GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15894, 7 May 1917, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Four members of the 27th Infantry Reinforcements at Trcnthani were tried by District Court-martial on April 2*7 th, on charges of disobeying«a law. ful command given by their superior officer. The finding of the court-martial in eaeli case has now lteen promulgated. Each of the four accused has been found guilty and sentenced to 84 days' imprisonment with hard labour. One man belonged to C Company, and the three others to H Company.

A copy of the "Scindian,"' the magazine of the Napier Boys' School, is to hand. It is replete with school jicivs, and the. columns devoted to'the doings of. old boys shows that an ever-increasing number arc joining .the forces, while distinction has been won by several at the front. I?ast and pr&sont scholars will find much to interest them in the magazine, which now appears under a new cover, the changc being an improvement.

Last month Mr F. A. Hanclcock, ot Myrrhec. enlisted at Wangratta (savs the ''Melbourne Age"'). He is the eighth son of M r and Mrs 11. Handcock to be accepU-d for servire. Five sons are serving in France, the sixth returned to Australia recently, and the seventh gave his life on Galiipoli. One son, IS years, remains at home.

A curiosity in the shape of an apple tree of the Irish Peaeh Variety, well laden with fruit, may bp seen in a "Wnnganui Fast garden at the present time. The tree was stripped of its first crop of fruit in Decenibrr, but commenced to flower nrra : u in February, with the result that the apples are now fully two inches in diameter.

"The Government,"' stated the Hon. G. "\V. Russell (Minister of Internal Affairs 1 ! last week, "have received a film -jOOO feet in length, representing tho battle of tho Ancre, which, after it has been screened for official purposes, will be made available for exhibition in the leading cent its throughout tho Dominion.''

The length of the streets in Auckland is approximately ICO luiles. By way of an interesting comparison, the Mayor mentioned (says the "Herald") that the street mileage of the Sydney municipality--which includes large portion of the suburbs of Sydney--is 13J miles 201 chains, and the mileage of Melbourne, including, similarly, portions of the suburbs recently amalgamated with the city, is 1821 miles. '1 ho matter of street maintenance and new formation in Auckland, Mr Gunson. pointed out. was as heavy as that of the large Australian cities, whose; financial ability was very much greater. Speaking at a banquet in Mr J. H. Smith's honour at Gore last week. Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P., strongly urged his hearers to refrain from criticisms of the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. It. had been said that if they had been in New Zealand the eoal strike and other things would not have happened. This was nonsense, and against it could }>e set tho fact that theso two leaders were doing more for us in London than they could do in fifty years in New Zealand. Tf the Imperial Government had not bought the produce, where would our farmers be to-day They should sink all petty differences, and instead of deprecating their political leaders should honour them for the great patriotic work they were doing. The significance of the strip of gold braid worn on the left sleeve of men in uniform is ono which is not always recognised in. New Zealand. The, badge is ono authorised by the War Offico to signify that tho wearer has been wounded in action during the present war. Tho badge is also authorised by the New Zealand Defence Department, which undertakes to issue to the returned soldier still in uniform ono strip of braid for each separate occasion that ho has been wounded. If a man wears three pieces of braid it means that upon three separate occasions he lias appeared in the casualty list as wounded in action. The regulations especially provide that shell shock and "gassing" are classed as being wounded for the purpose of issue of tho braid. Sickness, however, does not qualify a man for the badge.

Tho intention of tho Federal Ministry to restrict the importation of luxuries into Australia has aroused the fear amongst piano-makers that musical appliances might bo brought within the ban. At a meeting of the pianomakers' section of the Furniture Trades Union, held in Melbourne recently, it was stated that fully 90 per cent, of the internal fittings of the pianos sold in Australia were imported. By preventing these parts coming to Australia the work of repairing, it was urged, would be considerably restricted and much hardship would be inflicted on those who were practically dependent on the piano trade for their living. After giving expression to views of this nature tho meeting decided that in the best interests of the trade it -was desirable to have a wages "board for pi ano-workers.

Speaking at a meeting of the Invercargill branch of the Southland League on Thursday, Mr H. D. M. Haszard, Commissioner of Crown Lands, mentioned that during tho past year 98 or 99 properties, representing some 600,000 acreSj had been offered to tho Department m Southland for returned soldiers' settlements. Theso properties ■were all inspected and reported upon. So far there had been little demand from returned men, nevertheless, there were about a dozen settled and, mostly, these were making good progress. One estate had recently been cut up into five sections, four of which were taken' up. Another subdivision was in course of survey. This block was of very good land, and tliq Department was trying the experiment of some small sections, down to ten acres, to allow the soldiers to go in for fruit, poultry, and the like.

At a meeting of the Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Union held yesterday, a resolution was carried unanimously "protesting against tho long hours which, members are sometimes called on to work." The report of 'the meeting supplied to us stated that "it was considered that fifteen and seventeen hours at a stretch was far too long to be on duty, considering the responsible na'turo of the men's work, and seeing that tho punishment meted out to locomotive men for any mistake was so severe. The members present were of the opinion that these excessive hours were not to their interest nor to the interest of the public, and they could not be expected to be as keen as they should bo, especially as no provision was made for them to obtain a decent meal, they having to grab a bit of lunch when they could."

The statements to the effect that the National Efficiency Board contemplates restricting the output of "light refreshments" is still a topic of interest in the city (says Thursday's "New Zealand Times"). Most of the business men concerned say that they would be quite in sympathy with the proposed innovation if it were a genuine national necessity. One proprietor in a big concern said that some people had a wrong conception as to what was a luxury or otherwise. The fact that most light foodstuffs was composed of nutritious ingredients should be considered. The general opinion amongst business people is that tho rumoured restrictions would commence in tho wrong direction. As one said, "Why not make « start with amusements, stop importation of cigars and persuade women folk to year less costly finery?'' However, the* position is being faced with complacency until the National Efficiency Hoard moves in the matter.

"Hay! Tt' fi tuppence!" The agonising cry rang through Lambton quay last night (says the ,- Xew Zealand Times"). It was like the wail of a lost soul, and pedestrians halted as they heard it ring out. It came from a small newsboy who stood, a tiny bundle of misery, in the wake of a tramcnr already esthenng full speed twenty-five yards away. The youngster had. in response to tho cry nf ''paper boy," rushed after a tramcnr which slowly gathering tip speed from Stewart Dawson's corner. He had delivered the paper to the man in the car. who. apparently forgetful of the_ fact that papers were now "tuppence." had thrown the diminutive newsvendor a oenny. The boy's cry came too late. The man who "iad bought the paper did not hear — or di 3 not want to hear. And now the small victim stood a picture of misery on tho tramlines. The jicopie on the sidewalk smUed and passed or.. There was a good Samaritan, however. He went, over to the wee victim of circumstance, and dropping something into a dirty palm saul, "That wilj make up for .your losses, sonny." Sonny's eyes glistened and the bcnefactor hurried oa

Two men named John Joseph Hussy and Francis Hussy were arrested at Greymouth on Thursday under tho Military Service Act, and will be conducted* to camp.

One of the leading soft goods houses in Dunodin has decided to assist national efficiency by commencing the day's labours at S.;iO a.m. and knocking off at 4.30 T>.ni. during the winter months.

The more or lets frequent statements that the war has had the effect of unsettling the returned men is not borne out li v the law examinations held in March last (says the Auckland "Star"). Among the candidates at these examinations were three return(sl soldiers, who between them topped the list in every subject, while it is stated thtat not, one of the outside candidates got to the top of the list. Soldiering in the case of these men

appears to have added to their powers of application and concentration.

It. is reported from Rotorua thai, a new blowhole has formed about an eighth of si mile from tho original geyser ni Waiinangu, says the Auckland "StaT." The new vent, opened on Monday night, -when there was an uphej ,':il of earth and stones, followed by an outburst of immense quantities ot steam. The new blowhole continued active for many hours until the aperture was widened to a diameter ot about three feet. Visitors are able to approach the, spot to within a few feet, although a great volume of s>team is still being belched.

Tho ?>?:iyor (Mr 11. Holland) and Mr H. Ligiitband, president and chairman respectively of tho Overseas Club, waited upon Sir James Allen on Saturday night to ask him if lie could attend a meeting of tho eiuh 011 Empire Day (Ttfay 24th) or June -'tii. in order to prevent certain medals t'» returned soldiers an,] assist in the colourations. ~ir James Alien said that he would make .a big effort to attend on 0110 of the days, preferably 011 .nine -Ith, but would advise the club as soon a* possible. On account, of the forthcoming celebrations the club's May symposium will be abandoned.

In the course of argument in the Court of Appeal at Wellington on Thursday, Mr John O'S'hoa had occasion to refer to the variability cf tho Wellington weather. "Is that a matter of which wo can take judical notice?" queried Mr Justice Cooper. '"'I think we are quite entitled to take notice of tho Wellington weather," said Sir John Dennis.ton, while Mr Justice Hcsking volunteered a reference to "personal sufferings." "No insult to Wellington intended," concluded Sir John l>on:iiston, "but the variety here, is charming—really charming!"

Tho special war medals which tho Australian Government has decided to issue to the nearest female relative ot every Australian soldier who has left tho Commonwealth for active service abroad will shortly be available for distribution. Bars will be attached to tho medals issued, to those mothers who have more than one son 011 service. An attractive design has been chosen for the decoration, which will be cast in silver. It will be oval in sliapo, with, the letters A.I.F. inset. Each Tncdal will bear tho following inscription:— "Issued by tho [Department of Defence to women of Australia for duty done."

The flash of a Morse lamp signalling to sea \vas_ noticcd from the pilot station at Apia on the evening of Easter Sunday, the Fiji "Times" states. A detaclunent was sent to investigate, with the result that four Germans were found in the' lighthouse, one of whom is a British, subject. Tney were brought in and put tinder arrest. The three Germans were interned in Songi camp. The naturalised is to be tried by court-martial as a spy, bo having been identified by one of the soldiers as being in Egvpc at the time of the landing of the first New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The Germans had a good equipment, including American examining charts and a telescope that was set on a tripod, with, a range of 30 miles.

Tho industrial agreement recently arrived at between tho Canterbury Woollen Mills Employees' Union and the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Co.. Ltd., includes the following clause: —"The provisions of this agreement shall eontinuo'in force until any change is mad© by legislation in any of the conditions fixed by this agreement. On any such change beinpr madS all the foregoing conditions shall cease to operate and thereafter during the term of this agreement the following provision shall bo enforced: —Subject to the legislative provisions on the subject the hours of work, wages, and other .conditions for all matters coming within the scope of this agreement shall bo fixed by agreement between each employer and the individual workers employed by him."

"Ask Loasby about it" -when you don't feel quite well. Adults 3s 6d, children Ss. i'or advice and medicine. 2 Gentlemen's Boots. —Four hundred piairs samples, bought at 15s 3d in £, now offered by Stewart Robinson of Cashel streef. Splendid quality, 22s Gd, 2os; worth 30s, 3os. 5

Soldiers' Khaki Breeches, 10s <3d, 17s Cd, 2os 6d. Puttees from 6s lid, at Armstrong's. ' 1 Most things can be anybody's gift— your portrait is distinctively, exclusively yours. Make an appointment to-day. Steffano Webb, Petersen's Buildings, High street. Telephone, 1989. 5 Armstrong, for Overcoats of every class. The best selection at lowest prices. 2 It's time to think about clipping vour horse. .Save time and money by ordering a "Burman" British-made clipping machine. Simple to use and quick—you can't make any mistake. Price 455, from Lewis and Anderson. Ltd.. Cashel street. . 0 If you want an electric lamp, buy a Roval Ediswan, which is nil British. Turnbull and Jones, Ltd., sole agents for New Zealand. G 700 dozen Gent's 'Wide-end Ties, newcolourings, Is each. Gent's best quality Linen Collars, any shape or width, 6d each, at Armstrong's tho Leading Outfitters. 3 "The war can be ended quickly through tiie simple process of rignt thinking." Take immediate advantage of our offer to give a "Thinker's" Notebook free with «*'ory ls package of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help. H. C. Holeroft. Grocer. 4 Coal famine! Are you saving coal and getting more heat by using "Koalore?" Those who try it repeat their orders. Call and fo£ important scientific report. In packets at sixpence (for i-ton) and 2s (for one ton). Hastie. Bull, and Pickering, Cashel street. (Wholesale and Retail.) 6 Saddle Tweed Troiifers, 10s 6d, ]4s 6d ljs od, all sizos. at Armstrong's. Ltd. 1 \Y \NTED TO SELL—SECON D-HAND MOTOR-CYCLE. A regular bargain, 1915-lfi model "Barley-Davidson" motor-cycle in splendid condition. N>w tyres. Price £(>}. Adams, Ltd., High street. G