LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1923, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Stevenson’s Hotel, Reelton, superior accommodation, and booking office for Newman Bros.’ motor services to Westport, Nelson and Blenheim. — Advt.

The fortnightly _ meeting of thsi Loyal Grey mouth Lodge M. U.1.0.0.F. will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall to-morrow (Friday) evening at eight o’clock. Initiation ceremony and. Degree Lecture. Full, attendance requested.—Advt.

The Oamaru sergeant of police was reviewing the record of a prisoner at the Police Court on a recent morning when the man, commenting on one item, remarked : ‘‘Yes, that was Constable . He is now in Ashbur-

ton; a very proper place for him.”

Passengers on the early train from Greymouth to Otira yesterday morning saw Lake Brunner in one of its most charming moods. The view from Moana over the sun-lit waters, edged by the deep green foliage of the bush, with gleaming snow-capped peaks in the background, was superb, .and drew expressions of admiration even from Coasters, to whom such pictures are not rare.

A lad, Alf Champion, had a miraculous escape on Tuesday afternoon (says the “Westport News”). He was cycling along the wharf outside the rails when his cycle caught and lad and bicycle toppled over the wharfThe lad fell on to the stringer and the bicycle into the water. Remarkable to relate, the lad suffered no injury although his fall would be 15 feet or more. The bicycle was later fished out of the river.

Although the white bait shoals appear to be on tlie .wane in the GreyRiver, the sport of catching them is still rather keenly followed. In fact, it w<is rather too keen for one or two competitors who took up rival positions on the Tainui Street early this morning. The fact that one man’s net proved more attractive nettled the other man and a dispute ensued, ending in a free fight on the wharf. The contestants were separated, but clashed again, neither however, sustaining any serious injury.

Call early and secure the Special Sale Bargains in New Summer Goods, including costumes, hats, underclothing, hosiery, dress goods, household drapery, etc. All prices down to bedrock. Many lines marked below cost. Buy here and' now. McGruer’s (Westland), Ltd., Greymouth.—Advt.

Fire broke out in an unoccupied four-roomed cottage in Bright Street, Cobden, at midnight last night, and completely destroyed the structure. The Cobden Fire Brigade, in spite of the lateness of the hour, turned out promptly, and soon had the flames under control. Although the building, owing to the furious hold which the flames had, was not saved from destruction, the efficient work of the Brigade prevented the flames spreading to the Cobden Hotel, which is situated in the adjacent section. The building was owned by Mr D. Byall, of Barrytown, and it is not known what the insurances -were. Some time ago Messrs Shanks and Morris used the place as. a storehouse for coal, but it has not recently been in use.

Now on. Special Big Bargain Sale of surplus stocks, including the new season’s goods. Every article from every department marked down to bedrock. This is a big and busy bargain sale. Come down early. McGruer’s (Westland), Ltd., Greymouth. —Advt.

Dynamite’s deadly susceptibility to heat was again rather vividly demonstrated at the Ten Mile Bluff a few days ago when a settler decided to warm a quantity of the explosive. The operation went on at the side of his hut- All went well until a search for some sticks luckily led the man away from the place. He had not gone far when a terrific roar caused him to look around, and he beheld the side of his hut flying skywards with his pet cat, whose black form was silhouetted against the white clouds. Returning, when all was safe, to the wreckage he found his black cat dazed but unhurt, but the settler estimates that although it 13 only a young animal, it lost at least five lives in the explosion.

Ladies’ Glace Lace Derby Shoes, English make, medium leather heel, at 16/6 pair. We sell and fit the new unbreakable “Metalaces” shoe laces. C. Smith, Ltd., Drapers and Boot Importers.—Advt- @

At this period of the year most factories are busy filling substantial orders to cope with the expected trade of Christmas and New Year, but, contrary to the general rule, Auckland boot and shoe manufacturers are experiencing a- dull time; so dull in fact that several of the factories are working their employees short time. This is most unusual, and inquiries made from a prominent member of the trade elicited the information that the same state of affairs prevails throughout the Dominion, and in Dunedin particularly is the position bad. Asked a reason for the slump the answer was that there was too much cheap imported footwear, mostly .'women’s and /chjildren’s coming to the Dominion. With the high rates of tonnage paid in New Zealand, and Australian goods placed on the foreign tariff, the locally-made article cannot compete with the shoddy boot or shoe imported from England. Of course, this does not refer to certain reputable ami well-known English Brands, which in quality remain just as high as ever.

The hotel to stay at when in Greymouth is the Royal, close to the Railway Station. First-class dining-room with every attention. Booking office for Newman’s Motor Service. —Advt.

It is announced that a New Zealand Army Medical Corps has been constituted and established as a unit of the Permanent Forces.

When the Minister reached Otira from Christchurch yesterday, he had developed a healthy appetite, and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner provided at the railway refreshment room. When leaving, Mr Coates heartily congratulated the chef, and also found time to bid a pleasant good-bye to tho waitresses.

The manager of one of the large sawmills on the Otira line, speaking to a “Star” reporter yesterday, stated that the timber industry on the Coast was now returning to normal activity after the prolonged slump. His mill was turning out 350,000 feet per month, and half of the timber was being railed through the Otira tunnel.

Two men on a jigger narrowly escaped being run down by the Ministerial special train yesterday shortly after it left Moana. The men evidently did not expect the special, and just had time to fling themselves off the jigger and get clear. The train was stopped, but proceeded when _it was seen that the men were all uninjured.

Our advice to all men is get in arly with your Christmas suit order. By doing so you not only give us plenty of time for making, but you will get a better selection of tweeds. Price still going down. Suits to measure. All wool. Everything guaranteed from 85/- up. C. Smith, Ltd., Drapers. —Advt.

Amendments to the regulations under the Public Service Act gazetted fast week provide that all the days of absence in excess of the number of days allowed' for sick leave shall be deducted from the annual leave of absence granted for recreation, provided that, where such excess leave has been on half-pay, the number of days to be deducted from the annual leave shall be reduced by one-had, and, further, that where such excess leave has been without pay no deductio nshall be made from the annual leave. In special cases the Commissioner may, on the recommendation of the permanent head of the Department, grant further leave.

Remember your friends at Home. A Christmas Card costs little but it conveys a lot to those far away. The next mail for the Homeland leaves at the end of this week, and will reach there in plenty of time before Christmas. Christinas cards, post cards and stationery of the newest styles await your inspection at B. Dixon’s, Tainui Street.—Advt.

The registration of the following industrial unions have been cancelled by “Gazette” notice: —The New Zealand United Master Bakers’ Industrial Association of Employers (Auckland), Auckland Provincial ShipBuilders’ Union of Employers (Auckland), Hokianga Watersiders’ Union of Workers, Wellington Electrical Engineers and Traders’ Union of Employers, Fielding Branch of the Amalgamated (Society lof Carpenters and Joiners Union of Workers, Wellington Industrial District Butter and Cheese Factory Workers’ Union, Wellington Shipwrights’ Union of Workers, Waimate County Coach ami Motor Builders, Engineers and Blacksmiths’ Union of Employers, Nelson Freezing Works Employers’ "Union, Stoke Fruitpackers, Fruit-graders, and Orchard Employees’ Union (Nelsbn), Grey Valley Union of Workers (Brunnerton).

The noise of grinding wheels, creaking woodwork, and ‘ occasional piercing whistles from the locomotive in front, made the Minister’s carrage on the special train yesterday anything bnt a perfect place for the hearing of deputations. The plan was adopted with the object of saving time, but as the speakers all-had to shout in order to make themselves heard, much time was lost in consequence, in addition to the loss of comfort. The Ministerial secretaries, stenographers, and local pressmen had a difficult task set them to record the speeches and replies made under such circumstances. A policy deputationists would be wise to adopt is the preparation of the case in writing before going before the Minister. A clear, concisely-written outline of their requests would be far more effective than a lengthy speech.

Inspceion invited of our incomparable display of the newest ideas in Gramophones at prices the lowest that have ever been shown in Greymouth The Peter Pan (something novel), 90/-; The Rossini (incomparable at the price, very sweet tone) £5 17is 6d; The Crossley (fitted with beautiful lid and automatic appliances, and expresses real music), £8 15s; two talking machines which are masterpieces of moveable music suitable for jazz parties, picnics, etc.: The Artist, £7 10s and The Outing, £l5 10s.—A. E. Kilgour, Piano, Gramophone and Music Warehouse—Advt.

A simple, but expressive act of gratitude on the part of Belgian officials as the result of impressions left by New Zealand’s soldiers was recently experienced by a Wellington resident, Mr W. M'Goldrick, who has returned from a visit to America and Europe, relates : “I was crossing from Warsaw to Dover, and on arrival at the Belgian frontier passengers disembarked tor examination of passports and luggage. As it was after the bank holidays in England, hundreds were returning home. Two nationality queues were formed, but as the Belgian line was exhausted early, I. innocently wandered over (here; The official, on examining my passport, and noticing my domicile, smiled shrewdly, and drew the at'teidjon of the sta.ttijf.ui master, who inquired if I had served in the war. I replied in the negative. He continued, saying: ‘Wc rarely meet your countrymen over here. T want to 101 l you how grateful Belgians are to New Zealand soldiers,’ and he proceeded to extol their virtues. I jocularly observed I had been informed they were also good judges of poultry. The I stationmaster laughed heartily, and, tapping me on the shoulder, said : ‘Well, call them allround efficients.’ The cursory ex? aminations were not proceeded with, and a. porter was detailed to provide me with a carriage seat. As I calmly observed struggling humanity awaiting their turn I thought, even in distant Belgium, there is something in being a New Zealander.”

An iordier-in-Council gazetted last week fixes the maximum price of pollard at £7, instead of £8 as heretofore.

In the course of an address at Invercargill, the Hon. Mr Nosworthy said that Mr Massey had gone Home determined to help the Imperial authorities to formulate an immigration policy consistent with the sound development of New Zealand, and always remembering, of course, that the needs of the Empire were the first consideration of the Government.

Cutting merely aggravates your corns. Six applications of Progandra will actually remove the corn, root and all. Apply according to directions. Money refunded if not satisfied. 1/6 everywhere or post free from Barraclough’s Pty. Box 1247, Welling-ton.-Ad.t 178

Speaking at the annual reunion of the Westmead Boys’ Home in Sydney (says the Daily Telegraph) Dr O Reilly deplored the want of Christianity .in Australia. Australians considered themselves a highly civilised and Christian people, yet they were careful not to teach Christianity in their schools. The State schools were supplemented by Christians who took a burden upon themselves. And they were regarded by the GovernmCjit-as enemies of the Commonwealth. . The Government even recognised and admitted the excellency of Catholic schools, but would not give, them any support. “It is a colourless Christianity,” declared Dr. O’Reilly, ihe Australian people are all gamblers in the eyes of the ‘wowsers.’ They had a bit on the Caulfield Cup, and are iiqw looking for their fawV in the Melbourne Cup. The fleet, all Hie Governors and members of Parliament will be in Melbourne for the first Tuesday in , November. But these members of Parliament - legis--1 ated against raffles at Catholic Church bazaars and stopped the Golden Casket. If they were in earnest they would ban the Cup and shut up : Randwick. But the people would not stand for it, and so the church bazaar raffles are prohibited instead.”

Pianos.—Just landed, six Wilton and Wilton Pianos. These sweet-toned and beautiful instruments are incomparable at the price, and are guaranteed. judged from the standpoint, of beauty, quality, workmanship,■■ finish, and tone? they are the world’s -most perfect instrument. Price £95 on easy terms extending over four years. Inspection invited. A. E. Kilgour for the world’s best pianos.—Advt.

“Mai new dress has braown streps.” That is what Mr J. W. Shaw M.A., heard a young woman say the other day, so he told his audience at the . “Value of Education” meeting .at Auckland (states the “Star”). “Did you ever hear anything more vulgar, and jignorant?!” asked jthe speaker. There were some people in New Zealand who considered (themselves as bearing the qast of Vere de Vere when they spoke in this offensive mutilation of the Oxford bleat. They thought themselves awfully smart, yet their mispronunciation of th® diphthongal sounds was much more offensive than, the dropping of ,uie “h” by the Cockney. This vulgar affectation was driving some people to the opposite extreme, since they were afraid that by proper pronunciation they might be mistaken as belonging to the affected type. Unfortunately there /were academies in. New Zealand which existed for the sole purpose of teaching the young to speak in an affected manner. If the two faults mentioned could be eradicated New Zealanders as a class would speak the purest English in the world, since we had no climatic disabilities conductive to a nasal accent or any other peculiarity.

For every musical need try Kilgour’s. We make a speciality of 'llie Xmas Numbers of the “Auckmusical instruments-, alid have just land Weekly,” “Auckland Brett’s opened some novelties. The Peter Pan Annual” and the “Weekly Press” Gramophone, 90/- ; Ukulele, this are very attractively illustrated popular instrument with case, 52/6; this year. Your friends at. Home Banjo-Mandoline,, sweet toned and will appreciate receiving them. -The guaranteed, 90/- with case; Guitars, next mail leaves on November - 10, so two beautiful instruments, 70/- and secure and post your copies now from 90/-; Accordeons, incomparable value, B. Dixon, Tainui- Street. The price, two stops, 22/6, 29/6, three stops, 35/-, is 2s a copy. Coloured supplements 37/6 and 39/6, fours tops, 47/6 ; Flutes' are given away with each.—Advt. 10/-; Flagolettes, 25/-. A. E. Kilgour for every musical need.—Advt.

‘‘Deeds, not words,” appears to/be the motto of the Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister, of Public Works). A deputation of Rotomanu farmers met diim at Rotomanu station yesterday afternoon with the object of stressing the urgent need for the completion of the Bell Hill road, and were informed by the Minister that he would very much like to inspect the road personally. ‘‘lt is better than sitting down and listening to a lot of deputations,” he said. “You only get your names in the papers, although that’s all right!” He was informed that an inspection would involve a ten-mile ride on horseback, but was not dismayed at the prospect, and asked whether - horses? could be secured if he could find time to inspect' the road. What about your horse?” asked one deputationist of another. “Oh, he bucks!” was the dubious reply. The member for Westland, Mr J. O’Brien, volunteered the information that he had performed the feat of riding the alleged buckjumper, and the Minister immediately requested the settler to “earmark” the horse for his use, adding that he would “knock some sense into it,” and, as* an afterthought, “if it doesn’t knock some into me!”

A book for everybody. “Enquire Within Upon Everything” is the most famous book of domestic reference, in the English language. It is a new. x edition, enlarged and brought fully up-to-date by experts. This, the ,f 113th edition, completes the enormous publication of one and. a-half million copies. Bound in strong ‘cloth cover and printed on good paper it is splendid value at 3s a copy. Postage free from B. Dixon,' Tainui Street. —Adyt.. •' •

There should be better supervision of some of the picture programmes shown to school children, said a guardian of youth to an Auckland « Star reporter. The complaint was made more especially with regard to the objectionable “Americanisms” „ used in the descriptive parts of the film, and such a term as **‘helluva” occurring in a comic picture was strongly condemned. Pictures apw i pealed so graphically to the children that words met on the film were bound to make a very lasting impression on their minds. Moreover, these objectionable expressions used in connection with comic' ■ lures and the children*were certain * to get quite wrong ideas from tihs • juxtaposition of the questionable word and the laughable subject. Of course no one can raise an objection if par- 4 cuts take their children to an ordin.ary performance—the responsibility rests with the parent. But there are >, certain programmes siven specially for school children, and provided the children pay for their tickets the teachers are compelled to take them Many of the films are of course ceptionable from hte point of view of improving a child’s mind—such fo’r’ instance as the travel pictures and nature studies, but is is contended that many American “comics,” both as regards subjects and fhe phrasing of the “titles,” are unsuited - for children.