LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 18810, 8 December 1924, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Press Association telegram states that the Whangarci branch of the Enginedrivers, Firemen, end Cleaners’ Association passed a resolution protesting against the reintroductiou of all New Zealand coal for locomotives. The resolution stains that, owing to the fumes from these coals and heavy loads to he hauled with the super-heated class of engine, the health of the engine crews suffers, and the. safe running ot the trains is endangered.

At Donniston on Saturday, on a show of hands, it was decided by 74 votes to 75 to accept the coal mine owners’ terms for a working agreement. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed at the method employed in settling so grave an issue. Some of the speakers suggested a pitmouth ballot, while others favored a, division being taken. Finally, without rescinding the former vote, a division was taken, and the rejection was carried by 88 votes to 84. At Millorton the proposal was carried by an overwhelming majority. The voting at Stockton is not available. An unusual position occurred at the Supremo Court, Gisborne, on Saturday, . when Mr Justice Reed said lie could not try a case on the civil list, as ho was a shareholder in the defendant company, the Gisborne Sheep Farmers’ Frozen Meat and Mercantile Company. Thea ction was brought by John W. Boniface against the company, claiming £1,078 for alleged personal injuries, and it was to have been heard before a jury of twelve. When the case was called Mr Justice Reed said: “This case cannot go on this session for the reason, I am sorry to say, that I am unable to try it. When I was in Gisborne some considerable time ago I purchased some debentures in the Gisborne Sheep Farmers’ Company, and in consequence I cannot possibly take the case. I have looked into the authorities, and, even if counsel vvero willing, it would not be proper to go on with the case.” His Honor said ho would take an early opportunity to dispose of the shares. The same firm was also involved in a motion for a charging order, and, although it was a minor matter, it would not bo right for him to deal with it, and it, too, would bo adjourned till next session.

For many years there have been rumors of the operation of illicit stills in the Hokonui and adjacent districts in Southland. On Friday last a party consisting of Mr H. Ruffe! (Collector of Customs), Detec-tive-sergeant Carroll, and Constables Cooper (Bluff) and Beadle (Waikiwi), set out from Invercargill by the early morning train for Winton. Subsequently they .were joined by Constable Kerse, of Winton. They left the train at Gap road, and, after walking along the road for some distance, they were picked up by motor cars. Then they journeyed for some distance towards Spring Hills, and on arrival there no time was lost in making their presence known at the farm where it was suspected a still was being operated. Two men alleged to be concerned in its operation were arrested. What is considered to_ be a still was located on the hillside in the bush with certain appliances built in beneath the level of the ground surface.. A quantity of liquor, approximately SOgal, was found; and this, along with the complete apparatus, which was dismantled, was transferred into a conveyance and brongth to Winton, and subsequently brought on to Invercargill by train. The worm and other parts of the appliance bear evidence of having been made by someone possessing a knowledge of metal working. No grain was found on the premises, but a quantity of sugar was discovered. The names of those arrested Alexander Macßae, who is a well-known farmer in the district, and an equally wellknown athlete named Chisholm. These men were brought before the court at Winton later in the day, and were remanded until next Friday, bail being allowed in each instance, which was immediately forthcoming. On Saturday afternoon a concert party organised by the Dancers' Institute visited various wards at the general hospital. A pleasing programme was submitted, the performers meeting with a very reception from the many patients. The programme was as follows: — Miss Gladys Crossan ; piano solo, Miss Kathio Foster; song, Master Claude Lee; coon song, Miss Nalda Horden ; musical monologue, Miss Mavis Smith; song, Mrs Carfcy; quartet, Masters Claude and Stewart Lee, Roy M‘Arthur, and Eric Johnson ; song, Sir Waterson; Highland reel, Misses Lucy 'Robinson, Alice Brockett, Edna Agnew, and Edna Fincham; song, Miss Wheeler: Irish jig, Percy Lockhart; song, Miss M'Donald; recitation, Master Davidson; sailor’s hornpipe, Miss L. M'Carthv; piano solo, Miss Brunton; recitation, slliss Dorothy M'Carthy; monologue, Mr Smith; seauntribhaus, Misses Lucy Robinson and Alice Brockett; character sketch, Mr P. M'Carthy; song, Master Eric Johnson; Highland fling, Misses Edna Agnew and Edna Fincham. Miss Brunton and Madame Re.ggiardo acted as accompanists, and Mr George _ Ross supplied the bagpipe music for national dancing.

Another successful social was hold in the Labor Club’s Rooms on Saturday night, the hall being well filled. Those who contributed were: Messrs Ward (pianoforte solo), Mr Taylor (songs), Mr Neilson (recitation), Miss Alva Pearce (fancy dance). Dancing was indulged in between the items, Messrs Ward, Pearce, Brundell, and Downes supplying the music. Tne chairman announced that on December 20 a children's night would be held, and the proceeds from next Saturday s social would go towards buying presents for tbo children, when a special charge would be made. A hearty vote of thanks to those who assisted to make the social a success was carried by acclamation.

A most enjoyable concert was held in the Coronation Hall, St. Kilda, on Saturday night by the Reid Hall Physical Culture Club, assisted by the Otago School of Dancing. The proceeds were in aid of the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church. Prizes for the Physical Culture Club were presented by the Rev. D. Hoggio. Miss M, Wallace presented the prizes for the pupils of the Otago School of Dancing. The programme was of a varied nature and comprised of the following: —Polka and dancing stops, junior and senior girls; song, Joyce Reid; physical exercises, junior boys; action song, Edna Webster and Dream Babies; dumb-bells, junior girls and bovs; character dance, ‘La Zintrara,’ Etta'Lang; clubs, six tiny tots; song, Peggy Toms; skipping rope dance, Murrell Sheppard; physical exercises, junior girls; recitation, Roberta Williams; clubs, senior girls; character duet, Why, of Course,’ Lewis Fronde and Jack Stevens; humorous recitations, Lester Moller; exercises, senior girls; Hawaiian song, ‘ Scena,’ Lily Stevens, Olivo Butler, and chorus. In the'mayor’s room at Port _ Chalmers, on the invitation of Mr John Mill, a number of the old identities assembled for a chat about old times. Those present with Mr Mill were Messrs J. Watson (mayor), A Farquharson, P. M'Auloy, C. A. Reeves, D. A. De Mans, S. Voiscy, E. Godford, J.

Hart, W. Camp, J. Campbell, and .1. .M'Lachian.. The mayor (.Mr J. Watson), who presided, expressed his pleasure at. seeing so many of the bid pioneers present. He hoped they would have a good time, and felt, sure’the experiences told that day would bo appreciated by all present, and placed in_ the records of the Old Identities’ Association, where they would bo preserved. Mr Mill, amid applause, welcomed those present, and thanked them for meeting him (here (hat day. That meeting would not have, taken place but for the energy of Mr J. M'Lachian, who, ho was sorry to see, had severed his connection with the Union Steam Ship Company. They were losing one of their most prominent citizens, and one who had taken an active interest in the welfare of the town for the last thirtysix years. He felt sorry that Mr M'Lachian had decided to leave Tort Chalmers, but. wished him many pleasant days in his retirement. Mr Mill then recounted many episodes of the early days, including the loss of the Pride of the Yarra, as ho was among the first who arrived at Port Chalmers after the terrible calamity had occurred. He also recounted many stories of old associates in the shipping industry, mentioning many names of old identities now almost forgotten. In conclusion, he. thanked the mayor for presiding, and Mr M'Lachian for calling the meeting. The mayor proposed the health of Mr J. Mill, and this was honored with tho singing of “ For he’s a jolly good fellow,” Apologies were received from Messrs Borlasc, Robertson, Hay, Cormack, and Bnsire, Interesting experiences of their lives in tho early days of the colony were related by Messrs Reeves, Voisey, Camp, Hart, Godfrcd, Campbell, Farquharson, De Mans, and M'Lachian. These dealt with many incidents within the personal experience of the narrators, and were followed with interest and pleasure by all present.

Caversham folk aro evidently proud of their school choir, and rightly so, and His Majesty’s Theatre was filled in every part on Saturday night on the occasion of the concert in aid of the prize funds. The inward and outward traffic on the trams was very heavy, and, thanks to the care of tho tramway officials, children and parents wore carried safely, extra cars being provided by Mr Mackenzie.