LOCAL AND GENERAL

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 592, 24 March 1908, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Reading matter will bo found on the first page of this issue. Two rinks of bowlers from the Shannon Club are to visit FeildinK to-morrow, when a friendly game will bo played with the local club. A meeting of ratepayers of the Borough of Feilding is to bo held on Bth April, in the Drill, Hall, when tho Mayor (Mr W. J. li. Trewin) will explain tho loan proposals which are shortly to bo voted upon. During the examination of a Maori \yitness in tho Hastings Court on .Saturday,, counsel for defence asked whether witness understood the English language, to which the Maori replied : "A little bit, I know all English swear words." A twenty-five acre paddock of Tuscan wheat on the banks of the Hinds river, Ashhurton, was recently threshed, and yielded 61 bushels per acre; while an adjoining paddock of fifteen acres yielded 55 bushels of the same variety of wheat.

The postal authorities adviso that the steamer Aeon left San Francisco on the 17th March with a large American ma.il for New Zealand. The steamer's first port of call will ho Auckland, and the mail is expected here about tho 9th April. This incident might have occurred in Feilding, but it didn't. Tho joys of life in the suburbs, where lamps aro not, was amusingly described at a meeting of ratepayers. "When we arp going home in the evening," said the speaker, "at one time we fall over a heap of earth, and at another over a cow." Messrs McLean and Sons, the contractors for tho Otdra tunnel, state that -the bulk of tho machinery is afloat, and operations will bo in full swing before 'long. They have •hundreds of applications for work, but mostly from men already employed who want a long job. Members of the Manchester Rifles are rominded of tho parade to bo held on Thursday evening, allso of the llangitikei Rifle Association meeting to bo held at Bulls on Saturday next. As usual, ammunition will be provided free, and a brake will convey competitors to Bulls. As a further inducement, the company will pay the entrance fees for those members of the corps who did not attend the Trentham meeting. This is a further proof of encouragement given to rifle shooting by the Manchester Rifles. Tho death is announced of Mrs M. J. Hayns, of Terrace End, Palmerston North, wife of Mr H. J. Hayns, the well-known civil engineer, of Palmerston. Mrs Hayns, who" was a very old resident of the district, had been unwell for some time past and her death was not •altogeth.ea* unexpected. The deceased lady is survived by her hoisband and family consisting of her clklest son, who as an officer in the mercantile marine, Mrs Frank 'Arbon, of Pohangina, and Mr Claude Hayns, of Palmerston North. Palmerston breathes freely once more. Preparations are in train for the adaptation of Mr Strong's residence at Palmerston North for the purpose of the Governor. Additions are to be made for temporary enlargement so that tlio Government House staff may have sufficient accommodation. A largo part of* the furniture in the Wellington house is packed ready for transport to Palmerston a/iid it is expected that the Governor will occupy the Palmerstooi residence :n May, when the family will remove thither from Auckland.

A Dunedin citizen, chatting to a Jooall reporter at tho end of last week, said that ho was much impressed during a recent visit to the .North island with tho largo amount of business being done in the large and small towns there, and also with tho vast tracts of land that aro now being opened up for settlement. "Dunedin may bo very sound," ho added, "but we aro not doing tho business hero that they are in the North Island. Some-thing will have to bo dono if wo ca.n hopo to keep paco with our northern friends." A humorous interlude occurred in the wearying length of the farm labourers' dispute at Rangiora yesterday. A witness, whoso evidence had already extended over ten . hours, was interrupted by a dog that had lain peacefully until then between tho witness and tho members of tho Board. It commenced to scratch itself vigorously, with an accompaniment of violent rapping on tho floor, which brought the proceedings to a standstill. "You see," remarked tho witness, "even t lie dog takes pity on me, and gives me a rest." "I should say," observed one of tho employers, "that ho is troubled with agitators." Commenting on the fines for the serious assaults imposed at tho Palmerston sitting of the Supremo Court last week, tho Post says : Any man who has not got tho £100 to spare will go to gaol for two years. It seems to us that, considering tho danger and importance of tho offence, no such line of difference should bo drawn between 1 the man who lias money and the man I who has none, and to the very eonsiderablo number of men who have money and aro prepared to spend it for tho pleasure of revenge tho deter- j rent value of such a sentence is absolutely nil. Rather, we think, such ] sentence is an encouragement of bru_ 1 tal assault. The Auckland Herald's Gisborne correspondent telegraphs an extraordinary story about a flight of a pigeon from New Zealand to Queensland. He says: "With regard to the recent Australasian record said to have been put up by a flight of pigeons from Hick's Bay to Invercargill, another one has now been reported. A Brisbane boy some months ago stayed with Mr W. A. O'Meara, and, before returning home, gave a pigeon to a son of his host. The bird was confined for a time, and was then released. It remained about the house for a day or two and then it disappeared. Subsequently a letter was received from Brisbane asking when the pigeon had been released, as it had returned home." Some local punters (says the Dannevirke Press) liavo been having rather a sorry fcimo during Jast week. A bookie, who is rather better known for tho ugliness of his "phiz" than his record of honesty, remained in town to give the borough tlio benefit of his company for somo days after tho races. To whilo away the time he appears to have been laying "doubles," and as the local sports know quite enough about horse-racing to pick out "dead certs" with ease, be found many who wero willing to assist him in his philanthropic desiro to niako tho fortunes of all those who ■eld bus-ness wth ihim. Business. came thick and fast and all went as merrily as wedding bells until the races wero run and the wisdom of the local sports was justified. But tho bookie had bolted ! Too much carp cannot bo exercised by farmers taking over property in the case of wool brands (remarks the Farmers' Advocate). Our attention was drawn tho other day to the caae of a farmer who, after a period of years, had brought his clip to such a standard that his brand realised lid per 1b iin tho English market. Ho sold his property, and with it tho wool brand, taking over subsequently tlio brand of a less careful owner, whose farm ho purchased. Although tho clip from the latter farm was equal to that of tlio former, it realised 3d per 1b less in tho Home market. Tho moral to be drawn from tho transaction is that it not only pays to be careful "n the classing and handling of wool, but that those who deal .in land should give full consideration to tho relative value of tho brands. A good deal (says the Opotiki Guardian) has been said regarding the stamina of the English-bred as against the colonial-bred girls. Countless illustrations may be given proving that the colonial girl, even though she may not excel her sisters from the Motherland, can hold her own. This view is emphasised in connection with back-block settlement in the dominion. The journey from Gisborne on horseback, a distance of 112 miles, is a formidable one for a man. Yot this lias been repeatedly accomplished by women and girls. Lately seven or eight women arrived from Gisborne, having accomplished the journey in two days, and next morning left for a 25-mile ride up the Waioeka Valley to visit relatives who have taken up sections in the back country. Asked if they had not found the journey very tiring, they replied: "Not at all; and wo intend to go back for the show." Lately there has been a difficid^iu securing remunerative prices for stock in tho Wellington province, and the trouble seems to be widespread. At 'lvaikoura (Marlborough), the trouble prevails in an accentuated form. A sale of stock took place in that vicinity last week on the Green hills Estate, which is to be cut up for closer settlement this year. The local Star, in describing tho sale, says that "it was disappointing in tho extreme, it was poordy attended, not a hundred persons being present, and very few lots were sold. Outside buyers we:y conspicuous by their absence, and 'tis hard to understand why a well-ad-vertised sa,lo of such well-known good stock failed to attract dealers. There was no demand for sheep, and the only keen competition shown was for several lines of horses, mostly unbroken two-year-olds. The following linos were disposed 0f:— 3550 mixed merino lambs 4s sd, 1260 full-mouth merino owes 3s 6d, 100 four-tooth merino rams 21s, one Mauser gelding £18 ss, one Rainbow gelding £10, and 16 unbroken fillies realised from £8 5s to £20 10s."

An odd sentence has been imposed by a San Francisco judge. A man named Fred S. Butler was virtually banished from the United States for ten years. This revival of the old Roman and Grecian method of punishing political wrong-doers attracted a great deal of attention. Butler, who is an old man, promised to go to Australian by the next boat, and he will probably end his days there. If he returns within the jurisdiction of the court before the . expiration of ten years he will be sent to prison for ten years. Butler embezzled a sum of money from his employers. His previous reputation was of the best, and the firm for whom he worked suggested to the judge that the case was one in which mercy might be extended. Under the laws of California, a first offender may be allowed his liberty on probation, but the judge is empowered to fix conditions. The judge in this case agreed to let Butler out on probation for ten years, making it a condition that he must leave the United States and stay away for that length of time. The old man was greatly downcast by the sentence of banishment, but, of course, gladly accepted it m preference to going to gaol for ten years. A special meeting of the "Women's Christian Temperance Union was held yesterday (Monday) afternoon, Mrs Cossum being in the chair. Miss Roberts, of Christchurch, who is on her way back from the Convention of the W.0.T.U., held lately in Auckland, gave a short, interesting address on the spread of prohibition, the need to uphold and assist the white ribbon, and on women's rights. Afternoon tea was handed round. Mrs Sinvth, a visitor from Dunedin, also spoke for a short time, giving a few interesting details of the progress of the Temperance cause in that city. In the evening Miss Roberts gave a short address in the Drill Hall, which was enjoyed by a very small but appreciative audience. Miss Roberts spoke of the spread of the temperance cause all over the world, and urged all present to go forward and fight- hard. Miss Roberts was to have lectured on Sunday night, but, owing to the unsettled weather, did not reaoh Feilding until yesterday afternoon. The Rev. Mr Walker, of Halcombe, also spoke for a short time on the question of Temperance. A vote of thanks to both speakers was proposed by the Rev. G. Budd and seconded by Mr Neali /- . ■ ' ..

According to a Press wire a slight shook of earthquake was experienced in Wellington at 1.52 yesterday after, noon. As soon as it can be arranged, a meeting is to bo called by the Mayor (Mr W. J. B. Trewin) for the purpose of discussing the formation of a museum for Feilding. The secretary of the Kimbolton Horticultural Society writes to the editor Stak : "Many thanks for the assistance you gave the Society in the way of locals, etc. Without a doubt it was owing to your wide circulation that the news of the show was so widespread." This is another voluntary tribute to the value of the Star as an agent of publicity throughout the Feilding district. The Wanganui Chronicle records the marriage, at the residence of Mr Edmondstone, Mell street, yesterday morning, of Miss Jessie Edmondstone, and Mr Leo Fanning, of tho Evening Post literary staff, Wellington. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr Steolo, of tho Technical School, Wanganui. Tho marriage ceremony was performed by, the Rev. A. S. Wilson. A biornma entertainment in aid of the .Salvation Army is to Be given in tho Drill Hall this evening. By the advertisement in this issue it ivill be seen that the price of admission has been reduced considerably. The biorama company is enabled to do this owing to tho fact that the brass band usually accompanying it has been dropped out, and the local band used in each place. The pictures -and illustrated songs are as good as ever. The Farm Labourers' Union's demands with regard to holidays were under discussion at tho Canterbury Conciliation Board at Rangiora, and tho Union's representative drew attention to tho fact that they had it in evudenco that Mr Forbes, of Cheviot, gave his men half-holidays to view football matches or play football. "Oh, he's standing for Parliament," remarked Mr Evans. "A man though standing for Parliament may be -honest," rejoined Mr Thorn, amidst laughter. 3j» The tone of the Governor and the Prime Minister in dealing a muchneeded blow to the Waitangi delusion, which was held in gome mysterious manner to give to the Maori, whatever he had done, an immutable claim to the lordship of many things that have departed from him, may be looked upon as indicating the appearance of a wiser and more humane Native policy, under which the Maori will be encouraged and assisted to merge industrially and socially into the dominant population, against which he cannot maintain a separate existance. — New Zealand Herald. There are phases of the Maori character which aro amusing. A lady of tho race, accompanied by a danmvur tivo boy, toiled slowly up Shortlandstroet, Auckland, tho other day (says a writer in tlio Herald), tho mother hot and apathetic, the boy eager and wilful. Presently his attention was drawn to a shop window in which postcards were arrayed in all their variety and blazo ot colour, and he darted across tho road to voyage and explore, leaving his mother stationary on the footpath. In a few moments tho youngster was at her side again, remarking, "They're only Maoris! Come on I" The dusky lady smfled tolerantly, and they turned tho corner and sought tho shade. Tho Dannevirko Press is very indignant. It says in yesterday's issu^: "A press wire to-day informs us that tho athletes who have been, in Australia havo returned to the dominion, and it is tho intention of a section of enthusiasts to secure their official welcomo to Wellington and to New Zealand. Why in tho naruo of goodness should these men receive an official welcome from a Minister of the Crown and .havo t lot of Withering pJatitudes spilt over them? They havo done nothing so very marvellous .that Ministers of tho Crown and Mayors ol cities should forth and 6hed tears of joy that they should have brought such honour and glory to the great and glorious dominion." Before Messrs T. Clapham and J. C. Thompson, J.'sP., at the Feilding Court this morning, R. Neville White was charged with false pretences by tho issue of a valueless cheque to the face value of £2 19s 6d, which he had passed at Hook's Hotel. Sergeant Bowden stated that the offence took place some months ago, and several attempts had been made, both by Mr Hook and the police, to recover the money. Finally a summons had been issued, and the aceusod had sent postal notes to tho full value of the cheque, and did not appear before the Coxirt. Sergeant Bowden asked for a warrant to be issued for the apprehension of White. Tho Bench decided to issue the warrant. Subject to an agreement on certain alterations and mollifications, the design for the Taranaki war memorial on Marsland Hill, New Plymouth, is practically decided on. The proposed memorial takes the form of a handsome and massive monument in Italian granite, surmounted by a lifesize figure of a militia man. The monument, it is understood, will rest on a solid base of local stone, four feet in height, and the total height of the column will be 27 feet, tho granite monument being 23 feet from base to aj>ex. With the addition of the military figure, tho monument will be almost a replica of the Tonga n Royal Mausoleum at Nukualofa, which was constructed by W. Parkin, son and Co., of Auckland, and erected at the Island.

To have had three wives, each wit] a family, living at the same time, i (says the Southland News) a uniqiii record, at least so far as New Zea land is concerned, but a case tha came before tho Supreme Court in i southern town not long ago was tin means of disclosing the fact that s man, then dead, had had a wife ii England, another in Christchurch and a third in Invercargill. The om last referred to went Home with he: husband, who was well connected, am she discovered the existence of i

wife in England. Since his deatli she has also became aware of the fact that thero is still another in New Zealand. As a substantial stud of money has been left by a relative of the deceased, anxious inquiry is being made by the two New Zealand wives as to their right to assistance. News received by the mail shows that archaeologists are excited over a recent find of great importance in the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings at Thebes, where tlio jewels of the wife of Seti 11. havo been brought .to light. She was a royal lady of .tlio nineteenth dynasty, who lived about 1300 8.C., and it is stated, was probably no less a person than the wife of the Pharaoh of Exodus. It is said that thero are bracelets of heavy gold, earrings several inches an length, bearing the cartouche of the royal wearer, rings of eiaborate workmanship, ana -fillets of gold which the Queen wore round lier head ; but no one but the fortunate tinders and experts have yet viewed the treasure, with the exception of Sir Eldon and Lady Gorst. The tomb "t---self proved empty, the jewels being found a few days later embedded in mud, where they had probably been thrown by robbers of some bygone age, who plundered the tomb of the royal dead.* In opening her address at the Drill Hall last night, Miss Roberts, who is touring the dominion in the interests of the no-License campaign, aired several grievances. The first of these was again the press, which she accused of a conspiracy of silence. This is very unwise on the part of Miss Roberts, because there is not the slightest doubt that the cause which she has at heart has had its greatest J impetus in the publicity given in the newspapers of the dominion. If' Miss Roberts is feeling .hurt because of her small audience, and the lack of publicity in Feilding, she has only the local organisers to blame. Even prohibitionists much take advantage ! of the art of publicity if they desire large audiences for their advocates, and it is unreasonable to expect that newspapers can afford to give away their space. It is all very well to cry Agitate! Agitate! Agitate; but there is another cry quite as emphatic and as telling, and it is Advertise! Advertise! Advertise! Miss Roberts will only injure her own campaign, and her cause by- attacking the press without looking carefully to see whether she is not dealing unfairly with the newspapers.

At a meeting at Palmerston North last night Mr J. A. Nash expressed his willingness to contest the Mayoral election next month, and Mr Henry Heydon agreed to retire in favour of Mr Nash. Mr Henry Hillj the popular secretary of the Druids' Lodge, who won the trophy offered for the member getting the largest number of candidates for the Lodge during last year, has offered a trophy for a similar contest during the currant year. Mrs Burne, wife of Mr R. Burne, of Feilding, has been ordered by her medicail adviser to take a trip to Napier, on account of her failing health. We trust that Mrs Burn© will shortly return to Feilding completely restored. A valuable draught horse belonging to the Geo. Bartholomew Co., Ltd., lost ks life in a peculiar way yester--ttoy. A load of timber was being taken along West street, up the hill by the Athletic Park, when the horse slipped and fell down. Before he could ho unharnessed, the collar, which had been shifted by the fall, choked the horse to death. The Hurleyville correspondent of the Hawera Star says;— Many of your readers in tho Kakaramea, Alton and j H^urleyville districts will have read with deep regret the report in yesterday's Star of the accidental death at Sand'o-n of young Lawrio Walters, son of Mr Walters, late headmaster of the Kakaramea School. Lawrio was a son of whom mast parents would feel proud:— bright, cheerful, intelligent, and handsome. I frequently met him on the train, where ho used to travel to Hawera d«ily to attend the High School, and amongst his travelling school chums lie seemed to be popularity itself impersonated. Though so young (I presume not more than lo years at death). I remember some ■three years *go attending a school concert at Kakaramea, when young Lawrio presided as chairman ; and itwas a revelation to see one so young perform tho duties pertaining to the chair with, so much dignity, self-com-posure, and success. That a brilliant career awaited him most of his friends pil'ainly foresaw, and to hia son-ow-ing parents tho heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends in this district is humbly tendered to them in their deep and terrible dstress.