LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1747, 30 August 1905, Page 56

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

Tn response to a requisition presented Co him last week, says a Press Assofcdation telegram from Dunedin, Mr A * R. Barclay consented to become a Candidate for the North Dunedin seat at the general election. Students of electricity at the Sydney University are now to have the opportunity, if they choose to avail themselves of it, of undergoing a course of practical training at the Ultimo powerhouse, the largest establishment of the kind south of the Dine. The only requirement on the _ part of the powerhouse authorities is that three students shall regard themselves as employees for the time being and conform to all the rules which the ordinary workmen have to observe. As a training for electrical engineers no course of study could be more effective or more likely to produce thoroughly equipped electricians. Besides the heavy electric train service which is to be installed between Berlin and Hamburg and other large towns, and on which an average speed of from 110 to 135 miles an hour will be maintained, proposals are on foot for the construction of “tramway-train” lilies between all the chief cities. These lines are projected to run through the towns themselves at a moderate pace, and with frequent stoppages. But onoo outside the cities there will be an immense acceleration of speed, the cars ■being intended to travel at eighty miles an hour, and to maintain a steady average of sixty miles for the whole of their journey, including the slow travelling through the streets. The first installations of the new system will probably be between Halle, Leipzig, Frankfort, and Wiesbaden, and between Cologne and Darmstadt. It has been found that the new “Hongkong” cars supplied to the City Council by Messrs Dick, Kerr and Co. have so great a “hang-over” in rounding certain curves that they cannot be used on certain sections, owing to the fact that they would not be able to pass the combination cars now running. A trial was made at the corner of Aitken and Molesworth streets, where it was found that a “Hongkong” and a “combination” could not pass on the corner. This will prevent them being used on the Tinakori road section. The proximity of the poles to the line on some of the curves on the Oriental Bay section will also debar these new cars being run over that line. The “Hongkong” cars are the best style for the Botanical Gardens and Oriental Bay summer traffic. The present Electrical Engineer (Mr Stuart Richardson) states that the Cars could be altered, but it would be very expensive to do so. Acclimatisation societies will be interested in the hill brought down by the Colonial Secretary last week. This fixes by statute the season for taking or killing native and imported game (except deer and from May Ist to July 31st, both days inclusive, but if May Ist falls on a Sunday, then the season is not to begin till the following day. No person is to take any game between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. The Governor may notify in which part of a district game is not to bo killed; no game is to be trapped or poisoned, or killed without a license. A fine of £5 is imposed on any person who kills or sells a hen-pheasant, and ■a similar penalty is provided in cases where eggs of game birds are destroyed. Reserves over which acclimatisation societies have jurisdiction, and which are exclusively set apart for acclimatisation purposes, are to he protected. The season of 1907, and every third year thereafter are to be close seasons for gamel Godwit (kuaka) may only be killed during the months of February, March, and April. No other than a shoulder gun is to be permitted in the killing of any game. No animal, bird, insect, or reptile is to be introduced without the consent of the Minister. A page of history is re-opened by the renovation that is being given to that Sueer old building situated on the carer of Lambton quay and Bowen street. Away back in the early sixties Bowen street was called the Kumitoto, and the comer was known as “Brandon’s Corner.” The building was then' occupied by the late Mr Brandon, father of Mr Alfred de B. Brandon, of the firm of Brandon, Hislop, and Johnston. Mr 0. P. Powles states that when he arrived in Wellington in 1865 the old building that still stands was the Treasury of the Provincial Government. He joined the staff elf. clerk under Mr A. W. F. Halcombe, and was afterwards assistanttreasurer under the late Mr Henry Bunny, father of Mr E. P. Bunny. At that time Sir William Fitzherbert was Superintendent, and used to live in the house that stood on the site now occupied by Mr A. H. Turnbull’s residence, in Bowen street. It was afterwards used as a Ministerial residence. Sir Harry - Atkinson resided there. The Provincial Treasury remained in the quaint- little corner building until the Provincial Government’s new building was erected on the site of the Government Life Insurance Department’s present building. It was taken over by the Government on the abolition of the provinces in 1876.

It has been pointed out that a slight error crept into our report of the case Plimmer v. Plimmer, heard on Saturday last in the Supreme Court. It was over, ten years after the separation referred to in the case that Miss Wilson became housekeeper to the late Mr Plimmer.

The question has been raised in London whether the Australian States have any legal right to fly the flag which a carefully-selected committee decided on a year or so ago as a suitable ensign for the new-born Commonwealth. Also exception has been taken to the Commonwealth’s coat of arms and seal which are now in use. Mr Deakin, the Prime Minister, has apparently set these doubts at rest. He has stated that authority for the use of the ensign was given by the King’s Warrant on February 10th, 1903, but there still remains doubt as to the authorisation of the arms and seal. The matter is being inquired into. The People’s Association at Rotorua has sent a petition to the Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts calling attention to the frequency with which the Wairoa geyser is “ soaped ” on Sundays. It is stated that this occasions a great increase of work on the part of the residents, many of whom are engaged in the motor and coach traffic, and the large influx of visitors to the Maori village of Whakarewarewa destroys the rest and quietude of the native papulation and interferes with religious work amongst them. The suggestion is made that as Wednesday is the half-holiday in the town the geyser should be “ soaped ” on that day. The Government is inviting applications for the post of an Assistant In-spector-General of Schools.

Jerome K. Jerome, having allowed his finger to remain some time in a closed steel rabbit-trap, and having recounted his sufferings therefrom, ad sorts and conditions of people are protesting against their use. The “Society for the Suppression of Steel Traps” has recently made manifest its joy that through the intervention of King Edward no more of those useful implements are to be used in Richmond Park. The editor of the “Animals’ Guardian” concludes a letter to the “Morning Leader,” recounting the fact, fchusly :—“His Majesty’s loyal subjects will, I am sure, be glad to follow so splendid an example.” It may be that they will—but at least, as concerns Victoria, some doubt may be entertained on the subject, since in one week some 750,000 rabbits were trapped in that State by his Majesty’s, loyal subjects.

A movement has been set on foot in the city of Winchester, supported by an influential committee, with the object of excavating, preserving, and enclosing the remains of the ancient Abbey of Hyde, the burial place of King Alfred, his wife Queen Elswitha, and his eon King Edward the Elder. The remains of the Abbey are within a short distance of the spot where the fine statue of King Alfred, by Mr Hamo Thornycroft, R.A., was erected in 1901, to commemorate the one thousandth anniversary of his death; but up to the present time no proper care lias been taken for their preservation. A circular issued on the subject by Mr Thomas Holt, hon secretary, Guildhall, Win-ch-ester, states: —“ The committee feel sure that not only the British public, but their brothers in the colonies and their cousins in the United States, will be interested in this effort to secure from further desecration and neglect a snot so unique as the burial place of King Alfred, and will show that interest by contributing to the fund that is being raised. Subscrintions may be sent to the hon treasurer, Alfred Rowker, Esq., Lankhills, Winchester, or may be paid to the account of the Hyde Abbey Remains Preservation Fund at the Union and Smiths Bank, Wii.Chester and London.”

A flood of light is thrown on the working of partial prohibition of the liquor traffic by recent experiences in the West of Scotland. Saturday, July Bth last, being Fair Saturday at Greenock and Port Glasgow, all the publichouses in the two towns were compulsorily closed under the new Licensing Act. As a result of this prohibition there was a great rush of holiday-mak-ers to Gourock, farther down the Clyde, and the scenes of drunkenness that were to be witnessed there seem to have almost baffled description. We quote from the “Glasgow Herald”:— “The publicans had men stationed at the doors regulating the traffic. This apparently had little effect in stemming the tide, for men and women in various stages of intoxication were soon observed staggering about the streets. At three o’clock the public-houses in Shore street were closed, and about nine o’clock at night the license-holders in the other parts of the town were forced to shut their premises. Early in the afternoon the police-cells were full, and the police decided to allow ‘drunks’ to sleep off their debauch where they had fallen. The effect of this was seen particularly in Shore street, the green there being black with recumbent figures of intoxicated men. ‘drunks’ also sprawled along the sea-front at Ashton. There was considerable fighting, men having the clothing well-nigh torn off them, and women also taking part in disgraceful brawls.”

A London cablegram announces tlie death of Mr Alfred Waterhouse, R.A. Deceased was seventy-five years of age. His first considerable work as an architect was the Manchester Assize Courts. A large number of other important buildings in England were also erected from his designs. Mr Waterhouse was honoured by receiving a grand prize for architecture at the Paris Exhibition of 1867.

Mr Frank Crespin, hon secretary of the Mount Eden School Committee, last week interviewed the Premier about getting a subsidy for a swimming bath which the School Committee contemplates constructing in the school grounds. It ajipears the committee, with the assistance of parents and scholars, has raised about £65. The actual amount required for the work is something between £l6O and £2OO. Mr Seddon approved the idea of schools having swimming baths of their own, but said he could not subsidise the work brought under his notice. He, however, said that when the Education vote was under consideration he would endeavour to have an. amount passed for continffencies.

The prospectus of the forthcoming exhibition of Australian manufactures and products to be held in the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, in January and February next has been forwarded to us by the manager, Mr F. L. W. Ashby, 237, Collins street, Melbourne. The exhibition, which is to be a noncompetitive one as far as the quality of the exhibits is concerned, is to be open for three or four weeks, and is to bo held in the interests of the industries, manufactures, and products of Australia, with the object of popularising them and assisting in destroying the prejudice that exists against many of them. We notice that- the admission moneys (excepting those received on January 27th and 29th, on which days the A.N.A. great national fete will be held) will be applied :—First, towards defraying tbe expenses of the exhibition ; second, to returning as far as possible amounts paid by exhibitors for space; and, third, to establishing a fund for carrying on future exhibitions of Australian manufactures and products, or furthering tbe objects for which the exhibition is being held. Trade processes in operation and machinery in motion are to- he special features of the exhibition, and motive power will be supplied to exhibitors free of charge. Both the City Council and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are waging war against drivers who overload their conveyances, and who elect to ride on their loads. Dr McArthur, S.M., ha-s on more than one occasion passed strong remarks on the subject. At the Police Court last Wednesday the City Council proceeded against David McLaughlin for driving an unlicensed vehicle. The Council’s inspector said the vehicle in question contained two tons seven and a half cwt of coal — seven and a half cwt more than it was entitled to contain. He mentioned the fact to the driver, hut the man took no heed, climbing on to the load. The inspector then said, “Surely, yo-u. are not going to ride when your cart is now overloaded?” The man replied that he was —and he did! It was then discovered that the vehicle was unlicensed, and, owing to this fact, if an information of “overloading” was laid, tlie case would fail. Proceedings were, therefore, taken on the charge mentioned, the owner (Mr Munt) also being arraigned. The driver was convicted and discharged, a severe caution in reference to riding on his load, when the full weight was on the cart, being administered. One of the presiding justices suggested that power should be given to weighbridge-keepers to compel drivers to take part of their loads off when more was carried than the by-law permitted. T A dispute has arisen between the Wellington Plasterers’ Industrial Union and the Wellington Builders’ and Contractors’ Union of Employers, and as the parties have failed to satisfactorily adjust their differences, the matter has been referred to the Conciliation Board, ou the application of the secretary of the Employees’ Union, to be heard on the 29th inst. The workmen ask that only two classes of labour—journeymen and apprentices —shall be recognised; also that a full week shall consist of forty-four hours, commencing on Saturdays, and, except in the months of May, June, July, and August, at 8 and finishing at 5 p.m. During these months eight hours to be worked each day, except Saturdays, between 7.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the discretion of the employer. All competent journeymen plasterers to be paid not less than £3 17a for a full week, or Is 9d per hour. Wages to be paid weekly, and not later than fifteen minutes after leaving off work. All boys to be legally indentured to learn the trade generally. A boy may be tried on probation for three months, and if after that time he becomes an apprentice that period shall be reckoned as a part of the period of apprenticeship. The term of apprenticeship to be five years, and the wages to be, first year 8s a week, second year 13s, third 18s, fourth £1 3s, and fifth £1 13s; the proportion of apprentices not to exceed one to every three competent workmen.

It is reported (says the “ Lyttelton Times ”) that civil actions are pending against the Tramway Board as the result of accidents caused through the state of the tramway lines in several parts of the city.

A reurn was presented to Parliament on Wednesday showing the applications made to the Government for consent to purchase, sell, lease, remove, or vary the restrictions upon native land from August, 1904, to July, 1905. Thia shows that 118 applications, covering an area of 29,269 acres, were granted; 15 applications (7652 acres) refused; and 135 (33,093 acres) not dealt with.

A record in house removing was accomplished at Mount Roskill (says the Auckland “Star ”). The building, a sixroomed house, had been erected on the wrong and it was found necessary to move it a distance of forty feet. This was successfully accomplished, the whole building, chimneys and hearths complete, being moved to its new position without even the prior removal of pictures from the walLs. The Minister of Lands was asked in Lii.’e House by Mr Hall on Wednesday whether, as the lease of about 8000 acres of the Tamaki block, near Dannevirke, will expire in December, 1906, and the said land will then be available for close settlement, he will at once arrange for the survey of the block, so that the land may be occupied by small settlers as soon as the lease expires? The Hon Mr Duncan said thq.block contains 7366 acres, of which 3000 acres are in the Hawke’s Bay district. The lease expires on January 10th, 1907, when the survey of the 3000 acres will be undertaken. The balance of the block in the Wellington district has been reported upon as being chiefly mountain ranges, suitable only for forest, scenic, or climatic purposes. We understand (says the “ North Otago Times ”) that most, if not all, sheds on the Waitaki shearing with hand-shears will pay 16s 8d per hundred this season. Last year the employers had to face the Arbitration Court to resist impossible pin-priok rules, with the result that the shearers lost all -points claimed and a reduction of Is 8d per hundred, the amount fixed by the Court being 15s. The shearers are indebted to Steve Boreham for negotiating the above concession, his contention being that the substance of money is far better than the shadow of useless rules. The higher price will be given to competent shearers only. /The “Taihape Post” says the Public Works Department has under consideration the advisability of abandoning the further manufacturing of concrete blocks at the Taihape block-shed, and shifting the plant further up country. During the last two years thirty-five thousand blocks have been manufactured, and of this number the Taihape tunnel took about 27,040. Twelve thousand blocks have been carted to the Mataroa tunnel, and in that tunnel ten chains of the larger-sized blocks will be used, and of these it requires 540 to do a chain. The smaller blocks are 9 by 6 by 12 inches, and 1240 are necessary to complete a chain of lining. The Austrian third-class cruiser Panther, which has been in Sydney since July 29 th, has sailed for Brisbane, where she was to remain for ten days. The Panther will then pay a visit to New Zealand. She will first call at Wellington, where a week will be spent, and then a stay of a fortnight will be made at Auckland. From New Zealand the warship will proceed to Noumea, and will remain for three weeks in the French port. On her way to the Far Bast the Panther will call at Thursday Island, Amboina, and Manila, eventually reaching Hongkong. The Panther will remain on the China station until the receipt of further instructions.

The settlement arrived at between the United Free and “Wee Free” kirks in Scotland is beset with detail difficulties. Parliament has decided, for instance, that if a church building is claimed by both parties, it shall be handed over to the “Wee Frees,” provided they constitute one-third of the congregation. The result has been that the minority in many cases has been driven to desperate expedients to bring its numbers up to the required amount. A story comes from 'Saltcoats of a. common lodging-house being invaded and adherents purchased at the price of a pot of beer. In another case a regiment of tinkers, who had never heard of the Free Church, were reported to have been enrolled. Dr Ross Taylor, in mentioning several similar instances, recorded the case of a washerwoman in Rothesay, who had up business under the idea that she would participate in the millions, and estimated her share of the spoils at a modest £1000! The Lord-Advocate, however, by fixing 1900 as the date from which Free Church adherents are to be reckoned, has put a stop to these abuses. Another point that has been raised is a financial one also. Since the decision of the House of Lords on August 1, 1904, upwards of £BOO,OOO in legacies has fallen in from people who made their wills before the Lords’ decision. Who is to get the money? Principal Rainy thinks that these legacies should be included in the property to be disposed of by the Commission.