LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4825, 1 December 1902, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An outbreak of measles has occurred among tho natives at Jiarotonga.

Tho Government and Corporation offices will be closed to-day ttst. Andrew’s Hay). There wore two bankruptcies in Vi'ol lington during tho mouth of November, as against one for tho same month -f iOOl'.

Tho Health Department has finally approved, with a few alterations of a minor character, schemes of drainage for iiangaweka and Taihapo. Tho cases of infectious diseases reported in Wellington city last week were as follows:—Measles, 10; scarlet fever, 17; tuberculosis, 1.

Tho Government has decided to purchase as a site for tho new post cilice at Otaki a section opposite tho Hank of Australasia in that township.

Tho scrutiny of tho polls for both Wellington city and Newtown rcvealcd#sevcral cases of double voting, which will be inquired into in tire usual way. Tho Mayor’s fund for the Eiingamito sufferers now totals £1927 16s 7d. The latest additions are:—Mr Pcterkin, £1: Sympathiser, 10s; Dueo, 3s Cd. Mr Remington's supporters at Tailiape burned tho editor of the Rangitike “ Advocate ” in effigy as a token of rejoicing at tho result of tho poll.

It is stated that tho Pukcpitii estate, of 4000 acres, situate in the Clutha district, will be acquired and cut up -or closer settlement. it is proposed to erect a creamery on tho settlement. A peculiar coincidence occurred at the Old Ago Pension Court on Saturday morning. Two of the applicants for tho jiension eamo from tho same village in England, both were sixty-five years of age, and both received tho grant. Tho Defence Department has decided to close the submarine mining station's at Lyttelton and Port Chalmers. A detachment of the Torpedo Corps will remain at each of tho stations to look after tho searchlights. Tho others will bo transferred to Wellington. “No mutton this morning” was tho announcement of a local butcher (says tho “ Poverty Day Herald ”). And this in a jrastoral district with two- million sheep. The explanation is that fat sheep aro being secured in such largo numbers for freezing for the Homo and South African markets that the butchers find it difficult to obtain supplies. Our special correspondent at Eketahuna telegraphs that heavy rains have fallen in that district during tho post throe days All the rivers were considerably swollen on Thursday, and the water in tho Mangatainoka river was two feet off tho stringers of the Stirling bridge. Heavy mortality amongst shorn sheep is reported throughout the district.

■ Tho following has boon received from Mr W. W. Mct'ardle,. of Kawhia, addressed to the Premier:—“l have been requested, as chairman of Mr Grecnsiade’s committee, to assure you that they will on every occasion esteem it an honour to work and support you in your great work in the interests of tho people. Tho return of your Government- again in such strength is well deserved, and good news to us.”

Whilst Dr Cahill was being driven along Botanical road on Saturday afternoon his horse swerved suddenly, and caused tho trap to strike tho rail and fenoo of the bridge. The driver, Edward Good-fellow, was thrown heavily on. the road, and -received a severe cutting and bruising on the face, and was rendered insensible. Pr Cahill, who was uninjured, attended to tho sufferer, and had him convoyed to the hospital. An exciting incident occurred on the voyage of tho JI.M.S. Sierra from Auckland to Sydney. Early in the forenoon of the day of sailing from New Zealand, when the ship was reeling off her eighteen miles an hour, as she lifted her sharp prow to tho swell of the sea it was seen to bo imbedded in a monster whalo, and the foam of the ship’s nay was a deep'crimson from the gush of blood from tho wounded ievia--than. Tho great weight clinging to the bow hindered to some extent the ship answering quickly to hor helm, so -that Commander Houdletto had her stopped and then backed away from tho monster. The whale quickly sank, having apparently been killed by tho collision.

The Girls’ High School annual sports took placo on Friday afternoon in unfavourable weather. Tlioro was,_ notwithstanding, a very large gathering of parents and friends of the pupils. The races were .well contested, and almost tho whole programme was carried out in spite of tho rain. Jupp’s Band played in the grounds, and later on in the school building, where afternoon tea was served, and where tho prizes were presented by Mijs Brandon. Messrs Joynt, Jackson and Dolby acted as judge.s, Mr Buckie was starter, and Mr Harrison bandicapper. i During the afternoon t there was a very successful calisthenio display dumbbells and wands —by members of Mr Harrison’s Eigli School class.

Tho St. John. Ambulance class, organised for women, at the Lower Hutt, and instructed in hospitaller work by Dr James R. Purdy, was examined by Dr T. V. Valintino on the 20th November, and the are now to hand. Tho examiner, in his report, says, inter alia:—“All did very well with the exception of Nos. 8, 13, 14 and 15, who were mostly vaguo in their remarks about thermometry, but on the whole candidates did remarkably well, and showed they were au fait with tho first principles of the work.’’ The following will bo awarded medallions and certificates by tho committee;—Medallions—Gertrude Cake, Annie Hunt, Francos Jones, May Jennoss. Amy Jenness, Ellen Meager, Olara Meager, Bertha Price, Majory Pierie, Julia Rush, Joanie Bumgay and Kate Wood. Avanced aid—Arabella Welch'. First aid—Mabel Burnett and Alice Fitzhorbert. .

Mr John Duthie, writes as follows to tho editor of the “ Times ”: — The public, like your reporter, will probably misunderstand the Premier’s laughter over tho result of the elections and my criticism of his remarks. In my experience in the House, when tho right lion gentleman has failed to confuse a point, and is clean bowled out, his practice is to throw himself back in his seat, and affect to laugh heartily, .and I read your report by that sidelight. The Premier points to a list of scats which, he says, were not contested by the Opposition. Ho is quite aware that there was no organised Opposition anywhere, and of this his present statement as to those seats is evidence. But the disturbing fact made clear is that the_ colony, lef to evolve its own Opposition, has returned this increase of members opposed to Seddonism, pledged only by their individual expression of views, and so wo have an Opposition free to develop its own political platform.

The half-yearly summoned meeting of Pacific Lodge, No. 8, is to bo held this evening. Nominations of officers of Court Sir George Bowen, A.0.F., will take place at 8 o'clock to-night. The vital statistics of Wellington for tho month of November wore as follows:—Births, 97; deaths, 46; marThe College Rifles went into camp at Trentham on Saturday for an-annual course of training. The camp will break uji to-night. When a little boy named Mack, son of Mr Alack. Park street, was playing on one of tlie seats in tho Thorndon Bowling Club’s grounds on Saturdayafternoon ho fell upon the asphalt path, and broke his arm near the shoulder and dislocated his elbow. A collection of unclaimed goods, which were found on tho streets by tho police, were sold by public auction at the Lambtou quay Police Station on Saturday' morning. Sergeant Cullen wielded the hammer, and. obtained fair prices for the goods, which ranged from a bicycle to a sot of false tooth. Tho manager cf tho Canterbury Frozen bleat Company has received from the United States AVar Department forms and conditions of tender for tho supply of fresh mutton and boef to tho Philippine Islands. One shipment is to be made in May next, and monthly shipments thereafter until June, 1904. Tenders close at Manila on tho 2Q£h inst. ’ The difficulty regarding tho housing of tho Chinese leper in Central Otago has boon got over, and tho patient is now comfortably installed in a hut °rcctod for him by the Waihemo County Council. Ho is regularly supplied with provisions, which are placed in a box near the rend. TI,o Chinese in the district arc not at all afraid to fraternise with the leper. - St. Patrick’s College was gaily decorated with flags and bunting on tho occasion of tho distribution of sports prizes. Thero was a largo gathering of parents and friends. The college orchestra, under Mr Trowcll, played several pieces. The prizes, comprising" gold and silver medals, hand-bags, travellingbags, etc., were by Mr J. T. Devine. Afternoon tea was served. During the past week a quantity of wool and other produce has been carrytd over tho Scargill section of the Blen-heim-AA T aipara line down to Waipara. it is expected that tho carriage of sheep on tho section will commence this week. Tho station buildings, platforms and loading yards at Omilii have been completed, and those at Scargill aro well advanced.

According to a Press Association telegram from Auckland, there has been a general exodus of Maoris'from Whakarowarewa during tho week in consequence of a prediction by a tohunga of, an eruption in tho geyser valley'. The Government is making experiments at Whakarewarewa to endeavour to revive the quiescent Waiketo geyser, and tho natives became alarmed. The' tohunga having fixed the eruption for Friday, tho Maoris left for other settlements. Mr Donno, of tho Tourist Department, endeavoured to soothe their fears, and ma-do a counter-prediction that there would bo no outbreak.

Sinco tho prorogation of Parliament, tho Department of Lands has been most energetic in its efforts to expedite land settlement,-especially in tho North Island. *On receipt of the telegrams that passed between the Premier and Mr Withcford, M.H.R., .on Friday last, a Dunedin Star ” reporter interviewed tho Minister of Lauds, who stated that during tho elections, in answer to inquiries made by candidates and others as to what had been done in the matter of land for settlement, a reply was sent by tho Lauds Department as follows:—“Tho Government have decided to set aside a block of between 7000 and 8000 acres as a special 'settlement for returned troopers, and this land is now under survey, three surveyors being employed to push tho work forward. The block in question is situated in the main road from Te Kuiti to Awakino, from eight to ten miles from the Te Kuiti Railway Station, and consists of good laud, which will be cut up into sections of about 200 acres, as provided for by the regulations governing the formation of special settlement associations, a copy of which I enclose for your information. Any, members of returned contingents who desire to take advantage of this association should apply at once to tho Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, who will arrange tho details in connection with the matter in question. I enclose herewith a plan showing roughly the position of tho block.” A lot of furniture, glassware, drapery, otc., will be sold by Messrs Gardiner and McKinstry at their rooms to-morrow afternoon. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., will sell stock at Levin next Friday. Messrs Nees and Sons, of Qhnzuee street, advertise a list of engines; machines, pianos, tools, etc., for sale. Carpetto is recommended for cleaning cloth, etc. Mr ,T. Wareham, late of the Club Hotel, Stratford, has taken over the Empire Hotel at F’eilding, and provides every convenience and comfort for the travelling public. The office of No. 2 Co-operative Building Society of Petone will be open at i.ZO o’clock to-night to receive subscriptions. Tenders are called by the Education Board till the 9th inst. ror various works set forth in our advertising columns. Applications are invited till the slh inst. from persons wdling to undertake the collection of the dog tax in the Hutt county. The Scouilar Cnmpany, Ltd., advertises a special display of curtains, prices for which are quoted. The Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Ltd., will hold a sale of stock at Palmerston North on Thursday. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., will hold a stock sale at Palmerston North next Thursday. An advertisement elsewhere states that Capilla hair tonic is a cure for baldness. Shariand and Co., Ltd., are wholesale agents. The Education Board invites applications till the Bth inst. for the position of headmaster of the Otaki Scool. Shareholders in the City and Suburban Co-operative Building Society are notified that the ballot takes place at Shortt's Hall to-night. Applications are invited by the Wesbland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, up to the end of the month, for the position of surgeon superintendent at the Totara Hospital. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., will sell horses at Pallnerston North next Saturday. Those in want of farms, suburban properties or bouses are advised to look at Baddeley and Forlong’s new list of properties in our advertising columns. Tho firm are carrying on a large business in Wanganui, and as every farm is inspected bv them before being offered, clients can ‘depend on the description given. Traps are kept to drive intending purchasers to any part of the country. The Corporation • employees return hear tv thanks to those who contributed donations and trophies towards their picnic on Saturday.

i i,a uj (* of Miramar on tba lUh List. i--> u-m.Uig a special uiimual oi mi.oicsl. 'j. ii'.* ,-jU.i.i cr Lu Kuruku Jmy and bi.uiouu yCf.-i/rUy-y took owe a iuf,;o number tit i>eiSMl.-, unx'ous In insect Um property. Tim Admiral, vs Inch swat direct to Urn Miramar U’hurf was filled with passengers, also bent oil examining Uu> various sections. r l in• attention of vim public is drawn to tho fact that every Vv etiuesduy, balunhiy and Sunday tut; Admiral runs free to tho Miramar \\ barf. Tho keen jutere.-t excited by the Hale of the Taino e.sla:o Just Thursday has evidently not died out. Duito a number ( ,1’ iicvliojis were selected privately at Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Cu.’s auction rooms on Saturday, and a large of persona were oti the land yesterday with plans in their lummy evidently anxious to “make a Phk'Dio auction rooms of the firm will be open this evening from 7.110 lo U o rdo cm to give ir.tnuding buyers an opportunity to inspect the plan of the unsold lots. Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co. will foil at I o’clock to-morrow at the farm of Mr Goorgo JJrown, t’ppor Unit (who has same,), 200 twr>. “Jdh lambs, c.<Uh* horses, farming requisites, dray, harness, ole., a« detailed in mir auction ooluiMii. At 11 o'clock on VV c-d lua.daj. ah thoir rooms:, they will sell without rosorro (ID raltan chairs of newiM. us|,'i:s and at 3 o'clock, without reserve, a '.mail library of some 50U volumes ol book', on luh.ill of I In- civi.fr, v.-1.0 is U-nv.nf U c;u Inu-li.n. Tlif tmiii.'ico of the- .-fdioi'M in Hi-iTaii!.. cslalt* Lower Hull, nn-oli!, are n'vortisiii aa twins oi.pi. for private “ole f:,r a fpw .lays at ]o-.v n|.set [.rices. Jnioiiiiino luiyor.s art* to oi'PtV early. Tim ''Yaukff" hustle wt!o at the American Xovcily Stoics, 2«. H'lTlfs street, slarlcit (m S.ituniav mnn.in", an'l r-s tnc shop was Ihrongcl it was found nceeafn.y several 'Uiiiiu to clo.-e the doors, to Icon. 1 1.0 rush of customers out. Oio b'rpair.s hi clictir.pl.itp, silver and nonr’?: rra iiumoiiius ami the rcdimf*nns Z'f sweeping that the “iankco' sale will no doubt bo a great suc-s*rrr?-*tn*i ng the fourteen days Jt is on. Messra Sidev. Mccch ami Co. will sell at. their rooms to-morrow piano, furniture, glassware, china, etc.