LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 17 February 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The estate of Mr John Darling, of John Darling and Sons, South Australia, is valued at £1,929,217. states a Press cable.

Canon Eccles, late of Woodville, met with an accident, in Melbourne recently. He and Mrs Eccles were alighting from a tramcar in the city. Mrs Eccles got out safelv, but. owing apparently to a movement of the car, the Canon was thrown down, his head striking the around with violence. So badly was he hurt that 16 stitches had to be put m, the principal wound being over the eyebrow, and the sufferev is uow m a private hospital.

It would seem that the ordinary newlaid egg. to say nothing of fresh, best fresh, and just plain egg,, will become rare enough for exhibition in a museum. The fact is that wheat, and especially fowl wheat, an inferior quality not so suitable for milling as prime wheat, has become so dear, says the "Post, that there has never been so great a wringing of necks in New Zealand before. The current retail price is Is lOd to 2s a dozen, as against le.sd to Is 6d this time last vear. and it is impossible to sav what it will be in the winter. It is'a moot point whether Chinese and other foreign, eggs may not seek an entrance here, duty or no duty.

The Methodist Conference of 'New Zealand will be opened in Ghristchnrch next Thursday -week, 25th February. There will be no conversazione this year but instead a monster old-fashioned Methodist tea meeting in the Salvation Army Citadel. This will be followed by i big missionary meeting, at which Dr. George Brown, "veteran missionary, will be the principal speaker. The conference will have to deal with the question of the modification of the itinerant sys : tern On this question the synods have civen a divided vote, and what the conference will decide is Ift no means certain.

The Manawatu "Standard" says that generally speaking the season throughout the Pohangina Valley has been a successful one for farmers, wax conditions having.ensured good returns in many branches of production. The demand for meat for army purposes has given record prices for fat stock and "stores." Farmers have 3s a head more for store sheep this season as compared, with previous vears, and store cattle are bringing £3 and £4 more than hitherto. With the keen demand for butter, cheese, and wool. and. the high amounts these products are bringing on the London markets. the season must be written down as a really good one. Around \shhurst. which is not sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, dairying received'a setback in the spring and the eaxlv summer, and one farmer was emphatic in his opinion, given to a-reporter, that the season was the worst for years, attributing this to the weeks of successive gales which prevailed before Cnristmas and dried up the pastures.

The establishment of "wet" canteens with the New Zealand troops in Egypt has been the subject of a good deal ot discussion lately. Writing from Egypt on the subject. Chaplain-<Yxa]or La-ant states :—"Connected, with the camp ar» •several canteens and tea and coffee tents. As your readers know, 'there is_no such thing as a 1 licensed liquor seller in Egypt —any Tom, Dick, or Harry, or -their Egyptian equivalents, can sell or hawk about liauor, and some of the stuff so peddled "is. in the language of an old book, 'fearfully and wonderfully made. •\'bottle which a man hauled on board at Port Said was properly sealed and labelled with the name of a respectable firm. It was seized by the authorities and analysed, and'found to contain absolutely nothing but methylated spirits, and—well, the other ingredients are rniprintable.' The men have been well warned a s to the danger of drinking this j potent 'hell-fire,' arid a canteen for. the sale of beer under certain restrictions has been opened in the camp in the hope that the men who feel they must have alcoholic refreshments will drink thebeer and avoid everything they are offered in the city. From the point of view of my -prohibition friends, the provision of a wet canteen seems to be the lesser of two evils." It is quite certain that men who want it will go to the city for it it it is hot provided in the camp."

Most regiments in the New Zealand Army have their badges with _more or less suitable mottos, and their representatives are now engaged '^ 7 uphoWins the same at the front. When the Maori .Contingent . was organised, however, itliad no badge and no motto, for the simple' reason that it had unit in the National Force. ■_ This drfficulty was happily overcome by Dr. ±£>- mare, the Native Minister, who, says the "Post," designed a" special -badge tor the occasion, which has been- cast in bronze, and i& rio w being worn by members of the Maori Contingent^on the front of their Helmets. The badge is of heat design, comprising a crown with a Maori battle-axe arid spear running through it anS an encircling border bearine the following inscription:—"Te Hoko —Whitu A Tii/' The inscription is, a purely legendary one, going back into the twilight, of fable. The literal translation is "Seventy of the God of-War,' while the ordinary meaning is ' -Very Desperate Unto Death." In bygone ages 70 specially-fitted warriors were invariably chosen .as the fighting squad of the Natives for any desperate enterprise, and the custom wis handed down, until quitemodern times. The members- of the Maori Contingent, although they number more than the legendary 70, are nevertheless the chosen of the Maori race, and may be relied upon to give, a o-6od account* of themselves. The side Sadges of red and black cloth worn by the Maori soldiers on their helmets are the Maori colours.

For Heaven's sake don't be late ! Sharp at 9 on Tuesday next the big scramble starts, • and we'll offer Ladies' smart Blanket and Sports Coats, including the new loose back styles, for 15s, 21s, and 35s.—Auckland Clothing, and Drapery Co.* •

Mr. Alfred Gould will hold a sale of household furniture and effects on account of- Miss Talbot, at her residence, Richmond, on Thursday, 25th inst. Just the beet vet! The glorious nr-.v pure Silk Ribbons to be scrambled at the big "Hand out" on Tuesday—3 to 10 inches wide in every plain colour and gorgeous fancy striped effect®—all 6d yard.—Auckland" Clothing and Drapery Co.*

The cream of three warehouse stocks ! At the Big Scramble on Tuesday, Men's dandy Neglige Shirts, all\ "Zealandia," Cambridge and Defiance brands, in all the newest designs, including white and Tussore colour grounds, with black pin stripes—all 2s 6d apiece.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

Take Manson's Car to Takaka. Book 'Phone -318 or <j64, Nelson."

Your cycle is not put aside for motor repairs at Manks", and remember we import the best tyres, lamps, bicycles, and Bundries direct, therefore no old stocks Cycles from £5 6s cash and good too. "Be a sport and give us a turn. In motor nr cycle goods yoii'Jl get prompt service, svility, and squ&r dealing.*

In future book s<v:3, Iselson. 'Phone 318 or 464, for Bioi-nka an<? TakakA.*

The Rev. Father Ormond received a presentation from the Roman Catholics of Auckland last evening. • Congratulations were tendered tc Father Ormond upon his appointment as secretary to the first Papal Delegate appointed to Australasia, Archbishop, Cerretti.

The manv friends of Captain Clifton-Ho"-g. R.N.R.. (late commander of s.a. Karamea). who volunteered his services' on his arrival at London, will be pleased to hear of his whereabouts. In a letter written to a friend he states he has been appointed navigating lieutenant attached to the 10th Cruiser Squadron, and he reports "All well.'

Amon»- those who left last night to join the sth reinforcement of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force were two members of the Nelson College Old Boys Football Club—J. S. Emerson and M - A - Ricketts. Other members of the Club who have joined the forces for the war are J. Houlker (President), A. C. Rout, G. G. Everett, A. K. Liddle, J. A. Stringer and H. 0. Rowe.

The Wellington police cell phenomenon Ludmit Gronica. says the "Dominion," again took his place in the dock of the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when Inspector Hendrey explained that the police were still mystified as to his nationality. Some letters had reached the police from Victoria, however, and these were addressed to Gromica, but their contents were unintelligible. These letters had been fox-warded on to the Professors of Victoria College to decypher if possible. The strange little person—the object of these remarks—stood with an utterly vacant expression on his face, and there was not. even the flicker of an eyelid when he was further remanded with a direction that gaol medica* authorities furnish a report as to his mental condition.

An extraordinary runaway episode yesterday morning at one of the most crowded spots in Wellington caused a good deal of excitement and. some damage, but fortunately no serious injury. While th" driver of a'brewery van was delivering scares opposite the Masonic Hall, Boulcott-stiredt, eiays Ithe "Post," his horse took fright, and pulled the shafts out of the vehicle, the wheels of which were locked by chain. The runaway galloped helter-skelter, shafts and harness jangling behind it, down tlie street, grazed a lorry standing at the bottom of Church-street, stampeded a horse .attached to a milk cart on the opposite corner, and completed his career by skidding across the tram rails at the junction of Willis- and Manners-streets, and colliding with a horse and van standing opposite the bottle store of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel. Here he brought the horse down on top of him, and was caught and quietened. Meanwhile, the milk-cart horse was in full chase behind, as fast as locked wheels would allow. The frightened animal struck a fourwheeler cab on the stand by the Albert Hotel, and knocked a wheel off, but was himself upset with the cart „and. also seci;red. The presence of mind of Constables Gunn and Hall, at the corner, in warning people of their, danger, undoubtedly >saved the situation, as there is alwava heavy pedestrian traffic at this part of the city. Fortunately, also, there were no passing trams ot motorcars at the moment to add further.complication to" the vehicular

An Auckland commercial gentleman, who has just returned from a six weeks' business trip through the Dominion, when chatting with a representative of the Auckland "Star" on Saturday morning, said that right throughout the South Island, as well as the north of New Zealand, there is a feeling of optimism that augurs well for the future. "The only ones who, to my mind, are not playing the game, are some really wealthy people, who seem inclined ,to hang on to their money on account of the war. This,' to my mind, is a great mistake. If they. would "only act as if no war was in progress, it*-would tend greatly towards , restoring trade to normal conditions."

'. A boat capsized, off the North Head (Auckland) on Friday last, with the result that the two occupants had a narrow escape from drowning. It appears (reports the "Star") that two residents of Devonport were out fishing in a small dinghy, when, in pulling ili the anchor, one of the* men caused the boat to capsize, and the next moment both .were; struggling in the water. The captain of the Aupouri, -."which'■ was inward bound from the North Coast, noticed the plight of the nidh' in the harbourj and immediately shopped; his vessel. At/-this time the Harbour Board's launch Waitemata was leaving the Devonport wharf j and the hearing the cries of distress', turned the bow of the boat in the direction from wHich they were- coming; The men were found slinging on to the bottom of the overturned boat, and fwhen they were lifted on board the Waite> mata were both in ah 1 exhausted condition.

Say! They're just gorgeous! Next Tuesday, at bur big Autumn Scramble— Heavenly Satin 'Charmeuse—-40 inches w ide—to be bundled out at 2s 6d yard'; worth 6s lid. —Auckland, Clothing and Drapery Co.*

Five objections have been lodged with the clerk of the court against the assessments of the City Valuer.. The 'Court will sit to hear objections next m6nth. Tuesday next, the big, "Hand out" starts! There'll be a wild mad scramble for those gorious Plauen Flouncing Laces —l£ yards wide —at 2s 6d yard; worth 4s lid to 9s 6d.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.* **

A visit to the remote haunts of the weka; and kiwi in the interior of Nelson Province was paid by Mr J: Druinmond, F.ZIS., of Christchurchy and others recently. The travellers , had to pass through some very. rough country. They drove -to .the fringe \of the'- bush, and walked the remainder of the distance, accompanied by a pack-horse. > The route lay for several miles along. Perry's Hill, then over Perry's Saddle, arid down to the Gouland Downs to the south of Collingwood. Here an old hut erected by shepherds was utilised as the headquarters for the party, who occupied the daytime in searching for birds. Five or six days were thus spent, arid then, as the rivers were beginning to rise, the explorers made their way back to civilisation. The number of wekas, or woodhens, encountered at the Downs-was extraordinary, and the birds were liidricrously tame. At a conservative estimate, Mr Drunimorid places the number of wekas on the property ,of about 24,000. A fair amount of time was devoted to looking for kiwis, which only come out at night. Several were sighted, and the footprints of many more were traced, the indications nointing to the existence of very large specimens'— the kiwi roa a grey bird. The homes of the species wei-'e in. limestone caves, and nests were seen, but no eggs. The bush on the hills abounds in beaxitiful birds such as kakas, tuis, and tom-tits. The property, which i s seldom visited, .is Crown 'land leased at a small rental to a man who grazes a few sheep. Mr Drummond is strongly of the opinion that the area should be declared a sanctuary for native birds —particularly on account of its remoteness from human habitations and its wealth of feathered life.—"Post/'

' Smashed Flat! The other clothiers here. At- our big scramble of Autumn and Winter goods next Tuesday, well flood the town with Men's splendid Black Oilskin Coats at 4s 6d each ; worth lbs to 35s.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

-- There wilt be a. parade of -jthe .N.elson. Artulery Reserve' Corps' at"tHe-J?rilr.Hi\U • this evening. ' ' " ' .

Several members of the Motueka" Fire'' Brigade, left by last night's steamer -for Timaru to attend the annual 1 conference of Fire Brigades.

i • ■ »■ Examination for commissions are being held at the Drill Hall under the supervision of Captain Robinson, Area, Group Officer. Sergt. iChaytor, Corpl. Hianron, Sergt.-Major Sharland and Sergt. Garland are sitting for first appointments ; and Lieut. Harley and Lieut?. Brewerton for promotion to captain. The practical portion of the examination for first appointment ' will take place to-morrow.

Advices received by the Union Company at Dunedhi indicate that the repairs to the San Francisco mail liner, Marama arc expected to be completed in timo to enable the vessel to leaye San Francisco o.i February 24 for Wellington anil Sydney, via ports. She is .expected to arrive at Wellington about March 12i and at Sydney on March''l7,-in" ample time to pick up her schedule running. Ths Marama will accordingly leave Sydney on March 27, for Wellington and San Francisco. With regard to the accident sit San Francisco, it is pointed out that vessels are usually boarded by, a pilot about three miles off the entrance to the Golden Gate.

Shortage of steamers to convey. New. Zealand produce to theOJd Country is reported in exchanges to bo having its effect on the Gisborne district. There are about €OOO bales of wool awaiting shipment, whilst the limited refrigerated space that is available has caused a curtailment in, killing operations. The shortage of feed caused farmers to rush their stock to the works, with'the result that so far this season*-the numbers killed show a laijge increase on previous years. Killing operations have now been greatly reduced, and there is likely to be a further curtailment shortly. • Farmers are thus having to hold on to iheir fat stock, and it is fortunate that-" the drought has broken arid the pastiires are coming away nicely. '. ' '"■'[

A miraculous escape from death was that of Private .Duffy, who has since been wounded. When advancing . over open ground he felt something strike his cap, which, howeyer, renamed on hia head. It' was while. recovering in the hospital that he noticed two cleari-drill-ed holes in his cap, one .between- the peak and the fold, and another near the centre of the crown. A rifle pullet had passed through, leaving the faintest track along the scalp. ■ v

At the beginning of the war Germany was credited with the possession of '633 flying maehinesj of which 211 were monoplanes, 240 biplanes, and 82 naval aeroplanes and*>seaplanes. Of the Taube, or monoplane there were at. that time. 42, but it is claimed that this total has since 'been largely in-' creased. France, at' tlie beginning ..of hostilities, had 761 aeroplanes of various type's. '" ; '"■'

News from Hiverton indicates that mutton-birding—the annual harvest -of the southern Maoris—will commence, shortly,• and the «Ma6ris at' Colac; ipfivertoh, arid 1 Bluff, are I 'now laying., in V a stock of kelji" brigs and bark in which to store their catch. Daily the old '"birds are making an excursion to and frbni the islands and appearing along the waterfront at Eriverton in search, of ; a species of fish locally iermed "sardines", which swarm in the offing at this ; season. It is a wonderful sight to see this periodical visitation of the mutton birds, and it is one which creates a neyer-eml-ing source of wonderment for tourists tine- popular seaside €swn (says tta "Southland Times"). On occasions, on£e> every five years it is said, the hircta have travelled up the estuary, usually lat night time, and those fortunate enough to be about on such occasion never'forget the experience. N ' The birds'alternately skim the water, and' ■ shoßt through the air at a terrific rate, but tne> most astonishing part of the proceedings is that the birds are so. numerous and fly so close "together that they ap> pear to be one . continuous moving ob'ject, not unlike a flying machine. The* sensation to the wat6!ier~ is that "nvs» lions pass an the night;" .-, ;■",'•"■ : '