LOCAL & GENERAL

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 August 1917, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL

Mr, Clement Wragge, before liis departure from 1 Dannevirke last week, handed the following astronomical observations to the News:—"Appalling eruptions are taking place in the sun, as observed this morning." One enormous upheaval, nearly central to the sun's disc, has four main centres of energy, besides subsidiary disturbances attached thereto, and measures over 100,000 mikes in diameter; and in addition there are eight other eruptions on the southern half of the sun. Under these abnormal conditions the ether or wireless waves are bombing the earth with terrific force, and it is sure to respond. We are not predicting another earthquake, but we do very earnestly counsed people to be careful, and not to sleep too near chimneys. Watch the cablegrams.

Andrew Carnegie, the world-known philantnopist, on(e time master, of a colossal fortune, and the universallyrecognised Apostle of Peace, is reported to have broken down mentally. On May 24th, application was made to the courts to appoint a trustee to administer the vast interests of Mr Carnegie in the United States and elsewhere, and as a result Dr Henry Pritchett was appointed to the responsible position. An American correspondent reports that the application was heard in camera. It is declared that the once-powerful pitmaster is to-day bereft of reason, and is no longer able to recognise his closest friends. It is the addest of spectacles' to witnes this once-powerful and maserful mind completely shattered. "Wife," he wails m a wearv voice—as the aged partner of his joys and successes tries in vain to soothe him, "Is the war ended; when will peace come?"

It having been ascertained that at least three Levin boys of much respected families will be leaving here next Wednesday to join the 33rd Reinforcements, and as there has not been sufficient time in which to organise one of the usual farewell concerts, it has been decided to accord them a farewell in the Borough Council Chambers this evening (Tueesday) at 8 p.m. The ladies' committee will at the same time present the departing guests Messrs W. Walton, George Walton and Albert Hanson—with the usual send-off gift of a Cardigan jacket. In the present tarrangement it is becoming increasingly difficult to get authoritative information as to the name of the men going to join quota, as the men are. advised direct from headquarters now, and the local Defence officer i s not supplied with a list as has been done in the past. An invitation is extended to the public and friends of the departing men to come along to-night.

Mrs. Pomare, lion, secretary of the Lady Liverpool Fund for Maori Soldier, in acknowledging receipt of £30 raised by the Ivoputaroa Ladies' Committee, gives some interesting details of the activities amongst tlite Maoris. There are 31 committees throughout io-n To the 10 tfc July last, 14s 10d has been collected, and the expenditure lias been £458 17 s sd. In the way of comforts, 1000 tins of tohimungas have been sent to the Maori lads at the front; 4450 mutton birds (each equivalent to the pakeha's Christmas pudding); 14doz. tins of dried pipits; and 1000 parcels of clothing.

A letter to the Town Clerk, of Levin, from Mr W. H. Field, M.P., dated 18 th August, gives the latest position of the movement in favor of closer settlement of Levin lands. The letter runs :—"The Prime Minister instructs me to say that he would prefer not to receive a deputation just now concerning the question of acquiring land in Levin for soldiers' farms, as he is working under very high pressure. He assures me, however, that this important matter is receiving every attention and that he hopes soon to be able to announce a purchase.

As a result of a recent visit to L&. vin Domain (by the board) it was decided that something be done to improve the drainage of the reserve; but fit present it was inadvisable to begin tree planting. The mayor incidentally remarked that the reserve, this winter, would have been of small use to golfers; they would need to wear brogues while playinfg if there were any more winters like the present one. In the course of discussion, Dr Bryson suggested that the lowering of the lake might help to tfrain the reserve, but the mayor and Counctillor Aitken doubted !if t!hi|?) would be so. Councillor Aitken remarking that there was water running off the reserve at present in the

lake. Councillor Lancaster urged something should be done at once to upon hk fellow board members that drain the domain; he would like to see something done to the ibig drain as well as to the smaller one. Councillor Mackenzie (suggested tliat the council should procure expert opinion on the problem of draining the reserve. After a lengthy discussion the board resolved that the borough foreman carry out the (smaller work already decided upon, and that by the time the board meets in about three weeks, the borough foreman submit a report to the board on the general subject.

Over seventy tons of coal were bought by the Levin Corporation Gasworks during July, and there is now on hand'; a (very, 'xesei'vfc fio meet emergency demands.

Intimation was sent to Leviu Borough Council by Mr W. H. Field, M.P., that the Hon. W. D. S. McDonald, Minister for Agriculture, had promised to attend at Levin, if possible, to address the proposed meeting of oitizens that had been mooted as a means to the encouragement of local production of foodstuffs in larger quantities. In the course of discussion ait the borough council meeting last night an opinion was expressed thalt the season already was almost too late for effective plantinfg.. A suggestion was made that perhaps Mr Parr, M.P., who was to deliver a war looture in Levin next month, would incidentally touch upon the need for growing foodstuffs. Councillor Mackenzie thought there would not be much good achieved until the people showed a desire to attend to foodgrowing meetings without the attraction of Ministerial speakers. The mayor agreed; he thought the people would have to feel the pinch before they could be got to stir effectively in regard to producing more foodstuffs locally.

Private J. Neary, of X/evin, has been reported by the Defence Minister as having been in hospital «.t Wal-ton-on-Thames, and now at the General Hospital. London, suffering from synovitis in the elbow.

Major Buck (Dr), formferly M.P., writes from France (to Mrs Pomare) acknowledging receipt of goods and monej's sent to the Maori soldiers (now on active service) from the Lady Liverpool Maori Soldiers' Fund. Among the goods were many parcels of toliiroas, and anent these Dr. Buck remarks:— "The tohiroas will be a boon to the lade,, for you know how tlie3' love anything that comes from the sea. ... If you get the Maoris to send dried pawns and eels as well their gratitude would know no bounds. The major mentions that .Mrs Buck is working at the New Zealand Convalescent Camp at Borncliurch. The management of Everybody's Pictures announce that prize winners in the naming competition may get their prizes at Ken Aitken's. Palmers ton North Hockey Club will play Horowhenua Hockey Club, at Le•'in, to-morrow, at the recreation ground. A charge of Gd admission will be made and the proceeds will go to the Red Cross funds. Ladies will be admitted free. The team to play to-morrow will be picked from the following:—Spiers, L. 'Wilson, W. Williams, J. McEwan, Tippler, Hook,

Pringle, Martin, Collier, Jamieson, Graham, C. Hook.