, Chrittebanlu : f j Musical Competitions —AU wjthori*- -\$ ed songs and pieces nor onSeJe 1 *! 5T* Star Musio Storee,: IS6 Co!mhp%%gi .treet. , .'■. £ B-^,-'**Sl Merohaotß and tlurt expert knowledoe is eseeotial.in «li businesses. J. St. H«y*o»3 and'Ci, 1 Ltd., as Customs and Forwarding :;T,J| Agenta are qualified to pho>: ee0.^.1 , ! knowledge at their disposal,-. \ ~'-*^4~£ If proof were needed of the Sop&'- i '£m krity of the'D.l.C. e«fa» iargwi*, ■&£*s has been amply provided by of eager btiyera that hare wotted ityj&pi warehouse ever since the the sale.' Each day's offerings elicited favourable comment front* circle of pleased buyers, and tinual stream day by day attests WmgZH* fact that friend telJi splendid values offered, end «A~»JJ fax the -best kiad of flattery mt *y pB port any house can wish,iofcdßfr continue* to-day. .-,i|;-- - a To and from all V V'Ss (Hanmer is also included) press Co. is now checking bagguev eystem ensures safety, prompt deliferj;^-* --M pleasant travellinc, teat Thdne2o6. • To Farmers aed MM i?j guarantee to ropply ,tb« li**w,«K eating Oils for machinery, *I» B Bct ™f J Hiee, Grease, and Fcrce Pnmps wrnjf ..a ing tanks. McClelland and Andersoa, - 224 Cashel street, Christchuicb. » !

THE STATS OF Tfiß RIVERS. , -:

The Waimakariri was tbft only Canterbury river to'be reported as fiaJfeftf ; at nine o'clock yesterday morning. : , -:

ARMY REJECTS. ".*''*

Out of 61,278 youths who presented^. j tbemeelvea for admission to the army • v last year, f/,293 were rejected at once. - j$ and 044 declared unfit for shortly after enlistment, according to ,v> an official reoort just published. Pnnr ; c-Jiests, decay of many-teeth, onort, Bight, and limb deformities were principal defects of the rejected. Manyof thmo British youths were found be physically old men while still » their teens. More than half of total were adjudged incapable of ticating army beef. The Genera!, Sir Alfred Keogh wishes j»jg| make it clear that his dental lire not too exacting. He woola»*f- 1 i satisfied in many case* if the W0«»*. wJio has a fe* of hw teeth left mw*;" i cherish aud polish them daily. the average recruit can not yet, rt ,*g seems, be trusted to do this, and it 3s ; he is likely to become todthleae in » ~> : few months through continual neglect. -. thn army is obliged to keep him vS. -. iti= books. • '

STAB BICYCLE AT £12 10». . ,;

The weil-known Star Cyc!*, latrd* -;* duced twettty years ego, has stood tb* rf test of tiroc, and is now admitted to g, bo a reliable and trustworthy ejeie. p We have/just imported a hno of Star j& Cycles, /which we are selling at td* .Jg 10s. fitted with two brakes c^ ad n .^ t : * wheel./ The free-whecing Star BWJW" maWcycling a pleasure, and withiW.A wind/ reduces the work of P«-l quite/ one-half. give ver^f2-»' ffiS>le Second-band tvhich we are eellmg from £2 eaco,

va goatentee that every machine is Sfable end in good rnnmng order, /v 1 and inspect our stocks or New and g£nd-han?Bicycle6, as we offer the w value and the easiest terms of SSnent'in the town. Tnumph Motorfcevcte now in etock. Adorns, Limit!d Sl4o High street, Ohnstehurch. £jlbot Motor-care for hire at Garage, Note.— J. chal--5S to race A. Birch from Timaru Srfnmtfchureh has been accepted ?y A Birch on a Swift, end the race will & fun on February the 10th, no pacXB2. beina allowed.