MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD AND POHANGINA GAZETTE UARANTEED LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE DISTRICT. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1900. PATRIOTIC HUMBUG.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6624, 16 February 1900, Page 2

MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD AND POHANGINA GAZETTE UARANTEED LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE DISTRICT. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1900. PATRIOTIC HUMBUG.

Thrre could be no greater humbug than the pretence of the Government that they desire to encourage the Volunteer movement by increasing the strength of the Mounted Infantry corps without giving concessions likely to induce men to join. At the present time it is with the utmost difficulty that the old strength is maintained, and how that can be added to by a third under existing circumstances is a puzzle worth unravelling, especially when large numbers of the efficient members have gone to South Africa. A lew particulars abou what recruits have to face who join a mounted corps will prove what arrant humbug the Premier's latest attempt at showing his patriotism is. The recruit's expense for the first year amounts to £5 and capitation, besides his own private expenses and service of himself and the horse. The £5 goes to meet the cost of uniform and saddlery ; the latter consisting of bridle, breastplate, stirrup irons, and spurs, of uniform pattern, and in the case of stirrups and bits of uniform unreliability — snapping off rather frequently. The head stalls, originally designed for huge chargers, almost bury the heads of the cobbs requn%d for the work. This gear required much cleaning, and a single shower of labour useless. Ihen a man who misses the annual training is fined. £3, and even a day's absence from camp through illness entails- the loss of a year's capita* tion to the corps. To make a Mounted corps attractiye to the members it is necessary that the monotony of the regular drills should be varied with competitions in the events usually held at the annual tournaments, so as to render the latter successful and afford attractions for the men, but there are,not very many.men who can indulge in the expense entailed and give their time ■as well. We would suggest that the members of the Ministry should try the mounted corps business themselves with the Hon. J. GL Ward (who has had volunteer experience) in command, and we feel sure that it would not take long for them to recognise the ridiculous manner in which our mounted corps are treated—for it seems that that is the only way to drive common sense treatment of our .volunteers into the minds of 'the powers that be.

Sports.—A meeting of the Patriotic Sports Committe will be be held at Mr Eutherfur^s office on Saturday evening, and citieens are earnestly invited to join the committee. The advisability of altering the date of the sports to Easter Monday will be considered.

False Alarms. —No wonder false alarms of fire are given in Dunedin. The South Dunedia representative to the Fire Brigade Conference is Hydrantman A. J. Miscall.

Bailway.—The evening train to Wellington yesterday was an unusually long one. Amonst the passengers were a number of firemen who are proceeding to the Brigades Conference at Blenheim.

Delegates.—The' southern delegates, who have been attending the Druids Conference at Gisborne, passed through Palmerston last night. Mr Canton, the local delegate, returned with them.

Church Parade.—The Volunteers now in camp intend holding a Church parade on Sunday morning next, and will march from camp to the Broadstveet Wesleyan Church. The Eev. W. H. Beck will conduct the service, and the collection will be in aid of the Transvaal Relief Fund.

Satisfied.—The editor of an Australian back-country newspaper applied an intellectual teßt to his readers the other day. Being convinced that his subscribers were not digesting his leaders he experimented on them by publishing the same leading article six issues in in succession. No one noticed it, not even the proof-reader.

Racing Club. —At a committee meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club, held last night, the question of a new racecourse wasiurther discussed and it was decided to call a special general meeting of the Club to consider the question.—A letter was received from the Wanganui Jockey Club, suggesting a uniform system of hurdles, and it was agreed to fall in with the proposal.

1.0.0. F., M.U.—The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Manawatu Lodge was well attended last evening. A number of members of both the Loyal Sister Bray Lodge and Loyal Manchester Lodge (Feildihg) paid a paternal visit to the lodge, and the compliment will be returned on Friday, March 9th. Names of members willing to attend are to be left with the secretary or Bro. E. Stevenson.

More Men Fund.—Messrs L. G. West and R. Leary visited Taonui last evening where a meeting was held in the school room. There were sixteen persons present, and Mr j. Skerinan was voted to the chpir. After the chairman, the delegates, and Mr Astburyhad addressed the meeting, a canvassing committee was formed and the district apportioned as follows :—Messrs Hanson ; and Paul, from the school to boundary road ; Messrs Stevens and Henderson, half way toßunnythorpe; MessrsXSmall and Mitchell, to Awahuri ; Messrs 3, and W. Stttbbs, Aorangi and half-way to 'ftiranga; Mr J. gkeruiAn, NewJmry.

J.P. Resigns.—Mr James Grace} Palmerston North, has resigned his commission as a Justice of the Peace.

Coffee Palace.—Mr T. Fairhurst has sold the seven years' lease of the Coffee Palace to Mr Stewart, of Wanganui.

Entomology.—We notice in a recent number of the Entomologist, an article by Mr Ambrose Quail, F.E.S., manager for Messrs Hannah & Co. here, on " Entomology in New Zealand."

Pohangina.—At the meeting in connection with the More Men Fund, Mr D. Sinclair occupied the chair. Mr Fred. Pirani explained the object of the meeting, and Messrs Culling, Harper, D. and H. Sinclair were authorised to collect subscriptions.

Firemen.—By today's Wairarapa train Supt. Tingey, Lieut. Browning and Mr H. Nash left Palmerston to attend the Fire Brigade Conference at Blenheim. They are accompanied by Capt. Haybittle, of Feilding^

Committees.—The recommendations decided upon by the committees of the Borough Council last night will be submitted in the ordinary course at the next meeting of the Council.

Concert. —A final reminder s given to our readers that the annual concert given by the College-street school children will take place in the Theatre Royal to-night. T|ie programme is an unusually attractive one and comprises the cantata " Will-o'-the-Wisp," " Garland Drill," and concludes with the appropriate operetta " Life in the Transvaal." There should be a large attendance.

Dorcas Society.—Mrs Fitzherbert, the Hon. Secretary of the Dorcas Society, desires us to state that a few more members are needed to replace those who have left the district. The sewing meetings are held every Tuesday.

N.Z. Shipping Co.—We have received from the local agents, Messrs Barraud and Abraham, a useful circular for intending passengers by this line, with dates of sailings for the present year. A new feature in the Company's arrangement is booking passengers through to Capetown via London at very low rates, varying from £25 upwards. All information can be obtained from Messrs Barraud and Abraham's offices at Palmerston North, Feilding and Dannevirke. The "Papanui," 6,372 tons, sails on 24th inst. and is followed by the " Waimate," 5,600 tons, in March.

Waterworks.—For some time past the Borough authorities have been troubled by boys tampering with the fire plugs, and ball cocks connected with our town water service. Only a few days ago some of them wrenched off the lid of the trough placed at the corner of Terrace and Featherston streets, but not satisfied with this act of mischief, completed it by breaking the ball cock and causing a great waste of water. We need hardly point out that larrikinism of this kind will be most severely dealt with should the perpetrators be discovered.

Musical. — Miss Mary Scanlan, of Princess-street, has received information that the following pupils trained by her have succeeded in passing the Trinity College examination in musical theory:— Intermediate pass : Nellie Scanlan, 94. Junior pass : Elsie Pryce Jones, 96; Nina Ridddlord, 93; Dora White, 91; Connie Dalrymple, 90; Hilda Yortt, 89; Mary Mary Campion, 87; Ethel Knight, 87. Miss Scanlan is to be congratulated upon the fact that everyone of the pupils presented by her have succeeded in getting through with something to spare and the high percentage of marks obtained by them is substantial . proof of the soundness and brilliancy of the instruction imparted.

White Elephants.—At the Pensions Court, Rangiora (says the Press), an applicant, who set his real property, down at £305, and personal property at ,£270 —total £575—appeared to claim renewal of the pension. In reply to the magistrate, he said he bought 27 acres at £40 per acre, and paid £270 as a deposit. He owed £810 at five per cent, on mortgage. Last year he had sheep on it, this year crops. The sheep left no profit, and the seed wheat, which cost ss, was only likely to sell as a crop at 2s per bushel, By the help of last year's pension he had paid his interest. ActecM^ilß^ewJf was of good " Yes respectable, but foofisfc.-—xn'e"-pension," observed the magistrate, "was not intended to assist men-to keep white elephants. He could not punish him by withholding the pension, but he advised the man to get rid of the whole thing and live on his pension."

The sale now proceeding at the Bon Marche is proving a gigantic success, millinery, showroom goods, dress fabrics and blousings are being cleared regardless of cost, while the whole stock of family drapery, clothing, furnishing, boots and shoes is offered at reduced rates during the 15 days of the sale. An exceptional opportunity of buying to advantage is thus offered.—Advt