Local and General.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 83, 22 March 1919, Page 4

Local and General.

A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Napier at 3.40 yesterday afternoon.

The Shaw, Savill and Albion liner Pakeha was to leave London in ballast last week for New Zealand.

The next English and Continental mail is expected to arrive at Wellington on March 24th by the Moana. The Shaw, Savil and Albion liner Zealandic left Wellington on Thursl ly, cargo-laden for London via Colombo and Bombay.

In the Alasierton Supreme Court v sterday, two natives named Ercm I\ n-ouruiiii and Roera Hendre Roera were sentenced to six months’ hard labour for stealing a will from a legal office.

The sale of harvest produce in connection with the local Methodist Church will be held in the Schoolroom, Hastings street, on Alonday i veiling next. The bowlers of New Zealand are I eing appealed to to raise £l(J.0(i() t r the Trentham Scholarship Fund I i direct donations and special tourn iments. All clubs are being communicated with. The Referendum to lie taken on Ihursday. April 10. on the liquor * ucstion is the topic of the hour. On pig*- two of this issue appears an interesdiiig announcement regarding his question. The Government has by regulation ] •nnitted tho holders of a trout fishing license to fish for salmon and trout up to April 30, provided that n > person shall take more than six almon in one dav.

Mr. H. R. French will occupy the pulpit at the Baptist Church, tomorrow morning, and Mr. R. Sowersbv in the evening, who •is his subject "Do the signs of the tunes cal] upon us to be prepared; ind for what?”

The Featherston Borough Council has appointed the Alayor (Mr. J. W. C ird) and Councillor A. C. Holms as representatives to attend a conttrenee of Wairarapa local bodies in connection with the hydro-electric scheme, estimated to cost £200.000. Special Harvest Thanksgiving services will be conducted by the Rev. Al. A. Rugby Pratt in the Hastings Alethodist Church to-morrow when music appropriate to the occasion will be rendered, and seasonable addresses given.

A decision to resume work vis arrived at by those men employed at the Westfield Freezing Work... Auckland, who had ceased work the previous day owing to dissatisfaction with their wages and conditions. The men will leave the settlement of their claims to the conference in AVellington next month. To relieve the coal famine, the corporation should import a shipload of it. was an idea put forward by Councillor W. <l. Thompson at the City Council meeting last night. The Mayor replied that they would get coal from Africa, or anywhere they could, but the trouble was that it was not procurable.

Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, in the course of a thoughtful article on Peace and the problems that come in its train, draws attention to the fact that “the New Zealand Government has failed, so far, to put forward any definite policy. Few of us there are,” he says, “who have not been asked by a score or so of fine Imperial soldiers alongside whom we have fought, with whom we have caroused, and who wouiJ make the finest, grandest citizens for New Zealand, what, arrangements are there for emigration We cannot tell them ; and they will pass -away to other parts of the world — many to foreign soil. New Zealand urgently requires men and women for increasing her strength and her security. A broad Government

policy would make it possible to bring to our shores as citizens the finest of our Imperial mates. But soon it will be too late

The Wellington Rugby Union made a profit of £364 last season, as compared with a loss of £129 the previous year. The fund for the retention of Athletic Park now amounts to £2,156, and with a good season this winter, it is hoped that sufficient will be realised to extinguish the debt.-- Press Association.

Elizabeth Herson was charged at Wellington vesterday with evading stamp duty Vv giving a tenant a receipt for £1 19/10 in payment of £2. The evidence showed that the rent agreed upon was £2, but in payment of the first week’s rent defendant gave a receipt in a rent-book for £1 19/10. Defendant signed for £2. Tn the interests of those who may find it difficult to attend either the morning or evening services the Salvation Army have made special arrangements for conducting a service on Sunday afternoon next commencing at 3 p.m. This is in connection with the harvest thanksgiving services which are advertised in this issue. The valuable sites to be offered for lease by the Harbour Board on the 26th. instant have set the people thinking ,and thinking seriously, as to when —if the present opportunity is missed, they will get another of securing such choice sections for business and residential purpose and it would be wise to peruse the list in another column.

The organiser of the New Zealand Town-Planning Conference and Exhibition has been informed that tne Wellington Citv Council will arrange for the Wellington exhibits, which were forwarded to the Australian Town-Planning Conference in Brisbane, to bo available for the New Zealand Exhibition in May next.

As a result of the visit of Messrs H. L. Tapley (deputy chairman of the Dunedin Harbour Board), Mr. J. Loudon, and the secretary to Wellington satisfactory arrangements have been made that will enable the board to provide up-to-date freezing works and cool stores at Port Chalmers. The matter will be finally dealt with at the next ordinary meeting of the hoard.

The Makura was to have sailed from Auckland vesterdav at 5 p.m. for Vancouver, but at that hour 18 firemen were absent from the steamer. The men came down to the boat leisurely in twos' and threes, and eventually permitted the Makura to sail at 8.15 n.m. Owing to trouble ar the Westfield freezing works the Makura was unable to take 9,000 carcases of beef and had to fill upi with flax instead. The Minister in Charge of Stamp Duties (the Hon. T. M. Wilford) has replied to Air. T. K. Sidey’s request that consideration be given to the matter of placing the estates of deceased soldiers as regards exemptions from death duties on the same footing as the estates of persons who have died while doing war work. The Alinister advises that he is prepared to consider favourably the extension of exemptions in New Zealand on similar lines to those existing in England. At a meeting of the Dunedin City Council on Wednesday a proposal was agreed to that, for the purpose of erecting workers’ dwellings, a loan of £27,000 be raised. The loan is to be raised by the issue of debentures bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, an<l having a currency <>f 25 years. The provision for the repayment of the loan will be a sinking fund of 1 per cent per annum on the amount of the loan itself. The proposal will be submitted for confirmation on April 23. If rumour tells true, it is quite on the cards that Wellington may witness an attempt by the people to cheek protiteerinc. particularly in tlie sale of local produce. A ‘‘Dominion” representative was on Tue°dav informed that a number of persons (whose identity was not disclosed) wete working towards the establishment of a consumers’ league on American lines. The aim of the Leanne would be to fix a reasonable price for commodities, enforcing its views by judicious application of its combined strength to the more flagrant offenders.

A correspondent ( "New Zealand Medical Corps’’ writing to The Post from .-Auckland) expresses, gratification for the interest taken in the Clemens case. "For almost three years." says the correspondent. “I have been in close touch with wounded and siek men. and 1, with others wish to see invalided privates and invalided officers treated alik*-. Much has already been done. G-t me quote one instance of an individual soldier who had to be transferred from one place to another. Certain arrangements vveri* proposed but other and better were made, owing, 1 know, to the t'ciiirns ease. Every provision v.as made ami every care taken. Uudoubtedlv there has been a difference in the treatment of individual soldiers sim-e th*’ jitih lication of Air. Clemens's letters."

Reference to the shipping position and to the large accumulations of meat and produce held in the Dominion, owing to lack of freight, was made liy the Alinister of Agriculture, the Hon. M. D .8. AlaeDouald, 'Io a deputation of ]>otatogrovver- at Christchurch on Thursday. "As regards intercolonial shipping.” said the Alinister, ‘ the difficulties in the way of securing freight was never greater during the war than at present. Some jicople thought that when the armi-'tice was signed. ever>thing would improve, but thev were mistaken. Then, the accumulations of meat, etc., in cool store are heavv. Tit fact they are greater than has been the case since the war commenced. And there is not a great deal of shipping in sight to appreciably relieve the position for a while."

The responsibility of the fashion of late 'marriages for the declining birth rate, and incidentally for other ills to the national weal, arc reviewed in the polite way of the statist in an official record of the year 19171S in Victoria (states an Australian paper). The age constitution of brides, it is recorded, shows a very marked alteration in recent periods. Of every 1000 women who were married during the year under review, only 496 were under 25 years of age, as against 642 at the corresponding age from the years 1881 to 1890. Owing to the altered age distribution of wives, the potential births to eicry 1000 manages are fewer than hitherto. Some idea of the age constitution of the parties to these late marriages may be gleaned from the announcement that .in 1917, out of 9506 brides in Victoria. 1008 were between the ages of 30 and 35. 527 between 35 and 40, 246 between in and 45, 181 between 45 and 50, 42 between 55 and 60, 21 between 60 and 65, and 12 between 65 and 70, whilst three of them—behevers apparently in the wisdom of Shakespeare’s’ advice. “Take not too short a time to make a world-wide bargain, took the plunge only when over 70 years of age.

The theme for the gospel service at the Gospel Hall, on Sunday evening will be "The Guilt of Man, the Grace of God.” A hearty invitation is extended to all Conic and biiiu a friend. In St Yndri w ( bureh tomorrow, the Rev P Ramsay takes for his subject m tin morning The Mediator betwun God and Man” and in th*, evening th* address shall be for voting men.

AT a meeting oi tin trust* < of the Hawke s Bay Children » Hornes held yesterday, a vote of thanks was passed to Miss Pallot and all who assisted in the recent c*>llections, in aid of the Institution's funds.

The H.B. Hockey Association iet calling a meeting of all hockeyitea on Thursday night next, at the Y.M.C.A. Hut, Hastings, to elect an executive and arrange games for the corning season. The advertisement will give all particulars.

The balance of the Napier draft, of soldiers ex the "Athepie” arrived by mail train last evening, and were accorded a hearty welcome by a large number of their friends who assembled at the station. The Alayor (Mr. H. Hill), defence representatives, and other citizens were also present, and the men were heartily cheered, being subsequently conveyed to their homes in cars kiudly lent.

The Hastings Y.M.C.A. advertises that gymnastic classes will commence in the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium on April Ist., with Mr. D. Glyndwr Morgan as instructor. He has had considerable experience, and is well qualified to take charge of this important branch of the Association’s activities. Classes- are being formed both both men and boys and ladies. The new gymnasium is well equipped. Full particulars may be obtained from the general secretary at the Hut, Market street.

Sunday next will be the first anniversary of the arrival ot tlie John Wickliffe with the pioneer settlers of Otago, and commemorative services, to which the Alayor and members of the City Council, and all early settlers are. invited, will be held morning and evening m First Church. It is desired that every settler who attends the services will bring a card (to be collected at the door) giving his or her name, the year of arrival, and the name of the ship. The anniversary will be celebrated on Monday ing next bv a social gathering of the Otago Early Settlers' Association. For some years past (writes tFto Post’s London correspondent) Mr. R. 1). Douglas McLean has gem rouslv provided through the Australasian War Club for Women, U hrist mas parties for wives and children of men who fell at Alons. Tbis year the host was Sir Thomas Mackenzie, and the dinner was held at the no' born Restaurant. Sir Thomas Mackenzie himself presided, ' and the band of the Grenadier Gutfrds plaved. Madame Ada Crosslvc and Mr? Neil Kenyon sang several songs. Sir Thomas Mackenzie arrayed as Father Christmas, presenting the gifts to all the children. A number of Chelsea veterans were also present.

The Chinese residents of Napier and Taradale have shown their appreciation of the hospital by forwarding as their contribution towards the Hospital bund the ha nilsome sum of C2I 17 6. The contributors are : Goon Lee Chong £3 3/-; Fong Al ay £2 2- ; Yen Keo £1 I/- ; Wing On 10/6. I'on Chew 5-, Wah I-ee £1 ; Mrs. Sibley 12, : R. Lone 5 ; Mow Chong in-, ('ho Young Gone 5 - : Ah Wee 11 , Sing Tong Lee £2 2 . Mrs. Act Wong and Wing Leo £1 15 . Fong Koong £l 1 , Lee Leong Wong Sing Chong 5 ; Yee Tung 12 ; Jing Young 5 ; Sue Chong £l 5 : How Lung 5 Sing Yen Kee V 22 ; long Wing Hem 5' : Vci- Lee £2 2- ; Ace Wing Jong £1 1 : I'ong Lee in - ; 1.0 King Kee 5 : Lo Young 5,-; Lowe Kum Tong io ,

The Supplementary Municipal Roll now in course of preparation, closes at 5 p.m. on April Ist. and. those who t.-due the voting jiriyilegi' are urged to make sure of their position at once. The qualification for a municipal elector is a very wide on*’ indeed, and it is plain that many of those possessing the necessary qualifications arc content to allow the elections at the end of April to go by default as far as they are coneerneiL Electors should note that the rolls have been purged since th*> last election; therefore, if they have any doubt as to their position, they should send in an application form at once to the Hastings Town Clerk. If any elector happens io he nheadv on th*' roll the form will be destroyed. and nobody will suffer. Th*time for receiving new enrolment:- *■» rapidly drawing to a close. The Napier Motor Cycle Club are again announcing th* ir annual Easter Motor Cycle Race Meeting, on the Napier Park Racecourse on Easter Saturday and Alonday. This year's event promises to li*' equally successful as previous efforth. This club has earm'd a good reputation throughout New Zealand both for the character of th*- racing and the way m which the executive *'<>n ducts its business. Mr Roy <hawley, the daring rider who has competed at Napier for >-'vi'ral year.-* past has already sent in hi l - entry. Thi° rider '•uceecd* d in beating P. Coleman, at Chrolehuri li. lastmonth for the Australasian Championship. and also at the sanu- meeting had th*' novel experience of lining ag.iin»t, and beating an, aeroplane. His representative wa° in Napier tins week, an*) informed the local secretary that Crawley* was reserving himself for tlie Napter meeting and would not be I'ompi'lmg »t anv intervening meeting- of Ur' other North Islam! Clubs.

The animal meeting of the Pirates Football Chib was held at Napier, last night. Mr. W. Corbett presiding. The balance-sheet for the year showed a credit of £ll 2.8. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr. W. Corbett ; president, Mr. C. Bee; \ ice president s, Messrs ,1. W. Reid. K. Mel.eav. I rankhu Williams. E. Smnmersali. E. AYoung, H. J. Holder; lion, treasurer, Mr. H. Seed; lion, secret-ary, Mr. E. V. Knapp; commit tie, Messrs B. Tweedie. I . Adams, A.

Jonr-s J. Swain. W. Holder. P. Nnrthe, H. Norton ; club captain, Mr. B. Wood; delegates to Rugbv I nion, Messrs J. 11. Duncan. H. Norton, and H. Seed. Twenty new nu'mbers were elected. It was decided to accept Kaiti City's (Giaborne) invitation to send a third and a fourth grade team to play there at Easter time. Medals donated by Mr. J. Goodall for the 1917 best, trained placers in the above mentioned grades were presented to K. Bull and G. Yates. Mr. Goodall intimated his inicnlion <>f again pre. sentmg medals.