Local and General

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4815, 12 March 1918, Page 4

Local and General

The Tiangaroa-Tahunga road is reported to be blocked. It is believed that a number of slips, mostly small ones, are down.

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that a Gazette Extraordinary summons Parliament for April 9.

Yesterday morning the Maui commenced to dig a channel to the slipway. It is understood that there is urgent need for all lighters possible just now and the authorities desire to release as soon as possible the lighter which is at present on the slip.

The local manager of the Union Steamship Company, Mr J. "W. J. .Preston was advised of a disarrangement of shipping atNapier last evening. He informed a Times representative that a heavy easterly sea had suddenly sprung up making operations at the breakwater almost impossible. The Arahura had to put to sea and her passengers were put aboard by tender. She was due to leave Napier at about nine o’clock. The Ripple, which arrived here vesterday evening from Pieton. also reported heavy easterly seas along the coast. A heavy sea was also running in the roadstead, but it moderated later on.

‘‘The best roads in the Auckland Province are worse than the worst roads elsewhere,” said Mr M. Mc-Cal-lum at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, when the “good roads’’ proposal was under consideration. He said he had recently had a three weeks’ tour in the South, and nowhere had he found the roads as bad as in the North. Only in part of the Waikat-o were the roads fit for motor traffic. Only in the Auckland Province was the need for general improvement urgent, and for that reaeon he thought it would be very difficult to get Parliament to adopt a vigorous scheme of improvement. He considered that owners of motor cars would willingly pay a tax to provide for better roads

Much interest has been shown in the display of autumn millinery and other seasonable ladies’ wear now being displayed at Miss M. Neill’s. Miss Neill placed her orders early, and her buyers have secured for her a range of goods which must appeal to the good taste of ladies and find a ready sale. Ladies who desire to study the new designs and styles and have the benefit of an unrestricted choice should call with as little delay as possible. Inspection is welcomed, and it will be deemed a pleasure to show yon round. Apart from the millinery, there is much that cannot fail to interest in the underclothing department, which is always well stocked with the choicest and daintiest underwear. By buying at Miss Neill’s you -get an article that is good in quality, fashionable in design, and low in price—at the old cornc-r and at Everybody's.*

Supplies of tea are likely to be scarce in the near future, according to statements made by leading importers in the Dominion. The manager of one firm said he had just received the" following cablegram: “Leaf tea much dearer, brokens fd dearer. Expect short supplies during April, owing to exceedingly dry weather.” Commenting on this, he said the fact of leaf tea being much dearer indicated American buying, Since September the market price of tea had increased by 3d per lb, and he anticipated a continuance of, or an advance on, the present high rates. It was stated that some fair stocks were being held at- present, but owing to the shortage of shipping from Australia, .whence Ceylon tea is transhipped, a scarcity is expected in the future. Another firm was advised that supplies are scarce owing to the Food Controller’s actions and was advised to conserve its stocks. It- is also stated that there have been heavy losses of tea owing to vessels having been sunk b v submarines.

Mr Webb, M.P., is reported to have entered Trentliam Camp this afternoon ([says a Press Association message from Wellington). Nominations to fill the extraordinary vacancy on the Borough Council caused by the death of Cr James Brown, will close on the 28th inst. An election, if necessary, will bo held on AprrJ 3. The Gisborne School picnic, which was to be held on Thursday next, has been postponed. 'J'he Committee considered that the fares charged by the Railway Department for the trip to Ormond were prohibitive, and appointed a subcommittee to arrange for a ground near at hand.. The place and date will be announced as soon as possible.

The number of Public \\ orks Department employees for January was 1600 laborers and 350 artisans. In the Poverty Bay district three artisand and 2*l employees were working on the Gisborne-Wairoa railways, and 16 artisans and eight laborers on Wairoa-Gisbornc railway and twentytwo laborers were employed on roadwork within the Gisborne district.

The cable news regarding the dismissal of Lord Jellieoo must have caused surprise in a good many circles, and even Mr. Lloyd-Gtorge’s admirers will be anxious to know the meaning of it all, but probably it will be of more immediate interest to local residents to know that during this week Messrs. C. Rosie and Co. are showing a fine lot of jerseys for boys and girls, from 4s 6d each.*

Local delegates have been advised that the trip to Lake Waikaremoana has been fixed for Wednesday next, when the delegates will leave Napier. It is expected that the local, delegates will join the party at Wairoa. but thev are not sure if they will now lie* able to make the trip. Mr H. E. Hill, will, in all probability, represent the Manga papa town Board. The local delegates are Messrs T. Holden and W. O. Long.

Remember the Presbyterian sale of work to be held on the 22 and 23 of March at Morse’s Lyric Hall, Tokomaru Bay. All contributions should reach the receiving committee (Mesdames Buchanan and Eckford and Miss Mclntyre) not later than the 20th. Tile Gisborne business people are making generous donations of goods for the -ale of work. All are invited to further the movement.

Mortgages registered in the Poverty Ba'y district for January totalled 39 and had a value of £63,365. For the ten months of this financial year there have been 432 transactions in mortgages, the value of which Ju&s been set down as £820.843. The number of mortgages discharged _in January were 2*5, the amount being £26.21 f : 'those discharged for the ten months of the financial year numbered 367 and the sum involved was £491.467.

"Take c-are of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves 5 ' is a saying which no doubt the Minister for Finance had in mind when, he imposed the Amusement Tax. 'The few pence extra which the public all over the Dominion has paid for its amusement during the ten months the tax has been in existence has resulted in the sum of £2,575 4s 8d being added to the Government revenue and which will go towards paying war expenses.

After two or three days’ hard work a track has been opened in the Ormond "dip.” the work being performed by about 14 men under the personal supervision of the County Overseer, Mr -J. J. Keane. Although only a narrow track has been provided, it is sufficient for vehicular traffic, while a motor car was successful in negotiating the "dip" yesterday morning. Speaking to a Times reDresentative last evening. Mr Keane said he was of the opinion that the only way to prevent a recurrence of the trouble was the raising of the road through the "dip ”

The extent to which tli e inner harbor lias improved through t he scouring it received a T . last flood was apparent yesterday- afternoon when tne Ripple berthed at No 4 shed two hours after high tide. The Richardson steamer” had a' eondsnment of chaff from Pic-ton and came into the river drawing 10 feet. It was quite a cheering sight to see her sail past her usual berth at Kaiti. past -No 3 shed, her old berth, to the berth higher up the river which Me reached apparently, without anv irouble-. Inquiries subsequently made bv a lime representative revealed that tie last tune the Ripple berthed at -No 4 shed was - nearly two wears ago on March 2,. 1916. It is quite lihelv though that she could h a ve X * aT berth at a subsequent

At the request of the Women cachers Association Mr Rodvhouse. physical instructor, addressed the women teachers on ' the subieet of school games. The meeting was be d on Saturday at the Gisborne bc.hool and was very well attended. Ine greater part of the time was taken up l>v a practical demonstration of the game of basket-ball as adapted for schools. The teachers took a keen interest in the game and all seemed in favour of introducing it into schools throughout the district. Mr Roydhouse also demonstrated games suitable for relaxation indoors during wet weather. Next Saturday (at ll a.in.), teachers will again have the opportunity of meeting M r Roydhouse for further discussion on this interesting subject and it is hoped that the meeting will be a§ successful as the last.

In these times, when supplies are sq very uncertain, the man who will yin out is the man who is able to buv Ijn large quantities. Stocks of goods j in New Zealand are being slowly but surely depleted, and the trader who buys in small quantities will assuredly be left. “The People’s Emporium ’ are taking no chances. When we know a line of goods is likelv to be short we buy, and bu T heavily. Tins policy we have followed out for t-lie past three years, and as a reWe carry the best assorted stock in Gisborne. In many instances we can sell goods at the old prices, but as we have to replace our present stocks, we find, on making inquiries, that the rises will be very great. Surely there should be no * necessity to emphasise the fact that to imy right you should, for your own sake, buy now, and don’t forget when you are buying that you ' will “get it cheaper” at “The People’s Emporium.*

Strong comment on the mufti allowance to returned soldiers was made by delegates at the latest meeting of the advisory board of New Zealand patriotic societies. From time to time the has been urged to increase the amount given to each man from 30s to £o, but so far nothing has resulted. It was stated that a conference on the matter ’would be held shortly between the Returned Soldiers’ Association and the milifaiv authorities. Mr V. Larner (Auckland) contended that the whole system was entirely wrong and needed reorganising. It was absolutely ridiculous that a returned 1 soldier, on his discharge, should be given two uniforms (which he must wear only on special occasions), a pair of heavy boots (which he could not wear), and thick underwear (whether the unfortunate man lived in North Auckland or the Bluff). Members agreed that some drastic change was required, and Messrs L. 0. H. Trip and V. Earner' were deputed to wait on the Minister for Defence and also attend, the conference.

Alone lie did it. “You can’t tell .me anything about rearing a family,” said the Hon. G. W. Russell to a deputation at Wellington last week. “I have brought up a family of fourteen.”

Says the Dunedin Star: People opened their eyes when the v read in th© Star the other day that pearl barley had suddenly jumped up the price to £4 per ton. but we have been shown figures which make it clear that even at £25 per ton it does not pay a miller to make pearl .barley; indeed, we know of one plant that is standing idle rather than make at a loss which would be inevitable with barley and; (flags at their present prices. -

Rumors were prevalent in Christchurch last week that enemy seaplanes had been reported flying over Nelson. Inquiries were /instituted by the Canterbury Headquarters office of the Defence Department of the group commander at Nelson, which is in the Canterbury military district, and lie reported that the only alleged witness of the seaplanes was a lady who stated that she saw two rise from the sea and disappear among the clouds. As the result of his investigations the group commander seriously discounted the story as improbable. More was heard at the last meeting of the Advisory .Board of New Zealand Patriotic Societies concerning the practice of using the civil police to collect debts owing to the Defence Department by returned soldiers. Mr J. J. Dougall (Christchurch) stated that the matter had been placed before the Minister for Defence, whose reply wa s unsatisfactory. He moved as follows: “That the Advisory Board is of opinion that, under no circumstances, should the civil police force be used to collect moneys owing to the Defence Department by returned soldiers, and respects the Defence Minister to stop the practice.” This was agreed to.

.Mr Massey made a great " hit at a recent Wellington meeting when lie related his experience on the Western front as to Ids going ‘hip in a balloon.” He did not actually have the sensational feeling of “sailing round the moon,” but he had some pleasurable excitement without any nervousness. He noticed that the aeroplane seemed to travel an .unconscionable time on its wheels along the ground before taking flight. When he came down, General Richardson asked, “What- is your weight?” “Seventeen stone,” was the reply, “No wonder,” exclaimed the general, “the bally old ! bus would not go up easily.” There was great laughter from the audience at this little anecdote.

What is described as one of the most extraordinary animal freaks conceivable came to light at the Imlav Works recently. It is .the almost fully-developed product of a cow which had just been slaughtered, and. in its still-born state it resembles more than anything else a fullgrown bulldog. Its head is an almost exact replica of a bulldog's, its body is very round and “podgy.’ 7 and its legs are short and stumpy, measuring not more than six inches. The monstrosity lias a calf’s teeth, eyes and hair, but in no other respect does it resemble a calf. It has been acquired bv Messrs Burt and Bagiev, tw o members of the Imlhy staff. ' whose purpose it is to have their curiosity photographed in its natural state’, and then set-up and stuffed.

Reference was made at a meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board by Mr Thacker,' M.P.. to statements be bad heard that ships, with refrigerating chambers, which were taking wheat from Austria to the United Kingdom . were leaving with their refrigerating chambers empty, and lie suggested that an effort should be made to get some of the Dominion s frozen meat taken by these vessels. The chairman (Mr A. Kaye), said that while - he was in Wellington the Prime Minister had stated that there was a likelihood of more shipping being available for the Dominion)’and that, a s compared with this time last year, the Dominion was no worse off in the matter of overseas shipping. He undertook to make infinities into the matter mentioned by Dr. Thacker.

A case of interest as bearing on the issuing of conditional licenses for publicans’ booths was before Mr V . Kerr, S.M., at the Paliiatua Police Court. Somerville "Walter R. Evans, licensee of Hastie’s Hotel, Feilding. was charged with having sold liquor on the Paliiatua racecourse on the occasion of the last race meeting 31st January, without a conditional license. 'Mr Adams, who represented the defendant, admitted the facts, hut pleaded not guilty. DetectiveSergeant Andrews, of "Wellington, explained that defendant opened two booths on the course, one under the grandstand and a second one on the outside of the lawn, whereas the conditional license issued only provided for one. The Magistrate held as it was distinctly provided that tlie licensee should he in personal attendant i at the booth, there was clearly no permission, implied or otherwise to run a second booth. A fine of and costs was imposed on defendant.

Two young ladies had a. trying time one afternoon last week ulnlst attempting to negotiate the break m the Teremakau bridge (says tlie Grcv River Argus). The v were returning from a bathing expedition, and all went well until the cage was reached. After getting conuortal>ly seated the cage was started on its journey, but it did .not proceed iar until it took it into its lieau to stop, and stop it did. right in tlie middle of the stream, and. despite the strenuous efforts of the occupants, it refused to move either one way or the other. "What to do they did not know, hut between intervals of singing, crying and praying the young ladies, managed to 1)1*4 in a couple o hours ill their unenviable position. Darkness was fast coming on, and the probability of having to spend the night suspended oyer a tagiiio torrent was anything but cheerful. However, after hope was almost gone Mr E. Foley happened on the scene, and after some trouble in scaling the wire rope, managed to land the ca.-C and its occupants on shore with nothing worse than a good fright.

Writing to his sister after the fight at Passcbendaele Ridge, '-corporal Cecil Lees, of Lower Hut-t, pays a sterling tribute to Ralph Cave, who is so well-known oif the Coast. In the morning,” he says, “I could not cret my boots on (slight trench feet), so waited for the limber, which carried me down to the camp. W hen I got there one of the first I saw was Ralph Cave, who had been knocked out of the firing line with rheumatism and other complaints, and was waiting for a medical board. W ell he came running over to me carried me to a tent, covered me with blankets and then' Wished off and made me some tea and got some rations tor me He had been up all night before putting up tents and getting blankets for the men who came out, without, mind you, any orders to do so, and he did it for any one, whether they were chaps he knew or not. had heard I was knocked out, as a good many were. Then he made me stay in bed all the afternoon and brought me in tea and then breakfast next morning, before we niovec again. By goodness I did appreciate what Ralph did for me there, for J was knocked up and my nerves were on the jump. There are not many chaps who would do that for one toi all the “soldierly spirit” one reads about. I think that as soon as lie can get a hoard he will he invalided home. Ralph Cave went away with the 3rds, was invalided home, and later went off again with the 23rds.

Central Otago is experiencing a persistent drought, which is causing anxiety to pastoralists and orchard's. The intense heat day after day has dried up the country, which presents a terribly parched appearance.

1 ‘The Government is determined to retain Samoa,” said the -Hon. G. W. Russell, at Te Kuiti, “for the first victories of the war achieved for the Empire by New Zealand soldiers. If w e let Samoa go, we shall have to maintain a standing army and a strong fleet, with tremendous expense in building docks. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward, when they go Home to attend the sittings of the Imperial War Cabinet, will urge the retention of Samoa.”

A curious error occurs in the latest (1918) issue of that popular work of reference “Who’s Who?” Under the heading “Steel Maitland, Sir Arthur Herbert Drummond Ramsey,” it is stated that this gentleman, the first baronet of that name, is “Governor of New Zealand since 1917.” His two addresses are given respectively as “Sauchieburn, Stirling, N. 8., and Government House, Wellington,'New Zealand.”

Even in the midst of the war and finding the necessary wherewithal to carry it on. the N.Z. Government finds time and money to act as State money-lender to settlers and workers. Under the heading of State Advances to Settlers, the Government has, during the nine months of the financial year 1917-18, advanced! the sum of £284,816. More money however, had been paid in than paid out, for in the same period the Department received the sum of £383,639. The State Advances to Workers’ branch of the Department has also been busy, for in the nine months of ' tho l'/resent financial year the s ll m of £102.149 has been advanced and £103,504 lias been repaid.

Another of the few remaining New Zealanders who took part in the fight at Eureka Stockade has just died——Mr. James Wilburd, a resident of Botliurst for over half a century. . He nad attained the great age of 87. He arrived in Australia when 19 years of age. and was amongst the men who took part in the riots at Ballarat in December, 1854, which culminated in tlie attack on the Eureka Stockade, where a number of men were killed. Mr. Wilburd was woundeq in the melee, and always retained the old Winchester rifle he used on that, occasion. An old gentleman still lives at Arch Hill who arrived at the stockade the morning after th© fight, and saw the bodies of the miners laid out prior to burial.

Dame Fortune is a .freakish wench; she woos or jilts with callous partiality. Just before one of the recent big pushes, a Canadian Tommy received the news that the only relative he had in the world had died and left Inm £50.000, says London Opinion. He joyously passed the news along to his chum, an Englishman, who was waiting by his side to go over the top. Then the thought struck him what was to become of the money if his luck changed and he “stopped one?” So there, in the muddy trench, he scribbled his will at the back of his Pay Book, with a stubby piece, of indelible, pencil, making his pal his sole heir. Sure enough the good fellow’s luck turned. In the early hours of the day’s fighting he went West, leaving his friend the richer by a fortune.

Tho Lyttelton Times has published the following:—“What appeared to be an aeroplane with light was" seen by several people in the Citv the other evening between 7 o'clock and 7.15. It seemed to he travelling in a south-westerly direction, at a rate estimated at about 20 miles an hour, and at a considerable height. To some, at first sight, it looked like a planet. but its fairly rapid movement dispelled that idea. Others surmised that it was a fire balloon, but to other observers it looked like an aircraft under control. It seemed to pass along the edge of a dark bank of cloud in the southern sky, and was finally lost to sight. A telephone inquiry elicited from the Aviation School at Sockbnrn the information that it was not one the machines from the school; it was also stated that none of the machines are used at night-time for flights.