GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16848, 31 May 1920, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Speaking at a Press gathering in London early last month Lord Burnham said for years there was likely to be a paper stringency which would react most prejudicially on tho national life. No newspaper man could look without fear at tho coming years.

. Owing to the inclement weather tho lecture to be given by the Hon. W. H. Triggs, M.L.C., on Saturday, under the auspices of tho W.E.A., was postponed. He, however, showed those present some samples of earpots, floor coverings, and clothing, etc., made from paper.

Motorists or drivers of other vehicles who moy have occasion to use the Dyer's Pass rond above the tram terminus during tbe next few days, should exercise care when rounding the corner just past the entrance to Victoria Pnrlc. A large fir treo has fnllen over tho road at_ this point, and is invisible to tho driver of a, vehicle until ho is right on to it.

A ehangc has horn made in tho board which is to corsider tho E'F.C.A. Railway dispute. Mr W. D. Hunt, one of tho association nominees, is leaving for England. nnd is unable to act.. His place is being taken by Mr J. T. Martin, of the firm of "Wright. Stephenson, and Co. The hearing of the dispute will ho commenced at Wellington early this week.

A delegate at last week's sitting of the , Fruitgrowers' Conference said it had been stated that the Now Zealand public consumed 1,000.000 cases of locally-grown fruit. This could easily be increased fourfold, if the growers eliminated the retailers and dealt direct wit,h_ the consumers. So long as tho public had to pay fictitious prices their appetite for fruit would not bo stimulated. The Government should be approached for assistance in the formation of co-operative fruit-sellinrr agencies in the different centres, Tlie Government was associated with the production' of fruit, and there was no reason why it should not be equally concerned with its distribution. Tho conference referred the whole matter to a special committee, which is to meet tho Departmental officers.

Applications from discharged soldiers for sections in the Bankiield and Lambrook Settlements, closed on Saturday afternoon. At the Christchurch office of the Lands and Survey Department there were received 123 applications in respect of tho nine sections into which Banfield hqs been. subdivided, and jSS for the five sections in the -Lambrook Settlement. The number of applications received at the Timaru Lands office was not available on Saturday. Bnnkfield, which has a total area of 1453 acres, is three mflcs from the St. Andrews railway station, aiad Lambrook, 1262 acres, ia alongside the ffmsrombe railway station. The applicants are to be examined bv the Land Board at Timaru to-morroV, tho ballots taking place at the conclusion of the examination of applicants.

Tenders close to-day for tlio work in connxion with the diversion of the Harper river into Lake Coleridge for the purpose of increasing the water supply for the Lake Coleridge hydroelectricity scheme. Tho work is one of soino magnitude, and involves the shifting of 29.577 cubic yards of material. A groyne is to bo put in, striking out from the west, bank of the river, in order to send the stream over to the east side of the river bed. The channel to be excavated between the river and tho lake is 102 chains in length with a width, at tho top, of 33 feet, and a depth varying from 10 feet to one foot. It is estimated that, given suitable weather conditions, the work should ho competed in there months' time. The additional unit to be installed at the power house has reached Coal sate and will Ijo r-onveyed on to the lake as soon as longitudinal timbers are laid on the bridge over the SHwyn to permit of the carriage of such a lioa'vv weight. The pipes for tho third pipe lino have begun to arrive from Dunedin.

Touching on the necessity of tho recent building restrictions, the Minister of Labour (Sir William Herries), in a statement covering tho Government's housing activities, states ''tliero lias not. up to the present, been any great difficulty in obtaining sufficient building trado labour for the dwellings in hand, the chicf difficulty—a3 already stated —being the obtaining of materials. It js obvious, however, that if the Department is to proceed with further dwellings as allocated the difficulty will arise both in obtaining .contractors to build the dwellings and also the necessary workmen. A case in point occurred recently at Feildirg, where a builder was about to commence a picture theatro, whilst at the same time tho Department was unable to secure a builder to erect dwellings in that town. In this ease, the builder was most anxious to discontinue work on the picture theatro and to erect workers' dwellings instead. He has since subm'tted a satisfactory tender to oroct dwellings in Feeding and Pa'merston North. This emphasises the necessity to provide on the erection of non-essential buildings such as picture theatres, billiard saloons, racing course stands, etc. Everything possible is being done to speed up tho work at present in hand, and to complete arrangements for the eroction of additional dwellings."

The influence of psychology upon criminal impulse was touched upon to an interesting degree during the hearing of a case in the Brisbane Supremo Court, (says the "Sydney Morning Herald"). Counsel for the defence set up a plea of insanity, and called medical evidence to support the line of reasoning, which based itself chiefly upon the mental after effects of an nttaelr of influenza. Dr. El!erton, acknowledged to bo an Australian authority on diseases of the brain, advanced the view that the accused acted instinctively without being able to control the impulse. lie differentiated between voluntary action. He held psyeholofj* had a most important bearing on crime, and suggested that many men had been sent to gaol when an asylum for the insane would have been "a more logical destination. "Your argument, then," said his Honour, "is that the world has been sending poor devils to prison all these vears when they should have been confined to an asylum." The reply was. "Many doctors who have made a study of the subject hold opinions to that effect." In answer to the Crowii Prosecutor, Dr. Ellerton proffered the suggestion that in cases similar to the one on trial a jury of experts would ba desirable." "No doubt you would take a favourable view of that kind of jury, Doctor,'-' remarked the Crown Prosecutor, "but I rather think the only person who would agreo with you is yourself."

Whilo riding a. mot&r-cyele along Oxford terrace on Saturday mmning a young man named Ernest Burgess could not prevent the machine from skiddirg, and ran inti a motor-car. The motor-cycle had the front wheel and forks buckled but the car escaped with a few scratches. Burgess himself was unhurt.

The funeral of Mr Henare Kaihau took place last week, the body being interred in the family vault a.: Tahuna Kaitoto, Waiuku. There was n large gathering of Maoris, the Mnr.iapnto, Wa'kato, Tainui, and % Mahanga tribes being represented. Among those present were Marae Mahuta, mother of '■King" Rata, her daughter Ptiea. t-hree biothers of the present Maori "kinsr," and his uncle. Hr.unui Tawhiao. The handsome casket containing the body was covered with several fine mats brought by the Waihatos. There were 22 bearers, tho casket being carried on poles. A number of European rescents were also present. The reception of the guests was most impressive.

'•Why are we always to follow the Americans? Thcv took three and a l:n!f years to hear the bugle call in the war, and they have not. yet ratified tho Peaco Treaty? "Why should we follow them? Tliey are always late!" In these terms a delegate at last work's conference of tho Fruitgrowers' Federation opposed a proposal to adopt the American standard fruit case throughout Now Zealand. "Call it the Canadian case, then," suggested another delegate. "The Canadian and American cases are exactly the same." This suggestion proved a happy way out of the difficulty, the conferenco deciding to adopo tho "Canadian standard case."

Exclusive sources of information regarding New Zealand aro evidently possessed by the_ 'Montreal "Family Herald," which, in its issue of February 25th, stated:—"Aeroplanes are now being put to a novel use in New Zealand, where a service has just been started in connexion with the fishing fleets. The 'planes fly ab an altitude of two to three hundred feet over the water and 'spot' the shoals for the fishermen working below. The fishers aro warned of the presenco of shoals by special rauio-telegfaphic apparatus." The interest of the journal in New Zealand is not confined to its news columns, for an advertiser offers "New Zealand red rabbits" at 5 dollars a pair.

Law practitioners' societies in various parts of New Zealand have recently drawn the attention of tho Government to the question of pay for Judges and Magistrates (says "the Wellington "Post"). They have urged that if the bust men are to bo induced to accept these important positions tho salary scale, which has not been reviewed for very many years, must be taken into consideration. At present Judges receive a salary of £1800 a year, except for tho Chief Justice, whoso, salary is .■£2ooo. Magistrates are paid £700 a year, with an addition of £100 for the senior Magistrate in the four chicf centres. To alter the scale legislation will be required, and it is probable that some proposals in this direction will bo placed before Parliament next session.

A proposal for a flight by aeroplane from Christchurch to Grey mouth was recently put before Captain Dickson, of the Sockburn Aerodrome, by the Mayor of Greyniouth (Mr J. D. Lynch), who visited him along with Mr Olney, of Barrytown. The aviator promised the Mayor ho would visit tho Coast as early as. possible and make an inspection of suitable landing places. He stated that there would be no trouble in getting to 6pringfield, for the country, was owen, but tho route thence to Otira would hnve to be mapped out very carefully. Tho nearest landing; place appeared to be at Taipo or Jackson's. From thence the route would be into the Grey Valley, with the landing placc probably at Omoto,

The question of the clothing of the boys at the Auckland Grammar School was discussed last woek by the Grammar Schools Board. The members agreed that "shorts" were inadequate during tho winter time, as the resulting exposure to cold might sow the Reeds of rheumatism or other disease. It was decided that the chairman should coinfer with xno headmaster, Mr J. W. Tibbs, on the matter. A member also raised tho question of Headgear worn during tho summer time. He said that the "oyster shell" caps were a menace in that they exposed the nerve centres to risk of meningitis. Tho chairman, Professor A. P. W. Thomas, suggested the adoption of a slouch hat, similar to that worn by boy scouts. Tho matter was referred to tho chairmn.n and tho headmaster to report to the board.

The very poor support given to art in Auckland - in connoxion with the sales of pictures at tho local Art (Society's annual exhibitions was tho subject of comment at tho opening of this year's exhibition last week. Tho president of tho Society, Mr H. E. Vnilo, stated that at tho last Wellington exhibition £IGOO worth of pictures was sold, ct Christehurch over £2000 worth was disposed of, but during the last threo roars in Auckland sales had produced no more than £400. Tho Auckland public, Mr Vaile said, should soe that, this state of things was rectified. Tho Mayor (Mr J. H. also referred to the figures quoted as not reflecting very 0 creditably upon the city's gonoral appreciation of art. Tho work of Auckland artists, lie said, should have a much stronger claim upon the community, and also upon the nnrchasing collectors, who in the past Kid boon too apt to go outside New Zealand when buying pictures.

The statement that at present not one matriculated student m Arts is preparing for the ministry in the report submitted to the Presbytorian General Assembly in Sydney last week, has attracted some attention (says the "Sydney Morning Herald"), but Dr. Harper, principal of St. Andrew's College, explains that tho circumstance .is one arising out of the war. Many students Atiio possibly would have prepared for the ministry went to the front, "and tliero is no doubt.'' ho added, "that tho war has broken the church-going habit in many young men. who had no. Sunday or other Church influencos during the time they were away. Then the mental and physical strain of those years was terrific, and on that account great numbers of those who were in the fighting line aro exhausted; and we have lost candidates from this cause also." He added: "We are not in the least downcast about it, for the lost ground will soon be recovered. We intend to orsranise a systematic effort to obtain students. If we get ten a year, or thirty altogether for tho three-years' terms, our needs will bo met.''

A few remarks on the subject of the crematorium at the Karori Cemetery | were made by the Mayor of Wellington j (Mr J. P. Luke) in conversation with a reporter this week. The cremato- | rium, he said, was not a heavy burden on the public funds, owing to the fact that a considerable amount of the initial cost was contributed by public subscriptions. The cost of administration was by no means heavy. It was filling a neeed, although it had not been . utilised to any tiling like the extent that was estimated at the time of the installation. Apart from that, however, the number of cremations would compare favourably with those in simi-lar-sized cities in the Old Country. It had to be _ acknowledged, saitl the Mayor, that in some quarters sentiment was decidedly against cremation, and doubtless it would take a very long time before the crematorium was used moro in proportion to the population than at present. However, the cost was by no means heavy, and the administration was faithfully carried out, and added very little to tho cost of cemetery administration. Also, it had to bo remembered that the crematorium was availed of by people from all parts of New Zealand, and to that extent it had justified its existeec&» i

At the sittings of the Court of Arbitration in Christehurch next month, application will be made to add oyer 4C90 slieepfarmers in Canterbury to the shearers' award made last October.

• The Mayor stated on Saturday that he intended to call the War Memorial Committee together this week.. It was proposed to get out designs for the Hall of Memories and to start the financial campaign with .as little delay as possible.

In sentencing C. E. Mackay to fifteen years' penal servitude, at Wanganui h;st week, the Chief Justice said that the sentence would be rev'sed after a few years by the Prisons Board and the executive Government, and it did not mean that the accused would have to serve all the time in gaol.

O" being asked by a "Post" reporter at Wellington last week a.s to whet u?e is likely to be made in future of the military hospitals estabUched throughout'the country. Brigadier-General M~Gnvin, Director-General of Mcdical Services, stated that the policy had already been decided upon that as tho number of patients in the military hospitals diminished the beds that" thus became vacant would be made available for civilian patients sert in under arrangements with the Health Department. At present the Trentham, Rotorua, and Pukeron hospitals wore able to take in n number" of civilian patients. The cost of these, of course, would be born by the Health Department. L ; cutcnnnt C. R. Pratt, who left Now Zea'and w'th the Mnin Body, :md ww service in Esvpt, Palestine, and on Gnllipoli, is returning to tho Dominion. Lieutenant Pratt, after receiving his ooraniis=ion. was transferred to the Roynl Air Force and subsequently appointed to the position of instructor, and in that capacity was responsible for the training of a number of New Zealand airnjen. Lieutenant Pratt intends bringing several aeroplanes with, him for commercial flying (says the Auckland "Star"), but is at present delnycd in AustrnKa, where he js conducting a series of flights. He is interesting himself _in the suggested flight from Australia to New Zenland, and if the conditions are suitable will probably attempt to make the passage across tho Tasman Sea.

The Minister of Defence has received several flattering tributes to the work of New Zealanders in the war in acknowledgment of the Gallinoli volume of the Now Zealand war history. Lord Ha'g, of Bemersyde, states, in an autograph letter: "I shall vnlno the book verv much, and will rend it with rrreat interest." General Sir J. G. Maxwell congratulates the author, and states: "It will ue a lasting memorial to your gallant armv." Major-General Sir A. Lynden-Bell, Chief of the General Staff at the War Office, writes: "It is one of my most treasured memories of this war that I have had the grct honour of serving with the New Zealanders during some of the most strenuous narts of the campaign, and I shall never forget tho many kindnesses I received from them on every occasion, and the glorious deeds of those splendid fellows, manv of whom I am glad to have as friends who have left an indelible mark on the history of the Empire."

The Levin "Chronicle" says that tho Kuku Maori community has bpen stirred by the recovery of two valuable whalebone meres buried for many years. The paper relates that they were discovered by the aid of a Native woman, Mrs Takurangi, wife of the Hon. Te Hou Heu Tukino, M.L.C., who claims to possess poAvers of divination. The scene was laid off the main Knltu road, and a few hundred yards to the rear of Mr Pink's residence. Leading a procession of about 120 persons, tho chief actor took a course for some distance through the bush, and then over some maize cultivations, and again entered a uush pathway, which eventually reached a stagnant, weed-covered "watercourse. Here she halted, and placing a stick in the ground at the water's edge, declared that tho lost meros would be found there._ A spade was procured, and on digging down a depth of about two feet the meTes were unearthed. Mr Robert Ransneld, of Manakau, on© of the oldest Natives of this coast, recounted some particulars concerning the long-lost patus. He stated that tho weapons were owned by their ancestors, Koroniria and Parotiwhana, who buried the meres to prevent their being lost, but prior to their deaths did not inform' the : r descendants of the hiding-place. The patus were formerly weapons of war, and, being tapu, "wore greatly treasured. It was believed that tho loss of tho patus had acted detrimentally to the well-being of the later generations of the former chieftain owners. hence the desire to recover them and break the evil spell.

A stuffy feeling in the head, accompanied by a general depression of tho spirits, is generally the first symptoms of a cold. Ti,s Rarest course is to always keep a bottle of Lc.. >y's "Stop It" in your homo, and so check both cold and couch at its onset. .Is 9d, 3s, and 5s (3d, all chemists and stores. Loasby and Co.; Chemists (opp. Ballantyne's). <3

Christchnrch women are taking a keener delight in music, flowers, and voire culture, et?., since "No Rubbing" Laundry Help liberates them from washboard slavery. Is per packet. 6

Good Saucepan News. —The best and purest saucepan is undoubtedly tho aluminium one, but they have been so expensive of late. Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering, however, have just landed a splendid assortment at quito moderate prices. H5004-77

Our special Influenza Mixture quickly relieves, 2s Gd. To prevent an attack, use our special Nasal Douche and Gargle. Kilis the germ. Never known to fail. Creosote Cough Cure is unequalled for Coughs and Colds. E. Cameron Smith, Chemist, 96 Worcester street (just off Squared. S3GI9-1413

Here is evidence that Armstrong's mean business when they say millinery prices shall come down. A fow examples will prove to anyone who calls how drastic are these reductions. No half measures at Armstrong's solid prices slashing. Smart Trimmed Millinery for ladies, well worth 425, cut down to 21s, the very iatest for present wear. A bargain in young ladies' Ready-to-wear Felts, in all_ the new shapes and colours, worth easily 255, going for 12s Cd. At Armstrong's only. 7

Pilkington's Motors are now running, Christclmrch-Akaroa. at 20s return. 6

School of Art students' requisites, artists colours, canvas, brushes, drawing papers, and drawing materials, at Gibb's Art Depot, 105 Cashel street. (J

Do ycu want a good hair broom P One mado to last. A splendid quality is now offered at 7s 6d. See our brushwar? counter, Drayton's Emporium, Colombo street. 1114

NEW 1920 STUDEBAKERS PROVIDE FOR USE OF LOW GRAD2 FUELS.

There is at present a world-shortage of petrol, and, consequently, a prevalence of lower-grade motor spirits. This has been provided for in the design of the new 1320 Big-Six and Special-Six Studebakers, low-grade spirit passing through the new "hot spot" on the induction pipe, is rapidly and perfectly vaporised, reaching the cylinders in the form of dry gas. The importance of this point can better be realised when we state that by the uso of this device the Studebaker Big Six, seating seven persons, gives 20 miles to the gallon on the lew gravity petrol now available, a splendid pertormance under the circumstances. We have just received a of the new 1920 Big Six and SpeuLl Six Studebakers ex s.s. Kumara, and we cordially invito inspection of these at our showrooms. Come and see for yourself the new dual ignition "Aero" magneto; the famous new Studebaker cushion drive; the new and expensive Cord tyres, giving perfect safety, and nlnnst everlasting wear, and the new "hot spot" vaporisation system, together with many other new special features. Adams, Ltd., Showrooms, 152-154 High street. 6