CURRENT TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7864, 28 July 1911, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

THE MAYOR’S HEALTH. Mr T. M. Milford took his place . in Parliament yesterday afternoon, and was heartily welcomed by many friends. He appeared to be still suffering considerably from weakness, bnt declared himself “thoroughly sound.” He will take up his mayoral duties this morning, and also his private practice. Imperative medical orders will keep the member for Hutt away from evening sittings of the, House for a considerable time. “SWEATED” WIVES. Bitter complaint was made at the Farmers’ Union conference yesterday with regard to the scarcity of domestic servants. A remit from .Southland, suggesting that the Government be urged to adopt a scheme for bringing out suitable female servants! gave rise to some debate. The mover said they were simply "sweating” their wives for want of assistance in the homes, and suggested that girls should go in : for domestic science and eschew the "more aristocratic" employment of drapers* shops, etc. In order to obtain a domestic he lied offered as an inducement six afternoons and tho whole of Sunday off. but without avail. Another speaker said an acute stage had been reached. Thousands of wore willing to employ domestic servants, hut could not get them; comfortable

homes and good wages elicited no response. The work imposed upon mothers was undermining their strength and constitutions, and the rising generation would bear the impress. Another delegate said tho last contention was a fallacy—the children of hard-working parents were superior to those brought up in tho lap of luxury. A member interjected that there was a distinction between hard work and overwork. After altering the term "female servants” to "domestic helpers” tho remit was adopted unanimously.

TERRITORIAL TRAM FARES. Major-General Godley, Commandant of the Forces, has written to tho City Council stating that the training of the citizen array will commence on September Ist. "I should be glad,” ho added, “if the tramway authorities in your city would consider the question of granting a concession to individuals travelling to and from their drill centres in uniform.” Tho question has been referred to the tramways committee. LAND AGGREGATION. At yesterday’s meeting of tho Wellington Laud Board tho question of tho transfer of 109 acres of Crown land to an adjoining holder of 200 acres aroused some discussion. The Commissioner (Mr James Mackenzie), said that if tho transfer wore allowed tho board would bo breaking its resolution not to permit aggregation of more than 100 acres in a particular district. Tho applicants for tho transfer and tho transferee stated that they could not make a living oh their present areas owing to tho poorness of the land. Mr Mackenzie admitted that in the first place the land had been cut up too small, but the settlers who had gone in had mado good, farmers, oven if they had afterwards been compelled to go elsewhere- One man could make h living off land where another man would starve, but there was the definition of what was a living. Tho members of the board expressed their willingness to grant a transfer of 200 acres, but no more, but one member was iu favour of granting the transfer of tho ■1)00 acres so that further depopulation might be prevented (tho applicants having stated that they would have to leave the district unless they could get more laud). Eventually the board decided MOSQUITOES ON THE BEACH. Mr W. Prince, of Island Bay, has written to tho town clerk as follows: — ‘T wish to call your attention to the mosquito nuisance ou our beaches in. the summer mouths. It is really awful to see women, and children bitten with these little pests. Now, sir, I have just been, watching tho hatching going ou now in. tho stagnant pools in the rocks. If nothing is done wo aro iu for a lively time shortly. If the corporation will find me tho kerosene I will do tho labour and do’ the whole beach from Happy Valley to Haughton Bay. X have been reading that it a little kerosene is put on the surface of tho water in these pools it will kill them. I think two cases would be wanted.” The town clerk replied thanking the writer for the suggestion.