LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13202, 13 June 1906, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Ax. extract from the New Zealand Gazette, containing a. proclamation by the Governor," prohibiting the taking 01* killing of certain native birds, came up foi consideration at. last Wight's meeting of the council of the Auckland Acclimatisation. Society. The president ("Mr- V. Earl) said he thought the proclamation should be given avS much publicity a-o possible, but he did not see how the society coukl do it. The secretary (Mr. T. Cheeseman) pointed out that some of the Wide- protected under this proclamation were gazetted under the game season proclamation as open to lie. shot. The president said lie' thought the inconsistency should be pointed out to tile. Government, and he moved a motion to that effect, which was earned. The secretary was also instructed to write to the Depart-' ment, stating that it .was out of the power of the society, unless assisted, to make the proclamation widely • known.

The special full-page portrait of the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon which is, issued as a Supplement to the current, number of the Auckland Wkkxlt News'should find a. place in every New Zealand home. The picture, which is .specially prepared for framing, is from a. recent photograph, and is at striking likeness of New Zealand's great statesman. The number also contains a wide, collection of pictures dealing with the life and career ox our late Premier, besides a. full letterpress history of his life and work. Mr. Seddou was known and honoured throughout the Empire, amd this issue of the News', while being of special value as a memento of the great statesman, is eminently adapted for conveying to friend's abroad a knowledge of one v/bo was esteemed and honoured, both at home and abroad. All those desirous of scouring copies should make early application, and. should also note that the Vancouver mail closes at a-quarter to one o'clock to-day.

A bottle containing a note, writ-ten in pencil, has been picked up '?y a tisheiman met) Montague G-arnaut oil' Wliangaparun. The bottle was hall-lull of " water, and consequently part of the writing is anreadable. The note reads 'as follows: —"I am stranded on a small island in the gull'. Fur God's sake solid some help. 1 have not eaterf food for days . . • . lew' oysters and some water. Oh! God, 1 feci ('! ) horrible . . .sensation!V) I've . . ." Most of the gulf islands arc frequently visited by fishermen. Th« note has been handed to the Customs Department. The Herald to-day (with the Supplement-) consists of 14 pages. The Supplement contains an interview on the public school syllabus with Mr. H. Mason, of Piviaka, a headmaster of considerable experience ot the mental capabilities of the average school child. The other features include Labour Notes, "Things in General," serial stories, etc. ; also a picture the great wrestling match between Hackenschmidt and Madrali for the world's championship.

A collision took place off Victoria Wharf, Devonport. last evening between the ferry steamers Kestrel and Britannia.' The accident occurred about a quarter to seven o'clock, when the Kestrel, oh her trip -to Auckland, was leaving the wharf. The Britannia, which had just made the trip from Stanley Bay, missed the wharf owing to the strong wind and tide, and backing out to make another attempt to get alongside. fouled the Kestrel. - Both steamers' engines were promptly stopped, so that the impact was very slight, and beyond a few dents hi the hull of both steamers no damage resulted.

Complaint ''was. made .'it the Harbour Board meeting yesterday by Mr Dacre that, as the yachts in the harbour went anywhere at will, and were becoming so numerous, they were interfering with other shipping. He gave notice of motion that the 'harbour-' master be instructed to report on the matter of yachting grounds.

The adjourned meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council iu ■.committee, was held last night. The late sexton (Mr. J. Colledgej was called in regard to the cemetery question. Mr. J. Luntlou, solicitor, entered the Council chamber, and informed the Council that he had instructed bis client . J. Colledge, not to make any statement, or answer any questions, unless lie as counsel \v;is present. He also informed the Council that the matter was in the hands of the. police, ai.d that a prosecution would follow jn due -.'course.'The Council were agreeable to permit the sexton's solicitor. Mr. London, to appear for hint, and to go on with the inquiry, excluding 111? press. Mr. Luudtm.- however. ■would not consent to tins, aixl refused to go on unless the meeting was open to the public. A motion had been passed at the last public meeting of the Council, referring the. whole matter to the Council in committee, and until that motion was rescinded {which they had not power to do-that night) the meeting could not he open to the public. Alter some further discussion, lie Council then adjourned until next Monday.

A satisfactory increase in the amount received for fishing licenses for the past season as compared .with previous seasons was reported at last night's meeting of the council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society.' The secretary (Mr. T. Cheeseman) reported that £617 had been received, with two small returns yet to come in. Ibis, he „said', represented an increase of over £200 when compared with the total for the previous season.

Our Hamilton correspondent- ' writes: — I regret to record the dea.th of Mrs. Kusabs, wife* of Mr. A. K. Kusabs, of Ilotorua, which took place in the Waikato, Hospital at an early hour on .Tuesday, morning., ihe deceased lady (who was the eldest daughter of Mr. K. D. Dansey, for many years postmaster at Rotorna, but now of Ashbtuton) had been an inmate of the hospital for some weeks. The body will be interred in the Rotorna cemetery on Saturday.

At a meeting of the Epsom Road Board last night a letter -was. received from a. resident, pointing out the danger to the public of driving cattle along uie public roads during the day time. He asked if an' arrangement could not be arrived at by which the cattle could be driven between the hours of six a.m. and eight a.m. In reply to the letter the Board deeiued to state its inability to effect any improvement under the existing Stock Act. which provided for the driving of cattle between sunrise and sunset. "■■■■..■

" To sup or not to sup," was a question, which considerably agitated the minds of the Scotchmen of the St. Andrew's Society meeting last evening, and the humour of the discussion was an entertainment in itself. The council of the society had ceased to provide" refreshments at- the concerts held by the society, considering that the rush for the refreshments .was' not as orderly as it might be, and that it was scarcely possible to provide for each large audiences. The meeting last evening, however, was manifestly in favour of the restitution of this pleasant feature. One member, in broad Scotch, said lie did not favour the high classical music- they were getting at some of the concerts, and he preferred supper. He would rather hear an amateur sing a " Guid Scotch Sang ' than .all the classical music if the world. Another member said, " I move' that, on St, Andrew's Night, , we Jiave. our. little bit of haggis and a,Scotch crack." The chairman, whose firm recently tendered for ferroconcrete structures tor the Harbour liiwtrd, here interposed, "You had better put your motion in concrete form." This was received with roars of laughter, a.nd the hilarity was increased when a gentleman rose at the back of the room, and inquired, What, the haggis?" Then a prominent wool buyer wanted to move that all refreshments be di&peneed with except on St. Andrew's Night. Through some confusion this was interpreted as an intention to dispense with refreshments on St. Andrew's Nigkt itself, and a civil engineer, ho is nothing if not a. most patriotic Scotchman, fairly bristled as he rose to denounce such an iniquitous proposition. The misunderstanding, however, was explained. liven another rone to say the matter was "somewhat nebulous." "That's an insinuation against the haggis," said the quiet man in the corner, and again proceedings were interrupted by laughter. Finally after two or three amendments had been disposed, of, it was decided to dispense light ..refreshments at the concerts, but to limit the attendance" ok tickets to two each ticket-, instead of three, members, ot course, having the privilege of .purchasing additional tickets. Then the whisky was handed round and the troubled water's were stilled.

There is something in a name, in the opinion of the Anglican Provincial Synod in Victoria. A long debate took place recently on the recommendation of a committee that ministers of parishes be designated vicars and their residences vicarages, and those in charge of parochial districts bp designated ministers and their residents parsonages. Canon Nash enumerated the different titles available from which to choose—priest, curate, minister, parson, incumbent, vicar, and rector. "Parson," lie thought, was too familiar and old-fashioned; "incumbent" was a word which suggested painful puns, and lent itself; to every «ort of disorder of the frivolous mind. The word "rector" brought to the mind a vision of it portly, well-tilled figure, in; charge of a great Knglish parish, with from eight to 16 curates, and live or six daughter churches— a. presence which bespoke dignity—& gentleman whose well-shaped legs carried an imposing body, which would perhaps one day carry . robes of an office of greater eminence than he at present filled. Eventually it was agreed to recommend that minister of parishes be called rectore and their residences rectories, and priests in charge of districts ministers, and their residences parsonages.

Hutuma, (near VVaipukurau, H. 8.), the former property of an absentee landlord, who worked it with a few shepherds, is now subdivided into 62 properties., hits. 59 houses on it, iitid a population of 250 people. There are 47,58 sheep on it and 1830 cattle. All rents have been paid, and improvements to the value of £33,629 have b&en made, whereas the value required by the Act would only be £8690. The dwelling-houses alone a.re. valued at £10,800. It is a, mixed farming district, not a dairying one. There are 22,670 acres under grass, out of which 2000 acres have been ploughed and cropped, and laid down subsequently in permanent Lug lis!) grasses; 1837 are under white or green crops. . That in a pretty good story of progress since 1900, wheal the property was compulsorily acquired by the Government for £141,000. Yet there were many croakers who predicted that in loss than live years the Government would have the pioperty thrown on their hands. There were two persons in the police cells last evening, both charged with drunkenness.

An interesting proposal to increase th« supply of oysters in the Auckland market whs put forward at the meeting of the council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society by Mr. A. Burt who said . view of-, the'scarcity it would be advisable if some attempt were made to establish several beds of Stewart island oysters here. Hp thought the Government should be ap'profiled on the mailer. It was decided to instruct the secretary to wito to the Ota go Society asking it any such experiment's had been made there.

The lunatic Thomas Conway, who escaped from Avondale Asylum a few days ago, lias been captured at Papakura.

A somewhat, peculiar incident occurred at the Supreme Court iitTimaru the other day during the swearing-in of a common jury. One of the men. summoned to aery* as a juror refused to take the book ft cm tlx* court orderly when the oath was administered (says the Timaiu Post). His Honor called him back, and inquired why lie had refused to take the "book. Abe man, who had been behaving iu a truculent- manner, said there had been a " little, misunderstanding" between him and the orderly. Hit. Honor ordered the recalcitrant: juror to take the oath. When he bad done so the juror turned to the orderly and said, in & nasty maimer: "Well, is that satisfactory.' His Honor thereupon said: ".Your behaviour is very peculiar, and I am quite sure you are net a lit and proper person to wive on a jury. ■ Whether you are under the influence ol liquor, or are not quite competent. mentally, 1 cannot say, but you must leave the court at once." The juror left and the incident terminated.

The sand-drift trouble is becoming more accentuated every at Muritai, Wellington, mid more than one property owner is concerned at the very rapid manner in which the enemy is approaching his boundary. Some sections on the western side of the road ..have already been covered to a, depth of several feet by the sand, and the only relics of what were once pleasant and wellkept gardens are a few inches ol fencingpast sticking out of the 6and. Further along the road towards the extreme end of Muritai the drift has almost covered the read, so that for some considerable time the coach has been unable 'to- run there, and at the present time it would be a- pretty hard task to get even a child's go-cart past the obstruction.

Thus a Maoterton gentleman in acknowledging four cases of pears purchased for him at an auction sale not a hundred miles from Napier:—" Thanks for psars. l\-N.V herewith. The;.* are the best keeping pears 1 ever clapped eyes on—(hay are firmer than rock, and concrete is a, fool to-them. I'v# made about fifty attempts "to sink -"my teeth into one of them, but 1 have miserably failed each time. 1 then tried to make- a dent in one with the axe, but. struck fire instead. P. succeeded in getting a chip off one of his, and was foolish enough to trv and swallow it. it nearly cut his throat on the way down. They would make splendid masons' plumb-bobs—heavy, well-shap-ed, and exceedingly durable. My utile girl using them for tops, so it is satisfactory to know that they (serve some purpose."

Among the prisoners before the Supreme Court at Wellington was Hopi Tanara, a Maori lad, who spoke English fluently, and had pleaded guilty to theft at Hastings. His Honor said it was very sad to see a youth like the prisoner brought before the Court for larceny, he already having served imprisonment for the same class of offence. Accused was released from gaol in, April this year, <wid he had apparently only been out a fortnight when lie again Tell into evil ways. Prisoner seemed to belong to Greytown, Wairarapa, and had served altogether nearly, a year's imprisonment,, although under twenty years of age. ; In,sentencing accused to six months' imprisonment, His Honor hoped it would' be his last offeree, 1

A correspondent- of- the Brisbane Worke.- complains bitterly of the way in which the State-ma-naged sugar mills of Queensland are conducted. He ■ says:—"When the Government foreclosed on certain central mills there was a. splendid opportunity opened to demonstrate the benefits of Socialism. It was well known to those in the industry that some of these wills had not been worked on scientific methods, ihe mills; taken, over by the ■ Government were up-to-date and comparatively new. But the Government management has been a by-word of reproach throughout th« sugar districts." The State mills, he goes on to say, pay the cane-suppliers l*wer average rates than are obtained frarn those under private management, and 'the value of the sugar obtained, per ton of owe crushed, lias been lower at the Government mills than in the other central mil Its not controlled by them." There d&es not seem anything Very unusual in these facts. Had the results been reversed it would have been remarkable.

"We have," says the, annua,l report of the South Island National Dairy Association, been paying great attention to the manufacturing and marketing of our dairy pro. i (iuce > also to securing reductions in freight-, | ami many other most necessary and useful | matters have been most carefully attended to, but, for years we have neglected the proper breeding l and rearing of young slock, ami our herds have deteriorated steadily. | Had we for years past attended to these i waiters properly our export of dairy proj due© would have been, thirty per cent, great;er than it is now. . . . or about 13 j plus we have bees neglecting breeding, and have been rearing calves with skim milk as the maiu food, a ail tile result is as above staled. It will take some years to get the m fetter put right,, hut tlio sooner it is about the better." Wealing with. the"application of I licit; remarks to the West Coast of the North Island, the Taranaki Herald remarks: — " Roughly there are 110,000 • dairy cows in this province, and we do not think th« averageearnings from the factory are much more than £(\ There is, no reason, beyond the indifferent® unci neglect of the tamers, why tne average, yield should not be £8 and more, and this would bring from £150,000 to £200,000 more money • into the district, an end worth striving {or. 1 '

" I wish to very strongly emphasise the fact, and to Lava it reported, thai if, at the present juncture, you allow any uit((ualitied person to meddle with your waterworks, it must end disastrously for the Council," wrote Mr. K. Harvey-Gibbon, the retiring borough engineer, in his final report to the New Plymouth Borough Council. 'It is the easiest thing possible," h« continues, " in dealing with water, to give rise to trouble which will cost die burgesses very dearly." Mr. Gibbon ma..es his remarks apply with equal force to the septic tank.

The Ok&iawa correspondent of the Hawera Star writes:—"l lecently reported the lucky recovery by a local settler of two £5 notes which lis tupped in H&wera; but this has been eclipsed by the experience of a young lady who went to town last week. On returning home she found that she had lost her purse, which contained over wi. Being too late to return to look for it that night she had to wait till morning. She remembered the last place in town where she had jiied the purse, and on arriving there next day towards noon found it lying on the . side of the street with the contents intact. 'The young lady attributes the recovery . to the fact that the purse was old and shabby, and if anyone did see it they probably thought it had been thrown away. 4 y