LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 48, 25 August 1922, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

More use is now bein^ made of the Macarthy Home for children than for some time, and gratification at this fact was expressed by members of the HospitaJ Board yesterday. There are now eighteen convalescent children in the home.

Community singing is essentially a "winter sport," and, its season in Wellington is drawing to a, natural close. Last evening the Wellington Community Singing Committee decided that the last hmchrhour sing shall be held next Wednesday, and the final evening sing shall take place on a day to be fixed, during the week ending 16th September. Wellingtonians have enjoyed the weekly aiitgs for nearly six months now. The first "sing" was held in the Town Hall on the 3rd April. Since that date twenty-five "eings" have been held, including in the day tune.

An amusing comparison between methods employed on American and New Zealand.railways was given by Mr. T. U. Wells in the course of hie lecture at the Leys Institute, Auckland. Desiring to change a ticket which he had •mistakenly taken out for the wrong line, he interviewed an American railway official, who cancelled hfe ticket with, a stroke of the pen, and facilitated his securing another. Desiring to cancel a sleeping berth ticket, for which he paid 12s 6d, on the New Zealand railways, he ; was - told. he would have to send a written, application to the stationmaster. He did so, and four letters\ pawed between the railway authorities and himself before, he obtained the cancellation. at the railway inquiry office over a month. later. , . /

In order to improve the cable service between Auckland and Suva, the Pacific Cable Board hias decided to lay down, a now cable between the two places. A new cable will also be laid down between Southport, on the Queensland! coast, and Sydney. According to the present arrangement,. Sydney cable messages travel from Suva, through Norfolk Island, and Auckland, and> at Norfolk there is a lia«, branching off to Southport, on which messages for Queensland a re transmitted (states the "Auckland Star"). The proposed connection between Southport and Sydney will open up an alternative route to Sydney, no mention being made of a deviation of the new cabl© through Norfolk Island1, whore th» shallow waters cause frequent interruptions of the present system. Spea.kii»g at the annual meeting of" the Hamilton Racing Club, Mr. C. E. Armstrong said that, while he quite believed in keeping thfe apc'rt clean, he thought it- wrong that men who had mad« a slip in the pact and had'since become reputable citizen should be" excludied from raoeoomses'. He thought sometiimg should be done to make it possible for sjucli men to enjoy the sport. Mr. W. I. Conradi said the present law was too. drastic, as many men were excluded from racecourses when they would1 be admitted to other social functions, or to any church.' It-seemed that, because a ■man had committed some offence, and been punished for it, he was to be harassed, for the rest of his life. The president said that, after this expression of opinion by members, the committes no doubt would forward a remit to the proper quarter—the Racing Conference:

Gifts running into millions were presented to various educational institutions in America and in Europe by the Rocke-' feller foundation during 1921, states the "Springfield Republican." ■ A million dollars wag granted for a combined medical school. and hospital to be built by Columbia University and the Presbyterian Hospital' at 'New York. The University of Brussels, Belgium, was given 3,500,000 dollars for rebuilding the hospital of St. Pierre and the Cavell-De Page memorial nurses' home. Apparatus and supplies given to five other hospitals in Central Europe coat 50,000 dollars. In Canada, Dalhousie University was given 50,000 dollars; M'Gill University medical school received 25,000 dollars;,and the University of Alberta 25,000 dollars. The money, including the funda supporting the 140 research students undeA the foundation, all came from the 5,000,000 dollars set aside in 1920 for such work. *

Most people can read,; but very few can read well. The elocutionary judge at the competitions (Mr. Jbhn'H. Hopkins) had something to say on this subject last evening. "I think the committee acted wisely in placing this item on the syllabus," he said, "as it is a subject that should be encouraged.- Unfortunately, good readers are not very numerous. The general lines on which I judge are distinctness, articulation, enunciation, pronunciation, attention to phrasing, inflection, emphasis, modulation, pausation, etc. It is necessary, in order to become a good reader, that the eye should precede the voice, so that the mind shall have time to take in the ideas, and thereby make the expression appropriate. The piece I selected was from Tennyson's 'Morte d'Arthur,1 not very difficult, as regards pronunciation, 'with no pitfalls or difficult words, but requiring thoughtful treatment to make it convincing, • and giving opportunities for good expression and tone colour."

Before the end of the- year it is hoped that the children's play area, which is to be established, on the vacant area, of land in front of the Hospital grounds in Kevans street, will be in operation. The subject was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Hospital Board, which agreed to the draft of a license which" is to. be granted to the Boys' Institute authorities, who will control the area and instal the necessary apparatus. For legal reasons the board had to approve of a special license being drawn up, as the conditions on which the board acquired the ground from the Mental Hospitals Department precluded anything in the nature of a lease being given to the Boys' Institute. Mr. A. K. Hornblow recorded liia dissent from the- action adopted by the board, saying that he was not sure that the transaction was being conducted in a perfectly legal manner. Other members considered that Mr. Hornblow was wrong in his views, and expressed the opinion that the play area would be of considerable benefit, not only to the boys and girls who would use it, but to such of tin inmates of the children's ward as were sufficiently convalescent to enjoy themselves on the playground.

"Defendant is away on his honeymoon and cannot possibly appear to defend himself." remarked a solicitor at the Auckland Magistrate's Court, when applying to the Magistrate, Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., for the Court to adjourn the. ca,se. • If the Court adjourns a case there is no payment, but if on the application of either party an adjournment is made, a fee has to be made by_ the side making the request. "I don't know that I can possibly grant the application on that ground," remarked the Magistrate, "as it would be setting up a very awkward precedent." The solicitor thereupon agrjed to take an adjournment on the usual conditions

Ohiro Home at present accommodates 123 inmates, and th» chairman of the trustees (Mr. G. Petherick) stated at yesterday's meeting of the Hospital Board that he hardly knew what to do if others sought admission.

A framed photograph of the late Mr. Herbert Gaby, who was at one time a trustee and secretary of the Wellington Hospital Board of Contributors, has been received by the Hospital Board from Mr. H. J. Gaby, a son of the deceased. The photograph is to be hung in the boardroom' at the Hospital.

Something good can come from Germany. This Hospital Board yesterday afternoon decided to import from Germany an instrument costing £32 10s, a recommendation to this effect having been made by the medical superintendent. It was pointed out that the instrument possessed lenses which were superior to any others, and that the Customs Department would offer no opposition to its entry.

The wort, of eonetructang a new wharf at Onehunga is to be undertaken forthwith by the Auckland Harbour Board. Authority was given on Wednesday to the board's engineer to purchase the necessary plant for carrying out the work. The chairman of the Manukau Harbour Committee, Mr. M. H. Wynyard, explained that the necessary plant would cost about £12,000, but it would be available for other workeof a similar nature. ' The ckairman of the Harbour Board, Mr. H. E. Mackenzie, said the wharf, which would! provide berths for five vessels, was necessary for the development of the West Coast shipping The original estimate of the cost of the wharf was £95,000, but modificatione to the plans would reduce the cost by 15 per cent.

Baring crabs are very, particular a» to who they allow to visit their courses during meetings, and strict regulations hay« bean framed for the purpose of keeping undesirables out of the way. A mild oriticiein of the regulations was indulged in by Mt. A. B. Sievwtight at the Magistrate's Court to-day. The point, he said, was : When we* a man free of an old conviction? Mi. F. K. Hunt, S.M. : "Some people would invite a convicted man to have dinner with them, and some wouldn't. The> racing clubs don't want th«e men." Mr. Sievwraght : "It seemr hard that.a man should be continually punished, espooia,lly when he had already undergone a term of imprisonment," Mr. Hunt: "When a man is a convicted thief -he hafl to suffer several disabilities other than keeping away from racecourses."

There is some probability that woolpacks cornsacks will be in short supply and dear in consequence, states an exchange. The April steamer from Calcutta brought only 1416 bales of woolpacks, as compared with 3129 bales in the previous year. , Another steamer is due to leave Calcutta this month, and this vessel will bring further supplies, but whether the deficiency will be made good by this steamer remains to be seen. At the moment r the stocks of woolpacks are very short, and bnyers have to pay jifsfc what holders choose to demand. Cornsacks ate also in short supply. It is possible, however, to make shift with second-hand sacks, but not so with woolpacks. Farmers will probably have to pay more for woolpacks this season than last year.

Delay in completing the duplication of the Island Bay tram track is causing much dissatisfaction at Island Bay, and at a meeting of the executive of the local Ratepayers' Association, the following motion was carried:—"That, having in view the neglect of the "-tramway authorities in giving effect to the repeated promises of the Mayor and the TTraniway Committee that the duplication works would be pushed on to completion, thus executive invites the Tramway Committee to be present at its next meeting, in ordei that members may discuss the position; and. seo what in causing the delay and who is responsible for holding the works back, seeing that it has been promised and published in the Press that the completion of the Island Bay tramway duplication was to be one of the first works commenced after the city loan was floated."

There was a difference of opinion re. garding a principle between two members of the Hospital Board yesterday. It is proposed to allow members of friendly societies to receive concessions in the matter' of charges for indoor treatment at the Hospital, provided the hospital boards in the other centres agreed to follow the same course. Objection to a public body like the Hospital Board giving preferential treatment to any section of the community was voiced by the Rev. Dr. J. Kennedy Elliott, who said it seemed analogous to the case of the City Council striking a rate and then granting concessions to certain people in the matter of payments. "It is a Question of principle with me," remarked Dr. Elliott, " and I object conscientiously." " The analogy with the City Council is not apt," observed the Rev. H. Van Steyeren, " The council strikes a rate and gets it; we strike rates (fees) and don't always get them."

In referring to the subject of visiting competitors to Auckland trotting meetings, the'cliairman of the Auckland Club, Mr. John Howe, spoke of wh^t he termed the absurd cost of travelling in the Dominion. It seemed an anomaly that a New South Wales owner could bring a horse to Auckland and return it to New South Wales for less than it cost to take one to and from Canterbury. Mr. Rowe was of opinion that the New Zealand railways were penalising themselves in this matter,,, and that a reduction of charges would result in quadrupling the business done by the Department in this connection (states the "N«w Zealand Herald"). Criticism was also levelled a>* the heavy taxation—«tyled ar "class taxation"—imposed on racing in New Zealand, special. emphasis being placed on the limitations put upon clubs by the income tax, whioh prevented extensions of public accommodation in a manner commensurate ■ with the growing popularity of the sport.

"We are naturally loyal to our own products, and in many primary and secondary industries can boast of a superiority which cannot be surpassed,' said Mr. E. H. Wyles, president of the Canterbury Employers' Association, oa Wednesday, "but we are a limited population, in New Zealand, and we have »not the power to develop onr resources that older lands with a larger population1 have. My view is that a properly devised system of immigration, bringing to New Zealand those who are willing, by energy and ability, to assist in further developing the resources of this land, and adding to the. power of its present industries, both primary and secondary, and the investment in the Dominion of British capital, would bring to a realisation the present possibilities of the undeveloped resource* of this country, and assist in securing that unity in trade and sentiment which should bo to the advantage of every part of the British Empire."

': Though nothing definite has yet been done by D'Avcy Hadfield's supporters in the way" of challenging Jim Paddon for the world's championship (writes "Victor" in the "Wanganui Herald"), they are not allowing the grass to grow under their feel A number of enthusiasts are working in Auckland, where it is confidently expected a good round sum will be collected towards the sum necessai-y to provide Hadfield's stake money and trie expenses which will bn incurred in connection with the race. Several prominent Auckland sports have the 'matter in hand, ajid they are confident there will be a good response to their efforts.

The "Kawhia Settler" has been informed that ■■ it is" the intention of the Maori prophet (Ratana) to nominate four candidates for the respective Native constituencies. He is stated to hold a very indifferent opinion of the capacity of the present members of Parliament representing the Native race.

A movement is on foot at Winton to establish a woollen mill for the district (says the " Wanganui Herald"). The mill is to be a two-course mill,, tt cost approximately £30,000. It was stated at a large and enthusiastic meeting presided over by the Mayor of Winton that no mill in New Zealand had called up more than 4s 6d in the pound in capital. 1 An American business man and hi» bride of a year are alive to-day, states the "Springfield Republican," because they thought fast and jumped quickly. When their touring car stalled on Chicago and North-western tracks, Mrs. Swift wriggled out from behind the wheel and her husband abandoned the motor-car on the other side, only an instant before the Chicago Flyer, making an estimated 50 miles an hour, reduced their machine to A mass of debris.

During recent months the work of constructing the new road from Taumarunui to Te Kuiti has been very materially expedited. Last year money was granted for,the purpose of allowing the formation of a road from Puketutu to Kopaki to be proceeded with. Thii portion of the main road will, for almost the whole distance, be visible from the Main Trunk railway line. It should not be long now before this section of road is completed and ready for use, as most of the country over which it will pass is flat, and the soil is nearly all pumicioug and can be readily shifted.

The Prime Minister's residence in Tinakori road, Wellington, changes its name as frequently as a much-married divorced wife in America (says .the "Manawatu Times"). Time was when; it became known as the Premier's residence, then in Liberal days the Prime Minister's, until , Sir Joseph Ward proudly Turned it after his constituency, "Awarna." Mr. Massey, as was expected, promptly removed the plate, but to the surprise of many did not substitute "Franklin" or even. "Papakura." A Palmerston North firm has lately supplied the right hon. gentleman with a copper name-plate for the gateway, "Arilri Toa,"-wm'eh may be translated as "The Brave Leader." We must presume, therefore, that the plate is the gift of an admirer.

It would appear that the tailoring trade, compared with its pre-war experience, has not felt th» effects of thr "slump" to any appreciable dtgree, saya the "Otago Daily Times." During the* winter months prior to the war, tin trade usually suffered a slack period/ during which it was necessary to dispense with some hands. But that does not seen) to have been the general experience local-. ly this year. "We hay kept up business wonderfully well," remarked a leading master tailor to a reporter, "and that applies to most, of the others ir the trade. Compared with the conditions before the war, we. are weU ahead." It may be the explanation that men ane dressing better than they used to, an-1 that the younger class, with often more money in th«r pay envelopes tnan ™°s« twice their age would!, have dreamt ot before the war, aw spending more freely.

The general harbour regulation, Clause 2, is amended by Order-in-Couu-cil to read as follows:—"All runninggear and all subsidiary appliances, whether such gear and appliances are used on the ship or not, used for shipping or ' discharging cargo, including coal, onvto or from snips, and all scaffolding and gear used' on ships undergoing repairs or painting, either in dock or on slip, shall from time to time be inspected by a surveyor of ships or other officer appointed for the purpose. Such s&rveyor or other officer m.vy pro-' hibit the use of any geu or appliances which he considers unfit for use, or lift may order any alterations or repairs that he thinks necessary to Be made. The. owner shall carry out the order of the surveyor or other officer, but he may appeal against it to the Marine Department if he thinks fit to do so." , While Mi. James Smith, superintending engineer, Union Steam. Ship Company, was under cross-examination by Mr. T. W. Young (reprinting the Seamen's Union) at the' Arbitration Court yesterday, he said, in xeply to a question,, thai he did not like stopwork meetings, and added that they were the cause of all the trouble in 1913. Mr. Young said the seamen did not hold stopwork meetings then. " No," retorted Mr. Smith, " out the other fellows did, and went on strike, and you went out with them." Mr. Young: "That is, perhaps, to be. regretted. Mr. Smith: r Yes, it was a matter for regret." Mr. Young remarked that he bad heard'that the Union Company lost a gobd deal of money that yeai. Mr. SmiUi: " I «uppose they did, and I daresay you lost something too.1' Mr. Young: J'Yesj I lost three months liberty.'^His Honour Mr. Justice Frazer closed the incident by suggesting ,that they should not refer to matters that brought up such, sad memories.

A Wanganui grocer, commenting to » "Herald" representative on recent cabled information from America, stated that there was likely t< be serious losses to California* fruitgrowers r.s a result of the railway, strikes, etc., and that this would result in dearer fruits, and said that business men should be very careful how they follow this information. He had been to California a few years ago, and was surprised to find how up to date the motor transport to the orchards had become, and since that time it must be stnl more comprehensive., The Americans had a happy way of grasping at opportunities, an<» possibly the information regarding the prospective damage ma.7 have been sent out for the purpose of giving the market, a "jar."_ The tendency in regard ta canned fruits was to fall uv sympathy with other fruits, which would & more plentiful this ye*, and quotations were better than they l»d Seen for yews part. Only recently an outside traveller was very insistent in endeavouring to obtain orders 10 Wanganui for tinrid fruite. " Whenever you set a traveller so insistent, to unload, continued the grocer, " you can resV aswired that there is somethuu, m the wind. Most grocew'• he added, welcome any news of falling prices, for they know that they meet with the approval of the public/and the turnover unmediately increases." The accident to the young man, Stanley Buckley, who was recently struck •oy a tramcar, ended fatally. As the result of the serious injuries he sustained, lit died in the Hospital about 3 o clock ?e*-, terday afternoon. An inquest v being held this afternoon. '

Small Steel Buttons, Slide*, and Ornaments are being extensively used as \ costume trimmings at'present, and Kirkcaldie and Stains, Ltd., are showing an interesting variety of these goods in their Haberdashery Section.—Advt.

Suitings week at Fowlds. Men-who wish, to flee choice auitings should^ inspect our' 10 windows, now showing a very fine range of materials. Your order will be faithfully executed to your individual and detailed requirements.— Advt. - ■ - ■ ■ .-■'■■

It is positively delightful listening tc Wellington housewives singing Home, Sweet Home, etc., while No Rubbing Laundry Help is doing the weekly washing.—Advt. ' ,

To soothe jumpy nerves, take Cersgen, the great nerve food. It builds up th» nervojus system. All chemists sell Ctf»> gen, 25,6 dto 13b 6d.—Advt.