LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 282, 22 August 1908, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tho report of the Supreme Court proceedings will be found on page 10 of this issue, Magistrate's Court on pago 11, Turf and: Football on pago 13.

mado a start for Sydney at 4.30 yesterday afternoon, but had to put back at ,4.45 to land two stowaways, who were • found on board. The vessel resumed her voyage at 4.55 p.m. .

A seal, estimated to bo about 7ft. long and to weigh 3001b., is reported by a Christchurch paper to havo been "seen on the beach at Purau recently. Tho animal remained aslioro all day and appeared to be so tame that it was thought to be' one of those that were shown at the International Exhibition.

In the course of his reply to the toast of tho city, at the letter-carriers' dinner last evening, the Mayor (tho Hon. T. W. Hislop) said that persons in public offices had to spend a lot of time proving.thoy were not rogues. Ho had spent a lot of time in that way. Ho referred to snappy dogs getting in the way, and the only thing to do .with them. was to say that they did not know, any better.

"You get. a stick land drive them to school" was tho advice given by Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., yesterday to a parent charged with failing to send his children to school with sufficient -regularity to satisfy tho requirements of the, Education Act and the Truant Inspector. Tho parent in question had informed the Court that he would do his best, and in answer to the advice from the Bench gavo it as his opinion, that the children already got too' much of the stick at the school. "That's enough of that. That will do for you," said His Worship, and defendant took the hint and loft the Court. ■

At a meeting of the Committee of tho New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, held last evening, there were present Messrs. J. Peacock (Chairman), G. A. Hurley, 11. N. K. Swanston, F. Laishley, J. A. B. Howe, and the secretary (Mr. G. N. Goldie). The business was of a purely formal nature, tho only item of interest arising out of tho correspondence was tho passing of a resolution to the effect that tho Australian Lawn Tonnis Association' be invited to send a representative team. to compete at the New Zealand championship meeting, to bo held in Nelson about Christmas. It is probable that tho Australian cracks, Messrs. Rico and Doust, will come over for tho meeting.

To say that a man could' be charged at the Magistrate's Court on several occasions wiLhout knowing Dr. A. M'Arthur, S.M., sounds unlikely, but a prisoner who appeared in tho dock yesterday, and had been thero several times previously, either could not or would not claim acquaintanceship with tho genial Magistrate. His Worship was looking on tho accused with friendly eyes, and proposed committing him to gaol for medical treatment, with the idea of doing something for him, when he had been restored to better health. His Worship concluded by advising accused to comedown and see him at tho Court as soon as the sentence had expired. The prisoner waited patiently until His Worship finished speaking, and then asked, innocently, "What namo shall I ask for?" The pit-ites enjoyed the joko.

A police- constablo as an object-lesson in anatomy was an unusual spectacle presented at the Supreme Court, remarks the "Otago Daily Times." A medical man was in the witness-box under cross-examination by Mr. A. C. Hanlon, who had armed himself with a number of' weighty medical works, from which ho meant to prove that cerebral hemorrhage led to rupture of arteries under the additional pressure of excitement.' Abstruse technicalities couched in the most incomprehensible kind of Latin wcro exchanged between witness and counsel. "What are you quoting from?" asked witness hotly. "So-and-so's 'Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,' " replied counsel, triumphantly thumping the bulky volume. "What date, pleaso?" persisted witness; "it makes, all tlio difference, you know." "Well, I've got 1898," replied Mr. Hanlon. "Oh, that's out of date—l've got 1907," exclaimed witness. After further examination it transpired, according to witness, that they wcro not talking of "cerebral hemorrhage" at all.' Finally a constablo was requisitioned, and placed himself before the witness-box, where tho skilled left hand of its occupant took him by tho chin and tilted his head to tho right angle, whilo with tho other, and a pencil, he sketched winl dinprnino of cuts ( wounds, bruieeß, etc,, on tho head of tkn .natiuut man in blue.

Tho na'nio of a defendant in a by-law caso was called at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, and defendant, who had obviously been drinking not wisely but too well, lurched into tho open Court from amongst the crowd of spectators. HisAVorship noticed tho man's condition immediately, and ordered him to bo taken away and locked up on a charge of insobriety. Tho Court orderly was on tho alert, and iii less time than it takes, to tell swooped down on tho offender anU bore him away to tho colls;

A suggestion was made in a letter received by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday from, tho Wellington Chambor that a conference of Chambers of Commerco of tho Dominion might bo held to confer on matters having an important bearing, directly or indirectly, on tradoand commerce. Prominent amongst these was tho Industrial Conciliation' and Arbitration Act. On tho motion of Mr. J. B. Macfarlane it was decidod to support the proposal for a conference, and to send delogates if possible.

Tho question of the salaries paid to attendants of mental asylums was the subject of a long interview yesterday between a number of members of Parliament and the Hon. G. Fowlds. Tho members were Messrs. Witty, Davoy, .Field, Ell, E. G. Allen, Bollard, Barber, Graham, and Seddon. It was urged that the attendants were not paid a wage adequate for the arduous, work they did, and tho long hours they put in. The Minister said ho would give tho matter very careful consideration, and if it was possible to do anything he would he only too pleased to do it.

The steamer service between Onehunga and Wangsnui'was the subject of a letter received by the Auckland Chamber "of Commerce on Thursday from Messrs. Ellis Bros., of Huuterville,; who wrote to say that Auckland finns were now canvassing for orders in that district, but until there was a more reliable service between Onehunga and Wanganui, Auckland would be heavily handicapped. . The delay and uncertainty prevented goods from being ordered from Auckland. For instance, the writers had a shipping note of some sugar dated August 13, but up till August. 18 there was no sign of tho sugar. In consequence of such delays the people of Huntervillo district had to go to Wellington for supplies: The Chambor decided to request its Shipping Committee to furnish a report on tne matter.

The Moeraki, which left for Sydney yesterday afternoon, carried a heavy complement of passengers for this time of tho year. A good proportion of those who joined the steamer at Wellington aro journeying to "the other side" to participate in tho Fleet oelebrations in Australia. Tho list included a fair sprinkling of well-known "sports," who hope to induce the responsible. authorities to push the steamer in order that they_ might witness the Burns-Squires fight, which takes place at Rushcutters' Bay, Sydney, on Monday night. As a rule direct' steamers leaving Wellington about 4 p.m. on Friday get into Sydney on Tuesday, but it frequently happens, if tho weather is favourable, that the speed is lowered during the last twelve or- twentyfour hours, so that it might be quite possiblo for the Moeraki ■to reach 'Sydney oil Monday night. .

Mr. Owen Mert-on, of Christchurch, is showing at M'Gregor Wright's studio a collection of about fifty water-colours, which display talent of no ordinary kind. Tho sketches are quite original, as the subjects selected indicate, and although they show the influence of other artists' work, this is no disparagement, as tho young impressionable artist is sure to bo influenced to some extent by a style he admires and would cultivate. Some of tho smaller studies are remarkably fresh and strong,-* notably the one of tho Queen's Statue with the carriers', carts near by, and the strong sunlight illuminating a corner of an adjacent building. Tho little bit of Oriental Bay, with tho blue waters of tho harbour and the warm tint's in tho hills, might pass for a bit of a gay Riviera, and artistically is quite good. His two glimpses'of Parcmata, "Tho White Sail," and .The, Golden• Gato" aro also interestingly faithful impressions of a favourite suburban ' haunt. The work is' "from life"; there is no question that it : convinces it is all done on tho, spot. In quieter vein are "On tho Avon," and "Oriental Bay from the Gardens"—two bits with atmosphere and feelingi It is understod that ,Mr.' Merton leaves for England next year, where ho will continue his already well-advanced studies. Tho pictures will bo on view all next week .and aro well wort'* more\t-han a ( casual look. '

Tenders were called last Saturday by Messrs. Crichton and M'Kay for the erection .of new offices for the Union Steam Ship Company on the site of their rccent premises at the junction of Johnston Streot and Customhouse Quay. The structure is to be as solid as it will bo architecturally handsome. It will consist of four stories and a basement in the best red. pressed bricks, supported by a massive interlocked steel frame l of the best design, tho whole fabric resting on a substantial granite base. Tho. facings will bo picked out in white Sydney sandstone, which will also be used for the porticoes, pillars, and tho ornamentations that are' to give distinction to the exterior of the building: There will be a flat roof, but the sky-line will be broken at the corner by a graceful cupola-shaped tower, from which - a magnificent view of the harbour will be obtainable. There will be a commanding entrance on the Customhouse Quay elevation, admitting to a marble-walled, tilc-flaggcd vestibule, off which tho public offices will open, 'and these offices will bo fitted and decorated ill such a manner as to blend the practical with the artistic. Tho floors and roof will be concrete, so that tile building- will be as nearly fireproof as it is possible to make it. The New Zealand Shipping Company, is to be accoriimodated with a suite of offices in the new building. . ;

Writing privately to Mr. Cecil Palmer, Captain Caius Crutchley, Secretary; of .the.Navy League in London, says.—"At. the risk of reiterating wha£ 1 have formerly said, let me again point out the extremo urgency of one command in war -and the consequent advisability of ono flag. At the. present moment (July 10) our battle fleet 'concentrated as it is in the North-Sea guarantees' the safety of' British subjects and possessions all; the world over, because it is within striking distance of the vital, portions of any possibly hostile nation. The Japanese are our allies. The Unit-eel States .may put an imposing war squadron in Australasian waters, out it is a collection 'of warships away from its base,' and in the event of hostilities cut off froni all sources of supply'as soon as it hrts left the Philippine Islands. . . ." .The divorgencfe of opinion between British Dominions as- to naval defenco is very remarkable; In Canada wo havo Mr. Wickhnm organising .v. prize essay sckemo with a view to ascertaining tho opinion of Canada as to what part' that Dpminion shall play in the naval futuro of tlio Empire. From the Cape we have a strong feeling of dissatisfaction at the possible disbandment of the Naval _ Volunteers.,. The Commonwealth of Australia does : not appear to be able to make up its mind in which direction its energies shall be expended: it hovers between a local navy and the Imperial subsidy. From New Zealand alono comes no note of uncertainty. They propose to increase- their subsidy or contribution to the Imperial Navy, aud definitely elect to abide by tho protection afforded them by the Navy.- These are matters which do not admit of a hurried settlement. Our fellow subjects will make up their minds deliberately, but, _if 1 may uso. a simile, tho people in Britain oversea aro younger than the peoplo in the Old Country, possibly, moro hot-headed, and the possession of a small navy by any young Power is always a temptation to uso it. It may be taken as an axiom that a small navy is- a source of danger."

A speciality of Hatr and Scalp Treatment Is mado by Mrs. Rolleston. Ladies troubled with falling "hair, dandruff, or any scalp complaint should call for advieo (crabs) at her rooni9, first floor, 3 .Willis Street, over Carroll's, or telephone appointment 1599. Personal attention only. Certificated. • ,■' C 739

Women And out tilings, and any married rnsn will tell you that. And women know a good thing whon thoy' seo it, or try or tasto it. Women know that Crescent Brand Tea' is as' good as it is possible to get tea. It is pure, rich, fragrant, and with a full'flavour that laves tho palate most agreeably. It is the favourite morning cup—infuses warmth and gives a feeling of freshness to tho system. Crescent Brand Tea is the ideal tea for the linme. All grocers. Is. lOd., 2s. a lb. - CS3B

A particularly attraetivoprogramme Las been arranged for tho Savago-Club's korero, to bo hold in tho Masonic Hall this evening.

A football match between representatives of the Hawke's Bay Post and Telegraph Offices and tho Wellington Office was to have been played yesterday afternoon, but it has been postponed, until next Friday.

Mr. Colin Goodin, a well-known and higlily respected settler of Clar'cville, alighted from tho Napier express train at Kaitoke oil his journey lionie recently, and had the misfortune to miss it there, so nothing-loth ho determined to walk "over tho hill" to Featherston, which is no light task for a man of seventy. Arriving at Featherston after his arduous climb he • succeeded 'in catching another train for home, and thus minimised tho tediousness and annoyance of waiting till the evening train from Wellington arrived sorao eight hours later.

Mr. Courtney's address on "Tho 'Prospects of Trade between Wellington and Tauranga," which was to have been given before the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, will be delivered before the Council of tho Chamber on Monday noxt at 4 p.m. Yesterday, being mail day, proved an unfortunate selection, and in consequence of the small attendance it was decidod to defer the address. Mr. Courtney will be at the Trocadero from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. to-day and on Monday, when ho will be pleased to give information on this matter, j Tho new tramway buildings at Thorndon should bo finished about November next, tho work having been delayed somewhat by-the recent bad weather. The men are at work on tho top story, and the windows are being put into position. The pay-in office and the inquiry office will ho below, and oh the ground floor there will be a shop with living rooms in addition! Upstairs is situated th« cash clerk's ; office, and close by -there is the traffic office. On the top story, a very large room is devoted to the men for purposes of recreation, etc., and a cloak-room and s room for meals adjoin. The men are being well looked' after, and should be very com. fortable when in their new quarters. Tht building is of brick and steel, with "'concrete floors; with fire-proof construction through out.

Speaking to a Dominion reporter, Mr. D„ M'Laren referred _to a remark mada by Mr. A. L. Herdman in his address on. Wednesday night. Mr. Herdman, he said, put forward the view that, tho Industrial Court should consist of three representatives from either side with a judge 'of the Supreme Court as president, and said that this proposal was similar to his (Mr. M'Laren's) suggestion. This, said Mr. M'Laren, did not accurately- represent his intention' as ho held that while a jbdgo might bo learned in law, he might he no judge in industrial affairs at all, and he was inclined to think that tho appointment of a judge of the Supremo Court as president of " the Arbitration Court was not a step in the right direction. Iu the past, there had been too much intrusion of thoMegal element in the settlement of industrial matters. Mr. M'Laren's contention was that they had what was required at present ifi the conciliation clement of the Act was only, maintained iu a proper way. ;•

The Minister for Railways (the Hon. W. Hall-Jones) has received a petition from tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in which tho following requests are embodied:—(l) That forty-eight hours' constitute a week's work for porters, shunters, signalmeu, and storemeu, and that they bo paid at overtime, rates for all, v time worked in excess of forty-eight hours; that intermittent time be abolished. (2). That surfacemen's timo in walking and inspecting lengths bo included in the forty-eight hours' week. ' (3) That way and , works' men bo paid wet and dry, and for all time travelling under tho Department's' instructions. (4) That when a member is not "booked off" for eight clear hours, he be allowed three hours' .standing-time, whether tho timo bo'night 'Or day.. ; (5) -That better facilities bo given for second division, men to,pass into tho first division. (6) That temporary transfers be abolished, .and,.total,cost.of transfers ba piid by o ths/Pepartmqrit7, r.(7)".That the'number.of acting positions be reduced/to a minimum. , (8) Tliat counsel bo' allowed to appear on behalf of members at Appeal Board cases. (9) That the benefits' of the Superannuation Fund be in no way curtailed by the operation of tho Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act. (10) Dining-car men be placed on'the permanent staff, arid that their hours be.reduced. (11) That railwaymen ba granted full civil and political rights. (12) That the . widows of 'superannuated members participate in.the benefits■ of the Superannuation- Fund.