GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17103, 26 March 1921, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

The auction announcements of Jones, McCrostie Co., Ltd., McKenzie and Co-, Farmers' Saleyards, Pyne, Gould, Guinness; Ltd., Tonks, Norton, and Co., Ltd., New Zealand' Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., Craddock's Agency Coy., Ltd., H. B. Soreqeen, H. C. Smith, H. G. Livingstone and Co., 'Lawrie and Dalton, Harris Bros., P. S. Nicholls and Co., lieorge Anderson and 'Co , W. E. Simes and Co., and Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., mil be found on pages 16 and 17 of this, issue. Something of a fracas is understood to have occurred at the Dunedin Defence Office on Wednesday afternoon between a military officer, and a relative who-called to see him (says the "Otagp Daily Times"). It is allege-1 that blows were exchanged with a heavy ruler and an old revolver, as a result or which, the officer was admitted to the hospital.

Unexpected articles are frequently •brought up by the Harbour Board's dredges when at work in the harbour, hjit a most unusual, "find" was made recently (snvs the Auckland "Herald"). This 'was tW> wing feather of a weka in a thorough state of preservation, recovered from a depth of 21ft below the mud 'level Tt was embedded in a square block of peat. A brass button bearing the words "H.M.S. Banshee" was recently discovered on the Harbour Board's reclamation works', but no information concerning the appearance of a warship of that name in Auckland waters is available. Another recent discovcrv in the dredginjzs was a brass.cutl'nss handfmnrd. It is well preserved, but there is nothing to indicate now old it is.

Some little time ago a suggestion was made'to the N-Z.E.S.A. that an effort should'bo made to secure free passes- on the railways and tramways for disabled, soldiers, as. it was said, had been done in Australia. The association accordingly made inquiries from the Commonwealth Dfefence authorities, who have now replied that the matter had been considered by the Commonwealth Cabinet. It had been decided that in view of the liberal provisions made under the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act, 1920, whereby special pensions were granted totally and permanently incapacitated soldiers, the Government would not accept any responsibility for payment of any portion or rail or tramway fares. Tho view had been taken that the special pension was to cover the whole liability of the Commonwealth in respect to such cases, with the exception of medical treatment.

The Sydney "Evening News" of 15th inst. said:—At a meeting of the Hebburn Miners' Lodge, at which the resignations of tho officers and committeemen were tendered, as a protest against the number of sectional stoppages, there were many disorderly scenes. The tiring officers oxpressed themselves stronglv on the position. The secretary, Mr T. iladfield, said rt was the younger element that was causing all the trouble. The whoelcrs appeared determined to cause a cessation of work, and were acting selfishly. In 1919 they only had 13 soctional stoppages. Last year there were 24, but wuess than three months of this year, through the action of the wheelers, things had reached a climax. The majority of the wheelers had £l4 to draw for eight half-days' work. They were quite satisfied with that, "ana Ceased,work, forgetting that they were penalising men who wanted work, and who had responsibilities. Such employees should be drummed out of the colliery altogether. If some of them were in Russia they would be shot. They were not nurtiug the company. The commodity was always there. It was decided to fine the wheelers concerned in the stoppages. Nominations were called for vacancies in the lodge, but no one would accept office. The meeting became very disorderly, and was adjourned for a week. In the meantime the colliery is idle.

I The writ in connexion with the Patea by-election was issued on Wednesday. I Nominations will close on April 4th, and the election will be held on April 13th.

The Riccarton Rover Scouts will leave the Antigua boat sheds for their annual camp at Pleasant Point tihis morning. Their intention is to boat down the river to the month of the Avon, and camp there till Monday morning. The boating expedition is to bo in charge of Chief-Scoutmaster H. Frog'^att. The Loyal Orange Institution are holding their annual sessions in Christchurch this year. A complimentary social will be tendered the delegates in the Orange Hall to-night, rnd a church parade will be held to-morrow to tlio Liberty Theatre. The Slayer will tender a civic reception to the delegates this morning at 10.30.

The Taranaki "News'' remarks that a lately returned New Plymouth resident states in January he paid 15s per day at a London hotel, equal to the best in New Zealand. Boots of good quality cost him 255, and shirts 6s 6d each. * The dearness of living at Home, so far as clothing wm concerned, was all a myth. A considerable amount of attention was attracted to the sale whidh was held at Dunedin on Wednesday of a portion of Dr. Truby King's library. Therewas a large attendance of buyers, and bidding was spirited for all the works of general literature, and in particular for the New Zealand hooks. As showing the keen demand for these latter it may be mentioned, (says the "Otago Daily Times") that three small volumes in paper covers on Now Zealand flowers and illustrated with coloured plates brought. £3 ss. When the medical works were reached bidding slackened off to some extent, except for any works of use to students, and these met with oager competition. Taken ns a whole ; the sale passed off very successfully.

Wo have received a copy "of iihe thir'l number of the "New Zealand Bowler,'' •which is becoming deservedly popular with bowlers throughout ihe Dominion In the present issue the recent Bominion Bowling Tournament is treated from several aspects in an interesting way, and there is a varied assortment of very readable club notoj and personal items. In an original article, entitled "Bowling Creates Unity," Ih<> Chief Justice Sir Robert Stout, deals with bowling as an antidote to unres"., and a unifying power within the Empire. Other articles in the current issue deal with historical and social bowling matters in a way vhich makes the publication ono of (he best sports papers of its kind in tho Dominion, or even Australasia. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has bce*n advised by the. Transvaal Athletic Association that it intends sending seven athletes to tour the Dominion and Australia during the. summer of 1022. The expenses of die team have been guaranteed up to £2OOO by Mr C. A. Hadley, of Johannesburg. The team consists of three cyclists and four sprinters, and the intention is to visit >iaw Zealand in April next. The. New Zealand Association considers that there is no scope for cyclists in the Dominion, as there are not sufficient good cycle tracks or experts, and that April is too late in the season to hold sports meetings with any degree of success, on account of the unsettled weather. The governing athletic body in Australia has been communicated with to ascertain if arrangements could be made to allow the South African team to visit New Zealand earlier in the year. , The matter of the proposed establishment of a school 'of forestry was diseased this week by the Auckland* University College Council. The following resolution was carried:—"That in view of prevalent rumours that the Government is being urged to locate the proposed school of forestry at a southern university college,. this council respectfully reminds the Government of tho definitely considered and expressed opinion of the Senate of the University of New. Zealand that a school of agriculture,with an associated school of forestry, should be established in Auckland, and 1 presses upon the Government the desirability of giving such an authoritative opinion immediate effect." The resolution will be sent to the Government. Regarding tho lectures in forestry at'thee University College, it was decided that the council approve of the syllabus of lectures in forestry 'submitted by Mr W. R. McGrejror, of the Department of Biology, and appoint him as lecturer for' the proposed course. The Government, it is understood, has no present intention of suspending the immigration scheme (says the /'Dominion"). Ministers are of opinion that the increase, of the population by the bringing of selected people from Great Britain is a very important' part of the work of reconstruction. Increased production is essential in view' iof the heavy financial burdens that the Dominion has assumed, and it has been made clear that production is largely dependent on an adequate supply of labour. But the Government may be prepared, if necessary, to accent increased responsibility for tho placing of the immigrants in employment and for their welfare until they are earning wages. It is possible, moreover, that tho operation of -the immigration scheme will be relaxed during the coming wintor months, which are likely to bo" most difficult from the employment point of view. The departure of some of the immigrants from the United Kingdom can be delayed without interfering seriously with the scheme. As a result of a meeting held on Thursday, Messrs T. Shailei Weston, and O. J. Norwood have withdrawn their candidature for tho Mayoralty of . Wellington, and have decided to give full support to Mr E. A. Wright, M.P. The meeting was convened by Councillor 7 C. J. Norwood, who forwarded the following notice to Messrs Wright, Weston, Len. MoKenzie, and the Hon. T W. Hislop: "A meeting of the candidates for the Mayoralty will be held in the Town Hall,"No. 2 Committee-room, tomorrow) Thursday, at noon, when those present will proceed to vote for the purposes of elimination. Any candidate not represented' will he regarded as not willing to participate." The meeting was attended by Messrs Wright, Norwood, and Weston. As neither Mr Hislop nor Mr McKenzie was present, nor did they send apo'.ogies for absence, it was assumed that they declined to consent to the suggestion Made that the five moderate candidates should by preferential voting decide who, "in the best interests of the city, should 'stand. It was decided that Messrs Norwood and Weston should not be candidates, but that they wouid give full support to Mr Wright.

It was stated in a telegram from New Plymouth recently that the grave of Charles Armitage Brown, a, close friend and co-worker of the poet Keats, had been located' in New Plymouth. The 'grave was found on the northern slope of Marsland Hill. The large stone slab resting over the grave'was unearthed by Mr W. H. Skinner, who has been superintending the search. The late Mr Brown died in June, 1842, after only seven months' residence in New Plymouth. Wells, writing over 40 years ago in his history, says:—"A large slab of stone was placed over his grave, but when Marsland Hill was escarped and fortified during the Maori War (In 1855 to be precise) this memorial was covered with earth, and only a few old settlers can now point out the exact spot where he was buried." Attempts have been made on different occasions to find the grave,* but without success. The Mayor of New Plymouth, Mr F. E. Wilson, interested himself in the search, having been approached from Auckland "to see if something could not be done to locato the grave. The services of Mr Williams, an expert in tha use of test boring apparatus, were secured, and after many failures he succeeded in locating what was evidently a stone of considerable sue. Further investigations with the spade revealed the longlost tomb.

The handicaps for the Oxford athletic sports, which will be held on Monday, i are advertised in this issue.

To-morrow's offerings»at nil Anglican churches in the diocese of Christchurch will be.handed to the vicar of the parish as an Easter offering. Designs for a "Bridge of Remembrance"' over the Avon at'Cashel street aro invited by the Christchurch War Memorial Committee. A first prize of £ICO and a second prize of £oo are offered.

The Canterbury Justices of the Peace Association is holding another members' social in the Masonic Hall, Gloucester street, on Wednesday. Mr M. L. Reading will give an address, entitled "Press Delegates in Britain and Franco in War Time."

While going towards Christchurch on Thursday along the road from Lake Coleridge, the last one of a rake of waggons laden with wool took fire, apparently from a spark from the tractor drawing the load. The wool was completely destroyed, and the waggon itself was so badly damaged that it had to be left at tho side of the road.

The annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Master Painters', Decorators', and Signwriters'' Association will be, held this year in Christchurch. The delegates will be accorded a civic reception by the Mayor on Tuesday morning at tho City Council Chamber, and the business > sessions of the conference, with social and recreational intervals, will continue daily until Friday. The traffic on the ferry steamers during the holidays has been very heavy. On Thursday morning the Wahine arrived at Lyttelton with the largest number of passengers she has ever carried, the number being given at close on SCO. She took away 800 passengers for Wellington on Thursday night. Tho Maori brought 700 passengers yesterday morning, but only about 650 were taken away .last night.

"I am afraid this clause is going to be abused," remarked Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M.. in the Auckland Magistrate's Court on. Tuesday, when a solicitor asked that the Magistrate grant an order prohibiting the publication of the name of a youth accused of theft, in accordance with tho provisions of tho First Offenders' Act, "1920. "I shall have to lav down some rule," continued Mr Poynton, "or w© shall have this request made in every case that comes before tho Court." Counsel's request was refined.

In Durham street Methodist Churcn to-morrow the Itev. Val Triggo will preach farewell sermons prior to Ins departure for Victoria. In iht. evening a special musical service will bo held, when Madame Claris Holdgale ;.vul sing '"Angels Ever Bright and Fair/ •and Mr H. Blakcley will sing "Thou Didst Leave." Anthems "King oi Kings" and "As it Began to Dawn" will "be sung bv tho choir. Mr Ernest Firth, F.R.C.0., will give an organ solo, "Andante" (by Leniare).

Admiral Viscount Jellicoe, GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, is a man of action as well as a man of resource. At Herotaunga last, week*the sciub on the railway reserve was being burned oif. The names got a bit out of control, and the post office building became endangered. It was a case of "man the E umps." But there were no pumps, ord Jellicoe and his personal staff were equal to tho occasion. Off went, their coats, and at onco there came into action a most efficient bucket brigade. The fire was down and out in next to no time.

"I desire to thank and congratulate the Press of New Zealand for their support of mv mission and for the most accurate and exact shape in which all my public activities and speeches in the various centres of the Dominion have been reported," remarked M. Henri Sogaert, Belgian Consul-Goneral for Austrulasia, in his address to member.?, of tho New Zealand Club, at Wellington. "I have," he added, "besa through many interviews in my Jife, but seldom have met reporter's fc-hb'wanted to report my ideas and impressions, rather than their own, and I am glad ot this opportunity to pay a well-deserved tribute in this respect to the Press of New Zealand, and to thank them for the help and sympathy they have bestowed on me in all the towns of the Dominion." ' .

An unusual case was decided by Mr J..W. Poynton, S.M., at Auckland. Sydney Ernest Chappel (Mr W. It. Tuck) .claimed to recover £lb from tho Seddbn Memorial Technical School Board (Mr Durham). Mr Poynton said Elaintiff's son attended the school. His icycle was placed with ethers in a Bmall enclosure, which was fenced and the gate usualjy locked.. Plaintiff's bicycle was stolen, and on that occasion the gate was not locked. _ No charge was made for allowing bicycles to bo placed in the enclosure, nor for looking after them. The question _}\os: "Are the defendants liable as a bailee?" The law, his "Worship said, was expressed concisely in Halsbury's Laws of England. "Except by special agreement a. gratuitous depository is not liable to his bailor for the misfeasance of third parties, whereby the chattel hailed is damaged # or stolen, unless it can be shown that he was guilty of such negligence in its conduct or custody as to amount to gross conduct or fraud." Mr Poynton said he could not find such negligence in this case, and gave judgment for defendants, with'costs. "I am .told to-day that in Wellington there is a dearth of tradesmen," re- 1 marked the Minister of .Education (the Hon. C.'J. Parr) in his address at the ceremony .of laying the foundation stone of the Wellington Technical College this week. "I am told," ho continued, "that there are only three young men learning bricklaying; that very few are learning, carpentering; and very few learning, plumbing. In Christchureh tho other day I was informed that only ten young men were taking up the calling of practical painters in tho city. It is easy to see that, if we go on like this, in a very few years we will have noi tradesmen in New Zealand." He added that the reason lay in the fact that young men were being attracted to casual labour of an unskilled nature, by the high rates of remuneration at present ruling. Many skilled men had deserted 'heir trades in order to follow these "dead-end" occupations. If bad times came these unskilled occupations would be the first to feci the pinch. Therefore it was a foolish policy oh the nf>rt of parents to nllow their hoys to follow these "dead-end" occupations instead of putting them to some skilled "trarle.

Mr F. K.rHunt, S.M., gave judgment in the Magistrate's Court at Welhugton, this week, in a case brought by the Inspector of Awards (Mr A. T. Bailey) against A. E. Preston and Co.. butchers, under the Butchers' Award Act for working female assistants in a butcher's business. Mr Hunt, in giving his decision, held that under provisions of the Act women could be employed in porkbutchers' Shops. The business of a pork butcher, in the shop in question, was carried out on one side, and on the other an ordinary business. The defendant did no business on the butchery lido after 5 p.m., but sold to pork butchery customers till 6 p.m. Tho female employees were employed only in the pork butchery department. The Act provided that bv clause 12 of the award, females may be employed as shop assistants in shops w&en the dole business carried on is that of a pork butdher. 'i7io Arbitration Court had given its ruling on this clause. In face of this ruling the only, defence to the action was tho one set up by the defendant that there were really two separate and distinct shops, as distinct as if they were owned by separate people. He <lid not agree with this contention, by the fact that it; is registered as one shop. Therefife, if he wished to carry on the busi-> ness of an ordinary butcher, the defendant must carry it on in a separate and distinct shop, or_divide his present shop into two. Judgment was given for a. nominal sum of 10s aijd costs.

Over 150 members of the Methodist. Young Men's Bible Class Union wont into camp hi the Kaiapoi Domain on Thursday evening. Yesterday services were conducted by the Rev. W. Walker (camp captain) and the Rev. A. C. Lawry. In t'tie afternoon the campers were taken to Kairaki by motor launches, To-day is visitors' day, and a programme of athletic events will be held, to conclude with a camp, concert in the evening.

The Parenga correspondent of the Auckland "Herald" reports that the official opening of the Parcnga Kauri Oil Company's new sluicing plant took place on Thursday last. Thp plant is an ordinary gold sluicing plantapplied to winning gum. It has taken twelve months to erect and cost £12,000. The plant was started at 11 o'clock and worked right on until iivo o'clock. It proved a complete success, and during the trial run a considerable quantity or gum was won. The plant is estimated to treat 40 cubic yards an hour, and the trial run' appeared to come quite up to the estimate*. The yield of gum should be easily four tons per shift of eight hours.

The Royal Musical Society have arranged for the Woolston Band to giro a concert in tflie Hospital Gaidens tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. The band has just arrived back from tho contest at Nelson, where they'won the championship. Visitors at the contest state that the playing of t'ho Woolston Band compared very favourably with that famous Lancashire band "Besses o' the Barn," that enraptured all at "the time of the Exhibition. A real musical treat is assured. Lieutenant Osborne (cornet), winner of the diampion gold medal, is making a special trip hereto play at this concert. The proceeds will go to augment the Royal Musical Society's Hospital Patients' Fund. A big crowd is expected.

An amusing false alarm was experienced by tho party from the Canterbury Progress League who went to Lake Coloridge on Thursday morning by motor car to inspect the works at the Harper diversion. After being on the road for some considerable time, tho party was passed by a motor waggon on which were packed tightly a number of workmen going towards Christchurch "Those must be some of the men paid off from the works," was tho thought that flashed simultaneously across the minds of those comprising the party. In order to find out if this was the case, the car was turned round and the waggon soon overhauled. "Have you men been paid off from tho Harper diversion works " asked one of the party. "Not on your life," answered a cheery voice, "we aro from tho switch station, and wo are going into town for the races."

An impoverished condition of the blood is generally responsible for tinexplainable lack of energy, lassitude, etc. The remedy is to strengthen your blood with Loasby's Nerve Tonic and Blood Enricher—it makes rich, red blood. 3s 6d and 6s 6d a bottle, all chemists, or from Loaßby and Co., Chemists (opp. Ballantyno's). 0 Fpr tho best in Faoo Powders, Perfumes, Bath Salts, and Corsage Sachets -r-products of Morny Fro'ros —call on E. Cameron Smith; Chemist, 90 Worcesto* street. 5

One never tires, of tho rich beauty and graceful lines of Doulton ware, particularly the hew designs which hawe ;just reached Hastie, Bull; and Pickering, 113 Cashel street. Eminently suitable .for wedding gifts. Call mid inspect. - ') Messrs Baldwin and Ray ward, of 123 Cashel street (corner. High and Cashel streets), Christchureh, Head Office, Wellington, report that recently they actoU as Agents in filing tho following applications for Letters Patent: —F. Berry Hayes, transformer; H. Jenkins, Remuera., milking machine; J. Hawken, Auckland, frame cramp; S. Hall, Now York, pumps: L. Loith, U.S.A., vacuum pump; G. McLeod, Auckland, trolleypole; \V. do Montalk, Wellington, parqueted frurfaces; Ogilvie. and Butler, Hastings, carburettors; E. Hdlmwood, Wellington, hinges;; W. Bcisiel, New York, wheels. Send for "Inventors' Guide," post free. . 0!)

The Prince of Diggers is doing a great work in helping potato growers through the present difficult season. The Aspinwall potato digger cuts tho cost of harvesting by two-thirds, and saves sufficient hard cash to pay for itself in digging 10 acres of potatoes. The Aspinwall will dig under any condition of soil and it gets all the potatoes. Catalogues, prices, and terms from Ivorys, Ltd., 21 Manchester street. . 6

Akaroa, the old French settlement, most beautiful climate in Dominion. Take your holiday on its beautiful harbour, away from dust and noise of cities. . A 2953-9890

We pack, mark, route, and ship goods witli care, securing for you the best rates and most careful handling at a moderate charge. J. M. Hevwood and Co., Ltd. . H 4943 .For washing bakers', painters', and all household clothing, use "No Rubbing Laundry Help'' regularly. It is simply invaluable. The demand keeps us quite busy. Kincaid's, Limited. ' " H 5414-6797 For washing all hospital linens and every variety 'summer clothing, use "No Rubbing Laundry Help" regularly. Wardell Bros, and Co. H 5414-6797 "Chester" Dinner Sets, English make, now arrived, stock pattern, 32 pieces Dinner Set £5 ss. "Drayton's," without d e hiy, Colombo street (north). 3 In addition to making a full line of high-class Agricultural Implements, Machines and Vehicles, also attachments and accessories for same, wo do repairs of all sorts, from Lawn Mowers to Traction Engines. P. and D. Duncan, Ltd., Tuam street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 124. • D 2992-9395 Harvest 1920-21; We beg to notify our clients that we have complete stocks of harvesting materials, including Andrew's binder twine, forks, lubricating oils, belting, etc. Johnston and Sons, Merchants and Importers, Established 1863. JSOOB-4619 BUY A LATEST MODEL STUDEBAKER LIGHT FOUR FOR £SOO, AND LEARN TO DRIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS. The Easter holidays offer an admirable opportunity for the business man, who has not ordinarily much time to spare, to learn to drive a car. We have a proposition which should appeal to business men. Some months ago Mr F. Armstrong, of the well-known drapery firm, bought from us a Studebaker Light .Four, the very latest 4-cylinder model turned out by the Studebaker Corporation. Recently he purchased a Studebaker Light Six, and we allowed him on the Lignt Four, which has only run 10,000 miles, £SOO. > The Light Four is in splendid condition—so good that we are prepared to give the same guarantee as with a new car. It has electric light and self-starter, magneto ignition, five detachable rims and tvres (including four new covers), and sideflaps to wind-shield. In our opinion the car is as good as new. We will give any trial on hill or flat; we will lend the car to any experienced motorist for a trial on his own account, aijd if purchased by a novice we will teach him or her to drive free of charge, and ensure that a driver's certificate is gained. For further information regarding this car we refer you to Mr Armstrong. We offer this car for what we allowed on it, £SOO, and the lucky purchaser gets it at trade price. Adams, Ltd. Garage, 219 Tuam street,' Christchurch.