LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14143, 19 August 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

As old age pensioner named Alexander McDonald, between 70 and 80 years of age, writes our Dargaville correspondent, was found dead in a big dam, which contained 3ft of water, at Tatarariki. Deceased had been missing for several days, and it was during a search instituted by the settlers that the body was found. In deceased's pikau were found three ' bottles of whisky. At the inquest a verdict was returned that death ensued by drowning whilst deceased was cinder the influence of liquor.

The residents of Lower Symondsstreet were startled by a terrific explosion which occurred in an unoccupied dwelling-house near the Choral Hall yesterday morning. The house was at the time undergoing, repairs. The gas in the kitchen was reported to be escaping, and a gasfitter adopted the - dangerous 1 procedure of looking for the. escape with 'a lighted match. He at first tried the gas jet, but failed to locate any leakage. He then directed his attention to the ' gas stove, which had just been overhauled, and no so6ner had he put the match near the stove than an explosion took place, reducing the stove to hundreds of pieces. The fitter was hurled from one end of the kitchen to the other, but, strange to say, he received no injuries. . Two painters who were in the room at the time of the explosion'- were thrown across the room, but also escaped injury. Pieces of the stove broke the kitchen window and did some damage to the newly-painted walls and roof.

The national presentation to Mr, W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, will take place at the Choral Hall to-morrow evening. The presentation will be made by Mr. James Allen, M.P. for Bruce, and there will be a large gathering of members of Parliament and the friends and supporters of Mr. Massey. Amongst the Opposition members likely to be present, in addition to . Mr. Allen, are, Messrs. Fisher, Newman, Buick, Guthrie, W. Fraser, A. L. Herdman, F. W. Lang, W. H. Herries, J. Bollard, L. R. Phillipps, and F. Mander.

A further request to the Auckland Education Board to allow half an hour a week for religious instruction in the public schools, in accordance with the Nelson system, was brought before the Board yesterday. The chairman, Mr. C. J. Parr, said that as no fresh arguments had been adduced in support of the request, there did not seem to be any reason why the Board should reconsider its previous decision not to accede to the request. He moved a "motion to this effect, and it was unanimously agreed to. . , '

The shooting season being over, sportsmen are (says our Northern Wairoa correspondent) making known . their luck. Heavy bags are reported from ' all districts, but the record of Mr. D. Campbell, Mangawhare, isi credited with premier place. Although, he lost seven weeks of the season, his baggings totalled 143£ brace of pheasants. •

A considerable section of the down line in Queen-street occupied with dark and empty cars was an indication to the general public, about 10 o'clock: last night, that they might have to walk home. The stoppage extended over the Queen-street section of the system, and was caused by a guard wire being down. 'It lasted about a-quarter of an hour.

The antiquity of some ■ desks in -the Pukerimu school was the subject of some remarks at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Education Board. The desks were referred to as • being 35 years , old. "They are the same desks that were there when I went to school there," said Mr. C. J. Parr, chairman of the Board. An application for new desks was favourably considered, and it was resolved that they be supplied without delay. "It was also agreed to give the building a coat ' of paint..

' High wages can apparently be commanded by boys with a - knowledge of shorthand and typewriting. 1 John Chambers and Son, Limited, advertise that they are prepared to pay boys who can write at a speed of 150 words per minute £2 5s per week, and up to £3 a week, if they combine this attainment with office experience. ... :

The justices at Helensville meted out a sharp penalty yesterday to a man named Lockwood Wright, who boarded a train at Wayby, and refused either to pay his fare or leave the train, but made himself objectionable. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, and on a charge of vagrancy he was sent to gaol for two 'months, sentences to be cumulative.

The origin of a fire which threatened the residence of Mr. Ghas. Coombe Baker,' at Pencarrow Avenue, Mount Eden, on Tuesday night, was rather peculiar. A gas heater was situated in the open; fireplace in the drawingroom, and a pipe carried the fumes of the gas out to open air. This pipe became heated, arid lit the timber lining the . outside ' wall. The fire ran up the wall, and on going upstairs, Mrs. Baker found the rooms full of smoke. She summoned " carpenters working on a building near by to her. assistance, and they .pulled down the mantelpiece, and got at the seat of " the" fire, which was easily extinguished. . The : Mount Eden Fire Brigade turned ' out, but their services were not required. Beyond the damage caused: by the pulling down of the mantelshelf, the house was practically uninjured. '

The necessity for fencing the railway line at ; Huntly has often been pointed out. .. Mr. . H. J. Greenslade, M.P., in speaking on the subject to a Herald representative yesterday, said that if the line is not fenced •' a serious accident to the Main Trunk express is greatly to be feared. He stated, that during the past two months no fewer than .10 or 12 head of cattle or horses have Tieen killed by the night express. at Huntly. The animals often find their out of the paddocks through the gates "being purposely or accidentally. left- openi-f!*v One of the 'latest' victims was the horse of Constable Rock, an animal valued ai about £30." According to the statements.; made,it is very . necessary that ,the.. fencing •of ■: the line ■ should be undertaken without further delay. , > ■' ;

Owing to the action of the Railway Department in reducing the price qf totara sleepers by 3d, writes^ pur Dargaville correspondent, a number of workers, who have had constant employment in hewing the indispensable rail supports, have ceased operations. For many yearns a steady sleeper industry has been carried on in the Kaihu Valley, and the action of the Government, at this juncture, is meeting with. strong disapprovalfrom those particularly concerned in- the matter. " ■' >' " *■ ■

Probate has been, granted by Mr. Justice Edwards in the estates of the following deceased persons :-+John Appleyard Johnson (Mr. Gittos), Franklin,; Bradley (Mr. Coleman), Adolf Bulte (Mr. • Mahony), Wm, Patterson (Messrs. Walker and Peake)', Alfred Wm. Gladding (Messrs "Walker and Peake), Jacob Burrows (Messrs. .• Dignan and Armstrong). Letters of , administration have been granted in the estates of the late Ellen Mackie (Messrs. Nicholson and Gribbin), and of the late Thos. Perry (Messrs. Jackson and Russell). *

The s.s. Rarawa will make three trips to New ' Plymouth next week, leaving Onehunga on .Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, at three p.m., and leaving New Plymouth for Onehunga on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at eight p.m. The "Jack and Jill" Company, of over 100 members, have booked passages for Tuesday's trip of the s.s., Rarawa.

"Queen Victoria; used ; to say," remarked Mr. Justice Denniston on Saturday, at the Christchurch Supreme Court, in an interval of a long, and dramatic harangue by a suitor who was appearing in person, "that Mr. Gladstone always addressed her as if she were a public meeting. Don't you think I might make a similar observation?" Well,' Your Honor," replied the litigant, "it is not always easy for a public man, accustomed to address large groups of people, to remember that he is speaking to a single individual."

One of the unwritten rules for patients at the Otaki Sanatorium is bring your music." This is carried out at the wish of those in' charge of-the institution, for they recognise that healthy, recreation and pleasant surroundings are most important features in the treatment of cases. Patients who can sing or play can do much in a curative sense for themselves and fellow-sufferers. Time must never be allowed to hang heavy on the hands of those under treatment, as it has been found that want of occupation and light exercise greatly retards recovery.

A rather amusing incident happened during the examination of one of the junior classes at the Lawrence District High School recently. The ; inspector was endeavouring to. ascertain the pupils' knowledge of current New Zealand history, and \ asked for the name of our present Governor. The hands of quite a number of youngsters immediately shot up as an indication that' they were prepared to furnish an answer. One was appealed to, when the reply came ''Sir Joseph Ward." Another correctly named Lord Plunket. The inspector then asked all those who thought Sir Joseph Ward to be the Governor to hold up their hands, when he was surprised to find that the majority in the room were of the opinion ? that Sir Joseph was our Governor.

■ tS^lpjK At last meeting of the Waitemata branc® of the Liberal and Labour Federation, held at Devonpor Mr. W. J. Napier moved the following resolution, which was H' carried unanimously:—"That the time has arrived when a proper set of account books should be opened in the Treasury on the principle of double entry, and that for this purpose a capital account should be at once formed by a correct valuation of all the assets of ihe Dominion. That a balance-sheet and profit - and loss account should be annually submit- s '*"* ted to Parliament." Speaking to the motion Mr. Napier said the present system of keeping the accounts was most unsatisfactory.' The fact that there were differences of opiti- ■ ion upon matters in the accounts which were questions of fact showed that our antiquated system of book-keeping was at fault. If im-balance-sheet on the double entry principle' were published hostile criticisms of the coun.. try's finance would be effectually silenced, 1 and in England such a balance-sheet would increase the value of the stocks and the credit of New Zealand. We had £7 worth of assets for every 20s we owed, and our capital account in a balance-sheet would figure at £500,000,000 or thereabouts. */j -

An accident, which had an unusual"< sequel, was given prominence -in the y ' Magistrate's Court, Wellington, on Monday. Ernest James Marshall, a seaman who fell down the hatchway of the steamer Devon, and was found there at. one a.m. on Sunday suffering from Injuries to his mouth and head, was before the Court charged with stealing two bottles ' • of whisky. It was stated that part of the * ' cover of the hold had been removed. Accused had slipped when descending. | He' recovered himself and then broached a case of whisky, and when found was in , the act of partaking of some of the liquor. He admitted his guilt to Mr. W. G. Rid. | ' dell, S.M. The officers of the vessel .gave him a good character. As it was his first,/.", offence accused was convicted and fined £3, with 12s costs, the value of the " whisky purloined, in default 16 days' imprisonment. _ ,

. A lay advocate, appearing to conduct his own case at the Supreme Court at Christchurch on Saturday, complained that y' a legal volume he intended to quote from, and which he had before him earlier inV:; the day, had disappeared. "It has prob- , ably walked out," suggested the opposing • counsel. "On human legs, then," retorted the suitor. The presiding judge, after advising the litigant to make sure ' the'""" book was not in the locality of the bar-■ risters' table mentioned another instance of a similar trouble where learned counsel after inquiring indignantly for a missing authority was found to be "sitting on the case." The applicant thereupon rum. aged round and discovered the volume close beside him. "It is nearly as bad' j | here," he exclaimed; "I was not exactly sitting on the case, but I had my elbow: on it." < " ; i. v ./.-■■" ■■':■■■■ ■ " The value of the decisions of American Courts'," . said Mr. Justice Denniskm, at Christchurch, "varies very much according •to the State. A relevant' American decision is always treated with • respect by •an English Court; but a judgment of the Court of • North . • Dakota is ' not accepted with quite\ the same value as one from the older eastern / Stater.. Any American judgment is al- • ways treated with proper respect." Tha litigant,: who had' suggested the quoting: / of an American case, replied that he also knew that lynch , law existed in soma /• States. '.. His',- Honor remarked that, there were no' authorities on lynch law. . •■••:■</.■/ '■ . :/:'/:/o;. According to. the Hon. Dr. Findiaf : • (Minister for Justice) the list, of new . justices of the peace will probably be avail- /}: able for publication shortly (says a Southern paper). It is proposed to adequately supply the wants of every part of the Do- : minion in this respect. Some districts;;/ were almost without justices owing toV./ deaths and removals since general appointmeats were last made two or. three years ago. With a view to making ; the new appointments supply (in point of number and locality) the reasonable needs of ' the Dominion, he was now making inquiries// to ascertain the number of justices already . in existence, and the requirements of each ' "locality. ' The Southland Motor Association has informed the Southland County Council that •" the following resolution had been adopted* / at a meeting held on July 30:"That, in view of the recent racing on the Dunedin , road - between two members of the local trade, this association wishes to express it# / strong disapproval of this racing, and of SI road racing in general; and that representations be made to the proper authorities asking them to prohibit such practices, C is being a danger to other users of the roads, and likely to bring motorists generally into disrepute." The Council de- / eded to take action to stop road racing in 'uture, and it was resolved that the county solicitor be asked to advise if 'the Council iad power to take legal proceedings against - persons who drive motor cars at a speed ,vhich .is dangerous to the public, and, 'if/ j lot, would it ;be an advantage to make » /'; >y-law. - ' '/ | ' ' : v.-'V,': /;//|p : '

ip®| The Wellington City Council is consider- - ing a proposal to widen Willis-street, between Mercer-street and Manners-street. > The /Finance Committee "has recommended that an offer of £36,500 should be made for. three sections of the Heath Estate, if the owner of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, » lady, agrees to sell her interest in the hotel' for £5500. The land is valued at from £100jw-; to £200 a foot. The hotel block brings in £1300 a year. It is estimated that in a few years the whole of the land proposed to be purchased would yield £2000 a year. It is. proposed that the Council should purchase : the land and issue debentures at 4£ per cent, ; on £42,000, the total cost. The Finance Committee is still dealing with the scheme. ,*

A meeting of settlers on the Mangarewa and Ivahoroa Blocks was held at Rotorua on Monday night, and it was decided to ■, write to the Land Board asking that body . to proceed as soon as possible with surveying and opening up to settlement the block of 3000 acres at the north end of oto " rua Lake. When this is done the settler# < will' start a butter factory, to the mutual, - ; benefit of both town and settlers.

A communication'has been sent by Mr- T. Buxton, M.P. for Geraldine, to the Hon. J» , A. Millar in regard to the importation 0 * - ..blight-infected potatoes from Tasmania (says |x|| an exchange). It is estimated that about £150,000 worth of potatoes have been left . in Tasmania, anci, as the Commonwealth polls have been closed to them there is » possibility of some* of them coming into Zealand. Mr. Buxton has urged that step# should be taken to prevent that occurring. His suggestions were telegraphed by Mr. - Millar to the Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister for Commerce, who has replied stating that - ■ | strict instructions have been issued that no.-' ■ ! potatoes affected with blight or other *»]?*." ease shall bo landed at any New Zealand port. A bewildered Maori debtor at Rotorua on •. Monday wanted the Court to explain how it was that a debt for £4 odd had grown to over £6 after, he had paid 245. The Bench J explained that the ofteuer a ; debt va * J . brought before the Court the bigger it p*!*" ||l a