GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16210, 13 May 1918, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

A Class C Second Division reservist was the only man who enlisted at the Christchurch Recruiting Oliicc on Saturday.

A messago from Suva, states that a fifth contingent of Europeans from Fiji has been acccpted by the Imperial Government. It will be privately equipped ana transported.

In our obituary column yesterday we recorded the deaths of four old identities, whoso combined ages totalled 340 years, an average of- 8o years (says Thursday's Invercargill "News.") This proves that tho climate of Southland is conductive to longevity, and will compare favourably with any other part of tho world. Within the last few months the deaths have been recorded in Invercargill of four persons over the ago of 90 years.

A most amusing incident was reiatcd bv Colonel McDonald in giving evidence before the Defence Commission at Wellington last week. A month after tho Wanganui murderer, Benuiei\ Avas executed, the Director of Personal Services and the Director ot Recruiting were much exercised as to what had become of him as a reservist. It took much correspondence before it was officially decided that the man could be finally filed as really "deceased."

The deer-stalkers who have been shooting in and around Omarama for some timo are now returning, and on the whole seem to have been very successful (says Saturday's "Otago Daily Times"). Messrs A. Scoullar, J. Hedlev, and Dr. McKillop brought in sonio fine heads, Mr Scoullar's 16-pointcr being a very line specimen. Mr J. McNair, at Birchwood, secured a 13pointer with good timber and a very large spread. Tho stalkers ' report that royals were plentiful, but that larger lieads were fairly scarce.

Dr C. J. Beakes, director of tho live stock division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr Collins, an officer cf tho Department, and Mr S. Spragg, chief of the "Hansard" staff, had an exciting experience while motoring from llotorua to tho Bay of Plenty on Wednesday. Their Car collided with another at a sharp corner when going round Lalio llotorua. Tho collision damaged tho steering gear, which was repaired temporarily. Later, while tho car was running down tho llotorua Hill, the steering gear failod, and the car ran over a bank, but was caught in some trees, which prevented a fall of hundreds of feet. Tho occupants escaped unhurt, and wero takon to Whakatano in another car.

A long list of articles that are prohibited imports into the United Kingdom is issued by the General Post Office. It includes sugar and butter, but gift parcels of sugar forwarded by parcel post to members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force are permitted, but must be .«mall. CaKes containing sugar may be consigned to the New Zealand War Contingent Association, London, for distribution +o hospital patients. But any prohibition named in the list is not held to r.pply to postal packets (including parcels) addressed to members of New Zealand Expeditionary Forces on active service, except in so far as the New Zealand Postal regulations operate to prevent it. Matches and cartridges arc forbidden to bo sent through the post under any circumstances.

About one hundred and fifty convalescent soldiers arrived in Christchurch yesterday morning, these being the South Island members of tho big draft which arrived in Auckland lecently. There was a fair-sized crowd of relatives and friends at Lyttelton to receive the men, who were welcomed with a hearty cheer. Another crowd gathered on the Christchurch railway station platform. The Mayor (Mr ]}. Holland) was among those preset and although there was no opportunity of speech-making when the men arrived, Mr Holland previously made a few remarks to those waiting, bespeaking for the boys a good rousing reception. The members of the Canterbury Automobile Association were in evidence as risual with their cars, over sixty being supplied to take the Christchurch .nen to their destination without delay. The men for the south will leave by tram to-day.

''It strikes me as most remarkable that responsible politicians and officials in the Department of Education should be found in New Zealand who would say that every boy or girl in tho Dominion should be compelled to go to schools that are practically under Ministerial control," was a statement made by Dr. Marshall, headmaster of the AVanganui College, in the course of an address last week at the annual speech dav of the Auckland Diocesan High School for Girls. Dr. Marshall said the answer to that from the people of New Zealand was remarkable, for these schools, which were known as denominational, were becoming more and more numerous, and showed that there was a very large number of people in this country who were content to pay the tax for general education, but. in'addition, were willing to go to some sacrifice to provide for the special need of those whose education was dear to them. When one remembered the numbers of these schools which had been established it would be realised that tho people of the country had ideals that were very near to * their hearts. The desire of people to have their children brought up in their own faith and ideals was very great in this country.

A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced in Dunedin at 2.40 op Saturdav afternoon.

Mr John Grigg, of Longbeach, has given the stake won bv Gav Lad at the Ashburton races on Thursdav to the Ashburton and Tiuwald Red Cross Societies, the amount being divided equally between them.

The First Canterbury Military Service Board will sit in Christchurch next Thursday, at Rangiora on Friday, and at Darfield on Saturday. The Second Canterbury Board will sit i n Christchurch from Tuesday, 21st inst. till Friday, 24th inst.

The C'.D.C. have received advice from the Director of Recruiting that members of the New Zealand Tank C.ttalion will comprise infantrymen trained in camp in the ordinary way. They will he transferred for service with* tho "Tank'.v if suitable, on arrival in England. No guarantee can therefore be given that any particular man will be posted to this duty.

"This man is evidently a German " said -Mr W. G ; K. Kenrick, S.M., at on Wednesday, referring' to the derendant in a maintenance case who had permitted his payments to get into arrear. 'He forgets'that this sort of thing would not bo allowe't in Germany for two seconds. When these Gernii>ns come out here they are very respectful at first—they take off their hats to you. But when they have been here six months they swear at you." Counsel for defendant was asked to inform his client that he was liable to a term of imprisonment.

Striking evidence of the reduced purchasing power ol' money is provided by tlie Government Statistician in his monthly abstract. Wellington still holds the unenviable distietion of being the dearest of the New Zealand cities. According to the statistics the purchasing power of the sovereign showed a further decline in the March quarter of tho current year. If ihe average purchasing power of a sovereign expended on foodstuffs in the period 1909-13 is taken as representing '20s, the average worth of the sovereign in March 1918, for the four cities, was 13s ll£d. The four cities compare as follows: —Auckland, 23s 7d : Wellington, 29s 3}d; Christchurch, l?7s OJd; Dunedin, 28s ojd; in the cost of goods which could bo bought in 1909-13 for £1.

Recently Mrs Davey, the widow of a discharged soldier who held a run on the Benmore Estate, applied to t.lic Otago Land Hoard for an advanco to enable her to carry on the w-ork of the farm. There is no provision in the Act. however, for advances to the relatives of deceased soldiers, and the Board, though viewing the application sympathetically, could not comply with it. The case was accordingly brought under the notice of the Government, which has decided to make to Mrs Davey the advance she desires, and an item will be placcd on the Estimates next session to meet the liability. Tho "Otago Daily Times" understands that, in conformity with this action, 6teps will be taken by the Government to prepare regulations to enable advances-to be made in similar cases in tho future.

"No greater mischief is done at tho present time than that which arises from tho apparently general feeling that work is a thing to be avoided,'' said Dr. Marshall, headmaster of tho Wanganui College, at a prize-giving ceremony at the Diocesan High School for Girls at Auckland last week. "I. believe this is the cause of all the industrial unrest we have at the present time. This is a period when tho future of our nation is at stake, when tlie energies and industry of everyone in the community are required in a greater and more exacting degree than in tho past. It is for everyone to gird himself for the struggle which will come in the near future in the race for industrial efficiency. It seems that an individual can do a very small amount to promote great national interests, but tho nation is made up of individuals, and unless the individual performs his duty, and does his work honestly, then the nation must fail in the great struggle which lies before it."

The, quarterly mooting of the Public Service Superannuation Board was held at. Wellington on Thursday. Eleven contributors retired under Section 35 of tho Act, by reason of ago or length of tK>rvice, wore granted allowances totalling £1789 17s per annum, and eight contributors, retired as medically unfit for duty, were granted annual allowances aggregating £"809 9s. Eighteen widows and thirteen children wero granted the statutory allowances, amounting to £493 per annum. The Board declined to grant a retiring allowance to ono contributor whom it was sought to have retired as medically unfit. Of three contributors medically reexamined, it was resolved to continue the allowances in two cascti, and in tho other ease tho Board resolved to ask tho Public Service Commissioner to find suitable employment for the contributor. In consequonce of retirements under Section .35 of tho Act, accrued compensation to the amount of £5182 8s 10di became a liability of the Superannuation Fund and a corresponding relief to the Consolidated Fund.

The attention of the Auckland executive of the Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association, at last week's meeting, was directed by the Grey Patriotic Society to the growing tendency to abuso the privilege all patriotic societies now received from tho Postal, Department in regard to the transmission of telegrams. It was stated that many societies did their business entirel}* by means of telegram when letters only were necessary. Others, again, made all their messages "urgent" when there was no urgency in the case. The most constant abuse was the want of brevity in telegraphed messages. Case after case could be pointed out where good-sized letters were sent by telegram when a dozon words would have sufficed, and where the sender added his name in full, position, and the full title of the society he represented. This portion of the telegram, instead of consisting of from one to three words, sometimes ran from seven to ten words. The reason for bringing the matter forward was that it was felt that the continuance of this abuso would be the means of stopping the privilege, and would entail a large outlay for telegrams each year. The chairman (Mr J. 11. Gunson) stated that it was quite time some action was taken in this matter, and the abuso stopped as far as possible, otherwise the privilege would be withdrawn.

Joseph Thomas Christie, the young man who escaped from the Avondalo Mental Hospital last Saturday week, despite the careful watch kept over him on account of his earlier achievements in that line, was recaptured at Papakura about 8.30 on Wednesday morning, and returned to the Mental Hospital about midday. Constable Johnstone, of Papakura, was rung no at breakfast time by a resident who 'stated that ho had seen a suspicious-looking man in B?ach road, outside the ship. The constable went out i n search, and soon found Christie walking along the road. Christie made no attempt to get away, and when questioned at first said that ho wins a returned soldier on his way to work on a farm. On the constable declining to believe this, he admitted his identity, and the two went back to the police station. Christie, who was in good spirits, though very footsore, was wearing the clothes in which ho escaped —faded dungaree trousers, a grey jacket, and a white sweater—but had changed his tweed hat for a cap. He carried a mackintoshcoat and a billy. In conversation he told the constable that he had steered clear of town since his escape, and had spent most of his time walking across country and along by-roads. "He said that ho had slept under trees at night's, and that a man in a camp had given him some food. "I didn't steal any bikes this time," he said with somepride. "I wanted to show them I could be at large without doing that."

The members of the Board of Trade leave Dunedin to-day for Christchurch, where they will spend one day prior to leaving for Wellington.

The following cable message has been sent -to Mr Llovd Georgo by the members of tho Wellington Patriotic Society: —"Wo strongly support every word of the message sent you by the Woolwich workers."

"It seems to me," said Mr W. T. Young, denouncing War Regulations in the office of the Minister ot Justice at Wellington on Saturday, "that a man can't go to sleep and dream without a risk o7 waking uj> in tho arms of si policeman.'' "I have not had such a caue brought beforo me," replied tho Minister, to the amusement of a deputation present.

Five more pupils of tho Canterbury (N.Z.) Aviation School passed their tests yesterday morning in excellent style, the whole of tho test only taking one hour and three-quar-ters, which is considered to bo exceptionally good. The names of the men who got their tickets were: 11. H. D. Hall (Christchurch), M. A. Manhire (Christchurch), 0. L. A. Edie (Arrowtown). C. 1). Handlev (Wnitotara). and F. J. A. Fulton (Wellington) The examining oflicers were Colonel R. A. Chaffey and Captain Robertson.

On Saturday evening residents dependent on the municipal gas supply at Sumner for lighting wore in a sorry plight. In some parts of the borough tho giis failed completely, while in other parts the light- was so dim as to be useless. Tho tradespeople suffered great inconvenience, the shops being lit hurricane lamps and candles. Those relying on the gas for cooking purposes were seriously inconvenienced. Later on in the evening tho lighting improved slightly. Last night the defect had been remedied, and usual conditions prevailed.

Solid evidence of Wellington's soundness is in the ability of the municipality to well maintain and extend publie services without raising loans. The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke, C.M.G.) remarked on Friday that lie well knew the argument of some critics that certain works should be charged to capital (by way of loan) instead of to revenue (mainly rates), but he believed that the public generally favoured the policy which had been carried on since he took olßce as Mayor, five years ago. Tho city had managed to meet the public needs satisfactorily without borrowing. The ratepayers deserved credit and compliment by their reasonableness in permitting the working of a progressive policy on revenue instead of loans.

Tho Grcymouth "Star'' says: — Messrs Woods Bros, have sold their i'urin at Rotomanu to Mr Palmer, of lkamatua. The price is said to bo £6000, including stock. Seventeen years ago this property changed hands tor £100, sold by Mr T. Jackson, to Mrs >S. Cunningham, and later, about six years ago, changed hands and became tho property of Woods Bros, for £4500, and the rise of value is solely from the fact that the production of tho soil has proved .its value. Going hack 2'.i years in connexion with Rotomanu land, at that <lato tho whole of the flat was purchased by the New Zealand Government from C. Clarke, of Christchureh, at 25s per acre. This indeed shows how little was known of tho West Coast lands at that time, and now wo are only on the edge of the possibilities of the future.

Instances of unnaturaliscd aliens being allowed to continue in business whilst married New Zealandcrs had to close their businesses and go into camp were quoted at Thursday night's meeting of the Auckland Second Division League's executive. One case citcd was that in which a tradesman in a country town had been balloted for service, and an unnaturaliscd German in the same line of business on tho opposite side of the road had been allowed to proceed undisturbed. The question of Chinese and others who were continuing in their businesses while British subjects in the same line had been compelled to enlist was also referred to. The Northern Wairoa branch forwarded a remit, which is to be sent to the forthcoming conference, deploring '"the inactivity of tho Government in respect to the alien question,'' and demanding that immediate action bo iaken to enforce upon aliens in New Zealand equality of sacrifice.

The latest issue of the ""Waitakian," the magazine of the Waitaki Boys'

•i 'h School, is quite lip to the usual high standard, which for many years has made the "Waitakian" one of tho brightest and best school journals 'n the Dominion. It is compiled in Ihe usual attractive style as regards both appearance and contents. School news, of course, takes up a great amount of the space, and the various incidents in the athletic, scholastic mid social sides of life at Waitaki are fully recorded. One cannot but feel sad at the several pages devoted to old boys who have fallen at the front and their nhotographs, but a 1 brighter touch is lent by the following page or two which tell of honours conferred for distinguished service. Altogether the magazine forms an interesting record of the doings of present and old boys, and should prove especially interesting to those who are far away from their Alma Mater doing service for their country, add the honour of the old school.

A witness in a ease before the Military fckjrvico Board at Auckland on 'I'lmrsdny, who has been employed as a farmer lor a numberof years, was asked by Major Conlan, military representative, whether he would bo willing to tako over tho lease of the farm from his employer, a single man, who had been called lip. The witness, who is in Class 13 of tho Second Division, and who recently received a legacy of £1500, stated that if ho was classed C 2 ho intended to buy a farm of his own, and ho would not think of taking over appellant's farm. Major Conlan stated any man classified C 2 was liable to bo called up and sent to camp to do homo service at soldier's pay. The only reason why reservists classed C*2 were not thus dealt with was because there was no work for them to do. It was open to him to recommend that any rejected reservist should be ordered to do home service, and, in view of the disinclination of witness to assist so as to release a single fit man for active service, lio would, if witness were rejected, consider making an application to have him sent to camp to work at os a day.

Ninety-nine out of every hundred school magazines commence their numbers with an editorial relative to life in the school, and it comes as somewiiai of a surprise therefore to open the latest volume of the "AVaitakian" and find that it opens with an able article by one of its youthful editors on ''America's Participation in the Grcm "War." The writer excuses his action —though no excuse is necessary—as follows: "It may seem strange that, in a school magazine, such a subject shouid appear to be under discussion. But, although it mav seem presumptuous on our part to endeavour to discuss the matter, we think that it is the duty of everv school-hoy to keep abreast of eurjent international affairs. Indeed, it must be strongly emphasised, that no secondary education can be considered to be complete which does not accomplish this end. Tho desired result mar be obtained by enforcing the writing of essays find the holding of debates on suitable subjects, or else bv enlisting the services of someone qualified to speak on international matters to lecture the boys. At present we are merely uuits in a school, playing our games and working as best we can for the honour and glory of the school. Soon, however, we shall be all citizens of the British Empire, each one of us wielding a certain amount of influence on those who come in contact with us. That being the case, it behoves us now to try to get a K r 'P those matters which we must face later in life. Und?r theso circumstances, an editorial on international affairs is not at all out of place in a school magazine.'*

An election to fill an extraordinary vacancy in tho Christchurch City Council will bo held on Thursday, 30th inst. Nominations close on Thursday, 23rd inst.

Giving evidence before tho_ Defence expenditure Commission at Wellington on Fridav, the Commandant (MajorGeneral Sir Alfred Robin) gave tho following figures to show tho increase in the cost of defence in New Zealand since the "war started: —For year endejl March 31st, 1914, £51S,vo(>; 1915, £2,635,19?: 191(5, £6,38-1,744; 1917, £14.742,302; 191S, £15,130.558.

The week-end sale of homc-mado food supplies was in charge of_ the City Branch of the National Reserve, and resulted in £54 being added to tho funds. Competitions were won by tho following:—Ham, Miss Way; vase. Mr Bowron; pictures, first prizo Mr Chvrkson, second prize W. P. Anderson, third prize Mrs Yernon, fourth prizo Mrs C. Hawkins, fifth prizo Miss Maekay. sixth prize Miss Ross.

The Waitaki Roys' High School ii.is a splendid record as far as its old boys on service are eonccrned. Altogether (351 old boys have joined the colours, of whom Do have given their lives, and 151 have been wounded. Among the many distinctions gained are one Y.C., two D.S.O.'s. '21 M.C.'s, 11 M.M.'s, 1 D.C.M., and 3 foreign decorations, while 24 old boys have been mentioned iu despatches.

During the examination of General Sir A. W. Robin bv the Defence Expenditure Commission on Friday, the chairman (Sir Robert Anderson) emphasised the desirability of former ofii-c-crs of the Public Service who had "'done their bit" at the front returning to their civilian occupation as soon as possible. If they hung on to the military service there was a chance ot their being "left" on the termination of tho war. General llobin quite concurred with this idoa, and explained that no obstacle would be placed in the way of public ollicers returning u> their previous positions.

One of tho strango meetings which tho war has brought about took place recently in Franco (says the "New Zealand Herald.") An Auckland boy, who is a gunner in a New Zealand batteiy, was struck in the thigh by a machinegun bullot, whuich reinaiued embedded in tho flesh. By chance he was sent to a Canadian field hospital. An X-ray examination was ncccssary to locnto tho bullet, and when the gunner was on the table tho operator, having noticed his name on tho list, astounded him by remarking in a long slow drawl, "Ever been to ." mentioning a Maori place name? '"I was boni there," Said the gunner. "Well, I guess we're cousins," said the Canadian, and cousins they proved to be. Tho New Zealander's branch of the family came here over fifty years ago, and ho know as little about his Canadian relations as the Canadian knew about his. But it was left to tho wheel of chance to bring the two men together in tho Xray room of a field hospital in Franco.

All kinds of trusses at Loasby's. Stocks getting short, and no supplies arriving. Purchase now. Loasby. 2

Once a year at least, say on your birthday, you should be photographed at Steffauo Webb's, Petersen's Buildings, High street. Telephone 1989. 4

The clothing values at Armstrong's are remarkable: Men's tweed suits 29s (id, 35s (id, 39s (id; beautifully made boxed suits 455, 52s Gd, ol\s 6d; tweetl trousers 8s lid, 10s 9d, 12s 6d : extraordinary quality, in saddle tweeds, 12s 9d, 14s Vd, 15a 9d; buckskin 8s lid, 10s 9d. 1

Christchurch ladies arc greatly pleased with the quality of "No Rubbing" laundry help, "Golden Rule'' soap, and "Golden Rule" candles. Wardoll Bros, and Co. "Bijj Bon" still procurable. In spito of difficulty in shipping, Messrs Hastie, Hull, and Pickering, have secured a limited supply of "Big Ben" and "Slecpmeter' Clocks, which aro on sale at their C'ashol street warehouse*. i!O7

Autumn Weddings.—Wi> have a specially line collection of suitable Gifts just now. You have a pressing invitation ab all times to our showrooms, where variety and value reign supreme. Ashliy, Bargh and Co., Ltd., High street. j-

Some surprising values in Velveteens arc now showing at Armstrong's. Fast dye heavy pile-coloured velveteens 2s Gd yard, extra quality cord velveteens, real bargains, nt 2s fid yard: black velveteens from 2s <3d yard, at Armstrong's. 2

Oculists' Prescriptions.—Having our own machinery and a largo stock t»f lenses and spectacle fittings, you can snfely trust yoitr proscription work to us. Charges moderate. Repairs to frames and broken lenses matched Walter J. Watson, D.8.0.A., London, Optical Specialist, 695 Colombo street. 1 THREE SECOND-HAND CAE BARGAINS. Now on viow.—Three five-seator touring cars, each newly pain tod in up-to-date stylo, and comploto with road equipment:—Darracq (French), £125; Regal, £145; Biddcly-Deasy (British), £250. All in running order., Adams, Ltd., Garage, Tuam stroot. 6