NEWS AND NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 230, 2 October 1902, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

Some enquiries have been heard with regard to the proposed formation of a Chamber of Commerce in Blenheim. It was stated some time ago that; the establishment of a Chamber was on the way, but nothing further has been heard about the matter. The suggestion has been made to us that such an institution would have bsen of considerable value as a means of expressing the views of commercial circles as to the details of the proposed daily ferry service between Wellington and Picton.

A prosperous year for the laboring classes of New Zealand is reported by the Secretary oi Lha Labor Depart rnent in the animal report just presented to Parliament. "The unemployed workmen has not been a factor of unrest or anxiety during the last annual period." Miss Staveley, in charge of the women's branch of the Labor Department, Wellington, states that the scarcity of trained capable domestic workers is remarkable. '• They can demand almost any wages in reason, and usually get what they ask."

The Floral Fete was opened at the Drill Shed yesterday afternoon by Dr McArthur, S.M., in the unavoidable absence of the Venerable Archdeacon Grace. In an entertaining address the speaker dwelt on the love and culture of flowers, and.referred to the excellent specimens o? handiwork exhibited by the children. The Fete was well attended, and in the evening the proceedings were animated and interesting. The exhibition itself was in every respect a success, and the concert programme was a well arranged one.

Satisfaction was expressed at the meeting of the River Board last night with the manner in which the Board's works have been managed by Mr Greig, the working Inspector. When this appointment was made not long ago some discussion took place as to whether our river conservators were acting wisely in abandoning the system under which it employed the services of a professional Engineer. Evidently the Board now see no reason to regret their action in entrusting to Mr Greig the important charge of watching its works and interests.

A good deal of comment, not altogether complimentary to our legislators, is being made with regard to the appearance of the following clause in the new Electoral Bill:—" Every person who at any time between the issue of the writ and the. day of poll pub lishes oc exposes to public view any doenment or writing or printed matter containing any statement defamatory of any candidate and calculated to influence the vote of any elector is liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds or to be imprisoned for three months." The general view is that if the ordinary law of libel is good enough for the people it ought to be good enough for Parliamentary candidates.

Better Than a Plaster.—A piece of flannel dampened with Chamberlain's Pain Balm and bound to the affected parts is superior to any plaster.. When troubled with lame back, or pains in the side or chest, give it a trial and you are certain to be more than pleased with the prompt relief which it affords. J. Benning sells it.

The energetic American having been foiled for the time in his attempt to capture the Mediterranean coal trade —largely owing to the lower price of the British article—has had his eyes on v the water power of the Maritime Alps. In this case also he has not;succeeded. The Americans found a French company already in the field, being organised with a view to securing all the water power available in the AlpesMaritimes from Marseilles to Mentone. The object of the proposed company is to supply electric light and also elec trio power to all the towns on the south-eastern coast of France. It is also hoped to supply power to the electric locomotiveswhich the director of the Paris-Lyons-Mediterranean; Railway Company proposes to test on the Cannes to Monaco section of the line during the winter season.

It is stated by the Transvaal. Leader that the British Government considers South Africa to be a splendid field,for the breeding and rearing of horses, and .that great stud farms are at once to be ostablished in the principal centres of agriculture. It is officially stated that the first paddocks or corrals to be set up will be at RustenbUrg. Two thousand mares are to be at once brought into the breeding establishment, and these will be taken mostly from the remount depot at' Germiston. The mob will be subdivided on reaching the headquarter breeding establishment into herds of 200 mares, and will be placed each herd in its different stud farm according to class. Thus to start with there will be. ten stud farms. There is to be a great increase following this in different parts of the colony. The best brood mares have been selected that are available, and these include English, Irish, and Australian, and the best that are of the Boer strain. It is mentioned that the plan is to carry out these, breeding establishments on a large scale, in the mm& manner as in Australia, where the strain has be§n mainly a well-jbred British horse and an Australian mare.

Inbluenza i 9 always more or less prevalent at this season of the yeiur. This disease is very similar to a severe cold, and if allowed' to. take its course is liable to, cause serious results. The best'treatment for influenza is to avoid exposure and take Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. This medicine gives immediate relief and if used as directed will ward off all dangerous consequences. It leaves the system a natural and healthy condition. It always cures and qures quicklyt J. Benning sells it. , '. .

For influenza and colds doctors recommend WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS;