GENERAL NEWS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 75, 25 September 1914, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS

In reporting on the weekly markets, the New Zealand Farmers' ■ Co-operative Distributing Co. states that there is not much animation in the potato market. Stocks are not quite so heavy, but the south is still offering full supplies, and prices are not likely to harden. New potatoes — A small quantity has been offered, and sold at fancy prices, but regular consignments are not likely to come forward for some time yet. Seed potatoes are still being enquired for, but the demand has slackened considerably. Porkers and baconers are in excellent demand at high rates, but the supply, although improving, is nothing like equal to requirements. Slag and super — Fair business is passing in both | lines at current rates. Wheat continues very firm, and good samples are hard to procure. Barley continues in fair demand at lato rates. Chaff — The market is very firm, and good samples meet with ready sale. Oats — Values are unchanged, but southern offerings are small, and as stocks pro well held, prices are more likely to rise than fall. Seed oats — A fan 1 enquiry still exists, aiid good lines are very* scarce. Seed maize -^-All the leading varieties for green feed sowing are selling freely at current quotations. Grass seeds of all descriptions continue in good demand, and there is no alteration in values. Choice cauliflowers and cabbages are in farr supply, and realise satisfactory rates. Green peas continue to arrive, but not in large quantities ; the current price is, however, lower than last week. Rhubarb is in fair supply, and meets with good enquiry at ruling rates. Apples and oranges are very scarce, and command high prices. The amount of unemployment in Petone is reported to be. very small. There are isolated cases of distress, but in a workers' community such as Petone these are found in normal times, especially during the winter months. Ever since there was the smallest likelihood of residents suffering as a result of the war, the Mayor (Mr. J. W. MTSwan) has kept in touch with deserving cases, expressing his determination to "keep the kettle boiling" in every home. One case came under his notice wherein an "absentminded beggar" had gone to the front without providing for his family. It therefore devolved upon him, as Mayor, to do all that was possible to prevent hardship falling on the ' family of the absent wage-earner. The policy adopted by the council in proceeding with the borough works as far as possible has also had the effect of keeping a large number of men employed. "Did cruelly illtreat a monkey at tho Zoo." Such was the charge read out against George Bevan in the Magistrate's Court this morning. Defendant was unable to appear, and an adournmem< until next Wednesday, asked for by Mr. RB Williams, was granted. There died at Coromandel this week Mr. Hugh M'Donald, a veteran of 80. He went to Coroi^indel shortly after the Waikato War. Deceased was one x>t the first men to join Major Jackson's Fores ter Rangers, and was many times under fire. When the native contingent was formed under the late Major Drummond Hay, the deceased volunteered for this service. Mr. M'Donald went to Coromandel, and engaged in mining pur. suits. He was manager of the Success Gold Mine when this mine was worked by an English company. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. A member of the Dunedin section of the Expeditionary Force, Peter Busbridge, was arrested by Detective Abbott yesterday, and charged with failing to provide for his wife and child. He appeared before Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, S.M., to-day, and was remanded to appear at Dunedin op Monday next. Mr. E. J. Walshj who was in business in Willis-street as a draper in the premises now occupied by Messrs. Queree Brother*, died in Napier this morning.