LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 130, 1 June 1917, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The hours of attendance at the Chief Telegraph Office on Monday next, will be as follows:—9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7' p.m. to midnight.

In view of the declared opposition of the Minister of Public Health to the proposal of the executive, committee of the Wellington Patriotic Society to devote funds to the purchase of Mr. W. H. George's (late Mr. John Duthie's) Nai Kai estate for the purpose of a home for mentally-afflicted soldiers, the secretary of the society, Mr. J. Lewis, states that the Minister's decision, is final so far as that project is concerned. Places have been secured for the object named at Auckland and Dunedin. '

A request thai the name of the Mananui Post Office be altered to Lyall Bay was placed before the City Council by the secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department last night. It was stated that. the locality was now generally known as Lyall Bay, and the name Marawas liable to be confused with Mananui, and other postal adkfresßes. The request was referred to the Finance Committee.

The Wanganut Education Board has adopted a report by the chief inspector urging upon tho teachers the need of economy in writing paper. - The inspector considered that the amount of paper now used could be reduced by half. It is proposed to discontinue the present practice of writing on one side only of the paper, to utilise old copy-books, and to use slates in the lower standards of the schools.

Permission for the lessees of the Turkish Baths to carry on their undertaking until at least other baths can be substituted was the request of a petition which caime before the City Council last night. The Finance Committee expressed the opinion that it was inadvisable to disturb existing conditions in regard to the occupancy of the Turkish Baths during the present war, but the tenants of the baths would require to enter into an undertaking to give up possession of that portion of the land to be leased to Mr. Gilmer when required by the council to do so. After consideration of the report in committee it was referred back to the Finance Committee. - j

In view of the active participation of the United States in the war, a request has been made by the American ConsulGeneral, Mr. A. A. Winslow, to the Naval and Marine Veterans' Association at Auckland, -which regularly ornaments the engines of the trains carrying Auckland recruits to camp, to entwine the starts and stripes, with the oiflier flags used, and also to add to the scheme a suitable inscription. Accordingly, the train for this week's draft had on one of its screens the words " The American Consul joins with the Navy men, in wishing good luck to the 3Oths.''

An application for a tramway waiting shed at the Highland Park tram stop jWas not granted by the City Council, aa the Tramways Committee was of opinion that the traffic at this spot did not warrant the expenditure. The committee reported that it had considered further the provision of a tramway shelter, shed at Lambton-quay, opposite the Government Buildings. The Tramways Manager was again considering the possibility of removing the- tram stop there to a point opposite the verandahs on. Lambton-quay south of Bowen-street. If this proposal were feasible, the committee recommended that the Manager be authorised to put it into effect as soon as possible. Both recommendations of> the committee were adopted. Councillor Atkinson stated that the refusal of a shelter at Highland Park would meet with the full approval of Wadestown residents. '

The Board of Agriculture has prepared a report for submission to the next conference of the New Zealand Council of Agriculture dealing with the work of the Board during the past year. At the initial meeting of the new Board the report was adopted, and it was decided to send it on to the council accordingly.

Kirkcaldie's are showing very smart fur-lined coats—ideal for this cold weather. The selection comprises mixed tweeds and plain cloths with, fur collars and cuffs, and lined three-quarter length with squirrel lock and kaluga. Prices are 5^ guineas to 15 guineas.. Call and see.—Advt.

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

threading her way amongst the busy traffic of Wellington street®, the City Council granting a, license to a. lady applicant last evening. There is already a lady taxi-driver in Featherston. Addressing a deputation of Kilbirnie residents last night, the Mayor (Mr, J. P. Luke) stated that the council had decided- to place on the estimates a sum of money for providing protection at the Kilbirnie creek. The deputation would, however, recognise that in war-time there was difficulty in obtaining the requisite material.

Reserved judgment was delivered by Mr. L. G. Reid, S.M., yesterday, in the civil action in which. A. Duncan, butcher, of Northland, claimed from E. Bolton, grocer,: of Oriental Bay, £10 damages in connection with the hire of a horse. Judgment was entered for plaintiff for £8, with costs. At the hearing Mr. T. Neave appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. W. L. Rothenberg for the defendant.

Yesterday the Rev. H. Van Stayeren, who has commenced a fund in Wellington for the relief of Jews in Palestine forwarded to the Chief Rabbi in London another sum of £324. This, with the amount forwarded a few days ago, makes a total of £899 already sent. During Mr. Van Staveren's absence in Australia further contributions to the fund may be sent to Mr. H. Cane, 43, WilhVstreet.

It was late last night when the time "arrived for the City Council to consider notices of motion which were on the order paper. Coaneillor Frost and Councillor Shorland agreed to the postponement of the notices standing in their names, but Councillor Castle _ desired to proceed with the questions which he nad raised—the improvement of the- Botanical Gardens entrance and the house to house delivery of fish. "It will only take five minutes," he said. Councillors did not think that this was possible, but it was, for neither motion was seconded, and both therefore lapsad.

A civil action was commenced in the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., yesterday, in which Munt, Cottrell, and Co., Ltd., carriers, sought to recover from the City Council the sum of £129 12s 6d in respect of damages done to a motor-wagon as the result of a. collision with a tramcar on 18th December last. It was alleged by plaintiffs that the defendant's servant carelessly drove a tramcar along Courtenay.place at an undue speed and caused damage to the wagon, rendering it useless for a long period. The 'case was unfinished when the Court adjourned, and will be continued on Thursday next. Mr. T. W. Hislop appeared for plaintiffs and Mr. J. O'Shea for the council."

"Wellington has not been fortunate in receiving donations of land for recreation purposes, and it should mark its appreciation of such donations." This was the point of view put forward by a deputation, comprising Messrs. F. J. W. Fear, E. T. Taylor, and G. Bethel!, which presented to the City Council last night a petition from Kilbimie residents praying that the name of the Kilbirnie Recreation Reserve be altered 1 to Crawford Park, in honour of Captain J. C. Crawford and his sons. Councillor Frost, who introduced the deputation, and its members stated that the petition was largely signed, and not one refusal had been met with. The Mayor promised consideration of the request, but mentioned that he had b6ea advised by representative men that there was opposition to the proposal.

Seven pine trees in the Botanical Gardens in the vicinity of the Kelbum power station, ifc .was reported at the meeting of the City Council last evening, are to be out down in order to remove a disability under which adjacent properties are suffering. This work wa.« recommended by a special sub-committee whioh investigated the complaints made by the property owners in the locality concerned. It was considered that the removal of these trees, and the planting of suitable shrubs in their stead would improve this portion of .the ■ gardens. The cost of the work is to be borne by the applicants. A request by a. resident of Salamanca-road for the removal of certain trees in the Botanical Gardens adjoining his property was not acceded to. It was further reported that the committee had instructed the City Council to call upon a person whose property adjoins the Botanical Gardens to remove rubbish thrown over from his premises into the Gardens. If the material is not removed within a limited period the solicitor will take legal action.

An important matter dealt with by the Board of Agriculture this week concerned the question of improvement in dairying generally. The better manager ment of dairy herds and the importance of educating the young people on the farms in the matters mentioned were also discussed. Mr. 0. J. Hawken, the representative on the board for the Taranaki district, gave the board some interesting details with regard to the movement in that province to establish a model dairy farm under the management of the farmers themselves, assisted by » Government subsidy. The opinion was expressed that such a farm would be of considerable service to settlers in that centre, and the board discussed with Mr. Pope the practicability of initiating, a series of short courses of lectures on dairying matters during the winter months, to be given by officers of the Department. Mr. Pope thought that arrangements could be made to give effect to the wishes of the board in this direction.

"If; was fitting that the representative of the Castlepoint County should make a protest at the meeting of the Wairarapa Patriotic Association against the aggregation of land, for in his own district there has recently been a glaring case of aggregation," says the Wairarapa. Age. "But Castlepoint County is not singular. In other parts of the Wairarapa. the aggregation of estates has been proceeding with detriment to the district and the Dominion as a whole. At a time when strong demands are being made for land for returned soldiers, at a time when the development of our internal resources is essential to the prosperity of the country, it is surely a wicked thing that the aggregation of land should be allowed to proceed without check or hindrance. The Government must be plainly told, the feeling of the community in this. matter. The Wairarapa Patriotic Association has made the first ■ formal protest, and it is to be hoped that other representative bodies will adopt a similar course, so that Parliament will understand, the feeling of the country on this important question."

Donors of gifts to the Zoo are Mr. A. Kean, Hswera (six white bantams) and Mr. M'Nally, Wright-street, Wellington (one rosette parrot). At last evening's meeting of the City Council it- was decided to thank Messrs. Kean arid M'Nally for their contributions to the Zoological exhibits.

On 9th and 10th June persons producing on Tequest a Crippled Soldiers' Hostel art xuiion 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.

Unusual interest is. being taken in the reappearance of Clara KimbaJl Young at the Empress to-morrow in "The Foolish Virgin," a photodramatisation of Thos. Dixon's powerful novel. The picture is claimed by the Auckland critics to be us good as y'The Common Law. "—-Advt.

The Board of Agriculture has had a, conference with. Mr. Pope, Secretary, and Mr. Cockayne, Biologist, of the Department of Agriculture, on the question of noxious weeds, and it was decided that steps be undertaken by the Department to have a Weed survey commenced; and that a series of experiments be also started to determine the best means of controlling some of our most dangerous weeds. . His Honour the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) leaves. shortly for Napier to preside over the Supreme Court sessions, which open on 9fch June.

About 200 members attended a general meeting of the Wellington Waterside Workers' Union last evening, Mr L. Glover being in the chair Certain resolutions were passed in regard to the working conditions and wages relating to the Priestman.. "grab." Recommendations by the coal workers were also dealt with. The meeting lasted for nearly three hours.

Wellington chemists have » scheme afoot to adopt 6 o'clock closing instead of 8 o'clock. The proposal is largely the result of the shortage of skilled assistants due to the war. Should the proposition come into force the same method will be adopted as in Christchuroh and other- places, where the chemists have combined in tha establishment of anight pharmacy, so that prescriptions can be made up at night there.

Instructions have been given to the City Solicitor to prepare a draft Local Bill giving the council increased powers of control over subdivisions of land within the city. Councillor Atkinson explained last night that the Govern-, ment had been approached with a view to the introduction of general legislation, but the Minister had stated that it would be impossible to deal with the matter this way in the forthcoming session. He had suggested that if the question were one or urgency in Wellington, the council should promote a Local Bill, and this course was accordingly resolved upon.

Yesterday the Magistrate's Court, was engaged with the hearing of a civil action in which Sharp and Harnor, fruiterers, of Courtenay-place, sued E. Bolton, grocer, of. Oriental Bay, lor the recovery of £6 5s in respect of damages to a motor-cycle. The action arose through a co!lisi6n between defendafats' motor-cycle and plaintiff's horse and cart, it being alleged that the latter was driven in a negligent and reckless manner. After hearing considerable evidence, Mr. L. G. Reid, S.M., gave judgment for plaintiff for £5, with costs. Mr. J. C. Peacock ap- ■ geared for plaintiff, and Mr. W. L. Rothenberg for tho defendant.

Replying ■ to Councillor Hildreth last night, the Mayor stated that the lease of the fish market buildings did not tie the hands of the council at all in the matter of a municipal fish supply. There was only a limited lease, and if the council decided to embark in the fish business again it could do so. In the meantime, the lessees were serving the public.

It is now » recognised fact that dazzling lights on. motor-cars constitute_ a danger to life and limb, and the police are determined to put an. end to the nuisance. This was apparent in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when, the following were eaich fined 20s, with costs, in respect of breaches of the bylaw governing dazzling lights:—William Robert Chishdlm, Eric Dickson, Herman Kahn, and Julius ,A. Lutz.

As the rules of the War Relief Association of Wellington are drawn the question has been raised whether the association can give any money to soldiers out of the Wellington district. It was not the intention of the donors to confine* gifts to persons residing in thw district; that, is to say, when a soldier went to other parts of the world, If he cams from Wellington, the association could still assist him. A special meeting of the association was held yesterday to alter. the. rules so as to make that quite clear. The point had been raised as to whether, they would not have to confine their help to those actu-' .ally in the, Wellington district. An amendment of the rules to give effect to the necessary alteration was drawn up by Mr. C. P. Skerrett, K.C. At the meeting yesterday, •presided-over by Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp, the suggested amendment was adopted. v

A theatrical scene-shifter named Thomas Tafabochia was charged in the Magistrate's Court to-day with failing to make application to become enrolled in the Reserve. He stated that he waa undtef the impression that- the^ Post Office was more in fault than himself. Eventually, Mr. L. G. Reid; S.M., agreed to* adjourn the case until Tuesday, with "a view to giving the defendant an opportunity of carrying out his obligation. .

Because some of his relatives in Germany are fighting against the Allies, and his father objects to him taking up arms against those of his own'blood, an appeal for exemption was made by Frederick Bayer, farmer,, of Upper Watwera (Mr. Hall Skelton), before the First Auckland Military Service Board on Tuesday. Appellant stated that his father was born in Bohemia and he was born in New Zfealand. He(regarded himself as a British subject, and personally was willing to fight like any other man, but in appealing he was respecting the wishes of his people. In reply to Major Conlan, appellant said his father was naturalised in 1899, six years after appellant was born. Mr. Skelton said both appellant and his father were loyal British subjects, but they naturally felt a repugnance to fighting against their own relations. The board dismissed the appeal, the Chairmaw remarking that the military authorities would deal with appellant. It was not likely that he would be sent to the front.

A resident who wrote to the City Council suggesting the adoption of minimum car fares on the Island Bay route at rush hours, is to be informed that it is not possible to entertain the proposal under present circumstances.

Use of the Newtown Park has been granted by the City Council to the Trades and Labour Council for its sports on Labour Day.

A donation of £2 2s has been made to the Fire Brigade's recreation fund by Messrs. David M'Crae, Ltd., as a recognition of the fine work which the brigade did in connection with the re. cent outbreak of fire in the firm's factory in Farish-street.

Mr. H. S. Malcolm, manager of the Auckland branch of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation, goes into camp with the 31st Reinforcements. During his absence his place will be filled by Mr. J. R. Callender, of the corporation's Wellington staff.

We pass entries,, forward .parcels, move furniture, check baggage. The New Zealand Express Co., Ltd., 87-91, Custoin-house-quay.—Advt. .

During these days o£ economy many women desire to make their own garments at'homo. The Now Idea. Paperus aro a real help to the home dressmaker, and if it's a. costume, a frock, a blouse, a coat, or undergarments, a. suitable pattern can bo selected, (made in various sizes) to suit all figures. C. Smith, Ltd., "The People's Store," Cuba-street, Wellington, have just received the May issue, and will bo pleased to send free a iaehion booklet on. receipt of lid for postage. The price of paper patterns is 9d and l|d for postage. New Idea Paper Patterns a.re only obtainable at tho above store, who are sole agente for New Zealand.— Advt.