FIFTY YEARS AGO

Evening Star, Issue 23728, 8 November 1940, Page 9

FIFTY YEARS AGO

FROM * STAR * FILES During October 94 selectors in ilie colony took up 15,200 acres of land. The monthly average of the past year has been 140 selectors, and the area taken up 27,439 acres. * * • * A Koch Institute for consumptive patients is being founded in Berlin. * * » » King Humbert of Italy is reported to be seriously indisposed, the outcome of a fall from his horse; but later information does not confirm tbe report. **’ * * - The Australian Labour Federation has issued a manifesto to the Queensland unions recommending the workers to return to work. The opinion is expressed that it is hopeless to prolong the fight. The circular states that the committee endeavoured to secure a simultaneous return to work throughout Australia, but their efforts in this direction were unsuccessful. It concludes: “ We came out pledged to stand together. Let us go back together, beaten, but neither disbanded nor disgraced.” It is estimated that the maritime strike in Australia and New Zealand cost the men half a million in money and that the shipowners lost about £IOO,OOO. * * * * A special meeting of the Dunedin Trades and Labour Council was attended by Sir Robert Stout, who was asked to allow himself to be nominated for a Dunedin seat at the coming General Election. Sir Robert Stout expressed his regret that he was unable to comply with the request. * * # * Wo understand that it is the intention of the local branch of the St. John Ambulance Association to procure two litters for ttie carriage of injured persons, and to place one ready for use in case of accident at the Fire Brigade Station and the railway station. The cost of these is beyond the present funds of the association, and as the association is purely philanthropic, and has already proved itself very useful, we feel certain that the small sum wanted for procuring the litters will bo freely given by some of our citizens. * * * * A correspondent forwards us a copy of an advertisement which, in these days, will be regarded as a curiosity. It appears in ‘ The Gardeners’ Chronicle ’ of date March 27, 1841, in these words: “ Emigration to New Zealand.—The Court of Directors of New Zealand Company hereby give notice that they are ready to engage 60 working men to form part of the preliminary expedition of the second colony, which will sail from London on the 25th of next month (April, 1841). These labourers are required for the Surveying Department. They must be married, and under 30 years of age. Wages, on agreement for two years, to be 28s per week, to commence on embarkation, with a free passage. Some foresters will also be required. Only first-rate workmen will be engaged, and the strictest inquiry will be made as to character. The wives and children will have a free passage with the main expedition of colonists to sail in August next, and till when part of the wages will be paid in this country for their maintenance. Apply to the Superintendent of Emigration, New Zealand House, Broad Street Building, London. By order of the Court. P. Dillon Bell, secretary.”