GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16508, 28 April 1919, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

The annual general meeting of the Christchurch "Returned Soldiers' Association will bo held in the King's Theatre to-night. The conclusion of the "Barracks" which is being held at Christ's College takes place to-morrow, when a display, somewhat on rho lines of the display last year, wT'I oe given. The function will commence at 3 p.m., and a largo gathering of parents and friends is expected to asscmblo at the College. Entries for the Canterbury Horticultural Society's Chrysanthemum Show close this evening, at 8 o'clock, at tho Society's office, 16u Manchester street. The office will be open from 3 to 5 and fi.3o to 8 to receive entries. The show, which will take place in the Art Gallery on Thursday and Friday, promises to )> > a very successful one. .Record entries have been received for tho ninth annual competitions of the Christchurch Literary and Musical Competitions' Society, the total being over IcOO, as against 1390 last year. The competitions will be opened on Thursday in the Theatre Royal, and judging will be continued for a fortnight. The vocal and instrumental judge is Mr H. Gregson, of Auckland, and the judge of elocution will lie Mr J. H. Hopkins, of Melbourne, if he can get across from Australia; if ho cannot, it is probable that Mr >S. H. Os- I bourne, of Dunedin, will officiate.

Tho Minister cf Defence has be?n for some time preparing a handbook or "Guide," as it will be called, for returning soldiers. It is a fair-sized booklet, and 011 the cover is an advice to tho recipient to keep it, for the reason that it inny be useful for some time to rfliii'.'. In tho book are set out all tho rights and privileges ef a discharged soldier. There is a. surprising number of them, and very many of them are known to but lev,- among the soldiers. The book will 1)3 issued shortly. It is at present being held back until information can be furnished about the gratuities scheme yet to be adopted l>y the Government.

"The New Zealanders are champion horsemen," said Lieutenant-Colonel G. C. Powlos, C.M.G., D.h.0., speaking in the Town Hall at Wellington on Friday night. "They said during tho South African war that tho colonial could ride, but that he was no horse master. I can tell von that the colonial is tho finest horseman in the world. We had English yeomanry, French and Indian cavaliy in tho Sinai-Palestine campaign, but nr.no of them could last out the way the Australians and New Zealand b:),vs did. There is no doubt that we did look after our horses better than any of them, and that is what carried us'through. We were never out of tho firing line.'' Earlier in his address C'alonel Powles said the Anzac Mounted Division was only enabled to do what it did in Palestine and across the Jordan Valley by what the _ men discovered in the deserts of Sinai. It was there they learned tho secret of tho desert —how to look after their horses.

In a letter received in "Wellington I from a member of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles in Egypt is contained; the news that of the number left there 100 have elected to take their discharge in England. That means that when they wish ultimately to return homo to New Zealand they will have to pay their own faros. There is, so tho letter infers, discontent among tho men at this hardship, for they ai gue that by taking tjieir discharge in England they save the New Zealand Government at least a month's pay as well as other expense (including that of the long voyage !•> Now Zealand). They are therefore wrotli that they should "no asked to pay their fares from England to Now Zealand, and intended on their arrival in England to deputationise tho Prime Miniater. and Sir Joseph Ward on the subject. Thev consider a trip to "Blisrhtv" little enough reward for what they have gone through during the past two years.

Wo tic at the Christchurch Repatria- ' tion Office was somewhat disorganised ■ last week by the holidays, but, neveri theless, a good number of soldiers were assisted to resume civil employment. On Thursday there were 25 men placed in employment, and on an averago there are now being placed eight to ten men daily. Most of tho work found is of a temporary nature, and 'tho men filling these vacancies are being retained on the books as unemployed. Consequently, on tho official reports, this makes the number of unemployed look bigger than is really the case, and of the 160 reported as "unemployed" at the last meeting of the Board there were probably not actually more than 100 out of work. Tho majority of the applicants prefer outside work of a light nature, and the office has a difficulty in finding adequate channels of employment for work of this description. Men At to return to their pre-war trades, as well as men fit for general labouring or farm work are easily placed. In fact, for farm work the Repatriation Office can immediately place as many returned soldiers as.will apply for work.

In proposing the toast of "The Expeditionary Forces" at the Union Rowing Club's annual smoke concert on Saturday night, Mr G. Mason, in suitable words, wolcomed back members of the club who had been to tho war, and made feeling reference to the thirteen members of tho club who had died in their country's service. Speaking with_ regard to the returned men, he said if the war had done no other good it had done an enormous amount in killing class prejudice. In the tronches clerks and labourers, toilers and employers, had gathered together in the common cause, and the finost friendships had been formed among them. Mistaken ideas of class distinction and prejudice so long nourished at Home, had been swept away in the brotherhood of the firing line, and the soldiers came back with broader outlooks and better education than what they would ever have received had they remained at home in their peaceful occupations. And because of their broadened minds and better education, the men who come back have a duty devolving on them—the duty of helping to clear away the class differences- that still exist in their home country. The speaker's remarks met with general approval.

The seriousness of the position which has arisen over the discontinuance of work by the Green Island miners appears to l>e hardly appreciated by the public of Dunedin (says Saturday's "Otago Daily Times"). The Green Island collieries turn out about 1200 tons of coal a week, and as the mines have not boen worked now for three weeks there has been a falling off of some 3600 tons in the supply of coal to Dunodin and suburbs. The result is that users of Green Island coal have been forced to purchaso other coals, and at the present time there is a growing scarcity of supplies. The position" moreover, has been accentuated by the flooding for two or throe days of the railway line which taps the Kaitangata mine. The Green Island miners are still out on strike, and there is nothing to indicate when they will resume work. It is not denied that the men broke tho agreement under which they were employed when they stopped work three weeks ago, but it is pointed out by them that the employees of the Itoslyn Mills also broke tneir agreement when they left their work. In the last»named case, however, the representatives of the employers and employees met in conference, an amicable agreement was come to, the men returned to their employment, and everything is again working smoothly, and no bitterness remains 03 a result of the dispute. On the other hand, the proprietors of the Gre9n Island collieries have up till now refused to meet the men in conference. It is an element in the case that both] the owners and tho miners owe a duty to the general public, and this more! especially in the strenuous times in which we ore now living. I

At Auckland on Saturday two young Chinese were charged at the Police Court with having entered Zealand without having paid the poll.tax or passed the education test. They were remanded till Friday, without bail the Chief Detective stating that very important queries were being macle with respect to the entry into the Dominion of those men. Onr London correspondent states that the cessation of hostilities and the prospert of tho early return of the troops to \ew Zealand have made it impossible to carry out the original intention of completing re S imontal histories :n the United Kingdom. The officers and men wlm were engaged on this work will he demobilised m their turn, and the different regiments will make arrangements to complete the uorfc lU New Zealand. Vorv successful services were held vesterd.'V in connexion with the jubilee of the road Methodist Sunday school Tho morning service was conducted bv tho Rev. W. Baumber, and 'the Rev'H A. Job officiated m the 'evening.' At 3 p.m. a special rally of voun<r people took place, when addresses wero'given bv the Rev. Percy Ivniglit and tho Rev.'A. C. Lawry. There wero large consrrcgations, and special music was given by tho scholars and choir. Some amusinc incidents regarding life on New Zealand transports during the creat war wnro related by Captain G Dnorlv, R.N.R., at tho Town Hall, at Wellington- on F rU Kv night. Ho told how one New Zealand soldier was acLmiririf a resplendent sunset, when he remarked "that it was the finest sight ho had seen since he had left home." "What arc you __ talking about?" ejaculated another New Zealand soldier, who was hard-by. "Evor had a. squint through tho window at the officers' mess?" The audience was convulsed with laughter. Our London correspondent statos that Mr It. W. Dal ton. British Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, in tho course of an interview at Wolverhampton, said that a feature of the New Zealand market was that Americans supply at- [ tract!vo showcards with their goods, this : constituting a factor worthy of being! taken into serious consideration. By far tho greater proportion of the hardware trade in New Zealand is British, yet the goods shown in shop windows i aro largely Amorican, simply because i the articles aro more attractive. Tho | New Zealand market generally has I grown very prosperous since tlio war, ! and a great increase; in tho buying ' power of tho country may bo expected during the n.ext couple of years. Tho sooner a cough or cold is treated the better, and tho sooner it is treated with Loasby's "Stop It" tho quicker it will bo cured. "Stop It" is always successful—don't wait until j a cold snap catciies you—got a bottle to-day. Loasby and Co., Chemists, (opposito Ballantyne's). 6 The progressive spirit which characterises tho firm of J. R. McKenzie, fancy goods' specialists, will ho again evidenced by the alterations to thoir shop windows at 258 High street. These are to be enlarged and brought lip to date to bettor display tho magnificent stock. A two-weeks' sale starts today, all pricos being greatly reduced. 6 The f-ifcuation of the Westport-Stock-ton Company's colliery is quite different' from the current idea of a coal- j mining township. Most of the employees live in a township on a plateau some hundreds of feet above sea level within easy walking distance of typical New Zealand bush scenery. They are conveyed to and from their work by electric locomotive. There are no deep shafts to descend, but the coal is reached through tunnels in the hillside on an easy walking grade. The company has built a number of houses for the men, and is building more as opportunity offers, from plans prepared bv a town-planning expert. These houses are sold or rented to the employees on very easy terms. No reasonable effort is spared to make the living conditions as pleasant and convenient as possible. The company, having a great demand for its product, is considerably extending its plant, and no doubt will be able to absorb a good many returned men who are fit to undertake this class of work. 2 Soldiers returning to Civvio Clothes will still find the largest stocks and lowest prices at Armstrong's Clothing Stores —and receive special attention. 1 Dainty Gifts for Easter Brides. A very choice selection of gift goods in silverware, Doultonware, cutlery, jewollery, otc., is to be found just now at Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering's, Gashel street. A charming array at popular prices. G Strong leather school bags, bought before the rise, now 4s 6d, superior quality 5s 6d, 6s 6d; best value in town. Try Drayton's, 765 Colombo street. 1 Attention is drawn to tho Made-to-measure Suit Section at Armstrong's. Perfect-fitting garments, splendid cloths, and low prices are oombined here. Buyers' app.oval assured. 2 No shop in Christchurch. can show a hotter range of Face Powders, Perfumes, and Bath Salts than E. Cameron Smith's. They are specially selected from Mornoy, Piver, Atkinson, Roger and Gallct, and Yardley. E. Cameron Smith, chemist, 96 Worcester street (off Square). G Never let a day pass without telling someone about the wonderful laboursaving and perfect cleansing qualities of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help. Price la. Kincaid's, Ltd. 012 Armstrong's Stylish Ready-to-wear Boxed Suits, in fine tweeds and worsteds, 59s 6d, Cos, 7os 6d, and 90s, are unequalled. They save you money and look as tailored. 3 LUXURIOUSLY EQUIPPED STUDEBAKEft—£3BS. We have for sale, and now on view, a handsome series 17 4-cyl. 5-seater Studebaker touring car, with 2 auxiliary seats, finished in maroon. This car looks like new, and its equipment includes 5 tyres and detachable rims (tyres all good order), specially fittod rear wind-screen, electric and electric self-starter. A roomy, powerful car, with, ample luggage and passenger capacity. A bargain at £385. Adams, Ltd., Garage, 219 Tuam street. 6 MAGNIFICENT 2-3-SEATER STUDEBAKER—£4OO. On behalf of the owner Mr H. T. Adams, we offer a series 18 4-cyl. 2-3-seater Studebaker, stylishly finished in cream with green band—the latest Studebaker roadster model. Equipped fully, including side-flaps to windscreen ; electric lights, electric selfstarter, khaki hood, five good tyres and detachable rims, etc. Price £400. Now on view. Adams, Ltd., Garage, 219 Tuam street. 6