LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13456, 8 April 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Acting-Premier (the Hon. HallJones), in replying to a telegram from the. Auckland Railways League asking whether the extension of the North Auckland line will be completed to Way by by the end of June next, says that he regrets he cannot say definitely when the line will be completed to the point mentioned, He adds, however, that lie has "no reason to doubt that satisfactory progress will be maintained,'* and he will be glad to see this section opened aa early as possible.

During the progress of the races at Ellerslie, on Saturday, it was found that, a man was on the course laying odds, contrary to the regulations of the club. The offender was taken before the stewards, and there produced a book containing the names of a, large number of persons, to wfioni he had been laying "tote" odds. The man, who is understood to Iv merely a scout, was " warned off" for life. The persons whose names appear on the book repudiated having had any betting transactions, but it is probable the club will institute further proceedings in regard to the nutter.

While a. woman was getting into a sulky on Saturday, near the Onehungii Savings Hank, the horse swerved round and bumped into a passing traracax, and then it beaded up the street. The driver managed to get it under control without any damage being done, and then returned for his wife, who had been knocked aside, but was uninjured. Mr. F. Stewart, of Onehunga, was pawning in another sulky at the time of tho occurrence, accompanied by a. lady, and escaped a collision only by driving on to the footpath.

The attention of readers is directed to the second instalment of the stirring new: serial, "The Avenger," by K. Phillips Op* pcnheini, published today, with synopsis of the opening chapter.*, which appeased in Saturday's Herald. "The Avenger" has already attracted a wide circle of roadors, and is certain to prove a highly popular novel. The story will bo published ia daily instalments till its conclusion. I

The autumn meeting of the Auckland Racing Club was continued and concluded at Ellerslie on Saturday. The weather was favourable, though the sky was overcast all day, and a slight shower fell towards the close of the day's programme, There was a good attendance. The principal race of the day, the Autumn Handicap, was won by Mrs. A. M. (Vximbe's

bay gelding Master Dekval, after an interesting contest. A full report of the racing appears elsewhere

The Bishop of Melanesia (Dr. Wilson), when speaking at the prize-giving of the Diocesan Girls' High School, on Saturday, spoke about tramways. While in New Zealand, he said ho had taken particular notice of this means of locomotion. In Dunedin the tram lines were said to l*». the beet laid in the colony, and Ohristcliureh was said to possess the best cars, although they were somewhat difficult for conductors to manage. The Wellington tramcare were better for the drivers, whilst the Auckland service had the reputation of being the fastest iff the colony. Referring to men not- surrendering their seats to ladies in crowded cars, the Bishop said it was not always the fault of the nun.

The Auckland Fire Brigade were called, out about nine o'clock on Saturday night to a fire which had broken out in a house in Nelson-street occupied by Mrs. Austin and owned by Mr. Glover. Fortunately the lire had not made much headway before it was discovered. The brigadeamen soon, had the flames extinguished, confining the damage to one room and limiting it to the extent of about £30. ' Mrs. Austin was absent from the house for most of the day, and two boarders were also away at the time the lire broke out, and no explanation can be offered as to its origin.

According to a letter received in Wellington from a prominent shipping official in New York, strong efforts are to be made to keep up American trade connection with Australia and New Zealand. The writer says there is every probability of a new company undertaking the 'Frisco service with vessels of superior construction and greater speed to those hitherto running between the American port and the colonies. Big commercial interests were at the back of the new combination, according to the letter, the intention being to develop ! trade relations with Australasia on a very I much larger scale. It was proposed to ! have a 17 days' service, and scheduled time would be rigidly adhered to.

The vital statistic* for the Rotorua district for the month and quarter, respectively, ended March 31, are as follows: — Births, 10; marriages, 4; deaths, 2, oru an infant, from infantile, trouble; births, 16; marriages, f&) deaths, 7, of which five were infants, who succumbed to infantile trouble. Of the two adults, death

ensued from diabetes in one case and

from consumption in the other, both havI ing come to Rotorua in search of health. Tile above figure* disclose a most satis-

factory state oi health so far as the residents are concerned, and refute any statements that may have been made regarding

the health of the town and district (says

the Hot Lakes Chronicle). So long as a record like the above can be produced, it may be safely said that the sanitary conditions of the town are good, ami the residents enjoying the best of health.

Although the Union Company's steamer Coriiuw was not expected to make another tup to the Manukau this season she arrived with a cargo of bonedust on .Saturday. She left again at one p.m. yesterday foi New Plymouth and Wellington, taking as part cargo 1304 boxes of butter and 317 crates cheese,.