LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 42, 18 February 1918, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The new evening suburban train' ser-. vice—between Wellington and- Johnsonville, and Wellington an-d Lower' Hutt —commences to-night. ' .<

The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, who wae sworn jn by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, at Christchurch 1, on Saturday, as a member of the Executive Council, and who has been allotted the portfolio of Lands, was a passenger from the South yesterday. Mr. Guthrie has also been given control of the, Discharged Soldiers' Information. Department.

Once, again this mprning Superintendent Tait, of the Fire Brigade,, was.compelled to „ appear before the Military Service Board.to make appeal for the exemption .of one of his men, William George Wilkinson. He told the board that the brigade is' still four below authorised strength. Wilkinson • had been teii months in the employ of the brigade and had come of military age during that period. The position was thaj the brigade wanted men of the same age as the military authorities did. Boys and men above military age could not do the work _of the brigade, and it was necessary in the interests of the city that efficiency should be mainained. lieave until June was' granted.

Amending regulations relating tp. the sale of sheepskins were' gazetted on Saturday. It is provided that the- order prohibiting the purchase of sheepskin|. shall not apply to a purchaser acting_ori behalf of the Government, or in pursuance of a license issued under the regulations. .

" Silverstream" writes to The Post complaining of Silverstream settlers be-' ing obliged to "alter their address to

■' Heretaunga,' leaving Silverstream out, because of the opening of the new. post office." The correspondent also protests against Silverstfeam residents being " bluffed respecting the erection of a much-needed school."

A Press Association message from Feilding states :—Neither the Rev. Mr. Stockwell nor the Rev. Mr. Miller, victims of the assault after the Rev. Howard Elliott's meeting, had sufficiently recovered to enter the pulpit yesterday. So far no arrest has been made. It appears that no one witnessed the assault except the friends of the assailants.

Under the will of William D. Sutherland, of Ngaipu Station, Hinakura, Maryborough, sheepfarmer, who was killed in the fighting at Bellvue Spur in October last, a sum of £900 was bequeathed to such fund or funds for the' relief of wouiided soldiei's as the trustees of the will should think fit. The trustees, Messrs. D. Sutherland and 4 Alexander Du,nn, have now decided to allocate the money to the- Y.M.CiA., the.Red Cross, and the Salvation Army in equal shares.

The first application in New Zealand for the cancellation of a publican's license under the War Regulations was made in Queenstown last week, when Inspector Fouhy, of Invercargill, applied before the Wakatipu Licensing Committee for the cancellation of the publican's license held by James Christie Knowles, of Glenorchy Hotel, the Southland Times reports. Accused had been three times convicted for breaches of the Licensing Act. After hearing the defence by Mr. L. Turton th,e committee Tetired. On. again taking their seats the chairman (Mr. G. Cruickshank, S.M.), intimated that the license was cancelled, the cancellation to tajte place on 9th March.

The Eev. Father Doyle, of^Remuei-a, who has returned after two years' active service as a chaplain in Egypt and on the Western front, speaking at a welcome home a few days ago, paid a warm tribute to the religion of the French people, whom he held to be pre-eminent in bravery and all the warlike virtues. After the French, there were none better than the New Zealanders. He had travelled much with them through France and Flanders, and he could.wish for no better companions for the journey through) life. There were good and bad amongst them, as was natural, but as a whole they were loyal and kind, and his impression of them was that in their breasts they wished to do only what w"as right, just, and good, and to help every--one who needed help.

The Teviot Estate^ recently bought by the Government for £75,000, consists of 12,446 acres freehold and a pastoral run of 19,250 'acres. Possession is to be taken at the end of March. The fixed intention of the Government is to reserve this estate for returned soldiers. As there is plenty of other land available for the returned men—Gladbrook and other «states —nothing will be done in the way of disposing of Teviot for perhaps a year. By that time, in all likelihood (says Dunedin Star), our soldiers will be back in thousands. Meanwhile the Government will keep the farming going. It is satisfactory, to learn that the estate is in excellent order. Since the date on which, the Public Trustee took charge on behalf of the owner, fully 120,000 rabbits have been killed or ca,ptured. Mr. K. T. Sadd (Chief Commissioner) found on his recent visit that of the freehold 390 acres are t in oats and 493 acres in turnips, while of the leasehold there are 455 acres in turnips and 435 acres in one-year-old ryegrass. which will be allowed, to ripen and then be stripped for seed. On the lower portion, of the estate some of the land is rather light. The Phantom block, which is towards the eastern boundary, is land of exceptionally good quality, and well watered. The proposal is to give-inde-pendent access to this block by a new road, and to cut it up into small farms. Another estate which is to be put aside for 1 returned ; soldiers is the Westcott Settlement. It is in the Tuapeka. County, on the main road between Beaumont anJ Roxburgh, two and a-half miles from the post office at Bttrick. The area is 1835 acres. The settlement will be cut up into twenty allotments. Sixteen of these holdings are to be small, varying from seventeen to fifty-seven acres. These are suitable for fruitgrowing, and presumably will be used for that purpose. The other four allotments, intended for mixed farming, vary in size from 211 acres to 460 acres. -It is probable that the Westcott Estate will be open for application towards the end of next mouth.

A Masterton farmer claims to Have dug ♦•v«nt«en tons of potatoes from an, acre OS \iM tUU MfttOft, ' .

The great shortage of slaughtermen was referred to at to-day's sitting of the Third Wellington Military Service Board. The representative; of one of the meat companies told the board that instead of 120^—a full complement—his firm .now had only 68 slaughtermen. The tally was thus reduced from 9000 to about 5200.

In addressing the jury engaged in a criminal trial at the Supreme Court at Auckland last week, Mr. Justice Stringer said he desired to impress on members that it was the duty of a jury merely to determine the guilt or otherwise of an accused person on the evidence adduced, and not on any other consideration. He had a growing feeling that juries sometimes allowed outside considerations to influence them in arriving at a verdict. That should not be so. Outside circumstances, no matter how slender or for what reason they wei'e introduced, should have no effect on the minds of jurors, otherwise the value of evidence was lost.

Invercargill's need for a suitable buildin for a Mueseum was emphasised by the deputation which accompanied the Minister of Defence (Sir James Alfen) on his visit to the Technical College last, week. In conversation with a News reporter the Curator _ (Mr. Gibb) explained that, a large building wa£ required, as a great number of interesting exhibits could not be displayed owing to want of room. Over 700 birds, a 45ft whale, six moas, 3000 varieties of birds' eggs (one of the best collections in New Zealand), and a large collection,'of humming, birds were stored in. another room until space could be provided. A giraffe, donated by the Christchurch. Museum, was still left in Christchurch until the local Museum Board could find room for it. A building such as the Garrison Hall was urgently needed.

The Hon.--T. M. Wilford has taken prompt action regarding matters brought before him on his recent visit to Nelson, and. Mr. T. A. H.. Field, M.P., has been advised that arrangements are being made for Mr. F. 08. Loughiwn, S.M., to meet the difficulty witty-regard to sittings of the Magistrate's Court at Nelson. Instructions-have been given for an estimate tp be prepared by the Marine Department of the cost of placing and maintaining a light on the Ninepins, Chetwode Islands, with a view to the making of a recommendation to Cabinet on the subject, and the question ,of the Annesbrook railway crossing danger has been represented,to the Minister of Railways, and Mr. . Wilford has asked his colleague to have an alarm bell installed there as a warning signal. Other matters in connection with the Tadmpr and Motueka-ißiwaka, Bridges and the extension of river limits, are also to be considered.

The proposal to award ' the Gallipoli Star only to those Gallipoli veterans who embarked in 1914 is the subject of a letter written by Mrs. E. A. Hendle to The Post. "Three out of my four sons served on Gallipoli," she writes. "The eldest left with the Fourth draft, and the other two with the Fifths, one of them being severely wounded in the August battle. I think, with your correspondent in Thursday evening's paper, that all those who served on the Peninsula should be awarded the medal. The eldest and youngest of my sons were at Samoa and joined the Reinforcements here on their return. What of these lads? One and all they went to do what was asked of. them, although the Samoan expedition since has been looked on by most people as a picnic and pronounced as nought. I believe in fair play. Two of my four are gone—that was no play. They could not all "be in the Main Body, but they fought, just as hard. Why, then, the distinction? " . .

The annual meeting of the Sunday School Union was held in the manager's room of St. John's Church on Saturday evening. . .The president, Mr. Alexander Johnston, presided over a good attendance of delegates. It was reported that the arrangements for, the Easter Convention at Blenheim were well forward, and a good gathering was assured. It was decided to prepare examination papers for both the-..American international and the Australasiaii graded cours.es of lessons. Two new schools, the Island Bay and Greytown Methodist, were received as members. The treasurer reported that the schools were readily responding to the union's request that the subscriptions should be increased by 50 per cent, for this year. The annual report and balance-sheet were read and adopted, but the report was not complete owing to many secretaries not' having yet sent in their returns. The officers lor 1918 are as follow : President, Mr. A. Hoby; vice-presidents, Rev. B. F. Bothwell (Blenheim) and Mr. C. HBarratt; secretary, Mr. H. J. Thompson; treasurer, Mr. W. G. Holdsworth; auditor,' Mr. R. Tait; secretary of 1.8.8.A., Mr. 0. Sims; visitors, Mr. A. Johnston and one to be appointed.

The harvest is progressing very- satisfactorily in spite of the catchy weather (states the South Island correspondent of the Farmers' Union Advocate). It is true that in some districts where the showers seem; to be heavier than elsewhere the operations of cutting and stacking have been interfered with a good deal; but taking the country through, good progress has been made during the past month. ... It is the heaviest ,and richest land that haj failed to giv« adequate, returns this season. . . .

Up to a week or so ago there seemed to be a hope that the crops would this year yield above the average of the \a,si' ten years, namely, a little over twentyeight bushels an acre. It was thought that they might thresh out thirty all pver with luck. But that good luck is not there, and there, does not seem to be much chance of reaohing the twentyeight bushels, leave alone the thirty bushels that were at one time expected. .Twenty-five is all that is now considered possible, and there are many who are competent to judge who state that they think the tally will not be more than twenty-two or twenty-three bushels. If that should unfortunately be the case it means that we shall be little better off than we were last year in regard to the number of bushels, while we are handling twice the stuff to get it.

The Otaki Town Board has decided to do all preliminary work in connection with the installation of electric light in the- township. To light the town under the old system of carbids would cost over £250, an amount which would pay interest on a large loan.

A special meeting of the Horowhenua County Council will take place next week to decide on the question of tollgates, road-making, etc. The council has recently purchased a deal of road machinery, and is anxious for it to be used to the best advantage.

The Masterton correspondent of The Post telegraphs :—At the sale of the Matawhero stud Lincoln sheep on Saturday sensational prices were realised. Messrs. Percy Bros, paid 310 guineas for a two-shear ram, which is a Dominion record. The first ten rams put through the ring averaged 130 guineas.

'The popularity, of the smart Stetson Velour Hats for ladies is increasing, and certainly no better kind of headwear can be had for the autumn weather we arc now experiencing. Kirkcaldie's are showing the four styles in their millinery showroom—"Sport," "Bryn. Mawr," and "Country dub" at 635, and the "Jester" at 425. Inspaot this becoming new headwear. Kirkcaldie and Stains, 14d., are' local agents.—Advt.

No present more useful to a soldier than a good pair of khaki socks, Is 6d, 2s 6d, 3s 6d,'ss 6d, at Gee Fowlds, Ltd,, Msnn»«'*treet,—Advt.

Speaking at Mataura- last week, James Allen said the dropping of pofl had enabled Parliament to pass necesj legislation which could-not otherwise! been carried' out;' hut what hadhe[ Parliament more than anything else! been the backing up and help given each individual citizen. r

It was decided at a special gen meeting of the Island Bay Surf and I Saving Club to hold' a gala day l month, the proceeds -to be in aid of' V.M.C.A. ■ Bed Triangle War Fi Strong committees have been set xni organise and carry out the necessary rangements with, the assistance of Patriotic Society's Band and V.M.C.A. central organisation.

A sudden death under sad- circj stances occurred at-Kilbirnie on Sal day evening. Mr. Frederick Keys H lett, an employee of the City Com! aged 40 years, wbb removing furnil from Boss-street to a house in Coil street,. About 9 p.m. he carried a he] case-inside, sat down to rest, 1 and alnf immediately expired. Dr* Cousens j sent for,; and pronounced' life '-extii The late Mr. Hazlett, who -was receil ■ rejected for military service, : . leave! wife, but no children. An, inquest I be held at 3.45 o'clock this afternol

"A Changing World" was the titlj a lecture given last night by Mr. R| Thomson, the national representative! the: Order of the Star in the East. I Thomson said, we were passing throf the birth throes of a new race, and abf the groans of a dying civilisation"'col be! heard the voice of the Spirit triumS ant. We had broken physil and moral law, and the present 1 heaval was the result.' A new order! things was arising out of all this pf and suffering. National selfishness | going,, and brotherhood and service j taking'its place, as evidenced in the d tection of child-life, the abolition of j drink traffic, the purification of the n sent, social system, prison reform, 11 the abolition of the barriers of sex J colour. , I

In the course of his' address to \' Southland League last week the i : fence Minister (Sir James Allen) sail' "He wished they could tell him when 1! end of the war would take place. Th] probably would be tremendous conf .not only on th© Western front, but the other land fronts as well, before finish. At the same time, he sincev hoped that the end would be this si mer. _ One of his correspondents brigadier-general, oh whose judgment placed a good deal of reliance—had m no mention of a possible ending until fl a few mails ago. Now he says that I war will end this summer.,' He (I James) hoped that this opinion mij prove true, and that the men might | back before the close of this year, i however, it was not to be so, and iff were correct in his estimation of NJ Zealand, he knew that'the further nef sary sacrifices would be made. | Several correspondents have receni written to . The' Post concerning I Atrato, which is said to have arri! in Port Chalmers some time during 18j One writer states that the Atrato was! first a West Indies mail paddle^steamj which was subsequently lengthened, 1 ted with compound engines, and rigj to run as an auxiliary screw steam!. She.was chartered by the Shaw-Saf Co., Ltd., and sailed for London on M February, 1874, :' with 700 emigraif Near the Canaries the low-pressure cyß der cracked, and the steamer drifted | 34 hours. She then started for Pf mouth for repairs with high-pressl. cylinder only. Ron the trip the ve| averaged about four knots, and, arrrf in Plymouth on 6th March. The At-ra sailed again on sth April, and during gale all her sail was carried away. § drifted for nine hours while getting | steam, and arrived in Port Chalmers' Bth June, 1874. -The time taken on i trip was 118 days. ■ I

Women are to be seen "crowing" the stacks and helping in other \ya though in most of the cases they are t pretty well to the house (writes'"Ag cola" in the Farmers' Union Advocf concerning harvest operations in i South Island). Indeed, it is here tl the scarcity of labour is most felt. Wt men will come out from the towns a from their usual occupations to help the harvest paddock, there are not ma women who will help in the harvj kitchen, a very important place in | scheme of harvesting. Only the otlj day one- of the secretaries of one of '1 town, associations of women wrote to ' *. Farmers' Union that they could not i dertake td do house and servants'-, tro though, they were anxious ti> help_ in i present crisis. They want to pick a! choose, and do something a bit specta<; lar, instead of tackling the thing tl they ought to be fitted for, but which.' less demonstrative and unique. A f raer's wife with a brood of children 1 a hard row to hoe &b this season of ■ year if she can get no. help. •■

"The Possibilites of ■ Oni Natioj Schools " was the title of a lectura I livered by Miss M. .England at Al ' andra Hall last night, under the a.. pices of the Social Democratic Par, There was a large attendance, over wh Mr H. E. • Holland presided. Miss E\ land commented upon the crowded a unhealthy classes that existed-in .W lington to-day, and instanced one c, where a class, which should contain children, actually numbered 120, c, when the attention of the Minister ; Education was called to the case in qu| tion, all he-could do. was tq congratulf the teacher 'upon having accomplished I almost impossible task of crowding tvv| as many children as there should be if the class. This, the lecturer said, v not a creditable position for a yoi| country, which should lead the way. Tj der-staffing and overcrowding were ra pant throughout New Zealand, and 1j state of affairs reflected very seriow upon the Government of the day. ~M England asked the parents to take keener interest in educational questi which were of vital importance to future welfare of this country.

It is estimated that there ■ is ab| £161,000 worth of cheese in the Pal grading store at the present time. I

At the Otaki Police Court on Fri(| last three Territorials' were fined I smoking and laughing while on para! The ringleader was fined 20s, with c<| 9s, and the other two ss, with costs 2

Heavy rain, which will prove im beneficial to farmers, fell in the Hd whenua district on Friday last. j

His Majesty the Baby, when over months' old, can be given no better £ than Doctors' Cream o' Groats.—Adi

Particular about your children ! T| insist on them using Thinker brl School Writing Tablets, Exercise Bod: and Note Books; they appeal to tlie <! hired.. Banna'tyne .. and Hunter, L| Wholesale Agents for Thinker brancf Advt. 1

Passengers ! Be happy ! Check Wgage through us. We collect, check, | liver on arrival. • Tickets issued. Iff have one please produce it. The HpZealand Express Company, Ltd., 87} Customhouse-quay.—Advt. |' Something worth seeing! . The 1 •'.■ season's Sports Coat^ this season'arej tremely attractive, and the colourings T,' dainty. The new stripe effect is very a : and becoming- Other styles are in p, •; colours with black and white stripe col and cuffs, and are to bo very fashion! ; this winter. These smart goods can-!':' be seen at C. Smith, Ltd., "The PeoP.:' Store," Cuba-street, Wellington, and] t prices—viz., 49s 6d, 555, 59s 6d—are,A, moderate, considering tho quality. :"-■ new Costumes in 'gabardines and eef/H are now opening up.—Advt. . j