LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 262, 29 July 1908, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

TJIO postal authorities advise that the Moeralri, which loft Sydney on Saturday last, for Wellington, lias on board an Australian mail, duo hero this morning. . Tho United Building Society sold £1000 last evening, the purchaser being Mr. Robert Hannah at 28 per 1 cent. Professor Mackenzie, of tho Victoria College, delivered an . interesting lecture on " Lifo and Work in .1 Mediaeval University " at tho Concert Chamber of the. Town Hall last evening. Application was filed yesterday by the Wellington Building Trades and Labourers' Union that tho .provisions' of the Building Trades award should bo applied to forty-eight additional employers in and around Wellington. Tho Chief Justieo (Sir Robert Stout) will sit 0.80 this morning io hear a motion to review taxation in tho case of Hutton and another vorsus Elgar; and at-10 o'clock ho will take tho case of W. Blundell and others, trustees for the Brett benefit fund, vorsus tho "Now Zealand Times" Ltd.' The dwelling of Mr. it. J. S. llickard, chemist,' Kelburno Parado, was broken into last week and plato valued at £25 was stolen. Tho matter was taken up by Dotectivos Broborg and Cameron, ivitli tho result that two men who are at present'in custody charged with theft of money from tills, aro to bo charged with tho oll'oneo. . '■ This afternoon, on Newtown Park, two teams from H.M.S. Encounter will try conclusions at a gamo of Association football. Followers of tho Association gamo will have an opportunity of witnessing a scientific display, as tho majority of the contestants havo played at Homo. Later ill the season, a team from H.M.S. Encounter will play a local senior team on tlio ltasili Reserve. , tho Mayor- (the Hon! T. W. Hislop) informed a reporter that tho Tramways Com--mittoo had a further conference with the tramway men 011 tho subject of tho men's domands, and tlio matter was 11OW practically settled. The rates of pay for all the employees, except trackmen and repairers, are practically fixed. Another conference will bo held on Friday, and the committee will report to tho mooting of the Council on August 13. / Tho inquiry into tho charge of insubordination against .Sergt.-Major Talbut, of, ttho Horotaunga Mounted Riilo Volunteers, will bo brought to .a conclusion to-day. Tho court of inquiry, consisting of Major ( Head, Captains Priliglo aiid Charters, has sat for, live hours a.day sinco Thursday last, during which .tiino between thirty and forty witnesses have boon 'examined. \ Tho result of the inquiry will bo forwarded to tile Couhcil of . Defence in duo course. An evidence of tho wide-reaching- circulation of Tnn Dominion is afforded by an\advortisor, who writes from Eoilding as follows:—" It in ay interest you to know that ail advertisement, which wo inserted'in your paper some months ago, has been answered from Aberdeen, Scotland. Candidly, it was' something of . a shock to find ourselves so near Homo, but 110110 tho less pleasant to got into touch with our countrymen. Needless to say, wo gave our enterprising friend a cordial invitation to como and try his luck_in -New Zealand." ;'' ' ' : ' At tho Confercnco of Professional Musicians' i which was held in Wellington some time ago,' a special committee was set up to study the progress and methods of - teaching school music, and report to the next Conference. In order to gain some idea of what' is being done in Wellington, Mr. Robert Parker, who' is under: engagement, to tho Wellington Education Board, as instructor in school music teaching; .lias obtained permission from tlio Board for tho members of this oommittco to accompany him on his visits to certain of tho city schools.' : Mr. Parker'proposes to visit Clydo Quay School to-day.. (

Olio of tho .witnesses, at an. inquest'held •in the 'Magistrate's Gourfc -yesterday was re-' counting what' had transpired between him' and a man who, was under tho inlluonco of. liquor, Tlio circumstance:; of the case, lie informed'Sub-Inspector Phair, wore silcli as had sUggestod to him tho-advisability of fetching a ".bobby.'-'.; "A what?" asked the Sub-Inspector,'.on" his dignity.. "A bobby, sir," replied the witness_ innocently. " And what's a bobbyf"-queried the Sub-Inspec-toiy to the-intense dolight of. u certain wollknoWn logal luiitinai'y,. who winked at tho scribes at tho reporters! 'desk.' "Oh, a .policeiiiau, sir," explained tho, witness. This ..is an irreverent aso. Soven hundred miles of railway to 'bo constructed is all that is . required to complete the loug-talked-of-Capo to Cairo. Kaihoaa. •There is a' good prospect of much of tho 'construction being' undoi'takon before long,' so that the day whoii:it will bo "possiblo to travel by rail arid lake, and river steamer from Egypt to StHith Africa is not far dis'-i taut. The terminus of the Ehodesinn railway. lino already somo" 400 miles north, of tho groat' Victoria Falls of tho Zambesi, which arc already visited by many to'uristbr It is proposed to extend this lino to Lako Tanganyika. This will only leave the 300 miles between 1 Lako'Tanganyika'" and Lako /Ylbort Edward to bo covered to complote tho Capo to Cairo route. There, is'already considerable tourist' travel from Cairo to Lako Victoria Nyanza, and between there and Lako Tanganyika lies much magnificent that will undoubtedly prove most attractive; ; ' ' "The new dam. at Karori is about 36in. from tho overflow," said tho City .Engineer in answer to a question yesterday. Thero is always.a little anxiety.when a dam is tilled for tho first tiniOj and a vei'y close'watch is being kopt at Karori as the water rises to tho top of tho dani, so that the earliest indications of a leak may bo detected—a risk that grows with tlio increasing pressure of tho bijr body of water. So far 110 trace'of a leakJias manifested itself,, and the steadily rising waters prove-tho basin to ;bo good holding ground. Tho water hold by tho. dam now . stretches. away back to tho gently sloping hills at the head of tho valley (which aro now being planted with. suitable trees). Tho lino expanse of water' fcolisiderably enhances tho Scenic attractions of lloservoir Valley. . Mr. Morton states that there aro now'over 100,000,000 gallons of water at Karori, whoreas. formerly thero ' was never moro than 46,000,000 when. tho water . was running over tlio-'by-wash of the old dam.

Speaking at tlio Pun-Anglican Congress on the question of secular education, the Bishop of Auckland (Dr. 'Neligan) said,that religious 'education did not necessarily mean imy particular dogma, but it signified education given religiously, and though a shopkeeper or a Cabinet Minister might' not open his establishment daily with prayer, the 'outcome of suclr education was that in business a mari would not do anything dirty or dishonour-' ablo for tho sako of gain.' The roseate view of tho results of secular education in tho United States, expressed by/ Dr.. Canfiold (one of the speakers at the Congress), was not accepted by peoplo well able to judge. For oxamplo, Dr. Shadwoll, in. his book on "Industrial Efficiency," said: "Thoro is' 110 religious question in the schools, and no religion. AYostern morality has disappeared from tho"day schools, and, at the sarno lime, attendance at tho Sunday schools has dropped off. Tho results can bp seen in the corruption of public life, tho growth of lawlessness, violence, and juvenile crime, th'o increasing prevalence of divorce, of a taste'for foolish and degrading literature, and for immoral amusements." He (the Bishop) could testify to tho ill-cfFects of secular education in Now Zealand. Magistrates and judges woro deploring the growth of juvenilo crime, and, he feared that unless a chnngo . were made, New Zealand would discover with deep regret that character could not satisfactorily "where tho fear of God was not an element of tlio' daily life. ' A speciality of Hair and Scalp Treatment is mailo by Mrs. Rollestou. Ladies troubled with' falling hair, dandruff', or'any scalp complaint should call for advice (gratis) at her rooms, first, floor, 3 Willis Street, over Carroll's, or telophono appointment 1509. Personal attention only. Certificated. . ■ C.739 Crescent Enißtf, Tea brews a stronp rich •awny/, liquor, with a fine smooth texturo, anil laves the palate most agreeably. It has a distinct and delicious flavour, and' is tho most favoured for tho morning' cup of tea. Tho quality and flavour of Crescent Brand Toa uovor vary. Tho same_ to-day as it was yesterday, o.nd tho price is So. pot lb, Obtainable from all grocers. C&B3\

The Aotea Maori Land Board commenced a session yesterday in Wellington, Judge Fisher presiding. The Board will meet again •to-day. A Press' Association mcssago from Auckland states that tho Shaw-Savill steamer Matatua, which left there yesterday for London, took gold bullion valued at £40,000. The Anglican Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Neligan), speaking at tile Lyceum Club dinner, protested against tho toast of "The Colonies" when 1 Canada. Australia, and New Zealand were nations. On account of sickness on board the Government training ship Amokura, which was to have left Wellington yesterday for Auckland, has had her departure postponed. She may possibly get away to-day, but up to a lalo hour yesterday nothing definite was decided. Tho Wellington' City Council lias forwarded a-flag to Auckland to symbolise the Empire City's welcome to tho "United States fleet. Wellington's bit o' bunting (measuring 15ft. by 9ft.) is white, with tho city's coat-of-arms, and the words " Welcome from the citizens of Wellington" emblazoned' in red, tile lettering being in conspicuous block letters. Tho' flag (made by Mr. R. G. Knight), is reproduced in tho current, number of the " Auckland Weekly News." Replying to M(\ Witty in the House of Representatives yesterday, the Minister for Agriculture said it had been, expeoted that the now dairy regulations would have been gazetted by - this date, but in answer to a strongly-expressed desire he had /consented to them being sent to a select committee.-of the House before such gazotling . In the meantime, tho issuing of the new licenses) which had bcSen held'over until the gazetting) would take place without further delay, and instruction! had been given t-o that effect. - "We cannot get heart of kauri in' Wellington," said a member of the Building Contractors' Federation to the Prime Minister yesterday. - The Wellington builders,, ho said, sent their , orders forward, but -did not know when ihe/timber would come to.hand. Tho millers did not seem to want to supply the local markets at -all.. He thought- ss. export duty should be placed on (die timber so thiit New Zealand people should have that benefit of their own timbers to which , they Were entitled. Writing about the check system in vogue on the Berkeley-San Francisco street railways, Mr, Herbert Baillie, Chief-' Public Librarian, of Wellington, says : " You liavo no ticket; your moiley is ritli on td amachino, which shows the amount paid as the. ' conductor takes your money. If he is paid a 5 dent.'dr a 10 cent.'fare or a commuter's ticket, lid. turns his indicator to that particular 'denomination,; and rings on, aiid everybody' in the.car see 3 what is goiiig on. You. are not bothered with tickets or inspectors." ■ / \ : ■v ■ The Executive of the New Zealand Allianco at a meeting held list' night carried the following resolution This meeting of tho Now Zealand Alliance Executivo expresses ita. satisfaction at tho assurance given by tho Premier to tho deputation which waited on him on Juno, 27,''that'' lie ,-fras prepared 'to consider favourably the request presented with regard to the abolition of bottle licenses, also of breweries and depots in the vicinity of. No-License districts; and also the requirements for a half-poll -in tho case of an uncontested selection. It -further expresses its satisfaction at tho Premier's'utterance iii favour of temperance teaching in schools."

A paragraph in: The Dominion on Saturday last referring to the behaviour of larrikins oil Friday evening, subsequent to the hail storm, was quoted in tlio Houso yesterday'by Mr. Rutherford; The member wanted to know if the attention of the Minister, for Justice had, been called to the behaviour in tlio streets, and to tlio inaction-of the police. \ Ho himself had seen from an upstairs room'in'tlio Royal Oak Hotel almost every train assailed Uy youths armed with snowballs: This had gone, on for an hoiir and a half. '. (Mr. Aitkeii: Hear,: licai'.) What, ho wanted to Icnow was why the polico apparently took, no,, action. .i'.Tho 'Hon. M'G'owan (Ministcs if or < Justice):!■' "If tho lion, gentleman will, put' a .question 011 the 'ordor !, {)!ip6ivT'^ill' J he''})le'ased ll to l ''!ihSwer it.", Mr. Rutherford gave notice to ask , the question. ■ ' During the sitting of the Conference in Wellington last week, some statements,, wfitd made Ipy building Contractors that Oregon pine was a much stronger., timber than ordinary building rimu, and'was,' therefore, more suitable: for heavy joists' in' big buildings, Mr. Geo. Bartholomew, of. Feilding, ivho' was present at the Conference as a representative of tho Hawke's Bay sawmillors, questioned the statement, and asked if any tost had been made. It was found that this* had; not,, been dono; and arrangements were made forthwith for holding, a private competitive test between the two timbers. The tost took! place at Robertson's foundry yesterday. .'Hydraulic pressure was applied, and beams Of Oregon pino and , ; .fiinu respectively ' wore submitted.The imported timber .bi'oko at Vprcssuro of IGOlbs. _to'_ tho square incli,: while the ordinary building rimu was still unbrokeii at 2101b., to the sqtiare inch. '

■ The ,''Westminster Gazetto " of Jtae 17 has,.this;interesting,note:—" Sir J. G. Ward, the Prime Minister pf Now' Zealand, evidently sees some cloiidu gathoring on his locar horizon. Reviewing the financial year, he described the barometer as steady, but added that .the. Government had beei> < pursuing a dautious .policy.lf Now Zealand were ,to find herself in a dangerous position, what would be the duty of tho Government of tlio day ? : Obviouslyj to strengthen the situation by increased taxation. 1 ~ Pessimistic . critics who predicted that the' lato . 1 King Dick', Seddon's magnificent ■ Socialistic ' schemes would have an unpleasant sequel some day will doubtless take 1 note of this peculiar utterance, Sir Joseph Ward has had a varied .career. Ho began to earn his living early in the.New Zealand Postal Department, after which he served for a time in tho llailwaj Department; and later occupied a stool in, a merchant's office. ; Ho had barely turned 21, however; beforo ho set up in business on his' own account in the grain trade. At tho same timo ho went i'n for politics, became fivd times Mayor of his native tov.-n, entered the Now Zealand Parliament at 30, got oflico almost immediately, and since then has never looked back." , 1 i It is not dasy to : associato fierce . Maori war-cries, quaint ruri, or\lovo ' song's, and plaintive waiatas with the modern, phonograph. "It is feared,. however, that as the Maori grows'more civilised, lie will forget tho old waiatas. No longer will tho flute " lilt.and waver, .brimming with love's yearning,", ahd the war-cry will bo mute.' Maoris who dread this oblivion for tho things they lovo are looking to the phonograph, for their preservation. Tho immortality of the phonograph is not tho most desirablo immortality, • but it _is safe. Some' years ago' a Wanganui native, Wircmu Hipango, took some very successful records of Maori songs for phonographic reproduction. \ Mr. A. T. Ngata, M.P., and other mcmbcrd of the Young Maori party, liavo recently 1 ' revived tlio idea, and'attempts have been made to obtain' records of somo of the Ngatiporou chants.- So far tlio experiments have not been vory successful, but thero is no reason why. they should not finally succeed. The Maori tones are much finer and more divided than those of English' voices, . which forms one sourco 6f difficulty. Tho effect of a lecture given by Professor Baldwin Spencer ! at tlio meeting of the Australasian Scionco Association at Dunedin, some years ago, was much enhanced by screen pictures of tho dances of Australian aboriginals, l accompanied by a phonographic reproduction of tho songs sung. The Tourist Department prepares cinematograph films of Maori hakes aild poi dances for exhibition in England, and theso would be more valuable if the Native songs wore reproduced as an accompaniment. The principal object in taking records at preseut, however, is that ; the chants and voices of tlio Maori pcoplo may bo preserved for Over in museums. If you are contemplating removing, tho Erst thin); you should do is obtain a quotation from J. Keir, 3G Jervois Quay. lie has had many voars'. experience in this class of l work, anil is in a position to pack, store, and reniovo any description of furniture. Ho also clears goods through Customs, and dispatches packages and parcels to any address in tho world. Telephone No. USO. CSGG Tho New Zealand Express Company, Ltd., gives 6peeiali attention to consignments of ail sorts for up-country clients. Live stock a speciality.'• Address, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington. 'Phono 1333. CBO9