GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16162, 16 March 1918, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

« Tlio auction announcements of JonoSj McCrostic Co., Charles Clark, H. Matson and Co., Tonks, Norton and Co., Dalgety and Co., W. E. Simes and Co., R. S. McKenzie and Co., and New Zealand Loan and M.A. Co. will bo found on pages 15 and 14 of this issue. Four men enlisted in Christchurci yesterday for active service. Thej were: John 31. Ashworth, Prebbleto-j farm labourer; "Walter Coulter, 224 Salisbury street, clerk; Hugh H. Hayes, Halswell, engine-driver; "W. F. Irving, Halswell, labourer. The Christchurch Tailoresses', Cutters', Pressors'. and other Clothing J'radu Employees' Union carried a reso Jution of protest on "Wednesday evening against the sentence passed upon its president, Mr J. Roberts, by silt District Court-martial, and drawing tho attention of the Ministers of Justic.- and Defence to the inequality ol the sentences of men under the samt charge and tried by the same court. Considerable interest has been taken in Auckland in an appeal for exemption made to the Military Service Board by Mr Charles Fisher Gardner, manager of the New Lynn brickworks! Evidence was given that Mr Gardner . services were essential, and that if lie was called up the works must be closed and the employees dismissed. The Board held that he was not indispensable to the life and existence of thi* business, and it therefore dismissed the appeal, but granted leave until June 27th. When the. Board's decision was announced the appellant's couusel stated that the works would be closed, In a communication sent to the "National News," bv request of the editor, the Rt. Hon. A\. F. Massey states that .he regards it as absolutely nocessarv that anyone who ventures'to legislate should be well acquainted with what he is legislating for, and that -tvido and wise travel is a necessary part of the education of a law-maker. -"The old proverb is us true as ever, "Hoine-kcop-ing youths have ever homely wits.' Our iCrcpire in tho great days which arc co:r.ing will ceriaiuly demand that those who make its laws shall have travelled and seoi for themselves all that is best and finest iu otLer lauds and nations."

We h.T.-o rcrcivcd £1 from F. • Woodward lor our lUcl Cross Fund. Dr. nd-ton will give an address on '"Purity. 1 ' to men only, at St. jlicliael s Parish* Hall, on Monday next, at S p.m. The Prime Minister has received a tplcram from the Common won Ith Prime Min7st?r, stating that in future modorato shipments of bonedust to New | Zealand will.be permitted. In Everybody's Theatre to-morrow ! evening, l)r. Thacker, M.P., will deliver an illustrated lecture in aid of the Bandsmen's Memorial Fund. Admission will he TiV silver coin. Our Canadian correspondent writes that the Manitoba Board of Moving Picture Censors has prohibited the screening of comedy films, as calculated to make the public too frivolous in these" times of war sacrifice, and while men aro dying daily for the country. Yesterday morning tiio train Iron with the morning papers and tlie mail steamed into the Ashburton -tation -15 minutes late. For some time ]:nst the train has frequently been from 15 to Vf'J minutes late. As there is a great increase in the number of passengers I>y this early train, a quicker service is greatly needed. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. W. F. Masscv, has telegraphed as follows to Dr. Thackor, M.P., ou the subject of leave at Easter time for South Island soldiers:—"Replying to your telegram the Union Company have already made arrangements by which the Monowai, leaving Wellington on March 20th for Lyttolton, will take 574 soldiers from Featherston. The Miiponrika n-ill leave on March 23th, taking 438 from Trentiiam for the same port, and the Mnraroa, also leaving on March 28th, will take eighty from Awapuni. The Patecna, leaving Wellington on March 25th, wiil take 171 for Picton. Total, 1203 soldiers." "You come from the place where it is always raining," romarked Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M. (chairman of the North Island Railway Appoal Board) to a West Coast witness at Wellingtcn.-on Thursday. (Laughter.) "Oh, that is a libel on the district," replied the witness." (Laughter.) "Well, I was down there for a fortnieht. and it rained all the tin e," said Mr Bishop. "Circumstantial evidence," interposed Mr J. Carnacton, counsel for the appellant. "The sun does shine on'the West Coast," said the -witness. "Romember that you are on your oath," warned Mr J. Macdonald, who appeared on behalf of the* 1 Department. (Laughter.) Witness: I am aware of that-, but I stand to it all the same." It is interesting, in view of the torpedoing of the hospital ship Rowa in the Bristol Channel a few days ago, to know that one of the New Zealand hospital ships on her last voyage had rather an exciting experience in tho same locality (writes our London correspondent under date of January lltli). As she came up the Channel she noticed an entire absence of the usual very heavy traffic. Several aeroplanes and an airship wore, however, hovering overhead. Suddenly one of the aeroplanes swooped very low a short distance ahead of the New_ Zealand shi'i and dropped -a bomb, causing a very violent explosion. Apparently it did its work, for within half an hour the hospital ship met tho usual heavy stream of traffic going out of the Channel ports. , Lieut.-Colonel E. ff. W. Lasceiles, tho New Zealander who is organising secretary the scheme of > Oversea Sailor and Soldier Scholarships, informed our London correspondent tr.ac although the New Zealand University Colleges have submitted the names of students whom they wish to be considered, nevertheless any other qualified candidates, who may at any tinui be rendered available by the misfortune of wounds or sickness, will have their claims considered by the committee on the recommendation of the Dominion authorities in this country. The organisation can place a man to study in r.ny conceivable subject he may wish. In addition to tne two scholarships awarded to New Zealand this month scholarships in economics, sociology, entomology, natural science, forestry, and veterinary science have been awarded to soldiers from other Dominions. Tho lessons of the war, as applied to the territorial system of training, were discussed by Sir James Allen at Auckland on_ Wednesday. Ho said that any new policy which might bo brought into existence after the Avar would be decided by Cabinet, but the lines upon which the system would havo to develop wore fairly clear. It had been proved that with efficient instructors New Zea-landc-is could become fairly well disciplined and trained 'soldiers in three months. If, for example, youths of 18 wore placod in a properly-organised camp for three months and given a week or ten days in camp each year, a very offective citizen army would be created that would be always ready for emergencies. At the samo time the men would become more efficient citizens. Instruction would be given to tho young soldior in matters of Jiealth hygiene, bosides physical training and drill. Under such a system the weekly drill system would ce.iso. ' p i. Q r„i, : . •

llie practice of charging procuration fees in addition to solicitors' fees foi services rendeied their clients by soii citors in raising loans ivas referred t( during the hearing of an action •! the Supreme Court at Auckland or "Wednesday. Jt was stated that r,n< of the parties desired to raise a firsi mortgage of £2000 on a farm, and foi this service his solicitor had. charger both a procuration and ordinary fee The Judge, Mr Justice Hosking, re marked that this practice was not r universal one in tiic Dominion at pre sent, and when practising as a barrister he hnd never charged procuration fees. It seemed like turning <1 solicitor's office into a sort of financial agency, and h« did not think it wa? good practice. Counsel stated tint it was the common practice in Auckland for solicitors to charge procuration fees, although he believed it vrns not the general practice in the South. The question had been referred to the .New Zealand Law Society on several occasions, and the existence of the practice as a custom wa-i recognised. It was stated that a number of vhe large institutions in Auckland did not allow solicitors acting for them to charge procuration fees. The members of Mossrs Jolin Fuller and Sons vaudeville company at present appearing at the Opera House guv© a very onj-oyablo entertainmont in the soldiers' ward of the Christchurch Hospital yesterday afternoon. The orchestra consisted of Messrs A. Bidgood (leader), A. Bunz, and H. Fox (Opera House), G. Martinengo, JJ. Jnmieson, and H. Tankard (Everybody's Picture Theatre), and F. Woledge (J. C. "Williamson Co.). Sergeant Coptland and Kid gave a most acceptable turn, the boy of seven Years describing the soldiers' war trophies nnd coins, such as piastres, giving dates, etc., with wonderful accuracy. j\ir Dunigan, of Denny and Dunigan. also scored an instantaneous hit with his song •'! don't Want to Get- Well," a humorous ditty written about a soldior and his nurse.' Mr Little, of tho Pictorial Littles, received great applauso for his sketching of the Prime Minister the Ilight Hon. W. F. Massey, and Nurse Cavell, his partner singing 'appropriate songs in each instance. Walsh and Walsh (dancing turn), Little Miss Lee (songs), Colos (banjoist), McKav (basso), the Trio Classique (musical offering), and Kelly and Drake all contributed very enjoyable items, the lastnamed's eccrntric. dancing be'ng especially popular. At the conclusion of tho entertainment Dr. Will expressed the hope that many more such entertainments would be given, for lie was sure tho soldiers greatly onjoved them, as they were a welcome fireak irt the monotony of hospital life. He especially thanked Mr F. C. Raphael, who had arrange:! the concert, and Mr Walter Helsdon, manager for Messrs John Fuller and Sons, and at the doctor's call three ringing cheers were given tor the performers.

All the Canterbury rivers were re ported dear yesterday. Wharf passes will not ho issued 1 relatives of soldiers returning to No* Zealand by the vessels due in a day 0 two. • The Secretary io tho ('.P.O. lias advised that legal time lias been ad vanceri bv one hour in It/iTy. France and Algeria from "th-' «til instant t< October tith. Tiio •mnual church parade of tlv vi •Jolm Ambulance Brigade will bo |iel< to-morrow moniin:; at the Oxford Tor rare Baptist Church. The lii'v. J North will preach a special sermon, en titled "Piety and Pity."' "Wo look upon hotelkecpers not onl; as non-essential, but as more or loss a; evil," remarked Mr J. S. Lvans. S.M. ehairman of the No. 1 Military Service. Board yesterday morning, when tin question of a publican probably apply ing for time to" arrange his business ho fore going into camp was under dis mission. The chairman (Mr J. S. Evans) of th< No. 1 Military Service Board stated a yesterday';, sitting, when granting i young farmer a sino die adjournment o his appeal, that the Board intended ask ing the National Efficiency Board t< request its Boards of Trustees in tin different localities to see that the con ditions upon which sino die adjourn rents were granted were conipliod with This was, he added, the only mcthot they liad of being sure that such conditions were being carried out. The anniversary services of Wcsle\ Church Sunday school, Fitzgorali aveini", will bo held to-morrow. Tiu prea'hor; will bo: Morning, the Rev A. T. Thompson; afternoon, the Rev l'\ Ccpeland, a returned missionary from Samoa; evening, the Rev. E. P Blamires. There will be special sing : ii£ by tho scholars at all the services, under the leadership of Mr J. H. Sherris Solos will be sung by Misses B. Olds J. Duff, and E. Duff. At tho evening soithi' .Miss Oids will also sing ' Goc is Our llcfugo." Our London correspondent states thai New Zealand is represented in tho Imperial War Exhibition at the Roya Academy by a collection of seventy-si> very fino photographs by the official pho tographer. A considerable number oi the pictures have already been reproduced in New Zealand illustrated papers Thoy illustrate every side of the life oi the Division, and include many fine views of different aspects of the ppera tions at Messinc.s. Several additiona pictures of New Zenlanders by othoi photographers appear elsewhere in th< exhibition. A novel meaus of raising money foi a patriotic fund was disclosed at the conference of the Victoria League yesterday during a discussion on the best means of raising funds for the purpose of presenting an aeroplane to tho Imperial authorities. One lady delegate said that the branch she represented had, in a money-raising mission, adopted a standard waist measurement, members having to pay an amount in pennies for each inch that their waists were over that size. During the laughter that followed tho voice of the president (Mr W. J. Napier) was heard, remarking that ho sincerely hoped it was not intended to apply that test to men members of tho League. Tho chief method by which the police secure their evidence against motorists who nro seized with the speed mania is by timing the car over a distance which has previously been measured. Such a ease was before the Magistrate's Court yesterday, and Mr Alpers, for the defendant, doubted the accuracy of tho constable's timing, pointing out that clocks nowadays' kept yery bad time, as also did watches, and ho very much doubted whether the constable's chronometer was porfectly. accurate. Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., remarked that some watches kept very good time; he was Perfectly satisfied with his own. "Peraps your "Worship has a presentation one from Palinerston," remarked Mr Alpers, amidst laughter. "That would account for tho good time." "There is a lot of spurious sentiment concerning conscientious objectors," declarod Mr G. T. Booth in his address at the Victoria League conversazione last night. "The doctrine of nonresistance to evil may or may not be sound, but one thing is evident—the doctrine of non-resistance may be pushed to a point where it becomes a menaco to society. Tho State exists for tho protection of its citizens, and when it is called upon to defend itself against assault, its demand upon the citizens it protects is absolutely paramount." Mr Booth went on to deal with treachery, saying that passive treachery was nearly as bad as that -which was active. In conclusion, he urged the Victoria League to continuo its educational work and to call upon tho women of tho Dominion to rise against tho pernicious brood of "conscientious objectors, slackers, shirkers, seditionists, strikers, and disloyalists generally."

In respect of applications on behalf of reservists called up for service to tho Financial Assistance Board, the chairman (Mr J. S. Evans, S.M.) of tho Canterbury No. 1 Military Service Board, at its sitting yesterday, impressed on counsel tho imperative necessity for putting in such applications promptly. Unless the applications were received by the secretary of the Military Service Board a fow days after the appeal was dealt iviili, tho appeal would l>e called on at tho next sitting of the Board and again dealt with. Mr Evans also drew attention to tho fact that some solicitors failed to fill in tho application form in an essential portion—that indicating the income from property. Mr J. A. Cassidy said that, on behalf of solicitors, he wished to point out that it was very difficult to get tho information —farmers and othors did not keep lontrors. Mr Evans expressed tho opinion that, even so, approximate information could be given. Tho day of the ten shilling fiue for those who cyclo at night without lights is done. At a sitting of the Juvenile Court on 1 uesday last, Senior-Scrgoant Cumming remarked on tho increasing number of offenders, and at yesterday's sitting of the. Magistrate's Court tliore was another large batch. At the conclusion of the hearing of the cases the Magistrate, Mr T. A. B. Bailey, H.M., announced that in future ho would increase the fines, for tho practico was becoming too frequent, and must bo stopped. There was also a large batch of moforists charged with travelling at an excessive snoed_, most of them on Pago's road, New Brighton, and feenior-Sorgeant Cumming askod that this practice also should bo put down by larger fines in future. Pago's road, being the main Now Brighton road, with numerous cross streets, was particularly unsuited for fast motoring. His "Worship indicated that- sneedhonds would suffer more hcavilv in the future*. Our London correspondent states thatfealand proposal to compel capitalists to suoscribc to tho war loan til proportion to the amount of their inronic-t.ix has r-rcnted a good deal of 't', 1 »j financial circlcs in Groat t lias been loosoiv described y n s~ripuon of Capital," and Mr r xi Cox takes ' The Times" to task ii.r the heading '"Capital Conscription Lxperiment/' under which they print a -fitter from their New Zealand c*orre*pon.Jeni 0/1 tht last local loan. Mr V./OX poinwj out thf.t this heading is quite misleading mas-much as the text 'hows that the New Zealand experiment is not a conscription of capital at all, uut a scneme for compelling people with targe iiiconus to convert a jwrtion of tnoso incomes into capital bearing a used rate of int?rest, or alternatively £> p»v* an increased income-tax. This, no points out. "is tho very reverse of •10 proposal which Mr Bo'iinr Law adocatos. ' The Liverpool i: J>ailv i-ouner remarks that tho New Zealan'd c cer t«>«ly the leasl cbiecof conscription of wealth I 'f. .'- ? n d has something to corniifvmln xJ, 1} v ' cre confined to tho.«e nw-nev *1 ♦!. Z* r,:f »sed to lorn] Uwir money to the State.' 1

The following letter has been received by the organisers from Mr T. Lcvritt., hon. secretary of Iho Banks Peninsula Patriotic Society:—''l have pleasure iu enclosing a cheque for £500 for the Salvation Army "War Work Fund. My Society recognise the splendid work the ■Salvation Army arc doing for our boys from camp to trendies. Wishing your appeal a groat success." Several members of the South Wainmkariri River Board yesterday afternoon paid a visit of inspection to that part of the rivt-r between the Km pi re bi mid the railway bridge, where considerable erosion has taken, and is still taking plac.\ The party consisted of Messrs W. P. Spencer (chairman), A. S. Bruce. C. Hurges.-., li E. Pervman, l\ ii. Unie, and J. P. W. A report on the matter will be submitted at next mooting of tho Boaid. Sir Frederick Bridge. M.Y.0.. organisr of "Westminster Abbey, and conductor ol the Royal Choral Society, London. has accepted the invitation from the Festival Committee for the Encouragement of New Zealand Music to contribute a work of a reciprocal nature for the forthcoming Festival. The work arrived by this week's mail, and is a short setting of Shakespeare's words from "llichard III." Act V., Sceno 111., and our good cause fight on our side." Tn a private letter to Mr Lilly. Sir Frederick says thai tho copy sent- is tho one he used at the first performance of the work at an intercessory service at estminster Abbey oil January 6th last. Tho work may be put in rehearsal on Monday evening. Two ovil-looking and, judging by the looks of those who smclled them," particularly evil-smelling bottles containing samples of an effluent into tho Ileathcote river, were exhibits in a case at the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Mr Alport, for the Christchuich Drainage Beard, smellod one bottle with very evident abhorrence. "How about a taste? - ' lie asked tho witness in the box. "It lias been a very trying day, aim we are all dry. Now, what about it? - ' "I'm game,'' responded tho witness, but he was not further pressed to sample the contents. Mr Alp<?rs handed the bottle up to the Magistrate, who did not look particularly favourably impressed after testing the odour. "Any other gentleman like to try? Perhaps the gentlemen of the Press?" suggested Mr Alpers, but his invitation was not accented by any. At a recent meeting of tho executivo of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, the subjoct of land settlement for discharged soldiers was considered in detail. It was finally dteided to collect as much information as possible doaling with the experiences of settlers, and each has been asked to inform the Association of any criticisms of tho system at present in operation, or suggestions for its improvement. In particular information is sought on the following matters: —(1) Aro the means of transport of goods and access to your property satisfactory? (2} Has the assistance by tho Government in tho matter of stock and equipment been adequate, and are there any directions in which you suggost that I improvements could bo made? (3) Are you satisfied with your property as a tiood businoss investment? We have been asked to publish the following:—The chairman of tho Executive Committee of the New Zealand War Contingent Association in London (Mr I. W. Raymond) wishes it to be known that he is visited, daily, by men on leave, who make application for advances against expected cable remittances. The reason usually given by tho applicant is that ho has cabled two or three weeks before, and is daily expecting a response. Mr Raymond quite understands that in some instances tho applicants have no right to expect a response, but there are, howeverj cases where those cabled to might have responded more promptly, or cabled declining to remit. The sol- ' dier's furlough only takes place at rare intervals, and isr something to which he has been looking forward with a great longing. Therefore, if he plays tho game on furlough, he should not have his precious hours wastod by hanging on in expectation of that which is not forthcoming. Want a Truss? Let Loasby Pi you. Large assortment just landed. Why suffer? Come and "ask Loasby about it." Advice and medicine, Us 6d ; children, 2s. 1 Schedules of Malvern A. and P. Show On application to Secretary, Sheffield. Entries close on April 6th. 1 A Bazaar in support of the Presbyterian Church will be held in the Bruids' Hall, Lincoln, on March 21st, to be opened at 2.30 p.m. by the Hon. C. A. C. Hardy, M.L.C. 1 Bradbury's Glorious Sweet Peas. Now seeds now ready. Plant now to secure strong, long-iiowering plants in tho spring. A great variety in 3d and 6d packets. Catalogues frco. Hastie, Bull and Pickering, Cashel street, sole agents. g When you send a soldier a "Steffano Webb" portrait you are sure to please him, for it will be the best you can obtain. 252 High street. Tel. 1989. 1 Eye Strain.—Persistent headaches are in most eases the result of muscular eye strain. Have your eyesight scientifically tested by Walter J. Watson, D.8.0.A., London, of Watson's "Jewellers" Limited. Glasses are only recommended when absolutely necessary, and aro prepared in neat and becoming rimless designs. 6 The I 'Sturgia" Collapsiblo Push-car embodies all the latest features in baby carriages. Faces mother or father. Grey, Tan, or Black colours. Prices from £5 15s. Try "Draytons," 765 Colombo street. 6 Christchurch ladies are greatly pleased with tho quality of "No ltubbing" laundry help, "Golden Rule" soap, and "Golden Rule" candles. Wardell Bros, and Co. (j Akaroa, where sea-bathing by electric light, motor trips on its beautiful harbour brings rest and happiness to tired humanity. Two and a half hours' motoring from Christchurch. G General Carrying of all sorts undertaken by J. M. Keywood and Co., Ltd. Their plant of horses and vehicles is one of the largest in New Zealand. 6 FOR SALE—BUICK SIX-CYLINDER FIVE-SKATER. PRICE £330 NET CASH. Wo havo &>r immediate sale a Buick six-cylinder five-seater (1916 model). This car is in exceptionally good order, having recently been overhauled and repainted. Complete, with electric lamps, horn, and self-starter. Price for quick sale £350. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tuain street. 0