LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 281, 20 August 1908, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The compensation suit of Hall and Bowden v. the King, a claim for £1500 in rcspect of tho taking of certain land between Kaiwarra and Ngahauranga, will be heard this morning. His Honour Mr. Justice Coopor will deliver a lecture (oil a subject to bo announced at a later date) before the members of the Wellington Law Students' Association on Monday evening next. Tho loan, money (£100,000) for outlying suburban drainage is available, and 'it will not be long beforo the actual work is proceeded with. As far as the clerical work is concerned, everything is well advanced.

A special general of the Wellington Chamber of Commerco is advertised for Friday, August 21, at 4 p.m., when an address will be delivored by Mr. Courtney on "The Prospects of Trade between Wellington and Taurauga."

The members of the Wellington District Hospital Board decided, on the motion of tho acting-chairman (Mr. J. P. Luke) 'at yesterday's meeting, to pay an official visit of inspection on Saturday to tho Otaki Hospital and Consumptive Sanatorium. Plans are being prepared by the architcot (Mr. P. J. Clere) for a cottage for -the Wellington District Hospital Board's engineer at Otaki.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hume, Inspector of Prisons, who returned yesterday" from inspecting the prison camp at Hanmer, reports a very successful trce-plariting season. During tho past fow months several thousand trees', chiefly larch and spruce, have been planted. It is computed that in 25 years tho larches will provide timber for railway sleepers and bridges. Tliehs are 34 prisoners in camp at Hanmer.

Owing to the prevalence of stoats and weasels in tho Longwood Ranges, tho nativo birds will soon become a thing of the past. Quito recently one of the racemen of tho Bound Hill Mining Company informed tho "Western Star" of an unequal content between a stoa,t and a pigeon, and that it was now quite a common sight to see a dead kaka or pigeon lying on tho ground with a small hole in tho' back of its neck from which tho blood had- beon sucked.-

Tho unemployed word' invited by advertisement to meet at tho Queen's statue at 12.30 p.m. yesterday for another demonstration. Apparently the unemployed are not in sore straits, for nobody put in an appearance. Rain was falling heavily a few minutes before tho advortised time of meeting, but when the time came, the sun was shining pleasantly. Mr. Campbell, organiser of the Political Labour LfeagUc,' Explained that tho invitationiiWHSugiveniito show.ihow many unemployed theftrwert;' l He belioved that many were still out of work.

The annual meeting of tho congregation of St. James's Presbyterian Church, Newtown (Rev. W. Slhirtr) was held last evening, tho attendance) despite the unfavourable weather, being tho largest on record. Tho annual report (published in our columns recently) was, on the motion of Mr.- Davidson, unanimously adopted. Mr. A. J. Rand referred to tho progress of tho' new schoolroom scheme, and stated that there was now in hand a sum of about £250. During tho evening, refreshments were handed round, and musical items were contributed by Misses Duck and Francis; and Sir. Pope, who sang effectively "Thus Saith the Lord" (Handel's "Messiah"), and." A Sorig of Thanksgiving " (Allitzen). The Rev. W. Shirer presidod over the gathering, which was a very successful one.

Pull particulars with reference to the English Amateur Athletic Association's championships at the Stadium, Shepherd's Bush, on July 6, appear in the Home newspapers which reached Wellington by yesterday's mail. No fewer than sixty-one standard medals were won, and it is gratifying to learn that amongst thosi who secured medals were the following New Zealaiiders: —H. E. Kerr and A. E. 51. Rowland (two-mile walk), and H. St. Aubyn Murray (120 yds. hurdles). In tho two-mile walk, which was woii by the English champion Lariier in 13min. 58 2-osec., Kerr came fourth, his time being 14min. 24sec., and Rowland was seventh in 14min. 26sec. Murray was third in the 120 yds. hurdles, which was won by nearly a yard by Duncker (South Africa) in 16 l-ssec, Groenings (tho holder) being second. Guy Haskins, of tho New Zealand Olympic team, competed in the mile, but did not get a place. '

The classic precincts of tho Victoria Collego Building aro sacred to University people—tho austere professors, the learned graduates, and tho "under-grad."—and there are no short-cuts across that tahtalising angle bounded by Salamanca Road and thd hill road to Kelburne. Further up, beyond the precincts, there lies tho College reserve, across which, from the hill road to the lower part of Salamanca Road, tho mere ' public have been permitted to pass, in accordance with the pleasure of the College authorities, who were approached by tho Kclburno Ratepayers'" Association wjth a request that such : an agreeablo privilege 'might bo granted. But that has 'not satisfied tlio public, who have, since then, takon stealthy short-cuts through the grounds of tho College. The matter was referred to at last night's meeting of tho College Council, and it was decided that, in future, trespassing would be vigorously suppressed.

The "Western Star" reports that a remarkable instanco of the dangei- of lightning has come under its notice. At ton o'clock ono morning a fortnight ago a thunderstorm broko over Otaitai Bush, and a settlor there had a startling experience. It,appears that during the progress of the storm ho and his wife were sitting-on either sido of the fireplace when tho lightning struck the chimnoy, carrying away a number of bricks. In its downward courso it knocked a kettle off the hood and continued its way out by tho door, where it followed a steel wire, which was connected to some 25 or 30 macrocarpa trees, damaging every one—one in particular being cut clean off twenty feet from the ground. At tho farther end of the fonce two horses were feeding from a box containing chaff. , This was smashed to atoms, and an examination of tho spot showed that one | of the horses had received a shock, as it had >fallen. The settler himself was rendered helpless for a few moments, and naturally, when ho camc to, ho looked for his wife, who,, in her fright, rushed to her bedroom,wliero he discovered her covered with soot from the chimnoy.

A speciality of Hatr anil Scalp Treatment Is mado by Mrs. Rolleston. 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 ' telephone appointment 1599. Personal atteni tion only. Certificated. C 739 I Women find out things, and any married / man will tell you that. And women know ii i good tiling when they foe it, or try or tasto it. Women know that Crescent Brand Tea is as g'odd as it is possible to get tea. It ife jpure, rich, fragrant, and with a full flavoiir • that laves the palate most agreeably. It is itho favourito morning cup—infuses warmth Innd gives a feeling of freshness to the system. CfMUUt-Brattd'Toa (a tho ideal toa for 'thd JljioßO, All grocers, la, 10d., 2s, A X CSS3

Owing to tho outbreak of scarlet fever at the Wellington Collego —seven cases have been reported—the mid-winter vacation has been advanced a little, and tho institution has been closed for the usual three weeks.

The Conference of Stock Inspectors, which has been sitting in Wellington, was addressed yesterday by Mr. J. D. Kitchie, Secretary of tho Agricultural Department. The Conference concluded yesterday, and tho inspectors leave for their respective headquarters to-day.

Our _ Dunedin correspondent states that there is talk amongst tho rank aud_ file of labour of combining all tho organisations throughout Otago, and possibly the South Island, for the purpose of appointing a first-class mail at a good salary to advocate their cause in Court proceedings.

The question of reporting on tho two proposed sites for the abattoirs is still in tbo hands of the Abattoir Committee of tho City Council. Tho Committee requires a little further information, and it is not expected that it will bo prepared with a recommendation for to-night's meeting of the Council. The matter will, in all. probability, como up at tho following meeting.

"Would you bo surprised to hoar that this land was sold for £— jier aero?" was tho question asked of an objector to a Government valuation at the Assessment Court yesterday. - "As far as I know it has been sold two or three times—but 110 money has passed," was tho reply. Other landholders in the Court smiled tho deep smilo of tho men who know of tho ways of tho investor in land.

The annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Wellington Terrace,'was held last evening, the Rev. J. Gibson Smith occupying the chair. Tho report and balance-sheet (already published) were read and adopted, on tho motion of Mr. R. Brown, seconded by Mr. D.. Fletcher. Tho report of the Board of Managers (already published) was read and adopted, the mover being Mr. S. Lambert, and the seconder Mr. W. J. Gaiidin. The remainder of the evening was spent socially.

The Garrison Signallers' Club was formed in order that its members ■ might receive higher instruction in their work. Lectures bearing on this important branch of _ the service will be delivered at stated periods. Captain G. S. Richardson (Chief Artillery Instructor) is to lecture on Thursday evening on "Map Reading and Topography." The next two lectures will be delivered respectively by Liout. Duignan (Headquarters Staff) and Sergeant Hulbert (Post and Telegraph Rifles). ■ . '

His Worship the Mayor (Hon. T. W. Hislop), who exerciscs a subtle wit on occasions, made a bon mot when in .Auckland. At the dinner lie attended a talkativo vis a vis leaned over and said:—"l supposo you miss tho Wellington winds up hero?" "Oh, no," replied the Mayor, who could not resist adding "not when there's so much Auckland blowing 1" Mr. Hislop, however, states that the weather was charming during the whole of tho week, and ho was treated with unbounded hospitality that leaves him with tho brightest impression of tho northern city.

What is _ gathered by inquiry in respect to the petition to be presented to Parliament against trado coupons is that a couplo of local tea firms have suffered somewhat through not "weakening" to the alleged "something for nothing' coupon system. Tho policy of these firms in not liking coupons has allowed other outside companies, not so particular, to get a 'footing in the Wellington district. The argument against coupons by. tlios'o who do hot "give them away with a pound of tea" is that tho quality suffers at the expense of .the coupon, and that nothing is gained whatsoever. In a nutshell, the question iit issue scenes to bo'in the hands of the consumer, who has the choice of good tea without'tile coupons and tea with them.

Respecting the letter which appeared in yesterday's Dominion in regard to tho alteiations of the roadways at the junction of Woodward:, Street;., aiid; | the We!l£igton< Termed havihj; niido tHe iiiwei' too liarrow, tho Mhyot ,| 'stat ; oii'i thttttttittliflteMiMb Jfoadway at the pbiVifc is as u'ido asafc tho top of Boulcott Street, where the' Same work was done many' years- ago.' As : a matter of fact the Council had got permission from Mr. Rawson. and the Wellington Club to raiso the roadway slightly at tho bottom ' of the dip, and, if necessary, could take two or three feet off tho footpath, the width of which, opposite the Club, would allow of that being done, and to preserve tho full width of the sidewalk ho had practically obtained an understanding with the Club to set its fence back a little, but doubted whether the expense of doing tho work was warranted. '

A most extraordinary thing was discovered at the New Bath Buildings the other day, says the "Rotorua Times." Tho water from the town supply:could not bo got to work satisfactorily at one of tho douches. _ At last it was found necessary to investigate the sorvico 'pipes.' "Then, tho secret was discovered. At the. bifurcation' of two pipes was found a four-pound trout, with its body jammed into each pipe, having got crossed. It was dead, of course. Tho marvel is how it got there; for the town supply of water is derived from a spring like Hamurana, which gushes right up out of the ground. The trout must have been hatched in some distant stream, and as a very small fry found its way into the subterranean cavity, where it lived until it rose to-the surface, and, getting into the pipe, lost its life. It must have had a most interesting history.

Respecting a strange long fish, recorded as having been taken at tho Croixelles, Mr. Edgar R. Waito informs the "Christchurch Press" that it is, without doubt, an examplo of the llibbon or Oar Fish. Though these fishes may be twenty feet or more in length, and from ten to twelve inches in depth, their bodies are only an inch or two thick, and tho namo Ribbon Fish is applied in rcforenco to this peculiarity. Tlio. namo Oar Fish is given in allusion to tho paddlcliko: expansions which terminate the long vontral fins. Eight or nine examples haVo been recorded from our waters, and .tlioy are nowhere common, being known mainly from dead specimens floating on the surface of the sea, or thrown ashoro by tho waves. They ale generally believed to bq inhabitants of the deep sea, and oxainples observed alive off the Scandinavian coasts, in shallow water, were probably in process of being washed ashoro. .

At tho meeting of tho "Cerclo Francois do Wellington," held at the Geisha Tea Rooms last evening, there was an attendance of about 30 people. The constitution of tho Cercle was adopted, subject to tho approval of the Registrar of Societies, and it was decided after a discussion that the subscriptions, tentatively proposed by tho committee, viz., £1 for gentlemen, and 10s. for ladies, per annum, be adopted. It was also decided that initially tho meetings bo held weekly on Thursdays at the Geisha Rooms, Panama Street. Among those present was Mr. Green, a member of tho Auckland French_ Club, who commenced to address the meeting in French, but who was interrupted by tho Chairman (Mr. John Hutcheson), who expressed the opinion that it would bo best to put the Cercle on a firm constitutional basis by disposing of the business beforo tho meeting beforo other matters were introduced. Later in the evening Mr. Green gavo an outline of the conduct of tie northern club,