GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17634, 11 December 1922, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Following on the success of last year's similar gathering, the Ohristchurch Workingmen's Club intend holding a picnic at the Riccarton racecourse on Boxing Day.

To date eighty-eight applications have been received from those who wish to attend the W.E.A. Summer School, which opens at Leithfield on Boxing Day. An exhibition of paintings in water colour by Mr Stanley Rankin will be held in the Y.M.C.A. from to-morrow until Thursday. The exhibition will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. both daya. Mr S. M. Wren, the unofficial Reform candidate who contested Pamell (Auckland), believes that the Tourist Department could be run to the great profit of New Zealand. The other evening in Auckland (says the "Herald") he discussed the matter. "We must ,be mercenary," he declared. "We must bring tourists here and take their money from them. (Laughter, during -which two people, possibly tourists, retired.) That is business. (Renewed laughter.) "When I -was in London I met a rich man who had been a keen angler. He had never heard, of the wonderful fishing to be had in New Zealand. I took him to the High Commissioner's office to let him find out, and I introduced him to a clerk who did not know there was a fish in New Zealand. (Laughter.)" The fact that the pessimist has been very little in evidence during the past year was commented upon by the chairman of the Auckland Stock Exchange, Mr G. C. Creagh, at the annual meeting last week. "We have not been pestered by that class of investor with money lying idle, who was awaiting the greater crash to come, when, for instance, 4£ per cent, free of income-tax war bonds would be obtainable —as one client suggested to me—at about 60,' said Mr Creagh. "The faculty for 'thinking black' appears to be the breath of life to some, people. Such people are of no Use to their day or generation." He added that some had undoubtedly suffered from the slump, particularly the farming community. He was assured, however, that it was only a matter of time when, as the result of good prices for butter-fat and with increased production, the dairy farmer would come into his own again. An accident of a serious nature occurred on the Makura Inst Mondav during the voyage from iSydney to Auckland, the victim being Mr J. H. Douglas, father of the famous English cricketer Mr J. W. H. T. Douglas. While walking in the higgage room Mr Douglas slipped and fell through the hatch 6ft. into No. 2 hatch. His thigh was broken and he also sustained a contused eye, but, in spite of the fact that he is 70 years old, he had recovered in a wonderful manner up to the time of the vessel's arrival. An ambulance conveyed him to a private hospital, where he is reported to be making satisfactory progress. This is the second", ivisit Mr Dousrlas has paid to New Zealand. He spent some months here at the end of last year nnd the beginning of this year, and he commenced the present trip with the members of the MCC tea, 1 "- Mrs Douglas and the Misses A. and E. Douglas accompany him.

An ingenious method has teen adopted by a Henderson orchardist for combating the pear midge pest Which has recently made its presence felt amongst the commercial orchards of ?S? um ict m, (sayi the Auckland Herald ). The midge is propagated in the ground, and in its moth stage lodges in the tender leaves of the pear tree, in which it develops into a grub. The grub perforates the leaves and causes them to shrivel, and the development of the tree is arrested. "When the grubs have accomplished their work on the leaves they fall to ttw ground, in which the midge is again propagated. The orchardist in question has covered the ground surrounding his pear trees with tarred paper, which is a most inhospitable host for the pest, and the grubs being unable to enter the ground are exterminated. The results achieved so far indicate that the novel method of treatment will prove successful.

Some remarks on the methods of making public appeals for funds were made by the chairman of the Auckland, Stock Exchange, Mr G. C. Creagh, at the annual meeting of that body last week. During the last few years, he eaid, a large number of appeals had been made to the public to contribute to funds, all of which had been worthy of support. Unfortunately, however there appeared to be an inclination on the part of some people, to ensure tho success of an appeal, to adopt methods that were very reprehensible. To his mind no appeal should be made a demand or, in other words, the public anould not be dictated to in such matters. Lach must decide for himself first of all whether he considered the ob3ect fir which an appeal was being made was worthy of hia support, and then what would be a fair contribution for him to make. To allow any man or body of men to dictate to others that they must make certain contributions to any particular fund would be to sanction a very vicious system, which should not bo for one moment tolerated by those calling themselves Britishers. Speaking for himself he would always oppose such methods by every means in his power.

j The Tramway Band provided an enjoyable programme of music in the Botanic Gardens yesterday afternoon. A collection was taken up in aid of the Bandsmen's Memorial Fund. A large crowd attenued tse.WooTston Baud's concert given on the Victoria Square rotunda last night. A collection was taken up in aid of tho band's contest expenses. The National Peace Council calls public attention to the frequent and totally unjustifiable assertion, on the part of public men, when speaking of Russia, that Lenin and Trotsky are ''enemies of ours." Tho Council would "enter an emphatic protest against this false conception, as Russia, with its president, is no moro an enemy than any other republic, and tho constant reiteration of such a statement engenders hatred, antagonism, and suspicion, inimical to the world's peace. Arising out of the drowning fatality in tho Avon-H«athcote estuary two or three months ago, a correspondsnt, writing to tho editor of "The Press," made tho suggestion that a flagpole should be erected on the sandspit at the southern extremity of the New Brighton beach, practically opposite Redclifis. and a flag erected which could bo hoisted in the event of those boating on the estuary getting into trouble. Owing to the public-spiritedness of Mr H. S. Hobday and Mr Arthur Morten, the suggestion has been given effect to, the gentlemen mentioned having provided funds for the purchase of the flag and flagpole. On Saturday afternoon Mr H. J. Marriner and several willing helpers erected the flagpole on a suitable site on the sandspit. Tho elusive charm of thousands of petals is imprisoned in the wonderful new perfumes just arrived at Loasbv's. For Xmas gilts they will make* an appeal no woman will be able to resist. Other suitable gifts are toilet soaps, powders and face creams; manicure sets and brusTiware. Loasby and Co.. Chemists, corner Colombo and Cashel streets (opp. Ballantyne's). 6 A Great Christmas Treat for the Little Ones will be their visib to either if Armstrong's two shops, Colombo and' High streets, where thousands of new ind novel toys, just arrived from England, are now showing. Both shops ixe beautifully decorated, and present veritable Fairylands of toys and gift ;oods, all at, specially low. x>rioee that vill moan big savings to Christmas shoppers. One of the many new toys ihat will delight the little ones ia the jompleto set noulds for sand modelling. Price 2s .Id the set. b" What are "Zero prices"? It ie a :erm applying to tho very beautiful Christmas goods now being offered by Messrs Ilastio, Buu\ and Pickering. The roods were exceptionally well bought m the Home market, and are offered o-day at "Zero Prices" to all patrons. 6

Grass will be worth stripping this season. Get the jest Stripper, made by Reid and Guy—Brookers pattern— Drum underu-aath stripper. Strong angle steel wheels. Big sales every seaeon. Order now to save disappointment. Price £29 5s nett cash, railage paid. Reid and Gray, Ltd. (opposite Railway Offices), Christchurch, and at Burnett street, Ashburton. ,8 Grocers are becoming notorious for fun, wit, and, humour, thanks to the invigorating influence of "No-Rubbing" Laundry Help, "Keep Smiling" Boot Polish, and "Golden Rule" Soap. 11

AH the experienced men present at the late trial of our two new Lucerne machines were satisfied that, the problem of growing Lucerne on a commercial basis in Canterbury is solved by these machines. Twitch, White Clover'and all other weeds can be easily kept under and exterminated and the soil kept arable,' two things necessary to Lucerne, by one or two strokes after each cutting, no damage to the crop whether in rows or broadcast. Write P. and D. Duncan, Ltd., Box 124, Christchurch. 9 Pilkington's motors run twice daily between Christchurch and Akaroa. 6 Picture framing is' an art. That is the kind which embodies the best in selection and execution. We claim this distinction. Our long experience is at your disposal. Gibbs' Art Depot, 105 Cashel street, opposite Ballantynec. G6OBB-6200 ADAMS, LTD.'S DECEMBER CLEARING SALE OP USED MOTORS. PRICES LOWER THAN EVER. Adams, Ltd. are determined to make & complete clearance of all used cara in stock during tha present month. Prices, have been fixed at the lowest possible level'with that end in view. Every purchaser of a car during December can receive free tuition in driving. Motorscycles will be accepted as part payment, and reasonable terms can be arranged. Buy one of the cars described in the following list, and learn to drive during the Christmas holidays:— Reduced to £37s—Model 32 Hupmobile, Sweater, full road equipment, neatly finished in brown.

Reduced to £2oo—Late model 32 Hupmobile, 5-seater; electric lights and self-starter. Finished in brown. Reduced to £2oo—Late model Oalthorpe (English) 5-eeater; electric lights and self-starter; wire wheels, overhead inlet valves, etc. Very smart appearance. Plated fittings. Reduced to £22s—Roomy 8-seater Studebaker, electric lights and selfstarter. Has had very careful usage, and looks almost as if new. Attractively finished in-primrose shade. , Reduced to £22s—Smart-looking 8seater Overland, model 75. Electric lights and self-starter. Finished in primrose shade. Adams, Ltd.—Showrooms, 162-154 High street; Garage, 219 Main street. 6