LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Grey River Argus, 5 December 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Nominations for the Summer Meeting of the Greymouth Trotting Club close to-morrow at 9 p.m. Proceedings pre being taken by the 1 Government against the “Maoriland Worker” for alleged blasphemous libel contained in a poem, written over the name of “Sassoon.” The Canterbury Frozen Meat Company last year made a net profit of £37,939. The dividends for tho year equal six per cent, on ordinary, and 10 per cent, on preference shares, with bonus of four per cent, on ordinary shares, and £5525 is carried forward. Large numbers of miners were to be seen about town on Saturday evening. | The programme of music provided by the Runanga Municipal Band drew a large crowd, who apparently arc not discouraged by what promises to be a long struggle. It was noticed that the ' principal topic of conversation among I the groups of men was the probabiliI ties of the extension of the strike to other industries. As for tho lands now being offered to tho Government Land Purchase Board, its report states that large areas are being submitted ,but it cannot bo said that there is any mark-

ed reduction in tho prices asked. Dairying lands are still very firmly held, but few properties are changing hands and it- is therefore somewhat difficult to arrive at present-day values. Yesterday’s sunshine was henrtily welcomed in town, and was taken full advantage of by many local residents. Several picnic parties left in the morning for the Seven Mile and Ten Mile beaches. They report a pleasant day and declare that the pleasure resorts mentioned were never looking better than at the present time. If the present weather holds good for a few weeks the pilgrimages to these places j will, we think, be very numerous during the Christmas season. I The Police Force was last week increased by 49 men, who went from the training depot to the four chief cities, after being sworn in. There :rc now in Greymouth no fewer than 13 or 14 members of the Police Force permanently stationed. It is fortunate for them, however, that this is one of the most law-abiding communities in the Dominion, making the policeman’s life more congenial here than in a city, though, not, of course, so much so as in the smaller towns and country districts, which are the plums.

Teachers in the various schools arc mdil’icd that entries for the sports on I’ublic Schools Day (Sutunlay next 19th inst) close on Wednesday evening al the Greymouth District High The Jlosptial authorities desire to thank the Automobile, Association for Ihe treat given to the patients and staff recently, which was greatly appreciated by all. oMtor trucks in America last year hauled 1,200,000 tons of freight, or nearly half the amount carried by railways, which totalled 2,504,000,060 tons. A freak foal, from a draught mare, was bom on Air J. O ’Shannessy’s farm on Sunday (says the “Winton Re cord”). Jt was alive and fully dcvel oped, yet minus one fore leg. It was destroyed. Now is your opportunity to secure a Rubber-Tyred Tricycle, Dolls’ Prams Teddy Bears, Dolls etc. So do not delay, but pay a small deposit anc have the above articles put aside til || Christmas, as only a limited supply j arc obtainable. A.E. Kilgour’s Fancj Depot, Mawhcra Quay. The Head quarters for Santa Claus.—Advt Evidently the Next War Department ! is busy in England /just now. The cor • respondent of a London paper write? 1 from one of the provincial towns: “The 1 sinister figure of the recruiting ser ' geant hovers hawk like around cverj 1 crowd of workless victims; and it is ! now almost a daily sight to see bands • of 20 or more dejected-looking uncm • ployed following the man with the gaily-coloured ribbons in his hat.” A function that should attract both old and young is the Christmas Tree entertainment on Wednesday afternoon at the grounds of the Convent. The tree itself is to be a magnificent one, loaded with the good things dear to young hearts. There will be also attractions for grown-ups, while afternoon tea and soft drinks will be provided, and numerous games for the small folk will be organised. The day’s amusement will be rounded off with a. children’s grand fancy dress ball in the evening at Columba Hall, for which, it is understood, some brilliant costumes are in preparation. The Exclusive Blouse Company of Christchurch have opened up a beautiful display of blouses, all wool and pleated frocks of all shades, and silk hose at greatly reduced prices at the shop next the Golden Eagle Hotel. The display will be for four days only, only and those wishing these marveleous bargains should secure them at once.—Advt. At last meeting of the Wellington section of the New Zealand Public Service Association it was resolved that the section sternuously oppose any attebmpt to reduce salaries in the Tublie Service except in accordance with the agreement made between the Government’s agents and the association, i.c., until tho cost of living falls To 52 per cent, above pre-war level, and then only in proportion such, decrease. It was also decided to press for the publication, in the interests ol the public as well as the Public Service ,of the Economy Commission’s report on tho service. In consequence of the strike at the Rcwanui and Blackball mines tho train services on the Rcwanui and Blackball Branches will bo curtailed. Commencing on Monday the only trains that will run on the Rcwanui Branch will be the 6.35 a..m. Greymouth to Rewanui and the 7.27 a.m/, Rewanui to Greymouth. The 4.30 p.m. Greymouth to Dunollio and 5.5 p.m. Dunollie to Greymouth. On and after Tuesday 6th December tho 6 a.m. train Greymouth to Ngahere will not run. There will be no connection to Blackball by the 6.50 a.m. train, passengers for Blackball will require to travel by the 9.45 a.m. train from Greymouth. The train leaving Blackball for Greymouth at noon will not run.—Advt Apropos of Charlie Chaplin’s visit to England ,a British (religious) paper says: “The British public is determined to avoid tho mistake of taking either itself or the condition of the world generally too seriously, and so is falling into the opposite mistake of a calous indiffcernce to sufferings the bare recital of which might well have made another generation mad. We are on the brink of war with Ireland. Millions whom we could save are starving in Russia. Commerce and industry exhibit symptoms of what may prove an almost complete breakdown. India is seething with revolt. Any one of these events would have stirred the nation to its depths in a previous age. To-da ythe excitement caused by a film hero is enough to make us forgot all.” Not long ago it was no easy matter for county councils to find suitable men who were willing to accept employment as surfacemen. That things have changed since then was shown to the Waikouaiti County Council last week, when it received 24 applications for a surfaceman’s position. The wages offered were 13/- a day, and tho successful applicant had to keep a horse owing to the nature of his work. All prices go back to usual after Saturday, December 3. This final opportunity of new season’s goods and Xmas presents at end of the season low prices will end at 9 p.m. If yon want your money to go further yea certainly must visit this great sale. Special Bargain concessions for the last three days. McGruer and Co., Greymouth, Reefton, and Hokitika. Advt.

Wear a new “H.B. ” Hat for Christmas, but think about choosing it now. There arc some stunning styles, sweet colours, and new shapes in flat, cut edge and curled brims, every one as good as gold. “H.B” Hats are the height of fashion, and there is this, any “H.B” Hat whether felt or straw or tweed. If its “H.B’ its good. Rev Father Fog: rty, of Ahaura, re cently sent home £44 to Dr. Fogarty. Bishop, of Kilialoe, for the Belfast Re lief Fund. The money was collecteu in the Parish of Ahaura, principally ai Nelson .Creek, Totara Flat, Blackball. Ngahere, and Ahaura. An interesting phenomenuTi was' seen in Clyde Street, Balclutna, about mid-day recently when a sudden violent whirlwind developed. Commencing at the County Chambers corner, it gathered in force as it progressed, loose material of all descriptions being caught up in the volume of dust and whirled almost perpenuiculafly to | the height of the buildings, compelling ! shopkeepers to rush and close their I doors to preevnt the sudden intrusion |of the debris. Saturday at 9 p.m. is tho end of McGruer and Co’s Great Summer Sale. This big bargain occasion has great money saving opportunities for the thrifty. Big savings on a 1! household and wearing apparel if you act quickly —McGruer’s, Greymouth, Reefton and Hokitika. —Advt