LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3161, 13 August 1917, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Government has purchased tho late Hon. Walter Johnston's "Highden" Estate for settlement by soldiers. The property is situated between Palmerston and Feilding, and it is of the very best land in that fertile district. It is expected that it will subdivide into 25-acre sections, but as this land will carry a cow to the acre, a man should bo able to make a fair living from even such a small holding as twenty-livo acres. Tho pneo paid by the Govornmont is not announced, but it is understood that the bargain has been a very satisfactory one for the Government. Tho Bank of New Zealand's pink 10s. note has not been a succcss. That is to say, that its quality has beon found to be deficient, and in frequent uso it becomes disintegrated at the fold a deal quicker than tho orthodox note engraved on parchment' paper. Tho shape of the note is also an awkward ono iu banking practice. I'or these reasons, among mauy, the pink notes aro to be called in shortly, and in their place is to be issued a vary handsome new note, in size not differing materially from tho Commercial Bank's neat 10s. -note, but of nu entirely different design aud colour scheme. "Some despicable individual with a sadly distorted sense of humour has," says Friday's "Otago Times," "been communicating with somo of the undertakers in tho city by telephone, and informing them that deaths havo occurred in oertain specified localities. When the undertakers havo arrived at the places mentioned thoy have discovered. to their disgust that they have beon made the victims of a sensoless hoax."

"It's a lie!" Theso words will 'usually oause somo littlo unpleasantness, and they caused rather more than a little at tho Labour meeting of welojmo to Mr. I'. C. Webb in the King's 'iheatro last night. Mr. AYebb was speaking ol' his experience in prison, and ho condemned roundly Ite pnsnr. regulations. He made a particular point of .tlio lack of classification of. prisoners-tile fact, as ho alleged, that tho man going to gaol for the first time to servo a short sentence had to go to work with men in gaol for long terms—men who had been. convicted of tho most hideous crimes. "As fi nmttßr of fact, |ib said, "thoro is not a trace of classification in the prisons now." It was in reply to this statement that tho reply came back, shouted offensively. "Ifs a lie!' Immediately there was uproar in tlio crowded theatre. All sorts of threatening cries were raised; angry protests, mostly inarticulate, came from all parts of the building. The man was ,in the gallery, and ho suffered no violence. Mr. Webb challenged Uim to stand up, and then he made this wager—that if the man could find any traco of classifioition in tho prisons at Wellington or Christchurch ho (Mr. Webb) would give him ,£lO to do as he liked with, if tho other man would wager a like amount. Mr. Webb promised that if ho won the wager the money would all go to the fund for the benefit of tho dependants of tho men in gaol. The man in the gallerv acccpted tho wager, laconically, as" he had contradicted Mr. Webb, •fie replied simply, "It's on." "Very well," said Mr. Webb, "wait in the liall after tho meeting."

A few weeks ago a fault developed in one of tho Eastern Uxtension Company's cables running between Australia and Now Zealand. One of the company 6 repair vessels was immediately dispatclicd to tho scene, and tho fault was finally located in 300 fathoms. The cable was brought to the surface and cut open in ordei 1 to discover tho cause if the leaka"e, and embedded in tlie gutta-percha surrounding the contral coppor conductor was found the tooth of a fish which had bitten through tho tough outer tiuarter-inch steel casing of the eablo and through the under layers protecting the core. The inner conductor with tho ombedded tooth was cut out, and is to bo sent to tho British Museum:

The trial of Marcus Joseph Patrick Keogh, on a charge of forgery, was resumed before His Honour Mr. Justico llosking on Saturday morning. Mr. V. B Meredith appeared for tho Crown, and Mr. G. Or. G. Watson for the accused. The prosecution alleged that Keogh forged an application and certificate for a newspaper reporter's railway, concession ticket. The proceedings originated in a rather curious fashion. Tho legal firm of Meek and Yon Haast received through tho post nn cnvolopo which was found to contain a certificate and application form bearing what purported to be tlio signature of I. J^,, D ® ei ; G ,,> r °P" r et ° r of the "New Zealand Tablet') and M. Xlyan (Wellington correspondent to tho i lablet"). Realising that there had been a mistako, the addressees forwarded the document ou to tho Tablet, where it was discovered that tho signatures were forced Investigations appeared to connect the accused with tho matter. Accused admitted that ho addressod the envelope, but denied knowledge ot its contents. The jury retired, and shortly afterwards returned a verdict ot not guilty, and ICcogli was discharged.

"Ft was~Mr. F. G. Pago, manager of Mc«srs. Kirkcaldic and Stains, who purchased the hat for XlO and returned it i'o bo resold by Mr. Barry Lupino in aid of tlio Red Cross Funds on l'riday afternoon. Mr. Lupino mentioned Mr. Page, of tho Grand Hotel, under a misapprehension. "T'ho'beautiful basket of (Ewers sold at miction bv Mr. Barry Lupino at "Very Good Eddio" on Friday ovoning, was presented by Mrs. Manners, of Manners Street and was offered in memory of Hie late Lieut. T. Colquohoun, of the "Princess Pat's" Canadian ltegiuiout. The basket brought 30s. to tho fund.

The. new night pharmacy, which is I being established in Wellington by tho chomists generally, will commence operations on August -0, after which date all chemists' shops within the Oily Ixmndaries will close at (i p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the chemists' hours will remain as usual. The night pharmacy will enable anyono to havo a prescription made up nt any time during tho night without disturbing peoplo from their slumbors. It will bo located in Cambridgo Terrace, tlirco doors from Vivian Street, a handy and central spot to reach by tram or motor, 'l'ho now night pharmacy is being managed by the chemists of Wellington in association, who have secured promises on a reasonable rental from tlio New Zealand Pharmacy Board.

as lias Ouoii laliy outlined in theso columns, tlio Jiasteiu intension (jabxe Company is on tiie eve ot completing arrangements whereby tho offices of receipt and dispatcu of cablegrams between JNow Zealand and Australia will bo in tho oentro ot Wellington and Sydney, instead of Wakupuuka (iS'elsonj ami la Perouso twhieii is to Sj'uuoy as Jjyall Hay is to Wellington;. Other tnan an alteration in the lay o£ tho cable ut the shore olid, tno cablo will be tho samo as has boeu iu uso for souio year* past, and the routo has not been, altered, The change is really most important irom an administrative poiiit oi viow, for instead of tlio .-able onus being at tho piacw mentiuncd&bovouiey will bo in tho centres ot the cities, aim practically within liand-reach oi tno Chief Telegraph Office, which should make for a butter service in regard to dispatcn. Tlio Cablo Company's office will bij on tho top floor of iVithan and Co.'s live-story building on llio corner of Urcy aud Foatucrston Streets. Tlio animal conference of tho Now Zealand Catholic Federation. is to bo held in Wellington on. August 22. A meeting of the executive of tlio Masterton 'reaclieis' institute decided on Saturday morning to enter a protest agaiust a suggestion wnion is entertained in certain quarters that while primary school male teachers have been and will be conscripted, to tho detriment of the Stato school system, other teachers ia private or denominational schools shall be exempted. The institute desires to call the attention of parents to tho menace to olhcient education wliicn tlio continual conscription of rho depleted ranks of male teachers will involve.—Press Assn. ' In the Magistrate's' Court at Hotorua Thomas Fun/cane and John Patrick O'Neill were sentenced to eleven months' imprisonment for seditious utterances.— Press Assn. The centenary festival of Marist Brothers will (says the "Tablet") be duly observed by the Marist old boys on Sunday, September 'J, by a general Communion ot all the old boys resident in Wellington, at a. special Solemn High Mass to be celebrated at St. Mary of the Angels' Church, Boulcott Street, bypriests who aro ox-students tf tho old lioulcott Street School. In the evening at the same church a special sermon on tho illustrious founder of the Order— the liov. Father Champagnet— will be preached by tl*o i{ev. Father S. Mahony, S.M. (an ex-pupil), now parish l.riest or St. Mary's. On the following Monday tho secular celebration will tako place at the Alexandra Hall, Abel Smith Street.

'J'lio New Zealand 'Inscribed Stock Bill, which was introduced by Sir Joseph Ward on Friday, has been circulated. As the Finance Minister indicuiwl in the House of Beprttjoutatives when the Bill eajne down, it is almost wholly a formal measure to make provision for the issue of inscribed 6tock for uart of the loan or loans raised or-to be raised by the New Zealand Government. One of the conditions of the inscription of stock is that no trusts may be entered 011 the register of >the holders of inscribed stock. No stock of less than JCIOO in nominal value is to ho issued, but a purchaser may buy any increased amount by JEIO or multiples of .£lO. The holder of stock is to be entitled to receive interest half-yearly. There .is a clause giving power to a Judge ot the Supreme Court, 011 the application 01 any interested person, to prohibit dealings in any inscribed stock. The Catholics of Keefton, at a meeting on Sunday, unaniniously resolved to resist the conscription of priests, iUarist Brothers, and theological students by every constitutional means. various speakora gave reasons in support ot the motion, pointing out that whilst priests had never failed to do their share as chaplains, and had always been most willing to do so, thirty-three Manst Brothers could do more good in the Dominion, in a sublime labour of love tbfm fis combatants. No other part of Ins Empire, and not even, in Germany, irero priests desecrated by being forced to A. copy of the resolution is to bo telegraphed to the Prims Minister and the member for the district-Press Assn. The quarterly meeting of the public Service Superannuation Board was .held on \ugust!), Mr. G. Allport in the chair. Nineteen contributors,' retired under Section 85 of the Act by reason of age or length of 6ervice, were granted annual allowances totalling ,£3261 Us. per annum, and five contributors, retired as medically unlit, were granted allowances aggregating .£382 13s. per annum. bis widows and six children were granted the statutory allowances, amounting to .£lB6 per annum, lhe board to grant allowances to four contributor whom it was proposed 'to retire as medicallv unfit. In consequence of retirements under Section 35 accrued compensation to the amount of 10s. 3d. became a liability of the Superannuation Fund and a corresponding relief to the Consolidated Pund. A magisterial inquiry will be held at Wnnganni into the facts surrounding the foundering of the lighter Dorset 111 the roadstead. No date has been set as yet for tlio inquiry. Tll connection with the finding of a boat at. Paraparaumu with tho name "Eunice" 011 it, Mr. G. Allport. Secretary of Marine, lias advised the Hon. G. AV. KusselV Minister in charge of the Department, that 'the scow Eunice, now in Wellingtoh, lost the boat on .Tune 11 last, when she was 100 miles north-west of Cape Egmont. The master wishes the boat to be forwarded either to Wellington or Lyttelton.

It was stated in tho Federal Senate, in reply to Senator Pratten,(New South AVales), that approximately 5040 males were intorned in enemy concentration camps in Australia. Females wore not interned, but 101 women and children sent to Australia from overseas wore living with their husbands and fathers at Bourko. The number recorded in Die Defonce Departmont not interned was about 42fi0 male adults. No compilation had been made in regard to tho females. Thirty-nine internees escaped from Holdsworthy, and 24 of them had been recaptuved. . It is rather novel (says tlio Christchurch "Sun") to hear n gentleman, and particularly a college professor, who is invited topivo an address to'an association of some consequence, declaring that fio is not an authority on the subject on which ho is asked to speak. Bui; that 'was the attitude adopted bv Professor W. P. F;vans. who was invited to givo an address on the metric system at tho annual meeting on Thursday evening of the Canterbury Employers' Association. Professor Evans did not merely ik-c'nre that ho was not an authority oil what is commonly known as tho nietrio system; he said he was not a believer in it, and that half of what was said and written on the subjcct was sheer rubbish. Tie proceeded to give a long but interesting and sometimes humorous address on the system. Tn tho courso of he pointed out that the system, (is it affected scientific inquiries, was ono thing, and it was very useful to thorn, but, as for trading purposes, it was quite another thing. He showed that tho standards on which it is based are artificial, and not natural, and pointed out that currency was on a totally different footing lo weights and measures. Currency was entirely artificial, but lengths and magnitude dealt with something dopendent on :iatnrc. Professor Evans's address went lo show with something dependont on nature, will combine the best features r.f tho motric sysltem and the British system o, weights and measures. ' "No Itubbing" Laundry Help is what is recommended for washing olothee clean without rubbing or injury to tho hands or fabrics.—tfohnston and Co., Ltd.—Advt. Satisfaction in hats from Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street. Great selection in shades and shapes, Bs. 6d. io 42a. Stetson's start at 275. 6d.—Advt.

A good story was told at tho meeting of tho Otago Soldiers' and Dependants' Wolfare Committee tho other night, says tho "Otago Daily Times." It concerns a soldier who, after reaching camp, was rc-einraiiied, classed for home service, and given a job to drive a horse and cart. This soldier was energetic—ho liked to do his bit. The first day ho was ordered to drivo down from tho camp to tho railway station to bring in some goods. A't tno station ho nimbly descended from his seat, and at once set to help the gang of soldiers to load up. "What aro you doinjj tliero?" camo the commanding tones of a sergeant-major. "Your work is to look after the horse and cart—get back into your seat." Tho willing workor meekly climbed back into his cart. At tho camp another gang of soldiers unloaded tho cart, the willing ono, this time, keeping to his seat. As tho days ran oil time began to hnng heavily on tho hands of the home service man. An idea seized him. Tho horse's tail was ragged—ho would trim it up. Ho did so—docked a piece off it —and for a week after glowed with selfsatisfaction as ho looked on the improved appearauco of tho equine. His triumph was, however, short-lived. Ho was ordered before his officer, and asked by wha't right lie had interfered with tho horse's tail without authority. Quito taken off 'his guard, the abashed driver said that, in view of tho apparent seriousness of his "crime," ho would appeal for a remand of a week, so that ho could Becure tho servic.es of a solicitor! Then the officer cooled down, told him he must not do such a heinous thing again, and lot him off with a caution. Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, chairman of ono of the Wellington Military Serrice Boards, keeps a couple of old ladies in pickle, whom he produces ai intervals for the edification of a cer'.am class of men, who claim they can't do much work themselves, and are reluctant lo release their sons (says tho "Manawatu Times"). At Wednesday's Bitting, a- healthy middle-aged man stated lie could not milk eleven cows and do the other farm work alone. Mr. Cooper: What do you think of an old lady of 65, who milks 25 cows? Witness: Ptobably sho had to do it, but she must he a Briton. The chairman: She is share milking. Now don't you think vou could go'one lioltcr than her? You surely won't bo beaten by an old lady of (a? Witness. I I'ou't feel I can work now like I used. Tho chairman: I'm feeling that way myself. Now, you won't let thnt old lady beat you? Witness: I'm not thinking about her, but about myself. The chairman: When you say you can't milk these cows, rHo THTffk about 'the old lady! Witness: If you say the war will bo stuck up for want of my boy, I say take him; bnt ho has always been the pet—some boys, never answer you back, and there are always some that do. But if you want tho boy take him, and if it came to the worst I would go myself.

As an illustration of the honestv of the people of New Plymouth, the following incident, related to the "Tnrannki Herald" by Sub-Inspector M'llveney, is worthy of notice: —On June 20 last, a visitor to New Plymouth alleged that on tTTe previous day, while ho was in the post office sending a telegram, he left his pocket-book, which contained .£l7. on one of the public desks. About five hours later lie missed it. The matter was placed in tho hands of the police. On their advice, an advertisement was put in the local, papers, with the result that on Mondry the police were handed the pocket-book, • with. contents intact. There wero- however, oC2 more than the owner had reckoned upon. The finder, who is a working man. explained that about .three weeks ago he was climbinp i'aritutii, and found the pnckct-book and contents lying alongside the path. Ah oxannrTft'tion of 'the pocket-book shows that it has been exposed to the weather, and the police have found that on the day it was alleged to have been left in the post office, its owner had climbed j'aritutu. Tho pocket-book will be dispatched in duo course to the Bay of Plenty, to be delivered to its owner. The "Featherston Camp Record" is now in its third edition, and arrangements are being made to send 5000 copies to the High Commissioner for distribution in London. John Wakefield Kent, otherwise known as Mick King, the Australian middle-weight boxer, was at the Water Police Court, Sydney,, recently, proceed ed against under the War Precautions Act on the charge of having left the Commonwealth without a passport. Captain Hinton said in evidence that he arrested Kent on the arrival of the last steamer from America. When -asked i_ ho remembered the proclamation of October 1, 1910, calling on all men of military age to register, Kent replied: "Tint is news to me." Kent admitted that after he got to South Africa he made his way to America, where he signed a contract with Los Darcy. Ho saw the Australian champion just before he died. Kent was fined .£lO, in default two months' imprisonment.

After a little over six months' tuition and'-work, a number of returned, soldiers have been able to produce hand-woven tweeds on a commercial basis in Austrar 11a. So far only eleven returned soldiers are qngaged in tho industry, but it is hoped that, since it hus been demonstrated that cloth can be a price that will return a profit alter wages are paid, there will be an immediate extension of the enterprise. At the school lately opened in Victoria thero are two looms, a warping machine, and winder. Ten additional looms are wanted. The material in the existing looms was donated, and the machines were assembled by the soldiers themselves. Iho only difficulty in the way of an extension is the lack of yarn. The handwoven material on view is a high-class product. About 850 yards of tweeds ot, various patterns and weights are to lie submitted for.6ale by public auction m aid of the repatriation fund. On Thursday, at about G o'clock, a moto'r-ca,!' accident occurredat the Clarendon Hotel corner, Palmer,slon North,, when Miss Ellen Bresnahan was knocked down by a taxi-car. She sitstained serious injuries, including a fractured skull, and was removed to tho hospital in an unconscious condition. 'l'ho young woman, who is a cook by occupation, and is said to have arrived here recently from Auckland; hud just stepped on the footpath when the car camo round tho oorner and collided with her. it was raining heavily at the time, and appaienlly tho driver did not sco tho woman. The Anglican chaplain of lauherenikau Military Camp would be pleased to rcceivo -immediately recent comes ot weekly papers, magazines, etc., tor the uso Of the men. "We have over *000 men here," he says, "and they deserve all the practical help we can givo them. Wo have plenty of games for lliem such as Billiards, bagatelle, quoits, draughts, etc., wliilo wo lmve sufficient writing Hcfiks to allow hundreds of them to I write their letters daily. Hundreds of tho men are provided free each da.\ uiTn notepaper and envelopes. All we badlj need at present is some good fres'i readill" matter. We earnestly ask tho public" to help us in this respect, and .thus add considerably to the- enjoyment of tho men while in camp. Tho official opening of the new United Institute for Soldiers at Tauherenikau Camp took placo on Thursday evening. Among the speakers were Messrs. C. M. Lulco chairman, oi the I.M.G.A. Lamp Committee. K. C. Brownell. general national secretary of the 1.M.G.A., and A. Vims, y, national secretary, and a concert was given by the men in camp, who can supply some excellent musical talent. The need of such an institute at Tauherenikau has been keenly fell by the men throughout the winter, and 11,(ire is no doubt that its advantages will at onco be largely availed of. The main hall of tho building will seat about 500 or IiOO men, and every facility will bo given there-for the recreational and religious work of the co-o[K?rating. churches and the Y.M.C.A. WHO WAS COLONEL SHRAPNEL? Colonel Shrapnel was the mail who invented the Shrapnel Shell—one of the deadliest missiles of war. Perhaps YOU have ah idea for a war invention!—if so, call and we will havo a chat together concerning its prospects—thero may be quite a lot of money in tho idea. If you cannot call, write for our Free Booklet—HENßY HUGHES, LTD., Patent Attorneys, Peatherston Street, Wellington.—Auvt. Tho CHEVROLET is completely equipped. Standard equipment on every CHEVROLET includes Auto-Lite ' Two Unit Self-starter, Klcctrio Lights, Eler.trio Horn, Speedometer, and Ammeter, Hood with side-curtains and full tool equipment. You may al6o havo demountable rims if you so desire. We should be pleased to demonstrate this oar to you, and models are awaiting your inspection at THE DOMINION MOTOR VEHICLES, LIMITED. 65 Courtenay Place, Wellington^-Advt.