LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 31 December 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The compulsory enrolment of electors will begin shortly. Four months’ grace is allowed for registration, after which the elector is liable to a fine for failure to register. The fine in the first instance is limited to ss, but thereafter the penalty is £1 for each offence. The Act also makes it compulsory for an elector who inis changed his residence within the district to notify the Rcgistiar within two months. The passing of the Act brings into force an entirely new principle in compelling electors to register llieir names on the roll. N<"> provision is made for compulsory voting.

The Government has taken a further step in connection with the realisation of tile long-proposed settlement of the EOO-aere block of land at Orakei, states the .New Zealand Herald. It las been decided to invite designs from residents’ of the Dominion for the laying out oi the Orakei Block as a model garden suburb. The importance of the development of Orakei has long been recognised, both by the Government and by the Auckland City Council, from a civic and beautifying point of view. As evidence that‘the best method of settlement- is intended to he employed and the best possible lay-out utilised the Government is awarding handsome prizes to the designs adjudged first, second, and third.

The Regimental Band will play selections in the city this evening. A collection will he taken up in aid of the Fire Brigade team’s fund. As the result of slipping on the deck of tile Maheno on Christmas Day while the vessel was on her way from Sydney to Wellington, Mr Frederick A. Franks, a well-known indent agent of the former city, suffered very severe injuries to his* right shoulder and a scaip wound. A heavy sea was shipped, which caused the boat to lurch violently and throw Mr Franks on to the port deck and inflicted the injuries mentioned. Two medical men on board rendered treatment, and on tho arrival of the ship at Wellington Mr Franks was conveyed to the Bowen-street private hospital, where lie was reported today to be progressing satisfactorily. Mrs Franks was also thrown down and sustained some bruises.

A hiccup epidemic was lately reported from Australia where some distressing symptoms were the result. It was hoped that the complaint would not reach these shores, but during the Christmas season a very bad case developed in the Epsom district, the unfortunate sufferer having to take to his bed, and'having to endure an amount of inconvenience which is almost inconceivable. The cause of the ailment seems to be in the nerves, and in the case under notice it is thought that spinal treatment may lead to a cure. Perfect quietness seems to he essential, because any effort to carry on a conversation causes a recurrence of the trouble. The hiccuping goes on incessantly and there is no chance of sleep and no chance of real rest. Drinking hot water causes temporary relief, and it is hoped that in due course the distressing complaint may run its course.

In the American newspaper comic section one of the popular features is that depicting the adventures of one Andy Gump, a strange individual who lacks a chin, and this type Oif American was alluded to by 1?!* vV. A. Giffen, president of the American Dental Association, at its annual convention held in Dallas, Texas. “Predigested eatables eventually will make a race of Andy Gumps out of the American people if a halt is not called soon. >• Unless the American man gives his teeth a good workout regularly bver some rough and tumble morsel such as jerked beef, grits, or hard bread ,within a few generations his chin will have faded into his Adam’s apple.” This was the beauty hint given by Dr Giffen at the Dallas Convention. and he declared that “lazy eating” and soft foods cause imperfect teeth and under development o* the lower jaw muscles. Such a condition leads in the long run to the fade out. of the forward-looking chin, n.- Giffen indicated.

"When a patient is admitted to a hospital he is required to answer several questions including one concerning his religion. At a local district institution an incoming patient was asked the usual question, says the Wanganui Herald. This appeared to he a puzzler. “I’m blowed if I know,” was the repiy and then, as a bright idea slracJr him he immediately asked, “Are *ou short of any?”

“Do you drink, constable?” inquired counsel at the- Wanganui Court. “No,” was the prompt, reply. “Are you a teetotaller?” “No.” The constable then qualified the remark by stating that he did not have a drink that day and that accounted for him being able to smell the beer on the other chap. ( “How long have you been drinking?” asked counsel. “All my life,” was the candid reply. “What do you drink?” “Beer,” beefed out the constable.

The explosion of fireworks in the Christchurch streets on Christmas Eve was responsible for several mishaps. A small shooting rocket was particularly dangerous, as it was frequently discharged horizontally instead of vertically. Mr K. E. Green was struck in the'face, presumably by a rocket. A young woman received a painful injury to an eye in the same way. In the New Plymouth Police Court an elderly man named James Miles, was sentenced to six months’ hard labour for assaulting two little Maori girls at Waitara.— Press Association.

A public meeting will be held at the Oddfellow’s Hall, Wakefield, on January 6th in connection with a proposal to erect'a memorial to the late Dr W.R. Pearless. During his long residence in the Waimeas, Dr Pearless earned the highest respect of all, classes of the community, and the movement, for a memorial will have general support.

For the weary brain-worker there are worse ways of spending a welcome “night off” than by the fireside, with pipe and book for company. But the tobacco for such occasions should be a brand that can be smoked with enjoyment for three or four hours at a stretch without burning the tongue or other unpleasant consequences : where is such tobacco to be found? Why, right here in New Zealand. And it. owes its excellence to two things, principally! Firstly, it contains only a minimum amount of nicotine, and secondly it is toasted in the process of manufacture. That’s why the flavour is so good. In these two important respects it differs altogether from the imported brands which often contain as much as five or six per cent, of nicotine, and are not toasted. For purity, delicacy, flavour, aroma, and wholesomeness, New Zealand tobaccos are unrivalled. If you like a mild aromatic smoke try Riverhead Gold; if you prefer a medium strength there is Navy Cut(Bulldog), and if you are accustomed to a full-flavoured brand ask for Cut Piug No. 10 (Bull’s Head). DAWSON’S, Reerton, the leading Hotel on the West Coast. Patronised by H-R.H. the Prince of Wales, Francis B. Stallard, Proprietor.®

Tourists! Look ! . Round Trip ! 75 miles for 12s 6d! Enjoyable outing—through beautiful apple lands —by Emms' Motor Service. ’Phone £27. Office. 29 Hards Street.®

“TAN-OL” the perfect furniture and floor polish, is sold in liquid or paste form. Easy and economical.

Tho Public Works Department was advised to-day that the Clarence River is stilt 3ft- 9ia. high, and t'at ” tho ferry is still out ot action.

Asst. S.M.’s Collins and who left Wellington on the 20th for an cxtcnsive"Tsur round the North Island, have nearly reached To Kuiti, having covered some 350 miles, with plenty of rain and continuous head winds. The condition of some of the-roads can ba gathered from their experience of_ helping to get a. ear .started by digging away the mud first and then, laying brushwood down to aid the driving wheels to get a grip. The car passengers had •abandoned the road and found it easier to walk through the paddocks. They have just experienced their first machine trouble in the front forks of one bicycle breaking. They report a good time, notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions. There has been a welcome revival in the flax industry during the present, season, states tile Manawatu Dady Times. A great deal more hemp has been turned out not only in the Manawatu mills, but in all the Dominion flax areas. The price has improved considerably during tlite past four or five months, with the result that a number of mills have started to handle flax that would have been unprofitable while the price was low. It is anticipated that there will be a very considerable increase in tlie Dominion output for the year.

The recent demolition of an oat slack in Iluapuna (Canterbury) dispossessed no fewer than between 25 and 30 young stoats. How the animals live ia a matter for conjecture, as no rabbits are to be found in any number within two miles of the stack. A farmer in tho neighbourhood who lost in one inight 47 choice pullets volunteers a few strong opinions which lie thinks might help to solve the problem. In tea rooms at Timaru, a lady left the establishment, leaving her purso (containing £10) behind her." On her departure her table was immediately oc« cupied by a demure young ladv, who foolishly pocketed the purse, and made a quick get-away. In her haste she inadvertently dropped a letter addressed to herself. When the owner of the pfsse returned to find her property missing, she informed the police of her loss, and by means of the letter the authorities were soon hot on the' trail.

Uord Castletown, in his . memoirs, which have just been published, tells how that when there was once a famine in Ispahan, and the l bakers put up their prices, the Governor—a eon of the Shah of Persia —sent for them and said that if prices did not come down in a fortnight things would be unpleasant. “At the end of tile fortnight,” the story proceeds, “there was still no change, so again the Governor sent for the bakers, but this time he bid them to a great feast. They had excellent fare—soup, fish, pillaus of rice, kabobs, and all the delicacies of the season. When supper was over Hie Zil es Sultan spoke. “Gentlemen, you have h?d an excellent supper, and I noticed that you particularly ' appreciated • the soup. Now, 1 ordered you a fortnight ago to lower the price of bread, but you neglected my order. I again order you to lower the mice, in one week’s time from now. The head of the master baker was in that soup, and your own-heads will successively follow and be used as soup until bread is cheap enough.’ ” , Prices became normal after that.

In the records of the Whangarei County Council during the year 1880 is a resolution censuring the t'hen chairman, the late Mr J. T.‘ Wilson, for having expended £SO on the purchase of an area of land in the borough of Whangarei, states the New Zealand Herald. That area, which was then dubbed a duck pond, is the site of t'he existing county chambers in Bank street, and it embraces the shops and offices adjoining to the boundary fronting cm Vine street. The property to-day is, worth approximately £15,000, on a basis of £IOO per foot. The investment of the disgruntled settlers’ money was a good one, but it could have been better had ? policy of granting long leases, some of which do not expire until 1072, not been adopted. • Quite a number of old-time cricketers were present at the Park yesterday to witness the conclusion of the Hawke Cup match. Many expressions of sympathy were heard' for the present followers of the game at the wretched playing area provided, and offers of voluntary- financial help were given expression to in order to provide more suitable playing conditioiis. As an example of the spirit shown, a veteran cricketer, who in his day was perhaps the best left-handed bowler in the province, to-day stated that lie would gladly contribute £5 towards any fund which might be started. - At Auckland Martha Jane O’Shaughnessy was arrested on a charge that she unlawfully used an instrument on a woman nineteen years of age who, it was stated in Court, was able to leave the hospital yesterday. Accused was remanded to January 9th in ono security of- £250 and two of £125 each.—Press Association.

Ministers of the Crown occasionally receive peculiar requests, but on his recent visit to Ohura, the. Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister of Public Works) re-, ceived a stranger one than usual when he was approached by a deputation asking that, better facilities be provided for the carriage of beer over portion of the line under the control of the Public Works Department. Owing to unsettled weather the Mathodist Sunday School picnic will -be held in. the Richmond Show grounds, instead of Snowden’s Bush to-morrow, :New Year’s Day. Time as usual.

A watch-night service to which the public are invited, will be conducted by Captain Montgomery in the Salvation Army Citadel, Waimea Street, to-night from' 11.15 to 12.15 a.m. Previous services of this character have been largely attended and it is anticipated there will be a_ good congregation tonight." -

, Open to-night until 10 p.ih. Trathen for Holiday Apparel, Picnic Frocks 7/6, 9/11,12/11,19/6,29/6.*