LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 128, 1 June 1908, Page 4

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS.

The last issue of the Gazette contains a prbql^maition calling Parliament for the 2yth' instant. . Capt. Edwin telegraphed at 1 p.m. as follows -.—"Moderate to strong winds; tides moderate: sea moderate : glass fall." ~.•..„■'

The Institute bazaar, competition fair, and literary ball, recently held in Nelson j produced a profit of £237 3s 7d. ■" • '

The vital statistics for the past month are as follows:; —Births, in the district 25, in Blenhjeim 18; deaths 5; marriage certificates issued 12.

The beer duty for the Port of Wairau during lasts mounth totalled £80 9s 6d as against £70 for the corresponding period of isLst year.

The Customs f ;. dft'ties collected at Auckland "duriH rg*!-May amounted to £48,576, and th©4eer duty to £2094. Refunds and draM'backs have yet to' be deducted. •

The Marlborotigh Rifle Union will hold their annual field firing competition on Wednesday, at 1 p.m., and in the evening the! usual smoke concert and presentations will take place at the Drill Shed. 'r !

A Press Association message from Christchurch stages that St. Luke's, one of the city'f :■ historical churches, is about to be rebuilt, and the last public service was held in it yesterday. - ; -;,;>■,.:,.',. ■■■ ■ .

A heavy frosti. occurred in Christchurch last night' (says a Press Association telegram): and all standing water was icebound this morning. The first real frost iof the- season in Dunedin occurred last night. TKe winter so far has been exceedingly mild.

A Press Association telegram states that the Auckland representatives chosen to play for New Zealand against the British team at Dunedin left by the Rarawa on Sunday afternoon, and will reach Dunedin on Tuesday night. !

The financial success -of the opera "The Moorish Maid," played recently in Dunedin, ensures the Kaikorai Band's being able to take part in the Ballarat contest. It is understood that the net profit was nearly £200. .

A Christchurch Press Association telegram states that Tom Burrows, the champion club-swinger, finished a feat of 62 hours 7 minutes' continuous swinging on Saturday night at 10.47, having beaten his previous record at Auckland by one minute.

The Customs duty for the port of Wairau during'the month of May amounted to £734 15s lid, being a decrease on that for the corresponding period of last year, the duty collected during May, 1907. amounting to £1002 10s Bd.

At a monster meeting of the Miners' Union at Waihi on Saturday, 700 being^ present, it was decided by a large majority to convert the present system of contract into the co-operative system, every man in the contract to be a partner and >to share alike, no wages-men to be allowed.

"Education in Australia," being an ; account of an interview with Mr Strachan, is the leading item of interest on page 2.0f this issue. Page 3 contains a sketch of Mr Lloyd-George, j "At Sea with a Destroyer," and "The ! Gieat Boston Fire." On pages 6 and 7 will also be found several articles of interest. 1

"What's your verdict?" in a fury Asked the counsel of the jury. Though 'twas somewhat premature he Could no more endure ! "What's'our verdict?" said the fore-

man, " We've all colds through that door, man! Give us what we asked before, man, Woods' Great Pepermint Cure."

Speaking to our representative on Saturday, Mr Strachan, Inspector of Schools for the Marlborough Education Board, mentioned that while in Sydney the advantages of the penny postage were brought home to him very forcibly. He went to post a letter, expecting to pay the homely penny, and was rather astonished to find that 8d was demanded.

A Waipawa Press Association message states that a sharp earthquake, preceded by a loud rustling noise, was experienced about 9.48 yesterday morning. It caused much alarm, but no damage is reported. An earthquake also occurred at Hastings at 9.45 a.m. yesteiday, sufficiently severe to send people scared-faced out of their houses, which rocked visibly. No damage is reported.

A Press Association telegram from Bluff states that the Government steamer Hinemoa has returned from the Antipodes Islands. She reports that the depots for castaways are. not in the condition reported by the crew of the President Felix Faure, and further, that the statement of the latter in respect to the storage and condiion of certain articles is much exaggerated.

Preaching at St. xindrew's Church last evening, the Rev. Mr Robb said that our Lord, when on earth, did not say that it was a wise or good thing to make an universal distribution of wealth, but that he went to the rich man and in effect told him that his wealth was not his, but only held in trust to help the need of his poorer brethren; and to the poor main Christ said: "Be thou contented with thy lot." •

Special train arrangements are being made for the Prince of Wales's Birthday (Wednesday), the ordinary time-table being suspended. The first train in the morning will leave Picton for Blenheim at 7.45 a.m., arriving at 8.55, and leaving Blenheim for Picton at 9.30. The first train will leave Seddon at 8.10 a.m., and will leave Blenheim for Picton at 9.10 a.m. Special excursion fares at the rate of 2d per mile first-class and Id per mile second-class will be available. Full particulars are given in our advertising columns.

A Canarify ar ~ Cage Birds Club, with a meirborohip of 26, expected to be immediately increased to about 40, has been formed in Nelson. It is not intended to run the club in opposition to.the Poultry Association, but to make the new club a medium through which greater interest would be displayed in connection with the canary sec.tion of the Association's Show. Wi^h the advent of the new Club the entries of canaries at the July Poultry Show will, it is expected, establish a record for Nelson, and probably for the Dominion.

An rusty bullet-marked camp oven in Hawke's Bay is said to have an, interesting history among the natives. It appears that it figured in the battle of Omaranui, about 1867, as the headgear .of a Maori warrior. The iron handle of the oven was utilised as a chin strap, and although- at times in the thickest of the fight, the native for some time escaped injury. He appeared to think, however, that ho was almost immune from danger, and, while exposing himself thoughtlessly, was shot dead with a bullet which i went 'clean through the campoven into his brain.

In the home music is as necessary to the mind as ventilation is to the body. it' doesn't matter whether you ran an elaborate establishment or a bachelor flat, a cottage or a club— you need a piano. Better get a good piano while you are at it. The Dresden Co. deals only in good pianos, and carries the largest and most varied stock in Australasia. Mr Brookes, iri Wellington, who is manager for the North Island, is kept to see that you get just what you want. You will be charged the honest value of the instrument—and no more. In selecting the instrument you will have the full benefit of the specialised knowledge and ripe experience of absolute experts in the piano business. You can buy on terms so easy that payment of the instalments will seem merely an inexpensive habit, with the piano as clear profit at the end. Local representative: Griffiths and Son.

/^The Marlborough Golf Club opened the season on Saturday at the new links on the Riverlands racecourse in perfect weather. A large drag conveyed many members and friends from town, arriving shortly after 2.30. In the absence of the President (Mr B. S. Clouston) the captain (Mr Lambie), in a neat speech, congratulated the club upon having obtained such good grounds, and upon such an excellent attendance being present, everything Stinting to a successful season's play, c afterwards declared the links open by driving off the first ball. Later a delicious afternoon tea, adding much to the afternoon's enjoyment, was dispensed by the ladies on the grandstand. Among those present were Mesdames Seymour, L. Griffiths, B. Clouston, Goulter, Orr. Reid, Broughton, Bennett, Paul (New Plymouth), Lambie, Cudden, Robinson, Misses Stafford (Wellington), Moore, McIntosh, McLauchlan, Ross, Chapman, Griffiths, Messrs G. Seymour, K. Moore, C. Goulter, Sharp (Seddon), Lambie, Broughton, B. Moore, Horton, Churchward, and D. Bennett, r

If-you can step into a ready-made costume you are saved a world of trouble and anxiety. You see at a glance the style and finish of the dress, you hare the chance of trying it on to see if it suits you. There 13 no risk, no guess-vrork, and the price is very much lower than what the same dress would cost if made to order. Kirkcaldie and Stains, Ltd., have a fine lot of costumes, in all the preferred stylos, which th" - would be Pleased to submit on application to their agent in Blenheim. •

The Dunedin Star states that Lord Ranfurly will represent the Dominion at the Quebec tercentenary demonstration.

Wellington fishermen are reported to be catching large numbers of hapuka in Cook Strait at present, as many as eighty of these fish (averaging 801b) being taken in one haul.

After a couple of months' fighting, j the publican at Rock Lead (Vie.) has surrendered to th> demands of the Leer drinkers, and has reduced the price of beer from 4d to 3d per glass, j

Last month 156 deceased persons' estates were certified for stamp duty. The largest were those of the Hon. W. Johnston (Wellington) £496,625, and the Rev. J. C. Andrew (Wairarapa) £109,786.

Struck on the head with an egg while addressing an audience in Croydon Public Hall, Mr Victor Grayson, M.P., declined to be disturbed by "the softly yielding argument which has impinged itself against my cerebellum. " , *

Complaint is being made in Ti.maru by intending applicants for sections' in the Culverden estate, that on the snle maps of the estate there is nothing to indicate which sections are fco bo reserved for the preference applicants, and until this information is supplied they cannot decide for whirh sections to apply.

Though justice is sometimes slow it is sure. A Greymouth wire says: —The Urowh Prosecutor, acting for the Labour .Department, has issued the necessary distress warrants against the members of the Blackball Miners' Union for the recovery of the £75 hue inflicted 1-y the Arbitration Court. They are being executed by the bailiff.

The Kaikoura Star states that Mr A Adair, who is levelling the Takahanga Domain, at Kaikoura, recently unearthed some relics of Rauparaha's terrible visit to Kaikoura many years ago. He found the skulls and bones of several Maoris v.!ho were killed in the conflicts, and also a fine'specimen oi' a mere. A few inches of the hilt of the weapon are missing, but the busiiiess^end is perfect.

A considerable drop in the temperature is noticeable in to-day's weather report, Tiritiri (57) being the highest reading. No other place was over 50. Balclutha (32) was the lowest, though Queenstpwn (34) was also in the region of freezing point. Blenheim registered 45. The weather on the Coast appeared to have settled down a little, though the sea was rough at Hokianga Heads and Kaipara signal station.

Sir Joseph Ward is again in the South Island. To-morrow he is to open the A. and J\ Show in Dunedin,' and on Wednesday he will unveil a memorial to fallen soldiers at Invercargill. The night following, Thursday, he v/ill address a political meeting at Waimate. There is a similar programme laid down for him at Oxford and Cheviot on the Friday and, Saturday night respectively, while on the Monday night he will deliver a political speech at Christchurch. It is probable he will be in Blenheim on the lOth upon the occasion of the Hon. C. H. Mills's address to the electors of Wairau.

On Wednesday the Press Association's agw.it at Inglewood sent the following message to all corners of the Dominion: "Sir Joseph Ward passed through here about noon today. The Mayor and a deputation H rere waiting to interview him, and it was understood he would stay here a short time, but all assembled had the mortification of seeing him pass through the town at the rate of twenty miles an hour. The deputation then dispersed with the cold satisfaction of seeing him raise his hat." Sir Joseph Ward says: "The statement is absolutely incorrect. As soon as I saw it T telegraphed the Mayor of Inglewood on the subject. I was not invited to Inglewood, and v. as not informed that any deputation desired to see me, so I simply passed "hrough to keep my engagement in New, Plymouth. The Mayor of Inglewood sent the following reply to my wire to him on the subject": ' Sorry for the statement in the press, but I am not directly responsible, and now I find you received no message re the deputation. I will see you at the morning's, train and explain.—H. Curtis, Mayor.' " Sir •Joseph states that this explanation appeared in the New Plymouth papers, and he is surprised that it.was not sent throughout the Dominion, as the previous message was.

A strange tale was told to the Act-ing-Registrar in Bankruptcy at Sydney of how a small debt, like a rolling snowball, attained lug proportions in the course of nine or ten years. Banknipt, a clerk in the public service, said h^ borrowed some nine or ten years ago a sum of £60, giving a bill of sale over his household furniture as security. After a couple of years the furniture was re-valued, and a further^ican obtained, making the total £70. Since then two promissory notes, aggregating some £54, had been given an.d negotiated, part of the proceeds going towards reduction of the initial indebtedness. All the time he had been paying at the rate of £24 per annum off the principal, and an additional amount, varying from £10 to £17 per annum, j according as the amount of the prin- ] ciple debt fluctuated. Some months i ago his furniture was seized and sold j realising £50, yet he found himself j still m debt to the company from! which he had borrowed the money to j the extent of £81. And this in spite of the fact that, according to his own ! calculation, he had, since borrowing ! the first amount, paid the company ! no less a sum than £410. ■

BURNS AND SCALDS. \ Even the slightest burn or scald will i raise a blister, and often lead to a I painful and chronfc sore. Instantly '■ after a burn, apply Chamberlain's i Pain Balm, which will relieve the ; pain, and in most cases prevent the i formation of a blister or sore. No I ordinary accident is so likely to lead : to dangerous results as a'burn or scald, and if Chamberlain's Pain Balm was good for nothing else, it would still be a remedy that no household should ever be without. For sale by J. Benning, Blenheim, ai:d W. Syms,

The Hon. Dr. Findiay was asked by a New Zealand Times reporter in Wellington whether he had any intention of replying to the comments made on his TVanganui speech. The Attorney-General replied that if pos-S ?ible heVouM, before the opening or Parliament-, deliver another address, in which recent criticisms would bo fully answered.

The Dunedin Star has the following:—An eccentric Oamaruvian died recently who had long had a hobby_ for accumulating books. He had acquired a heterogeneous collection of some 2000 volumes, comprising history, theology, philosophy, New Zealand literature, and literary curiosities. It had been his intention to bequeath these to the town in which he spent hu hermit life, but he passed away without specifying this wish in his will, lne library, therefore, came under the auctioneer's hammer at Oamaru on Saturday. An enterprising bookVfrf-? r °1. Dunedin travelled to the White City, fondly expecting to secure half the collection at low prices. He soon found that he had indulged delusive hopes. The Oamaruvians are neither so poor nor so unliterary as he had fancied. Many of the prices offered made his mouth water,, and led him to wish he had taken his stock with him, instead of his cheque-book. Bidding throughout was brisk and brave. Wright's "Caricature History of the Georges" (issued at 3s 6d) fetched 16s 6d: "Kirk's Forest Flora of New Zealand" (obtained new at 12s 6d) fetched 22s 6d; Gully's "New Zealand Scenery' realised 2Jgs.; Robley's "Moko or Maori Tatooing," 2£gsBuller's "Birds of New Zealand,"' (second edition, two volumes) llfgs • Mrs Heatley's "Native Flowers of Zealand," 3gs.; the facsimile of "The Treaty of Waitangi" (issued by the Government Printer at ss), fetched 12s; a 3s 6d Shakspere ran up to 7s.

"Deep breathing"- is condemned by a medical correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette, who contributes a long letter to that journal. "It is well recognised by the few who understand the subject/ he writes, "that as much harm has been done by socalled 'deep breathing' exercises as by physical culture' exercises. In our schools and in the Army human beings are actually being developed into deformities by breathing and physical exercises. All exercises involvingdeep breathing' cause an exaggeration of the defective muscular coordination already present, so that even if one bad habit is eradicated, many others—often more harmful— are cultivated. It is only necessary to point to the serious effects of 'deep breathing' and physical culture exercises in the causation of throat and ear disorders, following upon the undue and harmful depression of the larynx.

Lawson has a story of the old sundowner who refused to remain in the hospital unless he was allowed to have his dog in the ward with him. "That there dog o' mine" cropped up again with an equally remarkable bush type in Sydney last week (says the Sydney Daily Telegraph). The owner of the canine—one that comes within the comprehensive class known in country districts as a cattle dog—is a long, lean wayback, with a slouch hat, slop clothesi, and a drawl. He has evidently come to town to give his dog a treat, for on Friday night they showed up together at West's Pictures at the Town Hall. The man bought two tickets, and presented both at the door. "Meeself and the dawg," he informed the astonished ticket-taker. That municipal functionary turned the dog down, and refused to entertain the protest that it was as good as any man, and could understand pictures just as well. "I won't go in without me dawg," said the man from the back-blocks, finally. His money was refunded, and he and the quadruped left the building. On Saturday night he gave the management of Her Majesty's Theatre a literal opportunity of trying "Humpty Dumpty 5' on the dog. "Where Igo I take me dawg," he told Mr Goodman, "and I'm willin' to pay his footm'. My dawg's been half round Australia with me. Him and me agreed to come to Sydney for a good time and I'm not" going back on mm. Mr Goodman could only show his sympathy by patting the dog and apologising to it for the indignity it suffered by being in the same prohibited category as "babies in arms."

Speaking at the reception of the -fcinglisn footballers at Masterton, Mr Hogg, M.P., made the following, humorous remarks:—"You know I am a bit of a footballer myself. (Laughter.) I'm not a kicker; I'm the football. (Renewed laughter.)' Every three years I get kicked intoParliament. (Laughter and a voice: And you'll be kicked in again.") Of course, I get hard knocks, but I t-njoy it. I suppose it is because I am tough in the skin; all Hoggs are. (.Boars of laughter.) My opponentsget the tries, but I score. Now, I nope our visitors will not forget our native friends—representatives of the noblest aboriginal race in the world. (Applause.) The Maoris are grand athletes, fond of athletic games, and I hope a match with them will be arranged. (Applause.) One word of yarning, however, is necessary. Don t inquire about your missing: ancestors." (Laughter.) Remember what happened to the traveller in New Zealand who was also inquiring about his great-grandfather. A Maori of advanced years was introduced to him. "Have you ever met an Englishman earned Jeremiah Thompson?" he asked. The Maori's face was lighted with a smile. "Met him!" he repeated. "Met him!' Why, I ate him." (Roars of laughter.)