TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The firemen on the ferry steamer Wahine came ashore, yesterday morning, as they resented the dismissal of one of their fellow-workers. The Union Company, however, annotinced in the afternoon that the trouble had been settled. Tho Wallin© sailed as usual last night. Tho value of tutu as a fodder plant was discussed at the Pastoral Lands Commission’s sitting at Ashburton yesterday. Dr L. Cockayne said that experience in Nelson and Marlborough showed tutu to lie a most vaiuablo pasturage. There was an idea that it was dangerous to use owing to its poisonous qualities, but experience had shown that the damage arose only when moving or driving stock which had boen on tljffs class of feed, or in turning sheep on to it when empty.

A report that provision had been made for another blind soldier was received with expressions of satisfaction at last evening’s meeting of the Jtepatriation Board. It was stated that, with tho aid of the board’s “ after-care ” officer, the Patriotic Fund executive had selected a property in St Albans with complete plant and accommodation for one hundred fowls. In addition, there was a good house on the section, and thero was every prospect that the man would be able to settle down comfort-, ably.

The suspension of grants under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act for the purchase of land or dwellings, has adversely affected the repatriation of discharged T.B. men. At last evening’s meeting of the Repatriation Board, the chairman reported that several soldiers had been unable to proceed with contracts for the purchase of small poultry farms, owing to lack of assistance. Ho had interviewed officials of the Lands Department, and had been given a promise that, as soon as Parliament voted an additional sum, the applications of the T.B. men would bo sympathetically considered, and, where possible, treated as matters of urgency.

The Canterbury District Repatriation Board met last evening; present— Messrs A. F. Drayton (in tho chair), W. E. Leadley, F. W. Hobbs, E. J. Howard,. M.l\, W- Goss, H. S. J. Goodman, J. A- Clarke, P. Davidson, J. D. Alillton and F. T. Eldridge. It was reported that the- Lands Department was willing to facilitate the purchase of a block of land for settlement by T.B. men wishing to take up poultry farming. Alessrs Drayton and Goss were appointed a sub-committee to deal with the matter. Of thirteen applications for furnituro grants eleven were approved. one was hold over, and one declined. Five men were given grants in the trades and tools sections, th/eo applications were refused and three were held over. In tho educational and vocational section, seventeen applications were granted. Five transportation grants were approved.

The Pastoral Land Commission held a sitting at Ashburton yesterday. The Commission was set up to ascertain lyhother the Crown lands of Canterbury, Otago and Southland are being leased and utilised to the best advantage. The Commission consists of Messrs R. T. Sadd (chairman), W. B. Brockhurst, D. Jardine, R. Scott, A. M’lnness, C. Todd and Dr L. Cockayne. Mr H. H. Allen, agricultural master at the Ashburton High School, said he had been making an exhaustive study of the grasses "on the Mount Peel country, mainly from a botanical point of view, also from an economic standpoint. The country examined was at an altitude of 900 to 5000 ft. The native grasses showed a tendency to deterioration up to a height of 2000 to 2500 ft, and the depletion was mainly attributable to burns. It was more complete on tho sunny faces, and it was also very apparent on tlie slopes. On the shady slopes the vegetation was much closer. Tho chief grasses wore tussocks of both varieties, blue grass and a good deal of florin and fog In places. In places cocksfoot and Chewing’s fescuo had done well. On tho higher country there had been a reduction of pastures, and there was much bare space, although on the shady slopes this tendency was uot so marked. There was no evidence of rabbits on the high country. The remedies were judicious stocking, and a good deal could l>e done by surface sowing. On the low country burning had led to bare spaces between the tussocks- Tlie Mount Peel country had a better carrying capacity than tho Waiinakariri, owing to tlie introduction of English grasses and socalled weeds. Bracken was a bad weed after burning at Mount Peel, and was worse than sweetbriar. Not much lucerno was grown in the Ashburton district, and there was but very little irrigation. He considered tho best feed at Mount Peil for surface sowing was florin. Lucerne on tho better farmed lauds of the Canterbury Plains would be a success, but not on tho typical plains country, namely, the shingly and light lands. No other witnesses presented themselves, and the Commission adjourned to Christchurch to hold a sitting to-day. A stuffy feeling in the head, accompanied by a general depression of the spirits, is generally the first symptoms of a cold. The safest course is to always keep a bottle of Loasby’s “Stop It” in your home, and so check both cold and cough at its onset. Is 9d, 3s and 5s fid, all chemists and stores. Loasby and Co., Chemists (opp. Ballantyne’s). 6^ “What muddle preparation makes.”—Stan’as. But always bo prepared during winter time for coughs and colds. Baxter’s Lung Preserver is ample preparation. A sure, safe, and prompt remedy. The home that knows “Baxter’s” is cough and cold proof. 2s 6d at chemist and store. 2 General Currying of all sorts undertaken by J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd. Their plant of horses and vehicles is one of the largest in New Zealand. X School of Art Students’ requisites, Artists’ colours, canvas, brushes, drawing papers and drawing material at Gibb’s Art Depot, 105 Cashel Street. X

Gordon Davis, a watersider, line been committed for trial at Wellington on a charge of the theft of various articles of clothing, footwear and cutlery, which had been missing from coastal shipments.

A sitting of the Juvenile Court yesterday was conducted by Air S. E. M’Car thy, S.AL, when n girl fifteen years of age, was remanded to appear on Saturday morning on achargo of the theft of articles of ladies’ clothing, valued at £5, t'lio property of Mary Morrison.

A Wellington message states that-the conference between representatives of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and tho Railway Department was adjourned yesterday until Tuesday, to enable the parties to consider some of the matters which have been under discussion.

Tn connection with the Mayoral ball to children, tho Mayor requests all head teachers of schools to communicate with Councillor J. A. Flesher by noon to-day, ' if possible, notifying the number of children they desire to represent their schools at the ball. A number of special prises will be awarded, particulars of ivdiich appear iii an advertisement. A popular feature will be revived in the “ Star ” to-dav. It is the “ School and Playground ” column, dealing with the sports doings cf the local schools, and giving special attention to the various competitions. Sports for both hoys and girls aro to bo catered for. The column will appear regularly, the day of. publication being Thursday in each week. Association football notes will appear in tho “Star” to-day. The wages of men employed by local governing authorities were discussed yesterday at a conforenco of representatives from the various county councils and borough councils in and about Christchurch. Mr W. P. Spencer (Waimairi County Council), who presided, announced that the idea of those responsible for the conferonco was that a uniform rate of wages for all employees should be agreed on. After discussion it was decided, on tho motion of Mr F. Thompson (Tramway Board) to recommend to tho different councils and boards that a minimum rato of Is 9d an hour should ho paid, plus tho bonuses announced by tho Arbitration Court from time to time.

Unemployment of returned soldiers was discussed at hist evening’s meeting of tho Canterbury District Repatriation Board- The chairman (Air A. F Drayton) said that, during tho week, thirty-three men had applied for work, and thirty-one had been placed- At present twenty-seven men were on tho unemployed list. It looked as if the board was going to be saddled with, tho same unemployed men for some time. Mr W. E. Leadley said that the board was going to have difficulty in placing light employment men, and it should concentrate on tho problem without delay. Mr Drayton suggested that many of these men should be taught bootrepairing. The Repatriation Officer Baid that, generally speaking, there was never great trouble in finding employment. At the samo rime the board would never get its unemployment list down to zero. It was decided that the whole position should bo reviewed at a special meeting of the Unemployment Committee.

Two questions of interpretation have just been answered by the Arbitration Court. In tho motor mechanics’ award tho question read“ Tho worker served two y§nrs and seven months as a fitter and turner and two years nine months in repair and construction of cars. Should ho bo considered a jour, noyman or motor mechanic?” Tho Court replied that a journeyman included “ turners, fitters, motor electricians and motor-car or motorcycle mechanics.” T’lio worker was not a fitter, turner or motor electrician, and did not satisfy the definition of a journeyman motor mechanic, as one “ who has served five years in the motor trade in the repair or construction of motor-cars.” Tlie Court expresses tho opinion that the classification is defective, as tunc worked as fitter and turner ought reasonably to count, but the language of the award did not permit of this. In tho second case the question read: “Is an employer employing a driver in tho collection of mails entitled to employ tho worker for more than forty-eight hours in any week without payment of overtime?” Tho Court replied that tho driver was entitled to overtime for nil timo worked in excess of forty-eight .hours in any week. A warning to Maoris was issued by Mr Justice Chapman in the Supreme Court at Auckland yesterday, states a Pixsss Association ° telegram. A young Maori named Iwi llohaea entered a plea of guilty to a charge of abducting from her home a Maori girl under the ago of sixteen years. Counsel for accused stated that the girl’s departure from her home was an ordinary incident of a -Maori boy running away with a Maori girl. Even tho police were in i.omo doubt as to the girl’s ago at the time, and it was agreed that she was now over tho ago of sixteen, at which it was not unusual for Maori girls to be married.' Addressing the prisoner his Honor said: “I am going to give consideration to your good character, and the fact that you havo served your country, but I cannot allow this offence to pass without punishment. You will receive a short sentence of imprisonment. Tho object of this is to let all Maoris know that this thing cannot be done. It a man comes boibre tho Court for doing what you have done, taking a young girl away from her parents, ho comes for punishment. The next man who does so will get moro severe punishment than you. You will be sentenced to three months’ hard labour.” Two factors affecting tho health of tho children were mentioned by Dp Platts-Milla in - the course of the deputation to tho Minister of Education at Wellington on A londay. Tho doctor said sho had. been struck with tho number of children showing slight physical deformities. At first sho had attributed this to the desks and overcrowding, bub on inquiry sho found the trouble lay further back that many children entered tho schools with these defects, which were due to congestion in the dwellings and to lack of certain nourishing foods. If theso children were not to grow up with bitter feelings against the system which caused their deformities some remedy must bo found Another surprising fact was the number of children suffering from bad nerves. This sho attributed to lack of parental control, uncomfortable homes, aud too frequent attendance at picture shows, which had a detrimental effect on the nervous system. Tho impossible dramas and problem plays could not fail to affect the children. The standard of tho pictures was higher now than before the censorship, but they should not be satisfied till a woman was associated in tho censorship. These things were of great importance as touching medical treatment m schools, for a good environment was more important for health than tho doctor or tho nurse.

Just think what you save. In addition to our famous low prices, wo give 5s discount coupon with each ,purchase. Note tho values. Pear’s unscented soap, 8d cake; Swansdown face powder, Is lid; Kolynos tooth paste IsGd; Calvert’s carbolic tooth powder, 8d tin; Steam’s peroxide cream, 2s. Specialists in handbags, and gifts of every description. M’Kehzie’s 258, High Street. 1 No pain at all in Moss Baltin’s dental extractions and fillings. A positive guarantee. Children’s work specially cared for. Dental Rooms, opposite Tattorsall’s. X.l>.

In Stella no Webb portraits you secure accuracy of likeness and attractiveness of finish. . . . Ring 1939 for an early appointment. Petersen’s Bldgs., Jtiign Street, Christchurch. X Becoming glasses must be perfectly fitted and accurately adjusted, us well as carefully ground and mounted. Special attention is paid to these important features by Walter J. Watson, D.8.0.A., London, Expert Optician, (595, Colombo Street. 16

Air R. A I’ln tosh (president) and Alessrs AY. Stalker and AY. A. Kolcher (vice-presidents) of tho Northern A. and P. Association, havo been re-elected for another year of office. 3hirty-throo nominations have been .received tor tho general committee election, and, as only twenty-four members aro required, a ballot will be taken on May 2b. A motor-cyclist, with a fine disregard for tho feelings of tho audience at yesterday’s band concert, drove a very noisy machine through the thickest part of tho crowd in front of tho Mnlyoi s 1 house, sounding an objectionably loud horn in the middle of a baud selection. To .avoid a collision with & cyclist ho had to stop, and ho restarted his engine with the exhaust unmuffled. As he disappeared, a city motor inspector caught his number, and ho may hear more* of the incident.

On Monday evening, at the Rangiora railway station, a passenger on the train going north nearly lost his life. Tho train was well under way when ho made a dash for a carriage. In grasping tlie guard-iron he was swung off his -feet and dragged along the platform, being jri extreme danger of falling beneath the wheels of tho train. Air E. Wheeler, who was on the station, sprang to the man’s assistance, and at great personal risk lifted him on to the carriage platform. Spectators describe Mr tehcelcr.’s act as an exceedingly plucky one.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that resentment is expressed by trustees of tho will of the late Major Broun at the attitude of the authorities in Wellington in endeavouring to secure his collection of insects for the Dominion, Museum. One of tho trustees stated yesterday that in a letter sent to tho trustees last October tho prohibition against export was absolute and final. There was nothing about ij> being merely for a time. As a matter of fact, tho -object of prohibiting the collection from leaving the Dominion seemed solely that it should go to tho AVcllington Museum. Under the auspices of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association, Air E. Hadfield, on Alonday evening, at Messrs Baker Bros’ rooms, delivered an interesting address on tho orchard. The various oil sprays were fully dealt with, AH’ Hadfield stating that in his opinion spraying was usually done too early and at greater strength than was necessary. Ho also stated that oil spray might with advantage follow close on Bordeaux spray for black spot, and that it would be advantageous to use a little soap with the oil. Mr Hadfield was accorded a vote of thanks for his address.

A mooting of returned soldiers who aro suffering from T.B. was held last evening, Air G. AY. Lloyd presiding over a good attendance. Mr 11. J. Aekin, who is at present travelling through the Dominion on behalf of the R.S.A., in order to investigate the difficulties of tubercular soldiers, gave an address on tho repatriation and pensions of T.B. men. After a brisk discussion, the following resolution was carried: —“ That all T.B. men, on being discharged from sanatoria, should he granted full pensions and supplementary pensions for a period of at least twelve months; that the Government bo asked to appoint four T.B. men to tho 1 after-care ’ branch of the Repatriation Department, one in each centre, and, failing that, to appoint a T.B. with sanatorium experience. to supervise tlie work of the ‘after-care’ branch, this position to be advertised.” This resolution will be brought before Cabinet next month by a deputation of T.B. men. Pilkington’s Motors are now running Christchurch-Akaroa at 20s return. 7442 STOCKTAKING ©ALE—BRISCOE—- ’ £325. In preparation i for stocktaking, Adams, Ltd., are clearing out their largo stock or second-hand cars at bedrock prices. An up-to-date, smartlooking Briscoe, newly painted in biscuit shade, 5-seater, el- and 5... with five tyres in good order, and full road equipment, is offered at £325. This car has been driven only by a very careful private owner. NEAT-LOOKING HUPP, AfODEL 82— £3OO. Especial good value is a 5-seater Hupp car, of the well-known Model 32, complete with lamps, hood, etc. This car has been repainted French grey, and looks very smart. The price is £3OO. BEAUTIFULLY-FINISHED HUMBER—£3OO. A beautifully-finished 5-seater English Humber touring car, just repainted in cream, carries full road equipment, including five tyres in good order, and five detachable wire wheels. This car is exceptionally cheap at £300.. Many other cars at equally attractive prices are on view. Adams, Ltd. Garage, 219, Tuam Street. X