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Evening Star, Issue 15909, 15 September 1915, Page 6

The production of 'The Messiah' _bj ] the Dunedin Church Choirs' Union gives promise to be of unusual merit. Tho initial arrangements were made at tho general meeting, and the special means suggested were enthusiastically received. The public may therefore look forward •with, confidence to this year's effort. The. Mornington Council discussed in committee last night a letter from Mr G. A. Lewin stating the terms of amalgamation that had been approved of by the City Council. It is said that Cr Dalton spoke at length on the subject, and that the only other speaker was Cr Patton, who said in effect that it was no use beat-* ing about the bush, and he would simply move that Mornington Council could not accept the proposal to have Mornington represented by three in the City Council. )As the subject Was dealt with, in'committee, we.do not officially know exactly what Was said at that stage, but to the above outline we may add that when the council resumed it was reported that Cr Patton's motion was carried, and that the Mayor (Mr Sincock) remarked that the motion was a mistake, the Mprnington Council having eeriously misjudged tho City Council as to their intentions in this matter. Mr Bauiin's forecast, telephoned at 2 p.m., is as follows:—"Strong N.W. to S.W. winds, aiid cold, rain showers." Said Mr E. Sincock, Mayor of Mornington, at the conclusion' of that council's business last night: " The Drainage Board have asked for power to borrow £IOO,OOO. I have come to tho conclusion that it is about time the Drainage Board called a halt, and that the board should be merged in and come under the control of the City Council. At the present the Drainage Board have power to levy what rate they like. There is no restriction placed upon their power in that way. If they wish, they can levy even \ip to a 10s rate. (Two or three members challenged this statement.)' Well, I am so advised,* any Way. I had a talk with the Mayor of Dunedini, and he is of that opinion, too, and so are others. I move that, we as A council lodge our protest against that Bill, and ask Parliament/ to refuse to pass it, and'.that a copy of the protest be sent to Mr Statham, member for the district." i Cr Nieol seconded the motion, andufc was L carried without further comment. .

Several members of the House of Representatives made sport last night of the work of the official war correspondent (Mr Malcolm Ross) with the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force, and the vote of £ICO towards his remuneration and expenses was ungenerously characterised as a woeful waste of money. One member said too country was getting a rotten return for its money, while another remarked that New Zealand had been fortunate in having the work of our Expeditionary force described by war correspondents Jiko Ashmead-Bartlett and Captain Bean, lor the belated reports from Mr Ross had been of no value, at all. It was suggested by several speakers that Mr Ross should be recahed. Fun was also made of the manner of the New Zealand correspondent s appointment, and the usual hints were made at the exercise of political infw nC Ar Jho.Prime Minister explained tnat Mr Ross's work had been severely censored, and mentioned instances where the vital parts of the reports had been destroyed. . Mr Ross was not permitted, tor example, to mention names. This drew a retort in the form of a question as to why Mr Ross had been able to est past the Censor a three-column -story about the experiences of Lance-corporal -ttoss, the correspondent's son? Mr Masmy also explained that the Advisory Board had recommended the appointment of Mr Ross. When he mentioned that a member of the board was the editor of the Dunedin 'Star,' one of the principal newspapers, Mr Witty exclaimed, in feigned surprise:."What, the 'Evening '• * „ ,*.? s >' rc P lie <* Me Prime Mhv istsr, and if the lion, member read the Evening Star' he would not be so erratic.

Before the war supplies of cane for basket-making were sent, to Germany from Java, dressed, and imported into NewZealand. Now Java sends all her output to England, wnere the whole of it is used m making baskets for the carriage of shells to the front. Thus the New Zealand supply is cut off, but locally-grown willows supply most of the deficiency. Writing in reference to the proposal to extend tho Clntha Freezing Works, the .Leader says: "Last season alone -justified the opening, of the works. If thev had not been here and the district had been left to rely upon outside help it tl? t i ? e " * season of disaster for the stock-holders of this district. p would have involved the ruin of some and the cr.ppl lD g of many. This district has ste£ ,^" rt 7 Se -f itSolf from °"« < lis " M'^mShe^ 6ProV,Sionma^a -

•s.dciable diversity of opinion has b<-i raised by the Pahiatua Borough Counvil, riT-rw'* reS £ lved t0 respect-fnilv request w if"« Department to circularise all local authorises as to *-!„,„ and how fl(^ should be flown-for soldiers killed in 1c £n, ™V tiU<xl tJ,i,t the flving of i?dtU lt half - lUa , st foi - sofa iere is ld t i° bo \ vron p; that it should bo hoisted •it top-mast. It was al so . considered by he mover of the" resolution that exoep™S!;llcd -V 1 "' ct,ol1 > «nd that it should not necessarily be flown for all. It wi be interesting to see what reply the De fence authorities will give ; but "it is more than probable that it will'be found to bo not c-ui Ctlon + ° f po , inthl S ollt is not customary .to make any such display in connection with the death of 35 on active smnce. Even for officer* hold T&iTl ° f th n G hest Portions in the British Army fl a . gs have llot b6 fl dis™^ 1 " Vi hj whom the d scussed, m stating this opinion, added a a to," , C ' Vl f b ° dy d ocided l to hoist Ml* • !u ° f TCSpert for th «so who had fallen m the service of their country in "tiff maV hG *°*>'*]r M flown" no at nail-mast, as was done n Dunedin a. wh,le ago, but at the full, tho glorious nature of the soldier's death.

The Defence authorities are beiiw n»* to considerable inconvenience b~ th P loi medical examination when warned t" do so. It may be as well to point out fotje benefit of the men concerned that bv rZ u ,\- tocomply with instructions thev are liable to be treated as defaulter., and ae such their pay ceases. rnS;«i«i r£^ution b -v the Schools tommittecs Association came before the meeting ot ' the. Education Board this th"T ff r T at th ° "Nation deem the display of moving pictures representing scenes of outrage, burglary, and highway robbery detrimental to the risincr gereration: the association to call +he a£ tention of the Minister to the gravity of tho case, and re-omniendinjr a stricter censorship over such films." The thai--man (if r G C. Israel) and other members ot tho board expressed very strong on the necessity for some- steps being taken in the interests of the children who attend these, shows, and it was resolved to emphatically endorso the resolution, and to express uympathv with the protest. One member expressed sorrow that so many children had contracted the habit of attending picture .shows, instead of being out- in the air. Our Christchurch special wires that Mr R. W. Chapman, of North Canterbury, has received news that 48 bales of wool from his Waiourn Station, in tho North Island, shipped bv the Corinthic, and 134 bales shipped by the Matatua. realised an average price* of Is 9d a pound all round.

The success which may be achieved in water divining has been evidenced at Chelsea (Auckland), on the North Shore. The Colonial Sugar Company, at their Chelsea works, use- a vast quantity of water, which is drawn from Lake Takapuna. For some time past it has been known that the lake level is decreasing, and the company thought it expedient to look round for a new source of supply. The firm of Sutchffe and Mounce were accordingly asked, some three or four months ago. to attempt to locale anew supply. The firm's diviner indicated a spot at which he thought water would ha found, and the company gave them a contract tn sink 500 ft. Water was located at a depth of 280 ft, and- a. three-hours' test showed that the supply could produce 750 gal per hour. The flow is only 150 yds away from the sugar works and is 50ft above sea level. This discovery will considerably relieve the pressure on the Takapuna "supply. Half-caste Chinese born in New Zealand are taking their part in the war. There are some 20. of these young: men serving at the front and in training. The family of Sing, belonging to Auckland, is represented by three lads, two of whom have been wounded at the Dardanelles, and one' has enlisted and is waiting to be called up. The half-caste Chinese members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces have been contributed bv Auckland, Dunedin, and Gisborne in the main. Despite the fact of the war, and the many calls m consequence thereof made upon the public, their spending power, for other than the necessaries of life, appears to have increased rather than diminished Commercial in softgoods lines report record business in South Canterbury and North Otago, while inquiries at Oamaru have elicited (says the 'North Otago Times') that the turnover during the past six months, compared with the corresponding period prior to the war shows a notable increase. ' A billion dollar wheat crop is expected for the Lmted States. ' Excessive rains nave tailed to prevent the greatest vield ever recorded. Last year's crop also broke all records, but this one is far ahead of it. And yet, because of the European war, the price of wheat is higher than ever before, and bread bakers have increased the prices of'their loaves. Mr Hugh Mitchell, honorary secretarv of the Country Queen executive, has given instructions to sell, on behalf of the funds the motor car, worth £360, drawn by the executive as the first prize 'in the bi~ raffle. ft A:t the Burnside Stock sales to-day three of this season's lambs were included in the yarding. They brought 20s 9d per head. ' In connection with military service by training college students, the Wellington Education Board recommend that secondyear students should ho allowed to complete their training by teaching in schools [as substitutes. This recommendation was endorsed by the Otago Board at their | meeting this morning.

The Dunedin Horticultural Society have decided to alter the date of the Spring Show from Wodnesday, 29th September, to Saturday, 25th September—four days earlier than that originally fixed. The innovation (from Wednesday to Saturday) has- been introduced" as a trial in order that a large section of the public who now enjoy the Saturday half-holiday may 'have an opportunity of viewing the' splendid collections of narcissi from Otago's leading growers. The flowers of tho narcissi are rapidly approaching the full flush of bloom. Had tho original date been adhered to a number of growers in the North would have been unable to exhibit. It is considered that a- more representative show of flowers will (be obtained on tho earlier date. Cr Menzics has resigned his seat in the City Council. This will leave a vacancy to be filled for Roslyn. Ward in the council. It will be eight years ago on Sunday, 26th inst-., since the" style and designation of the "Colony of New Zealand" was changed to "Dominion of New Zealand" bv Royal proclamation. Dominion Day will 'be observed on this occasion on Monday, September 27, as a public holiday. Tho State schools' will also be closed. Trobate of the will of Charles .Perciv.il Cunningham was granted by Mr Justice Stringer at Oamarn yesterday.. Cunningham was a bank clerk- when he enlisted at Oamaru. Being at tho time under 21 years of age and unmarried, he would not, if a civilian, have been competent m law to mako_ a will, but to join the King's forces raises .the status in every way-, and any soldier may make a will. 'This'is the first case of the sort in these parts, but it is governed by English authority. The order was limited to the personalty. If there had been real estate it could not have been so willed. When the parties before a Conciliation Council are so wide apart in their demands that one side, asks for one boy to three men and tho other side insists on six boys to one man, it looks as if conciliation is impossible; but Mr J. R. Triggs, faced with this and other difficulties in the rope and twine spinners' dispute yesterday, triumphantly rode every obstacle, and brought about what may be .regarded as a champion agreement. " Mr Triggs left for the north "this morning. He has no appointments left in Otago. An encouraging attendance listened to Mr J. F. Gray's address last evening in the South Dunedin Gospel Hall. Taking as his subject tho 20th chapter of Num'bere. the preacher gave expression to helpful thoughts on the "Rock" and the manner in which this set forth the work of Christ on the Gross, -and His office to-day as High Priest of the Church. At to-night's meeting the subject will bo the 19th chapter of the same book, and an --eqnallv encouraging and profitable season is anticipated.

New season's photographic goods: Excellent stock now arriving- Cameras from ~6s Bend your -orfer early to H. J. Gill, H and 13 Frederick street, Dunedin. 'Phone 1,144. —[Advt.] No. 10 is a little dearer than most whiskies, but is worth tho money.— [Advt.] - In connection with the Otago Hunt Club's race meeting at Wiiigatui on Saturday special trains will leave Dunedin at 11.30 and 11.45 a.m.. returning from the racecourse at 5.35 and 5.45 p.m. Qthe'r train arrangements and alterations are 'announced in our advertising columns. A glass of Speight's beer at lunch and supper is better than all the tea in China.— [Advt.] Don't drink" immature spirits. Watson's No. 10 -whisky is fully matured and very mellow. -[Adrt.] The weekly intercessory service in connection with (lie war will be held to-morrow in the First Church, when the Rev. W. Arthur Hay will conduct the service. Doivt, forget bottle department at the Excelsior Hotel, Dowling street. Absolutely best brands at lowest prices. Try it.—fAdvt.]