GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16520, 12 May 1919, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Fifty cases of southern apples infested with San Jose scale were condemned by tho Government inspectors at Wellington last week. This infection is regarded as very serious, for although easy to control if taken in hand properly, it rapidly kills trees if allowed to run its course.

The instinct of the wild duck is remarkable. Since tho opening of the shooting season hundreds of these birds have sought Virginia Lake as a haven of refuge where they are safe from the attention of the shot-gun enthusiast (states the Wanganui "Chronicle"). At night the ducks take wing to their feeding grounds, but at daylight they return to their sanctuary. Aquatic bird life is quite a feature of the lake just now.

On Thursday a delegation from the Arthur's Pass Tunnel League, consisting of Messrs H. Holland, H. J. Marrinor, H. H. Smith, and L. M. Isitt, M.P., will leave for Otira, and stay there till Saturday. The intention is to inspect the progress of the tunnel, and to confer with "West Coast representatives, though, owing to a Mining Conference, it is possible that all ther "West Coast representatives may not be able to attend. The original idea had boon for the Canterbury delegates to have proceeded as far as Reefton, but this portion of the programme has been abandoned.

Never in the history of Wellington ha 3 there been a keener interest taken in matters Caledonian than is the case at the present time. There are three Scottish societies in existence in that city. _ A movement is on foot to weld them into one if possible, or to Bet up a large Scottish Society, having as its object the promotion of Scottish sentiment. the encouragement of a serious and systematic study of Scottish history, literature, music, song, and story; also the holding of national sports and pastimes, and the promotion of bagpipe-playing and Highland dancing. To this end a public meeting of the Scots folk of Wellington will be held next month.

Mr Ritchie, chairman of the Land Purchase Board, visited Ashburton on Friday, and inspected several farms offered to the Government for settlement purposes.

The secretary of the Canterbury Education Board (Mr H. C. Lane) on Saturday received a telegram from tho Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, statincr that a grant for tho Sumner school for three rooms, etc., had bean approved subject to the condition that the residents contributed £200.

The Mayor of Christchurch has re>ceivocl a letter from the Opawa Welfare Association, nsking him to get the City Council's Reserves Committee to make a tour of inspection of tho Keathcote river banks, particularly from tho railway crossing to tho Wilson's road bridge, with a view to securing the Council's assistance in beautifying the banks.

Our London correspondent states that tho March issue of "Nature" contains an article on tho scientific results of the Australian Antarctic Expedition. These results, it says, "are being published with commendable promptitude. Of the five parts recently received, the most generally interesting is the report on the Braeliionoda, by Dr. J. Allan Thomson, of Wellington."

A huge bonfire, about 100 ft high by 50ft wide, is to l:o lit on Mount Edon, alongside the trig station, during the peace celebrations. The Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr C. Hudson, reported to the Borough Council that £100 had been allocated for the fire. The borough engineer, who is in charge of the arrangements, stated that as such a vast quantity of material would be required, be proposer! clearing gorse f rom reserves and using it for~the bonfire.

"The desirability of the fire insurance statistics of the Dominion being brought into line with those of other countries has been recognised for some time past." said the Hon. G. W. Russell. "New Zealand is one of the few English-speaking countries which does not publish complete statistics of firo insurances. Canada publishes a special volume annually of these figures. The matter is now being considered and a resolution has been come to that statistics dealing with the fire insurance position of the Dominion are to be obtained by the Government Statistician."

With reference t' tho proposal to convert the Phillipslown school into a main one, Mr H. C. Lane, secretary of the Canterbury Board of Education, has received a telegram from the Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, in which he savs: "I cannot see my way to approve of the establishment of. Phillipstown as a main school at the present time, but am prepared to consider favourablv a proposal for the provision of suitable accommodation in lieu of a temporary building, the new building to form part of the structure covering re-building operations which will ultimately be necessary and be so designed that it can be a main school when the time arrives."

"I am satisfied that if we do not look out we will have industrial chaos in this country," said Mr Georga George, when speaking on repatriation matters before the Industrial Association at Auckland last week. "The germ of Bolshevism is here. I have been informed by a Russian soldier that Bolshevism is making considerable headway among British soldiers, particularly the Canadians, and it is present to" some extent amon<? New Zealand troops. If that spirit is here nothing will foster it more than discontent among the returned men. That spirit is growing, and it is up to the Government to remedy the faults that are existing." *Mr P. Spencer said they must get the soldiers working, otherwise they would adopt Bolshevism and want to run the country without working.

Counsel for defendant in a case con-" cerning the alleged sale of liquor in a hotel during prohibited hours (when a troopship was in port) informed Mr F. V. Frazer, S-M., in the Magistrate's Court at Wellington on Friday that the anti-shouting law was either obsolescent or. obsolete—that it was generally disregarded and had no real effectiveness. Mr Frazer said he had no firsthand knowledge of tho subject—he did) not frequent hotels —but those present, at hearing counsel's statement, smiled broadly and appeared to endorse the outspoken remark. The Magistrate added that there had been no charges under the anti-shouting law before him for a considerable period, and he gathered from that either that the law was being perfectly observed, or that, as counsel had suggested, it had become obsolete. j

Referring to the' work by the chaplains at the front, the Bishop of Nelson when speaking at the Anglican General Synod at Napier, said the majority of them were of the highest and noblest type. They went "over the top" with the boys and shared all their dangers, and consequently many were wounded, some were killed, many fell sick, and as there was no reserve of chaplains, the division was often understaffed. This was not the fault of the Church. The only fault he could find with the chaplains was a tendency to develop fighting instincts; it was very hard indeed to restrain them and to "keep them straight." Many Church of England chaplains had gained the Military Cross, and every one of them thoroughly _ deserved it. Some others were mentioned in despatches. The Church of New Zealand was to be congratulated on its chaplains.

Writing to a prominent business man in Wellington, an old-established Birmingham firm says:—"We feel it is now only right that we should inform you how little prospect there seems oP any relief _ in the way of decreased expenses or increased business. From the national point of view the outlook is full of anxiety, the one certain fact remaining that with a bill of at least £400,000,000 to meet every year for interest on the National Debt alone, the present burdensome taxes are more likely to be raised than reduced. An army of 2,000,000 men is to be maintained for the present, and this, added to the appalling list of casualties already incurred, will for a long time deplete the industrial population. Vexatious Government interferences to trade still continue, and there is ample proof that business is being directed to America and other markets. Besides this and shadowing everything else, is the prospect of the most serious industrial crisis that has ever been known. . . . W© often think that our friends abroad do realise that the cost of living in this country has increased about 130 per cent."

The great catchword of the present day is 'efficiency,' " remarked Miss N. Jobson, M.A., Principal of Queen Margaret Presbyterian College for Girls at the opening ceremony at Wellington on Thursday. "What is the present day conception of efficiency? It is evidently not efficiency that abolishes the liquor trade. It is not efficiency that puts character first and money second. It is efficiency that enables us to compete in the world's markets. That seems to be the present meaning of the term. I consider that the great troubles of the day—the great labour troubles —arise from two things: One is the inability of man to think independently, to think for himself, so that he is led by tho nose by any demagotruo who has a fluent tongue; and, also, "tho growing desire for pleasure of the wrong kind. We want to do nothing nowadays but that which will give money to go to the pictures or the l comic opera, enable us to wear fur coats and silk stockings, or do something that really is not a very high aim after .all.. are in' danger of cultivating tho very spirit that has ruined Germany, and .we must watch against it. We can only watch against it by training our children to aim at hgher ideals. That is what I hope to do "wth them hero." (Applause.)

All the madness and frivolity in con- | nexion with the armistice had occurred j in New Zealand, stated the Eishop of i Nelson at the Anglican General Synod at Napier. At the front, howover, the news was received by the troops in silence; their hearts were too full to spenk.

"Men who are invalided back from the front appear .to bo very easily excited. and sometimes when they get into trouble I honestly believo they have very little recollection of what tlrev <10. * And it seems to make very little difference in these oases whether* a man is rough or a pretty decent sort of man,"' observed Mr F. V. Frassor in the Magistrate's Court at Wellington Oil Friday.

The worst feature of this great homeservice army is that it hardly lmows the returned soldier. It- hasn't fought with him (remarks "John Bcaland'' in an open letter to General Richardson in "Quick March"). It knows only the man who stayed at homo. It neither knows or trusts the poor old Digger, and so when a job or promotion is goincr begeing, the faithful man who stayed at homo is remembered and tho man with tho service chevrons is forgotten.

The olicacy of the lifeguards used on the Auckland clectric trams was referred to by Mr S. 11. Agar, of the Public Works Department, during the hearing of an inquest concerning tho death of a little boy. who was killed by a tram on College Hill some weeks ago. Mr Agar said that some months ago, when carrying out tests as to the ncod or otherwise of better headlights on the cars, he adopted the practice of placing a strawfilled sugar sack across tho rails

at unlighted spots in tho stiburbs at nicht, and motormon often ran their cars over this object, but in every case the lifeguard dropped into its propor position and picked up tho bag.

Before applying for assistance to purchase land returned soldiers hitherto havo been required to secure an option of threo months on the properties they desired to obtain. Owing to the length of the option required soldiers desiring to purchaso found difficulty in securing it. It is now officially stated that in the case of town or suburban properties, or rural land readily accessible, it is desired that tho period of option bo not less than four weeks. In the casa of land in isolated localities the option period should bo two months, in ordor that sufficient timo may bo given for special inspection, valuations, etc.

The money-lending activities of the Government and the need of cheap money will be discussed at the Wellington Provincial Farmers' Conference in Wellington at tho end of the month. The following remit will be considered: "That the attention of the Minister for Finance be called to the present unsstisfactory_ mattors in connexion with State and private money-lending institutions. That where security is good the State should provide money at reasonable rates for farmers' needs, and should restore, the table system of mortgages and provide in every mortgage covenant for payment of sums before duo date without forfeiture of interest."

The Auckland "Star" has authority for stating that one of the biggest estates of the North, namely, a block of 43,500 acres, has been offered for sale to the Government for a returned soldiers' settlement, and that on account of its alleged unsuitability the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association has warned the owners and the Government that should this land be taken up they will advise all returned soldiers to have nothing to do with it. It is contended that though the block may be suitable for farming under certain conditions, it is absolutely unsuitable for subdivision as a returned soldiers' settlement.

when a New Zealand soldier was charged at Romford with boing drunk and in possession of a loaded revolver (writes our London correspondent), Major J M. Rose, M.C., Second-in-command at Hornchurch, said it was inexcusable that these weapons should bo carried, but it was exceedingly difficult to get them away from the men. It was a German revolver, which the men prized Very much when they picked them up on tho battlefield as souvenirs. It seems that the prisoner had presented it at the landlady of the public-house who had refused him drink. The Magistrate said that tho practice must be stopped, and inflicted a fine of forty shillings on the prisoner, who was a man of good character.

Our London correspondent states that he is informed by the Director of Education, N.Z.E.F. (Lieutonant Colonel E. H. Northcroft) that the following numbers of students have entered for training in extra-depot classes: —Architecture 12, art 9, business training "11, commercial subjects 3, chemistry 2, drapery 1, dentistry 1, dairy science 2, engineering 14, economics 6, farming 3, fruit farming 2, journalism 2, languages 3, law 11, medical 1, music 6. mining 1, navigation 1, optics 6, printing 1, photo-engraving 1, pharmacy 6, photography 1, pianoforte manufacture 2, painting 1, railway experience 12, stock-breeding 5, students (matriculation) 1, surveying 1, teaching 3, tailoring 2, wool-classing 12, woodwork 5, disabled soldiers 31; total, 181.

The walnuts this yoar are a failure once more {writes our Akaroa correspondent). The blight that has been so much in evidence for several years past is, like the poor, still with us; and its effects in many places have been disastrous. Well-grown trees, that would, under normal circumstances, have produced four or five sacks of healthy nuts, are, this season, scarcely worth threshing. A grove of comparativelv young trees, for instance, from which a few years ago nearly sixty sacks of nuts were taken, has now yielded barely seven. It is comforting, on the other hand, to hear of yields here and there that are considerably in excess' of last year's. But these, it is feared, are exceptional cases. The market price ruling, Is per lb, will return a substantial profit to the few growers there concerned.

Stressing tho point of the importance and dignity* of postmasters in the -pulilic mind, and the salary which people believe postmasters are paid for their valuable services, Mr H. E. Co°mhes related at the annual reunion of Post and Telesraoh officials at Palmerston North on Friday evening, an incident which. ha.d occurred in a Waiknto town. Whilo Taising monev for patriotic purposes, the local patriotic committee had "written to various people to make them pay a levy to the society. Much to his surprise the postmaster had received notice of his levy amounting to £25. The official in question was in receipt of a salary of £260 per annum! Tho stationmaster and schoolmaster in. the town, both of -whom were receiving a larger salary than the postmaster, were only levied to the amount of £5 which! they considered extortionate.

The Auckland Museum has been the beneficiary of some notable gifts during tho past month (states the "Star"). A valuable collection of 42 greenstona weapons and ornaments has come from Mr R. W. Bell, of Waihi. The collection includes meres, adzes, tikis, and pendants, which are of undoubted Native workmanship, and of some antiquity, having been obtained along the east coast of tho Coromandol district. The jewel of the collection is a pendant believed to be the finest thing of tho kind in existence. Another very interesting gift is that of sixteen Egyptian, curios obtained by Dr. C. Purchas during his service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. These include bronzd and limestone statuettes, and articles of pottery, one of them being the hoad of a Canopic jar. Dr. Purchas has also added to the gift a plaster bust of Dr. Hochstetter, the geologist, who has identified his name with New Zealand bv his geological research work in this country and his writings thereon.

A meeting of dairymen (producers) will be hold at the Addington Yards on Wednesday, to discuss the price of milk.

It is officially announced that this year tho King's Birthday will bo celebrated on June 3rd, and Empire Day, which used to bo on May 24th, will be observed on tha same dav.

The Superintendent of the Fire Brigado has received a donation of £2 to tho Recreation Fund from Mr G. Doig, as a mark of appreciation of tho work dono by tho Brigade at the recent fire on his property, 59 Moorhouso avenue.

Although the Northumberland's largo draft of over 1300 "returned soldiers was disembarked at Wellington early on Saturday morning, the Wellington hotel bars wero left open all day. This was done on the recommendation of General Richardson, with a provision that should it be deemed advisable by the authorities the hotels were to closo on half an hour's notice. It was not necessary to carry this latter provision out.

A cablegram from New York was published in tho .New Zealand papers seme days before tho licensing referendum, which had reference to tho Chicago Mayoralty election. It gave the result of a voto on prohibition, which, it was said. wa s dof en tod by a quarter of a million votes. A privato message explanatory of the position has since been ro"eived. says a Wellington paper. It states that technically the vote taken wn*. one on lo"al option, but it was made tost question of tho people's sentiment towards national prohibition in the United States of America. "The vote against prohibition was 391.2fi1, and the voto in favour of prohibition was 144.0-32, giving a majority against prohibition of 247.220.

The sand-drift menace along tho coast between Paekakariki and Wanganui is causing the Foxton Chamber of Commerce much concern. The Chamber is asking other bodies interested to join it in urging the Minister of Lands to take steps to deal with the matter. Sneaking at this week's moeting of tho Manawatu County Council, tho chairman (Sir James Wilson) remarked that the Foxton proposal was a very sensible ono, and he dwelt on tho bonefits. that would be derived if extonsive tree-planting were undertaken on these areas. Tho whole of the strip of coastline affected by the drift should be planted. Mr Penny also commended the idea, mentioning that tho trees planted at the Ranpitikei Heads a number of years ago had grown splendidly. Sir James remarked that it was a great misfortune that treeplanting was ever stopped in that locality, and members agreed with him. Tho Council decided to endorse the suggestion.

The sooner a cough or cold is treated tho better, and the sooner it is treated with Loasby's "Stop It" tho quicker it will be cured. "Stop It" is always successful—don't wait until a cold snap catches you—got a bottle to-day. Loasby and Co., Chemists, (opposito Ballantyne's). 6

Gargoyle Mobiloils—Priccs Reduced. —Motorists will be pleased to learn that the Vacuum Oil Company Pty., Ltd., advise a reduction of <3d per gallon in the price of Gargoyle Mobiloils as from* May Isth, 1919. Whilst first cost of Oils has advanced since the signing of tho armistice, freights and insurances have declined, enabling this reduction to be put into effect. 48

The popular and very becoming Suedo Hats for ladies are causing quite a sensation at Armstrong's, Ltd. These hats are recommended for beauty and woar, and Armstrong's, as usual, are always first with new styles. 1

Fireworks for Peace Celebrations. — Crackers, 3d and 5d per packet; Double Bangs, Id and 2d oach; Bamboo Thunders, 63, 9d, Is, Is 3d, Is 6d each; Skv Rockets, 3d, 4d, 7d each; special Sky Rockets, with coloured stars, 7s each; Catherine Wheels, 2d each; special coloured Fountains, 8s 6d each. — Mason, Struthers, and Co., Limited, Colombo street. 7

"A morning call" at the right moment, and accurate time ' day and night, is afforded by "Big Ben" 17s 6d, "Sleepmoter" 10s 6d, "America" 7s 6d, and the wonderful "Simplox'2 eightday alarm clocks. All at Hastre, Bull, and Pickering's, Cashel street. 6

Extension of premises and new windows, Drayton's China and" Hardware Store. Forging ahead. Alterations now on. 761-5 Colombo street. 6

Soldiers and civvies, too, ■will find, as ever, the best and largest stocks of ready-to-wear suits at Armstrong's. Whether-for best or working w#ar, ip all instances, the cut prices wcil be found acceptable. Armstrong's stocks for men's wear are very comprehensive and cheap. 2

No shop in Christchurch. can show a better rango of Face Powders, Perfumes, and Bath Salts than E. Cameron Smith's. They are specially selected from Mornoy, Piver, Atkinson, Roger and Gallet, and Yardley. E. Cameron Smith, chemist, 96 Worcester street (off Square). 6 Every husband who truly cares for his wife's comfort will not begrudge her the trifle to purchase "No Rubbing" Laundry Help and "Golden Rule" Soap —and so say all of us. Christchurch grocers. 012 A LIGHT SIX MITCHELL—£3SO. Now on view. Light six-cyl. 5-seater Mitchell car, electric light and electric self-starter; magneto ignition Stewart vacuum feed, hood and wind shield. Just repainted French grey. Tyres in very fair order. Spare rim. Price £350. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tuam street. 6 FOUR-CYLINDER, BRISCOE TOURING CAR—£2ls. Ready for sale, 4-cyl. 6-seater Briscoe car; electric light and self-starter, upholstery good as new, tyros in good order. Hood and wind screen. Handy light car for family use. Finished in dovo grey. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tuam street. 6 LIGHT 4-CYL. MAXWELL CAR— £245. Call and inspect, 4-cyl. 5-seater Maxwell .touring car; electric light and selfstarter, magneto ignition, hood and wind screen, tyres in good order. Will be repainted to purchaser's order. Price £245. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tuam street. 6