LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 September 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It is reported that a limited supply of Java sugar will be available in Christchurch shortly, but it is not likely to lie offered for sale in the shops. Owing to the cold winds and an occasional frost, the grass along the coast between Wanganui and Patea is not growing well.

The resignations of Drs.' L. R. De Castro and W. T. Robertson (house surgeons), Miss E. Mount (dental attendant), Miss E. M. Sim (masseuse), and Nurse E. M. Kerr were received bv the Wellington Hospital Board on Friday.

When speaking at ah orchestral concert at Shannon the other evening, the Mayor of that town, Mr W-. Murdoch, predicted that the/ time was not far distant when Shannon and Foxton would be linked .up with an electrical railway. “You have got to keep sweet with n , le -. You won’t do. it if you shout like that.” SR Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M , adviser! a witness at the Auckland Magistrate’s Court .when the latter, in j G i^ ea * °£ cross-examination, address€d his - Worship rather disrespectfully. A lady arrived at Hastings from England/' was amazed when she purchased a roast of beef and was asked V i, onl -7 6ci-' “Why,” she said, if 1 bought that in England I would ha/yfe to pay 7s 6d for it at least.” And still we grumble.

The Glaxo factory at Bunnythorpe has again commenced drying milk, and nad a very successful run with the machines, after remaining idle for three years. Everything points to a most successful season.

The Rangitikei Dairy Company (Bulls) is paying out Is 7d per lb for butter-fat for August. Cows are coming in early, and it is anticipated that this month’s payment will be a record for September.

Most of the newspapers missed Dean Inge’s delightful speech to the members of the American Bar Association (remarks T.P.’s and Cassell’s Weekly). Said the Dean: “George Washington was not founder of the American people, but only of the American nation. That distinguished statesman, who never told a lie, once declared that when a young man- he threw a dollar across the estuary of the Potomac , I have seen that river, and I must ask' you to remember that money went much farther in those days.” The umbrella trade in Dunedin is suffering even more than the boot trade as a result of the exceptionally long run of fine weather. “Our business is practically at a standstill. We have to spread the butter* very thin. People are not only doing without now umbrellas ; they are forgetting to call for the ones they bring for repair.” That is the position as stated by a leading man in the trade.

A huge specimen of the octopus family was found on the back beach at Bluff the other day. The body of the creature measured 7ft. in length and 4ft. in girth; the largest of the tentacles were about 6in. in diameter, and the spread 18ft. Oystermen state that a much greater number of oetopi has been taken in the oyster trawls this year than usual, but nothing approaching this size has been handled. There are 480 solicitors in the Auckland district (writes “John Doe” in the Taranaki Herald). There are 380 solicitors in the whole of the South Island. There are more solicitors in Wellington and Taraanki districts than in the South Island. There are as many solicitors in the Hamilton district as in Otago. There are more solicitors in Taranaki than in Hawke’s Bay or Wanganui. Taranaki ha s more solicitors than Marlborough, Nelson, Southland and Westland together. There is, I believe, a general shortage of really skilled artificers in various trades. Ido not know if there,is any moral attaching to this.

Sir Charles Higham, M.P. (England), sass: “I believe, in spite of the progress that will be made in the cinema and by wireless, that the modern* newspa.per and periodical will remain as it is—the quickest, the cheapest and most effective means of reaching the greatest number of people in the shortest space of time. No other method of advertising is as valuable as the modern newspaper or periodical. The death of Sir John Salmond has created an interesting position in connection with the slaughtering claim of Thompson Bros, against Nelsons, Ltd., and the Hastings Borough Council. About ten weeks ago the claim was heard in Wellington Supreme Court before. the late Sir John Salmond. but owing to his indisposition the late judge had not delivered his reserved judgment on the action. It is possible that the judgment may have been written before his death, hut in the event of that not being the case a new hearing may he necessarv.

When addressing the suppliers of the Rnngotea Co-op. Dairy Company at the annual meeting, the chairman said: “From information received the prospects for the next three or four months are very good. We. will be up against keen overseas competition though, and butter production all over the world lias increased. Some time ago our English agent said that Serbia would not come back on the market in the next twenty years, hut that country is competing already. We mustjpu't our house in.r order and consolidate, our position.”

TENNTS OR BOWLING OUTFITS. We have opened up a big rang* of tennis and bowling outfits, white or grey trousers, tennis shoes, bowling or tennis blazers, elastic or rubber belts 1/6, fancy or white sox, silk shirts, canoe shirts, bowlers’ hats, ties and shoes. Gall at H.B. for your outfits.— New Zealand Clothing Factory, Hawera.—Advt.

Patrons of tlie movies will be pleased to note the disappearance from the adyertisements after to-day of the tag “plus tax.” The provisions of the Ajnusement Tax Amendment Act come into force to-morrow, and no tax will hie payable upon admission charges up to; and including two shillings. A Clydeside M.P. has been invited to speak at Cambridge on “Has Scotland ; made England what it is? When it comes to fixing the blame we wouldn’t go quite so far as that.--Punch.

With reference to the judgment obtained by the Commissioner of Taxes against Mr. Joseph Mathis last Thursday, we are asked to state that this matter was in process of settlement and was actually settled by arrangement, confirmed by the Commissioner psr telegram, on the day when judgment was formally entered. 'The old adage: “There’s many a slip tV/ixt cup and the lip.” was exemplified at Palmerston North when a lady jockey player’s stick flew into two 'pieces when she was in the act of shooting an easy goal. Undaunted in her misfortune (relates the Times), the amazon strove strenuously to scrape the ball into the net with the broken handle and helplessly hanging string, hut an opponent arrived and robbed her of the ball.

A Napier farmer who received a yam seed from Jamaica last year was successful in growing over 4cwt of the vegetable from one seed (says an exchange). The successful grower, Mr M. McMahon, of Puha, said that the yam, which is a variety of pumpkin, can be used equally well as a vegetable or for making jam. The pumpkins had kept well throughout the winter. Owing to their extremely rapid growth, they have to he planted 30ft apart. The practice of motor-cars speeding back from the races was commented upon at the meeting of the Mount Roskill Road Board. One member remarked that there was no check upon them as they passed through the district, and in one hour on Saturday last no fewer than 127 cats raced past, most of them at an excessive speed.

Dunedin owners of tip-drays and draught horses are having a busy time. The general work of the district is heavier than usual., and it is made pressing by the exhibition requirements and excavation on the sites of the Medical School and Dental School. It is estimated that the digging out on the Dental School site will amount to about 3000 yards of material. Excavating on the site of the Medical School means the lifting and shifting of about 12,000 yards. “VYith all du© respect to your Prime Minister,” said Kotarian Bransby Williams, at the Napier Rotary Glud luncheon,” reports the Telegraph, "l, as a visitor to New Zealand, must , say that this splendid little country or yours is not advertised enough overseas. The people of Great Britain do not know much about you, the Canadians know a little, but the Americans do not know who, why, or wnat you are.” The speaker aaaed that most people had a hazy idea that lNew Zealand was the tail end of Australia. Personally, he was proud to have seen what he had of this country, and there, should be some schelie to attract more tourists. We should let the outside world see what we are doing. When he went hack to England he would certainly talk New Zealand. (Hear, hear). Women’s rapidly increasing influence in American political circles, as described by Mrs John Adams, wife of Professor Adams, at the weekly Rotary Club gathering, seems to •be causing some apprehension among the men (reports the New Zealand Herald)! The women have turned their attention to an anti-narcotic campaign, and at the present moment, said Mrs Adams, ardent smokers in certain parts of the .States are considerably worried on account of the uncomfortably keen invest the fair sex is taking in the matter of more stringent' anti-smoking laws. In some parts of America smokhad practically ceased, because the women did no.t want it. For a fleeting second, the blue smoke-clouds of Rotarian pipes and cigars seemed to waver apprehensively, then a hearty laugh went round the room, while the lecturer smiled an understanding little smile. °

A Hawera resident who has recently returned from a visit to Dunedin i's enthusiastic regarding the prospects for the South Seas Exhibition, which will open in the southern city in about November, 1925. The site of the exhibition is the Lake Logan area, within a mile of the city, 65 acres having recently been reclaimed and made available for the immense project. The framework of six huge buildings, each twice the size of all the halls of the Hawera Winter Show put together, has already been erected, and the three miles of railway, the big cranes and other massive pieces of machinery, give the grounds the appearance of a veritable hive of industry. A great sports arena, an amusement park of 10 acres and numerous lawns and flower gardens are also being provided for, while later on both the mam railway and the tramway will be diverted to bring passengers right on to the grounds. Summed up in a few words, the exhibition will be a miniature Wembley. “In 1919,” says the General Manager of Railways in his annual report, “a trial run was made between_ Wellington and Auckland with a view to establishing a ‘limited’ express service. The necessity for adopting the policy of rigid economy, combined with the acnte shortage of and difficulty in maintaining adequate coal supplies, however, compelled a reduction of train services, and prevented effect being given to the intention in regard to a ‘limited’ express. The matter is again engaging attention, and an endeavour is being made, if a convenient schedule can be arranged, to time the service so that it will oass through the Main Trunk middle district in daylight, thus giving passengers an opportunity to see the scenic beauties which abound along that portion of the M%in Trunk line. It is also proposed' to design suitable observation cars to form part of the equipment of this train and of certain other suitable trains on the various tourist routes where opportunity is afforded on the rail journey of viewing the scenic beauties’of the narts of the Dominion in which those lines are located.” Buyers of cotton crepe will be pleased to know that the Melbourne Ltd. has made a highly advantageous purchase from a wholesale house at a price equal to 12/6 in the £ on the original cost. The lot, comprising white and thirteen lovely shades, will be advertised and offered to customers in a day or two. The quality is firstclass. —Advt. -

For underclothing, germ-laden handkerchiefs. etc.. “No-Rut;,ung” Laundry Help has'no equal. Hardiev and Sons. MAKES EYES SPARKLE.

Stevens’ Health Salts is beauty’s friend. Keeps the blood pure, and rich, and tones up the complexion. An occasional glass of “Stevens” gives you fresh zest and energy for the day’s work; 64 pep-producing doses in a bottle. All chemists and stores stock Stevens’ Health Salt, 2/6 a bottle.—l

New regulations for the management of State maternity hospitals are published in, this week’s Gazette. In addition, there are regulations relating to the practice of midwives and to asepsis. Most stringent provisions are made with the view of preventing blood poisoning or puerperal fever. Detailed instructions with this object are given for the guidance of nurses.

The suggestion by Cr. Bridger at the Eltham Borough Council meeting on Friday evening last, that the law should be amended to provide power for borough councils to create an inner area and to collect therefrom sufficient revenue for the salary of a nightwatchman, instead of the old method of voluntary contributions, is reported to be meeting with very favourable support from the business people. The Cherniavsky trio, who are to give a conceit at the Opera. House this evening, drew a packed and enthusiastic audience at the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, last evening, and reports of their performance indicate that they have lost none of their charm and personality in their playing. The trio have gained a world-wide fame and their popularity everywhere is great. It is expected that there will he a very large audience at the Opera. House this evening, and intending patrons will he wise to book their seats. It is hard to believe that there are people in Havvera who display such contemptible meanness as that demonstrated by the thieving of the flowers which are laid on the Peace Memorial week by week by the members of the Women’s National Reserve. Yet such appears to he the case, for the secretary (Mrs. L. A. Taylor) states that the flowers, which are laid in a sheltered place between the inside pillars of the arch, repeatedly disappear. It is to be hoped that the persons responsible will display a more encouraging attitude towards the good work being done by the Reserve.

“There is not a shadow of a doubt that a League football team'will be sent away to England,” said Dr. Thacker at the annual dinner of the Christchurch Marist Brothers’ Did Boys’ Association (reports the Lyttelton Times). He added that he hoped that this team would not be called All Blacks. The words . All Blacks had been done to death. They were New Zealanders, and proud of it. People in England associated the All Blacks with the Maoris. He hoped that the League team would be called New Zealanders.

It is stated in the Auckland papers that afternoon organ recitals for school children are being given, at which they are accompanied by teachers. Mr. Maughan Barnett apparently arranges suitable programmes for the younger folk, and at the last gave them a. talk about “London Street Cries,” which is mentioned as being very interesting. There was a violin solo and a couple of songs in the programme. This seems a good effort to build up a decent appreciation of good music, and one "which would fulfil a useful purpose in giving the young something better than the jazz noise which passes for music in these days. The death of Mr Neville Mackelyne, the famous illusionist, recalls his exposure of the Davenport brothers, two Americans, who did what is now known as the cabinet trick, and claimed that it was due to. supernatural agency. That was nearly 50 years ago. Mr Maskelyne, by reproducing all the Davenport tricks, laid the foundations of his highly successful career as conjuror and illusionist. He claimed to have been the originator of those dramatic illusions that are to be found on the programme of every dealer in magic. Perhaps his most wonderful production was the automaton “Psycho,” on constructing which he spent four years. This figure smoked cigarettes, made calculations, plaved whist, and did other things. It took a hand in whist with some of the best players of the day, and once two pla3 T ers revoked purposely to see .if “Psycho” would find " them out. “Psvcho” did notice it, and signalled to Mr Maskelyne, and the game was stopped. The secret of the figure has never been discovered, though a prize of £2OOO awaits the person who can find it out. The deceased illusionist retii’ed from the stage a few years ago at.the age of 72.