LOCAL AND GENERAL

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ripe strawberries were gathered in a garden in Batt Street, Falmerston North, last week. Another fall in the price of kerosene is expected in New Zealand at the end of the present month. John Joseph Donovan, a Masterton farmer, has been lined £2O for failing to destroy the rabbits on his property. The employees of the Wanganui Borough Council are strenuously resisting a proposal to reduce their wages. Large Quantities of railway metal are being carried by train, for use on the Foxton road, which is in a ba.l condition tin other side of Rangiotu. A noxious weed, in its flowering stage, has taken possession of the railway and road reserve for several wiles between Falmerston North and Rangiotu. It is stated that rabbits are on the decrease in the Wairarapa, though the broken weather of the past season has not been favourable lo poisoning operations. The Kairanga County Council has constructed an excellent road from Palmcrston North to the boundary of the Manawatu County. The Manawatu Council has now been spurred to action. The Order-in-Council made in April, 1018, prohibiting the importation into New Zealand of brandy, whisky, or rum of a less strength than twentyfive degrees under proof, has been revoked. A Palmerston North lady resident, remarking upon the peculiar Christian names of the family of Downe, states that she knows one member of a respected Christian family whose name is Neil Downe. Thousands of acres of sand dunes are covered with lupins in the Foxton district. The lupins have prevented the drift of the sand, but they have also provided a sanctuary for hundreds of rabbits. Whilst stepping off a moving motorcar on the Hutt road early on Saturday evening, Walter Christopher Webb, aged 55 years, a married man residing- at. Nelson, fell heavily and sustained injuries that resulted in his death. ■* Among the many tine blooms which have been attracting attention in Madam lmrie's florist's window, the Square, is a beautiful specimen of one of the latest varieties of white chrysanthemums, "Mrs D. Andrews.'' It was grown by Mr J. W. Sinclair, of Duke. Street, and is said to be the first of its kind produced in Palmerston North. Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., will visit Palmerston North on Thursday next, and will deliver a speech outlining the policy of J .he Labour Party at the Empire Hall on that evening. In view of the coming elections, the visit of Mr Holland is of much interest, and it is certain that a large number will look forward to hearing speech. The chair will be taken by Mr V. A. Christenscn, the official Labour candidate for Palmerston North. The whole of our exclusive millinery now marked at sale prices, also balance of Madame "VillevaPs assigned millinery stock at clearance prices. Special line of smart ready-to-wears, were 23/6 to 37/6, all one price, 15/fi. See window display.—The C. M. Ross ( Co., Ltd.*

Fresh eggs are at present being retailed in Auckland at from 3/4 to 3/6 per dozen. A party of Shannon farmers will visit the Central Development Farm at Weraroa to-morrow. The entries received for the initial trials in connection with the Pahia-tua-Makura Dog Trial Club total 100. Firewood is plentiful in Danucvirko. A dairy company's tender for 100 cords of sound 4-foot matai was 2S/ delivered. A steady downpour of rain set In at Palmerston North last night, and continued without intermission, until an early hour this morning. Six criminal cases and five divorce cases are sot down for hearing at the sitting- of the Supreme Court at New Plymouth, which opens to-day, A large number of delegates for the provincial conference of the Farmers' Union passed through Palmerston North yesterday for Wanganui. Two further case of typhoid fevar were reported at Auckland on Saturday. The total number of cases reported since the outbreak began is 116. The Postmaster-General has informed Mr A. McNicol, M.P., that tenders will shortly be called for the erection of a new post office at Dannevirke. Sir F. Byron Brown, of Wellington, will speak to-day at the Palmerston North Lunch Club on "Java, the impression of a New Zealand business man." A charming young observer says that when you see a man and a woman m single file in Palmerston North they*'are either Maoris, Chinese, or a sensitive Englishman with a very plain wife. In the latter ease alone the woman walks behind. The wheat and oat market is a little uncertain in the south at present and evidently merchants are holding off. A Wanganui firm has received quotations from the youth for both wheat and oats at a rate under any previous quotations this season. The Masonic children's night, which will take place in Palmerston North on Friday, the 2Gth inst., promises to be a great success. Children from Palmerston North and the surrounding districts will attend the function, which is to be held in the Agricultuiai Hall at the Showgrounds. -\ consignment of benzine of a new and unknown brand, the proceeds of an assigned stocK, is selling througa the Gorge at Li per case, it appears to give much satisfaction, except in regard to iis perfume, which is not just equal to a bouquet of sweet peas, but it said to kill swarms of Jiies on the road in passing. Motorists report a manifest improvement in the pleasure and safety of travel on the road through the Ivlanawatu Gorge. The work is proce< ding, though somewhat slowly. In several of thu most dangerous places the protective concrete Kerb is completed, and the road has been widened at the worst corners.

The lonic, which arrived at Wellington oji .Sunday, did not berth until u o'clock yesterday afternoon. There were half-a-dozen cases of light measles amongst the children in third clasp, the last case being registered on April 26th. The vessel was disinfected in the stream. She had 540 passengers, including immigrants.

A collision occurred at G. 15 p.m. on Saturday in the Auckland, harbour between the Gisoornc Sheep Farmers' Tiroa and the terry steamer Peregrine. The Tiroa was outward bound to Gisborne. She put back to the wharf with her stem broken, but was not making water. The Peregrine',:-; sta:board belting was damaged. She continued running.

The following tags are attached to the balance-sheet, of the Westland County Council. (1) Loan moneys have unlawfully been used for purposes other than those for which they were raised. (") Outstanding- rates are still excessive, and the condition with regard to them is such as, in the opinion of the Audit Office, calls for immediate attention of the Council. In connection with the bonus cut, the secretary of the Canterbury Freez-

ing Workers' Union lias received a letter from the acting-secretary of the South Island Freezing- Companies stating that no reduction in wages following the Court's pronouncement will be. made until further notice, as at present there is some ambiguity as to the interpretation of the Court's pronouncement.

During 1 his lecture in Masterton on Saturday, the Chief Poultry Instructor referred to the important question of sex-determination in eggs. He said there were many theories, but so far as his experience went they were as reliable as the "discovery" made by a certain individual a few years ago. This man comided to him (.iVir Brown) that he found that if a hen laid an egg when her head was pointing to .he north the chick would be a female, and if to the south a rooster would emerge. (.Laughter.)

At a meeting of the executive of the Manawatu Boxing Association, held last night, it was decided to conduct all contests in future in the Zeaiandia Hall, where a ring 4 feet from the fioor and 32 feet square is to be erected. Members resolved to endeavour to enlist membership at an annual subscription of fl 1/, entitling members to a free teat at all amateur contests except the North Island-New Zealand championship. 'ihe first tourney will be conducted in the new stadium on June 10th, and the championships will be fought on June 22nd and 23rd. Mr H. JL. Young presided over the meeting. We have received a copy of "Active Service," a monthly paper issued by the Wellington Diocesan Social Service Board with the object of encouraging public interest in the various institutions in the diocese. The current number is of special interest to all residents of this district, as it contains a history of the All Saints' Children's Home, and an appeal by the Vicar of All Saints' for continued assistance with a view to acquiring a larger building, which is urgently required. Children from all parts of the province and of all denominations are received into the Home, where they arc cared for and educated with commendable supervision. The appeal is one that should reach the hearts of all who are interested in this great work.

English Dress Tweeds in small check effect, 4Sin wide, worth 8/1 J, sale price 4/6. Navy Serges in fine coating estamine, 42in and 50in wid-, were 5/11, now 3/11 to clear. —The C. M. Ross and Co., Ltd., Assigned Stock Sale.*; .*„

A Justices of the Peace Association has been formed in New Plymouth. Tho farm school at Ruakura opened yesterday, about seventy farmers being present. Considerable- thermal activity has been reported at White Island during the last few days. An enthusiastic amateur gardener In Dannevirlte is experimenting hopefully in growing a winter supply of fresh green peas in his extensive glasshouse. He hopes to entertain his friends royally upon the rarity, and to pay all costs by supplying fashionable tables at fabulous prices. It is understood that the. opening of the Otira tunnel will result in the building of a l .new and considerably larger station at Greymouth. Great changes will also take place at Elmer Lane, to which place the locomotive workshops and other departments will be transferred. Wooden bridges, remarked the Minister of Public Works, at Eketahuna, on Thursday, should last at least 25 j to 30 years. "Oh yes," added the Resident Engineer (Mr. Hannah), "even kauri ought to last 40 years." The rimu bridge which was under discussion had lasted only 16 years. "A year or two ago it was thought that £250,000 a year was a big order in telephone and telegraph extension work," said the Postmaster-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) at Eketahuna. "In 1921 we spent over £500,000, and this year just on £600,000. We have got into the habit of spending a great deal." A point' - of considerable interest to solicitors, tenants, and landlords was mentioned by Mr. H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., during the hearing of a case in the Magistrate's Court at Christchurch. It has been customary to regard the seven clear days necessary in giving notice to quit as dating from any day on which 'the notice is given. Mr. Widdowson stated that the notice must be given so as to fall on the day on which payment of rent is due.. Thus, if Thursday is rent day and notice is given on the next day, Friday | it does not become effective for thirteen days. ;