LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 17 August 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We are informed that the value of the horses and equipment of the Nelson section of the Expeditionary Force is about £SOOO. As a large portion of this is being supplied .by the public, further donations to the equipment fund are earnestly requested . It is trusted that amounts from both country and town will bo forwarded at the earliest possible moment. Each kit. alone costs about £s< so it will be seen that a good large sum is required. It is felt to be a privilege to assist those who have offered their services to their country, and doubtless further subscriptions, once the need is known, "will quickly roll in.

A Timaru Press Association message states that the winter has been so fine and dry that farmers are 6 hort of iced, and -will ask the freezing companies to re-open the works to save stock.

All tile German ships which remained at Newcastle after the declaration of war have been eeized. They include the steamer Wo tan, 3834 tons/the fourmasted barques Susanne Vinnen, 2739 tons, and Carl Rudgert Vinnen, 2902 tons, and the ship Olinda, 1915 tons. Several German steamers, partly loaded, hurriedly left Newcastle when war was declared, presumably for neutral Eastern ports or German coaling stations in the Pacific.

"I am no jingoistic war-monger, I know pei-fectly well the horrors arid the scourge of war," remarked Bishop Averill .at the meeting held in the Auckland Town Hall in connection witli the proposal to form a national reserve. "I look forward to the time when war shall be no more, but at the same time, I am bound to say that the only security to the peace of the world is the. supremacy of the British nation. The supremacy of the British nation means the destroying of that spirit of German militarism as we know it to-day. The progress of the world is being hindered at the present time by the dominant German spirit, and it has got to be broken before there can be peace, and before there can be righteousness. I believe that we are face to face with the greatest event in the world's history, and that it will have a more far-reaehing consequence than any event in the world's history, and that from this event will come a new spirit, new ideals, and a new civilisation. We are not fighting -against the< Germans alone, but against the

greatest Power that is menacing the peace of the world. I have the greatest sympathy for the- German soldiers and tho German people in themselves, but I am perfectly -certain that it- is our duty to remove out of the way of the world's progress the demon of German aggressive militarism that Ave have to-day. You have got- to keep your heads, keep your spirits, and keep down a spirit of revenge, and a spirit of boasting."

It would appear that the employees of the shipping offices are assisting the defence authorities to keep a sharp look-out for German "suspects," and this /vigilance has led some of them, into a rather armusing. mistake (says the "Otago Daily Times.") Captain Saker, of the 4th Battalion of Connaught Rangers, who has been travelling while on six months' leave -with the Williamson Pantomime Company (of which his wife, .Miss Winnie Volt, is a member), desiring to immediately return to England to join his Tegiment. went to the Union Company's office in Christchurch to book a passage to Sydney by 'the Willochra (which, however, is not now to'sail), and gave his correct name, but on second thoughts considered it might be advisable to travel incognito,; 'and therefore asked the clerk to change his name to "Mr. Slater," and departed, intending to come on to Dimedin, and then return to Wellington in time to catch his boat. Suspicion appears to have grown in the minds of some of the offico staff that Captain Saker might possibly be a German, and the police in Duncdin. were at once notified to "interview" him on his arrival in Dunedin bv the first express on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, before the arrival of the train, the Defence Department was communicated with, and v Major M'Donald. overhearing tho conversation, interjected that he. thought he knew who the "suspect" was, and that he had travelled from England to New Zealand with him last year. To prevent any mistake, Major M'Donald said he would be on the station with" the police, and ascertain if his surmise was correct. It was; and Captain- Saker was rather surprised and amused to hear from his fellow officer that he (Major M'Donald) had : come along to save him. As ho is so far awav from his -battalion, and may not be able to readily get_ into touch -with it again under the existing circumstances. it is understood that Captain Saker has applied to he attached, to the New Zealand .Expeditionary Force.

Considerable sin-prise was occasioned in Christclmrch when- it became known that Mr Karl Joosten, German Consul in that citv, had been arrested in connection with an alleged contract for the German arrrv. In »• statement to a "Press" reporter, Mr Joosten said that when he -was arrested and taken to the police station bv the detectives, he was accused of having secured clothing contracts for the German army. Mr Joosten continued : "This brought to my mind a. transaction which I had during the week (last week) in my business, when I was asked by a North Island client to submit quotations for a quantity of oil clothing which he proposed to treat in a special way. On receipt of the letter asking for quotations I approached several local makers of clothing for prices, and this has evidently given rise to the mistake. ' Mr Joosten\added that as he was a British subject and not under the military law of Germany any longer he asked to be released on that account, and in evidence produced his letters of naturalisation, issued eiaht years ago. • this evidence was submitted to the Department, and after the papers had been examined he was released and his keys returned. Mr Joosten concluded that New Zealand was his home, and neither Germany nor any other State would influence him to do anything contrary to his country's interests. Superintendent Dwver, who ie in charge of the Uu'istehurch polico district, made tho followinc statement on tho matter: — Mr Joosten was brought to the police station on instructions received from headquarters. After he satisfied me that hewas a naturalised British subject, oi course he was allowed to go. Ino description of the clothing required by him from local manufacturers indicated that tho clothing could be intended for no other purpose than for military use.

A letter from Apia (Samoa) dated 22nd Julv. received by Mr. Percy Poarc-e. ' of Wellington, '(says the "Post"), contains the following interestms information:—"The German fleet from the China station will 'be hero next week and things will bo pretty lively. The American warship stationed a t Pago Pago (American Samoa) was wrecked "last 'night, Luckily no lives were lost, She was leaving the harbour when .she struck a rock and sank in a few minutes, the. sailors only escaping wit a their lives. "In front, of tliem all" for value in Tyres. Cvcles. Lamps, Bells. Puwps, Sundries "and reliable Repairs. We vo had "experience at the trade" in large firms, and know value when buvmg goods. You reap' the benefit by dealing from Hanks'. S3 Lower Hardy-street, (next J. P- Cooke and Sous), Motor and Cvcle Tvrea and Lamps our speciality.*

A meeting of the L.0.L., Xo 51., Xelsoii 'li lie JJnies, will be held to-morrow evening.

A c nceit and dance iri cOuimetioji with the Wakefield Brass Band will be. held ;it Dove dale uii Thai'sday evening next.

Trior to the departure of Mr H. S. Macoy with the Expeditionary Force, a .presentation was made to him. by his fellow officers on the local staff of Dalgety and Co., Ltd.

Messrs J. H. Cock and Co., Ltd. agents of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co Ltd. have received cabled advice from London that the sailing of the s.s. Ivia Ora for Nelson at the end of August has been cancelled, and that freights from London to New Zealand have been advanced 25 per cent.

The public are invited to attend the tree-planting on the Rabbit Island Domain on Thursday.

Mr Monsou, manager of the local branch of the Union Steamship Company, returned to Nelson on Saturday after an extended visit to the Islands.

In this issue the Eruptive Explosives Company announces that they are giving two demonstrations in this district to> show the utility of their for subsoil and other purposes. The first demonstration will be held at Mr Leslie Reynolds's property at Stoke on Tuesday next at 2 o'clock, and another will be held at Mr Ralph Jackson's orchard at Moutere on the following day. All fruitgrowers and others interested are invited to attend.

Mr Arthur Fell, M.P., brother of Mr C. Y. Fell, of Nelson, has written a pamphlet to win more popularity for the Channel Tunnel scheme (he is chairman of the House of Commons Channel Tunnel Committee), and his final plea is tnat the construction of the tunnel would act as a tonic to the nation. He says: There is at the moment the most complete dearth of enterprise in this country. . . Of great works that appeal to the imagination and lift people's minds above everyday routine there are no signs. There is no great man' among us now to plan :big tilings. The Suez canal did wonders for the French, nation. It gave them bigger ideas, and lifted up their country in the world's estimation. The Panama Canal has done the same for the United States. The vastness of the enterprise, the difficulties to be overcome, and the enormous expense, have, had a great influence for good in the United Slates. The Channel Tunnel would do the same for us. The novelty of the work, the difficulties before the engineers, the progress of tho tunnels, the prospect of completion, as it grows nearer, will occupy men's minds and thoughts and' be a great moral tonic for tho nation. Politics should become less bitter, and the people less carping and narrow-minded and critical..

who has been through. two campaigns in South Africa, speaking of the horses and men of the Nelson section of the Expeditionary Force, says that the horses are a really fine lot. So far as the men aro concerned he says that practically everv man seemed to" be absolutely at home on horseback, and used to . handling horses. This is due to the fact that tho great 'majority of the mounted men come from country districts. They are game and strong, and will not be found wanting in tho day of 'battle.

The necessity for all classes of the community to be ready to make sacrifices .during the ' war ".was . emphasised by Bishop Averill at a patriotic meeting held in the Auckland Town Hall" on Wednesday. "I would remind the employers to show their patriotism at this time by finding as much work as they possibly can for the men of this town and other places," said the Bishop, And I -would ask the workers to share that work with their fellow men, and share, if neceseary, their last crust with them."

The' wisdom or justice of arresting all Germans in New Zealand is questioned by the Wellington "Post" ■•which points out that the Dominion has a number of Germans who are good, sturdy settlers. They have made their homes here, their interests are here and they are regarded us New Zealanders by British friends who admire their manly qualities and steady industry. Yet 'some of these colonists, states the "Post," are still liable for military service in the Fatherland. They are classed as reservists and as such they are being arrested and taken to Soames Island. The "Post" assumes that the Government is following an instruction from the Imperial authorities, but it adds "Apparently the Imperial authorities are working absolutely on the axiom 'Better to be euro than sorry.-' " The opinion is expressed that the enforcement of the order in the outlying parts of the Empire* is a blunder, i ' . \

Last February an hotel porter, Joseph Phillips, was instructed to catch a cat at the Metropolitan Hotel, where he was employed - (says the Wellington "Post"). It was intended to destroy the cat, but the animal bit Phillips on the finger. Later Philips wont to tile Wellington Hospital for treatment for blood-poisoning, the result, it was alleged, of the bite of the cat, and the finger was amputated. Phillips, in consequence, claimed compensation from his employer, George Mercer, proprietor of the hotel. The judgment of tho Court went in the .porter's favour. There was evidence, said Mr J ustico Stringer, sufficient to show that the injury was the result of the cat bite. Iho Court was also of opinion that tho accident arose out of, and in the course of the employment. It was the plaintiff's duty to keep the hotel clean, and he was 'frustrated to some extent by the "vagrant cat." It was in tho interests of his employer that that ent should be get rid of. • He acted with... the scopS of his employment and was entitled to compensation. The amount oi, compensation could be arranged between the parties.

Commenting on tho state of the money market, the current issue at .the Tiode Review" says: "Conditions in the local money market remain fairly ™rmnl at present, and rates for• money have- not Stered'so far. As tc.what-the.future will bo it is very d.lhcult to say, and even those in the best position to k nov, are loth to express an opinion. A meat deal depends on, the trade routes being kept open, so that our produce can be cot, safolv to oversea markets, and wo £.. get goods here. Our dairy farmers will bo among tho first <o feci it if their produce is delayed, as then shipping Reason is due to start within the next few weeks, and oversea tauyeis are disinclined to .make offers m the present stale of affairs. It is also veiy doubtful what effect the war vull ha\o on prices for our products, though London prices for foodstuffs are high The war s hound to cause «°™ d orMe location of trade, but what tho extent wiH b" depends largely on its duration, and is i" reaching and ddhii * n nctinntp Wo c-an only nope Sit it wi be of short duration, and that business will bo able to go on normally before long.' Mo.m-s Pislcv Bros, and Co. will hold a sale of timber on the Richmond .-how MOimdß, also stock sale at their Richraond yards, pn Wednesday next. Mr \. Gould will hold a sale of furniture and furnishing,' on account of Captain Thorn, at the residence, 1 rafaWr street South, on Wednesday next.

A sad fatality occurred at Ohutu on Saturday, states a Taihape Press Association message. Alfred Collard,. bus" foretn.an for the. Egmont Box Co.'s null, was working his way through tho bush to where the men were working, .when av tree which was being felled came down unexpectedly, crushing him to; tho ground. lie received terrible injuries, and died on the way to tho mill. Deceased wa-H married, his age 49, and ho was known throughout tho •district. Tho Citnzens' Band , .played patriotic airs in Trafalgar-street on Saturday eveiiffig, a largo crowd assembling. Tho Mayor (Mr Lock) made a speech, and a collection tiflfen up among, the crowd by young ladies realised £ls odd. Tho following candidates of tho 12th (Nelson) Regiment have qualified* at tho oxa/miuafciori for first appointment (to commissions, Territorial Ibrco, held last July, in tho ordor named :— Sergeant E. J. ' Fawcett, Sergeant JR. Thomson, Sergeant A. Anderson, Sergeant H. W» White, Sergeant R. T'homson. The Wakefield Brass Band's concert afc Brightwater on Sunday afternoon was well attended by the residents of Brightwater and surrounding districts. Tho object of tho concert was evidently appreciated by the public and tho manner in which the people supported the Band! in its endeavour was quite pleasing to tho members of tho Band. As. a result of their effort tho sum of £3 will be forwarded to the Patriotic Fund. A similar concert will ho given at Wakefield - on Sun-day next. Mr W. T. Ward. Chief Postmaster, advises that cablo telegrams aro now accepted for towns in tho United Kingdom, without street address, if tho message is addressed to a firm by name. Cable and inland telegrams arc now accepted signed bv surname only, provided full name and address of sender aro endorsed. A Thames Press Association wire. states that Patrick Smith, aged 34,ar» unmarried patient of the hospital, com•mitted suicide yesterday by blowing 'off his head with gelignite. Smith suffered, from miner's phthisis. He affixed a cap and fuse to a charge of gelignite,,lighted it, and awaited death. The explosion blew his head off his body, and shattered the windows. At the inquest a verdict was returned that deceased '. was of unsound mind. The police aro inquiring where the deceased obtained the gelignite. Tho Swiss Consul for New Zealand, Mr. G. A. Streilf, has iusucdi the following appeal to the Swiss of the Dominion : "Switzerland is in danger of becoming the battlefield of Europe tm- - liess we can compel the contending parties to respect our neutrality. Our brave and well-drilled army, ts at tho frontiers. Landwehr and Landsturm, comprising every able-bodiodi man from 17 to 60, and older volunteers up to 70, are in readiness to defend tho defenceless. Our. ladies of till classes "are working under the Geneva Cross. Lot us then help as best we can. . Airships above all things are needed, being ono of the means to watch tho movements of intending invaders.. Lot us conitribulo towards the purchase of a firrit-olass airshipto ! bo named Now Zealand. thus very properly advertising the country in which we have found a safe and peaceful existence; The' leading newspapers of every Now Zealand province will'receive subscriptions, which, can* bo paid in gradually, ahidi the final results will bo published by the Swiss Conßn.ate in Auckland, whoso bankers will guarantee tho safe payment to tho Swiss 'Government.

One minute is time enough to make a cup of Camp 'Coffee for "Camp" and boiling water is all you need*-. A child can make. it. Ask your grocer for a bottle to-day.* "■■ > r