LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 7 January 1928, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Advice from Taumarunui states that over 200 passengers made the Wanganui River steamer trip to Wanganui during December. The numbers of tourists exceeded those for December, 1926.

A peculiar incident happened in the motor garage at the Settlers’ Hotel the other day (says the "Northern Advocate"). An Auckland motorist had parked his car there, but the carburettor happened to be in a leaky condition. The rays of the sun ignited the bc-nzine and set fire to the engine, but as the outbreak was caught in its early stages, little damage was clone, though the tourist’s proposed northern trip was delayed for a, day to enable repairs to be effected.

'How great a factor is the motor-car in modern travel was again illustrated the other day (says the ‘'‘Napier "Telegraph"). At the Onga Onga sports over 200 ears crowded the enclosure, several buses being included, and on the journey home a Napier party who attended the sports met 88 cars going south on the homeward journey from the Hastings races. A Hawke’s Bay gentleman who has just returned from a visit to Taranaki, reports that' dairy returns there are showing a falling off (says the Napier "Telegraph). Opportunity is taken by the farmers to blame, the Sidey time for this, he states. ‘‘Evidently," he said, ‘-‘it is another instance of the old propensity to blame the Government 'when things go wrong. Those who are complaining never 'think of accounting the decrease to the dry season." The returns of business from the Stratford Magistrate's Court show a decrease of 121 in. criminal cases and in fees collected (civil and criminal), and 67 fewer arrests for the year as compared with the previous twelve months. A decrease all round, too, is shown tor the quarter in comparison with the same period of 1926. The total amounts recovered for the quarter were £683, and lor the year £3976, as compared with £1199 and £3860 respectively. While negotiating a sharp bend known as the “Turntable,” near Karioi, yesterday, a car driven by Mr. F. Mowat went over a cliff 80 _ feet high, turning over several times in its descent. Mowat was thrown from the car just before it landed, and escaped with slight injuries. Two passengers in the car jumped out before it began to fall, and were unhurt. The corner, which is a notoriously bad one, is situated on the road to the Pungataua Estate, of which Mr. Mowat is manager. It is stated that a large car must always take two turns to round the corner.—‘‘Chronicle.”

The mail officials cannot speak too strongly against the practice of posting loose coin s in letters (says the “iSouthland News”). “A great deal of trouble is caused,” said the supervisor of the department, “and the stamping machine might quite easily be damaged. All such letters have to be stamped by hand and unless they have been detect, ed and removed, they will not pass through the machine and consequently cause a stoppage. There is also a big chance of the envelope being torn. You would hardly believe the number of letters containing coins that pass through our hands,” the official continued, “and considering the bother we are put to, I do not consider the double registration charge which we are empowered to impose is excessive. ’ ’

Three large sharks created a sensation amongst bathers on the Petone beach recently, which goes to prove that no part of New Zealand waters is now immune from these sea monstei's. It is not a great while since bathers might be seen swimming about Wellington without fear, but apparently no longer can such liberties be taken. The recent attack of a girl in Auckland harbour bv an octopus is said to be the first of its kind that has taken place there, but it may not be the last and bathers should take warning and not venture too far away From the shore. This applies equally well to Taranaki. .

The number of names on the* list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act in 2004, and the denominations i which thev belong arc: Church of England 448; Presbyterian, 403; Roman Catholic, 302; Methodist, 271; Salvation Armv, 157; Baptist’s, 6S; Congregational, 32; Lutheran, 2; Evangelical Lutheran, Concordia Conference, 4; lie. brew, 5; Church of Christ, 30; Catholic Apostolic, 4; Liberal Catholic, 8; Unitarians. 5; United Evangelical, 4; Seventh Day Adventists, 10; Brethren, 7: Latter-day Sain'ts, 10; Church-, 0; Ringatu Church, 45; Church of the Seven Rules of Jehovah, 11; Ra. tnna Church, 113; Others, 10. The Ringatu Church, the Church of the Seven Rules of Jehovah, and the Ttataha Church arc Maori denominations. Buyers of “Britway” and other washing dress materials, also towels, damasks, napery, etc., should not miss the special New Year bargains offering at the Melbourne Ltd. Melbourne ordinary values arc good—Melbourne special values arc irresistible. —Advt.

Boots and shoes-worn in a year by the women of Great Britain are valued at a grand total of £25,000,000*

Seventeen fatal accidents were reported from various parts of the Domin. ion during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Promise of extra work was given to a deputation of Christchurch unemployed bv the deputy-Mayor (Mr. D. Or. Sullivan, M.P.) yesterday. The Christchurch City Council will pat in hand work on Worcester Street, Cashel Street, and Fitzgerald' Avenue, and it will also make room for men on its casual staff. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Morks have been communicated with, _ and, have promised- to look.into the .situation immediately. The British and Foreign Bible Society announces that by the addition of seven new versions since March, last- it has now printed portions of the Scriptures in 600 different languages. At the beginning of the century the number was 363, so that 237 fresh versions have seen the light during less than 28 years. Recently in one' calendar vear 14 new versions were , issued, and at the present, time several are in type and will shortly be added to the grand total.

The Wanganui city gasworks were menaced by fire which broke out late yesterday afternoon. A spark from a railway engine ignited the dry grass in the reserve in which the works stand and the flames spread to some tar, which burned fiercely, sending up a fume volume of dense black smoke. The Citv and Castlecliff fire brigades were called out and managed to keep the flames from reaching the big gas holder, the damage to property being negligible. One fireman had a foot badly burned by boiling tar.

A meeting of the North Egmont Committee was held on Thursday afteinoon. Mr. R. Haldane, custodian, wrote resigning his position, the resignation was accepted with regret, and a motion carried placing on record appreciation of the conscientious scrv ice he had rendered during the past eight years. It was decided to call for applications for the position, and a subcommittee was appointed to draw, up

conditions, etc. —' The following telegram was despatched yesterday bv Mr. E. J. Howard, M.P. for Christchurch South, to the Minister of Labour: “At a meeting of the trades union secretaries held, this morning strong indignation was expressed at the disrating of the officer who has been in charge of the Labour Department here. They urge an inquiry as they consider he lias been treated badly. 'Would you grant a departmental inquiry?'” Mr. Howard explained that as a result of readjustment of positions in the Labour Department the officer who had 1 been in charge of the Christchurch office. is being given a less important position, and "another officer has- been appointed to take charge of the office.—Press As>sociation.

■“‘■Herald. 5 ’

“in proportion to its size and its cow population, I have no lies i tat ion in describing .New Zealand as tlie mostprogressive and up-to-date dairying country in the world,” said Mr. E. G. Miner, an American manulacturer 01 dairy machinery. Mr Miner is verj optimistic with regard to the prospects ot Dominion trade in the United .states. “New Zealand dairy produce.” he said, “has a high reputation tor quality, and sales are growing steadily, iou are up against tremendous opposition, but theocontrast in the seasons is a great help, and I am confident that the demand will increase.” The enterprise or the Manway Department in appointing a representative to travel on the great liners plying between America and the Dominion has been greatly appreciated by visitors to our shores, says the “Auckland Star.” There was a chorus of praise from passengers on the Niagara in regard to the foresight of the Government in providing traiel information. The special representative, Mr. W. \Y. (Jammings, had a j busy time in making out travel itineraries and giving advice about the scenic attractions to be visited. “He has saved my wife and family a whole heap of trouble,” said an American visitor, “and I can assure you that the innovation is much appreciated.” At the meeting of the North, Egmont Committee on Thursday afternoon a discussion ensued witli reference to the danger in dry periods such as being experienced at present in lighting fires near forests, it was stated that recently a farmer near the Kaitakes set fire to some fern with the result that' the forest reserve and a plantation or the Taranaki Eorests, Ltd., was in g'rave danger for some time. But for the strenuous efforts of employees of the forestry company in beating out the fire hundreds of acres of valuable bush might have been destroyed as well as young plantations. Members of the Park Committee carried a resolution expressing appreciation of the splendid services rendered by the forestry company’s employees in checking the fire and so saving the bush in the National Park. The -valuable work done by the South Taranaki Automobile Association, in erecting direction and warning signposts throughout the wide area under its jurisdiction has been freely acknowledged by local and visiting motorists alike. Recently -two men with a motor lorry wore engaged for four days in erecting between 80 and 90 additional signs. When so much trouble has been taken and expense incurred for the public -benefit it is very difficult to comprehend 1 it he mentality of the persons who a few nights ago removed the sign-pos-t indicating a sharp bend at the top of the Tongahoe hill, on the Patea side, and deposited it in a ditch at Mo-' koi-a -a mile away from its site. It is quite apparent that -the act was not a child’s bit of mischief, as the post was torn from the ground and removed complete. The good services of the county engineer have been invoked to see the warning sign restored to its position, but it is a pity that the offenders- cannot be adequately, deal with by the Magistrate. “The Railway Department has arranged an -excursion train from Wanganui and intermediate stations to Opunako for Sunday, 15th inst. A special concession in fares has been made, and a large number of residents of South Taranaki will no doubt avail themselves of the opportunity of visiting this popular seaside -resort. Particulars are advertised in this issue. BUCKRELL’S AND CHRISTMAS We have opened an attractive assortment of Ladies’ Handkerchiefs, suitable for presents, from 2/11 to 12/6 a box; also Gloves, Scarves, Handbags; best makes in Hosiery ‘‘Gold Star.’’ Kayser, Bonds true shape HENDERSON HATS; Frocks, Costumes, Coats. —Buckrell’s, Hawera, “The Quality House.’’ —Advt From the extensive stock, of McGruer, Bone and Co., Ltd., you can quite easily choose a suitable Rift for every member of the family. As Christmas approaches nearer and rearer, the chance of getting first' pick of our stock further and further away. Buy NOW. Our fancy department is full of inexpensive Xmas novelties, while in our men’s and boys’ section wc have a most wonderful array of useful gifts. If you are thinking of giving something in napery, then be sure and see McGruer, Bone and Co.’s selection. —Advt.

Matters in eopneetion with the celebration of the jubilee of Stratford are progressing well, and reports submitted to a meeting of the main executive yesterday show the progress that is being made. One of the main attractions will be the queen carnival, and large numbers of visitors are' expected from many parts of the Dominion. The dry speel still continues and gardens where hose watering is impossible are very badly in need of a shower writes the Waverley oorresoondent of the “Patea Press” People depending on tanks for their houshold supply of water are beginning to ieel anxious.

A rather peculiar accident befel a local resident recently, _ says the ‘‘Patea Press.” Whilst in his fowl run a rooster attacked him _ and inflicted a nasty wound on his elbow with one of its spurs. As a result the sufferer is now an inmate of the local hospital, where he was compelled to unuergo treatment under an anaesthetic for the injury. He is now progressing favourably towards recovery. A Knponga member of the Eltham Eel Club (Mr D. J. Coleman) yesterday called upon the official clerk of scales with an 181 b eet’, thereby setting the main for the new organisation. It was caught on a set line in a very email creek near the Powan Road, .and' its dimensions were: Length, 4ft. 3in.; girth. 13in. The fish was in splendid condition, and appeared to be quite young, having evidenty fattened: quack- ; v where food was •plentiful.

Several motor parties from Wellington who passed through New Plymouth at Christmas time did not form a very good opinion of the local camping site for motorists', says the “Herald”. Writing to a friend in New Plymouth one ‘of the parties said;“New Plymouth will have to get a camping giound for motorists. Five cars from Wellington spent half an hour finding the place and half a minute in losing it, when found. It is the worst site between Wellington and Auckland. We all went on to Waitara and spent our money there instead of New Plymouth. The latter place will be cut out and the people will go on to Waitara, which is excellent. So make a camping ground worthy of the name.” The improved road facilities and the bridging of the Mokau River has resulted in a considerable saving to the Post and Telegraph Department says the “Herald.” I'or the period ended December 31, 1919, the subsidy paid for the carriage of mails between Awakino and New Plymouth was £I2OO, whereas to-day it is under £ooo. Another advantage is the great saving of time. In 1919 the mails left Awakino at about 8 a.m. and on arrival at Waitara were transferred to the train which connected with the express at Lepperton, finally reaching New Plymouth about 8 o’clock. Today the mails leave Awakino at noon and arrive at New Plymouth at 2.30.