LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 311, 25 September 1908, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The postal authorities advice that tho next English mail due in Wellington left Newcastle on Wednesday by the Otterbuni', and should reach Wellington next Monday afternoon ill tho ordinary course.

To-morrow, Dominion Day, those interested in tho production of a daily liewspapu' will bo afforded an opportunity of looking through tho various departments of Tnn Dominion. Tho establishment will bo thrown open to tho public between tho hours of 2.30 and .4.30 p.m., and a number of the mechanical staff will bo in attendance to show the working of the linotypes, tho process of stereotyping and tho printing of the paper.

The City Council last night decided to inform tho Brooklyn Municipal Electors' Association that it could not at present see its way to recommend tho extension of tho Brooklyn tramway to tho General Post Office.

Yesterday morning about 9 o'clock tho work was commenced 'of shifting olio of the Harbour Board cranes from tho southern breastwork of the Queen's Wharf to the Taianaki Street Wharf, Owing to tho number of corners to bo negotiated and tho consequent amount of jacking necessary, the .work is slow, and it is anticipated that it will two dnysbMforo tho bullty mnuhinc readies it» dostiuatiou,

The Government lias made a grant of £459 to the Wellington Education Board for additions to the Martinborough School.

Tlio boundaries of the Eastbourno Domain aro stated in a notico gazetting its constitution as a recreation reserve.

Tenders for additions to the Thorndon Fire Station wore received at lust night's meeting of the City Council, and referred to the Fire Brigade Committee with power to act.

A notico in this week's "Gazette" states that land has been temporarily reserved at Otaki as the site for a police station, and at Kawhia for a site " for public buildings of tho general Government."

Tiio amount, nf £6000, revoted among the Public Works Estimates for tho Wellington Gaol, is intended to provide a new wing for female prisoners, matron's quarters, etc. Tho now building is badly needed, ,as tho present women's portion is said to be out of dato and unsatisfactory.

Lower Hutt ratepayers aro still agitated over the gas question. A public meeting has been called for this evening, when tho momentous question alfectini.'. the gas supply will bo discussed. The administration of tho Hutt River Board will also be subjected to criticism.

Ou the recommendation of tho Baths and City Reserves Committee, the City Council last night decided to enter into an agreement with tlio Rugby Union to enable it to have the first right of purchase of the Athletic Park if at anj' time the union desires to relinquish its leaso of tho park. ,

"A letter from the Horowhenua County Council was received at last night's meeting, of the City Council, stating that several local bodies would suffer a loss of rates through the purchaso of tho Manawatu Railway by the Government, and suggesting that 'tho City Council join in a deputation to the Government. It was decided to take no action.

Tho period of employment of clerks, foliowriters, and stampers in tho Lands and Deeds Registry Departments is extended from six months to three years by a notico in the Gazetto issued last evening. Tho samo rule will apply to temporary employees in mechanical branches ancl juvenile workers (malo and fomalo) in tho Government Printing Oißce. *

"The New Zealand Civil Service Journal" will bo published as a quarterly in future. Mr. E. Tregear has been appointed editor of tho journal, Mr. C. E. Adams sub-editor, and Mr. B. 13. Allen business manager. Tho third number, which was published 3Testerday, contains a very full report of ..the proceedings of the recent Civil Scrvice Conference.

Tho Hutt Borough Council, said tho M'ayor at last night's meeting of the City.'Council, had repudiated the agreement eonio to by various parties iu connection with tho Hutt pipe-bridge. However, he thought the matter could bo arranged,' and he moved that it be referred to tho Finance Committee with power to make such alterations as might bo necessary. Tho motion was carried.

Tho hearing of tho action '' between Herbert Andrewartha and the Miramar Borough Council, which was to have been taken to-day, has been adjourned for a mouth, cwing t-o the absenco i'rom Wellington of tho claimant. This is a olaim for £250 for the taking of land at the corner of Lyell Bay Road and Coutts Street for tramway purposes. Mr. Morison represents tho claimant, and Mr. Devino will appear on bohalf of tho respondents.

"Tho Dominion Day medals aro so poor, and Dominion Day so lon£ past, that I think it would be better to distribute them quietly," states' the headmaster of one of tho- Wanganui schools in a report to his committeo. "Does anyone wish to attend tho• distribution ceremony and give an address?" asked tho chairman of the committeo. Only one voico was hoard, and that in tho negative. "Tlioy may bo distributed quietly then," concluded tho chairman.

It was reported last evening ■ that the Westindiouse brake on the down mail train from Napier faSed' to act when tho train was coming down the Wellington. side of the Bimutaka incline, aud that tho han.d brakes had to bo resorted to, tho express being brought down tho grade dead slow. The report was not confirmed by the railway authorities, who, however, state that the mishap, if it did occur, was not of an alarming' nature, hundreds of trains having been brought safely down on the' hand brakes.

A matter with ( reference to tho proposed observanco of Dominion Day as a; holiday at the wharves was brought up at tho meeting of tho Wellington Harbour Board yesterday. Mr. Fletcher said that some of/tho shipping companies had asserted that they were unawaro Saturday next had been declared a special holiday. In order to avoid any hardship in regard to charges he moved, "That tho sum of one shilling per toil usually lovied on cargo landed on holidays bo remitted." The proposal, was agreed to. ;

At yesterday's meeting of the .Wellington Harbour Board tho chairman (Mr. T. M. Wilford) remarked that tho engineer was, through no fault of his own, behind-with bis work. Mr. Cachcmaillo had, ho said, been required to devoto a considerable portion of his timo every day and in the evenings in connection with tho Wellington Harbour Board Bill. In consequence, certain estimates, etc., which had been ordered by tho board wero not completed. He (the chairman) personally know how very hard the engineer had worked lately.

Tho monthly meeting of the Wellington Harbour Board was lidd yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., occupying tho chair. Thero were also present: Messrs. R. Fletcher, .J. G. Harkness, C. W. Jones, F. H,. Frjscr, 0. E. Danicll, J. W. M'Ewan, and the Hon. T. K. Macdonaid. Tho current account was shown to have a credit balanco of £13,451 10s. 4d. ,• imprest account, £950; iixed deposit account, £70,000. The -following payments were authorised Accounts and wages, £10,942 Bs. od; progress payments on contracts, £6311 12s. 3d.; salaries. £634 10s. ' lid.; total, £18,448 lis. 7d .

Mr. Stuart Richardson, Tramways and Elcctrical Engineer, will represent the Wellington City Council at tho annual-meeting of the Australasian Tramways Officers' Association, to bo held in Sydney on October 7. Other New Zealand representatives will bo Mr. J. J. Walklate, general manager of the Auckland Tramways, and.Mr. S. Symington; manager of tho Christchurch tramways. There is not a great amount of business to'bo transacted, but what there is will bo of au interesting nature. A paper on "The Operation and Maintenance of Storage Batteries" will bo read by Mr. T. P. Strickland,- electrical ongineer to the' Now South Wales Government Railway Department, and .'another entitled "Depreciation in Connection with Tramway Undertakings " will bo : read by Mr. Georgo Macoun, accountant to -tho New Sputh Wales Government tramways.

The Wellington Education Board'has decided to carry out a medical inspection of tho wholo or a portion of one .of tho local schools at an early date. Tho institution of a regular system of medical inspection of all schools has been strongly urged by Captain T. W. M'Donald for some time past, and at yesterday's meeting of tho board, ho stated that two of the city doctors had; heartily entered into the spirit of the idea, and agreed to carry out a trial inspection. of 0110 of tho schools. A committee, consisting of tho chairman (Mr. Robert Leo), Captain M'Donald, Mr. W. H. Field, M.P., and Mr. J. Rj Fleming (senior inspector), lias been set up to make the necessary arrangements for tho inspection, which will bo carried out with due deference to tho school committee and the parents of tho children concerned.' It is stated that if tho results of the inspection justify all that has been said of tho principle of medical inspection of schools, strong representations will bo made to the Govern" mont to formulate some national schema of such inspection.

A specialty of Hair and Scalp Treatment is mado by Mrs. llolleston. Ladies troubled with falling hair, dandruff, or any scalp complaint should call for advice (gratis) at hor rooms, first iloor, 3 Willis Street, over Carroll's, or telephono appointment 1599. Personal'attention only. Certificated. C 739

The men of New Zealand are becoming great tea-drinkers, and are- now rather fastidious. There was a timo when they took anything in the way of tea offered by the womenfolk, but now' they want palate pleasure—they want Crescent Brand Tea every time. This blended tea has distinguished qualities, for - it is a.' happy ogmbinutton of tho strong teas of Dnrjcsliug uml tkg Ann dallcats teas of Ceylon, CESS

The ehango of liamo from the borough of Hawkesbury to tho borough of Waikouaiti is notified in this week's Gazette.

The Public Works Department lias accepted tiio tender of Mr. J. M'Aneny, junr., of Hawora, for the erection of a post office, at Toko.

Notice of the proposal to cancel the registration of the Rimu Gold Miners' Union and the Canterbury Journalists' Union is given in this week's Gazette by tho Registrar of Industrial Unions (Mr. Tregear).

A new military officc has been created by tho Government by appointing Lieutenant James 11. Price, a retired officer of the Royal Marines, superintending officer for the construction of fortifications.

The agreement arrived at by the parties in tho dispute Wellington Drivers' Union of Workers v. tho master bakers of Wellington and suburbs has been embodied in an award by tho Arbitration Court. Tho new conditions will take effect as from September 7, IDOB, and remain in force until April 0, 1911.

It has been decided to make a number of minor improvements at tho Basin Reserve. The walk around tho playing ground and the triangular space between tho south gate and the pavilion are to bo tarred and sanded. Other improvements include the re-painting of the band rotunda.

The Marino Department yesterday evening received tho following telegram from Captain Bollons of the Government steamer Hinemoa, which has just returned to the Bluff after a search for the missing vessel Loch Lomond: —"Searched Solander, Snares, and islands west of Stewart Island. No signs of life or wreckage."

In accordance with notice, Councillor Luke moved at tho City Council meeting last evening—" That tho city engineer be instructed to proceed with the formation of tho proposed recreation ground at Kilbirnio in accordance with the allocation of funds for the purpose." Considerable discussion took place, and tho motion was eventually carried.

. A question regarding the progress ,of the new graving dock was asked by Mr. F. H. Fraser at yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board. The Engineer, Mr. Cachemaille, explained that the actual concreting had not been commenced so far, but the machinery for mixing tho concreto (described in The Dominion recently) was in readiness. A good deal of work in the way of making the boxes for the reception of concrete had been done, but the permanent- work lias yet to bo proceeded with.

The extension of the tramway from Kilbirnie South to Lyell Bay is to be proceeded with at oncc. The city engineer • has been authorised to make tho necessary arrangements to enable the line to be constructed at the earliest possiblo moment. Thero will be no delay as regards tho material, for a quantity of stock in hand will bo utilised, and tho stock will bo replenished afterwards. The. idea is to take aavautago of the fino season, and have tho line ready for the summer traffic.

Mr. F. de J. Clero is preparing plans for a handsome four-story building (to be erected on that section of city land between the Sussex Chambers and the Norwich Union Insurance Co.'s partially-erected premises, in Foathorston Street), for Messrs. A. D. Kennedy and Co., wine and spirit agents. In addition to the four floors, there will bo a large basement, to bo used as a bulk store by tho firm. The building, which will bo of brick with a cement face, will have a fiat roof. It is estimated to cost about £6000.

The following hours will be observed at the Chief Post Office to-morrow. The counter for letter-delivery, salo of stamps, and for. registration, will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m-. Parcels Department, Brandon Street, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Country mails will close in the morning only at tho usual time. Mails for steamers leaving during tho day will close at 8.30 a.m. Tnero will be one full delivery only by letter carriers, elosing at tho Chief Post Office at 7 a.m. The Money Order or Savings Bank Department will not be open during the day or in tho evening. Lettercarricrs' delivery closes at 7 a.m.

• i-In cpnnectiort 'mth .the, Dominion Day celebrations Mr. A.' M.'tiowfs, 1i0n..; secretary to tho Wellington Musical Union, invites mombers of 'cliiirch choirs, musical societies, and any others ..who havo a knowledgo of music and are willing to assist in the rendering, of patriotic and other choruses, to meet for practice to-night at 7.30 in tho Town Hall. Mr. Lawrence D. Watkins, Mus. Bac., will preside at tho grand organ, and Mr. Robert Parker will conduct. At tho close of the practice the secretary will distribute' passes to admit beaier to the enclosure at the Basin Reserve and Newtown Park on Dominion Day.

At yesterday's meeting of tho Harbour Board tho chairman (Mr. T. M. Wilford) rcpofted that the tender of Messrs. Donald McLean and Company for additions to Rons Bay Wharf for the sum of £462, being tlio lowest and in order, had been accepted, with Messrs. George Winder and James Russell as sureties. Mr. Fletcher questioned tho desirableness of making additions to the wharf,, as it was seriously damaged. Ho considered that it would bo only throwing money away. The chairman said that reports had been prepared on tho subject. Ihere was a controversy between two portions of tho district as to tho locality of the wharf, and it was erected in accordance with the roports submitted. Tho motion that tho seal be Affixed to tho agreement of contract was carried.

A Dominion representative was yesterday shown a working model, of e.n automatic station indicator, designed for uso on trauicars and railway carriages and locomotives. Many attempts havo been mado by inventors .of many countries to devise a means of announcing tho names of approaching stations. Hitherto tho appliances nave depended on tho attention of tho guard, but in the " locometer," that being the namo given to the machine referred to, tho action is entirely automatic. • Messrs. Moloney and Chisholui, of Fortroso (who are the inventors and patentees), have arranged with the Kelburne and Karori Tramway to fit a trial "locometer" in one of the company's cars, and travellers on that routo will shortly bo enabled to see the instrument at work, reeling off the names of tho stations, a bell ringing sharply as each name appears on tho dial provided.

The question of discount on payments for tho supply of electric light to the 15th of oach month appears to nave given riso to correspondence between the Harbour Board and the City Council. At the meeting of tho former, body yesterday, the .Wharves and Accounts Committee recommended the board to authorise tho monthly payment of electric, lighting accounts out of imprest account ill order to comply with City Council's conditions as to discount. The chairman explained that it had been usual in the past to pay the electric lighting account after the lpth of tho month, tho dato fixed for the reduction of tho discount, but tho City Council decided that they would decline to allow anyone to take advantage of the discount unless they paid prior to or on the discount day.' Tho board meetings had caused the delay. and tho committee decided to meet the diliiculty as stated in tho recommendation. Ho moved the adoption of tho report. This was secondod.by Mr. Fletcher, and carried.

At tho recent mooting of fruit merchants, at. which it was resolved to form a New Zealand Fruit Brokers' Association, it camo out that there is a wide disparity between tho wharfages charged by tho narbour boards of tho chief ports of tho Dominion. Auckland, which is best off, pays only Is. Gd. a ton; Wellington has to pay 2s. Cd. per ton; Dunedin—tho port farthest away from tho fruit islands and Sydney—pays no less than is. a ton wharfage on imported fruit. "It is tho charges at Dunedin that kill tho fruit trade there," said a Dunedin broker; "wo don't do nearly the business that is done in Wellington, and that is chiefly accounted for, I think, by the'charges. We got an inquiry, perhaps from the country, as to the price of Island oranges, and we quote the market rate, but on to that the purchaser has to acid railage, which _ ii rarely under half-a-crown a caso." It is tho intention of the fruit brokers to go thoroughly into tho matter of train and steamer, freights, wharfages, etc., in order that cheaper fruit may bo supplied to tho public. Tho brokers hotly refuto tho insinuation that it was not always the public that benefited by tho modification of tho charges mentioned. The only return tho brokers would get out of it was in tho increased quantity of fruit sold on which they would cars commission. i