LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 December 1930, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

At 9.45 o'clock this morning the failure of u steam trap at tho power house necessitated the closing of the boilers ami a consequent stoppage of the whole of the electrical supply system. Such stoppages are of rare occurrence Lhis. being the first during the present yen r. The stoppage was only of a few mini lies' duration.

A Princess Slip in Art. Satin, with Bloomers tn match, nicely packed in a fancy gift, "box, with greeting card. 39/6 complete post free to any address by McKay's.*

In an undefended divorce case, William Alfred Couch v. Ruby Evelyn Couch, taken, before His Honour Mr Justice Reed at the Supreme Court, a decree nisi to be made absolute in three months, was granted. Mr Moynagh appeared for th'o petitioner. The ground for the petition was separation under a deed.

In connection with the article published on Saturday with reference to trout fishing in Lake Rotoroa, the average weight of the iish being caught is about 61b to 71b, but many landed are up to 121 b and 14lb.

An exquisitely carved model of a Maori canoe was presented to the Hon. 11. Atmoro at the Wanganui Technical Hostel foundation stone ceremony by the contractors, the Fletcher Construction Company, Ltd. A beautiful solid silver trowel which was presented to the Hon. Harry Atmoro at the same ceremony was designed and made by Mr Hugh Muir, jeweller, of Wanganui. The polished and mounted handle was of black make. It was enclosed in a bandsome case of New Zealand wood made by Mr Cross, art master of the Technical College. The trowel was engraved with the following inscription: "Presented by the Board of Governors of tho Wanganui Technical College to tho Honourable Harry Atmore, Minister of Education, on the occasion of tho laying of the foundation stone of the Boys Hostel, December 4, 1930."

Amusement was caused at a boxing tourney at Whangarei last week when tho winner of a contest, after having knocked out his opponent in tho first round, complained that he had not had a bout. When tho loser recovered he offered to enter the ring again to save his victor from disappointment. Another bout was held, and the former loser turned tho tables by defeating his opponent on points. When may a man, hearing of the death of his wife in another part of tho world reasonably consider himself justified in marrying again? This question raised in a bigamy ease at Nelson last week was referred to a prominent Christchurch solicitor by the "Times." His answer was that of Mr Justice Reed, "When he has used all reasonable care and judgment to prove the death of his first wife." Bigamy, said the solicitor, was a crime, in which tho prosecution had to prove not only the act of going through the second marriage ceremony, but also the knowledge or presumption of knowledge that tho first consort was alive. The decision in the Nelson case was, in his opinion, a very good one. The jury, while believing that the man had received the letter from a relative telling of his first wife's death, evidently did. not think that he had taken all reasonable precautions. "The law," he said, "does not demand a high standard of intelligence, but just that of an ordinary man. A man should not be satisfied with the intimation of his wife's death contained in a letter from the other side, although the fact that it was from a relative would give it weight. He should, however, have made other inquiries." There was a presumption in law that, if one party thought the other to be dead and for seven years had heard nothing to the contrary, he was justified in marrying again. This, however, applied more to cases where one party was believed to have been the victim of accident, such as a ship wreck, where it was impossible to be absolutely certain that the person was dead. Even then the person [eft was taking a risk in marrying again for though he would not in law be guilty of bigamy, if the first wife were afterwards found to be alive, the second marriage would be null and void and any children illegitimate.

Some of our farmers must be turning g»'ey as they look at their lifeless fields (states the Dunedin "Star"). Mr R. B. Tennent, fields superintendent of tlie Agricultural Department for Otago and Southland, says even in Central the weather is seriously unfavourable, districts where the rain has not been heavy suffering badly from the continuous cold. "Last year by this time the turnip-sowing in Ota°o and Southland measured 200,000 acre's. Not more than half of that area has yet been sown in turnips. The profitable period for such sowing ends about Christmas, and ought to begin earlv in November. It is the most important crop of the year. Without it what can a farmer do for winter feed? The growth of the grass, or rather the want of growth, is another trouble. It is extremely poor so far, and a peculiar result is that what is coining on is running to seed stalk and not showing the required leafage, with the result that it lacks palateableness and the nutritive quality. Spring sown oats are much delayed and poor, and the autumnsown wheat does not seem to be shaping for properly-matured heads It is the most disappointing season that 1 can remember."

The secretary of the No More War Movement in Dunedin has been advised of the receipt by the organisation in Christchurch of a letter in the follow-, ing terms from the Minister of Defence (states the "Otago Daily Times"): "In reply to your letter oi 31st October, I have, to inform you that for the current training year compulsory military training has been suspended. Service in the secondary school Cadets is therefore on a purely voluntary basis for' the time being. The seductive "weed" ! At Lambeth Conference an unofficial census revealed that of one hundred Bishops ninety-eight were smokers, and some of them very heavy ones! Well, why not? After all b ships are a good deal like other men and if they find a smoke "grateful and comforting" amid all the hurry and stress of modern life (from which not even Bishops are exempt) is that very surprising? Tobacco may have its faults, but they are far outnumbered by its virtues. The great thing is to see that it is pure. Brands poisonous with nicotine (as some of the foreign ones are should be carefully avoided. They spell ruined health if smoked habitually. Toasted tobacco is the purest because toasting expels the nicotine and renders it safe to smoke to any extent, besides giving it its peculiarly fine aroma and delicious flavour. There are only four brands of toasted manufactured—Rrverhead Gold, Navy Cut No 3 Cut Plug No. 10 and Cavendish. They are in constant demand and on sale everywhere.*

Chronic Constipation—Prompt relief from constipation, rheumatism, headaches and intestinal disorders is obtainable by taking Dr. Don's Granules, a vegetable laxative compounded from a doctor's own prescription. Small, safe, active, non-habit-forming. R. W. Martin Chemist, will forward Free Samples upon receipt of Id stamp for postage.* Double Event Sale at "The Auckland." Towel Ends 4£d Pure Linen Tea Towels, unhemmed, 7£d. 3bin. Coloured Border Curtain Net 6 yds for 3/6 *

The craze of Paris.—The elusive For-get-me-not fragranco of Godet's new l J etite Fleur Bleue toiletries is the craze of Paris. Obtainable McKay's.*

1/6 the lot! lib Choice Ceylon Tea and dandv White and Gold Cim and Saucer. Double Event Sale at "The Auckland. "*

Comfortable Vests in Art, Silk Locknit strap or shaped arm styles. Cream, .Maize. Sky and Pink, 7s 6d to 10s 6d. At McKay's.*

Big Double Event Sale continues tomorrow at "The Auckland." Garden Forks and Trowels 6d each. Spades 2/3, Electric Light Globes 1/- each.*

The board of managers of lire Seddon Memorial Technical College (Auckland) last week decided to accept the tender of a linn selling British typewriters for a number of machines to replace 30 American typewriters now in use. Tenders were recently called for the supply of new typewriters, and the matter was discussed in committee at yesterday's meeting. The chairman of the hoard, Mr 11. S. W. King, stated subsequently that about £450 would be spent on the order. In reply to representations made by the, Technical Education Association, the Minister of Education had stated that instructions would be given to governing bodies to install machines of English manufacture. Tho'i action of the board resulted from a natural desire to give preference to British typewriters. Mr .King added that the acceptance of the tender for British machines would necessitate the disposal by the board of a number of second-hand machines oi American manufacture.

A greater, proportion of men is applying for entry into the teaching profession, according to a report to the Auckland Education Board last week, rt was reported that a total of 252 probationers, or ten more than last year, had applied for employment, and 110 were males and 142 females.

General condemnation of the coupon system in retail shopping was expressed at .the quarterly meeting of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce at New Plymouth last week. Even several retailers who had joined in the scheme expressed their disapproval. The chamber decided to support strongly the action of the Associated Chambers of Commerce in asking'the Government to take suitable'action to end the various coupon systems which were "uneconomic and of no benefit*either to the retailer or the customer."

An indication that he intends to follow the course adopted by Mr Justice Reed in regard to special damages awarded for hospital expenses was given by the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, ill the Supreme Court at Wellington last week. In asking counsel to give an undertaking that the amount awarded specifically for hospital expenses would be paid to the hospital board, His Honour said he was heartily in accord with the course taken 'by Mr Justice Reed in a case recently. "I apprehend," said His Honour, "that Mr Justice Reed's tions were intended to apply only to cases where special damages were awarded, those special damages including an amount to be paid to the hospital authorities. . . . There is no reflection whatever upon the plaintiff; it is only a precaution which, I agree with Mr Justice Reed, the Court is justified in taking. . . ."

The closing down of several saw-mills has intensified the unemployment problem in Westland and the closing down of the Lewis Pass Road has made matters worse (states a Greymouth paper). Added to this is the prospective closing of several more sawmills, and the early completion of public works now in progress. It is expected that the men engaged on the Mitchell-Inchbonnie road, and those on the Kanieri Lake road, as well as the gang employed roading the Education Reserve at Harihari, will all finish in a month. The closing down of these jobs will probably throw another hundred' men on the unemployed market. Mr J. O'Brien, M.P., proceeds to Wellington to-day to see if it is possible to have money voted for the Greymouth road district expended at once so as to provide work for those unemployed.

During the past fortnight eight miniature golf course companies have been registered, three at .Auckland, one at Dunedin, two at Christchurch, one at Timaru, one at Lower Hutt. The combined capitals of fctfese-hew companies amounts to over £9500.

The cinema as an organ or agency in education was mentioned by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, when speaking at the Training College in Wellington last week. "I believe that an appeal to the eye such as the cinema presents is simply invaluable from an educational point of view." said His Excellency. He hoped the cinema would be used more and more as a medium of education, and that the Government would encourage its use. and provide facilities for it, as it could be a help in the training of young people, particularly in the matter of domestic and agricultural activities.

Outspoken disapproval of the introduction of the coupon system into 2sbw Zealand was voiced at a recent meeting of the Wanganui Drapers' Furnishers , and Boot Retailers' Association. A resolution supporting the action of the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Federation of Retailers in their actions to prevent the use of the system, was unanimously carried. ' It was agreed that the coupon system now being advocated was against the best interests of the purchasing public, and it was decided to send the following telegram to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle: "The Wanganui' Drapers', Clothiers , Furnishers', and Boot Retailers' Association endorses the action of its Advisory Board, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Dairy Association, and others, in opposing the introduction of the coupon system. The Association considers the system a vicious method, benefiting only the coupon companies. The remarkable progress made by Maoris who were engaged in dairy farming on the East Coast betweenl Opotiki and Cape Runaway impressed, itself upon Mr F. W. Furkert, Engin-cer-in-Chief to the Public Works Department, and chairman of the Main Highways Board, who has returned to Wellington after a tour of the North Island with other members of the board. Mr Furkert said that he had been surprised to find that the Natives had made such progress in two years. In many cases they had had to overcome great difficulties, but members of the board had seen herds controlled by tliem which would have borne most favourable comparison with the choicest herd's in Taranaki. They hadi taken up the industry with remarkable thoroughness, and in general they showed quite clearly that they were taking the experiment' seriously and were determined to build up an industry along modern lines. Mr Furkert added that in spite of difficulties of getting their cream to Opotiki the settlers were doing excellent work.

The Nelson Hospital will receive any used clothes which could be given to people requiring such help. People who ure offering articles are requested to communicate with Mrs Watson or the Relieving Officer, Mr H. J. Kidson.

A concert arranged by the pupils of the Auckland Point School will be given in the School of Music on Wednesday next. The object of the concert is to raise funds for school purposes. The programme is an attractive one, consisting of musical items, folk dances, part songs, etc., and the public are assured of a first-class entertainment. Homemade sweets will be available.

Attention is drawn to auction sale advertisement of Christmas gift toys, etc., on page 12. < Seasonable undies at McKay's. Canterbury Locknit and Shadow Stripe Bloomers 5s lid to 7s lid.*

Judgment for plaintiff by default Was Riven in the following civil cases by Mr T. E. Maansell, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court this morning:— Herby Brown v. It. Wrigley, £9 6s 4d, costs £2 12s 6d; G. Fleming and Sons v. Albert Grubb, £9 7s, costs 15s 6d; Francesco Monopoli v. Salvantore Florentine £7 10s, costs £1 13s 6d.

Advice given to students of the Wellington Training College last Friday by tho Governor-General covered many points (reports "The Post"). He urged the students not to discourage a child s questions; any question that was intelligent was worth encouragement, and might be the beginning of a career of which New Zealand and the British Empire might be proud. A proper regard for manual and domestic work might also be inculcated, and a love of the beautiful could be stimulated in the school. The necessity of speaking and writing pure and accurate English was also impressed upon the students b ; y Lord Bledisloe. "And let me say, said His Excellency, "that nothing has delighted me more than to find in this far outpost of the Empire purer English being spoken than I have met with even in the Old Country, purer English than in any other Dominion of the British Empire."

A suggestion that more men could be given employment if the use of steam shovels and other labour-saving machinery were restricted and the hours pf work reduced was contained in a letter to the Minister of Labour, tho Hon. b. G. Smith, from the Auckland Soldiers Mothers' League. The Minister has replied that the matter will be referred to the Unemployment Board. Comment from the' Wanganui "Chronicle" that has more than local application:—"What an unconscionably long time people unfitted for public speaking take to say a few words! The ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone of the Technical College Hostel was marred by the inane, aimless amblings of those who preceded the Minister of Education. Mr Veitch's reference to the remarkable powers of endurance displayed by the audience were thoroughly justified. The lack of precision of speech and the barrenness of the thoughts expressed were painful in the extreme and even though some were modest enough to confess that they had forgotten their notes, what they did say revealed that their notes would not have helped them much. The speeches were more appropriate for a public, debate rather than for a felicitous function to the Minister of Education and the Technical High School. The one speaker who revealed his ability to say a few words; appropriate, apt, and to the point was the Head Boy of the School. Mr Fletcher and Mr W. J. Rogers certainly shared undisputed second place in .this regard. For tho rest the speeches were inordinate in length, . inappropriate in material and, with the exception of the chairman's introduction, wholly unnecessary."

"The mortgagee has to look after his own interests in valuing property," said Mr R. Cock at a meeting of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce last week when the question of insurable values was being discussed. "I went to one house in the interests of my bank and they told me it was insured for £6OO. Courtney and I built that very house years ago for £187." "Now I have a surprise, for you," said Archbishop Averill when finishing his reply to a welcome extended to him at Auckland last week. "I think it would be a good idea to have a dean for Auckland. It is my intention to ask Synod next year to agree to a suggestion by me that such an appointment should be made." The announcement was received with applause,/ and"'.J the archbishop added, with a smile, "'I am thankful that it will rest with me to make the nomination. In the event of Synod not agreeing to my suggestion, then we will only be as we were—that's all. (Laughter.) I know there are difficult times ahead," he said> "but no matter how bad they are we have got to keep the old church going and thf old flag flying. If we don't the country will go to the devil," he remarked, amidst roars of laughter.

"My- conception of democratic Government is that the man who represents the people shall be the Department. I am the Minister and I represent the Department. The Government of this country should not be run by heads of Departments."—The views of the present Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore) given expression to during his recent visit to Wanganui.

'That's my story, and I'm going to stick to it," appears to sum up the attitude of an elderly woman who, during the last few weeks, has been carrying out a little minor confidence work among young ladies employed in shops (says the Dunedin "Star").. A queer old thing, but rather nice. That was how she impressed two young ladies who are in charge of a small Princes street shop which specialises in select articles of feminine apparel. About a month ago she walked into the establishment, and in an agitated manner told a story of a lost purse. "I have been to' a picture theatre, my dear—quite a gay thing to do at my age, wasn't it?" she confided to one o£ the girls. "I can't think how it happened, but I lost my purse in there. It was in my bag, and I remember laying the bag down on a seat alongside me. There were some elderly men sitting near me, and I think that one of them may have taken it." According to the story it transpired that the woman was absolutely stranded in Dunedin, and was. urgently in need of her rail fare to Port .Chalmers. The young lady in the shop offered to phone the station master on her behalf, but somehow or other this would not do, and, moved to practical sympathy in the course -of a tearful stage, the girl parted with half a crown—a, little money for some food and the balance for the train fare. Nothing more was thought about the matter until an employee in a ladies' outfitting shop further along the street happened to mention the other day that she had received a call from such a quaint old. lady who had lost' her purse, etc. Notes were compared, and it was found that practically the same story had been told in each case. From inquiries made it has been ascertained that at least one other shop has been similarly visited by the "gentle grafter." Double Event Sale at "The Auckland." Women's Floral Cotton Frocks 4/11. 7/6, 9/11. Children's Cotton Frocks 2/6.* ' To-morrow at "The Auckland." Floor Mops l/-,'4oft. Wire Clothes Lines 6d, 7 cakes Sandsoap and 1 Scrubbing Brush 1/- the lot.*

You'll be delightfully surprised at the ease with which you can select your gift goods in McKay's re-arranged Fancy Department.* Double Event Sale at "The Auckland." Pure Fuji Silk 1/24 val ' d > 36in - Plain Rayon 1/I*,- yard.*