GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15489, 17 January 1916, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho Fire Brigade has received a f°r, Ls from tho trustees of the Eliza \\Tiitc estate in recognition of the services rendered by tho Brio-ado at the firo in the Wiltshire buildings on January 2nd

As an instance of the number of young men who have left Christchurch for tho front, in 1914 tho tramway authorities had to double the ten o'clock tram on Sunday morning to Sumner owing to the large number of young men who went down thero for surf bathing. The same was true of New Brighton. Now the ordinary traffic suffices to take all those who want to go down to tho sea.

A trade circular received last week by nn Auckland merchant has tho following interesting paragraph :—""Wo can hardly put our viewe into words about the war, as the Balkan tangle surrounds the whole position in doubt, but we give you the following final phrase from a leading ' article in the •Glasgow Herald' of November loth: 'The world is perhaps nearer to witnessing a tremendous collapse of the German" structure of fraud and force than it is quite prepared for.' "

Air George Humphreys has given £o \ io the fund now being raised to replace 1,, k an d instruments of tho Canterbury Band at the front, and Dr. Crook has given £30 to the Patriotic Fund. Under the new Clubs Act. in England. Sir John Simon has issued an order tint all clubs in the city and county of i nnrlnn whether intoxicating drink is S or'not, shall eloso as follows S-itirrdav and Sunday nights 12 o'clock, other nights 12.30 a.m., earliest opening hour o a.m. "Cramming" will not suffice to pass voung'men for the nest few years into the Indian Civil Service Jt was anTinnncerl in the House of Commons just before the last mail left, that during the war and two years thereafter, no person 0 f British birth shall be appointed to the service who has not served with the armed forces of tho Crown. One of the Nelson soldiers, writing on November Kith. fro:n Anzac, mentioned that Major Griffiths was in charge of No. 12 Nelson Company (the Fifths). The company was stated to have been very weak until the arrival of the Sixths. The writer finished with the following pointed sentence: — "Shake up some of those Nelson chaps who are hanging back." A cable message published on Friday from Mr Malcolm Itoss, the official New Zealand War Correspondent, gave the impression that the New Zealand Field Artillery on Gallipoli Peninsula was equipped with several guns which had been used against Cronjo in tho Boer War. On enquiry being made at Defence Headquarters in Wellington, it was stated that the New Zealand Field Artillery on GalHpoli had been fully equipped with modern field guns and howitzers from New Zealand. No other guns had been sent from New Zealand, and. so far as was known, no New Zealand guns had been lost on Gallipoli.

The changed attitude of the people at Home in iegard to national service was referred to by Mr E. K. Mulgan, cinet inspector of schools for the Auckland Education Board, who returned to Auckland last week from a trip to Great Britain. "Tho people now appear to realise," said Mr Mulgan, "that national service is bound to como in some shape or form, as a temporary measure, to be continued as long as the war lasts. I have talked with many people, and 1 do nob think that there will be any serious opposition io the introduction of national service. Tho groat majority of people in England realise the necessity for ending the war to ease the tremendous financial strain, and it was generally agreed that this could only bo brought about by some form of national service."

A request from Lieutenant Aubrey Jackson for a. contribution. towards the cost of his officer's kit came before the Wairarapa War Fund Committee on Friday., Lieutenant Jackson stated that the cost of his kit was £63 10s 6d, and the Government allowed only £20 for the purpose. A telegram was received from- the Minister of Defence, stating that the Defence Department provided officers' equipment, or gave £20 -to the officers for the purpose. Mr G.- C. Summerell pointed out the sum of £20 was quite inadequate for the provision of an officer's kit. A letter was read from a mounted trooper, stating that he had been compelled to provide himself with spurs, leather belt, hat mountings, etc., at a cost of £1. After considerable discussion it was resolved:

"That in view of the repeated applications made to this Society for assistance in'tho equipment of officers and privates, the Defence Department be urged to consider a substantial increase in the amount allowed for this purpose, and in support of thiß resolution a deputation of Messrs Sykcs, Card, and Whatman wait upon tho Minister."

Of all places in tho world, for an elephant hunt to take place, a seaport town 'is surely among tho strangest, yet in the early hours of yesterday morning such a iiunt occurred at Lyttelton. A herd of five elephants were engaged in assisting with the embarkation of Wirth's Circus on. the Westralia, when ono of them, finding himself temporarily unguarded, took it into his Jiead to seo moro of tho port than was visible from the wharf; In a few minutes he had disappeared, and when attention was called to the fact by the inevitable small boy, who, with a number of companions, was watching the novel sight with evident interest, a party immediately set out to recapture iiiui; They made a thorough search of tho adjaccnt streets, but without success, and on returning to tho wharf were informed that the elephant had been seen making his way across the railway yards towards the foreshore. Accordingly they went in the direction indicated, and sure enough came across the wanderer close to the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's woolshed, near the Officers' Point recreation ground. "Jumbo" looked nuite nenitent, and suffered himself to he led back quietly by his captors, and subsequently to bo placed on bor.rd.

An extraordinary instance of official ' bungling resulted in a most unpleasant | iucident in Palmerston North yesterday (says Friday's "Standard"). • Some months ago a well-known local young man volunteered for active service, and went into camp. After undergoing training the effects of an old injury made themselves felt, and after a period of sick leave, during which a serious operation was jaerformed, he was discharged early in November as being unfit for military service. Since then ho has been recuperating, xesterday he arrived in Palmerston from the country, intending to proceed to the Wairarapa. Judge of his astonishment when he was almost immediately arrest. Ed by the civil police at the instance of the "Wellington "authorities on a charge of desertion from the forces. The police, who, of course, had no option but to obey their instructions, handed the young man over to the local military authorities after he had been in their custody a short time. H-is discharge was, unfortunately, in Wellington, whither; it had been sent attached to an application for a position, but by means' of the telephone,, any doubt as to the existence of the document was set at rest, and the local military authorities speedily restored his liberty to the victim of somebody s carelessness. It is presumed that a deserter of similar name was sought for, and that a mistake was made by whoever gave the order for the arrest.

"Writing to his mother in Christchurch,'under date of Red Sea, November 12th, a member of the Trentham Regiment said: —AVe received today free gifts from the Otago omen's Patriotic Society—that is, of course, the Otago boys did. They consisted of a Balaclava, two pairs of socks, a pair of mittens, a soap bag or toilet bail, containing soap, eucalyptus, ointment, two pairs boot ' laces, insect powder (but no beer or cigarettes), a littlo bag containing liquorico an d cinnamon, two handkerchiefs, cholera bolt (knitted), and dish cloths. It is a toe present, and is much appreciated. The women of Otago have really done us splendidly. It is realiv wonderful what the women are doing, :ind, by Jove, wo do appreciate it. These presents were in bales and addressed* to Captain Pow, our own company captain, for Otago men on the boat They talk about shortage of inen from Otago, but there does not appear to bo any shortage on tho boat Some of tie men have not been 100 clean in their habits, so the O.C. ordered everyone to be hosed down this morning* feo wc all paraded about half-past five and went under the hose. ' The company sergeant-major held the hose, but the bovs all rushed him. He wan knocked over in the rush, and the rest of the sceno resembled the wind-up of one of Charlie Chaplin's pictures. There were about two hundred naked bodies all in a heap, with, the hose in the middle.

A Masterton Native, in conversation with an "Aae" representative, stated that the Natives have in their possession the sccret for the manufacture of a valuable dye. It is supposed to b© produced from the bark of a tree. Mr Guv "Williams mentioned at the meeting of the Wairarapa War Fund Executive that lie had received a letter from a Wairarapa soldier, stating that at Anzac recently candles were selling at 20s per lb. The soldiers had. in consequenco. to retire to their dug-onts as soon as it becamc dark. A Napier soldier who was sent to England" from Gallipoli has had his share of suffering, the following being his record: —"Wounded, enteric, abscess, hemorrhage, pneumonia, syneitis, appendicitis, poisoned tumour on leg. second operation for appendicitis, and he-is once more in bed. "I won't know what it is this time until tho specialist has been to-morrow," he writes. Ono of the most, pathetic eases in New Zealand is that of the young; man who entered the Masterton Hospital to undergo a minor operation in order that lie might qualify for active servico abroad (says tho "Wairarapa Standard"). Complications arose in connexion with the operation, which 1 necessitated the amputation of one of his logs. Although he has not even been to camp, he can easily claim to I bo one of tho heroes of tho war.

Among the mercantile firms doing business in New Zealand who have supplied from their stalls volunteers to tho Colours, tho number volunteering from the staff of Messrs I>algety and Co., Ltd., rank very high: tho number of the New Zealand staff who havo been accepted for service abroad ur> to the present time totalling 101, of whom six have been invalided to England, three are sick and in hospital, ten wounded, four missing, and four killed. From the outset of the war the rank and file havo been, and are still, continuing to be paid half salary (says the "Dominion"). To those holding commissioned rank the company previously also paid half salary, but now is making up to them the difference as between their military pay and their ordinary salary.

It will probably be news to many New Zealanders who have been aceustomcd to use Germau medicinal preparations, but to whom the idea of supporting German trade is revolting, to learn that in many lines it is open to them to obtain the benefit, they desire without depending upon the hated foe (says the Auckland "Herald"). "The fact is," said an Auckland druggist last week, "that tho Germans who first manufactured these articles patented their trade names at once, and it was under these names that the preparations gained fame. Whpn British chcmists began to make tho same preparations, they were unable to adopt similar names, owing to the existence of the German patonts. But in regard to such articles as aspirin, antipyrin, to name only two typical preparations that have gained popularity, the ipublic can obtain British equivalents. Iu my opinion, the British preparations are in some instances superior and also less expensive. If the consumer would only be guided by his druggist as to what he needs, instead of sticking to a name which has caught his fancy, he could be both patriotic and economical."

The Commonwealth Minister of Defence (Senator Pearce) said last week that for some time he had been, considering tho question of linking up the Expeditionary Forces after the war with, the defence system of the Commonwealth. The general idea was that the men who will return should in some Way form portion of the reserve force- of the Commonwealth. It was extremely desirable that the glorious traditions built up by the Australian Imperial Forces 6hould be retained for the forces generally, and that the identity of the units that have taken part in the war should not be lost. There was also the advisability of forming an organisation by which the men, after they have returned, might be, kept in close association with one another. With that end in view he had commissioned Colonel Kenneth Mackay, of New South Wales, to draft a scheme, Tho steps which he (Senator Pearce) had, taken might bo thought to be Bomewhat premature, but the organisation would take some time to establish, and it would be necessary to have it in full swing by the time the troops came back from the war. It was probable that tho scheme would bo linked up with the Territorial scheme, framed in each State in connexion with recruiting in much the same way as the Territorial associations in. Great, Britain were linked up with tho Territorial Forces.

On the evening the Prim e Minister (Mr Asquith) and his colleagues set forth on their voyage infinito pains were taken to keen the secret (writes Sir Henry in the "Sydney Morning ECerald" under date of London, November 20th). In their places at question time the Ministers at tho appointed moment quickly withdrew, and made their way to the special train awaiting them at Charing Cross. Tho House meanwhile went on with its business, grumbling at the absence of the Prime Minister, only partially mollified by Mr Bonar Law's statement that it was necessitated by business connected with the war. In order to prevent news by chance leaking exit the Press Bureau requested the editors of the London papers and the news agencies not to circulate reports of movements of Ministers. Accordingly nothing was said on the subject in the morning papers, an official communique appearing in the evening editions. By that ' timo tho voyage had been safely accomplished, and Ministers, were in conference with the French Government. It is easy to understand how the gallant Von Tirpitz and his myrmidons, whether above the earth in seaplanes or beneath the waters in submarines, must have gnashed their teeth when they realised how rich a prey escapcd their attention.

There was 'a. large gathering at the Salvation Army Citadel, Gisborne. on Thursday evening, to wish farewell to Adjutant Avenell, who has been transferred to Christchurch. Mr John T'ownley presided over the meeting, and in his opening address Raid that they should be cheerful in the exercise of the privilege of farewelling the Adjutant and 'Mrs Avenell, who had been immensely successful during their sojourn in Gisborne. He .hoped they would be still more successful in Christ-

church. Pastor Goring, on behalf of the Baptist Church, the Rev. E. A. McjCutcheon, of the Anglican Church, Mr J. Anourin Jones, Bandmaster Stein, and Sergeant-Major Coleman, of the Salvation -Army, also spoke in high admiration of the work of the Adjutant and Mrs Avenell. ' Adjutant Avenell, in replying to the speeches, said that the Salvation Army undoubtedly occupied a much more prominent position to-day, with its consequent heavier responsibilities. which cost much money and personal effort to uphold. In regard to the financial side, as well as the spiritual side, the peoolc of Gisborne had won his high esteem, and he especially wished to thank the business and professional people for the strong support given to the recent self-denial canvass. It was splendid that. Gisborne should raise the sum of £2300, thus gaining the highest place in the world's collection. People outside tho Army suggested that the Army officers were financial experts, but he was sure that the Gisborne people were splendid givers.

A bottle of "Stop It" will soon drive that cold away. Get a bottle now. All chemists and stores, and from AM. Loasby, 679 Colombo street. 1 We are desired to announce that tho special realisation sale of the drapery and clothing stocks of Messrs Coombs and Co., of Dannevirke, will commence to-morrow morning at Messrs Armstrong and Co.'s, Ltd. 1

We understand that, the South Wiimakariri River Board's leaseholds will shortly be submitted to public auction .through the agency of Mes&rs Matson and Co. These leases arc of great, importance to the farming connnunitv. and arc very favourably known. Uil . particulars will be published shortly. 0 A dutv you owe your friends —the gift of a really high-class photograph taken by Steffano Webb. io2 High street.

The first week of Messrs Graham, Wilson and Smellie's Summer bale proved a record. The public is not slow to recognise genuine bargains, ana this linn has a reputation for big values during sale periods. Exceptionally low prices will rule during this week. b

Harvesting supplies.—Our stocks are complete, and prices not advanced. Hay Forks, Rakes, Oils-. FilcSj Bag Hooks, Needles and Twine, Knives. Forks, Mugs, and Plates. Orders by post- executed same day. Lewis and Anderson, Ltd., 112 Cashel street, 6 The bargain providers—T. Armstrong and Co.. Limited—will submit surprising values and low prices at Coombs and Co.'s assigned stock sale. New things for the New Year.— Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering havo just landed the wonderful new Stainless Table Cutlery. . No more knife-cleaning—always bright after washing. Prices Quito moderate. Inspection invited. • 34 Renovations and Repairs.—Wo shall be pleased to estimate for all classes of repairs re-upholstering, and re-cover-ing. A. J. White, Ltd. 6 At all times Carey's well-appointed men's departments are thoroughly stocked with tho newest items of men's wear, and customers will find that the values Carey's give aro of tho Game high standard that have characterised tliis firm m the past. 1 A feature of to-morrow's salo at Armstrong's will. be sixpenny parcels— I good assortments of useful wanted articles have been parcelled, and theso will b 0 sold at 6d each during tho sale. 3 If your Electric Light, Lift, Motor Magnetos, Telephones, Bells, etc., require attention, ring up Turnbull and Jones, Ltd., who will give you the best and prompt attention. 1590 The Buick Valve in the head motors' superiority is not a„ mere claim—it is a- scientific, precise, "demonstrable, unanswerable engineering fact. / 0 GOOD SECOND-HAND MOTORCYCLES—£IO TO £60. Second-hand motor-cycles are going cheap just now, because there aro a great many of them on tho market. Messrs Adams, Ltd., havo an exceptionally big stock, mostly taken in part payment for the new three-speed B.S.A.'s, which are having phenomenally heavy sales. This stock is occupying space which is needed for other purposes, and it is necessary to make quick sales. Therefore we have revised i our second-hand price list, and aro now j offering theso motor-cycles at prices that aro bound to sell them quickly. Here is a little summary of what our stock consists of, with an indication of the prices:—Wo offer 3£ h.p. singlecylinder fixed engine motor-cycles— Triumphs, £17 10s to £25; Tourist Trophy Triumph (very fast machine), £<17 10s; Excelsior, £10; Bat, £17 10s; Humbers. £17 10s to £22 10s; King Dick, £22 15s; Rover, £35. 3i h.p. single-cylinder free engine motor-cycles —Triumphs. £25 to £45. Two-speed motor-cycles—3J h.p. Triumph, £30; 4 h.p. Singer, £40~; 2J h.p. Baby Triumphs, £40 to £60. Three-speed motor-cycles—3J lt.p. Triumphs, £40 to £50; Si h.p. 8.5.A., £45; 3£ h.p. Humber, £51 10s:. 4 h.p. Triumphs, £6/ 10s to £62 10s; 5-6 h.p. Clyno, £GO. Twin-cylinder machines —2f h.p. Humber, £32 10s; 25 h.p. Douglas, £35; 5-6 h.p. King Dick.' £40. Miscellaneous fixed' engine machines —2J h.p. Minerva, £10; 23 h.p. A.J.S., £25. All theso machines have been overhauled by experts and put in thoroughly good running order. Any machine that fails to give satisfaction to its purchaser will be taken back and the money refunded. Therefore you can't go wrong by buying from us. while at present quotations you will save a good deal of money. Oome along to-day and look over the stock. You're sure to see justf what you want. Adams, Ltd., Agents for Triumph and B.S.A. Motor-cycleß; Headquarters Motor-cycle Garage, High street. Christchurch. (G. B. Brown, Motorcycle department Representative.) > > . 6