LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 26 November 1927, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

No change has taken place in the position regarding the Licensing Bill (telegraphs "The Mail's" Parliamentary reporter). The Prime Minister was interviewed by the anti-ibare majority group on Thursday and representatives of the Prohibitionists conferred with him after luncheon yesterday. Although it is thought in many quarters that the Bill will be dropped, Mr Coates is not likely to announce, what he is going to do until after the week-end. Last evening the city streets were exceptionally crowded, a great number of show visitors being in town. The Highland Pipe Land were out, marched through the city, and played selections in various part's of the town. Inquiry in the shnps elicited the response that 'business is good", indeed in many of the business premises no inquiry was necessary, for they were so crowded. The extended closing hour—till 9 o'clock —is proving a very great convenience. Already 231 registrations have been received from prospective attendants at the teachers summer school in Nilson (luring ten days of January. This figure which does not represent the complete returns (there are still some days to go before applications close) is already well in advance of the attendance* at last year's school which was held at Cambridge. "The Auckland" will Hood the town with voiles on Tuesday. A warehouse stock of glorious floral voiles—wonderful designs—at 5/11 frock length. Worth two to three times the money.* Shoes ! Shoes ! Shoes ! 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." A swag of women's shoes just bought up North. Will throw the lot out at prices that will cause a riot. Details later.*

The Union Company's steamer Waihora, which has been laid up at Port Chalmers for the last few months, has been sold to a firm of Japanese shipowners. She was built for the company in 1907 by Swan, Hunter, and Wigham Richardson, at _ Newcastle, England. She is a steel, single-screw steamer of 4638 tons gross, .385 feet long, 52.1 feet in breadth, and 2fi.9 feet in depth. The date of departure of the Waihora for delivery to her new owners is as yet uncertain, but it will probably be some time next month. A suggestion has been made to the Buller Progress League, by the Rev. J. A. Jermyn that the League -support the publishing of a history of the Buller. The League has set up a committee to go into the matter. •Most people understood that benzine in bulk was cheaper than in case, but the Purchasing Committee of the Auckland Harbour Board has found a supplier who will let it have the case article cheaper, says the "Star." At this week's meeting of the hoard the Purchasing Committee was given permission to negotiate for 2000 cases, delivery to be spread over eight months. At present the committee's limit, is 50 cases. Large quantities are used by the board's fleet of launches. Mr C. G. Macindoe, the chairman of „the committee, in reply to a member's suggestion that it would be cheaper to buy in bulk, .said the quotation the committee had received was more favourable, in addition to which the committee could sell the cases for 4d. each, and would still have the tin containers.

There are some things even the docile Jersey cow will object to. In the show ring' at' Richmond yesterday one certainly did not consider it was called upon to turn itself into a writing desk for the convenience of a steward. The Cow had been pulled round the ring several times by its owner, a proceeding which, according to the expression on the cow's face, hardly reflected credit on his reputation for intelligence.. At last it was _ lined •■ up with others for special choice. Then came the time for the stewards to record the result, and one, with book, stick (a substantial one), and pencil, slowly walked across the ring making notes the while. Out of the corner of his eyes he apparently saw something solid which turned out to be the flat hips of the cow, and attempted to continue his writing thereon, but with short-lived success.

The chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board (Mr J. G, Cobbe), commenting upon statistics on the trade of the port in the past 12 months said that the decrease shown in imports was, if anything, a healthy sign, and they might hope that the exports would increase with the improved conditions of which there was already an indication. Decreases in the port's trade were merely the reflection of the affairs of the country. The decrease in timber imports was largely due to the easing off in the importation of poles. During the year twenty-five vessels visiting the port had discharged cargo at the rate of over 1000 tons a day, notably the Port Melbourne, 1765 tons, the Katoa 1625 tons, and the Rimutaka 1402 tons. There was reason for congratulation on this quick and satisfactory discharge, and they could pride themselves on the possession of the most efficient appliances for the rapid discharge of cargo. "The more we get together and find out our difficulties and problems, the better it will be for everybody. Any action taken regarding the prosperity of New Zealand reflects materially on the Old Country.". These remarks were made by Mr L* B. Beale, British Trade Commissioner, when discussing tariff matters at the New" Zealand Manufacturers' Federation conference in Auckland. The subject under discussion 'was a remit by the Auckland Association suggesting "that the British preferential tariff should be raised from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, as it was not considered high enough. It was also recommended that raw materials, whether British or foreign, required for use of New Zealand manufacturers, should be admitted free of duty, provided they were not produced in New Zealand. After hearing Mr Beale and Mr J. W. Collins, Secretary of the Department-of Industries and Commerce, the remit was withdrawn, and it was decided to interview the Minister of Customsi and the Minister of Industries and Commerce, with a view to ascertaining whether or not articles qualifying for British preferential tariff can be increased above the present 50 per cent. The Ministers will also be asked to invite Mr Beale to be present.

The .Royal Wellington Choral Society, at a* special meeting this week, decided to appoint Mr John Bishop, of London, conductor of the society for the year 1928. Mr Bishop was born in South Australia. In 1921 he went to Europe to complete his musical studies. In 1922 he won the South Australian scholarship, which enabled him to study at the Royal College of Music, London. He studied conducting with-such wellknown musicians as Dr. M. Sargeant, of the Royal Choral Society, London, and Dr. A. Boult, conductor of the City of Birmingham orchestra. He studied the piano under Professor H. Prior, Royal College of Music, and musical composition under Professor H. Howells of the Royal College of Music. He has been conductor of the Sussex Festival Choir and the Herefordshire Choir. The Federation of Musical Festivals, in July, invited Mr Bishop to conduct the Festival Choir of the Charing Cross Choral Society of London. Mr Bishop is at present" conductor of the Derby Orchestral Society.

The anniversary of the Stoke Methodist Sunday school takes place to-mor-row, when special services will bo conducted by Rev. H. L. Richards at 11 a.m. and Mrs Macky at 7 p.m. The entertainment and distribution of prizes will be held on 'Monday, 28th November, at 7.45 p.m. 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Sample silk ends —bought for a song from a big manufacturer. Rich heavy fancy silks. Pieces up to half a yard. Out they go at 2 pieces for 1/-. Ideal for making bags, cushions, etc.* The Nelson Citizens' Silver Band will give, a concert in the Botanical Reserve to-morrow night, commencing at 8 o'clock. 42nd Anniversary Sale. 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Fancy silk artists bows 6d. Wide glorious coloured lace flouncings Is Gd and Is lid yard. Lace fronts and jabots Is.* 42nd Anniversary Sale, 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Huge stocks just bought in Auckland. Women's shoes, silks, dress goods, millinery, frocks, sample underclothing and hosiery and general drapery. Watch out for particulars.* It is notified that the advanced pupils of Mrs Macfarlane will give a recital (singing and pianoforte) in St. John's Schoolroom on Wednesday, 7th Decern-' ber. Emms Motor Service are advertising an afternoon service (in conjunction with Newman Bros., Ltd,) between Nelson and Takaka and vice versa. Passengers for Takaka can now leave Nelson at 4 p.m. and arrive in Takaka about 8 p.m.* 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." 40 inch dress linen 6d yard. 40 inch check gingham 6d yard. Cream fuji silk 1/11 yard.* Greatest shoe scramble ever held in Nelson, starts at "The Auckland" on Tuesday. Warehouse stock just ; bought in .Auckland. Watch out for details.*

The late Mr Justice Ajpers used to tell the* story of the. young barrister whose First appearance in a criminal trial it Was. He had the job of defending a hopeless misdemeanant who had undoubtedly been guilty of an unprovoked assault. He gave a very moving address, inferring that for spotlessness the gentleman in the dock was as white as the untrodden snow lying across the trackless summit of Egmont. He raked the jury's feelings with impassioned oratory, pictured a desolate world deprived for the time being of his stainless client, and, pouring his soul into a declamatory peroration, made his conge, feeling that he had indeed in fifty minutes of matchless appeal set his foot upon the ladder of success. The judge smiled blandly at him, and even thanked him. "Your speech recalls the indictment by Burke, Fox, Sheridan, Windham and Grey of Warren Hastings. His trial, if you remember, lasted seven years."

Owing to the fall in the price of timber and the difficulties of transport the sawmill at Ongaroto has not been operating for a year and the settlement is now practically deserted (states the "New Zealand Herald.") In the Ongaroto district there are about 20,000 acres of timber country that is not being worked at present. A little milling is being done at Oruanui, and at Mokai a mill is working on only four days a week. "Typistes and other office worker should not be encouraged to come to New Zealand, as the market is already flooded," said Mrs Milne-Hovey, .representing the Women's Joint Immigration Reception Committee on a deputation which waited on Mr L. S. Amery, Secretary for the Dominions, in Auckland. She considered, however, that domestic workers of the right type could be absorbed. The Buller Hospital Board has decided to take oyer Nurse E. Regan's maternity home for a period of two years.

Recognition of the bravery of Mr F. Corby, son of Mr William S. Corby, of Wanganui, shown: in the recent disaster in Sydney in which the ferry Greycliffe was sunk in a collision with the liner Tahiti, is to be made by the Wanganui Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. The subject was introduced by Mr J. Reid at a Centre meeting this week and the following motion was carried :•—"That this Centre take steps to have Mr Corby's heroic services suitably recognised; that over-tures-.be made to the Government with that object in view, and that the Prime Minister and the member for the district be communicated with by the president and secretary to achieve the desires of the Centre to have Mr Corby's bravery and self-sacrifice recorded for all time." On the motion of the president (Mr C. H. Warden), a letter of congratulation is to be sent Mr W.. S. Corby, a well-known journalist, on the gallantry of his son. The Auckland' Automobile Association is not in accord), with the national signposting system, as suggested by the Public Works Department, and amendments are being suggested by the service officer of the organisation, who is now in Wei. lington. The Automobile Association objects to the wording "dangerous corner" on the ground that it is too long, and as an alternative a yellow diamond bearing the single word "slow" is suggested for use in connection With a straight panel giving the reason for the caution, such as "sharp bend" or "bridge." The association is also suggesting that signs should be placed 200 ft.: before the danger to which, they refer instead of 300 ft., as suggested by the draft regulations. The reason for the recommendation is that a car travelling at even 40 miles an hour can pull up in 140 ft. It is pointed out that there is a. danger of the motorist overlooking the caution when it refers to a rather remote danger.

Speaking on "The Ugliness of Modern Life" at the Feilding Civic Club the well-known Shakespearean actor, Mr Allan Wilkie, had the following to say about the present-day tendencies in sport: "Yet another ugly feature; of modern life is the wholesale professionalism of sport. How far we have departed from the old Greek ideal, when the victor of a hard fought race or athletic contest was content with' a laurel v.reath for his prize, and found his rewards in the plaudits of the assembly. Imagine Dempsey and Tnnney _ boxing for a laurel wreath and the enjoyment of clean sport.. With, the commercialisation of sport we have the long train of attendant evils which have destroyed the old healthy spirit, when men competed with one another for the mere joy of mimic battle. Pulled horses, doped greyhounds, faked wrestling_ and boxing matches, the selfish habit of playing for'one's individual score or reputation, , instead of for one's side, are. amongst the many concomitant evils of modern sport—to' say nothing of the gladiatorial spirit which professionalism has engendered." As a dairy cow cannot- miss a milking without danger of suffering harm, something in the nature of a roll call at the shed is desirable. When the cows are numerous it is difficult to detect the absence of one by merely looking them over in the yard. A farmer near lnglewood, says the "Taranaki Herald," after giving" the matter .considerable attention, has fitted his shed with a simple yet ingenious counting apparatus. A wire runs overhead along the bails, connecting at one end with an electric bell and a large dial bearing numbers around its circumference. Each time a cow is released after milking the wire is pulled, ringing the bell and moving to the next number a pointer which is operated by a cog wheel. The total of the cows milked is thus obtained, and if this does not correspond with the herd total a careful check is made. On the 22nd inst. in the Supreme Court in Chambers, at Wellington, on the application of Mr C. R, Fell, his Honour Mr Justice MacGregor granted probate of the will of Charles Oliver Mules late of Nelson, bishop, deceased, to the Public Trustee, the executor named in the will; and also on the same date, on the application of Mr E J. Kemnitz, his Honour granted probate of the will of Frank Cook, late of Nelson, hairdresser, deceased, to Charles Bertrand Harman and Mabel Gwendoline Cook, the executors named in the will. The latest types of Chrysler Car? attracted many admiring visitors to>JVlontgomery's show rooms last night. A school concert will be held in the Public Hall, Upper Moutere, next Tuesday evening. " „ lluo-e scatter of samples, 9.a.m iuesday at "The Auckland." The whole ol the samples of a lame ' Auckland warehouse, comprising men's and women s underclothing, men's and boys' shirts, women's hosiery, men's braces, etc. tint they go at 25 per cent under wholesale prices.* 42nd Anniversary Sale starts 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Enormous wholesale stocks just bought by our buyer in Auckland, will be thrown out at prices that will thrill you to the finger tips.* Sensational shoe scramble, 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Hugo swag of women's shoes just bought in Auckland, will be thrown out at the most ridiculous prices over known. Watch out for details.* 42nd anniversary sale, 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." 3000 yards of beautiful new 38 inch floral voiles—an amazing selection— 5/11 frock length. Worth two to three times the money. 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." Women's Chinese sunshades—slightly damaged—l/6 each.*

In these days, when "the wholesale destruction of native bush associated with the pioneering period has hardly ceased, and a proper appreciation of New Zealand flora ia limited, it is refreshing to discover that an Invercargill propertyowner is sufficiently an exception to . make a pecuniary sacrifice in this re- y spect (says the "Southland Times"). Growing in the section where he was erecting a house was a fine cabbage tree in such a position that it either had to bo removed to permit of the erection of the building or unusual steps taken for its preservation. The property-owner rose to the occasion and built the houso in the form cf a "U," the two wings enclosing the plot in which the cabbage tree will probably long flourish as a tangible tribute to his appreciation of beauty. The strong wind at Richmond Park yesterday was responsible for a good deal of damage to some very good-look-ing hats. The judging of Jersey cattle' was enlivened by hats of various sizes and shapes being blown across the ring. The wind was no respecter of persons, even the winner of the Jersey Cup being temporarily deprived of his headgear. , The grasp which the visiting Secretary of State for the Dominions has upon the problem of migration was made evident in the masterly review which lu gave for the benefit of deputations which waited upon him in Auckland. Probably the strongest point which Mr Amery made was that in respect of male emigrants to the Dominions, who should, as far as possible, be young, and should receive preliminary training in the elements of farm work before leaving. Britain, while in the case, of female emigrants, those who intended earning thenliving overseas . should be'trained for domestic duties. Mr Amery made itclear that young women should not be , encouraged to come out for the purpose of entering the already crowded ranks in shops and offices. Ho believes-that the •system of giving preliminary training will be further extended, and that it will help more than anything else to provide the Dominion with the right type of settlers. < :

Two silver cup for competition amongst the fruit growers of New Zealand are to be provided by the NewZealand Institute of Horticulture in an endeavour to encourage growing interests in the Dominion. It is not yet decided to just what purpose the cups shall bo allocated, but a committee of the Institute is at present framing the rules to govern the contests.

Following upon the tributes paid to the memory of the late Mr Justice Alpers by leading members of the legal profession in the Supreme Court at' Wellington yesterday, the Chief Justice (Sir Charles* Skerret/f) said: "On behalf of myself and my brother Judges, I desire to ..associate myself with your expression of regret at the death of Mr Justice Alpers and with your appreciation of his character and capacity as a » Judge of this Court. I have'a few"/ words only to add. Mr Justice Alpers ! was a just and upright Judge. He had many of the qualities which go to the making of a- great Judge. He was in-'/ dustrious and painstaking; in judging a cause his sole desire was the ascertainment of truth and, the dispensing of justice without fear, favour, or affectation. Had he been' spared, with that experience that a seat on the Bencß Would have given him, I believe he. would have proved himself worthy to be Dlaced among those men who by their learning and integrity have conferred distinction on the New Zealand Justiciary. However, it was not to be. He has passed away after great suffering courageously borne—leaving behind him in gracious memory. Kindly, courteous, possessed of great literary at- - tainment.s, and vividly interested, in the affairs of his fellowmen, he made many friends. He will be greatly missed—as much on the Bench as at the Bar. We desire to join with you in your condolences to his widow and family. We " hope that our sympathy will in some slight degree assuage their grief." Mrs Alpers and her children were in the ladies gallery of the Court during the ... impressive proceedings. The Snter Art Exhibition will be open to-morrow afternoon. The following artists have sold sketches: Miss Enga. Waslib'ourn (2), Lake Tekapo and a bush scene; Mr Albert Harris (2), view of the Port and the Nelson Post Office; Mr Buckeridge, a view of Astrolabe; Ella Spicer, sketch at Whangarei; Miss F. Richardson, a dog's head; Miss G. Hunter-Brown, a sketch over the Bay.

Alfred Gould advertises the following auction sales: Tuesday next, 29th November, sale of gas cookers at the premises known as Uneeda Pie Shop, Bm'dge street; Saturday, 10th December, at the rooms, Hardy street, sale of lands in Motueka and Riwaka; Saturday, 17th December, at the rooms; Hardy street, sale of sections in the Wai-iti district. 9 a.m. Tuesday at "The Auckland." 36 inch allover cretonne, 9d yard. 36in. calico 6d yard. Cream Madras muslin 6d yard.*