TELEGRAMS. PLASTER CAST OF A WHALE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 73, 26 March 1912, Page 3

TELEGRAMS. PLASTER CAST OF A WHALE

FOR CANTERBURY MUSEUM. [BX IELEG3APH — SPECIAL TO IST POST.] CHRISTCHURCH, This Da 3 -. Mr. K. R. Waito and tho members of his etaff at the Museum are busy making a plaster cast of a strap -toothed whaie which was washed up on the mud -flats at the head of Lyttdtcn harbour last week, and which was taken to the Museum on Saturday. A great desl of labour ia entailed in the wurk, which is Ijcjd^ pushed through with as much expedition as possible. After the cast has been taken it will be painted and toned, in older to represent tho natural colour of th« whale's bkin. The cast will bo a very valuable addition to the collection of New Zealand mammal ja, and will repay tho trouble Mr. Wait-e has gone to, and bo quiie an adequate* return for the enterprise he ha« shown in rescuing Lho PREPARING FOR THE IRON HORSE. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORK. [BY TZLIOHAPH — SFKdAIi tO THX POST.I AUCKLAND, This Day. A good start has been made tit tho Te Kouidi end of the Stratford- railway. Tho '.\ oik <if laying off the route of the line has been completed us far as the proposed tunnel, a distance of almost two miles and a-half. A start has been made in several places with the formation work as. well as the building of concrete luJ verts. The service i-oad from this end has so far been constructed about two miles and a-half, including a by-road to the beginning of the proposed tunnel. The road Is Deing well made and is a contract to th© road made in the old Main Trunk days. It is being formed 16 feet wide, and is being made in a most worlcmanlike manner. Fascines are being used in all the bad places, and the road is receiving, a coating of pumice. Work has also been commenced at th& twelve-mil© peg ,on • the main Ohura-road, in the direction of Okahukara, with the object of completing it as soon as possible. About 120 men are engaged on the works, seme 40 of whom' are employed on the surface road, together with another 20 working at the twelve-mile peg end of the Ohura main road. Men, however, are daily arriving and a good deal of work is being taken in hand. It is expected that within another six weeks there will be about 250 employed. There are now three boarding-houses en the spot and they are doing good bu^inets. At a point about three miles and a-half from the junction an area of 20,000 - acres of Crown land will be tapped by the line. The block wa6 supposed to have been on the market by now, but owing to the substantial service road being made tho was delayed in order that alterations might be made in the plans bo that the sections would front the road. BICYCLES, LOST AND FOUND RECORD IN CHRISTCHURCH. CARELESSNESS OF OWNERS.. [BI XELBGfIAPH— SPECIAL TO THE FOST.,; CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. There are probably few cities in'the world in which there are more bicycles in use in proportion to the population than in Christchurch, and 'it is therelore not remarkable that a very large number of bicycles are annually reported as lost or stolen. Last year the number of missing bicycles reported to tha police was over 300, and if the average value bo taken as £5, a conservative, estimate, £1500 worth of property took itself to wings in that year alone. The average is being well maintained during the present year. The majority of these missing bikes have disappeared under circumstances which leave no room t for doubt that they have been stolen. Only a small proportion are recovered, and most of the recovered machines are in such a condition that the owner suffers a relatively heavy loss. The number of arrests made in respect of bike-thefts is ridiculously small compared with the number of bicycles, stolen. The polico can hardly be blamed for^this stale of things, for it must be admitted that the average cyclist is deplorably careless. Bicycles, worth anything • from £3 to £20, are bft for hou;f unguarded in the streets, even at night, and it is a matter for surprise that thefts are not even more frequent. So careless are some, bike-owners that on the loss of a machine they do not even trouble to inform tho police of their loss, or make any enquiries with a view to the recovery of their property. In the "found bicycle" room at the Christchurch Polico Station at present there «ue forty or fifty bikes, which have been found on the streets or in vacant sections. They include over a dozen good up-to-date li.S.A. bicycles, half a dozen good Swifts, and representative machines of most other popular makes, including Rudge Whitworths and Rovers. The proportion of ladies' bikes is noticeably small. .No claim has been made by the owners of these bikes, though many have been there for mouths. Occasionally even a. motor-cycle finds its way into the hands of the police without enquiry irom. the owner. It is one of the unsolved mysteries of th« missing bicycle 'problem that these bikes, representing hundreds of pounds in value, should be awaiting their owners without those individuals stirring a finger to recover their property. It would seem reasonable to fcuppose that many cyclists on losing a bicycle promptly "write off" the lose in their private account books, deeming recovering a missing bicycle in a city such as this as futile. Bicycles are so standardised that in many instances the number stamped on th« frame is the only means of identification, and numbers can be easily filed off. The bike thief can interchange handlebars, saddles, wheels, and sprockets until a bicycle is well-nigh unrecognisable, and a coat of enamel often works wonders in disguising the identity of a stolen machine. REMARKABLE POLICY. EDUCATION BOARD AND A BACKBLOCKS SCHOOL. [BI TELEOIIAra— SPECIAL TO THE POST.J AUCKLAND, This Day. An instance of how money is expended by the Auckland Education Board is provided in the case of a school in the Rangitoto diMrict in tho King Country. Fur seme time the scholars -had been huddled together in a dilapidated buUimenV tent, until application was made to the board for better premises. It wuz> tuggesteu thai the board provide the timber and one erf the settlers would orect fi«« of cost a permanent wbare largo enough to accommodate the. scholars (or s>oiiio time to tome. The estimated cost for the -timber would be about £10. However, tht> board t-eu-t along a small marquee, which must hu.v& cost about £25. ThL, structure (says, a Herald correspondent) has been pitched as v,ell ai possibk', bat already chow" ri'j,n& of a premature breaking up. 'Iht late roitich wither hae been -scry l-rvin,;. out 0&lv a to tLjj tqnt but also tv hula

leacheis and ficholsm. Tho damp earth floor is subject to miniature Hoods, and is therefore a serious menace to the children's health. The matter became t>o bad that lately tho teacher undertook a visit to the board in Auckland and applied for timber to put in it floor, the settlers to builel it. llowever, the result of the interview was nothing more than the recommendation that, as tho board could i'ut see it.s way to supply timber, it advised the eettlcrs to put down sawdust. The settlement is practically roadless and fifteen miles from an'ywheie amid fern country, where there is not sufficient timber to the mile to make a bucketful of sawdust. [2KE6S ASSOCIATION^ AUCKLAND MAYORALTY. THE ISSUE : "STRIKE OR NO . STHIKE." AUCKLAND, 25th March. On present indications the city Mayoral election is to reeolve into a contest between Mr. C. J. Pan- and Mr. Hall Skelton. Ths Federation of Labour nominee (Mr. M. J. Savage) was met by members cf the Socialist Party on Saturday, but it is believed he will decline to accept nomination. Mr. Hall Skelton this morning said he would stand entirely as an independent. The sole object ox his standing was, if possible, to prevent what threatened to be one cf the most disastrous industrial upheavals New I Zealand has ever known. It was in his opinion absolutely certain that if Mr. Pair were returned theio would be a stoppage of the wheels of industry right through New Zealand. He believed that if the Mayor of the euy were wiDirig to urge a policy of conciliation this disaster might be averted. Mr. Parr had, lie considered, acted unwisely in iof using to bring' about a conference. He (Mr. Hall Skelton) was being requested to stand by both employers and employees, as well as by a largo body of business men, which would suffer moft if a general strike did -take place. The position was now so acute that he believed that in the interests; of industrial peace alone there should be a change in the Mayoral office, and he, therefore, would contest the seat, believing that upon the ousting . of Mr. Parr depended the issue, strike or no strike. A mass meeting of labour unions was held to-night for the purpose of definitely deciding what candidate they would support for the Mayoral election. Mr. Savage, who was chosen at" last Thursday's meeting, announced that ho would not contest the position, as the Socialist Party, of which he was a member, considered the time was not yet opportune to put forward a candidate. .Mr. Hall Skelton's name was put forward, and after much stormy discussion it was finally decided to support him. ALLEGED ATTEMPTED WIFEMURDER. YOUNG CHINESE' CHARGED. ' AUCKLAND, 25th March. A sensational story was unfolded by Sub-Inspector Hendrey at the Police Court to-day, when Wong Chuck, a dap-per-looking young Celestial, appeared before Mr. Cut ten, S.M., on a charge of having on the previous day attempted to kill his wife (a white woman) by attacking her with a knife. The Sub-Inspector explained that Wong was a married" man, and yesterday hr and his wife paid a .visit to Henderson. They returned some time in the evening. Wong went out, and his wife' visited the house of another Chinaman. This latter Celestial accompanied Mrs. Wong home, and went inside with her. When Wong returned, he -saw the two in the • house together. He Hew into a violent , passion, and ordered the intruder to leave. He then took up a knife, and rushed at Mrs. Wong, and • attempted to "do" for her. The Constable's attention • wae attracted by the woman's screams, and he rushed into the house, and found maii and wife struggling together. By. tho time he obtained entrance, Wong had a knife in each hand, and tie heard him cay, "I'll kill you." He pulled off the excited ] Chinaman, who was taken to the police cells. The woman had .sustained some scratches to her face. Mr. Quarterly appeared for Wong, and asked for a "remand. A Temand ' was granted until April, an application for ' bail being refused. ACUTELY* FELT. POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S RETIREMENT.. CHRISTCHURCH, 25th March. In connection with the 'retirement of Sir Joseph Ward from the leadership of the Liberal party, the Christchurch branch of tho Poet and Telegraph Association has forwarded to him a telegram containing the following resolution: — "That the Christchurch branch of the Poet and Telegraph Association desires to express its sincere regret that you are about to rellnauish the portfolio of Postmaeter-Ueneral "and ' Minister for Telegraphs. Your lengthy administration of the Depaitment has been marked by numerous beneficent reforms and improved conditions, which we believe have been warmly appreciated alike by the staff and the general public. Proof of this widespread recognition of your outstanding ability and progreesivenett as Postmaster-General is to be found in the higli encomiums and tributes that have spontaneously and deservedly been tendered you from all quarters, and which the Christchurch staff cordially endorses. We take this opportunity of bidding faiewell in your official relation to us as our Ministerial chief, and wish yourself, Lady Ward, and family all iiuccess and happiness in the future." Tho following reply to this telegram ha* been received from Sir Joseph Ward : — '' Please accept and convey to the members of your branch my sincerest thanke for the generous expressions on my behalf contained in the resolution set forth in your telegram. 1 appreciate very highly the reference made to my term of office as Poetmaster-General and Minister for Telegraphs, and desire to assure you all that among regrets I have in retiring from the Ministry none is so acute as the severance of my connection with the Poet and Telegraph service. I hold the moet kindly feeling for the officers of your Depaitment, and I will ever seek to do what I can to promote their general interests. — Kindest regards to all. (Signed), J. G. Ward." FIVE INQUESTS ~IN AUCKLAND AUCKLAND, 25th 'March. Five inquests were held to-day, which is a record for Auckland. Thomas M'Gregor, aged sixty, wes found lying dead on Saturday evening on the floor of a rottage which lie rented. The jury returned a verdict of death from heart failure, accelerated by fchock. The death at tho hospital yesterday morning of J. Oa-ilt formed the subject of _ further enquiry. It was stated in evidence* that deceased was struck on the head by a • tree while working in the bush at Pukekohe, and was admitted to thr liudcitfl on the 18th inhl. Hib tskull was fractured, and up to tiie lime of his death ho had nut refrained coiibc;au3ness. The jury leturaed ;;. vcidict lhat death wan due to cerebral heiuonhagy, i'oliowins on fracture of ths skull. At au inquest pu.th« body vi ThoniM i tfaittl?^ **c.'i foi'ly J.ftftN*, Jfvidcncft -jv&s

given by a witness, who stated -that doceased was a ship's pantryman, but had formerly been. a registered medical practitioner in London. Witness called to see Femley at the Salvation Army Home. Fernley put out his hand us if to shake hands and fell back euddouly, and expired immediately. CHARGE OF THEFT FROM CITY COUNCIL • DUNEDIN*2oth March. Frederick Percy fclvane, of Cavereham, appeared on buramons before Mr. J. R. Bartholmew, S.M., at the Mugietrato's Court this afternoon, charged that on or about 20th November, 1905, he* unlawfully did commit theft in that having received from W. B. Manley and Co. the sum of £10 on terms requiring him to pay the same to his employers, the Dunedin City Corporation, ho did fraudulenil.y omit to pay the same to the corporation. Mr. Macgregor announced that another information would be laid. The ca*e was remanded till Ist April. Whon the question of bail was rawed, his Worship asked. Mr. Macgregor if he could give any idea as to the amount of money involved. He would like to have some information as a guide. Mr. Macgregor said it was almost impossible to gay how lauch. It would eeitainly run into £100. The next charge would be ons of falsifying account*. His Worship fixed the bail at £150 in defendant's own recognisance, and two sureties of £75 each. HOTEL EMPLOYEES. ROTORUA, 25th March. A conference between the hotel proprietors and employees amicably decided on an award governing hotels for the next three years. There is a slight increase of wages throughout. RESIDENCE DESTROYED. WAXGANUI. 25th March. Mr. E. Gould's six-roomed residence at Wanganui East wae destroyed by fire thjs afternoon. TAILORS IN COURT. PALMERSTON, 25th March. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, Millar and Giorgi and George Davies, Ltd., were charged with having employed a,, tailor to do tailoring work on other than their own premises, thtie committing a breach of sections 15 and 16 of the tailors' award. It was pointed out by counsol thai Daviee, Ltd., had their factory in Wellington, and fioinetim.es, when a. suit c&nie from Wellington and required altering, the local manager sent it to a local master tailor with a registered factory. Millar and Giorgi also sent orders for suite to be made up in Wellington, and at times, when alterations were needed, the suit would be sent to a local master tailor. Mr. Culver, local Inspector of Awards, who brought the case, said that a euit should be purchased, and if any alteration was subsequently found to be neceeßary the purchaser should himself have the work done! The purchaser should take the suit from the uhopkeeper, tit or no fit. His Worship reserved judgment. , THE STAGPOOLE CASE. H WANGANUI, 25th March. An- echo of the Stagpoole case was heard at the Board of Education tonight, when a l-esolution wa9 passed drawing the Teachers 1 -Institute's attention to the action of Mr, Parkinson (secxetary of the • Institute), in obtaining confidential information and then, it is 'alleged, breaking faith: All this members of the board paid. a tribute to the : manner in which -Mr. . Pirani l\ad conducted the case lor the board. AUCKLAND PROPERTY: NEARLY £1000 A FOOT. AUCKLAND, 25th March. Coomba's Arcade, a Queen-street property; has changed hands at £22,500. The property consists of a- two-story brkjk building and land, and has a front* age. of 22£ feet to Queen-Street and 22£ feet to High-street. This is probably the highest price yet paid for Queen•street property, and approaches* £1000 par foot. In 1905 the property was sold for £12,000. DISORDERLY CADETS. TIMARU, 25th March. On two or three evenings last week ihere were some disturbances at the senior cadet drills in the drill hall, membens of the other section and some outsiders misbehaving badly. Some will be prosecuted, and onlookers will bo barred ■tor the present. AUCKLAND POST OFFICE. AUCKLAND, 25th March. Though shortage of labour has affected work on the new chief post office the building is practically certain to be formally opened by the end of next moiUh. The contract price was £96,000, whidh is by far the largest* amount, spent by the Government on a public building in Auckland. The contract price for the new Town Hall, a municipal building, was about £93,000, but extras brought the expenditure up to about £10tf,000. * , PRICE 8F BUTTER RAISED: ' DUNEDIN, 25th March. Owing to the high prices ruling at Home and in Vancouver for locallytnado factory butter, the Taeri and Peninsular Company has decided to raise prices by Id per pound. This will bring tho retail price to Is 3d per pound. Butter manufacturers state that it would have paid them better to ship all produce to out«id» markets during the last few weeks. .LILYBANK STATION SOLD. TIMARU. 25th March. Lilybank Station, lying between the Godley arid Macaulay Rivers, Upper Tekapo, with 7000 merino 4>b!eep, changed hands on Saturday at about £5000. Mr. James Scott, a local man, was the purchaser. POSTLE- WALKER MATCH OFF. AUCKLAND, 25th March. Postlo has received a cablegram from Johannesburg Mating that Walker, thy South African champion, . refuses the terms for a race with Postle in Johannesburg. Walker states that he intends to go to England in April. The match is therefore off. POLO TOURNAMENT AT HASTINGS HASTINGS. 25th March. The Xew Zealand i'olo Association's annual tournament opened ci' the Hawkea Bay Polo (Jhib*& giounds at Twyford this afturnoon in fine weather, in the fii<?t ipund far ths Kavile Cit[>, Mangaheia. (Glsbmie) beat Hav.kes Bay (J team by 13 goab to 3, and Raw Ups Bay A team beat Hawardeu (Chiutchitrcli) by 11 goal* to 1. The tean*t. competing »;•«? Mimgatu auo Mutriiiheid. (GiiHiiii'iwj, Ha'.viLidqn, and Huv. kti ISay