LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 251, 17 July 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Earthquake* ' lave been, fairly frequent during the past four months. The latest shock occurred at 2.20 a.m. yesterday, when there was experienced a west-to-eaisfc jolt of sufficient severity to awaken most people from theirsleep. In some cases the alarm was increased by tho fall of crockery and ornaments from shelves and overmantels, whilst hanging electroliers continued to swing for ten minutes after the actual shake. Tho 'quake was preceded by a loud, low earth rumble, ami between this premonitory warning and the shako some people found time to remark that an earthquake was coming. So far as could bo ascertained yesterday no serious damage was done.

"What we.want to get rid of is tho monstrosity that passes over the ltimutakn," remarked a Wairarapa delegate to the conference called by the Central Progress League yesterday "Wo .want a deviation of tho railway, and we don't caro which way it goes, but we desire the assistance of tho people of Wellington in pressing our demands on the Minister. We are ready to bring along a deputatiou nf 100 people, or more, to meet tho Minister, ana will charter a special train if necessary to carry the deputation to Wellington!

With the object of deterring budding riders from cultivating the "Tod Sloane" stylo of tiding, Mr. W. T. liazlett (Southland) yesterday asked tho Pacing Conference to adopt tho following new rule:—"lf the stewards, or any person specially deputed by the stewards for the purpose, find that the stirrup leathers of any jockey (by reason of their undue, shortness) render tho jockey unable sufficiently to control his hOrso in hurdle and steeplechase races without endangering himself and other jockeys or horses in tho race, the (-towards or person so deputed may require the stirrup leathers to bo lengthened." Lapsing into history, Mr. Hazlett recalled that tho "monkey-ou-a-stick" style of ridinir obtained root in England through the invasion of tho "Yankee*," headed Ly Tod Sloane. Although Sloano and lfls compatriots took n lot of money out of England, it was not through the peculiar style of riding which they affected. It. was rather on account of (he maimer in which they got oil' Ihe murk. The mover wlriul Unit lie did not. lliiiuk the proposed rule would be enforced in tho oaso of old' riders who were confirmed "Tod Sloaners." His object war) to prevent inexperienced bids, from following suit. For the rest it was j a dangerous practice. The conference I adopted the, ride as proposed. .. . J

"In the Hon J. G. Coatos I think we have an excellent. Minuter of Public Worts," stated a delegate at yesterday's conference called by Ilia Central Progress league. "Air. CoaVes is a young, energetic mnn, and ono who, I believe, will always keep Ms word."

"I do not like the word 'strike,'" remarked Mr. W. E. Bidwill at yesterday's sitting of the Bating Conference, in asking that a remit suggesting the employment of unlicensed riders "in the event of a strike" be amended by deleting all reference, to striking. Sir. Bidwill said that direct action and strikers were out. side nf snorting circles— (hear, hear)— and mention of theso twin evils in tho rules of racing would make it appear that the clul>s expected to see strikes in tho future Personally he did not think ho would see any more strikes on the New Zealand Turf, but at the same time it was necessary to -have the machinery to cope with any emergency, lie therefore moved that clubs bo empowered in exceptional .circumstances to engage unlicensed riders if they were satisfied that thero were not sufficient licensed-jockeys on the course who could, and would ride. The resolution was carried.

A racehorse was refused transport on board tho Kaitoa for Nelson yesterday. The seamen and, firemen objected to sailing with the horse, and the animal was left on the wharf.

One of the Judges of the SupremeCoifrt of the United States—the powerful tribunal which is entrusted with tho interpretation of the Constitution of the Republic—will be in Wellington next moil lb. Sir. Justice H. V. Borst, who, apart from his judicial position, holds the office nf Grand Sire of American Oddfellowship, will arrive by the Sloeraki on August t) on a visit to (lie strong branches of his order established in New Zealand and Australia. His Honour, who-is accompanied by Sirs. Borst, will spend three days in Wellington, and afterwards go 'on to Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, placing himself in touch with the official representatives of American Oddfellowship iu each place. Later on he will-go' to Australia. While in Wellington he will be entertained by the heads of the order in this district, and it is understood that the legal profession will also do him honour.

Negotiations in connection with the dispute between the Coal Aline Owners' Association and Die Aimers' Federation are stilt being, conducted through the Prime Afinister. It was reported yesterday afternoon that the prospect of a further conference was brighter, and that tho situation was. somewhat easier.

The Court of Appeal yesterday reserved its decision in tho case of Snushall v. the- County of Kaikoura, an appeal against a judgment of Mr. Justice Herdman.

The residents of Baumati, near Dannevirke, have forwarded to Mr Hugh M. Chisholm, of Wellington, two handsome-ly-framed photograph* of his two 6ons, Lniipo-Corporal P. T. Chisholm and Private W. K, Chisholm, who were engaged in farming pursuits in the district before they went to the late war with tho Main Body of tho N.Z.E.F. Whilst taking part in the Gallipoli campaign Lance-Corporal Chisholm was killed and Private W. K. Chisholm was blinded in one eye. Inscribed on each of tho photographs is a simple but' feeling ttetimony of the services • rendered to the Empire and the Dominion, by the two brothers. Private W. R, Chisholm is now residing in New York, and his photograph is to be forwarded to him by his father Mr. H. M, Chisholm desires to thank the Raumati people for their kindly action in sending' him the photographs, each of which nv» finely.' illuminated. Pour out of Mt. Chisholm's five sons saw active service in- the late war.-

Recognising the fact that many racegoers derive much pleasure out of the fleeting glimpse they obtain of the horses immediately prior to tho start of a race, the Pacing Conference yesterday amended the rules of racing so as to provide that "all horses and their jockeys skull return to tble front of the stand, and remain in the vicinity thereof in chargo of the clerk of the course until directed by the starter to proceed to the starting tibst. No jockey shall, after leaving the birdcage, speak to or bold any ■ communication with any person other than a steward, the starter or his assistant, or\ the clerk of the course." Thto president .(Sir George Clifford) pointed out that at present many patrons of the sport including ladies, who had an eye more to tho spectacular than the betting side of racing—were wont to surge around the birdcage, and often 6tood six and eight deep on the off-chance of catching even a glimps'f* of their favourite's - ear or his .tail. The resolution just passed would do away.with this Fcnimble, and enable the public to view the "field" under happier auspices.

Tho following is a copy of a resolution passed at the last meeting of the council of the Wellington branch of tho Trained Nurses' Association: "That we protest against the high cost of living, and urge upon tho City Council the necessity of supplying depots where tho necessities of life can. be passed- direct from .tho suppliers to the consumers at a reasonable cost."

.. Conditions of post-war life in Italy are causing l many thousands of Italians to emigrate. B'v every train that Ceaveo Italy hundreds of them leave their native land en route to lands oversea, mostly for America. Tne train by whiob Mr. C. B. Norwood traveled out of Italy e, few weeks ago was crowded to such an extent that many of the travellers had to be content with standing room for &t lenst part of the Journey.

A good deal of publie< interest is now being evinced in the aims and object* of the National Defence League of Mtv Zealand. These, broadly, are 6et out in tho constitution of the league, as follow i —"To maintain a white New Zealand; to secure the immunity of tlie counti> from invasion; to educate the people m the. country upon such measures of defence as may be considered nccessar). In the attainment of these objects tho league specifically lays it down as it* policy that it is not desired to convert the manhood of this country into soldiers, but purely to ensure that every man who is capable of bearing arms IB given sufficient military training to enable' turn to obey the highest duty of citizenship by being able adequately to assist to protect his country should tho occasion arise. In other words' the pintform of the league-sets-forth that tho New Zealaiider is a citizen, and only becomes a soldier when ho is required for Mie defence of his country."

"Next to New Zealand and Australia, the people of tho United States have been the greatest users of 6iigar since 19U," says the Board of Trade. "In Australia and New Zealand, the lowprice has been a direct encouragement of a large consumption of sugar, but the rale of consumption has also increased in America, where tho price has risen much higher than the Australasianrates. New Zealand has seen a great increase in the number of soda fountains and sweets since 1914.' An extra consumption of sugar (in pastry, cakes, and miscellaneous confectionery) was one of the means by which many thousands of people in New Zealand 'did their bit' in the war in the name of various patriotic funds." Following a visit to Now. Plymouth, Mr. D. Aicken, general manager of tho Union S.S. Company, lws, telegraphs our special correspondent, agreed to reinstate tho Mapouviku on a fortnightly service between Lyttelton, ■Wellington, and New Plymouth. The Mapouviku will resume tlio old service at the end of next week, when she will leave Lyttellon, via Wellington, with a full cargo for Tnranaki.

A sitting of Mte Assossment Court is to bo held on. Monday, August 2, for the purpose, of hearing objections made to valuations niado under sectiou 3G of the Valuation Land Act, IHOB.

Considerable interest is being evinced in the third annual festival of the Wellington Musical and Klocimonnry Competitions Society, to be held in the Opera House in September next. The committee have this year instituted a contest for male choirs, and it is anticipated that at least five choirs will take part. The choral contest is expected to attract a large entry. In tho individual Hems entries have already Iwen received from all parts of New Zealand. Competitors are notified that enlries close on August SI, and (hey aro requested to forward onirics at once lo enable Ihe time-table In be issued at un early date, Tho syllabus and entry form are obtainable from any music warehouse, or will be posted direct on application to the secretary.

A parade of Senior Cadets in Group 5 (excluding Halt Valley and Johnsoiiville) will be held this afternoon to assist in the search for -Mrs. Barnard, who lias been missing from Hill Street, Newtown, since Tuesday last. The police were engaged yesterday in conducting a search on the Tinnkori Hills, but the search was unsuccessful.

A rather significant gathering was held on Wednesday evening in St. James's Hall, Lower Hutt, when representatives of seven local congregations, includ'ng the Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational Church of Clrist, and Salvation Army attended. The Rev. A. L. Hansell. in a few words of welcome, spoke of the importance of Christians getting into closer touch with one another; although divided, they longed for reunon. The difficulties were many, but must be overcome one by one They all owned one Father; the' relationship between theni all must therefore be that of brothers and sisters. At Ihe close of the evening the Rev.'w. Rowe thanked the teachers of St. James's for their hospitality, and said he felt sure that the gathering had been a real step in the right direction. Various games were played, and a thnnoughlv enjoyable evening was spent. The following contributed items; Mrs. Natusch pianoforte solo; Miss Natusch. song; Miss and Master M'Biin, duet; Mks Carte, recitation; Mr. Vaughan, ventriloquinl sketch. .

Speaking at yesterday's conference of delegates of the Central Progress League Mr. G. Mitchell, M.P., remarked that snipping was one of the very important 'liiesttona that should be considered by bodies affiliated with Hie league. Personally, he believed iu a State service to connect the North nud South Islands, but, of course, other members of tho league might hold' different views. At any rate, a better service was needed between uie two islands, and the provision of faster means of shipping communication was one of the objects which the league should press very hard.

One of the unusual tasks that turn up at a waterfront engineering shop may at-present be seeu at ilie Maori..lronworks, l'ort Chalmers, where the "teething" of a turbine is under way, Tho teething in this case is the fitting of thousands of the small outstanding blades which make the turbine go round when the steam plays on them under pressure.' It is a loir-pressure turbine, roior, the interior revolving part of tlic turbine that is being made for the lurry steamer Maori. The rotor, which is about 25ft. long, was partially manufactured on tho Clyde, when the armistice brought a pressure of other "reconstruction" work which diverted the mechanics elsewhere. It was then a mere 'drum and spindle, and when it reached Port Chalmers to be completed an enormous amount of lathe turning was needed to make it ready for the fitting of the blades, which number 80,000, and vary in length from half an inch to six inches. The blades for the Lusitania's turbine were 22 inches long. The blades are fitted, then tied with wire, and the wiring made rigid by silver solder. The work at Port Chalmers is in charge of Mr. J. M'Kenzie, a chief engineer, who was second engineer of the Avenger when she was tor pedoed in the North Sea. In a few \veek6' time tho manufacture of the vital part of the turbine will be completed and Port Chalmers can then claim, it is said, another Dominion record in marine engineering.

Some advice to people who exchange .properties was given by Sir John Salmond during the hearing of a dispute in the. Auckland Supreme Court on Wednesday. "The casa is a striking example of the trouble into which' parties Ret by entering into agreements to exchange properties and going into possession wit'">iut any examination of tlm titles," His Honour said. He added that disputes would frequently be prevented if people followed the conr.se lie had suggested. Ho ad-, vised the parties in the present case to listen to the views of their respective counsel and como to a settlement, which he assured them would probablv lie more satisfactory to them than a finding by tho Court upon t!n> legal position.

An Invercargill firm of hatters recently landed a case of hats, for which it had b°en waiting for some considerable time. The case arrived by the Zealnndic, and was railed to Invcrcargill, being duly delivered. The firm, being short of the commodity, was eagerly awaiting thearrival of the ease, but its hopes of ri>. plenished stock soon vanished wli>en the case was examined. Every hat was gone, and all that was delivered was a sound case

Ten Hindus and a Chinese arrived at Auckland from Fiji on Wednesday evonine ,by the Atua. The total nmn'ber of Chinese who have arrived at Auckland since the beginning of th> year is now 129. In the same period 181 Hindus have landed at Auckland.