LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 880, 18 August 1910, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual general meeting of the Foxton Racing Club is advertised to be held in the club’s office on Monday evening next, A farmer in Nelson, who recently became bankrupt, has paid 20s in the £. The creditors are to make him a presentation in recognition of his honesty. It is stated that the salary of Colonel Davies as Brigadier General will be /iooo per annum, exclusive of allowances. His New Zealand salary is ,£625 per annum. A bread war is reported to be existing in Wanganui and Palmerston North, and the price of the commodity is being ticketed in shop windows of the town at 2j4d per 2lb. loaf. It is reported that a cow owned by Mr Arthur Crawford, on the Eltham road, gave birth to four calves, fully developed, similarly marked, and exactly alike in colour, but not alive.—Argus. At the Wellington Supreme Court this week, Robert Stewart was found guilty of forging a telegram for money and a receipt for a money order telegram. He was sentenced to three years’ hard labour. •for watch, clock or jewellery repairs go to Parkes, the jeweller, Main Street.

Mrs Wood acknowledges a donation of xos 6d towards the Old Men’s Home fund from Mr P. J. Hennessy. Mrs Paul, who is about thirty years of age, while having some teeth extracted by Mr Brewer, dentist, of Dunedin, on Monday, collapsed under an ether anaesthetic. All efforts to restore life were unavailing. An ordnance corps in Hanover discovered two boys, who had been missing since July 30th, in a forage wagon. The, lid tell and prevented their escape. The poor boys apparently went mad, and kicked each other until exhaustion and death supervened. At the Christchurch Supreme Court on Monday, Daisy Olive Moon, who pleaded guilty to a long series of thefts from dwellings, was sent to the Salvation Army Home for two years. It was suggested that her crimes were due to reading pernicious literature.

The London Daily Express is seeking the opinions of prominent people regarding a suggestion that King George should assume the title of “ Emperor of the British.” It is pointed out that Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand haye ceased to be colonies, and that the sole remaining link between them all is the person of the Sovereign. The West Coast Steamship and Trading Co,, have their coal bins in working order apd are prepared to enter into contracts with flaxmillers, dairy factory proprietors and others lor the supply of coal at ship-side rates. All orders will receive prompt attention. The company is also agent for Wilson’s Partland Cement.

“They are shooting the ‘hippos’ out of the river (Zambesi), so that nothing may happen there.” So reads an extract from a letter received from Mr H. Floyd trainer for “Dick” Arnst, now at the Zambesi. From this it is judged that hippopotami are still fairly numerous, and that it is even possible that Barry or Arnst may be placed in the awkward position of having to hurdle over the back of a rising “hippo” in the race today for the championship of the world. It may be imaginable that a very much interested party may train a “hippo” to obstruct the boat of either one or other of the scullers.

A somewhat ambiguous remark was made by a speaker at a meeting in connection with the Daymen’s Missionary Movement in Dunedin the other night, and it provoked much laughter. The speaker was a member of the Congregational body, and was explaining how well the various churches worked together in Toronto in the interests of the movement. Sometimes a man was required to visit another centre “and,” said he, “if we don’t have a good man to go we send a Presbyterian! ” The thus presumably cast upon the denomination was born with becoming cheerfulness by the Presbyterians present. Speaking at a meeting of the Stratford branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation last Friday night, Mr N. J. King dwelt on the benefits of Liberalism, and refuted the charges of tammanyism. In explaining the meaning of that word, he said it reflected dishonour, fraud and deceit on every Liberal in New Zealand, and many of those who used the word did not know its meaning. He was pleased to see the unity that existed in this Federation, and he was sure that next election would again see Stratford in its true light as a Liberal constituency, “ Last election there had been disunion, but this coming election would see unity and combination. They were determined to put one man in the field, and one man only, and that was their only means of success. ’ ’ So look out, Mr Hiue !

An exchange referring to the Chiet-Inspector of the Wanganui Education Board says:—"Mr G. D. Braik, Chief-Inspector under the Wanganui Education Board, has steadily risen in his prolession since the days, some dozen years ago or so, when he was first assistant in a district high school in a southern mining town. While in that position he was noted chiefly as a stern disciplinarian and it could never certainly be laid to his charge that he spared the rod and spoiled the pupil. The year or two spent there, we believe, comprised the whole of his actual teaching experience, after which he was appointed assistant inspector under the Southland Board and from thence to his present rating.”

“It cannot be too often repeated that diphtheria is a disease which is communicated by contagion with the sick, and no other way” (says Dr. Ashburton Thompson, president of the N.S.W. Board of Health). The popular impression that it is caused by offensive nuisances, by bad drains, or by bad drinking water, is entirely a delusion. On the other hand, when diphtheria is epidemic, the closest attention should be paid to anything in the shape of a sore throat, discharging from the nose, or discharging irom the ears, and owing to the paralysis which the disease causes any change observed in the speaking voice of a child should be taken as sufficient reason for consulting a medical man as to whether the child has not recently had diphtheria. Paralysis of the muscles of the throat leads to such a change, and is a common sign of the presence of the disease, which may have been too slight to betray itself in any other way. Nevertheless, such mild cases can fatally infect others.”

Mr J. A. Rodie, the local stationmaster is at present away on bis annual fortnight’s leave and Mr Horsnell, of Wellington, is relieving.

Mr P. Wollermau notifies that he has just opened up a consignment of hand-painted Japanese screens, bamboo sun-blinds, etc., inspection of which is invited. The death is reported from Wellington of Mr J. J. Devine, a solicitor and city councillor. He was aged 54, and was born in Tipperary, Ireland. He arrived in 1576.

Miss E. Bartlett has been appointed pupil teacher at the local school vice Miss Crothers resigned. Miss Bartlett has been instructed to take up her duties on the 4th prox. A meeting of the members of the local Bowling Club was held in the Council Chamber last night when the rules, which had been drawn up by the sub-committee, were adopted. A miner named Henry Sainsbury, who, a fortnight ago, complained of not being well, and was missed, was found dead behind a hut at Waiuta, Reefton, on Tuesday, with his throat cut. He is supposed to have come from Otago.

The death is announced of Mr William Whittaker, which occurred at his sou’s residence, Terrace End, yesterday. The deceased had been aresident of Palmerston North for 13 years, and leaves a grown-up family to mourn their loss.

King George is said to be the best shot in the United Kingdom, and in the autumn of last year, after a long and tiring stalk, he performed the amazing feat of killing two stags with right and left shots. He is also an excellent walker, and has great power of endurance.

The local amateurs, who will stage the comedy-drama, “Blow for Blow,” at the Public Hall on Wednesday, September 21st, held a very successful rehearsal last night. From the enthusiasm shown by those taking part in the play, the production next month should be most successful.

A claim for damages lor breach of promise, made by Amy Webb, of Christchurch, formerly of Auckland, against Joel Deeble, described as a grocer and butcher, of Thames, was held in the Supreme Court, Auckland, on Tuesday. The jury returned a verdict in favour of plaintiff, to which they awarded ,£l2O damages.

Mr Dillon’s election committee met at Hastings this week to consider his action in voting against the Government on the recent no-confidence motion. Proceedings were closed to the press, and those present decline to disclose what took place, but it is supposed that the committee found Mr Dillon guilty, and that he is to be warned against kicking over the traces in future.

At Melbourne a libel action is being brought by Archbishop Clarke against John Norton, (owner of Truth). An application was made by plaintiff in the Practice Court that the defendant should give further particulars of defence, on the ground that the defence as stated was embarrassing, oppressive and irrelevant. His Honour agreed that the particulars should be given, and the matter stood over.

How many people know what King George’s real surname is ? If his Majesty were to be deprived of all his titles and reduced to the rank of a commoner, he would be known simply as Mr Wettin. The Counts of Wettin were the founders of the Prince Consort’s ancient house of Saxe-Coburg. The Prince Consort’s name was Wettin, just as Queen Victoria’s became on her marriage. Thus the present King’s real name is George Wettin.

After making a fortune of over ,£IOO,OOO, Mr J. S. Clarke died in destitute surroundings, at Maryborough, Victoria, recently. About 50 years ago he came out from England to the gold diggings, and, being successful, accumulated property valued at over ,£IOO,OOO. He returned to England and lost most of his money in the “ Liberator Building Society,” with which Jabez Balfour was connected. He again visited Australia, but other losses followed, and finally he was compelled to apply for an old-age pension.

A disastrous fire broke out in the Southern Cross Biscuit Factory Taupo (Juay, Wangauui, yesterday. The fire evidently began in the biscuit making or packing department, and destroyed the premises. The insurances total £7775, including £2OOO on the mill, which was not injured. The following offices are affected ; South British, Sun, Commercial Union, Ocean, Yorkshire, Australian Alliance, and Victoria. About 60 hands are thrown out of employment. The friends of Mrs Wilhelmine Petersen will regret to hear of her death, which occurred on Tuesday night at her residence, Feildiug road, Ashhurst, Mrs Petersen has been suffering for some time, consequently her death was not altogether unexpected. She leaves a husband and grown-up family of seven including Mr C. T. Peterson, of Foxton, to mourn their loss. Mrs • Peterson, with her husband and family resided in Foxton for a number of years afterwards removing to Ashhurst, A beautiful assortment of electroplate goods, brooches, engagement rings, etc., at Parkas’ jewellery establishment, Main St.*

A bicycle and phonograph are advertised for sale. Mrs M. Perreau advertises for a girl to assist with housework. Mr Lazarette notifies the arrival of a consignment of smoked and fresh fish of all kinds. Those who are well acquainted with the country district between Hawera and Paekakariki (says a correspondent) express the opinion that unless tree planting is resorted to at once, and on a fairly extensive scale, timber of all kinds will be unobtainable except by sending a long way for it. News has been received by the Island mail of the death by drowning of Father Bilton, of the Catholic Mission at Pago Pago, Samoa. Accompanied by Father Bellwald he was returning to Lepua in an open boat, when the craft capsized. Father Bellwald succeeded in swimming to the reef, but Father Bilton who was unable to swim, quickly disappeared. The local Anglican Church it> tend holding a bazaar in November next for the purpose of raising funds for the beautification of the church grounds and painting the vicarage. The matter is being taken up enthusiastically by the lady members of the church, and arrangements for the affair are now in hand. The euchre party and dance held under the auspices of the Catholic Church on the 3rd instant proved so successful that it has been decided to hold another on Wednesday week, the 31st instant. Particulars are advertised in this issue, and tickets are now on sale. Prices of admission, gents 2s, ladies is. The Daily Express’s New York correspondent leports that the eight-months-old baby of Mr Edward McLean, a multi-million-aire, is taking airings at Bar Harbour, Maine, in a steel cage on wheels. The cage is lined with eiderdown and is fitted with complicated locks. This is being done in consequence of attempts at kidnapping. A retired wholesale grocer tells the following story:—“l once hired an errand boy, who worked for me about two days. The last day he was with us I sent him out for fifteen shillings worth of stamps, giving him a sovereign. When he came back with the stamps he didn’t offer me any change. “ Well,” I said, impatiently, “where’s the change, Alfred ? ” “ There ain’t any sir, ’ ’ said he, “ stamps has riz,” Several cases of bookmakers failing to meet their engagements are reported to have occurred at the races, says Saturday’s Christchurch News. One member of the fraternity is, however, alleged to have fallen in beautifully. The result of a race put him in a client’s debt to the extent of but when the latter went to collect the amount, the bookmaker said to him, sotto voce: —“Look here, old man, I’m clean broke. Will you take a pound note from me now and my acknowledgment for the remainder, which I shall pay to-morrow. After some demur the client accepted the proposition, and the bookmaker handed over the banknote and the acknowledgment. It was only some ten minutes later when the race-goer happened to look at the note that he found the bookmaker had unwittingly given him a note. Needless to say, he did not rush back to the bookmaker to point out his mistake.