LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 296, 8 September 1908, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Postal authorities advise that the Whakarua, which left Sydney for Auckland on September 3, has on board an English mail which is duo hero to-morrow evening by the express train from New. Plymouth. The Postal authorities also advise that the Muhcno, which left Sydney for Wellington on Saturday, has on board an Australian mail, which should in. the ordinary course arrive hero to-morrow forenoon. Some assertions having reference to alleged rowdy behaviour on the part of a number of lady hockoy players which appeared in a contemporary were strongly objected to at a meeting held last night in connection with tlio formation of a Now Zealand Ladies' Hockey Association. The chairman (Dr. A. W. Izard) regretted having to refer to the matter; it would bo more dignified to ignore ■such baseless and absolutely false charges, but they might bo copied by papers ill other places, and tlio public might get a wrong idea of ladies' hookey. He was sorry that some portion of the press were lacking in chivalry. Tlio excellent behaviour of the-girls had been remarked upon by a number of people who went over to Day's Day, including some of oUr loading citizens. Tho advertisement would be withdrawn from tho paper in question, and anybody who wanted to find out what tho fixtures wore must see them in Tm Dominion. (Hear, hear.) The firo brigade received a call yesterday at 5.2 p.m. to No. G Adelaide Road. It was found on arrival that there was a chimney on firo, and this was soon extinguished by the brigade. Tho Collector of Customs at Picton has taken the evidenco of tho captain of tho steamer Gertie, which collided with the Penguin last week.. It has been forwarded to Wellington, whore a magisterial inquiry will bo held shortly. Tho assessors will probably lie appointed to-day. A line of 200 cases of oranges from Rarotonga per tho Navua last week were condemned on being found to bo infected with tho dreaded fruit fly, which it was thought at one timo did not exist in the Cook-Islands. Another 900 cases for Wellington wero landed at Auckland, but wero then found to bo in too bad a condition either to forward or sell locally. This is another argument —and a sound one—in favour of the longdeferred direct service between the Islands and Wellington. Thoro is a. flutter in art circles consequent unon the approach of tho spring show. Friday has been appointed the day for sending in work, which will bo "sat on" by the committee early next week. Those who may feel a little anxious about tho safety of their sketches, owing to tho recent outing taken by tho "Leader," are informed that locks, bolts, and bars are now provided at tho Art Gallery, which is considered to bo as nearly firo aqd hurglar proof as it is possible to bo. It is anticipated that artists from all parts of New Zealand will exhibit at tho coming show.

A bolt occurred between noon and 1 p.m. yesterday at the foot of Taranaki Street. ■Tho turnout was the property of William August, farmer, of Taita, who was driving clown Taranaki Street, when the back band of the harness gavo way and frightened the horse into a gallop. Opposite tho Terminus Hotel, August was shaken from his seat on tho shaft, and the horse continued on its mad way until it collided with a telegraph pole and tho kerb in Manners Street. .The smash was so violent that tho body of the cart was lifted off tho axlo and deposited on tho footpath. Then, and then only; it was discovered that August's eldest son, aged throe years, was seated unconcernedly amongst tho bags of produce in the cart. Ho escaped scratchless, but August himself was bruised rather badly. Tho cart was seriously damaged.

The statement in our evening contemporary to tho effect that "Efforts by the auxiliary firemen attached to • tho Wellington Firo Brigaclo to sccuro better terms of remuneration having failed, a strike of twelve out of seventeen on tho roll has taken place," has caused some annoyance to the men concerned. One of their number writes on the subject as follows—"Tho citizen reading the statement in 'The Post' will concludo that these men now refuse to work at fires. Sir, I will state the facts and the citizen will then be able to class the above statement in that category to which it belongs. Tho firemen referred to have tendered their resignations, ami that is equivilent to 0110 month's notice. They will continuo to attend until October 1, and, I am informed, will all be present on September 8 at drill. They have acted fairly and straightforwardly, and instead of leaving tho brigado to work a big firo short-handed, as the writer of abovo insinuates, they havo given ample time to secure other men should it be necessary. Further, wo find the statement that 'the terms upon which they wore engaged were £15 per annum retaining feo and 2s. per hour for all time worked at genuine fires.' That 'all' is very important. Thov did not get paid for tho first hour and therefore they did not got paid for 'all' time. Tliero should have been ono of tho 'it is reporteds' or 'we aro informeds' that the writer uses in his articlo bofpro that statement. A moment's reflection will convinco anyone that the number of fires during the last 12 months that have lasted inoro than ono hour liavo been very few and that at most of tho fires these men havo worked for the retaining fee only. Tho authorities may bo 'ablo to fill the vaeancics—without advertisement,' but- not with firemen."

A specialty of Hair and Scalp Treatment is inudo by Mrs. Kolleston. Ladies troubled with falling hair, 'dandruff, or any scalp complaint should call for advice (gratis) at her rooms, first iloor, 3 Willis Street, over Carroll's, or telephone appointment 1599. Personal attention only. Certificated. 07.19 The men of New Zealand arc becoming great tea-drinkers, and are now rather fastidious. There was a time when thdy took anything in the way of tea offered by tho womenfolk, but now they want palate pleasure—they want Croscnnt Brand Tea every time. This blended tea has distinguished qualities, for it is a happy combination of tlio strong leas of l)ar-. jeolmgaud tho fine delicato teas of Coylou. CSSB

A small sailing dinghy, the Ajax, capsized near the Tliorndon Baths on Sunday morning, emptying its two occupants into the water. Both men were brought to the slioro by a hulk's boat littlo tho worse for .their dipping. Tho question as to whether hockey girls should wear long or short skirts came up for discussion at a ladies' hockey meeting last night. It was at first proposed that the height from the ground be fixed at nine inches, but this was hotly opposed and it was finally decided that the skirt should be at least six inchcs from tho ground. The number of passengers arriving at Wellington from oversea ports during tho month of August was 1085, including twelve Chinese. Tho total was made up as under: — From New South Wales G3B, United Kingdom 428, Calcutta 11, Capetown 7, and Tasmania 1. The number leaving Wellington for overseas was 883, 765 being for New South Wales, 104 for tho United Kingdom, and 14 for Monto Video. Yesterday Detective Cameron arrested a man on a charge of breaking into Brown's boardinghousc in Taranaki Street on August 18 with intent to commit a crime. The arrest was also made by Detective Andrew of a young man lately in the employ of Mr. Cooper, milkman, of Adelaido Road. He is charged with receiving the sum of 30s. between Juno 1 and July 27 and failing to account for tho same to his employer. There are also other charges of a' like nature against him. Three small hoys who deserted their home in Karori last week had some little adventure before they wero brought back to tho parental abode. On Thursday night they camped out in a shed adjoining the Karori School, and, feeling cold, set fire to some papers stored there. When they left the papers were still alight, and the building soon caught fire, but luckily some persons passing about 5 o'clock in the morning noticed smoke and put out the blaze before any great damage was done.

The Acting-Minister for Defence (Hon. R. M'Nab) in a telegram to Lieutenant-Colonel Bauchop, C.M.G., Officer Commanding the Wellington District, thus refers to the memorial service held at Te Ngntu-o-te-Manu (Hawera) on Sunday:—"Tho gathering was an immense success, and went off without a hitch. Tho Rev. Mr. Klingender well deserves tho congratulations he has received, and also thoso who were associated with him in the proceedings. The estimate of thoso present is probably 3000. The gathering was one of tlie most unique and successful in tho history of Taranaki."

Tho juvenile portion of the local community has been giving the polico forco some trouble of late. The "Kilbirnie Tigers" and tho "Wadcstown Warriors" have done their best to keep tho force at work, an! now it is stated that another juvenile coterie, known as tho "Chow Bashers' gang," is engaging attention. It is reported that tho gang are exclusive, and no member can bo admitted who has not broken tho window of a Chinaman's shop, or thrown a stono into a Chinaman's shop. In spite of this bar, it is stated that tho band, which operates about Te Aro, is growing in strength, and somo of its members will probably appear before the court at an early date. Captain T. W. M'Donald has given notice of his intention to move, at the next meeting of tlio Education Board, that the question of placing military drill on tho list of optional subjects for teachers' professional examinations be urged upon tho authorities. Speakin" to our representative yesterday on the subject, Captain M'Donald stated that somo years ago the board had, in response to his suggestions, instituted examinations for proficiency in military drill, awarding certificates to those who were successful. He considers that if somo sueh recognition of ability ill this particular subject were extended, it would bo a keen incentive to teachers to properly qualify themselves for the work. The Sydney Street and Northland" Mutual Improvement Society held its fortnightly meeting last evening, when thero was a large attendance, tho E,ev. C. E. Ward presiding. Mr. M. Cable, assistant electrical engineer, gave an "Evening on Electricity," which proved of a highly instructive nature. Tho method of conveying the current from tho power-house to various parts of the city and suburbs was fully dealt with, special reference being made to high pressure and the use of transformers. A most interesting feature was tho display with the X-rays. On the motion of tho Rev. C. E. Ward,' seconded by the Rev. J. Dnmbell, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Cable. At' intervals songs were contributed by Miss J. Nicholas and Sir. Anderson.

Soma time ago the City Engineer (Mr. W. H. Morton) drew up a scalo of charges for particular uses of tho destructor. That schedule has not yet been passed by tho City Council, but thoso who aro likely to have occasion to call upon tho incinerating powers of tlie big city furnace may gather an idea of what thoso charges will bo like. A pro'duce firm discovered yesterday morning that tho dead body of a certain pig was unfit for human consumption, so it was decided that it was a good food for tho new destructor. The oliicoboy was sent to tho City Engineer's office with half-a-crown to get 'a permit for tho pig to bo burned, but returned with tho information that it would cost 10s. The pig lias since been more economically disposed of in tho suburbs.

A fow days ago the secretary of tho Wellington Industrial Association wrote to tho Minister for Railways (tho Hon. W. HallJones) respecting the formal opening of the North Island Main Trunk line. The following letter bearing Saturday's date has been received by Mr. H. F. Allen: —"Dear Sir, — I am duly in receipt. of your letter of the 29th ulto. conveying tho congratulations of tho Wellington Provincial Industrial Association on tho occasion of tho linking together of tho rails of tho North Island Main Trunk railway, and have to thank you for the same. With reference to tho proposed formal opening of tho line, I have to say that there is still a good deal of finishing up work to be completed, and at present I cannot quite definitely stato tho (iato upon which tho function will take, place, but will let you know so soon as I am able the date and programme for the official opening.— Yours faithfully, William Hall-Jones."

An entertaining discussion took place at a meeting of lady hockey players last night when it was decided to form a New Zealand Ladies' Hockey Association. The point at issue was tho eternal question, should man or woman rule? Miss Clark, of Auckland, was evidently a supporter of women's rights, for she camo out with a proposal that the officers of the association should bo ladies. Tho chairman, (Dr. Izard): "You can move that tho principle be affirmed." Tho lady moved accordingly and her efforts- were seconded by Miss Schischka from the same city. Miss Broad (Otago) held tho opposite view for she said: "Oh! Thoy don't do it ill a business-like way as the men do." (Laughtor.) The Chairman: "Do you want lady referees?" (Laughter and chorus of "No, no.") The Chairman: "What about the Court of Appeal? Ladies there, too?" Tho mover (plaintively): "I don't know what the Court of Appeal is." (Laughter.) The doctor kindly enlightened her. The proposal was rejected almost unanimously.

A number of Civil Servants are impressed with tho idea that they could save moro money if their salaries woro paid weekly or fortnightly instead of monthly, and it is stated that n motion oil tho subject will be brought before tho Civil Service Association at its next mooting. Monthly paymont, it is urged, encourages a bad system of " booking," which keeps a man always uncertain of his real financial condition. Profuse receipts at tho beginning of a month cncourago profuso spending, and tho last fortnight is a lean season. It is urged that family men with small salaries, in particular, would be able to meet their expenses much moro satisfactorily if thoy woro paid moro often. One argument on the other sido is that a small percentage of workors in tho service do not do their best work for the throe or four days following pay da}', and it is therefore undcsirablo that pay day should bo made moro frequent. Doubtless a much stronger reason against a change of system would bo tho inGonronionce to tho Treasury and Audit Departments of making frequent payments. At present, under special circumstances, a man can draw the proportion of pay duo. to him before tho month is up, but tho practico is not encouraged.

Mr. C. H. Izard, M.P., has decided to present a, cup for _tho senior ladies' hockey competition in New Zealand. The amnouncoracnt, when mado by Dr. A. Sv. Izard at a meeting of hockey ladies last night, was received with applause. \ v - The value of the exports from Wellington for tho month of August were:—Wool. £18,429; frozen lamb, £12,232; frozen mutton, £10,G09; tallow, £6829; hides, £6371} (lax, £5444; legs of mutton, £3549; skills, £2204; tow, £760; frozen beef, £4688; butter, £2822; cheese, £1281. Iho Wellington Licensing Committee held its quarterly meeting yesterday in the Magistrate s Court, Dr. M'Arthur presiding. Tho follow ing applications for transfers were granted :-A M. Gow to S. J. Plewellyu (Central Hotel); J. Naylor to A. Sellar (Clyde Quay Hotel).;,W. M. Kelly to AM. Gow (Barrett's iTotel); A. W. Harrison to J. Aitken (Palaco Hotel). It is the intention of the Government to celebrate the anniversary of Dominion Day (September 26) by holding a gathering of school children in the Basin Reserve at 11 o'clock, in tho morning to saluto the flag and receive Dominion Medals; also by a march through the city of all the volunteers at two o'clock in tho afternoon, to be followed by a military review at Newtown Park. It is further proposed to hold a big reception at tho Town Hall in the evening. The Mayor invites tho citizens to co-operate with the Government by closing their business premises from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on that day. The Concert Chamber at the Town Hall sadly lacks a suitable drop-curtain for the stage. Ibis necessity was borne in upon, those who watched the efforts of some gentlemen who were assisting at the Boys' Institute cntertainmont last evening. A temporary curtain had been placed in position—a dingy, lop-sided affair, which at one stage of tho proceedings refused either to go up or come down. It went up so far, and then startled the audience by comiug down with a run as soon as the stage men had turned their backs upon it. What is wanted is a lieat and artistic scenic drop-curtain, which would add very considerably to the utility and popularity of the Concert Chamber