Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1906. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1906, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1906. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The Mark Lane Express finds that one of the marked features about many of the new potatoes which have been introduced during late years is their great similarity to Up-to-Dates in the appearance of the tubers, which may be accounted for by the fact that most of the new varieties are related directly or indirectly to Up-to-dates. Surely that famous raiser, Mr A. 1< inlay never did a better thing for the community at large than when he introduced Up-to-Dates, which came as a natural successor of the famous Magnum Bonum and which now holds its own very well in spite of the novelties which were introduced in shoals during the time of the boom. The chances of Northern Star ever taking the place of the Up-to-Date as the leading main crop are now too remote to be even considered, and whenever one of the varieties of recent introduction takes the lead when the Up-to-Datc is done, it will only be a case of the son following the parent. We are daily receiving lists of potatoes for seed purposes now, and | whereas some of Hie sensations of a few years ago are offered at ordinary prices, others do not appear in the lists at all, which fact suggests that (hey were flashes in the pan, and have already gone under. In potatoes, as with other things, it is a case of the survival of the fittest, and the world is wondering now whatever made people clamor and outbid each other for varieties the merits of which in many cases existed entirely in the imagination of the introducers. Indeed, the memory of the great potato boom will live when the generation has gone as being one of the most unaccountable tilings that ever happened in the history of agriculture and horticulture.

The United States correspondent ol the Sydney Daily Telegraph said in last letter:—"John Alexander Dowio having come to the end of his tether, /lion City is in peril, and its chief hope is 'Wilbur Volivia, the young man from Melbourne. Trembling on the brink of financial disaster, the people who foolishly put their trust in 'the apostle,' look with anxious eyes towards the new overseer, a 'young man of dynamic force, a marvel of self-confidence.' Besieged by creditors, facing each day obstacles which the reign of Dowie created, the new leader is making a valiant fight for the rehabilitation of Zioh. Volivia is thoroughly versed in the wisdom which hard and rough contact with the world brings. In temperament and nature the antithesis of Dowie, lie is endeavoring to put the Zion ship in shape to ride the sea of debt, and it looks as if he will succeed. Already he has effected a greater degree of administrative organisation than Dowie did in all his years of dictatorship. From all accounts, Overseer Volivia has applied to a perplexing situation a strong mixture of •horse sense,' combined with frankness and candour. He has admitted to creditors that they have not been justly treated, and has assured them that they will be paid in full. He seems not to be worried over the outcome of his reorganisation, but says he is absolutely certain that Zion will weather the gale. He believes he is near less tempestuous waters, but admits that some of tho most trying days are yet before him. Ho says Zion's obligations aggregate not more than £IOO,OOO, and he hopes to pay those within a year with interest. At present the most serious phase of the .situation is the disposition of certain creditors to proceed against Dowie, regardless of the consequences. Volivia has been conferring with these complaining and irritated claimants, in a courteous manner, and it is probable ho may induce them to wait. One thing seems certain, namely, that Dowie will never be in active control of Zion again."

Mr Cunningham Grahame, in the Saturday Review, sets forth the picturesque aspects of town life in Argentina, where the temperature is warm, and the customs prevailing are of mixed nature and Spanish origin. The town described is Gualeguaychu. Here is an evening scene:—"During the hot hours of the day all slept, leaving the streets deserted and the stores wide open, so that a man could walk into them, and, knocking with his whip upon the counter or tho door, find no one, until at last some sleepy shopman would appear and say that business was suspended, and retreat, cursing, to his bed. The sun declining put new life into the town, and in the various stores men sat and talked, and criticised tho horses and women as they passed. Still later in the evening brought the ladies of the place into the plaza, all dressed in Paris fashions of a year ago, to saunter up and down in groups beneath the orange trees, in which the fire-flies flittered, making the heavy leaves seem all alive with light. As they passed by, a fire of compliments was turned upon them, which they pretended not to hear, and yet were piqued if no one paid them, for, as the

saying is, a compliment from a black man is better than indifference from ;>. prince. In the still air the tinkle of guitars sounded like Cupid's sheepbell, and at (he iron-grated windows nf the streets men stood, flattening themselves against tho bars, to talk to tho women, whom the judicious custom of the place only allowed to see their lovers with a stout iron railing set betwixt tho two. Between a male and female saint, a wall of bricks and lime, the proverb says, but a stout iron bar aids virtue plaguily."

According to a belated Government return, the cost of raising the loan of one million in 1904 was no less talm £25,019, of which nearly £20,000 went for commission and brokerage. The Tyneside Mine resumed work this morning, the accident to the machinery being very slight. We understand that a double shift will be put on to work at (his mine, commencing on Monday next. The census returns show that the population of the Grey County is the same as that of Greymoulh and Brunner put together, the figures being 5702. The increase of population in the Countv is 729, and in the Borough of Grevmouth 1)21.

The Druids' Ball, which takes place in Kaye's Hall, Brunner, this evening, promises, judging by the enthusiasm shown among lovers of the light fantastic, to be one of the most successful gatherings of the year The Committee have engaged the best music on the Coast, while a ladies' committee .will have charge of the refreshments. Quite a number of visitors have intimated their intentjpn of attending. At the wish of the Kumara Hockey Club, the junior match Kumara versus Y.M.B.C. will commence at 1 p.m. sharp in place of 3.30 p.m. to-morrow. Players will please note the alteration in time of commencement of the match. Y.M.B.C. will be represented bv the following players : Stewart (2), Chalk (2), Absalom, Kerens, YVecnink, N. White, O. McLean, C. Wise, Slylield, Purcell, Jolly, N. Newman. Air A. E. West will act as referee. Griffon and Smith, who have been conducting a sale since stock-taking of their very line display of crockery and glassware, inform us that for only seven more days will the sale be continued. The sale has been very popular, resulting in a very large amount of business. The firm have a wide reputation as a holder of quality slocks, and when quality at reduced rates is procurable, the householder who does not purchase, misses a rare opportunity. The firm invite inspection at the'ir Beehive and Union stores, and our readers would do well to make an early visit.

Messrs Nccs and Co. arc. shipping by the Arahura and other Union boats for transhipment at Wellington to Melbourne, one hundred tons of dredging machinery, which belonged to the Totara-Shellback Dredging Compony. The plant will be re-erected in "The Ovens" district, Victoria. This is the fourth plant Nees and Co. have shipped to that district during the last twelve months, and two more are being, sent over from Otago—all consigned to the same company. It may oe added that the dredges alreaody despatched, and which have been at work for some time, are paying well. Mr Albert Nees, who is an energetic and practical engineer—one who has had more than ordinary experience in gold dredging—seized the opportunity of securing dredging machinery of the most modern description, and having it put to practical use elsewhere. Much as we regret the i failure which has attended tne > operations i of those valuable machines in this district, i and else in, Qtego, m m mi to find > that through his iustumfliit&nty some aro bpiris put 19 mi «»Fi Mm eus»wae mm fiftvi mm &wmty tsrawa mm '

An "Empire Day" musical entertainment is to be given by the juniors in the * Salvation Army Hall, Hospital Street, tomorrow evening, when an excellent programme will be rendered at the popular " price of sixpence.

The Postal authorities advise that the letter-carriers will observe to-morrow a* ternoon as a half-holiday. The usual delivery of mail matter will take place this afternoon instead of to-morrow.

"Jack Frost" made his first appearance locally this morning, while Hokitika and all the country had a similar experience. The result was a bitterly cold morning, the thermometer going clown to 32 degrees—the lowest in New Zealand.

Word was brought to town last evening (says the Kumara Times) that an old man named Thomas Hughes, living in the houseat one time owned by Mr Fred George, on the Christchurch road, was found dead in his hut by Messrs J. Morgan y.d R. Harcourt yesterday afternoon.

Speaking at the smoke concert last night, Mr Austin said musical folks were all a trifle "fmeky" and difficult to get on with, and he congratulated Bandmaster Bennington upon succeeding so well with such difficulties. The bandsmen evidently thorough appreciated the "rub given at their own expense." Whilst attending the County Council meeting this morning, Mr Harris, the Chairman, received a message from Kumara, stating that Mrs O'Grady, wife of Mr O'Grady, employed on the Greenstone dredge, died somewhat suddenly this morning. The deceased—a sister of Mrs Wafer, of Barrytown—was a general favorite. She leaves a husband and six young children to mourn a sad bereavement.

, According to the Manawatu Farmer, the new process of bleaching flax fibre, which was tested a short time ago bv Messrs Byind and O'Connor, of Shannon, was successful in every way. The bleaching was accomplished in about three hours, whereas by the usual method it requires about three weeks to bleach. As soon as filial arrangements are made with the patentees, the firm will employ the new methods for bleaching all their fibre. p 4*. I . a ? t light's meeting of the Hokitika Exhibition Committee, it was unanimously resolved that the strongest representations be made to the Eight Hon. the Premier, the Minister for Railways, the Superintendent of the Tourist Department, and the Exhibition Commissioners, with a view to having the Canterbury-West Coast overland journey reduced to one day's travel of not more than 12 hours at the outside, and that special excursion fares with extended stop-over privileges to and from the West Coast be arranged during the -Exhibition period; also that the Greymouth, Reefton and Westport Committees be asked to support the foregoing. Under instructions from Mr Jeremiah O'Sullivan, Messrs H. C. Harley and Co. will sell by auction valuable freehold section and six-roomed house, Cowper street. The sale will take place on the premies, Cowper street, on Wednesday next, 30th instant, at 2.30 p.m. The house has every modern convenience, and the situation is one of the best in Greymouth. By advertisement in this issue,-it will be seen that Messrs . C. Harley and Co. offer for private sale, under instructions from Mr Coleman, who is leaving the district, his valuable half-acre with newly and conveniently built six-roomed dwelling threreon. This property should Commend itself to anybody wanting a comfortable home in the best part of the town.

The winter meeting of the Greymoutli races commences on the Omoto racecourse to-morrow. No stone will be left unturned to ensure patrons spending a most enjoyable outing. The appointments, as of yore, are excellent and in first-class hands, while the racing itself promises to lie of a high order. Excellent acceptances have been received, while the training operations go to show that the horses are very evenly matched, so that evenly and keenly contested races should eventuate. Special trains at excursion rates will be run on all the local lines, while trains will leave the town for Omoto at convenient intervals. The races will be run punctually to time. The road to the south tiphead—from the signalman's cottage to the flagstaff,is much in need of a'" little attention. There are pools of water here and there between the cottage and the old signal station and from thence onward there is water between the rails for nearly the whole distance. Apart altogether from the fact that the tip is a favorite resort for people, it must be remembered that the masters of steamers and the harbormaster and his assistant have frequently to go to the tiphead at all hours of the night to see what tho bar conditions are; and, if only for this reason, the Harbour Board Engineer should see that the road is kept in proper repair. We call attention to the matter in the hope that it will be attended o.

Messrs Joseph Hambleton and F. H. Kilgour, Justices of the Peace, presided at the Magistrate's Court this morning, and dealt with two charges. A first offender for drunkenness was convicted, and discharged with a caution. W. Wigton, second mate of the brig Edward, now in port, was charged with being absent from his vessel without leave. Defendant pleaded "guilty," at the samo time offering to go aboard the vessel again. The captain stated that ho was prepared to take the man back again. He had" been compelie'3 to discharge the first mate, but was obtaining the services of another from Wellington. The Bench ordered defendant to forfeit two days' pay, and to pay costs of Court (7s). Mr Frank Knell, who lost his way in the bush behind the town on Sunday, had a particularly trying time. At night it was bitterly cold, while rain fell intermittently throughout the whole period. Mr Knell made his way during Sunday over to the hill at the back of Kaiata. At night he could see the lights in the houses in the distance, but owing to being on top of a high hill with a precipice separating hira and the fiat land below, ho was compelled to remain thero. About 10 a.m. on Monday he was found by Messrs C. Cribb and W. Fairhall. Tho

journey to town was then made along the top of a ridge down to Marsden road. Quite a number of search parties were out all Monday. The following is tho Grey President's team picked to play State Collieries on the Recreation Ground: Ogilvie, Frank, Revington, Ewart, Scully, Ryan, Morgan, King, Young, Ogilvie, McGrath, Robertson, McGillicuddy, Garth, and Sotheran.

Yesterday afternoon a hockey match was played on Victoria Park between representatives of the Banks and Post Ofnce. The latter easily proved their superiority, scoring six goals to the former's one. "Mr J. H. Keddie acted as referee. Our Kumara correspondent telegraphs: Word was brought into town early this morning that Mrs O'Grady, wife of Mr John O'Grady, a well-known resident of Greenstone, had died at midnight. The case is a particularly sad one, as" deceased leaves six children, the youngest being only two days' old. The deepest sympathy* is felt for the husband and family. The members of the Grey County Council are to be commended for their efforts tjwards securing grants to prospectors. At last meeting, it will be remembered, that resolutions were passed asking tho Government to give assistance to several parties, while memoers spoke strongly of the advisability of encouraging pioneer mining. At to-day's meeting tho pleasing intelligence was to hand that the Government had favorably considered the request, and had made grants totalling .0394 to parties in various parts of the Grey County. This is a most satisfactory commencement, and it is hoped that it will act as an incentive to prospecting. Tho manner of obtaining grants is for the private parties to apply through either the local Miners' Association or the County Council, who will pass the application on to the Government with their recommendation on the subject.

To-morrow will be, Empire Day. The children attending the Greymouth State School will be massed in front of the

school punctually at" 9.30 a.m., and immeditcly thereafter will march past. Elaborate preparations Tor the successful performance of this imposing ceremony have been made bv the teachers. Britannia, in

flowing robe, bearing a trident and wearing a typical helmet, will be represented by one "of the school girls, whilst three other little girls will be in close attendance. They will be dressed in red, white and blue—the colours of the Empire. Suitable patriotic songs will bo sung, and brief addresses delivered by leading citizens and members of the School Commit-

tee. Altogether the function will bo most 'instructive and impressive. Visitors to town, as well as parents and guardians, are cordially invited to attend.

! At the last meeting of the Wfcstport ! Harbour Board the question of represent ing the district al the Christchureh Exhibition was under discussion, and an application from Beefton for financial aid. Mr Colvin suggested that Reefton be asked to join Westport, and if he were in order he would move that £SO be voted them. The Secretary said the Westport Committee intended to ask for a further contribution, and if this were granted, the Westport Committee could consider this request and arrange for exhibits. The Chairman said he would support the motion if a condition were inserted that Reefton join Westport. After further discussion, it was decided to hold Jhe matter over, pending the receipt of information from Reefton as to its intentions in regard to the district with which ijjfl should become associated. There appears? to bo very little chance of the Greymouth Harbour Board giving any assistance, and wo certainly advise our Reefton friends to accept" Westport'? offer. [