LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 447, 4 March 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A sitting in Chambers will bo held by Mr. Justico Donniston oil Friday morning. His Honour will hear eases in Banco on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next. Tho Pake)]a B hockey team has disbanded, and will be known in future as tho Huia Ma! Club. The colours will be roan jerseys and white knickers. It is stated that one of tho street hawkers has chosen to ignore the regulations made by tho City Inspector, and it is understood tlmt the matter will form n test case at tho Magistrate's Court at an early date. There seems to havo been an unusually largo number of cases lately of owners of dogs having failed to pay the statutory tax, and unless tho number is materially reduced in a week's time, no fewer than 150 citizens will be called upon to pay in Court. Thoy are also liable to a fine not exceeding £5. The question of the suspension of Captain Naylor's certificate for twelve months lias been before the Merchant Sorvico Guild, of winch no is a member, and it has been docided to appeal against the decision. Mr. Herdman, who represented tho captain at tho inquiry, will appear for him when'tho appeal is heard. Tho number of passengers arriving at Wellington from oversea ports last month was 2012, including 4 Chinese. Of the total, the United Kingdom supplied 962, and 982 shippod from Sydney. Tho number leaving this port for overseas was 1347, including 19 Chinese. Of the total, 1013 booked for Sydney and 277 for the United Kingdom. A splendid specimen of a brown trout was on view at W. H. Tisdall's sports emporium yesterday. Tho trout was caught by Mr. J. Asher in the Tongariro Stiver, Lake Taupo, and its dimensions were as follow:— Weight, 201b.; length, 34 inches;' and girth, 22 inches. Tho fish will bo on exhibition till about noon to-day. [ During his holiday in Australia, whence ho returned yesterday, Mr. F. W. Mansfield. Chief Electoral Officer, inquired into tho worlting of the electoral and registration mothods of tho Commonwealth and nil tho States. Ho was courteously received by tho officers everywhere, and given full information and every facility for investigation. Ho declines, howover. to bo interviewed on tho subject. Freight lines in sheep are very noticeable just now, and largo numbers are being transported from northern ports to tho south. Tho Manapouri took a consignment for Lyttelton yesterday, and returns tomorrow for a further lot. The Maitai, which arrived from Suva via Auckland last night, will also leave Wellington to-day with, similar cargo. The cost, of the maintenanco of tho Victoria Homo for Incurables will in future bo paid by tho Wellington and Wairarapa Charitablo Aid Board, instead of by tho Wellington District Hospital Board. This is a result of a riling given by the Inspector-Gen-eral of Hospitals to .the effect that charitablo aid hoards should bo responsible for the maintenanco of all chronic cases. Accordingly, estimates as to tho cost of maintenanco for tho yoar 1909-10 havo been prepared, and the amount is shown at £1800.

A local football enthusiast who forwarded Mr. G. H. Harnett, manager of tlio laßt English Rugby team in New Zealand, statements fro'nrNew Zealand papers to the effect that ho (Mr. Harnett) had said that tho members of the British team had no desiro to play football in New Zealand again, presumably on account of tlie element of rough play, has received the following extract from the "Morning Post," from Mr. Harnett:— In relation to tho Anglo-Welsh colonial tour, Mr. G. H. Harnett is desirous of correcting a wrong impression that has been given in New Zealand and Australia by a quotation from these columns in tho colonial newspapers. 11l relating tho severity of tho football as played in New Zealand, Mr. Harnett, in the course of an interview, observed that in spite of the hard work on the .field most of tho members of his side would be glad to renew their football friendships on and off tho colonial grounds. As tho wrong construction was placed on his phraseology when the original interview appeared, some three months ago, its reproduction in tho colonial _ press has given Mr. Harnett's friends in New Zealand somo concern.- "What' Mr. Harnett exactly desired to convey was au expression of tho sincerity of the friendships made by him iu tho colonies, as well as the hope that ho might somo day havo tho pleasuro of renewing thom.

Several members of tho Wellington District Hospital Board paid a visit of inspection to tlio Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium yesterday. Those who mado tho journey were: Mr. J. P. Luke, J.P.-(chairman), and Messrs. C. J. Crawford, K. C. Kirk, and John Smith. Inquiry from Sir. Luko upon the return of the party elicited the fact that the general health of the district was highly satisfactory. Both at hospital and sanatorium tho number of patients was, ho said, below tho average. Evidence was not wanting as to the value of tho open-air treatment for tuberculosis. It had been found that the improvement in health which patients experienced would bo lasting, provided that proper care as to daily work was afterwards taken. At tile present time the committee had under consideration the estimates for next year's requirements at tho institutions. It was proposed to add three bedrooms and a sitting-room to tlio general hospital for tlio nurses. The building at present occupied by the nurses would then bo availablo for tho domestic staff. Some time was spent inspecting the grounds, with a view of ascertaining what improvements were desirable. A cottage which was much needed for tho use of the engineer and overseer was nearly completed. In reply to a further question, Mr. Luko stated that tho committee had not yet como to any decision in connection with tho proposal to erect a cottage hospital at Lower Hutt. . Miss E. C. Walker, of Sydney, and Mr. and Mrs. Do la Sallo, of Hants, England, aro at present on an automobile tour throughout New Zealand. Tho party arrived in Auckland on February 14, and loft four days later for Wellington, whero they expected to arrive last night, via Napier and the Wairarapa. Mr. De la Salle, who has motored at different times over tho whole of England, informed our travolling representative that tho run from Taupo to Napier was magnificent'—in fact, the finest ho had over attempted. As a set-off, however, he says that tho roads between Okoroiro and Rotorua, and then on to Taupo, are shocksing, very rough, very saudy, and with bad cornors. Speaking of tbe country from a tourist point of view, Mr. De la Sallo stated that there was a tendency in somo quarters to underrate various scenic areas, because they were not controlled by tho Government. He instanced Wairakei as a ease in point, and declared that this thermal district was ono of tho best in the Dominion. "I can quite understand the reason why tho Government Tourist Department talies up its present attitude on th,p question," said Sir. Do la Salle, "still, when people come over to Now Zealand, they naturally like to see everything which is worth seeing." The traveller said that ho would like to pay a tribute to tbe hotel accommodation which lio had mot with on tho way from Auckland. Ho had been informed that somo of tlwso places would bo very rough, but be and his party had found nothing but civility, every attention, and ovorything clean and comfortable. Ho was also struck with tho genoral air of prosperity in the districts through which ho travelled. The visitors intend to prococtl on to Dunedin, and then to return to Wellington, prior to leaving that city on March 19 for Sydroy.

Teas grown in difforent localities liavo different characteristics, and even tho tea from any particular garden is not tho saino in two successive seasons. Climatic changes, differences of soil, exerciso influences, and it is in tho art of the tea blender to bring together the difforent teas ami by combination to produce a particular flavour. Crescent Blend Tea isachoico combination of Ceylon and Indian Teas, and tho flavour novcr varies, AU storekeepers, Ss. per lb.

Apropos of recent complaints that Wellington city had not sufficient police protection, it is now understood that a number of police in plain clothes have been put on,

Steamers working Wellington last month totalled '278, of 217,388 tons, coastwisc, and 10 vessels, of 35,817 tons, foreign. Tho outward figures show 275 vessels, of 225,317 tons, coastwise, and 12 vessels, of 45,000 tons, foreign.

Tho Attorney-General (Hon. Dr. Findlay) directed tho attention of Cabinet to the complaints lately mado in Auckland as to inadequate payment of jurors, and he has asked his colleagues to take the whole subject into consideration.

Tho announcement that there will bo a full meeting of Cabinet next week has been received with special interest by members of the public scrvico, as it is believed that tho pending retirements under tho ago limit regulation, and tho consequent promotions and readjustments will be the chief matters for consideration.

A meeting of tho Convalescent Home Trustees was held yesterday, when tho following members were present:—Mosdanies Brandon (in tho chair), Moorhouse, Grady, and Barr (treasurer), and Miss Grace Morrah (secretary). Tho matron reported that during tho month eleven patients had been admitted and iivo discharged. Gifts from Mrs. Snaddon were acknowledged.

A third candidate for_ tho Hutt Mayoralty is definitely announoed in tho person of Mr. W. H. Russell, at present tho Deputy-Mayor of tho borough. Mr. Russell has been identified with tho Hutt Valley for tho past ten years, and with tho Borough Council more particularly for tho last two years. Ho is tho chairman of the Hutt Park Committee, and ,i member of tho Cemetery Beard.

It was announced that tho City Inspector (Mr. J. Doyle) would allot stands to' street hawkers yesterday morning, but as tho majority of the applicants came without their barrows, no allotment was made. This decision was arrived at as cases havo occurred in which speculators havo secured good stands and sold thom at a profit to those less fortunate. The allotment will bo'made to-day.

Shortly after tho wreck of tho steamer Penguin, Sir. F. Wood, of Christchurch, wrote to The Dominion in an endeavour to ascertain whether a member of tho crow of tho vessel named Wood or Ward, who was drowned, was his brother. Mr. Wood now writes stating that as a result of tho letter published in our columns ho received a number of communications which make it clear that tho unfortunate victim of the disaster was not his relativo, whose whereabouts wcro subsequently ascertained.

Motsam, now washing ashore on various bcaches, seems to indicate that all is over with a well-known coastal and intercolonial trader. On Tuesday, a carter named James Brook, residing at Houghton Bay, near Island Bay, reported to the polico that lie had taken from tho »ea a life-buoy _ with, the words "llio Loge" printed on it. This latest find, together with tho numerous finds of timber reported to the Marino Department, apparently shows that the ■ Bio Logo has been lost. Tho life-buoy will he sent in to tho Collector of Customs to-day. Half-a-dozcn members of the Legislative Council met the Attorney-General (Hon, Dr. Findlay) yesterday afternoon, on tho sito whero the new Council Chamber is being built. Tho plans were discussed, and while it was generally agreed that good accommodation was being provided for, sbme alterations wero suggested, with tho object of securing greater comfort and convenience. It is expected that theso suggestions, which will not mako much difference to tho cost of tho building, will be given clfect to. * A parrot hanging head downwards from a "live" electric wire in Willis Street engaged tho attention of a crowd about 6 p.m. yesterday. Was he or would ho bo electrocute! ? was tho problem that three or four score' of intellects and tougues wero busy thrashing out. Altogether the exhibition given by tho bird was a good illustration of how harmless a "live" wiro is when there is no direct contact with tho earth. But tho crowd were not fully satisfied that this is so, until the parrot, finishing ' his aerial exhibition, blinked solemnly at the spectators and betook himself to tho roof of tho Bank of New Zealand. Although in most streets of tho city tho process of re-numbering was supposed to bo finished months ago, a chaotic state of numbering still exists 111 many cases. It was stated that persons would bo prosecuted who neglected to ■ display tho now numbers, but either there has been indifferonco on tho part of tho authorities, or the persons who pay tho rates, and therefore ought to pay for tho new numbers, are difficult to discover, for in various streets tho old numbers and tho now still alternate in tho wildest confusion. It would bo well if ratepayers who have not yet erected their new numbers wero warned that in tho event of their not doing so, tho work will be dono by tho City Council, and the, cost added to their rates.

Included in this year's estimates of tho expenditure on the Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium are tho following items: £260 for tho new nurses' quarters at the general hospital, £300 for 1 tho new shelter at the sanatorium, and £50 t for expenditure on farm work by tho outside staff. There aro about

fifty acres in connection with tho institutions, capable of being farmed, and tho preliminary work of gorso grubbing and drainage is being undertaken. Tho estimates of tho Wellington Benevolent Trustees have increased by £500, but-this is accounted for by tho fact that a new intermediate ward at the Ohiro Homo is being added at a cost of £1000. It is anticipated that there will bo no increases in tho expenditure on charitable aid in tho Wellington country districts this year. Tho maintenance of children in industrial schools will also be no greater this year than last year.

A gentleman who mado tho overland express journey from Auckland to Wellington on Friday and Saturday last gives an auiusiug account of the discomforts which ho endured. Tho train was crowded, and on tho day of starting it was impossible to book a compartment in the sleeping carriage. Somo of them had been booked a week before. The narrator found a placo in a first-class "smoker,J' but sleep vas out of the question, whilo cards and a bottle of whisky entertained tho other passongers, which they did all night. At an early station four women, with a baby and a litllo girl, boarded tho "smoker,'' as there was no room anywhere else in tho train. Ono woman put her feet on the narrator's seat and her head on a cushion and proclaimed, "I'm hero for tlio night." A fine groy puroico dust kept coming in through tho floor and through the chinks of tho doors and windows, till the air was filled with it, and the moths and mosquitoes were a constant torment. Early in the morning the train refused to take a certain hill curve, and a number of volunteers got off and pushed. They failed to movo tho train roiuid tho curve, and it was put back half a milo and a new start made, which proved successful. Half an hour was lost on this account, but adventures were not yet at an end, for at Morton tlio engine broke down, and another had to bo sent from Palmerston. This wasted another half hour, and tho passengers arrived lato at Wellington, and from head to foot with dust. Tho night journey was a serious strain for women and children, for whom thero was no room in tho sloeping carriago. Somo of tho women sat in one position, nursing their crying children, all night long,_ The narrator, who is used to railway travelling, says that ho will take the boat noxt tiuio he goes to Auckland.