GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16407, 30 December 1918, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

All tho Canterbury rivers were reported clear on Saturday. The condition of the fireman from the Maori, who was admitted to tho Christ-church Hospital on Thursday suffering from meuiugitis, is reported to be about the same. Although the mouth of the Ashburton river has been in fairly good order, and the river clear, very tew fish have been taken during the holidays. Most of the time, however, a heavjr sea has been running. "While in town to-morrow morning Sir William Fraser, Minister of Public Works, will be waited upon by a deputation representing the Canterbury Automobile Association and certain local bodies interested in the erection of a traffic bridge over the river Selwyn. It is stated that only throe reservist defaulters from the Asnburton county were wanted during the past few months by the authorities. One of these gave himself up at Treutham during October, another was arrested by the Asliburton police last week, leaving one still to be accounted for. There commenced at the Trades Hall on Saturday afternoon a conference or delegates drawn from such centres as Buller, Grey, Wellington, Huntley, and Invercargill, with the object of forming a Marxian Association in New Zealand. It was explained to a representative of "The Press" that various classes of students of the philosophy of Karl Marx exist throughout the country, in many cases at mining centres. The object of the conference was to link them up as a political force, so that the position and attitude on the political field might be defined, and so that they might exert their influence over the industrial iife of the country. It was stated that the Socialist Party of Great Britain, who issued a paper called the "Standard," and the Socialist Party of Canada, who issue the "Clarion," are Marxists.

During <the past few day s a nightprowler has been making himself a nuisance in the Fendalton and Merivale districts. On two occasions ho has boldly visited houses, choosing a time when the male occupants were away, and has gone through the rooms picking up any portable goods that he fancied. The police do not consider that the man is a professional cracksman, as his methods are amateurish.

Among those who returned to New Zealand on duly furlough last week was Major Thomas Farr, JD.S.O.. M.C., of Waverlev, who left Xew Zealand with the Main Body as a second-lieutennnt in command of a section of tho Third Battel v. For distinguished service on Gallipoli lie was awarded the Military Cross, and, when tho re-organisation took place after the evacuation of the Peninsula, he was given command of the Thirteenth Battery. He wen his D.S.O. in tho taking of B.apaume. when his battery did excellent work. Major Farr is one of the very few Main Body officers who have boen through all tho campaigns without once having been evacuated from his unit for sickness, or on account of wounds.

Bathing facilities are being provided for the German internees now at Narrow Xcclc Caiop, on the shore of Rr.ngitoto Channel, Auckland Harbour. An arrangement in regard to the use of a small portion of the Narrow Neck ho.ich l>v the prisoners of war now interned there was reached nt a conference between the Defence officers and tho Mayor of Drjvonport (says tho "Herald"). It was agreed that tho prisoners be permitted to use a small unused portion of tho beach immediately below the camp, between tho hours of 6.30 a.m. and 8 a.m. only. It was stated that a guard may be easily maintained, and that the public will be in no way deprived of the uso of tho main beach.

The namo and fame of the Port HillsAkaroa Summit road, and the attractions it offers to tourists, is to bo made known to prospective visitors from Australia to .Christchurch. Recently an at- i tractive booklet, descriptive of the road, was printed by the Christchurch Press Company, and copies were forwarded to the head office of the Tourist Department by Mr H. G. Ell, M.P. The general manager of the Department, Mr B. M. Wilson, was so impressed with* the booklet that he has given instructions for copies to be sent to tho agencies of tho Department in the Commonwealth for distribution to intending visitors to the Dominion.

Tho first section of the Port HillsAkaroa Summit road, from the tramway terminus on the Cashmere Hills to Kennedy's Bush, is now open for motor and other vehicular traffic. Mr H. G. EH, M.P., states that early in the New Year a regular coach service will bo instituted from tho heart of the city to Kennedy's Bush. A four-in-hand, drawn by fotir grey horses, is to be employed, and there is every likelihood of the service proving highly successful. Mr Ell has not lost sight of his original idea of running an old-time English coach between tho city and Kennedy's Busli, and hopes to eeo it realised before very long.

Tho secretary of the Drivers' Union, Mr H. Hunter, wrote to tho Town Clerk on the 13th inst. pointing out that most of tho drivers in this district were entitled to a holiday on January 2nd under the award. He said that lie recognised that under the City Council drivers' award, which was a separate agreement, tho holiday was not recognised, but pointed out that this had not been reviewed since 1909, when it was made. As January 2nd was now more generally observed than it was then, ho thought that the City ' Council drivers were entitled to this holiday, in common with other The Town Clerk has replied that he is instructed by the chairman of the Works Committee to inform Mr Hunter that as the general labourers will bo working on. tho dnv in question, the drivers also will bo required, and tho request cannot therefore be complied with. Writing to a Wellington friend, Mr Hugh J. Wardj a director of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., says: "You have liad'-'a terrible time in New Zealand. At present we are making a great battle to keep it out of this country— if they succeed it will be a great achievement. It will be a long time before we really know if they have been succossful. If it breaks through there is only ,one thing to do, that is, to be real citizens and close up every place in which crowds congest. 1 know, for my own part, I will be the first if necessary to suggest this being done. I thinli the war has taught us much. Philosophy and decency or intention regarding others is the lesson, I am sure, many of us have learned, and all businesses should recognise this and cheerfully lose, if they can save one person being infected with this terrible disease."

A victorv thanksgiving service was held in the Beach Church (Anglican), Kcw Brighton, yesterday. Tho morning service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. H. H. Mathias, the church being tastefully decorated with flowers and bunting in appropriate colouring. There was a large attendance, amongst those present being the Mayor, Mr F. Kibblewhite, and members of tho Borough Council, Mr F. Christian (.chairman) and members of the School Committee. The local senior Cadet Company under Lieuts. A. P. Hopkins and I'. Goe, paraded at 10.30, and headed by tho New Brighton Marine Band, inarched to tho church and. took part m the service. The vicar gave a stirring and interesting address. The collection, in aid of the Church Army work, realised upwards of £6. For the evening service the preacher was the liight Rev. Bishop Julius, and the congregation was a large one.

In the course of his speech of welcome at Auckland to Lieutenant Bassett, V.C., who returned on ChristmasEve, the Hon. A. M. Myers stated that New Zealand had won no fewer than 15 Victoria Crosses, of which four had been gained by soldiers of the Auckland 1 Military District, seven by Wellington, and two each by Canterbury and Otago. 'I he King had referred to_ the fact that the greatest number of Victoria Crosses in proportion to tho number of troops had been by Australia and New Zealand. Their hero guest was one of the men who had distinguished t themselves among all tho heroes who had taken part in that campaign. Lieutenant Bassett had won that which was priceless. Tho president of tlie Auckland Grammar School Old Boys'.Association, in presenting Lieutenant Bnssett with a handsome illuminated l address on behalf of the old bovs of the school, referred to the fact that 1500 old boys of the Grammar School had taken part in tho war, and of this total many had fought at Gallipoli.

Goat keeping for milking purposes deserves far more attention jn New Zealand than it is at present receiving (states tho "Journal of Agriculture"}. "We liave only to look round and see the large number of unoccupied or partly-occupied sections, and patches of rough, hilly ground growing nothing but scrub and weeds adjacent to many workers 1 homes, to recognise that there is a splondid opening for people with limited capital to bring these into profitable use with much benefit to themselves and good results to the land. Thousands of acres at present lying idle in small patches all ovor- the country could be leased at a mere nominal rent, or even secured rent-free in return for keeping down the weeds. Again, many home sections in our outer suburban districts are large enough to run a milkinggoat; tethering can be largely practised in such situations. Goats as a means for supplying the home with a pure, wholesome milk up to three or four quarts a day, according to the breed, have, indeed, been woefully neglected . in New Zealand, the "Journal" holds, "especially when we see whnt beneficial advances have beon made in that respect all over tne world. This apathy is probably largelv due to the fact that animals of good milking-strains have not been imported."

The Hon. W. H. Herries stated at Auckland yesterday that it had been possible to "run extra race and Christmas trains by doing away with goods traffic, but until the return of the men from the front and unless the coal position improved, it would not possiblo to augment tlie present ordinary railway services.

Yesterday afternoon a collision occurred between a taxi-cab and a motorcyclo at the intersection of High, Madras, and St. Asaph streets. Both men were on their correct side, but in trying to avoid a horse and cart the motor-cyclist swerved over and the cab struck him, lucidly inflicting no serious damage to man or machine.

Disporting on the 6ands and in the surf at New Brighton is a popular pastime during the summer season, and or* Anniversary Day this seaside resort of Christchurch had its share of visitors, whose joyousness supplies a happy scries of illustrations that form an attractive section of the "Weekly Press'' coming out this week. G. B. Lancaster is credited with the observation that ''England, England, has suddeuiy and utterly accepted that which she has strenuously denied all her days—the right of women to work on the same plane as men. without losing caste." How the women in their war work hi\vc assisted in bringing about this change may be surmised by a perusal of the many pictures published in the "Weekly Press," and supplemented by a set this week of the women workers on the railways of the Old Country. An up-to-date collection deals with the visit of King George to France, when he inspected tho lumbermen at their work, decorated a boy V.C., knighted General Monasli of the Australian Brigade, and received distinguished French soldiers.

In war the Germans have shown that they are utterly without scruple; even in reace it would seom they have done serious mischief in Australia. 1o the Germans (says an Australian exchange) is attributed the presence of the arch enemy of the landholder, the stinkwort. It is not generally known that this noxious weed was first planted by Germans at Bright, according to official records, for alleged medicinal purposes. Dysentery was the only stated ailment upon which the wort was supposed to have a curative effect. But records disclose no cure of any kind. On the _ other hand, the weed has become an intolerable nuisance and a growing menace. It has crept over what were previously choice pastoral and agricultural areas, has stunted natural growths, and reduced the potentialities of the country in a marked degree. It has laid the foundation to bad temper and bad crops, and now so serious _ have _ its ravages become that a prominent institution loaning money on landed assets has closed its doors to applicants where lands may be affected by the pest. Surely the Government should sneed on measures to minimise this threatened national danger.

The statement was made before the Official Assignee at Auckland last weeir •by Ernest Leon Sturmfels, optician, that the fact that he had a German name was the principal cause of his present financial position. Since the ' beginning of the war he had had to put up with considerable annoyance and trouble on that account. He had documentary evidence that he was purely French, having been born in lloubaix, on January 31st, 1874. His father and his grhndfather were born in Paris, and his great-grandfather was brought to France when he was two years of age from the eastern bank of the Rhine. His mother was a Matliieu, and descended from one of the oldest French Huguenot families in Southern France. When he started business on February 20th, 1914, he was personally in debt to the extent, of £130 or £140. The business was in debt to about £100. The Matter sum was paid off during the first six months. Business decreased after the war started. In June, 1915, he underwent a serious operation, and his wife had suffered considerable illness. The influenza epidemic had seriously affected business. His present position was duo to his name, illness among the members of his family, and the epidemic.

Superior perfumery at Loasby's make splendid Xmcs gifts. Atkinson and Yardley's perfumes in cut glass bottles and presentation caskets. Old English Lavender Water and Eau de Cologne. Best English and French hair brushes for ladies and gentlemen, and manicure sets in unexcelled variety and value at Loasby's, Chemists. 1

The display of Engagement Rings that we are making is easily one of the very best ever seen in the Cathedral city. The designs aro in all cases most original and artistic, exquisite gems are set in flawless gold, and in every particular these rings cannot fail to give the utmost satisfaction. Watson's, "Jewellers," Limited, 695 Colombo street, Christchurch. 2

Colonial Travelling Rugs, in nice, soft fawns and greys, beautiful patterns, 29s 6d, 425, 555, 755, 84s, at Armstrong's, Ltd. 1

To herald "Peace Year." Although Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering have had a "bumper" Christmas, many charming "quality goods" remain suitable for New Year greetings betwixt friend and friend. 1

Royal Doulton "Ware just arrived. Have first choice for Christmas. Plaques 4s 6d, jugs 4s 6d, teapots, salads in Dickens, Shakespeare, coach scenes, etc., on view at Drayton's, 765 Colomoo street. 6

New Stock.—Ladies' Silk Ankle Hose in black, white, putty, champagne, Copenhagen, mole, tan, navy, and greye. Special value, 4s lid pair. Armstrong's, Ltd. 2

Nowadays a sovereign doesn't go far, tend one is set a rare task in choosing Chri6tmac gifts. Dainty perfumes, soaps, bath salts, and face powders make pleasing and inexpensive gifts. See our stocks. E. Cameron Smith, Chemist, 96 Worcester Btreet (just off Square). 55464-513 The more you us© "No Rubbing" Laundry Help the better you like it. Is packet sufficient for seven weekly family washings. N.Z. Farmers' Coop. 1 Boys' Holiday Suits, tweed and washing, cheapest at Armstrong's. 3 WANTED TO BUY—SECOND-HAND TRIUMPH MOTOR-CYCLES. We are prepared to take second-hand Triumph Motor-cycles in part payment for the latest Military Model Triumph, 8.5.A., or Excelsior. We are booking orders for February delivery of the new model Triumph (4 h.p. motor-car gear box) at £125, with lamp and horn. Adams, Ltd., High street. 6 WANTED TO BUY—SECOND-HAND B.S.A. MOTOR-CYCLES. Second-hand B.S.A. Motor-cycles will be taken in part payment for the latest model Triumph, 8.5.A., or Excelsior. We can give immediate delivery of tho new B.S.A. (4i h.p, motor-car gear box, with strengthened rear construction), price £110, with lamp and horn. Adams, Ltd., High street. 6 WANTED TO BUY—SECOND-HAND EXCELSIOR MOTOR-CYCLES. We will give good prices for secondhand Excelsior Motor-cycles taken in part payment for the latest model Triumph, 8.5.A., or Excelsior. We can give immediate delivery of the new Military Model Excelsior (7-9 h.p. kushion sprocket drive, motor-car gear box, chain on correct side for side-car service). Price, £110, with lamp and horn, idams. Ltd., High street. 6