GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15728, 23 October 1916, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

The Manuka, which is due at AYellington to-day from "Sydney, is bringing Australian mails only.

A returned soldier who went away with one of the early reinforcements mentioned to a friend in AVellington a few days ago that he was the only survivor of his platoon. All tho others had been killed in action or died of Wounds. -

. In reply to a request from Messrs AY. Nosworthy and AV. J. Dickie, M.P 'e, tho Hon. AY. H. Herries, Minister of Railways, states that by way of an experiment it has been decided to despatch the 3.40 p.m. train from Ashburton to Christchurch a little earlier, to enable them to lift stock from tho Ashburton saleyards biding on Tuesday afternoons. This will remove the difficulties complained of by the farmers and stock dealers.

A striking suggestion as to helping the nation financially is made in tho Newcastle (England) ''Diocesan Gazette" by Mr Charles Harmer, a local miner. Ho states that some of his workmates propose to invest in the war loan or some other Government stock, and then publicly burn the bonds in a fcraiser to be preserved as a memorial. Anyone taking part in this sacrifice may nominate a hero of the country alive or dead for the roll of honour, which wrll l>e presented to the King with' a list of the bonds, which would thus cease to be a liability to the country.

The first demonstration of the Canterbury Fire Brigades' Association, which is to l>e held in Sumner to-day, in aid of tho Navy League Fund, promises to be a great success. Entries have been received from most of Canterbury File Brigades, and the brigade securing the most number of points throughout tho various competition events will hold for one year the handsome Challenge Shield presented by the residents of Sumner. Tho schoolboys' event has attracted 18 entries from schools between Ashburton and Kaiapoi. In the evening the visiting firemen and officials will be entertained at a dinner.

Tho transference of tho Eastern Extension Company's cable office from Wakaptiaka to Wellington is not likely to take place so soon as was anticipated (says a Press Association message). iSomo 150 nvles of new cable are required, and this will not reach Wellington before, the end of January at earliest. Tho repairing steamer Patrol will rot bo available much before March, and will then havo a largo amount of work to do before tho cable can bo linked up to Titahi Bay. Meanwhile tho construction of trenches to carry tho shore end from tho Bay to Wellington, and the preparation of offices in tho city, will be pushed on, to have everything in readiness for the final move.

On the motion of Mrs Baume,. the following resolution was adopted by the Auckland Education Board _at lest week's meeting:—"That this Board strongly urges tho Department so to framo the regulations respecting pupil teachers and probationers that they may receive their instruction and training during tho hours of daylight." "I j havo come to the conclusion," declared i the mover, "that there would be an outcry if people in any other industry were sweated in the matter of hours as is the pupil teacher. Many of them are growing gi'ls, and as such they require a certain amount of air and which many of them are at present unalile to get, owing to the demands mndo upon them during and out of school hours.''

Last year there wore 1005 names on the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association's Roll.of Honour, and from returns to hand for this year, which are incomplete, an additional 300 names are added, making a total of 1305. In its annual report the council of tho Association again expresses its high appreciation of the way rowing men, and also the athletes of. the Dominion, have volunteered for service, and extends to the relatives of those who have 1 bravely and nobly fallen, their heartfelt sympathy. 'J'ho end of the war is not yet mt Jhand. and it will be a considerable time before rowing can again continue in its advancement as one of the leading amateur sports of the Dominion. Meaiit'.cie, the council appeals to all present members, especially tho old "nembers, of clubs to put forth evctry effort to hold the position they have attained, and foster and encourage tho sport in every "practicable way -among the youth of the Dominion.

A description of an embarkation, at which the speeches were many, and tedious, is given by a writer in the "Manawatu Standard," who proceeds: ''At long last Dr. Pomare, the Native Minister, stepped forward to say a few words of farewell. Pom are electrified the heavy, sombre atmosphere. He sent a blast of Maori eloquence oyer the heads of the men, and his ringing tones awoko the echocs in the shed, and liko a shaft of lightning ho changed tho raise en scene. With dramatic gesture and blazing eyes, ho looked to his right where stood the Native soldiers and in a clarion tone launched out tho word, 'Maoris!' Swinging round to his left where were the pakeha soldiers, he called, 'White Maoris!' To all, 'Fight liko the devil!' and in a lower cadence, but still with flashing eye and uplifted hand, 'But fight liko Christian devils!' The effect wr.s dramatic. Rifle Brigade. Maoris, Rarotongans, Niuians and Ambulance sciuared their shoulders and stood smartly at attention. They seemed to understand this speaker; lie appealed to them."

At Wednesday's meeting of the Auckland Railways League the opinion was expressed that Auckland should bestir itself more in order to secure its sharo of the loaves and fishes. Mr Poland, M.P., saic! Auckland wanted the support of the public, and often failed to get it. When the South Island people wanted a railway or anything of the kind their usual course was to send a big deputation, even a hundred strong, to Wellington, and that not enly to one Minister, but to all Ministers. That was why they got what thoy wanted. An Auckland deputation, when one was sent at all,' generally consisted of about two men. Aueklanders must learn to send big deputations to Wellington, and fight for their rights. (Applause.) Mr Poole. M.P , pointed out that with the present fair proportion of North Island members in the National Cabinet, Aucklanders could no longer complain of insufficient representation. The scope of the League ought to bo enlarged, and people should be taught to agitate for public works which they really needed.

In last week's "Gazetto'" are published regulations under the Social insurance sections of the Finance Act passed last session, which made certain concessions to friendly societies by providing for the payment of maternity bonuses and for the establishment of a pension or annuity scheme by arrangement between the societies and the National Provident Fund. The regulations empower a society to pay the maternity bonus to the wife of a member or to a nrarried woman who is herself a member. The bonus allowed under the Act is £4. Every applicant for a bonus n.ust sign a declaration that the joint income of husband and wife during the' year preceding the birth of the child did not exceed £200.- In the case of any branch approved society being found guilty of maladministration of any of the benefits under the Act, or being convicted of any offence under the Act- tho National Provident Fund Hoard may debar such branch from the right of administering those, benefits, .'ind either undertake the administration thereof or request the central body of thj society to do eo.

Mr AY. Izard lias given twenty acres of land at Castle Hill to be sold lor the benefit, of the funds of the Red Cross Sales Depot. In order to give as many as possible of the employees of the Press Company a holiday to-day (Labour Day) °nly one edition of tho "Evening News'' will be issued to jay. It will be published at 1 p.m. The Secretary of the Art Society has received tho fallowing for the purchase of Mr - Worslcy's picture of Mt. Seftou, and the money has_been paid over to ' Our Day Appeal." S. G. Raymond K.C., £10. J. E. Evans £1 Is. The AVestport Borough Council, on receipt of u notification from the AA'estport Coal Company of the increased price of coal } decided to bring the matter before the Board of Trade when it sits in A\ estport. C. Sice said this was the second rise since tlio 10 per cent, bonus was paid to the men. Tho members of the two Canterbury companies of the Army Service Corps left town on Saturday afternoon for their annual week-end camp at the Templeton Domain. The men. who comprised drafts from Christchureh, li-ancMora, and Tiniaru. were under the charge of Lieuts. McKinney and AA'illcoi:. with Sergeant-Major Glover as instructor. To-dav (Labour Day) the following tramwav time-table alterations will bo in force:—Holiday time-table will be run on tho Cashmere Hi!is-St. Albans Park, Sunmer-AYoolston. and BurwoodNorth Beach lilies; ordinary time-table on all other lines. The 120-ininute servico to New Brighton between 5 and G p.m. will bo cancelled, and leave Cathedral square at o.l'i. 0.42, and 6.12 p.m., and leave New Brighton at 6.4. 6.14. and 6.44 p.m. The ordinary week-day time-table will bo observed on ali other lines. Cheap excursion tickets to and from the seaside will not be issued. At a meeting of the Taylor's Mistake Surf and Life Saving Club, plans of the proposed pavilion to lie erected on the bcach for life-saving were approved. The plans were executed by Mr L. Harrison. The building is to be of jarrah and rimu, the rooting material poiito tiles. Messrs Ran tin Bros.' tender for building material was accepted. Messrs J. Chambers's tender for polite roofing was accepted. A look-out, with fuil view of tht* beach is to be constructed on tho pavilion. The club members intend erecting the pavilion themselves. Mr AY. Shaw will control the operations, assisted! bv Mr A. Barret, and it is hoped to have tho pavilion erected by December. *

Regarding the registration'of areas on which fruit trees arc growing, Mr Andrews, the officer in charge of tho office of the Department of Agriculture,' states that as far as the city and its vicinity is concerned, the registrations hav c * been most satisfactory. All the week there has been practically a constant stream of people to the office, in order to get registration forms, and on Friday there was even a larger number than on any previous day. A sufficient supoly of registration forms is now available to enable them to be distributed throughout tho Canterbury postal district, and this is being dono. Forms can now be obtained at all the principal post offices in Canterbury.

Tho increasing importance of massage since the war, and tho certainty of greater demand for it, has led to the development of the Otago School of Massage by tho Hospital Board and Otago University Medical School. The school was established some 18 months ago by the University at the hospital, and with a view to its further development Mr Waine Sarelius, of Christchurcli, chief masseur at tho Christ«*iiur<h Hospital, was invited to Dunedin recently to consult with the authorities. The examinations are to be held shortly, and Mr Sarelius has been appointed to conduct them, for which purpose he is to go to Dunedin to-morrow

A petition to the Minister of Labour from the hairdressers and tobacconists and hairdressers of Christchurch, asking that certain hours of closing bo fixed, -will come before thte City Council to-morrow evening for approval. The closing hours asked for are:— Saturdays 10 p.m., Fridays 9 p.m., 1 p.m. on weekly liplf-holidav. and C p.m. on the other three week nights. The .following oxcentions are asked for: —Evening before Good Friday 9 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in. Carnival week. 9 p.m.; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Grand National week, 8 n.m.; Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, midnight; and 9 n.m. on Thursdays, and 10 p.m. on Fridays for .shops which close at 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

A meirfber of the New; Zealand Expeditionary Forces, writing to his father in "Port Chalmers, says that he wishes emphatically to contradict a statement that is being published in the Dominion—that New Zealand soldiers go into the_ firing-lino for a few days and then retire to rest billets, and from there go to England. "We have been for over three months," continued tho waiter, "within reserve billets, and the front line, and I have about as much chance of getting homo to -see my wife and son as I havo of getting to New Zealand. From whero 1. am now' writing is the first rest wo have had since we came to _ France. We have been here for a fortnight, and we will be back in the front line again within a week.

At the Sydenham Methodist Church yesterday, the Rev. Valmont Trigge commenced his ten days' mission. In tho morning he took his text from Joshua iii.. 5 (lt.V.): "Consecrr.te yourselves, for to-morrow the Lord will do among you," and ho delivered a strong appeal to his congregation to consecrate themselves as a preparation for the mission. In tho afternoon, Mr Trigge met the scholars in the Sunday School, and his message was very effective in winning the children. in the evening a large congregation filled the church, when many confessions of faith ' followed Mr Trigge's address on Christ's words regarding tho necessity of confessing and not being ashamed, as recorded in St. Luks ix-

Tho official birth statistics for' London seem to show that nature has begun to restore the balance of the sexes which is being disturbed b.v the war. During the past thirteen -weeks (up to August 28th) 13.229 boys and 12,ti37 girls were born. This givr« a proportion of 1047 boys to 1000 girls, which is seven more boys than tho average for England and Wales before the war. Compared with t,he same quarter of the year in 1913 the London figures are remarkable, for the proportion then was only 1012 boys to 1000 pirls. In the 1913 quarter there wore more girl babies than bov babies in seven of the thirteen weeks: this year the girls exceeded the bovs in only one week. Tho popular belief that war increases the male relatively - to the female birth-rate is therefore being borne out- (remarks a London paper).

Through the agency of tho Red Cross Saks Depot, the City Council lias become possessed <-f .'i rather unique photogcanh shield of the members and officers of the first City Council—that clected in 1868. The individual photographs are well preserved, and tho shield is. of course, of much historical interest. It "<vas given •to the Rod Cross Sales Depot U> dispose of, and has been purchased for the City Council, and will bo added to the collection of' photographs of mayors and city councillors which adorns the Mayor's room. Those comprising tho first Council and its princiual officers are: — The Mayor (Mr "William Wilson), and Councillors Thomson. A. Duncan, \V. Calvert, T. Tombs. J. G. Ruddenklan, John Anderson, W. A. Shenpard. and J. P. Jameson; town c-ierl:. Mr Thomas Gordon: city surveyor. Mr Cornelius Cuff. Tho nhotorrraph.s were taken by Messrs TJ. Wheeler and Sons, who were for many years in business in Cathedral Scalar a.

In spite of the war and the appeals for economy from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Britons, apparently, still have money to spend on sport, lor A. W\ Gamage. Ltd., the great sports outfitters, of Holborn. made a net profit for tho past year of £33j181, which itbelieved to bo a record.

In the Colosseum on Saturday evening next, under tho auspice® of tho North Canterbury Hospital aud Charitable Aid Board. Dr. G. M. L. Lester will deliver a lecture on ''Infectious Diseases." Admission will too free, and as the subject is one of considerable importance to the community, a very large attendance looked lor.

'The Akaroa people do not intend to overlook tho possibility of having, some day, a light railway line connecting the harbour with the Little River terminus (writes our correspondent'). Of lato "years there have been t-pasmodic attempts to induce the Government-, to take somo action in the matter. Justnow fresh interest has been aroused. Thero are somo enthusiasts who talk confidently about the prospects, and foresee the time when our dairy produce. grass seed, and fruit, not to mention fat cattle, lambs, and fish, will be within two or three run of the city markets. Advantage will bo taken of the presence in Christchurch in a few days of the Minister of Railways, t 0 press upon him the claims of tho proposition. Both the county and borough will be strongly represented, and, tactfully "chaperoned" by the member for the district, the Hon. R. Hcaton Rhodes, the deputation has hopes that it will obtain <=ymuathetie consideration from the powers that be.

For over a year now there has been iu possession of the Staff of the .New Zealand Division a ring for which no owner can be found (writes Captain Malcolm Ross from France under dute of August 27th). It was picked up at the entrance to Reserve Gully, near, the beach at Anzac, 011 the 20th May. IT)1~>. It may have been lying thero for somo days, or even since the landing. As has been advertised in orders and there lias been no claimant, it is supposed that the owner was killed early in the operations on Gallipoli. It is a goM seJil ring with two monograms, "J.S." and "L.W.," on the face. the ring there is this inscription: "From mother, Sept. 7th, 1913." If, as is presumed, the owner is dead, thero may bo some sentimental value attached to the ring on the part of a relative. I have been asked to make the facts known, and to state that application regarding the recovery of the ring should be made to the G. 5.0.. 2, New Zealand Division, 8.E.F., France. It is possible that the ring may have belonged to an Australian or. to an Englishman, but more likely it "was tho property of a New Zealander, as at that time the New Zealandcrs were in that particular locality

Discussing his reccnt trip to Europe, Mr C. .T. Parr, M.P., told a ''Now Zealand Herald" reporter that he and tho other Australasian members of Parliament visited General Godley at headquarters. "The idea that General Birdwood is in oommand of our boys is quite a mistake. I mention this because it seems to be tho general im-* prcssion in Auckland. General Godley is etill in supreme oommand. When we ■were at tho front the New Zealand division was a unit in General Godley's eorps. but since then I believe tho unit has been removed, arid too longer does it form part of his Army Corps. General Godley stil] retains control over all promotions and recommendations. Everything has to be referred to him, *ven matters connected with our men and hospitals in England. General Russell, of Hawke's Bay. IB an officer at tho front who commands the respect of pvery man in the New Zealand Army. He struck me as being a wide-awake, notivc soldier. General Itichardson has charge in England, but Both theeo officers. are under General Godley. Generals Russell and Richardson impressed us all as being men wlio knew their job. men of firm will but of kindly hearts. They certainly get tho best out of otir boys, and that is a good recommendation."

A tremendous trade has developed, since the outbreak of the war, between America and the Australasian (States. This business lias not been without incident, a 6 some importers in New South Wales have found to their cost. American business morality at times in tho pa6t has not had too good a name, and thoro still exist firms which are not above a form of deceit in their operations. Recently, says the "Australian Draper," the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce had before it. in common with other Chambers the question of tho mis-description of .goods obtained from America. Importers have sent orders, or have bought in good faith, only to find that the goods were not of the exact quality or description ordered, and the Customs Department has taken action. When the matter was under discussion, members said the chief trouble was with softgoods from America. It was almost impossible to get goods of the quality and description ordered; and the presumption in a number of cases was that American exporters and manufacturers were deliberately taking advantage of the war conditions. knowing that Australian houses had to buy from them or go without. "This," comments tho paper, ''is creating not merely a bad impression of American business methods, but a strong feeling of resentment, and the effect upon American trade will be seen after the war,, when there will be a general disinclination to do business with firms in that country."

"We all recognise here (recently wrote a soldier from tho trenches in Francc) that most of the people in New Zealand are doing their little bit in one way or other, but until this question of excluding German commerce for all times has been thoroughly fixed up, you all have not done 'y° ur bit completely. Hero wo are losing our best pals and friends. On Gallipoli and in Franco wo havo lost many of the best and bravest fellows of New Zealand, and no doubt we must bo prepared to lose moro in the future. They havo been killed, or maimed for life, indirectly or directly by Germans. Do you think we or those who come through safely, could deal with Germans, or in German goods, in the future? The Germans in our life tine at lea6t must never bo trusted again. The mothers, fathers, and friends of these boys who havo fallen, are they going to trade directly, or indirectly, with the people who were resnonsiblc for their loss? Surely they will never lower themselves to that extent. Make the people realise this —make them understand all tho cruel devices they have invented for giving our boys aud others the most cruel death possible. I refer to gas, liquid fire and other tortures. If they only think a moment they will never deal with Germans or in German ■goods.'' The writer had fallen in battle ere his letter reached his friends in Wellington (says the "Post'"). He served as a private in Gallipoli,- and then proceeded to France. He was well educated and had ample means, and need not have volunteered as a private or at all. when ho went at the first call. He threw up a lucrative career to go. He was a Jew.

Tell your friend you don't feel well— ten to ono he will say: "Go and ask Loasby about it." Adults 3s 6d, children 2s. 4

Akaroa is the leading seaside health resort. Tho climate is similar to that of the south of France. Try it for your holiday. 10

Something special shown to-day. - "Warchousc stock of untrimmed real tagel straws. Black and all colours. Usually 10s 6d to 12s tid. to-day at 3* 6d. Armstrong's, Ltd. 0141

"Practical patriotism demands that as far as possible the Empire's money should be spent within the Empire. Therefore, if you want a motor buy a British Westinghouse. Turnbull and Jones. Ltd.. acront*-" 6

The run is oil the Is Cartons of No Rubbing Laundry Holn. We give £10 guarantee with overv package. It is splendid. John Hall and Co. 3 Remarkable values in Tussore Silks, all pure silk tussore. Is o*d, Is 3d, Is lid: extra superfine, light shades' 2s 6d, 2s lid; extra heavy Assam Tussore. for coats and costumes special at •Is 3d —all 34 inches wide. Armstrong's i Buick cars stand alone for power, reliability, aud design. 0 Dustless Cleaning—Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering are .showing today's methods of cleaning. Their latest Vacuum Clwmcr is a marvel. It is simply pushed along like a carpetsweeper, and the dust is drawn up like magic! Price, 4os. Dust-less Mops, 3s 9d to 8s 6d. a Rustless Broom Ts Gd. Dustless Dusters, etc., aro also shown. 6 Inspect our new Shaded Pink Toilet Sots at- 19s Gd. 24 s f>:l; also superior designs at 20s (3d, 32s 6d. High Grade Ware at Drayton's Emporium. Colombo street. 1 Your friends want your photograph. Thcv will like it bettor if taken by StefFano Webb, Petersen's Buildings. High street. 3921 Smart Blazer Sports Coats, best quality flannels, new >tripe effects, tailor-made, suitable for sports or street wear, brown and gold, navy and ease, brown and snxe. myrtle and scarlet. 27s Gd. Armstrong's. ? For the holidays—Panama and readytrimmed Hate; largest selection and latest styles showing. Armstrong's famous low prices, 7s lid. H>s (3d, 12s 9d, to 21s. 3 Buick cars stand alone for power, reliability, and design. 6 Garden Hose.—The weather propheta warn us to oxpect a dry spring season. Don't delay getting a length of hoso and u sprinkler. The best in thes« goods are on 6ale at Tvowis and Anderson's, Ltd., 112 Cashcl street. 6 THE "STUDEBAKER" REAR AXLE IS THE SAFEST. Look at pago 2. There you Trill sec some of the technical reasons why the "Studobakor" rear nxle is claimcd as the safest ever designed. I'ricos: 4-eylindcr o-scater £395, 3-6eatcr £335: Adams, Ltd.. Christchurch. 6