CURRENT TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7119, 4 May 1910, Page 6

CURRENT TOPICS

DETERMINATION! OF DEATH. Those people who arc continually calling attention to the possibility'of premature interment will find confirmation of their fears in a case lately reported from Fifeshire. A woman was supposed to have died there, but her daughter, while standing weeping beside the coffin, was startled to observe, her mother's anna move. The hysterical screams- of the girl brought other members of tho family into the room, and although they were incredulous they saw that tho white sheet covering the body had been disturbed. A doctor'was summoned, and he gave it as his opinion that the woman was dead. But he does not seem to have been qurta sure about it, and he telegraphed to Edinburgh for one of the medical professors -of the University. That gentleman's examination revealed that the woman was still in life, and sho was removed from her coffin to bed in a state of. coma.: If tho details givea to the newspapers are truo, the occurrence is certainly remarkable. But ara they?', - '■■. . THE SIN OF SHAVING. One of the severest sects of Old Belie vers in Russia lias just issued a manifesto, directed against-' the "noxious evil" of shaving, and cutting the beard. This heretical custom, has. it is stated, been spreading among Old Believers during the last thirty years. , Shorn men. and men with clipped beards come, to church, kies the holy cross and the -holy icons, and even receive the Holy Mysteries. They are apparently unconscious that they are living in a state of habitual deadly sin. In order to 'make them realise the abominable nature of their criminal, vanity, it ia now ordered; that, if a shorn' mam wishes to be' married, he is to bo told that the Church will not provide a grand wedding with 6icging and ceremonies unless ho 're penis. Otherwise tho service' will be of tho barest character. The clergy art warned that some persons, with subtli cunning, seek to conceal their sin •bj shaving so exceedingly clean that thej have the appearance of beardless youths. MANNING THEI FORTS. TTp to tho present, very little informa* tion has leaked out in regard to the organisation aaid establishment of the Territorial Forces; but Sir Joseph Ward will refer to the matter at length in his policy speech at Winton to-morrow night. It is understood,, in regard to the Garrison Artillery, that Wellington will ba organised into three companies, each with an establishment of 100. Those will, be tho Kb. 1 No. 2 Companies (Wellington and Pctono Navals), whose establishments are now practically up to that number, and the Electric Light Company, wrhich has a total strength of about thirty members. If the organisation is to bo as outlined,' it will probably mean that the Electric Light Company will continue to man the electric lights, and when recruited up to its maximum strength will bo called upon to man Fort Ballance, superseding the Wellington Navals at that fortification. If this comoq to pass, tho Wellington Navals, being the senior company, will man Fort Dorset, which has recently been equipped with the latest pattern of Mark 7 sirinch guns. BATTLE PRACTICE OF THE NAVT. Tho return of the battle practice of the Royal Navy last Tear shows that tho Australian Squadron's shipß carried oat the practice at tlio fixed targot. Premier honours were taken by the China squadron, and tho others in the order of merit were_: —First Division, Home Fleet, and First Cruiser Squadron, Mediterranean. Fleet, and Sixth Cruiser Squadron, Third Division Hom« Fleet! Second Division. Home Fleet, and Second Cruiser Squadron, and Atlantic. Fleet and Fifth. Cruiser Squadron. Five ships of the Australian, Squadron fired the practice. The premier plaoe was taken "by the Pyramns, whose eight 4in. quick-firers scored 406.25 points; and tho others in order were : Psyche, same armament, 343.75 points; Powerful (flagship), two 9.2 in. Mark VII. guns, and sixteen Cin. quick-firers, 307.2 t points; Encounter, eleven. 6in. Mark VII. guns 238.63 points; and the Prometheus, eight 4in n nick-firing guns, 31.25 points The Challenger' fired inside the regulation range, ajid made a score of 250.0 with her eleven 6in. Mark VII. guns. The average for the squadron was 275.42, exclusive of the Challenger. Had the squadron fired under the same condition* as tho others, and made the same score, it would have been a good third ttmoaprt them. "FARCICAL" MEAT INSPECTION< Our London correspondent writes:—Professor Gerald Leigh ton, of the Royal ; Dick Veterinary College, Edinburgh, who is a New Zealander, has been leetaring to the Sanitary Society on tho

chaoic state of British meat inspection. There is no uniform system, and no two inspectors do their work quite alike. The chaotic condition of affairs, said Professor Leighton, was nothing lose than, a national disgrace. In spite of the fact that we had a good many splendid abattoirs in the country, inspection itself was in. the vast majority of British communities an absolute farce. Of course there were some honourable excerptions, in tho country districts, more often than not, there was no inspection at all, and in this respect England and Ireland were very far behind. Professor I/eißhton declared himself EiscLateLv

ill favour of a system of uniform inspection for the whole country, and gaveit as his opinion that the supposed dilli-cultie-i in the way of adopt in;,- that -ystem wore largely imaginary, and ii""'! bo readily uvnrtomi! by capable organisation. It wis, however, ncc'.-sary in*l- - educate the. public to demand l<-gi-lation on behalf of |j«"p lood, ami "° efforts should ho <.parcd in that direction. On.lv in that way could Parliamont be brought to give the alteiil n.n to the subjcot that it deiivand-d. .1 ne second rc-iuisit,, was that the sw«'r "' meat, inspection should Ix> taught on ~ uniform sv.-tom. That in ib-clt wmil" do away with many of tlie anonia.oii-i things now seen. NEWS NOTES •\ man orrcded by Detectives Cameron and Abbott will be charged ait the MagU-.i-ato'.- Court to-day witli wilu desertion at Christchureh. Detective.-) And rows and h<-wus arrested a woman at Lower Halt yesterday on a charge of stealing a postal nolo for lOw. She will l,a brought befcro th<> court this morning.

Tra.itHjr.-i exercising on tho Hutt Park without per miit< are to receive seven days' notice to pay the fee. d-e-niandcii. There-after they, will, if still uulicen-«l, bo treated :k> faenpus.-ers and prosecuted.

A social Catherine; in aid of tho Catholic palish cf Wellington South will be hold in Victoria Hall this evening. IVO effort has been spared by Archdeacon Davoy and his committee to ensure tho enjoyment of patrons. "Auckland Mining Areas" is the title of a booklet to hand. It is published, by Chandler and Co., Ltd. A number at maps are contained in the publication, together with a quantity of iivforanation which appears to have been carefully compiled, and should be of considerable, value to those interested.

Messrs Joseph Butte and George Cotton, of Christchiirch, have patented a device l>y which llio sinoke as it haves the front of an engine in a tunnel "is driven forward in front of Hie engine, the whole of tho train and the carriages being thus kept clear of Miioke." -but .what if there are two engines, one in front and one ill the rear? Tho hospital authorities report that Mrs Guthrie, who was injured by a taxi-cab a couple of days ago, and Mr. Albert Porter, tho victim of Monday's landslip at Miramar, are progressing favourably. Mr Archibald (Jurgill. whoso log was amputated as the result of mi accident on tho railway lino at Lower Hutt, was also doing as well as could be expected. Tho Pioneer Lodge, No. 11, 1.0.G.T., told ils weekly wmskxii on Monday evening. Bro. H. J. Millan, C.T., presided over a, -good a.ttenda.lloo of niembeii-s and friends, trrootinga from various lodges were received ami heartily 'reciprocated. Two candidates wore proposed lor membership and ono was initiated. The newly-elected officers for the ensuing term were formally installed by Bro. W. Johnston, L.D. The oliiceis' repotrta showed the lodge to be_ in an improved position, both numerically and nnaincially.

Tho liquidating of accounts passed for payment by tho Hutt l'aj-k committee on. Monday night will almost place the committee "on velvet" so far as back debts (barring overdue rate.s) are concerned. There will remain only a matter of .£7 10s, apart from oui-reuit expen&ea, to bo discharged. Una of the accounts passed for payment was tfie balance of the bill of legal costs (incurred by the former governing tody), which has been the subject of so much litigation and dispute. Mr H. Baldwin referred witli pardonable pride to the improved position of affairs. The monthly meeting of the Women's Social and political Leaguo was held in thedr new rooms in Manners street last evening. Mrs Tasker was in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The usual routine of business being gone into the secretary congratulated tho members on tho good work done at the late mayoral election, and the splendid victory for Mr "Wili'ord. it was resolved that a letter of congratulation bo forwarded to him. Good progress is being made with the mock Parliament, which is to be held shortly. Four new members were elected.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to' Animals mot yesterday afternoon, Mr J. S. Jamieson being in tho chair. Alias Bute, Mesdamcs Kornot and Christie, and Messrs J. Ilott, Q. Brown, H. Cook, Zohrab, and Wateon were Also in attendance. The inspector reported several cases of. cruelty, none of which, however, were of a very serious nature. The following donations weire received:—Messrs "Wardell Bice, and Andrews and Webb, 10s 6d each; Mrs Alec. Forrest, "Kindness," and Mr H. JenBen, 10s each; Mr Scales, 7s Cd; Mrs Wallis, "E.D.," "Anonymous," and Messrs Caterer and Carey, A. U. Meek, A. Milligan, D. Thompson, A. H. Palmer, M. Bock, J. C. Webb, "H.W. and C 0.," 5s each; Mesdames Evans, Parker, "Friend," "Blank," and Messrs J. W. Copithnrne, J. Mack&y, A. Forrest, and W. C. Price, 2s 6d each: total, £9 13s ■6d.

At yesterday's meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals eorno discussion, arising out of a case reported by tho inspector, took place coniceming' horses suffering from ring-bone. As the disease is incurable, miany nieni,bers considered it would be the best icoorse to destroy animals so afflicted. The inspector, Mr Seed, explained that .though it caused inconvenience and often pain to the animal, the effects of tho disease varied according to its. proximity to the joints in the leg. Whon located ton or near a joint tho only course to pursuo was to destroy the animal, as the effect on the joint was such as to pause great pain and to render tho horse useless. When not directly affecting the joint, the trouble could often be partially overcome by the fitting of epecial shoes. There *were many horses in Wellington suffering from ring-bono .which were enabled to continue work by the method stated. The Petono Technical School continues to enlarge its sphere of usefulness. Tho board aix weeks ago granted the application of tho director (Mr J. Lynskey) for permission to start a preliminary class in mathematics and other subjects for matriculation students. A strong class has been tho outcome. Last night the board acceded to further requests by the director. One was to start a class in chemistry. Nine boys attending the secondary classes were, ho said, willing to emrol, whilst .a qualified instructor had offered to grant free tuition far tho present. Tho fee, on Mr Lynekey's advice, was fixed at 3s a quarter for schoolboys and 10s a quarter for advanced pupils. Boy students, the director pointed out, would earn capitation equally with others. Mr Lynskoy also intimated that at last a sufficient number of students for a night cookery class had offered, eleven names having been given in. It was resolved to start the class and advertise for applications far the position, of instructress. Mcn-o'-waismen are tho keenest judges of tobacco, and of all men-o'-warsmen, those of the American Navy are undoubtedly the shrewdest in this respect. The overage "salt" is perfectly indifferent as to whether has pork comes from Chicago or. California, or even if lids coffee is a product of roasted peas; jtrat when it comes to tobacco, any deficiency in quality would bo most strongr ly resented. Recognising this, the American Admiralty is extremely careful to see that the tobacco served out to its men is of tho very highest ' quality. Under such cdrcunrstances, to be appointed purveyors of tobacco to the American Navy is the highest possible honour to which any manufacturer could attain. It is an honour, too, much sought after. This distinction is now held by the Booker Tobacco Company, of Lynchburg. Virginia, Who are well known to local smokers as being the manufacturers of that excellent brand of tho fragrant weed—Royal Standard. •

The question of creating another d;sfri.l. or the Labour Department covering ilaivki---: U;.v, with .Sapi-.r art the .-,,•. I iv, 1.-, creating a great deal of dw-cu--ioii :a trade union .circle-;. Two

will hit! rview the Miiiiiler of Labour lli. :i. ■!. A. .Millar) on the matter liexl w :■!-:, viz., cu Mciuluy and Tinirsday

LVceutlv Irishmen at Sllilse.rib.d XM lo the Irish Pnrliameiitary i'iiml. .Mr John ittdmui'.d, M.P., in ael.i.'.wlcdging tho draft, .-ays-.—"Accept our siuoero gratitmlo tor yonr valuable ~u;.port to the Irish party in it 3 nrdu-ou-i struggle to obtain self-government for Ireland. 'The chief souico of strength of our movernei-.t is found in the unfailing confidence and gcncio.dty of our friends in every part oi the wcxid." A new lUt of Ju.«t.ice.s of the Peace ha.s been in preparation lor some tune, and its publication is awaited wvth interest. A large number of nominations and others, and the praefc-s of appointment takes tfomo time, as it involves inquiry into < ach nomination, will U- decided until after a full meeiiri- of Cabinet is held upon tho 1 nme Milliner's return from thy South a tortnight hence. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. T. Mackenzie), replying to a gumtiehU deputation at Jloulu-ra, said that it the Statu look control of the gum industry an extra ollicial would be re'iiured, and the coiintrv must pay such a man well. The mutter of grading was very important, and any grading certificate, given in -New Zealand must be final, and not left onen to Home arbitration, as such a M-stem -might be used against the Dominion in case of a falling market. He would represent matters to ths Cabinet and endeavour to secure an improvement.

At the Supreme Court on Tuesday next the ease* in which tho Wellington Harbour Perries, Ltd., is suing insurance companies for the insurances on the missing steamer Duco will be called on. The total claim is for .£2oOO, divided amongst the following companies : -Royal Kxchangc. JKSOO; Australian Alliance, J 250: iVew Zealand Insurance Co C 500; Commercial Union, J.JUU; United Insurance. .£'2so; Canton -nsuranco Co., .EMU. The first case to be taken i Q that against the Koynl Exchange Company, and the decision in this action will most likely govern tho other cases.

A meeting of representatives of fivft Oddfellows' lodges of a total membership of nearly 1000, who were opposed to the North' Canterbury district join iu« the Now Zealand branch ot tna Manchester Unity, was held on Tuesdav last. 'A committee was set up to collect information in connection with tho matter, to be forwarded to tho authorities. The action of the last district meeting in sending delegates to Napie- was severely criticised, it being stated' that it was illegal according to both English and Now Zealand branch General laws. Tho meeting expressed the opinion that no lodge ought to pay the expenses incurred.

"A splendid opportunity for blight boys," affirmed'a letter read at a mcethi" of tho Potone Technical bcnool Board l-awt night, in comment on the board' offer of free place in the drawing classes to a limited number of imoils from tho several schools m the valley. The writer (Miss Johnston, mistress of the Koro Koro school) proceeded to ask that two scholarships instead of one ahould bo allotted her school as she had two particularly bright . toys who she was anxious should receive too benefit of the offer. The director reported that he bad admitted the second lad in the meantime. His action was approved, and the teacher's request granted. The presentation of leaders' badges to successful students at the Wellington Phy-ieal Training School attracted a verv large attendance of parents and friends last night. Entertainment was provided for them in the form oi a well diversified programme of class work, various squads of men, women, boya and girls, going through a succession of exercises in a manner- reflecting great credit upon Instructor Dovey and his assistants. The leaders baoges were presented by Mr J. G. W. Aitken. in the unavoidable absence of Mr 1. M Witford, M.P. The winners in the various sections were :—Ladies classes: Misses Mansill, MuTphy (2), A Henry, and Collins. Men's classes: -M* »• J--Biehards. Girls' classes: V.-Asher, H. White, Alma Henry, E. Scott, and E. Crane. Boys' classes: It. Henry, J. Berry, Marshall, Crane and A. Ronaldson. It was mentioned that the number of pupils was a record for the school at this stage of the season, there being £!0 at present on the roll, though operations were only recommenced six wests ago.

Tho goods traffic on tho South Island main line of railway and branches at the present time is the heaviest on record, and the officials are working at high prossure in order to copo with tho demands being made upon the service. Special goods trains are running north and south daily, and tho sheep, grain, and coal traffic has been, and is now, abnormally heavy. Saturday's "Otago Daily Times" understands that the grain carried over the railways in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland to date this season totals over a million and a quarter sacks, which is roughly equal to five hundred thousand sacks more than was carried during tho corresponding period of last year. The amount of grain standing at the various stations is, however, slightly less than was the ease at this time last year. Every effort is being made by the department to grapple with the truck question, but it is maintained that it would receive very considerable assistance were users of the railway rolling stock more prompt in loading and discharging their goods. In order ,to secure this end, tho department will, it is feared, while the pressure continues, have to insist on the enforcement of demurrage charges in cases- where reasonable promptitude is not displayed. Some interesting details as to the fierceness of the recent hurricane at Fiji were contained in a private letter written to a well-known Auckland resident. Tho writer states: "At the Mission Provincial School for Boys, at Niusawa, steps were taken to make the boys' houses as secure as possible as soon as the hurricane started, about 11 p.m. The boys' quarters were on a ridge, consequently they experienced the full force of the Hurricane. House after house was blown to pieces. In each house there were a number of boys, and yet all escaped being killed, although some of them were badly hurt. One boy was blown right over the ridge, where he lay on the grass for nearly an hour, tho hurricane all the time increasing in force. Iron and timber were blown about like so much paper, yet, fortunately, tho boy was not hurt. Down by the creek, six or eight boys spent the rest of the night, crouching in the wind and rain, which was growing worse than ever. Daylight at length oaine, and they saw that the High School town was wrecked. Some houses had the sides blown off, others were unroofed. One place was carried some distance by the hurricane, and then smashed to pieces, and, although the boys were inside at the time, still not one was killed. The Indian Orphanage was demolished, and the Indian Church was lifted up and smashed to pieces."

Tho Lux Light Company wish it known that tho Lttx Incandescent Kerosene Gas Lamps give the Cheapest and Most Brilliant Light on Earth. See Te Aro House. Bates and Lees', Wardell Bros,', Leydon and Co., Caterer and Carey, E. Pearoennd Co., R. Hannah and Co., Petone AVorkshops (where Lux replaced tho latest devices in lighting). House Limps 22s Gd. Lamps up to 2000 candlepower. 35, 37, 39, Old Customloueo street (back of Opera House), Wellington. • *