LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 4 October 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

In view of the rapidity with which the gum-tree scale or blight spreads and of the destruction it causes tu eucalyptus trees tlu: attention of residents! in the scale-infested area is drawn to the necessity of exercising the greatest care in preventing the spreading of the blight to other districts. Residents in affected districts are urged not to tend living specimens of the blight through the post or l>y other means either to Wellington or to anyother district for identification except through the local officer of the Agriculture Department. This officer will arrange for the specimens to be trails mitted, but will first see that they are preserved in methylated spirits it such is considered necessary.

Sir Ernest Rutherford .of the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University, and Mr J. W. Joynt, M.A., agent in London, as the result of an invitation signed by the Duke of Devonshire as Chancellor of the University of Leeds, received bv the University of New Zealand, have been appointed to represent the latter at the jubilee of the Yorkshire College of ■Science and the corning of age of the Leeds University, which is to be celebrated from December 15 to December 20 inclusive. (Sir Jlrnest Rutherford is an Old Boy of Nelson College and Mr Joynt, a former Principal.)

At the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court, says the Chronicle, a witness was crossexamined in regard to the rate of speed at which lie generally travelled when riding his push cycle. “I ride my cycle in the course of my work for the City Council,” remarked the man in the box,

“and I can assure you that I do not ride at more than eight miles an hour.” Counsel conceded witness the fact that lie would, naturally enough, not ride so fast when working as lie would in ordinary times. A very pretty sight will be seen, for tile next week, in Mr O. F. Burford’s garden, in Cambria Street, a Judas tree in full-blossom. We are informed that there are very few of these in this district. The beauty of the Judas tree is referred to in Marie Conway Oemler’s “Butterfly Man.”

When a fire broke out in her room at a two-storey house in Fitzroy, Melbourne, recently, the first thoughts of Mrs Stella Daniels were for her baby. She coukl not get through the door owing to the flames, so she opened the window and called out to a passer-by, threw tho baby into his hands, and then jumped down herself in night attire. Both mother and child were uninjured. A. lighted candle coming into contact with some clothing caused the lire.

A Maori child, named January Hohaia, aged three and a-ltalf years, died at To Poi as the result of falling into a bucket of boiling calves’ food. “Freehold, leasehold, and mortgage hold,” was how Mr MacMillan, M.P., described existing land tenures when speaking at Weraroa on the proposed agricultural college.

On Monday last a young clerk in the employ of a city firm secured leave of absenco from his employers to go- to New Plymouth to attend the wedding of liis sister (says the Auckland Star). Next day one of the partners received tho following wire:—“Wedding postponed Friday. Can I stay?” The employer reflected that the postponement of weddings was somewhat unusual, and especially to a Friday—the “unlucky day.’ Also, beiqg a keen footballer, lie reriiembered that on the Saturday the Mount Alberti Grammar and the New Plymouth High Schools were to play oft for the Moascar Cup. Therefore he wired his clerk this reply: “You may stay. Hope Grammar wins.” One can imagine the feelings of the youngster when lie went to the telegraph office and thus acknowledged his attempted deception: - “Sorry tried to bluff you. Realise you are too much of a sport to be fooled. Thanks for permission. Will barrack hard for Grammar.”

“I’ve got no time for this business of allowing public conveniences to be plastered up with jib-jab advertisements and all manner of colours daubed and pasted about,” said Councillor Jones at a meeting of the South Invercargill Borough Council, when an application for advertising rights in the tramway shelter shed was being discussed. “Olio ■can’t move down the street without seeing a pig or something painted on the fences,” he continued, “and I suppose that if we grant this, someone will want to plaster advertisements on our War Memorial. Public buildings should be kept spic and Span and tidy, and people should advertise through the proper mediums —the daily papers.” The danger attending blasting operations in the neighbourhood of dwellings and other buildings likely to be occupied was alarmingly demonstrated at Ellerslie recently. Some blasting'whrk is going on in the road near the Ellerslie public school for the purpose, apparently, of channeling the thoroughfare. Suddenly following one of the detonations, teachers and scholars were startled by hearing a crash of glass, and a few minutes later it was ascertained that a piece ot volcanic rock had gone through one of the windows of the headmaster’s residence. Another piece of stone from the same charge landed in the school grounds. A The Harmonic Society will give the third concert of the year on Thursday evening next at the School of Music, when Elgar’s stirring patriotic work “The Banner of St. George” and a number ot miscellaneous items will be rendered. In another column Mr Charles White, of the Grand Cafe, Hardy-st., announces that ho has extended his business, having taken over die Strand Cafe, in Bridge-street. For the last week or so the carpenters and painters have been busy refitting find decorating. 1 The front dining room lias been enamelled in pink and white, and refurnished with tile-topped-tables giving a seating capacity of 28. The room presents a most attractive appearance. The dining-room at the rear tvill be found to be well-suited for ladies or familiy parties, the tables having accommodation for 12 persons. The kitchen is fitted with gas stoves, patent gas hot water service, and varous contrivances to ensure speed and cleanliness. Mr White will personally manage the Strand Cafe! Magnus Motors, Ltd., distributors for Austin motor cars have received a cable from tihe Austin factory as follows: — “Austin 7 cars took first and second places in 750 C G class Junior Car Club 200 miles race Brooklands, 20th September. Gordon, England, made first non-stop run for second year in succession.”

Big shipment came to us in error—to save freight by forwarding to right branch of our firm We have decided to give the Nelson people a great chance for bargains—right at the start of ' the reason you are offered brand new English Goods at our Big Sale commencing Tuesday, 7th October. Down come the prices.—McGruer’s.*

Mr A. Gould announces an auction sale of piano, furniture, etc. on account of Mrs J. IT. Fisher.’ at her residence 15 Colling wood Street, opposite School of Music, on Thursday next. 9th inst., at 2‘ p.m.

30 Dozen pairs; out they —, 2 pair Black Art Silk lloso for 4/11, worth 3/It pair at McGruer’s Sale, Tuesday, October 7-* . , . , One pound reward will be given to the first boy or girl posting a letter by “Ocean Post” on the South side ot Cobk Strait found on the shore of the North Island and re-posted baok to Nelson. Wanted as ai souvenir. Get vour parents and friends to throw one overboard for you. Price 6d at booksellers.*

In the Legislative Council the Hon. Ml* Cohcil asked whether, seeing that the Wireless Amalgamated Limited ot Australia had, by threats of legal process, succeeded in closing down all broadcasting services ill the Dominion on account of alleged infringement of the Association’s patent rights, the Government would take to prevent ,(if possible, a continuance of such a dangerous monopoly. Sir F. Bell replied that the Qayernment has the matter tinder immediate eonsideration.—Own Correspondent. The secretary of the Nelson Progress League (Mr E.* 11. Neale) has received a letter from Mr 0. F. Woodward, llai Valley, stating that the new lliii Valley Post Office will be opened hv Mr Girling, M.P., next Monday, at 1 o’clock, when it is hoped there will be a good gathering of the public. The settlers of the district would he very pleased to sec at the gathering any members of (lie Nelson Progress League who could attend and also representatives of Nelson firms.

A little girl, accompanied by small dog, was'found wandering in Newton lload on a recent morning. A kindly passer-by, seeing that the pair were evidently lost, took them to the Newtoii police station. The little girl was too shy or too tired to tell where she had come from, and the dog, mounting on- a chair beside her, refused to let anyone in the station approach her. Fortunately the canine guardian did not object to a constable examining his registration number. Inquiries quickly elicited the address of the owner, and the child was soon restored to her relatives.

It appears to he necessary, states the Journal of the Department of Agriculture, to caution the farming community regarding the use of sheep dip—especially the poisonous kinds —tor purposes other than those indicated by the* makers. The department has learnt, of several cases of farm animals being poisoned by sheep dip used in altogether wrong ways. In a recent case several horses died as a result of being washed with a solution of arsenical dip to rid them of lice; the solution seemed to have been far too strong, absorption from the skin took place, and death ensued.

A daring burglary was perpetrated in Palmerston North one night last week, when the premises of Air A. Bland ford, furrier, in Broadway, were forcibly entered, and fur coats, valued at about £BO, 'were stolen. The thief or thieves effected an entrance to the shop by forcing the front door lock with the aid of a chisel or some other instrument, the mark of which is clearly visible on the door frame. Four fur coats were removed bv the burglars, who made their exit from the roar of the premises. One of the garments was discovered later in. an Open space. The garment was undamaged, and was recovered bv its owner little the worse for wear.

An umbrella that has retained its original cover for more than a century and a half, shedding only the cord and tassel, lias been tracked down in Hobart. It was purchased in or before 1770 by a Dorset man, William Clewett, whose great-grand .daughter took it to Hobart, where it is now in her _ son’s care. There is no evidence that it ever figured on a “lost property” catalogue.

Cox’s famous bank at Charing Cross, London, which is changing hands, was opened in 1765 by the blink’s founder, Mr Richard Cox. ‘The property includes a portion* of Craig’s court, reputed to have been built by Mr Secretary Craggs, who helped to blow the South Sea Bubble, and died, nominally, of smallpox, when the bubble burst. Ail old chronicle says that CraggS died “convenient Iv.”

The largest cheque on I’ecord was paid on behalf of the British Treasury to the United States Treasury at'the end of last year on account of interest on war debt. It was for :, no less than. £11,286,681, although this sum was run pretty close by a cheque which the British Government received US the first instalment of Chinese indemnity money for the war in 1895, which was for £11,008,875..

The latest Italian postage stamp has for its design a fresco painted by Michael Angelo in 1512 for the ‘ Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Kit’s mother is a keen motorist, and as a result Kit, though only three; is familiar with -all sorts of motoring terms. The other day the cat was lying purring loudly outside the front door. Kit stooped to pat him, and, turning to his mother, said earnestly, “Pussy ought to shut off the engine, oughtn’t lie, Munimie, when he’s stopping outside a house?”

‘A Timaru resident suggests a means of getting rid of hawks that he saw practised in his youth. The method was to get ordinary rabbit traps baited, and lay a number of them together on a hill or some exposed’ face The hawks see the bait lying in the trap, and the trap does the rest. The bait, however, must be tied so as to make sure of a good pull from the hawk.' In answer to a query as to the wisdom of setting a number of traps together when one trap with its live contents would probably scare the other birds away, it was stated that this does not work out' in practice. The hawks come down in numbers, and they have been seen alighing on as raafty .as 1C traps at a time, regardless of the captive hawk awaiting its doom; in fact, traps can bo cleared and set and cleared again and set without the hawks apparently becoming wish.ho the method of capture.

The protest against the use of “that offensive vulgarism, Britisher,” was 'recently renewed, in a letter to The Times, by Col. A. C. Yate. Remarking that the British Academy has definitely declared itself against the introduction of the word into the English language. Col. Yate says he has been astonished to note how frequently “Britisher” is used, and asks “when a subject of his British Majesty has at his command the honourable designation Briton, why, in the name of racial pride, should lie stoop to use an admittedly uncomplimentary Americanism?” lie adds that 45 years ago the word was denounced ’as an “odious vulgirism.” Another correspondent has given illustrations front literature to show that “Britisher” is a contemptuous slang designation of an Eng lishman or Briton.

Just one Sofa Rug, not secondhand, to go at 19/6, worth 32/6, at McCruer’s Sale Tuesday next, October 7th.*

One pair single bed White Blankets for 19/6. Big Sale commencing Tuesday, 7th October. Doors open at 9 a.an. McGruer’s Sale.*

The annual concert in connection with the Loyil Temperance Legion and Y members will be held on Wednesday evenin'*, October 8. I'or several weeks the m era he) s have been practising a splendid programme has been prepared of dialogues, sot'gs. etc. A most enjoyable evening is promised to all who attend. 150 yards of Fugi Silk to go at 1 2/11 yard at McGruer’s Sale Tuesday next. Doors open 9 a.m.* DAWSON’S, Eeefton, the leading Hotel on the West Coast. Patronised by M.R.H. the Prince of Walrt. Francis b. StMlard. Proprietor.* Tourists ! / Look ! Round Trip! 75 miles for 12s 6d ! Enjoyable day’s outing—through beautiful apple lands —by Emms’ Motor Soavice. ’Phone R 27. Office, 29 Hardy Street.* _ _

As is well-known the Girl’s College is in great need of further facilities for irames. There is no necessity to stress the importance of such facilities where growing girls are concerned. We learn with pleasure that efforts are beiim made in several directions to raise*funds to provide tennis courts and a swimming bath, and it is hoped that the money so raised will carry a Government subsidy. On Saturday 25th inst.. a garden party is to be held at Mrs 11. Montague Field’s, Examiirer Street, organised by Mrs Field and MrsWnshbourn, assisted by a. strong committee consisting chiefly of mothers of present girls, and including the following ladies: Mesdames Blomfield, Caradus, Childs. Carrol Harley, H. Harris, (Dr.) Johnston, Keith, Ledger, Leggo, ,T. G. Mackay, T. Neale, Snodgrass, Squires, Tillyard, "Wallace and MissLori me r.

It. i & stated that the overhead wiring for the Wellington City Council’s trackless cal', which took up its running between Thermion and Kuiwarra, cost approximately £750, whereas to lay and equip a double line rail system over an equal length of roadway would cost something like £13,000-. A trackless car,, moreover, of this type, can be delivered in Wellington for about £2500, .whereas* a combination rail car costs between £3OOO and £4OOO. The operating expenses,too, says the Wellington Post, are much lower, "for the reason that' the trackelss car is a one-man car. More may be seen of this type of car in Wellington. A speed of 17 miles per hour is obtained by the new car.

During the bearing of a claim for damages at the Auckland Magistrate’s Court, says the Star, the plaintiff asked for £5 a week for the whole of »tho time lie was unable to work as the result of injuries received thin ugh being knocked down by a motor car. He said he was, a bottle dealer by occupation, and his average earnings were £6 » week. Mr Hunt, S-.M'.,..remarked; “I suppose, if vou were here on a judgment summons, your earnings'would be about seven and six.”

It i s not generally known that the pipe smoker is not encouraged in the land of the cigar—America. In all the big hotels and clubs there are -notices to°the effect, that pipes may be smoked only in erne’s' bedroom. -Mr Sydney F. Hoben told a. reporter that at least one New Zealander found the regulation irksome. “I am having a frightfully lonely time after meals,” he informed Air Hoben, “snfeakng away* to mv little room on my own, and smoking the forbidden pipe, I feel like a criminal in a cell.

In the American papers- —at least the majority of them—there is only an odd little paragraph here and there that: recognises there is a world outside of the 'United States,” remarked Dr. J. Afaeihillait Brown, Chancellor of the New Zealand University, on his--return from America on Monday last. “This is one of the most menacing features of the American nation. It is isolated, not merely in its politics, but in all its attitude towards the rest of. the world. It is this that will be its nearest approach to ruin. No nation, as no man, can isolate itself. We are horn social animals.”

In conversation with Mr T. E. Foster who is producing “Our Miss Gibbs” for the local Society we learn that the production of this tuneful opera) ig well in hand. Mr Foster expresses himself as being extremely pleased with the material at his disoosal, especially the chorus, which lias been in the capable hands of Mr J. B. Lemmer. A very even cast nas been selected, and altogether the opera promises to he one of the local Society’s most.,successful performances The opera, will be staged at an early date.

“If you guarantee me £3 a week I’ll givo up farming to-morrow,’ 5 said one of the employers’ assessors 'at the hearing of the threshing mill and chaffcutters’ dispute before a. conciliation council in Dunedin. He submitted figures to show that, when all charges were paid, a farmer only cleared £1 12s lOd an acre from a crop of wheat or oats. The commissioner Mr W. H. Hagger, said the figured were very different from those submitted at a recent sitting.at Waimate, where one farmer showed that he ohlv made 2s an acre ,though this small return did not deter him from Venturing with another crop this year. The acuteness of the housing problem at Palmerston North is illustrated hv an incident that occurred there last week. A sergeant-major of the defence nermanent staff was about to dismiss a parade of about 120 cadets, when he made it known to all and sundry that a friend of his was desirous of renting a house. It was desired that if any oadet knew of any house available, he would impart the information affer the) parade had been dismissed. The hope proved quite a forlorn one .'Li

Spelling reform, a petition in favour of Which, hearing k ,; number of famous signatures, has been jjres'ented ,to the Minister of Education in Great Britain, was- strongly advocated three centuries ago by Thom aw Gatacre, who commenced liis career as a reformer" by changing the spelling of his own name to Gataker to “prevent miscalling.” He adopted his “reformed spelling’ ’in liis own numerous publications, chiefly theological, which abound in such repulsive-looking words as “qestion,” “pit,” “exes.” “tru;” and “ded.”