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Evening Star, Issue 14625, 22 July 1911, Page 6

! The Hon. J. A. Millar, who reaches Dunedin this afternoon by tho first express, told a, C.'hristehureh interviewer that he presumed that the parliamentary session, which begins on Thursday, would bo " tidrly etiltry." It is claimed by tho Melbourne Press that the Victorian Licenses Reduction Board is the most effective and most equitable piece of machinery yet devised for the weeding out of the'superiluoiis hotel. When it eaino into existence four years ago there were in Victoria 1,377 hotels in excess of the statutory number, which was 2,499. (ji. December" 3t last 410 of these had been doss cK and by the end of the current year the number will have been increased to 502. The compensation already paid amounts to ,€195,434, of which nearly £168.000 has gone to the owners of delicensed premises, and every penny of it has been levied or. the trade' itself!" The Treasury has indeed not foifeitid a penny, for the hotels benefited by the removal of a rival have to bear a pio rata assessment to make good the amount of the license fees lost. In a summary of the work done to date, Mr C. L. Andrews (the retiring chairman of the boaid) has shown how favorably its results compare with those achieved in New South Wales during the same period under a local option system pure and simple. By December 31* New South Wales will have closed 338, as against 502 in Vieto.ia, and it is estimated that by the end of 1914 these numbers will have increased to 425 and 800 re pcctivcly. The bulk of the woiL done in Victoria has been in heavily overstocked districts. In New South Wales districts of this kind have almost invariablv voted "Continuance," while " Reduction " has been carried principally in districts under-stocked, and in no case is any compensation at all paid. More competitions. Masterton has just held its first. Four hundred competitors came foiward, and the public rolled up wonderfully, and the whole thing was a huge success, thanks to the management of a very able committee, headed by Mr Robson (late of Dunedin), and the aid of the judges. Dr Bradshaw judged the music, and Mr Baeyerty, judged in the elocution sections, accepting this duty at the last moment to oblige a friend of his who was on the committee. This Ls how the local paper refers to the elocution judge : " People were inclined to be afraid of Mr Baeyertz. He had been represented to them as a pitiless judge, who shot venom and cynicism in'o the thi:ri:d minds of unpiotected competitors, and who looked undying hate at those who, might re.-ent such treatment. He had been described as a critic who published names and exaggerated defects in some clever but perfectly dreadful paper called the 'Triad.' But before the Masterton competitions were half done every competitor in tho elocutionary sections was the sworn friend of the judge, accepting his decisions without question, facing him without tremor, and seeking his advice on every possible occasion."

A political forecast made by Mr J. F. Arnold last night: " When the presentparty move on one side, as no doubt they will within a short pericd, the party which will take the place of the present Administration will not be the reactionary party, but a more progressive party than we have had."

Telegraphed from Christchiirch that F. R. Cook, the Socialist who lately served a week in gaol rather than pay his fine for a breach of a city by-law, was again arrested this morning, having re-fused to pay a second fine of £l. The term to be served on this occasion is three days. Mr Charles Henry, gunsmith, writes us ; " In reference to the sad fatality in South Dunedin on Thursday last, and the coroner's remarks regarding my repairing of the rifle, permit me to explain that the whole rille was not brought to me to repair. Ihe facte of the case are that over two months a.go the barrel of the rifle only was brought to me by a lad whom I knew well, aaid I was asked to remove the obstruction from the barrel. Therefore I had no opportunity of examining the mechanism of the rifle, neither did I know to whom it belonged, as frequently boys are eent by their parents or employers with repairs Had I been called to give evidence at the inquest there would have been no' necessity for the coroner's remarks."

Ordeal by question still exists, as many a rueful political candidate can testify. Mr J. F. Arnold had to face a regular " third degree" after hie political address last uigth. Some of the questions were easy, as: "Do you represent the Labor party? If not, why not?" which drew as terse a reply : " Because I have not been asked." The questioner pursued further : " Does Mr Arnold forget that I asked him to represent Labor V' "No," was the answer, " but I was not aware that the gentleman was the Labor party of New Zealand." One gentleman produced, newspaper clippings sufficient to provide debate for a week and directed a speech at the member, which asked one question while raising a hundred, Mr Arnold satisfied this gentleman with the assurance that he would favor striking off the duty on all the necessaries of life. There were a dozen other questions, ranging from compulsory military training to the liability of the Maori to pay taxes, and Mr Arnold met them all cheerfully. A serious quarrel occurred between a I sailor and a man named Swanspn on the barque Duncraig at Wellington last night, resulting in the latter receiving two deep gashes with a knife, besides lesser injuries. The tailor was arrested. There is a report about town that if the City Council carry Cr Stilling's proposal to the length of building a Town Hall, one of our well-to-do citizens will give a city organ to put in the hall, and we think that the rumor is not wholly without found ation. The case against a person for depositing hedge clippings on the banks of the Loith is not to be allowed to drop. It failed in the Police Court yesterday because the by-law uudw which tho information was laid by tht> inspector of nuisances %vas found to be inapplicable, for under its provisions the prosecution to succeed had to prove that the offence had impeded the flow of the stream. There is another bylaw prohibiting rubbish being deposited in any place except a depot or place au thorised by the Health Officer to be ho used. It is not. however, under this that fresh proceedings are to be instituted. Mr W. C. MacGregor has been instructed by tho Acclimatisation Society to prosecute the offender under the Fisheries Act.

As stated, : n all probability there will be a prosecution at the next sitting of the Magistrate's Court against a Diinedin youth for failing to .register for service under the Defence Act. The Defence authorities say that there is not much trouble over the enrolment in this district, a personal interview usually sufficing to convince the small proportion of those who should have filled in their registration forms voluntarily, but did uot do so. It is not contended by the authorities that none of those eligible have been overlooked, but the houee-to-hous© canvas, checked by employers' lists, is believed to have covered the ground with very reasonable thoroughness. Medical examination us proceeding at the rate of about 250 youths nightly, and at some places those uho pass are immediately sworn in. The medical examination includes the noting of other details than mere measurements. The card for each man requires 6Uch details as color of eyes and hair, marks on the body, condition of teeth, and state of sight, etc. Examinations were held at Port Chalmers on Wednesday and Friday, and the candidates living at Ravensbourne! St._ Leonardis, and Burkes will be examined at Ravensbourno on a- date to bo fixed, Green Island will be taken on Monday night, and Anderson Bay on Tuesday night.

Our Cromwell correspondent states that the frosts in his district have not so far been very severe, 7deg of frost being the average, whereas at Alexandra, 200 ft lower than Cromwell, as much as 23dog of frost have been experienced. No, snow has fallen at Cromwell yet, and unless the ranges receive a thick coating this winter a water famine is almost sure to be experienced in the summer.

Fijian fruitgrowers appear to be sending the bulk of_ their fruit to the Australian markets. Good prices are being obtained in Melboune and Sydney, particularly so in the latter city, and as a consequence the New Zealand market is not "rushed." In addition to the difference in prices and freight a 6 between those riding in Australia and in the Dominion, the frost in this country deters Fijian shippers. A shipment of Island fruit is due here on Monday, but only 1,500 cases of bananas avo on board, whereas 3,000 cases were expected to come. If the frost disappears good prices are anticipated. It is often said that during tho last 20 years the cost of living has increased by 30 per centum. A commercial man who has taken notes, like Bums's chiel, ie inclined to place tho increase at a much lower percentage, at 10 per centum to be precise. lie eavs that rent and Severn! of those commodities termed necessaries of life have certainly increased, but points out that there has been a great change in the tastes of the public, which is rarely touched upon by critics. He mentioned that 24 years ago tea sold at 3s 4d per lb. The natives who are gathered at Waahi. near Huntly. do not seem at all unanimous in the matter of dealing with the land. There is a body of oppositionists who decline to come into line, notwithstanding Mahuta's declaration that his actions were resrulated solely bv his desire to advance the interests of the race. It is feared that unless matters can be smoothed over the result of the meetings will bo nil. Sir James Carroll was expected to reach the pa to-day. We understand that a counter-petition is being prepared by residents of the north end to that presented to the City Council asking for portion of the Woodhaugh reservo as a playing area. The counter petition will also be supported by a deputation to the council.

The delegates from tho Tramways Committee of the City Council, together with the representatives from tho hill tramways. Mt for Wellington this morning to attend The conference in connection with the tramway regulations. Mr J. H. F. Hamel, as Mayor of Roslyn, proceeded North to watch the interests of tho ratepayer© of that borough, which is served by two cable tramways.

It would seem that members, of the St. Kilda Fire Brigade feel somewhat aggrieved over a. test of their smartness in responding to an alarm. There had been some talk anion get councillors the other night to the effect that the brigade were not as smart in turning out as they might be, and an official suggested at the meeting of the council that the alarm be given. No sooner made than carried out, and the bell clanged art alarm. Within five minutes the 13 firemen' were at the Town Hall door, curious to know the cause of the summons. Explanations were made, and the firemen retired. Now, we are informed, tho brigade intend to wait upon the council to ask if the false alarm were justified, and to announce that if it be thought they are too slow the council had better get others to do tho work.

Two cases of drunkenness were ■ dealt with by Mr H. Y. Widdowson. S.M., in the Police Court this morning. Lena Hill, who did not appear, was fined 10s, the amount of her bail, and Mary Hornby, who had not beeji before the Court during the last four years, was fined be. Speaking at the AndeTson Bay social to Mr Clark last night, Ma- \V. Belcher, chairman of the- Otago Harbor Board, dropp-ecT a hint of Bills in preparation for the handing over of Lake Logan to the City Corporation for recreation purposes, also of a ground at Eavensbourne for recreation purposes, and he expressed the belief that sooner or later the Anderson Bay inlet would also be made a recreation ground. He also hinted at the possibility of a small harbor rate being imposed over the whole area which has representation on the Harbor Board—from Waihemo in the north to Maniototo in the south—to provide means for making our harbor fit to accommodate the larger vessels likely to trade here. His analysis of the board's finances impelled him to the belief that such a rate would have to be struck in the near future.

I"h.e draft Local Bill prepared by the rity solicitors amending and extending the Dunedin Gity and Suburban Tramways and Water Power Act, 1903, so as to give the council the necessary power to utilise the waters of Lee Stream for domestic supply purposes, has been approved and returned to the solicitors with instruction to proceed with the statutory requirements preliminary to the eubmission of the Bill to Parliament.

The Dunedin climate and the Dunedin soils seem to favor gardening, and in some respects, notably the color of our flowers, the results surprise visitors from other parts. Just now, in spite of the severe frosts, well-tended gardens here and there are showing signs of activity. To-day Mr T. Jenkins, of Clyde avenue, showed us a sprig of apricot that has put forth a wellformed flower in the open. A few late roses are also to be seen in some gardens at St. Clair and in other sheltered positions. With a little care there need be no part of the season here without flowers of some sort or other in the borders. "This habit of judging our members by the amount of Government grants they get for their districts is becoming- a positive curse," declared Mr W. Pryor at t-h-n social to Mr E. H. Clark, M.P., last night. "We are enoonira?ing our members of Parliament to become a race of carpet-baggers." Mr Pryor has spent a great deal of time about Parliament watching the interests of the Employers' Association, and he stated that Mr Clark did not confine his attention to local matters, but took a keen and intelligent interest in big matters. In this respect Mr Clark showed up in bright contrast with many members, who, when the division bell rang, openly confessed that they did not know what the point at issue* was, but simply walked into the lobby after " the old man," as they designated the party leader. The Orari, which arrived at Port Chalmers thie forenoon from London direct, brought four Clydesdale stallions—two consigned to Dunedin and two to Lyttelton. All arrived hero in the best of order. A special meeting of the City Council will be held on Wednesday evening to adopt a resolution to operate as a special order authorising tho raising of a loan of £IO,OOO for the purpose of establishing an abattoir at Burnside. Tho Library Committee of the City Council recommend that authority bo granted for the erection of a wing to tho existing library building, to be- known as the Coronation Wing, at an estimated cost of £7OO ; and tint the matter of providing the balance of such sum, after allowing for the- Government subsidy of £250, be referred to the Finance Committee. The matter has since come before the Finance Committee, who report that the balance of the amount required can hj» provided by the transfer of about £2OO from the special fund of loan balances.

The attendance at the various departments oi the Free Public Library during the month of June was as follows :

Newspaper and magazine rooms (open 29 days), 17,037; reference department (open 24 days), 2,371; or a total of 19,408; juvenile department (open 24 days)—reading room 176, books lent for home reading 631.

Notification of Sunday services as enumerated beiow appears in our advertising columns: —Presbyterian : First Church. Knox Church, St. Andrew's, South Dunedin, North-east Valley, Chalmers, Musselburgh, Itoslyn, St. Clair. Anglican. All Saints', St. Matthew's. Methodist: Trinity. Garrison Hall, Mornington, Cargill Road, Roslyn, St. Kilda, Belleknowes, Woodhfl'ißh, NoH'i-east Valley. Congregational: Moray Place, King Street. Baptist: Hanover Street, Roslyn, South Dunedin, Primitive Metcodist: tounaas street, Kew, Abbotsford, Kavensbourne, Anderson Bay, North-east Valley. Church of Christ: Tabernacle, South Dnuedin, Filleul Street Hall. Albany Street School. Spiritual Scientists. Metaphysical Society. Gospel Hall, Moray place. Gospel Hall, Green Island. For a satiofactorj line of furniture ot reasonable price visit Sanders's Furnishing House, IVS George street.—[Advt.7 Mrs Cole, the Dominion president of the W.W.C.T.U., will give an address on ' Temperance ' in the Cargiil Road Methodist Church to-ißDrrow evening.

At Hanover Street Baptist Church to-mor-row the Rev. W. Hay will preach in the morning on 'The Spirit, of Power,' and m the evening ou 'An Untrammelled Life,' when Miss Barton (of Glasgow) will sing. On Wednesday the young ladies' sewing meeting missionary sale will be held. The child, the parent, the grandparent, all are assured of a good likeness with the most exquisite finish at moderate charge at Acme Photo, George street. 'Phone U6o. —[Advt. J The Money Club's sixth annual meeting is to be held in Mr Mitchell's office on Wednesday evening. The pulpit of Trinity Methodist Church will be occupied to-morrow evening by the Rev. G. Knowles Smith.

No iofter or more beautiful effects in photo portraiture can be s°en anywhere than in tho showcases in vestibule of Morris, photographev, Princes street. Telephone 859 [Advt.J The Dundas Street Church anniversary takes place to-morrow, when the pastor of First Church and the chairman of the Methodist district will preach, and musical, items v.'ill be rendered by the choir. The annual conversazione will take place on Thursday evening. Mr G. F. Crowther will speak at Trades Hall to-morrow evening. It is contrary to human nature to pay excessive prices for things, no matter how good, and it's contrary to human nature to keep paying for trash, no matter how cheap. Our well-known Osolite hat meets the popular demand for a fine-quality hat at a moderate price—namely, 10s 6d. Only at Wallace's, Princes street. —[Advt.] Mr Forbes MacLeod, evangelist, from Scotland, speaks at Green Island Gospel Hall on Sunday evening. He also continences a mission in the school, Fairfield, on Tuesday evening. The Rev. W. S. Ferine will preach farewell services at. Leith Street Congregational Church to-morrow. A glasn of Speight's beer at lunch and supDer is better than all the tea in China.— [Advt.]

The master builders' annual social will be held on the 4th prox. At St. Hilda Town Hall on Monday evening an entertainment by the Sunday school children of the Church of England will be given.

Ladies recommend Martin's Apiol and Stec-l Pills. Sold by all chemists and stores. See you get the genuine.—[Advt.]

The >io-hcense open-air meetings in the Octagon will be resumed to-night at 8 o'clock. Tbo speakers will be Evangelist Gebbie, wh'ise address was so well received on a former occasion, and Mr H. D. Bedford. The Methodists of St. Kilda are organising a Coro lation Fair to be held in the St. Kilda Town Hall on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of nest week. The Fair is to be opened by the Mayor of St. Kilda, and the Mayor of Dunedin will gi%'e an address. The attiactions will consist, of competitions, music by local bands, ciub-swinging, and side shows.

A. D. Edgar, dentist, Cargill's Comer. South Dun din. Full upper or lower set of art.fi ial troth, £3 3s; extraction under gas, 3s 6d; painless extraction, 2s 6d, each additional tooth Is.—[Advt.] In the report of the meeting of the South Dunedin branch of tho Labor party, which was contributed to us, Mr MacManus was made to say that there was no award in the butchering business. What he did say was that though there was an award it had not been varied for nine years. Don't wait till spring to repaint your house. Work done in " off" seasons costs less. And cost will be specially low if done on my " full value" system. With no extras for non-workers, etc., to pay, I give first-class job at far less cost than ordinary; let's talk it over. ,W. Fraser, Box 57, Dunedin.—[Advt.] The Canterbury Kennel Club advertise in our columns the closing of entries for its forthcoming annual show, to bo held in Christchurch on August 9 and 10, during National Week, for which entries close on July 29 If the keen demand in Canterbury at present for all breeds of clogs is an indication of the hold the. fancy is taking on the people of the Plains, and of the enthusiasm of the club's members, the show should be a record one.