LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 49, 26 February 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Governor-General, Lord Jellicoe, will open, the Franklin Show at Pukekohe this afternoon. In the evening he will return to Auckland, where he will unveil the memorial to fallen soldiers at St. Matthew's Church to-morrow afternoon. Their Excellencies will return to Wellington on Monday, and will prpb-' ably leave on the following day for Christchurch. reiwrning on 9th March, to enable His Excellency to open Parliament on 11th March. In the meantime Their Excellencies' family will" spend a holiday at Napier.

The' annual prize meeting of the Dominion Eifle Association ' will begin at Trentham range on Thursday, 3rd March. An Australian team was expected to compete, but unfortunately the shipping position has been so uncertain that the project in its original official form has been abandoned, and the Commonwealth team, as such, will not appear. If they can secure passages, however, some of the Australian shots may come to New Zealand independently, and fire as individuals. The entries for the meeting total just over 400, a figure which shows a slight increase over those of the last two meetings, and is about equal to the pre-war average. The arrangements for the competition are well forward, and a thoroughly successful meeting is anticipated by the organisers.

The appointment of Mr. Justice Stringer as Resident Judge of the Supreme Court in .the Auckland District has, reports a Press. Association message from Auckland,, been confirmed. The retirement of Mr. Justice Cooper will not take place till the end of next month. Mr. Justice J. R..Reed, it is understood, will take over Mr. Justice Chapman's circuit, including Gisborne, with headquarters at Wellington. , •

A reply has (state* The Post's Manawatu correspondent) been received by Mr\J. A. Nash, M.P., from Mr. Massey concerning the representations made to him by a deputation bf poultry farmers urging thjjt the importation of Chinese egg pulp into the Dominion be prohibited. The Prime Minister states that the Government, through the Board of Trade, has arranged for a conference to be held at Christcimrch on 22nd March of those, interested, and that the representatives of the poultry industry -will have every opportunity of placing their views before the conference for the consideration of the Government.

Hearing was concluded yesterday by Mr. Justice Hosking in the case of Sarah Ireson, tailoress, Wellington, against her husband, Edward James Ireson, roadman, Dargaville, a claim by the wife of moneys alleged to be due on the sale of properties in which she had an interest, and to sell which, she alleged, authority had been wrung from her by threats of physical violence. The amount of the claim was £292 9s lid in all. The defence was a complete denial of the allegations and a statement that 'the property belonged to the defendant. Mr. D. H. Hoggard appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. 6. G. Watson for the defendant. His Honour reserved judgment, i . i

Several speakers at yesterday afternoon's meeting of the Wellington branch of the Superannuated Civil Servants' Association referred to the hard lot- of widows of ex-Civil servants, who were allowed but £18 per year by the Government. Mrs. D. C. Bates, as spokeswoman for five members of the civic group of the Women's National Council in attendance, compared the Government's action in the matter of affording relief to tile widows with a lethal chamber ; if tne widows were placed in a lethal chamber, she said, they would not be treated worse than tney were at present. The allowance was pitifully small," and many of the women were completely broken down, and yet were left to battle for themselves oh such >a. grant, £18 per year. As members oi the civic j(rou.p of the council, they would give all aid in their power to help on the Association's aims and objects.

How many bars are licensed houses •allowed? At a recent meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Alliance it was decided to direct the attention of the Government to section, 200 of the Licensing Act, whichjimits each licensed house to one bar only. It was pointed out that the' section referred to states spscificaHy that after the grant of the license no bar beyond the one mentioned in the license shall be opened or used on the premises. The attention of the Government is further to be called to statements made before the Arbitration Court on 7th December last and reported'in the press of Bth December to the effect that there are bars all over some hotels, special bars built in every'available corner, and that some hotel proprietors had dispensed with dining rooms and parlours,' and had opened bars in the place of th«m. The resolution calls on the- Government to administer the law, or, if need be, amend it immediately Parliament opens.

The crossing of lofty hills in a motorcar, over papa roads disintegrated by the weather and reduced to slippery mud, is unpleasant at any time. Mr. J»"P Luke experienced it after the comfort of a Parliamentary tour in which any minor difficulties of the road tended to be swamped by the comfort of plentiful companionship, and he has returned home with a very poor opinion of the Grisborne-Napier ro»d. He left Qisborne on Wednesday morning with the rest of the Parliamentary party, but whereas the other members proceeded to Waikaromoana, he wept straight on to Napier, having promised to be in Wellington in time for business this morning. The journey from Gisborne ■to Napier usually takes about -eight hours, but it was this -time stretched out to twelve. The roads were in many places almost impassable. Mr. Luke states that he has travelled on many bad roadc ; but this journey, where "at elevations, up to 3000 miles the papa had ample chance to show its inferiority to metal, struck him as a specially bad experience. His car pressed on through the difficulties, but others were forced to giw up for the day, and the travellers spent the night at Mohaka.

Tha prevalence of typhus in Central Europe, and its appearance recently in the United States of America, directs attention to the necessity for the maintenance'of a very careful watch if Australia is to be spared tKe ravages of the disease (says a Melbourne exchange). The Director of CommonweaJth Quarantine states that the fact,that the authorities in the United States had decreed that liners must remain in quarantine in American ports for six days before passengers from Europe would bo permitted to laind testified to the serious view taken of the position. This order would not have been lightly made, for it would involve a tremendous loss in trade and would very considerably lessen the number of voyages vessels were able to make. There was always the possibility that typhus would again affect Asia, and, in that event, Australia would be directly threatened. The department was, however, alive to the situation, and the machinery was in readiness to operate immediately should the occasion arise. It was unquestionable, he added, that the present generation was susceptible to any epidemic disease in a marked decree, and a very feasible "theory was that the numerous outbreaks, claiming tlieir many thousands of victims, were attributable tn the indifferent feeding of many PeoPles in tile war years and since. It seemed possible that thn effects of this state of affairs would extend to the next generation,

It was decided at a recent meeting of the -executive of the New Zealand Alliance to call the attention of the police to "the employment of unregistered barmaids in some hotels and. to the illegal transfer of certificates in other cases." The "Alliance will urge that the law should be strictly enforced.

Owing to the decision of the Pahnerston North Borough 'Council that the weekly half-holiday be observed onSatur-, day, from next week the shops in the town will close on the afternoon of that day instead of on .Wednesday. It is likely, however, that a poll on the quesition will be demanded, for the supporters of Wednesday half-holiday have "already obtained 800 signatures to the requisition asking for a poll.

The Parliamentary party, which has been touring the East Coast districts, arrived at Napier last night, having travelled from Waikaremoana by motorcars, via Wairoa. The party consisted of Messrs. Hawken, Hockly, Kellett, Mitche'.i.. M'Corabs, Sykes, Veitch, and Witty. The visitors were entertained at a-dinner by the East Coast and Development League, and later a civic reception was held, at which the speakers* concurred in a promise that any representations made by members from the district visited would receive the support of those who had made the tour when questions affecting the welfare of the territory were before the House.

The first prosecution under, the provision of the Gamins Act prohibiting the publication of statements from which the amount of dividends on a horse may be calculated, was heard in the Police Covfrt at Auckland yesterday, before Mr. Poynton.. S.M., when William Morton, proprietor and publisher of the weekly paper Sun, was charged with having published such a statement in connection with the Christmas meeting at Elleratie. Evidence showed that the defendant placed against the names of all horses, save one or two, figures from which it was contended dividends could be calculated. The defence was that the figures were not complete or accurate, and that thus it was impossible to ascertain the amount of dividend. The figures merely gave an idea jas to how the horses were backed. Decision was reserved. *>

Ornithologists and those generally acquainted with the bird life of this country will be interested to learn that an Australian curlew was recently observed leading a flight of godwit on the Manukau Harbour. Although common in parts of Australia, (states the' New Zealand Herald), the curlew is an unusual visitor to. these shores, and occurs only as an occasional straggler. The Auckland Museum contains only one specimen shot in New Zealand, which was secured on the Mannkau in 1897. The curlew differs from the god-wit in respect to its beak, which is curved, and in its size, which is considerably the greater. As a scientific elucidation of this bird's visit to this country the suggestion is made that since its habits are migratory it came across witb the godwit during the early spring. ,

The proposal for the adoption of a three-halfpenny coin, which has been revived .by the decision to increase tramway fares in Melbourne, is enthusiastic-, ally supported by many business people (says" the Age), who consider that the innovation would do a great deal to serve the public convenience. Some time ago the question was under consideTd/,tion. by the FedeTal Ministry, and) it was then suggested that nickel three-, halfpenny pieces should be issued. At the same time a scheme was mooted for the coining of nickel pennies and halfpennies, and..sample coins are still held by.,,the Treasury. But objections .were raised by bankers and others, and, with the prevailing- objection to interference with-the currency, the scheme was drop--pedl. Now that a, request is to be made by the Tramway Board, the question will be reconsidered.

What is known in America as " jaywalking '.'—that is to. say, haphazard methods of pedestriatis in crossing streets diagonally instead of at .the protected crossings—is the subject of an interesting reference in the report of tho Melbourne City Engineer, which recommends that, considering the prevalence of the bad habit among Melbourne citizens, the safety of the general public should be consulted by the introduction of safety zones on American lines. .The chief defect which the City Engineer noted in the handling of the traffic in Melbourne, as compared with methods abroad, was the inadequacy of the control over pedestrians. He recommends, therefore, that white lines should be drawn from corner to corner of the streets at right angles, and that until the constable in charge 1 of traffic at an intersection gives the signal no pedestrian shall be allowed to cross—the crossing to be made algng the white lines as painted on the road.

Theatrical circles in Sydney were greatly excited last week by a rumour that the Rickards Tivoli circuit was about to be sold to, an organisation known as the First National Exhibitors of Australia, Ltd., of which Mr. H. Musgrove, jun., son of Mr. Harry- Musgrove, business manager of the Theatre Royal in Melbourne, is the head. Mr. H. Musgrove, Jan., has been prominently associated with picture theatres in Sydney 1 for several years past, and a, few months ago he returned from a visit to the United Spates, where it was understood he "acquired large interests in the film business. It is understood to be the intention of the new purchasing company to convert the theatres now controlled by the circuit into super-picture houses, on the latest American lines. Under the purchase scheme the theatres in Melbourne and Sydney, it is stated, are to be altered and renovated. It is also alleged that the purchase negotiations provide that the Melbourne Tivoli Theatre will be handed over to the purchasers on 24th March.. No direct confirmation of the rumour had been secured.

American and English methods of street cleaning were studied by '-ihe Melbourne Oity Engineer (Mr. H. 13. Morton) during his recent tour, arid as a result ]aays a Melbourne paper) drastic reforms will probably be recommended by him as to, street cleaning methods in Melbourne. Mr. Morton said that in American cities, where there was practically only wheeled traffic on the roads, •he had seen a number "of automatic sweeping, machines, which pack up the filth of the ;streets as well as sweep them. These were effective, but there was naturally very little*to pick up-. At the same time they would cover a large area quickly. Flushing was also a oomirton practice in the streets of American cities, the vehicles in use being motors, with high pressure motordnven pumps. I» Toronto he was struck with the value of these pumps for .flushing purposes. On. the other hand, in Mont-real fifteen automatic sweeping and, gick-up carts were in use. In London the "pick-up" carts were not favoured at all—they, would not travel any distance there before they were full —but a French machine of excellent diesign was in use for sweeping only. He had notioed thiit most of the English towns had adopted) electric motorwagons for picking up . garbage, and there was no doubt that these were much more economical \to operate than tire petrol-driven vehicles.

The Postal authorities 'have received advice from Sydtney that the s.s Marama sailed at 4 p.m. on the 23rd instant for Wellington. She carries about 200 bags of Australian mails for JSew Zealand. The &£. .Manuka sailed from Sydney at 11 pjn. on the 24tSh instant, for Wellington. She carries 83 bags of Australian mails . for New Zealand. ■'

There has been a considerable.improvement in the condition of Mr. William Pryor, secretary of i}ie New Zealand Employers' Federation, who was taken seriously ill on Thursday evening.

"Supplies of Island fruit are"growing short in Chrisbchurch," said an importer on .Thursday to a Lyttelton Times reporter. "The cause, does not'lie in the strike in Wellington. No boat will call there for three weeks. The scarcity is really due to the fact that a recent fruit steamer was .not able to call at Rarotonga on account of bad weather?' So far supplies landed at Auckland have come a-long without interruption by rail and ferry steamer." The Hon. G. J. Anderson has (states a Press Association message from Auckland) announced that (Mr. H. ,T. E. Drew, of the. Wellington Evening fost staff,, has been appointed publicity agent under the Internal Affairs Department, which.intends'publishing for advertising purposes outside the Dominion, booklets and pamphlets on New Zealand from the scenic, commercial, and agricultural standpoints.. , •

Another example of the dexterity of the cargo pilferer was discovered in;an Invercargill warehouse recently (states the Southland Times). "A case of boot polish had; been delivered, and the case froni outward appearance had not been tampered with in any way. After the first layer of polish had. been removed the warehousemen found to their astonishment that the remainder of the case was filled with ail sorts of odds' and ends to occupy the space originally occupied by the polish. The "pilfering had been accomplished neatly, and no sign of it was apparent until the case was opened.

The Dannevirke branch of the Farmers' Union discussed the shortage of ships for carrying frozen meat. It was contended that if steamers could not be loaded at Wellington they should b» diverted to Napier, and worked there. Some freezing works, being full, were about to close down, and Hawkes Bay ■would be particularly hard hit, this being the third dry summer in succession. It was decided to make urgent representation to the Prime Minister, Sir George Hunter, and Mr. A. M'Nicol, M.P.'s, asking that all possible steps be taken to get\ the meat- shipped.

Is a "clusterman" necessarily an expert electrician? That point was in dispute at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning and afternoon^ during the hearing of action brought by Mr. R. T. Bailey, Inspector of Awards, against the -Wellington Harbour Board (Mr. T. Sfeailer Weston>on information alleging the 'failure of the board to pay award rates to seven men employed in the arranging of light clusters ov«r the holds of vessels for night work. The board held that, in any case, two of the men named had been receiving the ftill rate, not in cash payment wholly, but by reason of the extra remuneration in the matter of insurance benefits, superannuation, arid 1 pay, but Mr. Bailey contended: that such "specials" -could, not be taken into account. Mi". Weston held that' clustermen were not practical journeymen electricians, and called expert evidence- to .the effect t.h|it no practical knowledge of electricity was necessary to the clusterman. This contention, • again,' was opposed by the inspector, and the Magistrate,' Mr. J. S. Evans, decided to reserve his decision.

There is something radically wrong with the good 1 unionist or ring principles of hens in the Ashburton county, for they are cutting .egg prices iti a surprising manner, if Wellington, prices may be taken as a standard. Here eggs are retailed at the present time at from 3s to 3s 6d. per dozen, a high . enough price to justify father in his complaints over bills, and' his determination to have no more of bacon and eggs. , "No more eggs till the prices drop, I'll' have 'an omelet to-morrow morning"— and at times during the past year the price has gone even higher. A paragraph in the Aehburton Guardian complains feat the price of eggs there has risea from Is 9d to 2s per dozen, and goes onto say that Ashburton.-egg producers have lately been, talcing advantage of the better prices, offering in, Ohristctouroh, with the result that grocers have been compelled to offer more to obtain supplies for the home market. In Ashburton eggs have remained! uniformly at Is 9d retail since. 4th" August of la«t year, so that, although the egg market is most sensitive to supply and demand, over sis months have passed without fluctuations in values. Last season eggs fell to Is 2d in August and September,' rose to Is 4d in October, Is 6d, and then Is 9d in November, and at 10th February stood at 2s.