LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 129, 31 May 1917, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Advice has ' been, received from . the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London that the National Committee for Relief in Belgium has suspended appeals to ths public of the British Empire for the relief of ■ the inhabitants of Belgian territory in alien enemy occupation, as the United States Government has assumed' all financial responsibility, for this work. Under these circumstances, the Government does not propose to ' remit further contributions from, New Zeailand at present. The High Commissioner holds about £45,000 for the work, of the National Committee. Enquiries are being made as to whether this money is needed to meet expenditure incurred prior to the United States Government assuming ■ financial responsibility. If it is not required for this purpose, consideration will he given to the way in which it can best be applied for Belgian relief.

The drawing of the Eighth Ballot under the Military Service Act was completed by the Government Statistician (Mr. Malcolm Fraser) at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a total of 8545 names having been selected. The Supervising Magistrate throughout' was Mr. S. E. M'Oarthy, S.M., and there were also in attendance Mr. J. P. Luke, Mayor of Wellington, and Mr. C. J. Parr, C.M.G., M.P. ( ,The checking of the names is now proceeding. The Gazette containing the result will be issued on Wednesday next, and will be published in The Post on the same evening.

Featherston Camp routine orders state that the general public will be allowed to visit the camp hospital only between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The Acting Postmaster-General announces that an information bureau for prisoners of war has been established with the Red Cross Society o£ the Portuguese Colony of Mozambique, under the title of "Delegation Provinciate de la Croix Rouge-Lourenco Marques." Covrespondcnce despatched through tho bureau will be free of postage. Such correspondence must bear as part of the address the words "Delegation Provincialo de la Croix-Rougo—En franchise de port—Prisonniers de Guerre —Lourenco Marques."

A protest against the stoppage of their pay, as a punishment for soldiers, was made at -a meeting of the Claims Board of, the Auckland Patriotic Association (telegraphs the Auckland correspondent of The Post). It was stated that, owing to an occasional misdemeanour, soldiers were fined very heavily through the docking of their pay; but, while "punishing a man, his wife and dependents frequently suffered with him.' The .wife of soldier informed the Board that her husband hid -been fined 150 days' pay,' and stated that she had received intimation that her allowance would consequently be stopped until. the fine was made ,up. The Board expressed indignation that this should be the case, and suggested that, the military authorities ought to find some method: of punishment other than one which.-would penalise women and children. „--,■'

So far as the Napier Defence Office is concerned the replacement t of the permanent Defence staff by returned soldiers is now almost complete. Out of a staff numbering eleven, only two remain who have not seen service in the present war, and these two men have repeatedly made attempts to get away, but without success. ,

A .peculiar accident occurred at the Parliamentary Buildings yesterday. HaTry Sycamore, who is employed by J. J. Curtis and Co., was driving a cast under an arch, • but did not' stoop low enough. The result was that he was crushed between the arch and his cart, receiving internal injuries. H« was admitted to the Hospital, where he is progressing as well as can^-be expected.

Samples of three-ply board manufactured, at Taumarunui have been on exhibition in London lately, at the ■ offices of the Board of Trade's Department of Commercial Intelligence. The woods used are rimu, matai, and white pine, and the quality of the work has drawn favourable comment from British users of this material. The United States and Japan are large exporters of three-ply board, which is in demand in the furniture and building trades. The material is produced by cementing together three/very thin sheets 6f wood with the grain of the centre sheet running crossways. . , '-■

Oi^e of the applicants before the First Auckland Military Service Board this week was Francis C. Pilkington, compositor, who asked for three months' leave. Ho said he volunteered in April, ..but desired time to complete business arrangements. Mr. Elliot :■ "Why did you enlist?" "Because I knew I would be drawn in the ballot sooner or later." Mr. Elliot: "Yes, just so; to avoid the ballot. You knew your position, yet you enlisfl, and then immediately appeal for leave. .You had no right to enlist; you should have waited. This sort of thing is adding a lot of work to this board." The case was adjourned in order to give appellant an opportunity of supplying* the board with further information regarding a mortgage. , v

{The condition of Mrs. Inglesby, and also that of Mrs. J. M'Cullough, _ who were amongst the -passengers injured through the tramcar accident at Onehunga on Saturday, is reported to be serious. Mrs. Inglesby, who had a leg broken, has developed ; symptoms- of brain concussion, and in the case of Mrs. M'Cullough, there are symptoms of spinal concussion, besides which she is suffering from a bruised back and severe cuts. In addition to the injured persons, whose names have already been published, Mr. W. S. Nelson, of Pare Pare Estate, Onehunga, was bruised about the face and body, and lost a tooth; Mr.s. .Kelson was bruised about the body; Mr. D. Howard, of Upper Queen r street, Onehunga, was severely cut about the face; and Mr. Dnfty, a Maori, of Mangere, was severely cut about the face and hand.

The attitude of the New: Zealand Sheepowners' Federation towards ■ the Military Service Act is expressed in, the following resolution passed- by the federation yesterday :—"That "the New Zealand Sheepowners' Federation wishes to intimate to the Military Service Boards of the Dominion that the sheepowners of New Zealand do not desire that shearers in, the First Division be exempted in every case on the plea of being necessary to an essential industry. We desire to see the war.finished, and while certain agricultural and pastoral workers are necessary for maintaining production, and the number of shearers is limited, yet so far as shearing is concerned the ■ older men and strong lads under military age can undertake .the work. That in all cases where exemption is applied for the opinion of the Efficiency Board Trustees be obtained."

'A letter was received Tecehtly:: by Major Conlan, Military Bepresentative associated with the First Auckland Military Service Board, from an Auckland citizen, over the military age, drawing attention to the fact that although he and others had offered their vseTvices for farm work, and numerous advertisements were constantly being inserted in the newspapers from men willing to act as managers and workers on the farms of men called up for service,' most of the faimer appellants for exemption urged that farm labourers and managers_ were practically unobtainable. This was hot ithe case, and he gave these statements an emphatic denial. The letter (telegraphs The Post's Auckland correspondent) was forwarded to Mr. Arthur Gillies, expert adviser to ithe National Efficiency Board, who replied that the assertions made by the citizen were endorsed by the experiences of the National Efficiency Board. Although the Trustee Boards had been circularised, and lists of names had been sent round, the Board had not had a single application from fanners for managers or workers.

A case was mentioned at the sitting of the First Wellington Military Service Board at Palmerston yesterday where a. man called up some time ago under Section 36 had not yet received his notice to proceed to camp. Captain. Walker said, this -was the second case of the kind that had come under his notice lately. Mr. D. M'Laren, a member of the board,' said evidently the fault lay with, the Defence Department. Captain Walker said there was a " messup " somewhere that required an explanation. .

Private John Williamson, a sprightly recruit from Hatuma, whose age had long since passed the 60 mark, has written from. France to a friend, regretting that ho has been ordered home (says the Waipukurau Press). He put in three solid months of fighting, and while on leave took*to ice skating, which brought about Ins downfall. White skating, he received injuries ■which prevented his return to the trenches, and the doctor finally ordered him back to New Zealand.

While cycling. aJong Rintoul-street, shortly before 5 o'clock this morning, Thomas Johnston collided with a milk-, car.t., He received a slight concussion, and was removed to the Hospital. His condition is not regarded as serious.

It is stated by a northern paper that a Chinaman named Ah Keong, a resident of Mohakay Wairoa, has been drawn in the .ballot for active service.

On 9tK and 10th June persons producing on request a Crippled Soldiers' Hostel art union ticket, stamped on the front Lloyd, Jeweller, will _ receive a present of jewellery or silver plate. £25 worth, now on view in Lloyd's window, Lambton-quay, will be given away.—Advt..

To-night, in the . Palace Theatre, Petone, the Mayor, Mr. J. W. M'Ewan, is to be the'guest of. the citizens, the occasion being;; the completion of ten years of continuous service as Mayor. During the evening Mr. and Mrs. M'Ewan will be presented with tokens of the people's appreciation. A programme of musical' and elocutionary items has been arranged, and the speakers will be Messrs. T. M. Wilford, M.P., C. E. Daniells, J. Piper, and J. Wakeham. :A procession, headed by the local hand, fire brigade, and Boy Scouts will parade Jackson-street prior to the concert.

Officials concerned state that the curtailed railway service is, as far as Wellington is concerned, running smoothly, and no reports of inconvenience have been received. ■ . . ; • . ,

Since the beginning of the year there have been three bankruptcies .iv Wellington, or one more ' than during the corresponding period of last-year. One of the bankruptcies was in the month ending to-day.

A conference of the directors" of the technical colleges of the 'Dominion, convened by Mr. George George, principal of the Seddoii Memorial Technical College, Auckland, will be held at Wellington on 26th June. The principal purpose of the gathering will be to consider the adaptation of the work of the colleges to ■■ after-war requirements.

In connection with the Otaki races on 4th and sth June, the Railway Department notifices that it will not run special trains under any circumstances, nor will the up and down Wellington and Napier and Wellington-New Plymouth mail trains stop at Te Horo, Otaki, or Manakau on those dates. No special arrangements will be made to convey passengers to and from the Otaki races.

When charged in the Magistrate's Court to-day with being a rogue and vagabond, in that he was found by night in the enclosed yard of. the Cricketers' Arms Hotel, a soldier named Ernest Green^admitted the offence, but resented the term " rogue and vagabond." He stated that he had seen considerable, active service, and was going_ away to the front again. In view of this, Mr.: L. G. Reid, 5.M.,, merely : ordered the defendant to be handed: over to the military police.

At the Peiono Magistrate's Court today, before Messrs. J. W. M'EwanTmd J. Wakeham, J.'sP., two, boys, each about ,12 years of age, were charged with breaking and entering the_ Palace Theatre and stealing electrical appliances ito the value of £l 16s. The. boys were convicted, and their parents were ordered each to pay half the costs. In the case of one; of the boys, his mother stated that he was out of control, and the Bench asked ithe police to take action to have him committed to an industrial school. v A

A young man's unfortunate lapse was described in the Magistrate's Court today, when Charles Henry Walters was charged with failing to account for £57 12s 3;; d, received by him on behalf of the New Zealand Automatic Bakeries, Lid.: It was stated by Inspector Marsackthat the accused was employed "by the company at a wage of £3 a week, and part of his duty was to collect amounts from customers and pay such amounts into the office. Certain discrepancies were discovered, and when questioned the accused admitted taking the money. He also stated that he had taken the money to help a friend, and sincerely regretted his lapse. Accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. ' , , That Portugal is taking steps to prevent her ships from, falling into enemy hands is seen from instructions received by the Portuguese Consuls in Australasia. These instructions, dated 16th March, read as follow:—"From the date of publication of this decree, no person or association will be allowed to transfer, even only temporarily, to strangers, or permit them the use of any Portuguese vessel without authorisation from the Portuguese ISovernment. A contract entered into in'cootravention of the foregoing regulation will not only be void, but mil be punishable by one to threa years',imprisonment of the parties concerned*. And no notary, consul, or Portuguese consular agent will' be per-, mitted, under penalty of immediate dismissal, to vary or depart from the terms of these instructions. Captains of vessels will not be> party to the transfer of any vessel under . the Portuguse flag withoufthe consent first obtained of the Portuguese Admiralty." •• . ■

Although in his 85th year, Mr. J. J. Coo-per, of Bourke-street, Darlinghurst, has, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, been, applying himself assiduously during the -last few years to the invention of a little piece of hydraulic* mechanism designed as a self-acting boat propeller. Mr. Cooper has constructed only a rough model for the device, but he hopes to interest the engineering faculty in it, and thus make 1 it possible to construct a model which will'permit of a practical demonstration. ' Mr. Cooper, who is an old seaman, has Teceived from the secretary of the Prime Minister a letter suggesting that She should submit his ideas to the Director of Munitions. His aim has been to evolve a machine that will work without fuel, battery, or combustion, and ihe hopes later to be able to demonstrate what he regards as its efficiency. Mr. Cooper sees in the machine, apart from what' he claims to be its commercial value, a device for guarding against the submarine, because of the absence' of smoke and funnels in the case of boats propelled by his hydraulic contrivance.

1 Surgeon-General Sir Neville R. Howse, X.C.8., V.C., Director-General of Army Medical Services, in replying to a cablegram from the New South Wales branch of the British Medical Association congratulating him upon the honour of Knighthood', says: "The. honour conferred upon me is a recognition of the magnificent work of the Australian Army Medical Corps personnel. AusSralia can never repay the doctors and nurses of the Australian Imperial Force for their devotion to the sick and wounded, which has been carried out with a disregard for their own safety and at great'personal- sacrifice. The willing response made by the medical profession in Australia must be extremely gratifying to the councils of the British Medical Association, and I am sure you feel very strongly, as I do, that it •is the duty of the profession in Australia to assist the Director-General of Army Medical Services to .maintain a supply, of efficient medical officers who can provide/every medical care aiid attention for our brave soldiers who are so nobly fighting, the cause of liberty."

If you like dainty art needlework see the attractive display in one of Kirkcalde's Brandon-street windows. It, features hand-worked embroidery and drawn-thread work, on old bleached linen; the selection including d'oyleys, tray cloths, bedspreads, etc. Don't miss the showing.—Advt. ,

" The girl who rushes into marriage is a fool." Clara Kimball Young in "The Foolish Virgin," directed by Albert Cappelani, producer of " The Common Law," " Les Miserahles," etc. Empress, next Saturday.—Advt. ,

Keep up off the wet, on our stout, well-built winter boots, 23s 6d, 255, to 32s 6d. Geb. Fowlds, Ltd., Mannersstreet.—Advt. :

An increase of 250 members of the Wellington Provincial Farmers' Union reported to the^ Conference at Marton yesterday by the organiser. Mr. H. J. Eichards., ■ ,-. „,...

A witness at the Palmerstou sitting of the First Wellington Military: Servfew Board is reported by the Manawi*n Standard to have stated that he had• Nw sons who had returned from the fronfi. and both hadl been wounded. One tiafl been offered a pension of 5s per week, but he had refused to take it. Mr, D. G. A. Cooper, S.M., chairman of the board, controverted witness's statement. "I, may tell you," safd Mr. Cooper, "as. chairman of the Pensions Board, that such a pension has never been offered to anyone. ,

One of the remits placed before the Farmers' Union Conference at Marton yesterday * read : "That the Government arrange for sufficient shipping to ensure the supply of necessary wool packs and corn sacks for the Dominion s requirements." Mr. G. H. Sykes, M.P., informed the Conference it-hat the Government had the matter in hand, and he anticipated that there would be a plentiful supply. Mr. Leigh Hunt said the Government should bis, impressed with the necessity of informing the Imperial Government of the importance of securing packs and sacks. -.- ,"

Sir James Allen, replying to a deputation at Milton in favour of the 6 o'clock closing of hotels, saicl that a matter which had come prominently before liim during the last few months was the inefficiency produced owing to too much consumption of liquor. He did not want to particularise, but in the case of one great producing industry, on which the country was most dependent, inefficiency was produced as the result of pay day. He said that if they were to get what they ought to get out of the country at this time, something ought to be done to prevent that inefficiency. /

"I think it very unfair that a man should be convicted for selling milk as it comes from a cow," stated Mr. H. Cooke (Greytown), at the Farmers' | Union Conference at Masterton. "Everybody, knows that there is. a particular season in the year when milk from a cow is below the standard of 3.25." He moved the following remit:' "That prior to the conviction of a farmer for selling milk under the standard required by the Sale of Food and Drugs Act the inspector: be required to take night and morning-milk samples direct from the cows on the farm producing the milk, and comparing it with the sample being sold, and. prove that water has Jseen added." Several speakers urged ■"that the town was entitled to the best milk under any circumstances, and the motion was defeated..

An important point was raised by Mr.. Gordon Hughan (Mayor of Carterton) at the meeting of the Wairarapa Patriotic Association on Monday last. Some months, ago, states the Wairaraga Age, the Government decided to make an, allowance of up to £2 per week to epl-l diers for the payment of insurance fees, instalments on/house purchases, etc.. Mr. Hughan is of opinion that this allowance should be retrospective, so that all soldiers shall be : treated alike. And there are hundreds in the Dominion who will agree with him.' Who are more entitled ■to the allowance than those who have been fighting in the trenches for months and years, and have probably returned to the firing line after being once or twice wounded. Are not these men as much deserving of consideration, as those who are now being balloted for service?

Replying at Milton to a deputation, which waited upon him and presented him with a petition in favour of- 6 o'clock closing of hotels, Sir James Allen, said that some,day he would be able to publish what had been the effect on the training of the soldier in camp and the effect of the many influences they had been able to bring to bear-on him, not only in regard to drink,, but in regard to other evils worse than drink. Then they would be able to tell a story to the people of New Zealand and of the world, that some very grave questions had not been neglected in this community. Men, who went away from horns had temptations elsewhere, but he was pleased to say that arrangements had been made at' one port wherft their transports called that the publicheuses should not be open to the soldiers at all. They were negotiating to see if they could not make similar arrangements at another port of call, but that did not get over the difficulty that some places were open to certain temptations. Sir James pointed out to his petitioners that the returned soldier's idle time was during the day. They were really face to face with a much bigger question than simply closing at 6 o'clock in the evening. ■ ;

Mr. J. J. Gardiner, transport clerk in the Railway Traffic Office at Greymouth, died suddenly at his work. He arrived at: the office' apparently m .his usual state of health, and, after seeing the Otira express out, returned to the office, where- he was found in a state of collapse a few : minutes afterwards. Medical aid was summoned, but tie unfortunate man ' never regained consciousness and expired. Deceased, who went to the Coast from New Plymouth, was 35 years of age. . He leaves a widow and a family of three children. _

A deputation of local bodies interested is to wait upon the Minister of Public: Works and urge that the Government! should take over the Manawatu Gorge road. ■ ... .

It was stated at the meeting 'of the Acclimatisation Society that quail are very plentiful at present up the Otaki Valley. . —

It is understood (says : the ■ Westport News) that as the result of the recent protest by shunters on the local railway section an , ; iniproved buffer has a been placed on the Westport Harbour Board's stone wagons, in order to reduce the danger in shunting operations..

A speaker at the meeting of the Acclimatisation Society last night asked" ii> stoats and weasels are protected. Hoj was told that they were declared vermin,! and the meeting was urged by Mr.| .Whitehead (Paknerston North) to offer, some inducement foiy their destruction.; No action was taken. '

Experience will teach you that there.is no furnishing better^ able to serve you, than Edward Collie's, Ltd., 167, Riddi-ford-street, Wellington. Their manufacturers' prices are big considerations—' especially at this time.—Advt.

Mr. A. W. .Martin, Rupture Specialist, and sole controller of Dr. J. A. Sherman's method of treatment, will be at the Hotel Cecil, Wellington, from the sth of June to the 16th, after which date he will leave for Auckland.—Advt. ;

Lovers of delicious tea prefer Desert' Gold becauso of its rich, fragrant; flavour. It makes more cups to tne pound.—Advt. , /

We pass entries, forward parcels, move, furniture, check baggage. The New Zea-j land Express Co., Ltd., 87-91, Custom* house-quay.—Advt.

During these days of economy many women desire to make their own gar--; ments a.t home. Tbp'Nqw Wea. Paperns,; aro a real help «H>he home dressmaker, and if .it's a costume, a frock,_ a blouse,; a coat, or undergarments, , a suitable pat-; tern, can, be selected :(made• in various i, sizes) to,suit all figures;' C. Smith, Ltd., "Tho People's Store," eCuba-street, Wei-; lington,. have just received the May lssutv; and will be pleased to Bend free a fashion booklet on receipt of lid ■ for postage. Tho price of paper patterns is 9d and l£d ' for postage. New Idea Paper Patterns are only obtainable at the above store, who "are solo agents' for Now Zealand,— Advt. . ' . v :