DUNEDIN.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 109, 31 January 1908, Page 4

DUNEDIN.

January 20. Since the introduction of the oledtrio tramway service to the suburbs tho value of property .in the centre, of Dunedin lias) increased 25 per cent., while 'within the pquny section areas tho worth of. dwelling-liojises has improved 20 por cent. Citizens find-it -more, economical to pay what is considered high rent in central areas than a "reason-; able rent" and heavy expenditure' on tramway fares in the distant suburbs! This phaso of the question applies particularly to large households. v.- 'V 1 . Mr. C. J. Payne, who has just returned from'a two months' holiday in the Comrijonwoalth, stated that bowling is going ahead on the other side in a wonderful manner, and that- there is always a warm welcome [for members of-tho fraternity from this'"'side. Although ho was unablo •to ' prevail ■'■on bowlers to make a tour of tho South Islind . this season, Mr. Payne' says that it is liow almost a certainty that n very strong'representative team will make tho trip, and play in various centres of the South Island during the beginning of next year;- | The position of the stock market is sqrious, and if the dry weather continues it will Iks followed by disastrous results. ■ Already the pinch is.-iclt, Yesterday, for instance, the price of'sheep at Bnrnside showed tlio largo decline of about 3s. per head; and iof cattle 15s. ])er head. 1 Tho explanation :is that tho supply hoavily exceeds the domand. Despite the fact that prices have declined gradually for tho past lew weeks, tho supply does not decrease. This,menus-that tho graziers, on account of the scarcity of feed-, cannot hold-their stock.- Thero is /no chance of the frozen meat buyers relieving the trouble, as the comparatively low pi ices ruling at Homo will not permit them buying to advantage. By tho time prices are likely to fall to allow them to t-ako a hand they will only bo able to obtain medium quality stock, as the local trade will snap up the fat lines. Though there is no immediate probability of an increased prico to consumers, that undesirable result must eventuate unless feed becomes more plentiful. Tho coming sittings of tho Arbitration Court-promiso'to' be tho shortest yot held here. - The Labour Department have some 24 applications for enforcement of awards, which is tho smallest number- they havo brought before tho Court to date. Eight disputes havo been filed for hearing, and thero is a likelihood of three of them being taken in the country. Tho stock market is absolutely at a standstill on account, of'the dry weather, resulting of course in a. scarcity of food. Six weeks ago Southland dealers , wero buying freely, as tho outlook iwas promising,' but since adverse advices -,havo- been- received from tho. north tho bottom is out,of the iiiai> kot. . , ; . Joo Scott, who lives in Dunedin, ono time a famous walker and champion of'the world, is very, ill, suffering from cancer ,of the throat. Tho Caledonian Society have, taken tho matter in hand of raising subscriptions, as Scotfc is in poor circumstances. Mr. Solomon, K.C., Chairman of tho Hos- ! pital Trustees, stated on Monday'that the provision for tho escape of patients from the hospital in caso of tiro is very defective. Ho said thero was on provision for extinguishing a firo if one took place, and no proper provision for escape of patients. Tho new ward, on which such a largo amount of money. was spent, is very deficient in this matter. Dr. Valentine, Chief Health Officer, quite agreed with Mr. Solomon's statements. A passenger, bound for Melbourne by the steamer the other evening, founds out that thero is a decided objection to peoplo leaving the Dominion who forget.to pay up fines and costs incurred in Court proceedings. While this irresponsible tripper (accompanied by some lady frieuds)| was proceeding from town in a trap, a policeman with a warrant was searching the steamer, and closely scanning all tho passengers who disembarked from the last train., Failing ill bis quest, tile constable was going up.the street.when tho trap came bowling along with a male occupant bonding down getting his baggage together. . Tho policeman bad known of particular attention to luggage under similar circumstances. Ho stopped the trail am ' presented an order for free board and lodgings at tho nation's expenso until tho debt was paid. -Tho-pas-senger was indignant, lie was in a hurry to catch tho boat and would call in at the Blulf and pay tho account. The policeman was not taking any "bluff." Ho wanted cash. "What aro you going to do about it?" inquired his fair companion, as tho steamer's boll warned _ lagging passengers to loso no time "in getting oil board. Ho did the only thing that could ensure his obeying the bell —paid tho debt and mado his way to tho ship, poorer in pocket, but richer in tho oxporioncc that certain obligations cannot bo ignored.