LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 21, 25 July 1923, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Tlio Postal authorities have received advice from Sydney that the Kaitoke left Newcastle on the 24th instant for Wellington. She carrics-a small mail for tho Dominion. -

As another instance of how the motor is competing with the railways, the Hawkos Buy lUigby Union found "it cheaper by £10 to send its team to Wairarapa by car than by train, states a Wairarapa exchange. The team returned by car on Sunday morning. When the saving in hotel expenses, through not having to wait for Monday's train, is considered, the difference in the cost of the tour i« a substantial one.

A proposal that the Wellington Cricket Association should have some central office at which all business pertaining to the sport could be transacted between the hours of 12 and 2 in the afternoon was mooted at last night's meeting of the Management' Committee. The idea, which has already been carried into effect' in Auckland to advantage, met with general approval, and the secretary was instructed to make inquiries with a view to renting a suitable room.

Application for the use of Athletic Park from Ist to Bth March, 1924, for an open-air carnival j,nd military tournament was made to the Wellington Rugby Union last evsnin.?. Events at the carnival, it wiis stated, would include displays, exhibitions, and competitions for Territorials and Cadets, and probably for school children. There would also be a good deal of pageantry—the Army tnrough the ages, etc.—a model attack vnder a barrage, ten-pegging, slicing the lemon, and exhibitions of horsemanship. Ina whole of the funds would be devoted to the benefit, of • the Territorial and Cadet units. It -vas thought that no real damage would be done to the turf. The matter was referred to the Grounds Committee for a report.

The danger of sparks from railway engines was mentioned in the House of lvepresentatives yesterday by Mr. M'llvride (Napier), who stated that many residents in Napier South were afraid of their homes being burnt because of sparks flying from passing engines. The danger would increase with the approach of dry weather, and he wanted to know whether the Minister of Railways could do anything to minimise the trouble. The Hon. J. U. Coates (Minister of Railways) replied that the subject was at present engaging the attention of the Railway Department, and he was assured by the General Manager that every effort was being made to see that all spark-arresting appliances were kept in thorough older. Every possible endeavour would be niade to reduce the possibility of danger.

A rise in the price of meals sharply teaches the thousands of Sydney restaurant frequenters what drought meaiia (says a correspondent, writing, in the Melbourne "Age"). They had superficially the best of it during the dry spell, for meat was comparatively cheap. But the rains have had such an instant effect that at recent sales only 7000 sheep were offered, and these comlnanded. big prices. Meat is dearer than it had been for a, long time, and a lot of it poor quality at that. Naturally, most owners are only weeding out their already depleted flocks. The restaurateurs were not slow to take action upon this rain-sent movement. From a long experience of this class in Sydney one Ventures tho opinion that they t are unexcelled iv. takimr—and even - anticipating— a hint^bf'-Tipliftsl in. pficefc. a The swiftness arid dexterrty-in this-*-in reducing the "portion" of butter or vegetables or meat, in subtracting two from the four currants that were fbrinerlv in the bun, and in like' devices —would command admiration if it did not compel reprobation.

The recent decision of an Auckland Magistrate that the foreshore, is not a public place within the meaning of: the Act, when a young man was charged with having discharged a firearm in a public place so as to endanger passers-by, has caused n, good deal of'alarm amongst parents and others, because of the nuinbor who at the present time use pearifles to firs at some object in the many bays of tlie harbour without any hindrance whatever, and, who immediately after the Magistrate's decision resented any interference in -regard to their action, states the • "Auckland Star." One elderly gentleman, who lives very near to a bay where pea-rifle shooting at n target on the flat goes on after school hours almost every day, says that the danger is nob so much from a direct shot as from a bullet which might ricuchet and cause injury to innocent perkohs near at Jinnd. Some action, it is felt, will have to be taken with regard to indiscriminate pea-rifle shooting in tho interests of the public safety.

The work of installing new plant to increase the capacity of the Public Works Department's electric power generating station at Howhora, Auckland province, is proceeding apace. About sixty men are engaged in carrying out the ■ large amount of excavation that is necessary. The material includes a great amount of heavy stone and boulders. Some of the plant is on the site, including the turbine pit-gates. The two water-wheel turbines and generators will be removed to Horahora as soon as the condition of the roads permits of such heavy cartage as the transport of this plant involves. By the installation of the two turbines, the capacity of Horahora, as an electric' power generating station will -be increased by 6000 horse-power,, and the station, it is expected, will be able to meet all the needs of .the Waikato for many years to come, as well as being able to supplement Auckland's electrical plant by the transmission of 2000 horse-power until such tiiiie as power is available from the plant that is to be installed at Arapuhi. five miles further up the Waikato River than Horahora, states the "New Zealand Herald." The work in han3 at Horahora is estimated to cost £100,000, and power from the new plant Is expected to be available within a year.

At a meeting of the shippers and buyers of bananas at Suva a fortnight ago, an important discussion took place on the question of trying to put the Fiji banana back into the high plaue it used to hold in the Dominions. The reports from the fruit inspectors both in Auckland and in Suva were none too flattering, and in each case strong comment was made on the continued presence of small fruit; described as "rubbish." in the recent shipments. Some shipments were reported as uf excellent quality, so that the presence of "n.bbish" can only be due to carelessness and not necessarily because of any all-round poorness of quality. It is true that there is not too much fruit, of any kinff, available just now, but there is no excuse for this continual complaint' 6i "rubbish" being shipped in wnong better-class fruit, states the local correspondent of the "New Zealand HeraM." The association took action on Wednesday by appointing two sub-committees, both of* which may materially affect the future of the industry. The members decided that it would be much to the advantage of buyers if, instead of six or seven launches and outfits going llp each river to buy, these buyer? agree that only one iran go up and buy, that the fruit "so bought be divided among the buyers on the basis ot their average shipments for 1923. This would effect a saving of some 2s. per case, and. make all the .difference between a doubtful venture and a profitable on» It was also decided to have a conference with a view of considering ailtho aspects »f the business, to see if ?om c drastic improvements cannot be mgde in the quality, all round of the fruit-seat out ot the colony.

■ It was stated at the meeting of the Council of the ■Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday that the membership of that body has tow reached a total of 490

The surgeon superintendent of the Waikato Hospital has called the attention of his board to tho alarming increase in the number of cancer cases passing through the institution. During the past year 31 persons were treated, of whom 7 died, as against 24 for the previous year with three deaths.

The New South Wales State Treasurer stated recently that the gross investments on the totalisator from 1918 to 1923 had. been £15,397,886, of which £3,111,088 had been received during the financial year just ended. On metropolitan horse courses during the year, tote investments had increased by £150,000." but on the pony courses they had decreased by £209,000.

Train arrangements to and from the Hutt Valley were discussed at the meeting of the Wellington Bowling Centre last evening. The necessity for a train leaving Lower Hutt' at about 1.5 p.m. was stressed, it being stated that many sports enthusiasts were inconvenienced by there being no train between a few minutes after noon and 1.24 p.m. on Saturdays. Mr. W. Seddoii brought the matter forward, and said he spoke on behalf of cricketers and tennis players, as well us bowlers. Mr. E. J. Hill said he thought there would be alterations in the Hutt services shortly, as a strong movement was being made in that direction. ■

In connection with the paragraph in "The Post" last week relating to the action of a lady in rendering first aid to injured players at the Basin Reserve last .Saturday week, a suggestion has been made to the Wellington Rugby Union that old players might be prepared to take a course of instruction. The Sk John .Ambulance, it was stated to the union, would form a special class, taking about six weeks, and for which there would be a small fee. It was thought that if each club could get, say, two old members to take the course there would always be someone capable of rendering first aid at all matches. The union has decided to include the suggestion in its nest circular to clubs.

In regard to the statement that the bouth. Is and is handicapped in regard to freight rates in comparison with the Worth Island, a. Dunedin reporter was informed that English and American mails landed at Auckland from Vancouver reached Wellington on Saturday and Dunedin on Monday night. The outgoing San Francisco mail closed in Dunediii on Monday morning and at Wellington on Tuesday morning. Wellington people were thus given three clear days in which to reply to their American, arid English Correspondence, but Dunediii people had no opportunity at all to reply. Another point made was that Auckland and Wellington merchants had a tremendous advantage in knowing months ahead that they could import their requirements from Pacific ports by the subsidised mail boats, and knew to a day when the goods would arrive.

A remarkable accident occurred at Eltham last week, L. Lehrke, an employee of R. Lewis, baker, narrowly escaping being crushed to death by seven tons of flour. It appears that Mr. Lehrke, arrived at the' bakehouse early iii the morning to set the dougb«mixer in operation. While he was so engaged, the beams "of the structure, above which" seven tons of flour had been stored the previous day, gave Way.,- He? was forced agairisb the waE as the whole of the. top floor collapsed and the contents of the upper story fell about him. Some jVrtions of flooring were smashed into matchwood by the enormous weight, while the legs of benches were driven through the floor into the ground. Had Mr. Lehrke been on the other side of the bakehouse,-ha would undoubtedly have been, crushed to death. The accident caused great havoc, arid considerable time elapsed before the wreckage was cleared and the day's operations could be commenced.

The death in London on the 15th inst. of John Edwin Watts-Ditchfield, first Bishop of Chelmsford, removes from-the ranks of English churchmen a noted leader of. men. To Australasian churchmen he is best known as the president of the Church of England's Men's Society, an organisation which now embraces 100,000 men of all ranks. and opinions, scattered throughout the world. In 1911, when only a member of the council of the parent society, Mr. Watta-Ditehfield, as he was then, visited Australia and conducted a series of missions to men, conferences arid lectures, which resulted in the firmer establishment of the C.E.M.S. At that time the future bishop had won fame as the vicar of St. James-the-Less parish, in Bethnal Green, one of the congested industrial suburbs of London, and as the author of a series of strongly evangelistic books, of which "Fishers of Men" is perhaps the most famous. A spare man, of medium height^ Mr. Watts-Ditchfield made up for what he lacked in physique by. dynamic force, intense energy and an overpowering sense of high vocation. His men's services in English provincial centres drew thousands ; his social and redemptivg agencies won the West. End of London to the aid of the once notorious East End. Though an ardent evangelical and a- convinced Protestant, the late bishop worked with men of all parties, and. when ho was made Bishoo of , Chelmsford all parties rejoiced. His judgment was considered sound by experienced administrators, and he was consulted aften by brother bishops in times of difficulty. Only a few months ago he succeeded fir. Cosmo G. Lahff. Atchbishori of York, as the leader of the C.E.M.S.

the advantage to be derived from staying a-while at elsvatioris of from 2000 feet to 3000 feet above seaTlevel, especially; in the case of those suffering from brain fag or nervous complaints, are emphasised by medical n.en, so that in addition to the magnificent sights of mountain crag and wonderful glacier, the Tongariro National i'ark furnishes a most suitable resort for resting the wearied brain and bracing up .1 run-down body, states the "New Zealand Herald." Combined with this, the park furnishes a. locality where, during the summer n.onths, those having some, philanthropic object, can gather, and, by interchange of views and the help which comes from personal intercourse, advance tbeir aims and projects. In England, the U.S.A., and elsewhere, such places as Kcswick, Swariick. Lausimie. Lake Mohonk, and Simla, aro well knowii arid utilised. As a result of his travelling and reading, the Rev. F. H. Spencer, formerly agent for the British and Foreign Bible Society determined to do what lie could to found such an institution, and Eome years ago secured a suitable site at the very gates of the National Park. A. board was !»>rmed and registered as the Waimarino Alliance Camp Society, open to all members of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Congregational Churches. Members of these churches can become an associate by subscribing rot less than a guinea per annum, and they have the election of the board of management from their own numbers. The site has been fenced, Water has been laid on, building have been erected and marquees an! tents, etc., purchasrd. All that is needed is for persons to join as associates and develop the scheme, so that it may meet any demand that may be made. It is hoped that one feature of the schsme may be attained this year. This is to open the canip as a hestel for ministers and other workers connected with tha churches, so that at tlie least iibssible cost, they liiav bo ri-iiu-igurlteu for their \Vofk of dealing with the wants of jh« eoßijnunit}\

It is somewhat of a.coincidence that dunne the quarter ended 30th June, five males and three females died in -the Masterton Hospital, while for the same period nve males and three females were born »n the maternity ward at the hosnital.

lhe challenge issued by the Petono tuc-of-war team for a match against the iaranaki champions, Tirimoana, for a •waiter of £60 a-side, was discussed by a meeting of representatives of kindred sports bodies in New Plymouth on Saturday »vening. After discussion it was decided to accept Petone's challenge on certain conditions. The match; will probably be decided next Monday.

The longest in the British Empire; the longest in the Southern Hemisphere ; the seventh longest in the world. That is the position of the Arthur's Pass tunnel, as Mr. P. X, climie told members of the W.E.A. at Christchurch on Saturday evening. The cost of the tunnel was about £1.300,000. Its length is 5 miles 25 chains I2feet, and it represents perhaps the greatest engineering feat ever attempted in' New Zealand.

A curious instance has been disclosed m Paris of the complexity of modern mo. On Monday, 9th July, according to a cable message to a Melbourne paper a workman accidentally put his pick though one of the main electric-cables while affecting a small repair in the street. This caused a short circuit, which instantly deprived thousands of flats, shops, cafes, hotels, theatres, and cinemas in Central Paris of light. The Rica affected included the opera quarter of Montmartre, and embraced several square miles. A quarter of a, million of, people were deprived of light for fonr days. It has also been necessary individually to examine over sixty thousand electric light meters to ascertain the extent of the'damage done by the navvy's pick. The electrical companies are now devising methods to prevent a, similar happening in future.

Details of the frosts in the Southern Lakes district show that they were , almost Arctic in their severity For a week or ten days the cold was the most intense experienced by the oldest-inhabit-ant. The reading of the thermometer at Arrow School on the 9th was 2 degrees below zero, or 34 degrees of frost. At "Craigory" on,the.same morning the thermometer registered 4 degrees.below zero, and poultry were found frozen to their roosts. Skippers reported' 36 degrees of frost-r-or 4 degrees below zero. It was considered, however, that it was even colder than that, as the thermometer was huiig Undei' ah often iron shed, and the reading taken there. One farmer in the Careton district found Ins team of draught horses snowed in and when he got them out they had eaten each other's tails and manes off close. He expects to lose the whole team, the eating of-the hair having destroyed their digestive organs. On the Uwvn Hange, near Arrowtown, the depth of snow was between four arid five leefc. Two miners were Enowed in behind the Crown terrace for several days and eventually, in four days, cut a WuV to the main road, encountering snow in some places to a depth of six feet.

There was a remarkable drop in the number of applications for employment at the s Government Labour Bureau, .Wiuznee street, last week, the figure falling from 271 of the previous week to 151, but it is probable that that great difierence ]s largely duo to the fact that men had not troubled to re-register last week, though a coo d number of men had in the meantime been placed or had found employment, ■? w buildiu* trade is. to judge by the bureau figures, fairly busy, for no carpenters have reported as being out of work, but a considerable number of unskilled- workers are still in search of employment, fifty-three men 'fitrfor heavy work and eleven for light labouring work. Other applications, up till Monday, had been received from-.. Clerks, 2 fit for heavy work, 7 fit for light employment, cooks and stewards, 6 and 3; drivers, 12 ; electrician. 1 • engine driver, 1; farmhands, 8; painters, 4 and 2; seamen and firemen, 10; storemen and warehousemen. 2 and 4; boot operatives. 2; repairers. 3; engineers, turners, and fitters, 6 and 1; fishermen, 1; gardeners 2 and 2; letterpress machinist, 1 (light work); shop; assistant, 6; tailor's presser. 1. All necessitous cases are shown to have been relieved for the time being.

Aft interesting address oh "Disease: Its Cause and Prevention" was delivered at,the Red Cross Rooms, Diion street, last evening by Dr. J. E. RocheKelly. The lecturer first gave a definition of disease, which, he said, was due in the majority of cases to minute organisms or germs. He dealt at length with the germs of different diseases, and, passing on to the question of tbe prevention of disease, stated the main conditions requisite for health living—the taking of moderate exercise, , the injestioh of good food, properly cooked, living iii suitable houses, which, of course, included ventilation. All foods should be free from adulterants. Dr. Eoche-Kelly described some of the principal adulterants and their harmful action. Mention was made 6f alum ih bread, and boric acid m milk and cream. Healthy housing conditions were then outlined, special emphasis being bestowed upon proper ventilation. He mentioned that the ordinary fireplace was useful, in this respect, as it acted as an extraction shaft for impure air. He favoured ordinary or movable window.sashes as ventilators m preference to casement windows.. The address was hstened to with the closest attention, and at its conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Rocheivelly.

Two more games in the Wellington Provincial amateur billiards championship were played last night, •-. Brice (Petone W.M. Club) and Bromley (Public oervice Association) were the participants Jn a clpsely-contesled match, tho latter running to points when his opponent's score stood at 281. The winner nfade two nice breaks of 40 and one of 32. Bricc's best efforts were 35, 28. and 21. The second game, between Freeman (R.S.A. Club) and Rait (Wellington W.M..Club), was marked bf confident play oii the part of both competitors. Freeman ' quickly scoured a lead, as a result of .rood billiards, and maintained it "throughout the game, winning by a margin of 97 points. His best breaks were 23, 30, and 25. Raiting made two breaks of 30 10-mght's games will be:-Tucker (Federal) v. Prew (G.P.O. Pastimes), and Bwyer (Marist O.B.) v. Shanks (Dominion).