GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15751, 18 November 1916, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

The auction announcements of Pyne and Co.. H. Matson a nd Co., Charles Clark, Harris Bros., and Dalgety and Co. will bo found on page 15 of this issue.

At the Colosseum this evening Dr. Maud Fere will give a lecti>rc to women only on "Social Diseases."' ' Admission will be free, but n 0 one under the age of sixteen years will l>e admitted. Seats may be reserved at The Bristol on payment- of a Mnall fee.

A large sale of sheep lias just been reported. Mr Charles Hanson. j-»o----pjietor of the Waiouru sheep station (76.000 acres), having disposed of his flock at a price approximating £30,000 easily Mr a member of the Ist New Zealand South African Contingent, under Brigadier-General Robin (then Major). He represented New Zealand at the late Queen Victoria's funeral, and was a member of King George's (then Prince of Wales) Bodyguard on his Majesty's visit to New Zealand. Mr Hanson is now enlisting as a private.

Intimation was made at "Wednesday's mooting of the Auckland Education Board of the fact that the Government had decided to pay the 6econd instalment of the war bonus to teachers this month. The scale of payment is £15 for married men, widowers and widows with children under 14, and £7 10s for all other teachers except juveniles under 18. who are to receive £3 only. Married women, except those whose hi stands are employed by the Board, are to be granted £7 10s. Payment will be made at the Board ofSt-e on November "J-jth. and into banks on the 27th

The following river report was issued yesterday morning: — Waimakariri (north branch) and Opihi clear, Waimakariri (south branch) and Rangitata discoloured, Rakaia and Waitaki dirty. The Sumner Brass Band will play the _ following programme on the pier rotunda to-mor-row afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock: —March, "Canberra"; fantasia, "Norma'" (Bellini); intermezzo, "Dream Thoughts" (Moss); cornet solo, "Moonbeam (Rimmer); march past, "Kitchener's Army" (Bulch): selection, "Old favourites" (Rimmer); intermezzo, "Rendezvous"; inarch, "Australia" (Lithgow). Home tim 0 ago the Tramway Board authorised tho re-laying, in heavier rails, of the Opawa line, but owing to certain contingencies that arose then l has been some delay in putting the work in hand. A start has now been made, and the portion between Falsgrave street and Wilson's road is being re-laid. Whilst the work is in progress it will necessitate passengers walking between the ends of the breach but this will not be any great distance, and as long as the weather is fine it should not caus 0 very much inconvenience. The Holt Caterpillar Tractor (a similar machine to those nicknamed "tanks" on the Western front), which arrived in Hastings recently, has been offered by the importers to the WatOffice. The firm has (according to tho "Hawko's Bay Herald") also offered to subscribe £500 towards the cost of tho machine, if others would find the balance, some £2100. The machine, complete with the three trucks and full equipment, cost £2600. The reply from the WarOffico is: "Exceedingly pleased accept gift from Hawke's Bay of tractor and trucks. Understand militarv authorities have space available for shipment." Settlement of returned soldiers on the land is proceeding satisfactorily in the Auckland Province (says * the "Herald"). Up to tho present allcT.it 40 of the men havo settled in various farming districts. Most of them

are engaging in dairying, and have l>ecn supplied with cattle. Tho Lands Department is having land in all directions inspected, and several suitable areas aro under consideration. Full precautions are being taken to provide against future . requirements. Next

month an area in the Wnikato will bo opened for selection by returned soldiers. It comprises atiout 3000 acres, cut up into 40 farms. The Department also recently purchased 1700

acres at Warkworth. and this area is now being subdivided into farms for returned men.

"It is only in very rare cases that men are found not making proper provision for their dependants," stated the Hon. J. Allen in a letter received by the Advisory Hoard of the Patriotic Societies at Wellington on Thursday, "and

as soon as these are brought to the notice of the Camp Commnndant by patriotic societies, or by relatives, then immediate steps are taken to do whatever possible towards rendering assistance to those in need. 1 may add that the Department has at present under consideration the preparation of a form which is to be signed by all soldiers on enlistment, giving particulars of their dependants and stating thereon what they intend to do as regards making allotments of pay. It will probably bo necessary to bring in some such arra'nge'mie.nt as this, if at any time married men are called up. - '

As an illustration of tho amenities of prison life in Samoa, the ''Samoan Times" prints a report received for publication:—"On account of most of their sentences expiring shortly, on Saturday last., ilie prisoners employed at Government House gave a Samonn feast to tho members of Vailima Guard, the occasion being taken to thank Corporal Winders for his kindness whilst having them under his charge. The feast, which was of a m<4st generous and miscellaneous kind, 'consisted of fish. pork, fowl, etc., all cooked in tho native style, and was much appreciated by all present. Knva was then handed round and speeches made by Sergeant Anderson and Corporal Winters for the soldiers, and by Sagali, who also acted as interpreter, on behalf of tho prisoners, brought the proceedings to a close.''

In order to facilitate tho granting of relief, and as a precaution against fraud, the Minister for Defence (Hon J. Allen) has informed tho Advisory Board of War Relief Societies that thero will be no objection to the officers of tho various societies making endorsements insido the back cover of discharged soldiers' pay-books. Regarding the suggested issue of an improved pay-book, the Minister replied:—"lt is not considered advisable to issue any other kind of pay-book than that already in existence, which is in conformity with the Imperial Army paybook. Over 65,000 of these pay-books havo been issued, and any now form would only be applicable to soldiers who havo not yet joined the training camps. In addition, there is also this fact to bo remembered, that if for any reason a new pay-book should be issued to a soldier in the field, he would have to be supplied with the same style of paybook that is issued by the War Office."

Tho steamer Houtman arrived at Port Darwin from southern ports on the 3rd instant with a large general cargo. The work of discharge proceeded satisfactorily, hut in the ovenj ing tho work was held up withdut I warning. This was the dispute: In landing n sling of cargo a wharf labourer. a young Russian, was knocked out of a xruck against the side of tho steamer, and he was subsequently picked up from the water slightly injured. The captain of the vessel saw the accident, ordered a stretcher and pillows, and had the ship's doctor in attendance immediately. When the man had been attended to, the captain was stated to have been heard to remark that it served him right. The cantain denied, however, that ho said this, or anything approaching it. He says that he remarked that the accident was the man's own fault. The wharf labourers, however, held a meeting, and decided that unless the captain apologised for his remark that it served' the man right they would cease work. The captain firmly declined to apologise for a remark which he stated he did not make, and there the matter stands. The captain is on his first voyage to Australia. an a expressed much surprise and concern that such a matter should cause a vessel of over 5000 tons to be held up while laden with a heavy cargo for oversea ports and carrying a large passenger list.

Among the direct and immediate losses caused by the recent floods were thoso of fish m the rivers, lakes and inlets of \ ictoria (says tho Melbourne "Agp"). Before the rains tho Mitchell and Tambo rivers were well stocked with bream and mullet, which promised excellent sport for anglers. Now the fish have been washed down into the Gipps'and Lakes, where the professional fishermen are reaping a rich harvest. Unfortunately somg of the rivers—particularly, the Mitchellbrought down large quantities of mud. Tho mud has asphyxiated hundreds of . beautiful bream, which can be seen lying dead near the mouths of the rivers and on the shores of the lakes. At Corner Inlet fish hav e died for quite ;1 different reason. The large volume or fresh water which has poured into the inlet haa reduced the proportion of salt in the water, and the conditions have been so far uncongenial that the number of salt water fish has been reduced considerably. A particularly unfortunate circumstance is that September and October aro the principal spawning months. The Acting-Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr F. Lewis; has inspected the fish which are being caught in Gippsland Lakes, and has formed the opinion that they are practically all near the spawning time. He fears that tile destruction of these fish at the present time will have a F-orious effect in three or four years' time, when the fish spawned this seaeon would reach maturity.

Details as to the special train arrangements for the Dunedin Show and races, and for the races at Tiniaru, will be found in our advertising columns.

The copper cable for the electrification of Redcliffs arrived in the borough yesterday morning, and preparations are being made for its immediate erection. ft is hoped to have the whole work completed shortly.

"He does not. drink, follow racehorses. or gamble in any Way." said a constable in testifying to a young man's good character at the Supremo Court at- Wellington. "That makes him unique,"' remarked tho Chief Justice.

The new engine for the Curtis biplane, lately in use at the Kohimarama aviation school, has arrived in Auckland, together with spare parts for the disabled engine. Arrangements are being made for the resumption of work at the school.

Eight candidates sat for the examination in modern orchard -work, theory and practice, held by the Department of Agriculture in August last, and the following were successful in obtaining first-class certificates 'T. J. Hughes, Rangiora; H. Wyatt and T. Norris Baker, Christchurch.

The lato Rev. F. W. Isitt was for four years minister of Wesley Church, East Belt. A memorial service will Iks held in the church to-morrow evening, and will be conducted by tho Rev. \\". ,f. Williams, who was at one time minister of the church, and a lifelong friend of Jlr Isitt.

Owing to tlio uncertainty of thc present position in regard to steamer timetables." caused by the coal strike at Newcastle, the Union Co. and the Hud-dart-Parkcr .Co. have decided to issue only single tickets to persons visiting the Commonwealth. This arrangement will continue until a settlement of the dispute is reached

Reports received by the Tourist Department show that thc trout fishing in the Lake District so far this season is remarkably good. Tho "Hot Lakrs Chronicle" reports that trouting in Lake Tarawera, Mrs Pepper and party n.adc a rccord catch this season, landing no fewer than 8/» trout in good condition. The average weight ran to between four and five pounds, tho heaviest weighing ten pounds.

It has been decided that in future a. soldier on sick leave requiring medical assistance must apply to the nearest Defence officcr, who will advise him the name of tho medical officer he must consult. In the event of urgent, medical attendance being required, tho soldier may call in the nearest available doctor,- but in such an event he must notify the nearest Defence Office within twelve hours, otherwise the Defence Department will not accept liability.

The flimsy construction of tho soldiers' pay-book was the subject of a complaint iunde at the. meeting of the Advisory Board of the Patriotic; Societies at Wellington on Thursday. Ono member stated that the l>ook very often came to pieccs inside a montfi. It was liable to very rough usage., and therefore should be made extremely strong. It was decided to place the matter l>efore the Minister for Defence.

The recent rainfall in parts of tho Marlborough Sounds may be measured in yards rather than feet and inches (says the "Kxpress"). The remarkable fall of lf)i inches (over a half a yard!) registered at Waij-ir'e from Monday night to Thursday morning of last week, may bo almost incredible to the inhabitants of some parts of Now Zealand, but tho figures are quite reliable. as they were carefully recorded by Mr Aikman, on a rain-gauge. .

In Cathedral square, near the tram shelter, or Wednesday next, commencing at noon, Messrs Tonics, Norton and .Co., will hold an auction sale of bed-ding-out plants of all descriptions, Most of these plants were raised in. tho Public Gardens by tho Ladies' Gardening Conimittco under the supervision of Mr Young, the Curator. The sale is in connexion with the Rose Fete, to be held next month in aid of tho Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and Messrs Tonks, Norton and Co. will conduct the sale, free of all charges.. Additional gffts of plants for the sale may be sent to Messrs Tonks, Norton and Co's auction rooms, or to Cathedral square.

As chairman of the executive of the Patriotic Fund, the Mayor informed a reporter yesterday that tho subcommittee which visited Glenmark in connexion with Mr I?. O. "Duncan's offer of the property to the Patriotic Society, will meet beforo the next meeting of tho executive, and draw up its report. In order to accclerato matters as far as possible, the Mayor has communicated with Mr Moore's attorneys asking them to ascertain from Mr Moore whether, in tho event of the Society accepting Mr Duncan's offer, Mr Moore will be agreeable to a variation of the conditions of the lease which,will permit tho relatives and friends of returned soldiers to visit them at Glenmark.

No cough is too recent or too chronic for Loasby's "Stop It." Children like it, so does father—ls 6d, 2s 6d, 4s 6d. Chemists and grocers. 3 Don't miss seeing the exhibit of Buick Cars at tho Show. 6

For washing ladies' tennis wear, "No Rubbing Laundry Help" is best. Wardell Bros. and Co. J)

Don't let your children grow up without their bains freauent]y photographed bv jStcft'fxno Webb. 252 High street, and mail their phot.ograplis away in time to reach Home for Christmas. 3921

Don't miss seeing the exhibit of Buick Cars at the -Show. a

Akaroa healthiest town in Dominion, with glorious climate, electric light, best of drainage, pure water supply, salt water baths, the place for your holidays. 1

"Crockett and Jones" Footwear is noted for fine appearance and exceptional durability" Inspect this season's smartest models at Harris's Imperial Boot Denot, 691 Colombo street. 9

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

Keep the Garden Green. —"The finest Hose in the world"' just landed at Hastie, Bull, and Pickering's, opposite Ballantync l s. It will last for years under the most trying conditions. It is bad business to buy low quality nose. 6

The superb new "Crockett and Jones" styles at Harris's Imperial Boot Depot, 691 Colombo street, are fine examples of this famous English footwear. Get fitted now. 7

Your eyesight is your greatest asset, and it is the one faculty you can't afford to trifle with. Don't put off any longer, but call to-day, and get satisfactory glasses from John R. Procter, Consultingi Optician, 200 High street, Christchurcn. 5

You can depend upon everything being done promptly and well if you only hand your shipping documents to J. M. Hey wood, Co., Ltd. They are recognised as experts at this work. Telephones 250, 1241, and 2174. 6

To complete your summer outfit get a pair of "Crockett and Jones'' highgrade shoes. Smartest new styles for ladies and gentlemen at Harris's Imperial Boot Depot, 691 Colombo street. 8

"SWIFT' AND "STAR" BICYCLES ON EASY TERMS. The "Swift," the leading English bicycle, and the "Star," the leading colonial wheel, can be purchased on easy terms from £1 deposit and £1 per month. Adams Ltd., High street. 6