GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17429, 13 April 1922, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

"The Press" will not be published to*morrow (Good Friday), The Waikato "Times" reports the case of a,young returned soldier, a skilled accountant, who, two years ago, puthiagcatuity and his savings, £W)O in all, into a farm. He "went under" during the slump, and for three weeks had been tramping ahoot looking for a Job. He had just 82s left out of the wreck. Tomorrow at 11 a.m., in. St. Andrew's Presbyterian-Church, a united service will be held under the auspices of the Christoburch Ministers' Association. The service will be conducted by the Rev. N. D. L. Webster, and the Bet. J. Napier Milne will be the preacher. A collection will be taken up in aid of the Russian Famine Belief lnind. It has been the custom, , for some years past, in all the Anglican Churches of the Ohristohuroh diocese, to give the whole of their collections on Good Friday to St. Saviour's Orphanages, and an advertisement appears in this issue earnestly requesting all to give freely, as the numbers Tn tbe two Homes are now , approximately 160 orphaned and destitute children. This year, the Government has notified the Orphanage authorities that "they are unable to make 'their 'usual contribution towards'the werk. Some objections have been made to advertisements being included in the telephone directories, and also to the charge made for the numerical index, which was formerly given tree with the directory. The Post and Telegraph Department states that the insertion of advertisements has been sanctioned to reduce the cost of producing the directory, v It is anticipated that in the near future the advertisement will pay for the whole cost of producing the books. The numerical index has boon charged for in other countries, and New Zealand had adopted the system owing to the ntvd for economy. The index is printed by the contractor, and sold as a,commercial enterprise.

Meetings of creditors in tdio estates of John Louis Watson, and "Walter Paton will bo held in the Official Assignee's office on April 20th and 21st respectively. The choir of St. Michael's having received many requests to repeat the Cantata "Penitence Pardon and Peace" (Maunder) will do so to-night at 7.30. Words will be supplied to the congregation. The collection will be in aid of the choir fund. A Minister of the Crown has a busy life and has to extract the most out of every minute of his time. Yesterday morning tho Hon. C. J. Parr succeeded absolutely in killing two birds with one stone, as he received, heard, and answered a deputation in his taxi when speeding from the Addington to the Phillipstown School. To-morrow evening, at 7.45, a choice musical programme, consisting of vocal solos and duets, will be given in the Durham street Methodist Church. Mrs Ernest Firth will Sing "0, Lord, Thou Hast Searched Me Out," and "Break, Break, Break"; Mrs Stewart (Bessie Olds), "0, Divine Redeemer" and "God is our Refuge"; Mr H. Heptley, "It is Enough"; Mr W. J. Salkeld, "Behold, I Stand at the Door" ; Mr H. Blakelev, "King Ever Glorious," and, with Mr W. J. Salkeld, tbe duet, "The Divine Petition." Mr Ernest Firth, F.R.C.0., will preside at- the organ. A party of deerstalkers who returned to Nelson a few days ago, after spending eight days at Tophouse, report good sport in that district, though the heads obtained are only fair, the best being a ten-pointer. One of the party complained that indiscriminate shooting of deer had been going on, as no fewer than eight does and fawns, shot within the last few days, were found in the vicinity of the river bed. It is understood that the matter has been reported to the Acclimatisation Society. It was also stated tljat paradise ducks were seen in great numbers, while grey ducks were fairly plentiful. Numerous quail were also seen.

There will be a large number of iire brigadesmen in uniform in the city during the Easter holiday period. The principal attraction is the Canterbury Fire Brigades' demonstration on Easter Monday. Other functions are the annual conference of the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades' Association, to be held .at the Christchurch City Fire Station on Saturday at 7 p.m., in connexion with which all visiting firemen are invited to inspect the City Fire Brigade's plant; on Easter Sunday, a Church parade of all local and visiting firemen and ex-fire-men, at St. Michael's Church, assembling at the City Fire Station at 10.13 a.m., to be heacled by Berry's Band, and the St. Michael's troop of Boy Scouts participating; a motor run to Sumner the same afternoon, leaving the City Fire Station at 2 p.m., the demonstration on the Show Grounds on Easter Monday, and a smoke concert the same evening at which the Champion Shield (holders for the past three contests, the Addington Railway Brigade), and the prizes won during the day will be presented. A case has come under an "Express'' representative's notice, which, as an illustration of sheer will-power and fine stamina, is hard to surpass. On Friday week, the last day in March, an old gold-miner named Longhurst (known to many as the "Silver King"), who lived in a'lonely shack far back in the ranges in the direction of Waikakaho. had the index finger and thumb of his left hand blown clean off by the explosion of a detonator-cap which he was cleaning. The injury was severe to one of hii advanced age (over 75 years), hut. he made shift with bandages and string, and set off to trudge back to civilisation. He had a solid three-hours' walk along a rough, unfrequented and it must pave takeri much courage to go through with the trip. •Mfssm ly reached the Picten road, '"sKfijHfm up by a passing motor-car. ancr*WMHpm away to the/Picton Hospital, vmetifl he is now progressing quite favourably. As rugged, constitution of the man, it is stated that two years ago he rowed an open boat down the Opawa River, out to soa, and round into Queen Charlotte Sound, where he was prospecting for coal. We have received the following from Mr \V. Stringleman, District Traffio "ffifanager:—"Your correspondent who telegraphed recently a statement about checking luggage from Wellington to South Island stations ('Press,' April sth) Sid hot give- correct information. The checking from Wellington to South Island stations has been carried on for years by the New Zealand Express Company, acting, as agents for the railway. This avoided the delivery of the luggage at a railway station in Wellington, in order to obtain checks for it, and the subsequent carting to the steamer. Since the agreemont with the Express Company expired, the checking has been done at the Wellington Harbour Board's office at the wharf, where the luggage is received. It is not correct that checks can be procured at the railway booking office, Willis street, Wellington. That would bo a less suitable arrangement, as any luggage checked must be delivered at the time. Therefore, instead of the Railway Department fighting against the reform, as alleged, it lias had suitable arrangements for such checking in force for some, years." A correspondent of "unimpeachable veracity" has told the following story to the "Taranaki Herald":—"While at Marton on Friday last I was informed that there were some performing eels in a pond at the back of the Marton Hotel. Having a fow hours.to wait, I visited the pond, and was shown what the eels were capable of doing. Mr T. B. Nesbit, the licensee, who aceom-r panied me, stood on the edge of the pond, which is thirty-five yards long and eighteen yard* wid«>. and whistlea four or five times, an ordinary straight whistle. In lees than one minute five eels, averaging from 51b to 81b in weight, came swimming towards him. He put a few small pieces of meat m his hand, and they all fed out of it. He then held some pieces of meat four to six inches up the bank; they in turn would reach out of the water to get a piece of meat. He then put his hand under them as they came round, and practically lifted them out of the water. They would slip into tho water off his nand, and swim around for more. They did not at any time appear to be frightened. Mr Nesbit informed me that there were eight, all the same, and as quiet as each other, and all come to the whistle."

"I want to 6ay a few words to those soldier settlers who are becoming disheartened owing to the poor returns they are receiving from their farms," said Mr H. D. McKellar, Commissioner, at a meeting; of the Nelson Land Board "My advice to them is to 'stick ifc out.' Their position is dimcult, but they have been in even more difficult positions while on active service, and have won through, and I feel sure that if they display the same spirit in their present difficulties they need haye no fear regarding the future. Prices of sheep, wool, and butter-fat are rising, and the outlook generally is brighter than it was a few months ago. I am confident that the man who hag sufficient tenacity of purpose to retain and work his property will become successfully established. The Lauds and Survey Department, as landlord or mortgagee, are willing to help the man who is trying to help himself. Instalment payments can be postponed, and foreclosure is never considered in the case of a settler who is working his farm satisfactorily, and who shows that he is determined to succeed in spite of the obstacles that have to be surmounted. Every farm will ultimately be successfully worked by somebody, and I sincerely hope that the men now in possession will retain their properties, survive "the present, time of adversity, and be rewarded by success. Any settler who is thinking of abandoning his farm should, in order to avoid cause for future regret, seek my advice before making a final decision.

"The Crucifixion" will be sung by tiie Cathedral Choir to-morrow at 7.30 p.m. The offertories will go to &*>• Saviour's Orphanages. The eteamer Cygnet will run an excursion to Port Levy on Easter Monday, in connexion with tho Port Levy Regatta, leaving on the arrival of the 8.55 a.m. train. The Past High Chief Ruler of the Rochabite Order, Mr J. H. Lear-Caton, and Mr John Vale -will deliver addresses in the Grand Theatre on Sunday at 8.15 p.m. Dr. A. C. Sandston will preside. A special motor-car will leave Christchurch at 9 a.m. on Saturday on an excursion to Kaikoura, Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds. The tour is being conducted by the Kaikoura Motor Company, Ltd. The Canterbury Progress League is organising a visit to Lnke Tekapo at the instance of the South Canterbury Progress League. The purpose is to give members an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the hydro-electrio proposals in regard to the lake. The gold, silver, and bronze medals won bv the Canterbury and New Brighton Surf Clubs, the Maranui Surf Club, Wellington, and the Wellingtoir and Canterbury head centres, will be presented at the swimming carnival to be held at the Tepid Baths on Saturday night. As an indication of the size of the "pot-holes" in a road under the jurisdiction of the Pelorus Road Board (Marlborough), a member of the Board stated, at a meeting last week, that a ratepayer had asked him for permission to fill up one of the holes with a cow which had died in the vicinity! Reference was made in the annual report of the Addington School Committee, presented at the householders meeting last evening, to one of the pupils. Master Cecil Hughes, who had attended the school for eight yeaiß without missing a half-day. Master Hugi'es had been presented with a medal for his meritorious performance, it was Btated.

A Wellington Press Association telegram 6tates: It has cost the City Council £433 to captpre 2031 rats, or nearly 4s Gd per head. The Mayor told the Council that he was quite satisfied that rats did not exist hero to the extent they were led to suppose. A private-rat-catcher had been at work for some years, and had kept them down. It was decided to discontinue the operations after this month. The Elmwood School Committee, in its annual report to the meeting of householders last night, stated that the new road from Leinster road to Heaton street was a great boon to children in the north/west part of the school district. The report added: "We think that 'Allister avenue,' the title given to the road, hardly is suitable. It connects Elmwood' School with Elmwood Park, and we suggest that 'Elmwood avenue' would be a more suitable title."

Strong comment was made at the annual meeting of householders at Spreydon last evening concerning the insanitary condition of the older portion of the school. It was stated that the school building might have been up-to-date forty years ago, but now it was a disgrace to the authorities. One speaker said the boards were so wormfaaten that the children could put their feet through them. It was decided to enter a strong protest to the Education Board against the continued use of the old school building, and to urge that it be replaced with a more modern building. The refusal of the Government to allow forest rangers to attend a special school, as suggested by the Canterbury College, wasfdiscussed .s*. a meeting of the Hamilton, Chamber -of Cprainerce. Mr J. the majftie* d»&epy«great deal in the interests of He was informed that many rangers had littlo technical knowledge,, and he thought they should* be '. glVcn every' opportunity of acquiring more. On his proposal, a motion was passed to the effect that the Chamber regretted that the Government could not allow its rangers to attend a school, and further that the Chamber supported the Auckland Chamber in its efforts # to have the school of forestry established in Auckland. In the course of a discussion on afforestation generally, it was suggested that more attention should bo paid to the growing of useful timbers, such as ash, etc., Avhich grew just as quickly as fancy trees of little utilitarian value.

The nights are getting colder, there in a dampness in the air, everything is ripe for the contracting of a winter cough that will plague you for months. Don't allow even a slignt cough or cold to make any headway, but nip it in the bud by taking "Stop It," the most successful cough and cold cure. Sold by all chemists and stores, Is 9d and 3s a bottle. Loasby and Co., chemists (opp. Ballantyne's), o" Abraham Lincoln will always b© lovingly remembered for abolishing negro slavery; likewise Christcnurch commercial travellers for their part in abolishing Washboard Slavery with "NoRubbing" Laundry Help. 13.

Aspmwall, the Prince of Diggers, is ready to help and save money for potato growers. Digs at one-tenth the cost of hanii labour. Prices reduced. Ivory's Ltd., 21 Manchester street. —6 Customs clearing, General Carrying and Forwarding are undertaken by J. M. Hey wood and Co., Ltd. You cannot do better than to give them, your business. Telephones 250, 259, 1241. H 5720.6532 The one object we all have at Easter is to our aolidays in comfort. ''LVgo to the r fl ces or other outdoor amuscmente and feel cold is to spoil the outing altogether. During this week the New Zealand Clothing Factory are snowing special linea of Men's Overcoats and Underwear at very reasonable prices, so do not make your holiday a misery. Keep warm by wearing N : !Z. Clothing Factory Overcoats. 6 Pilkington's motors run twice daily lietween Christohurch and Akaroa. 6 With the advent of the colder weather, the time is opportune for a change into warmer, underwear, and Armstrong's great sale of Gill and Co.'s titocks offers a. splendid opportunity of securing your underwear requirements at special sale prices. There is no need to feel the cold when values such as these are offering, and a visit to either of Armstrong's shops, Colombo and High streets win prove a profitable pleasure. Men's Warm Fleecy Singlets and Underpants, Gill's price 8i lid, now <ss 6d; Ladies' Special Quality Cotton Chemise Vests, Gill's price 4s 6d, now 2s 6d. o

BUY A MOTOR-CAR AND LEARN TO DRIVE DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS. Adams, Ltd., give free tuition in driving to any purchaser of a car, new or used, who requires it. It is not difficult to drive a motor-car. Any boy or girl could soon become a good driver. What could be more pleasant than to spend your Easter holidays learning to ur * vc >' our own csr * ; with side-car outfits who are iinding they would be better Huited with a car for family use, are reminded that we will take their outfit in part payment. We will arrange easy terms for any purchaser of a used Motor-oars are not dear nowadays. We can sell you a used five-seater Ford for £l2O an" Overland for £175, or a Studebaker for £230, a four-seater Bris«<oe tor £250, a three-seater ClementBavard for £195, a three-seater Studebakei for £225. Why not plunge this Easter, when you have tima to learn to drive? Adams Ltd.. Showrooms, 152-154 High street; Garage, 219 Tuam street.