GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15268, 3 May 1915, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho liner Niagara, -which arrived at Auckland yesterday afternoon from Vancouver am! way ports, brought GOO bags and hampers of European and American mails for New Zealand. • Of this total about 173 bags were for Auckland. The Mahono also arrived at Auckland yesterday morning from Sydney, and brought' 242 bags of British, foreign, and Australian mails for the "Dominion, 80 of -which were for Auckland. The. Christchurch portion of those mails should bo delivered tomorrow morning. The- "News/ , Avondale, has been registered as a morning newspaper. Avondale is ono a£ the outlying suburbs of Auckland. Our Waimato correspondent telegraphs that the opening of the shooting season in that neighbourhood was unsatisfactory, a s a good many guns went off along tho beach half an hour before tho gazetted time, scaring tho ducks away. A special meeting of the District Council of the Socia'-Demoerntic Council was held on Saturday night, when it was derided to run cardidates for tho forthcoming Tramway Board elections, two for the Central Wnrd, one for Linw>nd. and one fov Woo!??on. Tho candidates will be selected next week. At the'monthly meeting of the Canterbury- Fruitgrowers' Association on Saturday - evening, the president. Mr W. Wray, in eulogising the splendid services "which New Zealanders were giving for tho Empire and tho old flag, said they must all feel proud of their men and" proud of being Now Zealanders when the men had dope deeds which earned the King's praise. The members rose spontaneously and gave three hearty cheers for the New Zoalandors at ""the front. Entries for the Chrysanthemum Show which takes place in the Art Gallery on Wednesday and Thursday, close this evening at 8 o'clock, with tho secretary, who will be in attendance at the Society's office, 7 Baker's buildings, 166 Manchester street. The entry promisee to be a good one. and a fine show is anticipated. Application for space for trado" exhibits will be received by the secretary up to the closing of entries. The Belgium Fund will benefit by the proceeds f + y e flower stall and tearooms at tho Show. ''Passengers are not so- generous in their tips to-day as they used to be," said ono Union Steam bmt> Company s steward at the Arbitration Court at Wellington on Friday. "Commercial travellers on the ferry run," he added, "who onco -gate us 2s,'.'how make it Gd." Another man on the same subject said: "We have got to seize a passenger's bag, whether he wants us to or not, to try and get a tip out of him." Another steward's- complaint was: "Tho people who travel to Australia now say. by way of excuse for not tipping us, that .passage rates have gone up, and that they have got to take it out of our tips." Scottish?heather has become acclimatised in parts of the North Island, notably at Opepe, near Taupo. . A Napier resident has in his possession a letter from Capain of Kerewhakaitu,. Waiotapu, explaining how tho heather first came at Opepe. "In 1870," Captain Mair, eaid, "I received a case used for Portland cement full of heather sprays. Whenever I rode auoui the country I sowed the seed from the saddle, but it must have fallen on stony ground or bush - tires may have destroyed it, for there were no results in this district.. I then sent a Native orderly named Haimoa to Major Scannell. at Opepe. with tho bulk of the and in July, 1871, ho told mo that he had entrusted Sergeant McCartney, who was drowned in tho big isapier flood, with tho sowing of tilt! seed. Up to that time it was believed that there were only two heather plnnts growing in New Zealand, eomewhere down South, and that all otbpr attemots to crow the plant had failed. Tt is now evident that it 'Ws become thoroughly established at Taupo." Tho steam whaler Hananui 11. is in Auckland undergoing her purvey in preparation for the coining whaling*season. Mr Herbert Cook, of Russell, explained to a "Herald -, reporter that the whales are expected about tho end of May. There are two whaling seasons during the month* of June and July and September and October. At the present time the whales are down south exploring tho food localities. They live largely on crayfish spawn and the spawn of other fish. About this time they commence to move north to the breeding or calving grounds ar >d return later on. Whaling operations arc designed to intercept- the mammals on their northerly and southerly courses and between the two periods the whalers are idle. The creatures come in ones and twos, threes and fours, and sometimes in large numbers. Mr Cook never has any idea whether a season is to bo a nood or bad one until tho whales arrive. Last year was described as only fair, fifty-seven being caiiclit durn'2 the four months of 1914. One hundrfH.] would constitute a good season. Much depends on the weather, for tho whalers cannot go out in stormy periods.

The retail price of butter in Wellington was raised one penny on Saturday —to Is "d per lb. It is understood that the staff of the Stationary Hospital the Government is sending forward to Europe will leave "Wellington for Australia., en route to their destination this week. In the Arbitration Court at Wellington on Saturday, the Bricklayers-' Union sought an increase in wages from Is 7d to Is 9d per hour. Several witnesses were examined, and tho case was adjourned until evidence is taken at Dunedin and Auckland, as a Dominion award is being sought. The following: is the result of the recount of the "Linwood Ward election tor the City Council:—Sullivan 1223. McCombs l"iO2. Herbert 1084, Ix>asby 10(54 Deuton 920. Ra'gjg 717. Mr Sullivan improTod his position by six rotes, Mr McCombs by five. Mr Herbert by five Mr Loasby'by fifteen, Mr Denton by four, and MV Ragg by three. At a sitting of the Supreme Court in Chambers at Wellington, before Mr Justice Donniston, yesterday, probates were granted as follows : —Re Isabella Manks (Christchurch), deceased; ro Young Smith (Aylesbury), deceased. In tho matter of tho Administration Act, 1908, re Robert Davison, deceased, n notice of motion for an order granting commission was referral to the Registrar k> report. Referring to the disadvantages which the paper industry has to contend with in tho Dominion, Mr C. F. Mitchell (chairman of directors of the New Zealand Paper Mills Company, Mataura). told an "Ensign" representative that tho subsidised steamers runnine between Canada and New Zealand made it possible for paper to bo brought from Canada to "Wellington at a cheaper rato +-han it costs to send it from Mataura to Wellington. Members of tho Woolston Band were entertained at a complimentary social by the citizens of Woolston on Saturday night in the Oddfellows' Hall, Woolston. at which there was a large attendance of supporters of the bund and the goneral public. Tho Mayor of Woolston (Mr J, J . Graham) was present, and during the evening delivered a congratulatory address expressing the pleasure of tho citizens of the borough at the success of tho band in the recent contest. Bandmaster Install replied on behalf of tho baud. Several selections, includiug tho grand test piece, were given by tho band. In the last few monthe no fewer than nine steamers havo arrived in Australia from Eastern ports with smallpox on board. This is accepted by tho Commonwealth Director of Quarantine (Dr. Cumpston) as an indication of tho boginning of a - sovero smallpox cycle in that particular part of the world. Ho stated last week that past experience showed that the/o were well defined ryclos of epidemic disease like smallpox. Under his instructions preparations havo been mado to cope with the introduction of the disease into the Commonwealth, and ho advises persons who intend travelling in Asia or among tho adjacent islands to become- properly vaccinated beford leaving Australia. Speaking at Mildura last week before an audience- of school children, the Premier of Victoria, Sir Alexander Peacock, referred to the advantages and effects of education, and ho pointe'l out that one of its effects was shown in tho lessening of crimo and in tho consequent smaller number of prisoners who were sent to gaol. "In fact," continued the Premier, "this is so muck tho caso that the Chief Secretary, Mr Murray, is laying before the Cabinet a scheme by which the MclI bourne Gaol will bo turned into a technical school. The number of prisoners is decreasing, and the average is now so small that we have more than sufficient accommodation for them outsido tho Melbourne Gaol.'-' Some trouble nroso on iho steamer Opouri at Lyttelton on Saturday be- ! tweon two firemen and the master, Cap- | tain Pearson, in regard to tho payment of wages, the outcome of which was that tho vessel, although ready for sea at 5 p.m. j di'! not sail until yesterday. JAt about 4.45 p.m., on Saturday tho firemen approached tho master with a j request that they should bo paid be- ' fore leaving Lyttelton, it being the first of tho month. After some discussion with them Captain Pearson gave them their wages and put off tho departure of tho vessel for an hour to enable tho men to go to their homes if they so desired. However, they stayed ashore and had to bey placed on board again by tho police) upon tho departuro of whom they refused to stop aboard the ship being thus held up. No substitutes could be obtained, and the vessel was still held up last night. An Auckland Press Association message states that in speaking at Auckland Jits Excellency the Earl of Liverpool said Auckland had subscribed nobly, not only to the welfare of the people serving the Dominion in assisting, tho I Empire, but for those who were in less fortunate circumstances than ourselves. ' Thn efforts of the people of Auckland had made a great impression on the world at Large. They had written in letters which wore not going to be blotted out that the British Empire, although it might be tied by very elender cords in many respects, was tied with cords that would not bo broken. Ho believed that tho war would teach tho young peoplo of New Zealand tho meaning of the word discipline. Tn that way the war would do good. Ho earnestly hoped that in tho course of the next few day* they would hear news of a frreat and glorious victory for tho New Zealand troops, and that tho news would not be of a nature to snflrinn the hearts of the people of tho Dominion. One of the most frequent causes of disqualification experienced by men registering as reTU'ts for the Reinforcements in Wellington is varicose veins (says tho ''Dominion. ") The existence of this ailment, though perhaps not at all troublesome to tho man in his ordinary avocation, cannot bo passed over by tho medical examiners, as experience has taught them that the hard foot-work demanded of tho men whilst undergoing their training in camp is almost certain, sooner or later, to incapacitate them. Even mon accustomed to a fairly strenuous outdoor life, but. who are affected in a mild way with varicose veins, have had to 'knock up" under training through an accentuation of their ailment. In such cases a minor operation might have made ihem fit to "stand tho "aff," but the neglect to undergo surgical treatment has Jeffc them open to a break-down. For the reason stated many men have had to be refused, who are otherwise fine specimens'of manhood. It will come as a surpriso to most of our readers to learn that the Hon. Mr. Massey has never been out of New Zealand since -he first came out fran the Old Country (says tho Dune-din "Star"). Chatting a couple of days ago with a member of our staff, who was passing through Wellington, the Prime Minister mentioned, incidentally, that although he had enjoyed a free railway pass he could not afford to make a, trip to Rotorua —only half a day's journey from his horne —tiill fourteen year's after he had entered Parliament, and then tho mission was on political business! "You will recognise, therefore," added the right hon. gentleman, "how regretfully I had to decline Mr Fisher's invitation* to attend the Premiers' c-on-ference in Sydney or Melbourne this month. But in view of the European war it "was quite impossible for mo to think of beini away for even a couplo" of weeks. As a matter of fact. Good Friday -was tho only day on which I have not been bnsilv at work for montK past. A holiday is not to bo thoutrlit of till we have pence established." And even while this statement was mado the Prime Minister ■was busily engaged with Departmental i affairs.

A young lad was arrested on Saturday for stealing money at the Tepid Baths. He will be brought before the Juvenile Court to-dpy. .Tho tender of Mr F. E. Shaw has been accented for extensive alterations and additions to the D.I.C. warehouse in Christchtirch, and the work is to l>o put in hand immediately. At tho meeting of the Christchurcli Tramway Board, to be held to-day, an interesting financial statement covering the work of the past year will be submitted to members. A Feildinc inventor, Mr WiUbore. has invented a bomb which is claimed to have tremendous jxjwor when dropped from the air. -Mr Wilubore's invention is to be tested by the military authorities at Wellington. Owing principally to the drain on members caused by the war, in audition to other cause.-;, the Melrose Football Club, one of the senior Rugby clubs in Wellington, ha.* derided to disband (states a Press Association message". A meeting of subscribers to the Scott Memorial Fund will bo held in tho Council Chamber**. Cliristchureh, on Friday nest, at 3 p.m., for tho purpose oi considering, and if approved, adopting tho form of memorial recommended by tho committee. With reference to the proposal to establish hot water shower baths at the Trentham Camp, further enquiries show that a few Dunedin citizen:- havo given a guarantee to provide for the purpose. So far tho names of the guarantors have not been disclosed. Tho General Manager oi" tho Bank of New Zealand has been advised by wireless message that a branch of the bank was opened at Apia, Samoa, on Wednesday last. Mr Arthur Keeling, formerly of Falmerston North, and recently manager of the branch at Suva, is in charge of the new branch. Tho thoughts of most people in the city on Saturday nigh*, turned to tho doings of th<* New Zealanders at the Dardanelles, but. it was not until la to in tho evening that tho message from the High Commissioner, giving a fairly full account of the disembarkation of the Allies' army was received. Tho usual 8 o'clock editions of the evening papers had been published more than an hour before the message came to hand, but with commendable foresight the mechanical staff of tho "Evening News" had been kept "standing-by" in expectation of further news. Consequently, when the High Commissioner's telegram came to hand a special late edition of the ''Evening News" was published. The concluding portion of the message was received at 9.43 p.m. and was in typo five minutes later. The lirst copies of the paper were on tho etreets at 10.15 p.m. in time to catch the crowds from tho picture theatres. The ''Evening News" mado a distinct score, being tho only paper to print a special late edition, and it was well rewarded for its enterprise. All earlier editions wero neglected and there was a great i-uf'i for copies of tho "Evening News" which were bought up as fast as the machines could put them out. Outside "The Press ,, Office and at the starting points for tho trams, tho runners were besieged by eager crowds anxious to got tho latest news of the gallant deeds of tho New Zealanders. Various progress reports were ivosted up at "The Press' , Office yesterday and were read by a steady stream of tho public until a late hour last night. Bargains from Shaw's—Serviettes 3s lid dozen, roller towelling 41d yard, flannels, Shetland and Orkney. 10£ d, white calico 3s Gd dozen, white flannelotto -Is 3d dozen, o-lin whito 6hceting Sid, Armstrons'e, Limited. 1 Electric Light Fittings.—Wo havo just landed a shipment of artistic fittings, which aro quite exclusive. —Turnbull and Jones, Ltd. 6 Bargains from Shaw's —Youths' overcoats 12s Gd for 7s lid, 2os for 9 S lid, 32s 6d for los Gd.. Armstrong's, Limited. - The new "Toric," or curved, leneos greatly enlarge the field of vision. They havo many other advantages, which Walter J. Watson. D.8.0.A., London, expert optician. Colombo street (near Kincaid's), will be pleased to explain. 6 Sports Groups.—We send an operator anywhere to mako a first-class sports group. Rates reasonable. Steffano Webb, photographer. Petersen's Buildings, High street. Telephone 1989 W9722-3242 Bargains from Shaw's —Gents' overcoats 24 3 6d for 12s 6d, 27s Gd for 15s, 39s Gd for 22s Gd. Armstrong's, Limited. . 3 Bradbury's Gold Medal Sweet Peas. ■New seeds now on salo at Hastie, Bull, and Pickering's. Named varieties threepence packet, mixed (largo packot) sixpenco. Thirteen named varieties 2s *6d. Catalogues on application. 6 O-Cedar Mops are the ideal polishers; they absorb the dirt and polish simultaneously. Sold b-r A. J. White, Ltd. 1 Guns and Ammunition —Pane's, WingfieM's, and Bonchili's g""s, from £4 to £35. Ammunition in. all leading brands. Frosh stock of naders just opened up. Lewis and Anderson, iia Cashel street. U Bargains from Shaw's—Bordered casement cloths Gid, 48in art serge Is 7id, cocoa door mats Is lid, doublewidth cretonnes 6d, down quilts (double bed size) 22s Gd. 36in juto matting Is 6d, Jap. ditto Hid. Armstrong's, Limited. 4 TRIUMPH WORKS REQUISITIONED BY WAR, OFFICE. It was discovered very early in the present war that tho ideal typo of motor-cycle to give tho absolute reliability and freedom from mechanical trouble which are indispeneablo for military purposes was a machine, of the single cylinder typo with an engine round about four-horse- power. One of tho immediate- results of this discovery has been communicated to Christchurch by tho Triumph Co., Ltd., manufacturers of tho world-famous Triumph motor-cycles, who cabled to Messrs Adams, Ltd., their New Zealand agents:—"War Office requisitioned ! works indefinitely." Tho compliment paid tho Triumph by tho War Office in commandeering the output of tho Triumph works until further orders is a very high one, but it means that there will be no further shipments to New Zealand until the War Office's requirements are satisfied. Luckily we have just received a fairly big shipment of tho new 1915 hub-jrcarerl 4 h.p. Triumphs, and can give immediate delivery. Tho stock will not last long, however, at tho present rate of sales, and intending purchasers would do well to purchase at once to avoid long delay. Adams, Ltd.. agents for Triumph Motor-cycles. Hi»rh street, Christchurch." (0' B. Brown. Christchurch representative; T. H. Edgar, Ashburton representative.) 6