LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, 17 July 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Speaking the other day, Mr J. B. Tonar, manager of the Wa.itemata Fruitgrowers' Society, stated that there was evidence that the people of New Zealand were eatuvg- more apples.

"The. price being realised for fruit just now," said Mr J. B. Tonar, manager of the Waiternata. Fruitgrowers' Society the other day, "show an all :ouiid increase of Is per case over the -jrino obtained at the same time last ,* su 7- . For some- reason, possibly the mill it-ss of the weather, the fruit was not Keeping so well as in former years.

■During the hearing of a cane in the Auckland. Police Court, says the Herald, a soldier was giving, evidence in the* witness box when he fell suddenly to the floor. The proceedings were adjourned until later in the day. The soldier recovered and explained to a Herald representative that his seizure was due to sunstroke sustained while in Egypt. The seizures were frequent, he said, and he was only able to walk a short distance without resting. Later in the day he was allowed to sit while giving his evidence.

The Central Otago Fruitgrowers' As

sociation is endeavouring- to break anvay from the "ring" in timber prices in regard to the purchase of case timber for next season's requirements (says the Du.nstan Times). It is obtaining a quotation from a number of milling firms, with a view of getti'ng in (before the rise foreshadowed on the 15th inst.

A correspondent of a 'London newspaper has been given the following figures, which in one particular instance ■shows that the shortage of meat in Germany is really serious : —Every spring a great cattle market is held at Toender, in Schlesvig. The normal supply of cattle there" is from 3000 to 4000 head. This spring only 97 head' of cattle were brought to the market. The prices realised were verv high. T-wcntv-.fi ve cows fetched 850 marks (£42 10s) "each, seven young bulls under two years 820 marks (£4ii) each, and some cows with calf were paid 1000 to 1400 marks (£SO to £7O) each. Under 50 porkers were brought, those aged under five weeks fetching up Jo 60"marks (£3), and those up to eight weeks up to bO marks (£4).

Wh/le proceeding to Nl'im Do-/;-s, en the North Coast road, on \V>dnesday a: ,o'i.oon with a loaded <vaggo.i urnwi: by five horse team, Mr D. Johnston had the misfortune to drive over 'he side of the road just south of the Black Miller stream. "Fortunately (states the Kaikoura Star) the waggon and horses l were hung mp by a, hush, before they reached) the' .bottom. One horse was killed, and the waggon- slightly damaged, the driver escaping without injury.

An 'amusing slip was made by native 'witness in the Rua, trial in the Auckland Supreme Court the other day W'Jtness was explaining the use of the word "patua" in its different —to strike, assault, kill—relations, and in cross-ex-aminait'on admitted that "patua" would be used in the sense "kill" in the case of a rat running across the floor. "Bur." added the witness, "tba.t is because •'■■ is a- noxious weed and has to be destroy .ul."

The call of the Emip're appeals to different people in different ways. One y*ung man' of a statistical turn' sat and ca-refully worked out the ratio of killed and wounded to the total number engaged, and found the percentage, in his opinion, -very small. On the other side of the scale lie put the opportunity of a trip round the world, and other novel experiences attendant upon, war service, and concluded it was a- good sporting proposition. He thereupon enlisted. We have often', heard of animals dying from; a "broken heart." The other day Mr R. Ja.raieson (reports 'the Southland Times) killed one of two pigs that had been reared together from; suckers. The next morning 'he discovered the a-e----maining one dead in the sty. Ai" district resident .had at one time two pet lamubs. One died. The other was so heartbroken' that it was afterwards found dead alongs de its mate. Owing to the withdrawal of labour the bakers in London, and indeed, throughout the country, are apprehensive as to the future supply of bread. Many ' small bakers have closed down* and the | the big bread companies have experi- [ enced great difficulty in- meeting the demand, owing' to the -shortage of skilled I labour. It is suggested, that with a view to .easing the situation housewives •might resort to the old practice of baking their own bread. Ait the Wellington) Magistrate's Court the other day, says the Press, a man, charged w'.th'stealing petrol, was asked, "How do you plead?" I dont plead either way," came the reply. "I engaged Mr" Donnelly to appear for :ne, but," ho added naively, "he's 'renegged' on me." Mr W. .Donnelly, who happened to be in Court, explained to> the Bench that he was satisfied that he could do no good on .behalf of the accused person. "lie made certain propositions" ho said, "which were an insult both to me and to the Bench, amd even- suggested that I should write to the witnesses and tell them what to say. That", added Mr Donnelly, "is not the way Mr Donnelly conducts his cases. There may, •perhaps, bo more enterpuiising men who would take up the case." Ladies' Macintosh Raincoats, a'botit half-price at Trathen's Sale, clearing «>t 15s lid, 19s 6d, 23s 6d, 29s 6d.* It takes 4000 years for a totara lies; to com© to maturity, remarked the oirair man of the Clifton County' Council during a discussion on tree planting i.nst week. Dress Tweeds in reliable qualities at 12s 6d, 2s lid, 3s 6d yard, at Trathen's Sale.* The Inspector of Nuisances for Napier City is of opinion that the present diphtheria epidemic is in no way due to 10-'al conditions. Velveteens, the kind that wear well, in Navy, Cardinal. Saxe, Brown, -Violet, Vieux Rose. Maroon, etc. Sale price 2s 6d.—Trathen'o Sale.' According tc the Gishorfe Times of Wednesdoy°week, the Gisborre tiormvjth tramways, for the previous fortnight, slewed an actual loss of £-.o^ Flannels ! We are sellincr splendid New Zealand-made, all wool Flannels, in White, Grey, and' Natural. Sale price Is 4id pard.—Trathen and Co.* Real Bear Necklets in full size. .Much reduced, sale prices 22s 6d. 3os, 42s 61. —Trathen and Co. for. Furs.*

Joseph Shore, married, an enginedriver on the Success, a dredge, -was drowned at Hokitika. last night, when coins aboard. His body was recovered early this morning—Press Association.

A hoy named Joseph Martin was accidentally shot by a comp.u.ioi, when rabbiting al Coromanck: ; :: S'.iurday, and died "in hospital.

The Watson Home for convalescent soldiers at Dcvonport (Auckland) wnl he taken over bv the «overnment as soon as some necessary alterations are made, according to a statement made by the Minister of Public Health.

Girl munition workers in a Sheffield factory took out a mate foreman who hadreprima nded one of their number and tarred and feathered him. All the o-irls have summarily been dismissed, but the male foremen have been replace*, by women supervisors.

The people of Berlin, Ontario by a substantial" majority; have carried the bvlaw which eradicates the name of Ilia capital of Germany from the map o Ontario. The new name has not yet been decided upon.

The Wellington branch of the Navy Leacuie to-day handed the Prime Minis te! "a second' cheque for £SOOO to be cabled to London for the benefit of the dependents of the sailors lost during the ■war. —Press Association.

The old German steamer Walkure, which, whilst King submerged at Papua was secured by an American who succeeded in refloating her, anu then renamed her the Republic, has again changed owners, havine been purchased by the New York and Chili Exploration Co. and the Braden Copper Co at about £140,000. The vessel has been thoroughly repaired, and is at present on a voyage to Vladivostock from the Pacific Coast.

His Honour Mr Justice Edwards has reserved decision in a peculiar case had reference to the AVanganm Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., Westmere, The company entered into contract with some 200 suppliers to take their cream and turn it into butter and cheese suitable for sale and export. Durino- the course of operations it was found"necessary to obtain an overdraft from the Union Bank of Australia, to secure which it issued a debenture char<nno- as security all the assets and goodwill of the company. This fell mito the hand of Harry Edward_ Good, who took possession. The suppliers became dissatisfied, and one William James K. Bruce, acting for himself and others, brought an action against Good for the production of accounts and such satisfation as the Court might direct.

The forestry branch of the Depart-, ment of Lands and Survey established a record for itself last year by planting a total area of 2677 acres. During the year -ended! March 31, 9,122,000 were raised at the four State nurseries, and 5,484,450 trees were sent out to the various State plantations, and 410,050 to outside places.

The following further contributions to the Belgian Children's Fund have been received bv the Secretary of the Education Board :—Technical School, £lO 3s Oid : Marahau £8 5s 8d ; Cabragh House £4 9s 6d ; Arapito £3 5s ; Sarau £2 10s ; Burnett's Face £2; Waimea West £1 8s! Hillside 15s; total £32 16s 2-id. Total to date £2BO 10s Bd.

Motoeka. is at present suffering- i'rewn an epidiemic of petty theft. Coal and: wood, we are informed, seem to be most •popular and 1 , dog poisoning 'has been, indulged in to assist in the :r.a - ocess. Traps have been set to catch the prowlers. Residents realise the amount of good work done by the local policeman, but they consider the district far too large for any one man. to look after.

A grand "ball will be held at Mofcueka on Friday evening, July 21st, in aid of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Asosciation, Motueka Branch. Great preparations are being made for this event. - Several car loads from Nelson intend going across. Full particulars are advertised on page 6 of this issue.

"The churches should be free and open," remarked Dr. A. W. Averill, Anglican Bishop' of Auckland, at the Church of the Epiphany, Newton. "I am no believer in rented scats. The church is God's house, and, therefore, should not be given up to any vested interest. God is no respecter of persons, and makes no distinction between and poor. I hope the day will come when every church in this diocese will be free and open. 'I know there are difficulties in many cases, and -where the j seats ai - e rented it is not always ,the j fault of the clergy). -Your church is free and open, and I"hope it always will remain so." ' , An American weekly journal of standing notes with interest that Alfred Dreyfus., hero of the greatest criminal trial of modern times, is now fighting with the French Army and! has been on active service since the beginning of the war. He was appointed to the artillery section of the camp of Paris, and he took part in the battle of the Oureg, two days before the battle of the Marne, and therefore faced the redoubtable Von : Kluck. Since then the tide of 'battle had passed him toy. Dreyfus has a son wlio enlisted as \vhen the war began and who is now an adjutant. The American ship A. J. Fuller, which left Everett on the 16th of April for (Port Pirie, laden with 1,37-5,225 feet of lumber, put into Sydney a few days ago in a leaking condition. According to-a report "the vessel was off the 'Heads three weeks before making port, but westerly winds blew her to sea again. After a severe buffeting she managed to make the coast again, and as she was leakinrr 'badly the captain decided to make Sydney. A survey of the ship by Captain Cuthbert, representing the underwriters of the ship, 'Captain Christie, on behalf of the underwriters of the cargo, and Captain Haskell, master of the vessel, disclosed that the top sides of the vessel required caulking, and it ! was decided to call tenders at once to carry out the necessary repairs. Exchanges to hand report advices from Denmark to the effect that the prices of German cattle are enormous, reaching about 2s 9d per lb. The high prices have induced German farmers to sell without regard to breeding or milk production. The German authorities have ! now fixed maximum prices on the same basis as the February prices, which are more than double the prices realised in 11915. The authorities have, says the iHlamburger Nachrichteu, allowed prices Ito go up to a very great extent, but now they have at last fixed the prices. The Danish Government is engaged in drawing up an interdiction against the exportation and killing of cows and heifers with young. Smart Hats, cheap, at Trathen's Sale-. TYiihmed and ready to wear hats, selling freely at 3s lid, 4s lid, 5s lid; 7s lid, 10s lid, less than half usual prices.* A meeting of the. W.C.T.U. will be held in the Institute, Brightwater, on I Wednesday, at 3 o'clock, when all young women over eighteen are specially invited Come 'to Trathen's Sale for reliable Blankets, Sheetings,- Towels, Quilts, Longcloths, Blousings. Prices are low now, but will surely rise.*

At the Magistrate's Court this morn ing, George Millar, on a charge of drunkenness, was lined ss, in default 24 hours' imprisonment, this being defendant's second appearance at Court in four days. Mr W. Rout, J.P., was en the Bench.

At the Marlborough Fanciers' Show last week Mr E. B. Martin, of Nelson, was verv successful in the canary section, winning 10 firsts, 2 seconds, a New Zealand championship, a cup, and four specials.

Four youths who were spending Saturday afternoon at the Sands had t'leir bicycles tampered with to such an extent that the machines were unridatle, and had to be left at Tahuna. On previous occasions the same youths' bicycles had been damaged while the ownes were away on the beach, and it woull appear that there are some mischievoupeople who make a practice of this sori ot thing. It is a pity they cannot be caught in the act and punished in a. manner that will be a lesson.

A discharged soldier, John Malier, who fought in the Gallipoli camipaigni -met his death at Oreymoutb yesterday while hunting a bullock. He was (recently appointed stockman at the Gireymouth. abattoirs and evidence points to the conclusion that he fell from his horse. Ha was picked up with a broken neck and • a stirrup attached to his foot. He was 34 years of age, and it lis believed was a native of Victoria. —Press Association.

The grading of Otago teachers >n the recently issued graded! list of teachers has been strongly condemned by_ all classes interested. Strong- resolutions of protest have been .unanimously passed at four meetings of different classes of teachers for transmission: to the Minister.

In endeavouring to get at the age of a Native witness at the Supreme Court at Aucklando n Tuesday, the Grown Pi'osecutor hit upon, the idea of testing his memory on the point of past Governors (says' the Star). The -witness (Pxora Kingi) said he did not know the names of any Governors. "Have yo-i heard of Governor Grey?" asked ; Mr Tole. "Oh," replied old Paora, "I don't think he was worthv of much notice." (Laughter.) The witness' had previously stated that he was grown up at the timo of the siege of Orakau. In the middle of further questions from Mr Tole witn reference to past Governors, the witnesj issued an ultimatum as follows: "You tell me first how long ago it is since Orakau." His Honour Mr Justice Chapman helped him out with the information that "Orakau" took place 53 years ago. "Well," added Paora, 'sometime after that my beard' commenced to struggle forth.". The learned Judge observed with a smile that the .witness would probably be about 70 years-.j: : or age. The witness expressed the belief that he..-was 80, but Tole doSibted whether he was more than 67 or 68. Paroa. did -not appear to .mind greatly which was correct, but he took pride in his memories of Orakau. ,