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Mataura Ensign, 30 September 1913, Page 4

Local anglers are busily engaged today making preparations for the fishing season which will open to-morrow, and it is reported that there will be a big exodus "of amateur fishermen for the various streams to-morrow morning. The rivers are reported to be clear and in good condition for the opening. It is considered that the recent floods will have had the effect of distributing the bigger fish through the streams, which, owing to the water being very low at the end of last season, were principally confined to the deeper pools.

After a good deal of hesitation, the local Horticultural Society has decided to hold a spring show in the Town Hall on Saturday, October A. Liberal support is promised from Dunedin, Oamaru, Invercargill and Mataura growers, including that well-known, enthusiast, Mr Hart, of Lawrence, and lovers of the daffodil will have an opportunity of viewing some unique varieties. A competition for decorated dinner tables will also be held, with liberal prizes, and the society has hopes that this year's display will be the forerunner of many successful spring shows.

A tragedy of the under-world was unfolded to a reporter at Chratchurch by a Government apiary instructor. The export had on his desk two humble bees, one of which was almost devoid of hair, and considerably battered about the wings. The explanation was that one of the humble bees had got into a hive when the guard was relaxed and had been "caught in the act." The bees had kept him prisoner till he died, wreaking their vengence on the intruder by pulling out most of his hair. "You can see," said the inspector, "that his tongue is hanging out, "so that _ie has died from starvation in the midst of plenty."

The cost of education under State supervision in New Zealand last year was £1,234,827 8s lOd, or about 22s 5d per head of the total population, according to the Education Department report. The number of public schools open, at the end of 1912 was 2214, as against 2166 in 1911—an increase of 48,, supplied almost entirely by rural schools with one or two teachers only. There were 1360 schools in charge of sole teachers, an increase of 24 over last year. This represents 61.4 per cent, of the total number of public schools. Schools with two or more teachers numbered 854, 'an increase of 24. Of that total 35 had an average attendance exceeding 600 pupils. The average attendance for the year for all districts was 146,282, an increase of 2.9 per cent. Otago and Wellington, each with a percentage of 90.2, headed the List for regularity of attendance. For every 100 hoys on the roll in December last there were 91 girls. Standard VI. certificates of proficiency and competence were gained by 9254 scholars (7644 and 1610 respectively), as against 9020 in 1911. There were 197 private primary schools Ribjeet to inspection, with a total roll mi tuber of 13,677, as against 15,914 in 1911. For the conveyance of children hv rail the amount paid for fares was £10,215 as against £12,846 in 1911; by road and water £4466 (£4297). Total £14.691 (£17,143). The number of teachers in the public school* was 4105 as against 3855 in 1911. male and female probationers being excluded. The salaries and allowances amounted to £667,419. An analysis discloses the fact that 783 male teachers, or -50.3 per cent, of the number of male teachers, receive £2OO per annum or over. The average salary, including allowances- and amounts saved in rent, was £2lB 6s 4d for male and £125 6s Id for females. The total number of certificated teachers was 2919 as against 2783 in 1911; uncertificated teachere 1186 (1061). The total increase of teachers was 261. Certificated teachers increased by 136, partially qualified by 67, and uncertificated by only 58. Elementary r-Ticulture was 'taught in 1005 schools. :-.s co-nrnred with 832 in 1911. There were 222 for swimming and li.fc?i.ving. an. increve- of 20. _ Oyer 200 continuation classes, providing instruction in of general education, were in operation. Classes for commarcb*l subjecte were held in 38 centres.

There have been 10 bankruptcies re corded at Napier this year.

North Otago is suffering at the pre :ent time from a small plague of flout isays the 'North Otago Times').

. The Timaru Borough Council has decided after a month's trial to purchase ■bs Argyll 'bus chassis and to call foi renders for three more 'bases (make not limited).

Record lambing percentages this year are practically assured. Mr J. E. tfhite, "Strathroy," Waikaka Valley, tailed 107 lambs from 109 ewes the other uay—nearly 100 per cent. —and some of I iiie ewes have to lamb yet.

A meeting of those interested iu the j formation of a wool-classing class wasi held in the Gore Technical School last! evening. Mr McGregor (instructor) gave a brief address on the value of wool-classing and the,standard of classing in grades by numbers, which is known as the Bradford system. The work of tho class proper will commence next week with a dozen pupils wlio have already been enrolled.

'There ilias apparently been severe mortality among lambs in the Rangawhia district, North Island, and owners aro at a loss to account for it. Some M)mo consider that the pasture is re.sponsible. At Carnarvon (states the 'Stratford Post') there lias also been rather heavy losses owing, it is stated, to farmers being careless in the matter of cleanliness at the docking operations. One farmer suffered a severe loss owing to circumstances of rather a peculiar .Mature. It appears that he was assisted in the docking of the lambs by a man who had an attack of oow|X)x, although in a mild form. His hands were well banda<""' but despite this blood poisoning was conveyed to the voung stock, and about 75 per cent, of tho laml>s which were docked died.

A Press Association telegram f'-om Palmerston North states that a representative deputation from the No-license League waited on the Prime Minister yesterday. Mr E. H. Crabb said that the no-license party considered that it was laboring under a disadvantage in having to take tie three-fifths majority. It did not want to bring forward any other question except a reduction in the majority. It would make this a test question at the next election. Mr Massey said he was not able to give a definite answer, but within the next fortnight or three weeks the Government would make an announcement as to whether a Bill would be introduced this session. It would not be mado a party measure, and members would not be asked to break 'their pledges to the electors.

"You will l>o under the direct supervision of tho Prison Board," said his Honor Mr Justice Edwards in declaring a man to be an habitual criminal, "a most benevolent body, presided over by the Chief Justice of the Dominion, a most kindly .and benevolent gentleman." Interest was created a few weeks ago through a former official of a country borough, after being away from the town for some months, having discovered a cheque for rates from a local lawyer in the pocket of an old coat. A North Island, business man has had a similar experience to tliat of the extown clerk. Thy gentleman in question in June last received two letters to post from his wife, one containing a cheque. Weeks past, and nothing was heaid. and the gentleman wrote to the firm in whose favor the cheque was made out. Nothing had been heard of it, ajid tho gentleman made inquiries at the po.st office, but departmental investigation failed to trace any sign of tho missing letter. The cheque was not presented, and the affair remained a mystery. The other day the gentleman put on an old coat he had not worn for months, and in one of the jwekots wore tho two unposted letters. Tlu's incident would appear to furnish some justification for a wife searching her husband's pockets.

The monthly meeting of the Gore School Committee, hold last evening, was attended by Messrs A. Martin (chairman), P. ,S. Cullen," T. Taylor, J. A. Bakley, and R. Robson. The headmaster's report for the month showed the attendance to be as follows: Number on tho roll, 232 boys and 225 girls, total 457; average attendance, 210.2 boys and 198.6 girls, total 408.8. The average attendance for the quarter was 409. The secretary of the Education Board forwarded a circular letter to the following effect: —(1) That the Board had undertaken the insurance under the Workers' Compensation Act of all janitors and casual workers employed by committees on the basis of salaries and wages paid to such at the period ended December 31 in each year; (2) that in future the quarterly payments of capitation by the Board to committees would be paid direct into the various committees' banking accounts at their respective kinks. The correspondence was received as satisfactory. The chairman brought under the notice of the committee the necessity of having the echool lavatories connected with the sewerage system of the town. With a school of nearly 500 pupils they ought to have something better than the existing; system. The work could only be carried out during the holiday st>a'son, and tho Education Board should l>e approached on the matter. Several members spoke approvingly of the scheme and. it was decided to communicate with the Board on the subject. Messrs R. L. Christie and J. M. Barron were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month. Several matters of detail, such as cleaning the spouting and repairs to lavatories, were ordered to be carried out.

Thomson and Beattie would be pleased to show you their largo and wellassorted stocks of Oarpet Squares, Hearthrugs, Linoleums Runners and Window Furnishings. 'l. and B.'s name has always been associated with sterling quality, and this is very apparent in their furnishing department.

Room to let. Teams wanted. Horses strayed. Ploughman wanted. Companion-help wanted. Rail at Waimumu Hall on October 15. Mrs Sopp's for repairs and footwear. Surfaceman wanted for Hokomii RidAlex. Donaldson and 00. for milk cans. . Geo Kerr and Co. hold skin and hide sale Oct. 16. , , Rivorsdale school concert and dance on October 31. T. Green and Co. hold property sale at Mataura on October 8. H'•>'''' excursion fares to Duwxlin for Sprin Races, October 6. Southland County Contu'il invites tenders for wad contracts. Grand display of spring flowers, Gore Town Hall, on Saturday. Invercargill Starr-Bowkett Society disposes of appropriations on October 6. Gore bowlers invited to opening of Mataura and Wyndhani greens to-mor-i'ow.

tfor Chronic diasct Compiwjifa, Woodu' Gr*»* Fuppez'njinfc iDbpo, is M, It •&•