NEWS IN BRIEF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14144, 20 August 1909, Page 6

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Titere ar i a considerable number of cases of scarlatina in Napier at present, says a Press Association message.

The viticulturists in the Herekino district are contemplating erection of a wine factory, and are holding meetings in this connection.

"It is my firm, opinion that new members of Parliament should spend the first year in travelling over the country," said the Hon. R. McKenzie, speaking at Kaitangata recently.

" No, sir, I never study the employer, I think he comes second to the worker," was a frank declaration made by a speaker at the Waterside Workers' Conference at Wellington on Monday.

The first portion of the Native College and Hostel at Otaki in connection with the Anglican Church has now been, completed at a total cost of £5500. Accommodation is provided for about 100 students.

Some 20,000 acres on the Ilauraki Plains (Canterbury) have now been drained, and three surveying parties are at work on the block, which it is expected will be available for settlement in 12 months' time.

The. Labour Department in a. Southern centre has sent out some 400 circulars to farmers and others in the country districts, asking them to slate their requirements, if any, in the way of farm labour. Already a number of inquiries have been received for hands.

The prevalence of epidemics of measles and diphtheria in Lyttelton has recently greatly reduced the attendances at the schools. The West Lyttelton school has been closed for several days, and at the end of last week the District High School was compelled to close for a fortnight.

• At a meeting of the Waikato Hospital Board yesterday applications from the Friendly Societies' . Conference to have hospital, fees reduced to £1 per week for members led to an amendment that fees for all patients be reduced to £1 Is being introduced. The .majority of the Board favoured the v innovation, but, at the request- of the' chairman, the amendment •was withdrawn until next meeting, in order : that'■;. the financial aspect might be fully ; considered.