Untitled

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9166, Issue 9165, 15 March 1910, Page 4

Owing to lack of interest the movement to establish a branch of the Y.M.C.A in Feilding has falien through.

A park to commemorate the memory of tho late Mr T. L. Joll was officially opened at Okaiawa last week by Mr Felix McGuire in the presence of a large and representative number of settlers.

The Oddfellows' Hall, Cuba street, will be available for socials oil the folr lowing Wednesdays:—April 6, 20, 27; May 11, 18;. June 1, 8, 22, 29; July 13, 20; August 3, 10, 24, 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28. The floor is in excellent condition for dancing, and the improvements mado last year provides a commodious supper room. Those intending holding socials during the winter season should book their dates early.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the A.O.F. Lodge was held in the Foresters' Hall, Main street, last night, C.R. Bro. Wickenden presiding over a fair attendance of members. It was decided to hold the quarterly summoned meeting on Wednesday, March 23, on account of Monday a holiday. The social committee decided to hold the first social on Tuesday, March 29. After transacting the usual business the Court was closed.

The new Town Hall at Bulls, a very suitable and convenient structure, was opened on Friday. Opportunity was taken during the proceedings to present an address to Mr Jas. Bull, founder of the township, and who recently presented the town with its library buildings. The address was signed by over 80 people, including Sir "John Batty Tuke, Bulls' first medical practitioner, and who is now touring the Dominion, and Mrs A. McDonnel, the oldest living resident of Lower Rangilikei.

At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr A. D. Thomson, S.M., John D. Hayes and T. Bills (Mr Innes) sued M. D. Jones (Mr P. B. Fitzherbert) for £38, rent of a billiard saloon in George street. Hayes was the owner of the saloon, and ho had leased it to Bills, who sold his lease to defendant for £35. Defendant left tho place because ha said it had boon misrepresented. The plaintiff Hayes was the only witness called by Mr Innes, and he stated he had agreed verbally to the transfer. Later on when'defendant had complained of slack times witness reduced the rent from £7 to £6 a week. The rent was paid to witness by defendant. Mr Fitzherbert asked for a nonsuit as to plaintiff Hayes on the ground .that defendant was liable to Bills, and not to Hayes, and also a non-suit as to Bills on the ground that no agreement of transfer had been signed. A number of cases quoted by defendant's counsel, and after a brief reply by Mr Innes, who contended that a fresh agreement had been entered into between Hayes and Jones, for £6 a week, the nonsuit was refused. Defendant in evidence stated he had paid £35 for the lease and afterwards found the business was misrepresented. He was certain that tho takings were not more than £7 a week. An agreement of transfer was never signed and witness after finding the business did not pay gave up occupation and returned the key to Bills. Judgment was given for £27 with costs 325. solicitor's fee £2 12s.

A replace advt. in this issue from Messrs Ross arid Co., of the Bon Marche. calls attention to an extensive choice of select styles in ladies' autumn and winter gowns, which prospective buyers are invited to see early.—Advt.

Importers are invited to send their shipping documents to J. J. Curtis and Co., Shipping, Forwarding and Customhouse Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Tim firm will do your Customs work correctly si? ? forward p -ode promptly.—Advt-

It is stated that 300 men were recently thrown out of work in Auckland. Mrs Morphy, Aorangi, had 20 tons of hay destroyed by fire on Sunday morning. The Makerua Drainage Board has accepted the tender of Olsen and Co. for the Main drain contract and the tender of T. Williams for Seifert's drain. A novel sight for Dunedin residents is furnished at the Winter Gardens, where bananas arc fruiting. The plants have been locally raised, and the fruit is of a good size and colour, besides being described as excellent in flavour. Tho subscriptions to the Hector Memorial have now reached £453 10s 6d, being £46 9s 6d short of the £500, up to which sum the Government has promised to give a subsidy of £ for £. The Memorial Committee desires to secure tho small balance by the 31st inst., atwhich date the Government vote will lapse. Bush fires were raging at Ohakune on Friday, and many residents experienced a rather rough time. In several instances families were compelled to make hurried exits from their homes. The fire worked in the direction of Gamman's mil, and the hands had a trying time saving the bridges. No serious damage has been sustained. Some time ago wo published from a Capetown paper, the story told by Mr Sawer, in explanation of his leaving the Waratah at Durban, and concluding his voyage to England in another boat. That explanation was that he was

greatly disturbed by tho bad way the Waratah behaved in heavy seas. After his arrival in England Mr Sawyer told the same story there; but ho added that his determination to leave the steamer was chiefly due to some vivid dreams ho had on board. After he had left the Waratah he dreamt he saw her partly take a big sea, and then pitch over on her starboard bow and disappear. A sequel to the recent trial of W. B. V. Pearee, of Oroua Bridge, for alleged cattle stealing came on at the Magistrate's Court to-day in the shape of a civil action brought by Aaron Passey against Pcarce for the return of the two bullocks alleged to be stolen, or their value £14. Defendant counterclaimed for £11 10s damages on account of tho sale -by plaintiff of two bullocks belonging to him, one in April, 1909, and tho other in October, 1909. Mr 11. G. Moore appeared for the plaintiff and Mr H. R. Cooper for the defendant. The evidence was practically the same as that given in the case before the Supremo Court, and was being heard when wo went to press.

Work in connection with the re-erec-tion of the rope and twino works at Foxton is nearing completion. All the buildings are completed, and the in-

stallation of machinery is now being pushed on with all speed. Some of the old machinery is being overhauled, and will be fit for use in the new factory, but a great proportion of the plant being installed is new and of an up-to-date pattern. Tho engine which will provide the motive power will be of the' class known as suction gas, of 100 horsepower, tho two engines previously in use being requisitioned for other purposes. When completed, tho factory will be thoroughly up-to-date, and will provide work for a large number of hands.

Before proceeding with the ordinary, business on Saturday at the Native Land Court, To Kuiti, Judge Rawson handed over to a native chief a valuable greenstone adze, which had been found by Mr E. 11. Hardy on some native land leased by him at Waiteti, near Te Kuiti The natives knew that it had been lost somewhere thereabouts, and, it is said, had offered £200 for its recovery. The adze is a very fine example of what corresponds with tho work of our stone age. It is of greenstone, about 15in long by 4in wide, and weighs about 51bs. It is from 300 to 400 year old, and is a moet. valued heirloom of the tribe to which a. lucky find has now restored it.

During the past week Mr S. R. Lancaster, of Fitzherbert East, |ias taken 22 tons of onions off about an acre of ground. Neither the ground nor the onions had any special preparation or attention, and the result is an excellent illustration of the fertility of the Fitzherbert; East soil. Strangely enough, the field carrots lliat Mr Lancaster is growing in connection with the agricultural experiments being conducted by the Agricultural Department are not doing too well. Several sorts are being grown by Mr Lancaster, each artifically manured, but the season appears to have been against them. A portion of them were attacked by caterpillars, which have been exceedingly destructive everywhere this year, but the recent rains, and consequent stronger growth, have enabled the carrots to withstand the ravages of the pest. They will not, however, develop as they should have done.

While bathing at Gisborne last week Mr H. McGregor, an engineer employed at Messrs Nelson Brother's Freezing Works, had a thrilling experience, and a narrow escape from losing a limb, through boing attacked by a 6hark. He was well out from the shore when he suddenly folt something pass under the calf of* his leg. Instantly he realised that it was a shark. Being a powerful swimmer and a man of strong nerve he struck out quickly for shore., but he had only gone a few strokes when he felt something near one of hi 6 feet, and next* moment his pursuer had made a grab. Fortunately just at that time the swimmer drew his leg up, and the teeth of the shark grazed his foot. By kicking and splashing Mr McGregor frightened" the monster away. Upon reaching the shore it was found that the bather's foot had boon badly lacerated, and there was a nasty gash under the toes. The sharkwas about 6f± lonir.

The New Zealand Trade Review states that weather conditions have continued very favourable for live stock and for the dairy trade, but the output of the grain harvest is likely to be a good deal below The very favourable promise of the first estimates. The exports of the season so far have been very heavy, and prices aro satisfactory. The total value of the shipments for the current quarter, ending on tho 31st inst., promise to constitute a record far in excess of any previous corresponding period. Wool, dairy produce, and meat will show very high totals. Wheat gives expectation of' an exportable surplus still equal to that of last year, but the prospects of oats are less favourable. On tho other hand, our imports seem to be remaining at about the reduced level of 1909, and the excess exports over imports will certainly show a very largo margin for the March quarter. Bank accounts will thus be substantially replenished,, and the financial position further improved. The requirements of the New Zealand Government for public works and other public purposes are being obtained outside the Dominion, as also are the loans of local governing bodies. Sir Joseph Ward recently stated that applications of tho latter character were in hand to the amount of £750.000. and the money would be available if the security proved satisfactory. The local market will, therefore." not be called upon to meet demands of this class, as it has been in the past, and the accumulations of the community will be available for general purposes. The prospect, therefore, iff for increased ease in this market.

Diaries for 1910 at Park's warehouse. Prize and Presentation Books, Prayer and Hymns, Bibles, Church Praise, Catholic Prayer Books, new Annuals, Post Cards, etc. —Advt.

Women will bo particularly interested in the splendid door mat valued Messrs Collinson's are offering. A glance at the prices must appeal to the keen buvinpr housewife. 24£ inches x 15 inches Is" lid each, 27 inches x. 17 inches 2s 9d each, 29g inches x 18| inches 3s 6d each; larger sizes 4s 6d, 4s lid, 6s 6d. Collinson and Son, "Cheanside." Palmerston N. —Advt.

At Park's warehouse splendid assortment of Ladies' "Peggy" Bag's, Poc-kefc Books. Purses, Letter Cases, Fitted Dressing Cases. Cricket, Croquet and Tenru3 coiods.—Advi>

It Ss stated that the fly is playing havoc with gardens in Stratford at the present time, in proof of which assertion a local gardener told a Post reporter that he had this yoar planted a patch of turnips five times in succession, only to see the plants destroyed immediately they showed albovo ground. It is also stated that/ many turnip crops in the district have become a fleeted by blight, causing tho roots to rot in the ground. John Whelan, who disappeared in a mysterious fashion from Banks. Peninsula in January, and who, it was supposed, had fallen over the cliffs into the sea, has turned up at Timaru, where he has relatives. When asked where he ] i had been, he said that the first he had known of being lost was the appearance in the newspapers of statements concerning his disappearance. A correspondent forwards the Taranaki News the following particulars of a sad case:--"A young man, an only eon, wurked hard. He neither smoked nor never went to any place of amusement nor indulged in any pa6time. After his hard day's work ho had to get his own meals. Every, year he had to make

up £81 interest, £15 in rates, and £52 for the maintenance of a sister in an asylum. All this had to be paid before he thought of his own living, and his living. I know, mostly consisted of broad grid butter. The law demanded from this poor fellow £1 a week to keep his sister in the asylum, and when he could not pay it, put him in gaol. Twice he wont to gaol. The last time, however, proved too much for his overtaxed strength and sensitive mind. Now he, too, is an inmate of the asj'lum."

One of the defendants in the ragwort cases heard at Stratford, in pleading guilty, said that he had been absent from the district when the ragwort bloomed, all that had been noticed by him having been ■ previously destroyed". His son. who had been looking after the place, was not clear as to what ragwort was. As soon as the summons had been 6erved he had cleared the property. His Worship (Mr Eyre Kenny) said he was not surprised that some people might net know ragwort. What was it like? Was it easily distinguished? Mr Spence: A beautiful yellow flower, your Worship. Inspector Glasson : I can scarcely understand a resident of Stratford not know-

ing ragwort when he sees it. It has a magnificent yellow flower and stands from two to four feet in height. It can be seen very plainly from a distance. A fine of £2 and costs was inflicted.

Cattle station in Queensland. Christmas time. Swagmen in travellers' hut intend to celebrate. Only flour and mutton to celebrate with; not even a pinch of baking-powder. One swagman steals away and commandeers half a tin of baking-powder through a window in station store. Boss sees him, says nothing. Great hilarity in the travellers' hut. Baking-powder bread. Hooray! Boss rides along. "Any of you fellows steal half-tin of arsenic out -of the store?" The look on the faces of the swagmen was awful. Some of them rushed outside and were ill. Many lay down and tried to die. Next morning the boss looked in to view the corpses. Three men were very ill in bed. "I was only pulling your leg," he quietly remarked. "That baking-powder really was baking-powder."

A correspondent of the Taranaki Herald suggests that the following facts may give some clue to the recent fires which destroyed country churches: —At Patutahi a haystack was recently ignited by_ the sun's rays striking a bottle of drinking water left on the stack. In another instance in the same district a settler was sitting at table, and a tumbler of water on the table concentrated the rays of the sun and ignited the tablccloth and the man's coat. In another Patutahi residence a bowl of goldfish was situated on the hall-stand, and in the early morning, shortly after the sun had risen, an umbrella in the stand was discovered to be on fire, the only possible conclusion being that the solar rays had been focussed on it. The instances are all of recent date, and are vouched for by a reliable correspondent. Members of the Philosophical Society met yesterday afternoon, when there were present Messrs Glendinning (chairman), J. L. Barnicoat, J. E. Vernon. M. Elliot, K. Wilson (hon. sec.), and Capt. Hewitt. TKe Hon T. McKenzie intimated that pressure of work rendered it impossible for him to fix a date for his lecture, but when the pressure was less he would be pleased to do so. The Hon. Dr Findlay wrote appointing April 21st for his lecture on "Legal Liberty," and Mr Justice Chapman wrote he would lecture either in June or September. It was decided to forward the report of the Manawatu Acclimatisation Society on the protection of certain birds to the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, also to inform that Society that the report would be amplified if necessary. Tho ensuing session of the Society will commence on Thursday, when Mr W. W. Smith will speak on "The N.Z. Saddleback." Mr D. Sinclair will also contribute a paper on "Early Education among the Maoris."